WBL January 2015

W oodbridge Volume 5 ▪ Issue 1 ▪ Number 40

January

This edition of your monthly newspaper focuses on new beginnings. In actuality, we don’t have to wait for the start of a new year to experience a new beginning. We can have one any time we want to. Like the Nike slogan admonishes, “Just do it!”

The Woodbridge LIFE Editorial Team wishes all our readers a healthy and happy 2015. We pledge to continue bringing you articles and photographs to honor your accomplishments, explore your hopes and dreams, announce activities and events and bring neighbors together.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, WOODBRIDGE!

Inside

Bedford and Hancock . . . 5 Bridge Scores . . . . . . . . 12 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Events and Tours . . . . . . . 6 Garden Tasks . . . . . . . . 19 Groups and Clubs . . . . . . 8 Where in the World . . . . . 38 WOA Update . . . . . . . . . . 4

READ WBL ONLINE : http://issuu.com/ woodbridgelife

Contact us:

WBLIFE2012@gmail.com

LIFE

Your Life. Your Community. Your News.

January ▪ 2015

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

By Dodie Miller, Activities Director

By Carol Jo Hargreaves, WBL Editor

N

A

ew beginnings” is the theme of the first 2015 edition of Woodbridge LIFE. A Carlton greeting card I recently received contained the following message: “Each day is a new beginning – another chance

Carol Jo Hargreaves, WBL Editor

To learn more about ourselves, To care more about others, To laugh more than we did, To accomplish more than we thought we could, To be more than we were before.”

I can’t say it any better than that. What I might add is that IF we want a new beginning, we need to make change in our lives.

In order to make this change, we must change our actions. In order to change our actions, we must change our thinking. What we think is what we become.

Yes, thoughts become things.

Our minds and imaginations are powerful tools with which we can make dreams come true and bring love, health and happiness into our lives and the lives of others.

Make a New Year’s resolution to be more than you were before.

Challenge yourself to learn something new, or to try a new activity, or to make a new friend, or to take better care of your health, or to give back to our

community through volunteer work. Whatever you choose, think about it, commit to it, act on it and you will accomplish your goal.

In this edition of our paper, word guy Mike Spence shares the many meanings of resolution on page 24. Debby Hickey humorously journalizes her new beginning in fitness to achieve a totally different shape on page 11. In a feature article titled “Woodbridge – The First Seven Days,” Bill Barnhart looks back at Del Webb’s development of Woodbridge. If your resolution is to perform volunteer work, Jean Kavale highlights one local opportunity on pages 24 and 25, the Manteca Museum and Historical Society.

Make 2015 a wonderful year.

Begin by reading Woodbridge LIFE then start thinking about those resolutions!

--Carol Jo and the Woodbridge LIFE team

New Year's Day. A fresh start. A new chapter in life waiting to be written. New questions to be asked, embraced and loved. Answers to be discovered and then lived in this transformative year of delight and self-discovery. Today carve out a quiet interlude for yourself in which to dream, pen in hand. Only dreams give birth to change. ~Sarah Ban Breathnach

Page 3 • January 2015

From Dodie's Desk:

From the Editor "

nother year is behind us and “Oh, the memories!” Yes, thanks for the memories.

We’ve all shared in laughter, new friendships, new neighbors, new experiences, going in new directions and remembering those who have left us and are now in a special place.

With such a heavy holiday schedule, we are now moving on to settling into less hectic months. We have a dance or two, a taco feed, a comedy show, Valentine’s Day dance, the annual High Tea by our Women of Woodbridge club and a jazz and blues night. These are just a few of the events to start off Dodie Miller, WOA Activities Director the Woodbridge New Year.

As we go forward in the New Year, are there changes we want (or need) to make? With all the hectic lifestyles most of us have, we want to enjoy life more. So take a moment and reflect on what you want to concentrate on to keep you happier and healthier.

Learn something new – perhaps a new language or how to fix a computer.

Take a class in a subject you’ve always wanted to learn. Keep motivated in 2015 in whatever you decide to do.

I’m looking forward to doing some new events this year and always look for and welcome your ideas.

THE VERY BEST IN 2015!

Page 4 • January 2015

Executive Director Update

H

By Erika Smith

appy New Year, Woodbridge!

As we ring in 2015, we have many things to be grateful for. We have the joyous experiences of 2014 that have inspired us and the trying experiences that have shaped us. As I look back to 2014, I am very grateful to have joined the Woodbridge Family.

I have met many incredible people with wonderful stories and advice to share and I have had the opportunity to work with an incredible staff that pours their hearts and souls into the community.

Woodbridge is a family. To me, family is not only the people we share blood with but also the friends who support us through the good and the bad and who are there for us when we least expect it and need it most. In the short period of time that I have been here, I have observed this family unit. This Woodbridge Family has come together countless times to give back to both the Woodbridge community and the Manteca community. The family atmosphere is one of the many reasons why the Woodbridge lifestyle is one in a million.

This January as you decide on a New Year’s Resolution, think about your families, both your blood and extended community families. We have all been touched in many ways by a variety of people in our

Woodbridge LIFE

lifetimes. What can you resolve to do to make both yourself and the community better? For me, I plan to focus on both my physical and mental well-being. Many studies show that when you are physically healthy, you are better suited to handle your mental well-being.

With this healthier lifestyle, I hope to have a greater positive impact on my surroundings and the people I encounter.

Remember this quote about family, “From the outside looking in, you can never understand it. From the inside looking out, you can never explain it.” – Anonymous. Together we can make 2015 a memorable year!

Executive Director Update

A

By Ramon Rivera

s I reflect back on 2014, I first want to wish each resident in our community and all the members of our staff a very special Happy New Year! 2014 was another amazing year at Woodbridge. When I think back on how 2014 started, I couldn’t have imagined that by the end of 2014 I would be here writing in Woodbridge LIFE. The privilege to reach everyone in our community through the words I write in Woodbridge LIFE is an honor.

The unexpected opportunity to write a column in a newspaper that is delivered to every resident in our community is a humbling experience, and one I enjoy very much.

One of the best moments of this past year at Woodbridge for me was writing my first article in Woodbridge LIFE. When I was presented with the task of writing the article, I was very excited and super nervous. I felt the pressure to really bring it into focus and as I sat in front of the computer, a sense of calmness came over me. I said to myself, "This is the opportunity I have been waiting for since the time I read my first edition of Woodbridge LIFE." I would be lying to everyone if I said I hadn’t pictured this moment before. Since the moment I was hired, I told myself, “Work hard, earn the trust of our community, give everything you have and the good will come.” Did I expect the opportunity to present itself so soon? Heck no!

My love for and dedication to Woodbridge and our

www.ourwoodbridge.net residents is immense and as we move into a new year, I want every resident to know how important each one of you is to me.

Woodbridge and everything it represents and stands for was first instilled in me as a contractor for Pulte Homes in 2006. Over the past eight years, I have dedicated myself to this community and our residents in different roles. To be a part of this amazing community for another year is truly a blessing. I want every resident to know that as long as I am here, your community is in trustworthy hands.

Serving Woodbridge is my passion and with the humblest of hearts, I thank every resident in our community for allowing me to serve you.

WOA Update

By Ramon Rivera and Erika Smith

Members Must Have Badges at All Times in Clubhouse: As a reminder, all members must produce their membership badge when entering the Clubhouse facilities. As a member, you are required to badge-in upon entry to the Clubhouse for facility use, club meetings and events, fitness classes, ticketed events and all other uses of the Clubhouse. If you do not have your badge with you, access to the Clubhouse will be denied.

Update to Badge Machine: Starting January 2, the check-in screen when you badge-in will read the correct room names. The former "Club Room" will be listed as Oxford Room and former

"Arts & Crafts" will be listed as Westport Room. The rooms are listed in alphabetical order, so make sure to double check you are checking in to the correct room as the order of all locations will change.

RV & Trailer Parking Reminder: The following are highlights from the Woodbridge CC&Rs. Please refer to Section 1.4.3 and Section 4.10.5 for further details. A vehicle or trailer, being loaded or unloaded, may not be parked on a public street for more than seventytwo (72) hours. No boat, trailer, camper, mobile home, recreational vehicle or any inoperable vehicle shall be parked or stored anywhere in the Project where visible from adjacent lots or streets.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 5 • January 2015

Page 6 • January 2015

Woodbridge Owners Association Committees ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW • Mike Wallick, Chair mike.wallick@pultegroup.com FINANCE • Christine Carlson, Chair christine.carlson@pultegroup.com LIFESTYLE • Dodie Miller, Chair millerdodie@gmail.com 824-7927 POLICY & PROCEDURES • Debby Hickey, Chair

debbyhick@comcast.net 629-8737 PROPERTY & GROUNDS • Ramon Rivera, Chair rrivera7237@yahoo.com 495-6803 COMMUNICATION • Carol Jo Hargreaves, Chair Woodbridge LIFE Editor and Directory Chair cjohargreaves@gmail.com

823-3538 WELCOMING COMMITTEE • Diana Clements, Co-Chair tenor4@comcast.net 665-4353 •

Jeanne Tebbutt, Co-Chair jltebbutt@gmail.com 923-4356

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS • Bill Barnhart bill.barnhart@mrbconsulting.us 629-8838 •

Jenny McGehee

�

jennyleemcgehee@gmail.com

200-7460

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Coming to Woodbridge EVENTS and TOURS - January / February 2015

By Dodie Miller, Activities Director LADIES' LUNCHEON - Wednesday, January 14 @ noon - Mountain Mike's at 1120 North Main Street - Choice of Reuben Sandwich, Caprese Chicken Sandwich, Sesame Chicken Salad or Fajita Wrap. Call either Jacque Reynolds at 629-8508 or Jacqueline Andrews at 823-9241 to reserve your spot. Deadline is January 9. $14 cash only.

TACO FEED – Wednesday, January 14 @ 5:30 p.m. – Men of Woodbridge is hosting this Taco Feed night.

Beef tacos, refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, jalapenos, salsa and dessert. Coffee and water will be provided and you may bring your beverage of choice. Tickets are on sale now for $7 per person.

JERRY SAUCEDA DJ DANCE NIGHT – Saturday, January 17 @ 6 p.m. – Jerry is an exceptionally talented DJ who plays a wide variety of music. If you love to dance, you will like the music he plays. Croissant meat sandwiches and fruit will be available. You may bring your beverage of choice and snacks. Tickets are on sale now for $8 per person.

NEWCOMERS SOCIAL – Thursday, January 22 @ 6 p.m. – If you are a newcomer to Woodbridge in the last year, tonight has been reserved for a social get-together to meet other newcomers. You may bring an appetizer to share and your beverage of choice. Sign up at the front desk.

POTLUCK NIGHT – Tuesday, January 27 @ 5:30 p.m. – We will start 2015 with a stew night. It’s perfect weather

for stew whether it is meat, bean or vegetable. You may always bring salads, bread and butter and your beverage of choice. Sign up at the front desk.

SECOND CHANCE BAND – Wednesday, January 28 @ 6 p.m. – Here’s a night to get out and do some dancing. Our Second Chance Band will be playing again for Woodbridge residents. You may bring snacks and your beverage of choice. Tickets are $3 per person.

VALENTINE’S DAY DANCE – Saturday, February 14 @ 6:30 p.m. – Crystal Image Band will provide the dance music and their Fab 50s Show. Food will consist of a taco bar, slider and pasta station. Bring your beverage of choice. Tickets go on sale January 19 and are $20 per person.

ANNUAL HIGH TEA – Saturday and Sunday, February 21 and 22 @ 2 p.m.

– The Women of Woodbridge group is sponsoring another High Tea as in the past (two sessions). Details and ticket prices will soon be posted in the Clubhouse.

NAT BOLDEN JAZZ & BLUES BAND – Saturday, February 28 @ 7 p.m. – You’ll be entertained by Nat Bolden with his jazz and blues music. Great listening and dancing music while Nat puts on a show. Tickets go on sale February 2 and cost is $8 per person.

POTLUCK NIGHT – Tuesday, February 24 @ 5:30 p.m. – This is a pot roast night with vegetables, salads, desserts and bread and butter. Sign up at the front desk.

Important Notice About Cancellations When you have signed up for an event, activity or tour and you find you are unable to attend, please, as a courtesy to others, call the Clubhouse front desk (824-7581) to cancel. If the event has a wait list, the front desk can fill the vacancy from the list. Thank you.

The deadline for submission of articles for the February 2015 edition of Woodbridge LIFE is Monday, January 5, 2015. Please email your articles to wblife2012@ gmail.com

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Reaching Out Lakeview Clubhouse: 824-7581

Board of Directors

John Johnson, President Roger Cunning, Vice President Christine Carlson, Treasurer Garry Dudley, Secretary Carl Hansen, Director at Large

Resident Directors

Roger: 647-4380 / Garry: 648-4868

Temporary Executive Directors

Ramon Rivera:

Erika Smith:

495-6803

824-7581

Activities Director

Dodie Miller:

824-7927

Management

Riverside Management PO BOX 697 Roseville, CA 9566 916-740-2462

The opinions expressed in Woodbridge LIFE’s feature articles, paid advertisements and editorial content do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper or the Woodbridge Owners Association.

WOODBRIDGE LIFE MISSION STATEMENT: “Woodbridge LIFE is a celebration of the diversified residents of Woodbridge by Del Webb in Manteca – a look at their accomplishments, an exploration of their hopes and dreams, a place to share joy, announce activities and bring neighbors together.

Woodbridge LIFE strives to enhance the lives of all residents and exceed expectations with informative articles, lively features, a calendar of events and more.”

Woodbridge LIFE

Woodbridge LIFE

2401 Morning Brook Drive Manteca, CA 95336

209-824-7581

www.ourwoodbridge.net PUBLISHER

WOA

EDITOR

Carol Jo Hargreaves

824-7581

ADVERTISING Erika Smith

823-3538 824-7581

WBL EDITORIAL TEAM

Bill Barnhart 629-8838 Mel Bernstein 510-482-8304 Sharyl Burgeson 239-1492 Carol Jo Hargreaves, chair 823-3538 Jean Kavale 629-8571 Ann King 650-464-0151 Judy McNamara 923-4718 Dodie Miller 824-7927 Volker Moerbitz 239-7965 Pepper Noble 239-1933 Erika Smith 824-7581 Mike Spence 924-8032

Woodbridge LIFE is a free monthly publication of the Woodbridge Owners Association, a nonprofit organization serving the residents of the Woodbridge

by Del Webb community in Manteca, CA. Woodbridge LIFE invites stories, photographs, comments, cartoons, jokes and any other information that would be of interest to residents. We reserve the right to accept or refuse submissions and edit for content and length. We also reserve the right to refuse advertising or articles that in our opinion do not reflect the standards of the newspaper. The opinions expressed, whether by paid advertisement or editorial content, do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper or the Woodbridge Owners Association. Content submitted may be edited, reprinted and acknowledged without consent unless specifically requested. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork. Materials submitted with a self-addressed, stamped envelope will be returned. Contents copyright © 2015 by Woodbridge Owners Association. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

Contact us:

WBLIFE2012@gmail.com

Page 7 • January 2015

Page 8 • January 2015

WOA Groups and Clubs:

Woodbridge LIFE

Groups & Clubs Artists & Crafters Ballroom Dance Bocce Ball Bridge Bunco

Contact Nedra Ball Patti Barnhart TBA Don St. Lawrence Mary Braun

Phone 815-9309 629-8838 TBA 825-7137 239-0409

Chair Volleyball

Jacquie Steffy Renée St. Lawrence Dave Steffy Bill Goodwin Pat Buxton

825-7137 825-4805 823-9767 239-8663

Thursdays @ 10 a.m.

Tuesdays @ 7 p.m.

Thursdays @ 12:30 p.m.

Friday & Sat @ 6:30 p.m.

Rick Hyden Claudia Watkins Ruth Field

824-9257 823-8678 229-6977

Line Dancing Line Dancing (Evening) Men of Woodbridge Neighborhood Watch Paddle Tennis Pickleball Pinochle

Patti Barnhart Bill Goodwin Terrell Estes Bob Hall Bob Hall Bob Hall Robert Philis

629-8838 823-9767 824-7464 239-5712 239-5712 239-5712 239-1542

Poker

Al Sanchez

239-8235 815-9343 239-2983

Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m.

Days and times vary W-FR-SA-SU @ 1 p.m.

Thursdays @ 7 p.m.

M-W-F @ 9:30 a.m.

Fridays @ 5:45 p.m.

2nd Monday @ 10 a.m.

Patrols 2nd Monday @ 6 p.m.

M-F Time varies M @ 2:15pm & TH @ 1 p.m.

Wed @ 1:30 p.m. & Fri @ 5:30 p.m.

Wed @ 1:30 p.m. & Fri @ 5:30 p.m.

Days and times vary

825-7137 239-5256 629-8060 824-2062 624-3754 239-8718 624-3945 629-8575 629-8508 629-8838 624-3779 815-9803 647-4380

1st Wed @ 10:30 a.m.

Days and times vary Various golf courses Seasonal Mondays @ 2:15 p.m.

SU - TU - TH @ 8 a.m.

3rd Tuesday @ 7 p.m.

2nd Monday @ 4 p.m.

M-W-F @ 8:30 a.m.

1st Tuesday @ 10:45 a.m.

3rd Wed @ 11 a.m.

1st Wednesday @ 6 p.m.

Every other Monday @ 7 p.m.

Crochet/Knitting Cribbage Drama Game Night Game Night-also contact Grandparents Hand & Foot

Poker - also contact Joe Victoria Radio Controlled Flyers Bob Umberger Renée St. LawReaders’ Group rence Second Chance Band John Green Senior Golf Rudy Salvador Silver Sluggers Softball Butch Larson Strummin’ Wonders Carla Marquardt Tennis Mel Topping Trivia Eileen Hill Veterans Jack Dauler Walking Indoors Jacque Reynolds Wheels of Woodbridge Bill Barnhart Women of Woodbridge Birdie Nieri Wine 101 Jon Ford Woodbridge Singers Elizabeth Cunning

Meeting Day And Time M-F Time varies Thursdays @ 4:15 p.m.

Sundays @ 6 p.m.

Mondays @ 10 a.m.

3rd Monday @ 6:30 p.m.

Every other Monday @ 5 825-4805 p.m.

Non-WOA Sanctioned Clubs: Club Christian Men 55ers RV Group "Just Fore Fun" Ladies' Golf Red Hat Ladies Senior Bowling Women's Bible Study

Contact Mel Reynolds Sue Edmiston Betty Buff Claudia Watkins Barbara Silva Carolyn Johnson

Phone 624-3768 601-9210 479-3568 823-8678 824-0262 239-0936

Please refer to www.ourwoodbridge.net for more detailed information

www.ourwoodbridge.net

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 9 • January 2015

January Activities Su n d a y

Mo n d a y

Tu e s d a y

We d n e s d a y

T h u rs d a y

1

F r i day

Sat ur day

2

3

New Year’s Day Clubhouse Closed

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

12 p.m. - Ladies'

6 p.m. - Jerry Sauceda

Luncheon

Dance Night

5:30 p.m. - Taco Feed

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

30

31

6 p.m. - Newcomers Social

25

26

29

27

28

5:30 p.m. - Potluck Night

6:30 p.m. - Second

2 p.m. - Speaker Series

Chance Band

► Clubs and groups are listed on page 8.

More detailed information may be found on the Woodbridge portal and at the Lakeview Clubhouse.

February Activities Sunday

Monday

Tues day

Wednes day

Thurs day

F riday

S at urday

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14 6:30 p.m. - Valentine’s Day Dance

15

16

17

18

19

20

21 2 p.m. - Annual High Tea

22 2 p.m. - Annual High Tea

23

24 5:30 p.m. - Potluck Night

25

26

27

28 6:30 p.m. - Nat Bolden Jazz & Blues Band

Page 10 • January 2015

s t n e v E g n i Com

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

As a courtesy to Woodbridge residents, we are providing the following event information to assist in planning and obtaining tickets. Please note: This information is subject to change. Contact the Clubhouse front desk if you have questions.

Name of Event What's Funny After 50 Australian Bee Gees Show @ Gallo - Setness Tours St. Patrick's Day Dance St. Patrick's Day Dinner San Francisco Flower & Garden Show - Setness Tours Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet Randy Riggle's Nostalgia Show Rythmn Riders w/Johnny Cash Filoli Mansions & Gardens - Setness Tours Matt Barber Show Baby Boomer Comedy Show Lincoln Hills Variety Show A Day At The Races - Setness Tours Mother's Day Breakfast Woodbridge Singers Spring Concert Mama's Wranglers & Cloggers The Swingin' Blue Stars

Event Date

Purchase Tickets Starting:

3/7/15 3/11/15 3/14/15 3/16/15

Now Now 2/19/15 2/20/15

3/15/15 3/18/15 3/25/15 4/4/15 4/7/15 4/9/15 4/11/15 4/18/15 4/25/15 5/2/15 5/12/15 5/19/14

Now No Ticket 3/2/15 3/9/15 Now 3/13/15 3/16/15 No Ticket Now 4/7/15 No Ticket 4/24/15

6/2/15

5/7/15

POTLUCK NIGHT TUESDAYS 2015 JANUARY 27 – STEW NIGHT FEBRUARY 24 - POT ROAST NIGHT MARCH 31 – STUFF IT APRIL 28 – CHILI & CORNBREAD MAY 26 - MEXICAN FIESTA JUNE 30 – PIZZAS & SALADS

Notice: Hand and Foot Cards

By Ruth Field

Hand and Foot Cards will once again begin play at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the Clubhouse.

See you all there for a fun New Year.

Through the Lens

The lake at Panda Park. Did someone say "drought?"

Photo by Mike Hamiel.

Another view of the lake at Panda Park.

Photo by Volker Moerbitz.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 11 • January 2015

I'm at the Gym!

By Debby Hickey

THE SETUP I signed up for Paul Serpa’s personalized gym training sessions. (I’m not sure how that happened…) The first appointment was the “Set-Up.” I had to provide height, weight and age, and subsequent calculations were made. If that wasn’t frightening enough, Paul then says to me, almost too sweetly, “Oh, I’ll be your friend; I’ll help you do whatever you want. This will be your very own personalized workout!” (Oh, dear…)

FIRST SESSION On the first session, Paul guides me over to the stationary bikes. “Oh, no,” I tell him, “I’m not getting on that mean bike.” “Mean bike?” I explained that last year I decided to start bike riding, and after about five minutes on the bike, I thought, “Hey! I can do this! It’s not so hard!” Then I noticed something flashing at me on the screen: START PEDALING! Well! Apparently you have to be going 60 RPM before the bike even acknowledges you! If that thing wasn’t made of steel, I’d have slapped it!

Then Paul introduced me to five machines (I always thought you start everything at five pounds and then gradually work up, but he set each machine at a wide variety of weights— according to my needs—it’s a totally customized program.) One machine he showed me is used for abs—you know, like a six-pack. I just stared at him and said, “Dude, it’s going to take two years for me to even find my abs, so a six-pack is not exactly a priority!”

The next day, much to my chagrin, I discovered I have muscles—lots of them.

It was brutal.

SECOND SESSION In the second session, Paul added three more machines. (I used to watch people on these machines; they were counting their reps, but only pulling the bars halfway. I always thought they were cheating, but I learned you don’t pull all the way back—you actually want to control the motion. So I felt really bad about thinking that about others.)

At one point, Paul needed to position the bar just above my knee. He looked puzzled and asked, “Where’s your knee?”

After my lengthy glare, I said, “Hey, you took anatomy; you figure it out!”

Some machines are pretty convoluted— how do you even get into them? But once you’re in, it’s quite comfy. Paul has separate programs for women—just women and their needs--that differ greatly from the programs he has for men and their needs.

THIRD SESSION I approached the third session with more trepidation. Paul added even more machines (three), which brings me to a total of 11 now. I noticed, however, that there’s only one machine that causes me to sweat—the glute one. Paul explained that’s the one that exercises my biggest muscle. “Which muscle?” “Your butt.”

Again, I glare.

All throughout, Paul uses the technical terms for each muscle (sounds like a foreign language) and explains what each muscle does. I begin to appreciate his knowledge and training. I’m certain it’s not easy to be a personal trainer. He told me of an elderly lady, who constantly moaned and groaned until he finally told her to “Put your big girl panties on!”

She replied, “Oh, I’m not wearing any…!” Ew, ew, ew!

there! It’s just not natural.

I’m learning that many core coordinations are exercises for the brain as well—these tell the brain to move different muscles (left leg, right arm) and change off at the same time.

The next six sessions are beyond the deadline for this month’s issue. I will continue to journalize my experiences.

It felt so appropriate that our theme this month is new beginnings; I’m really looking forward to getting into shape— that is, a totally different shape!

�

FOURTH SESSION Session four was all about the CORE! We spent the whole time on a mat on the floor. (At one point, Robert Ybarra happened by and said to me, “I’m so proud of you!” I replied, “Yeah, yeah. Hey, in about 20 minutes, send for reinforcements—I am going to need help getting back up off this floor!”

I’ve seen people do core exercises, so I know Paul is not just making these ridiculous things up. On one of them, he has me taking my right hand and reaching over to touch the outer side of my left knee.

Why in the world would I ever need to do that? My left hand is already right

Photo by Erika Smith.

Paul Serpa and Debby Hickey at her first personalized gym training session.

Page 12 • January 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

 BRIDGE

The Bridge group meets Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Oxford Room.

Bridge Scores DEC 1:

Carolee Jones Lee Stern Kathy Comden Don Harris Phyllis Tindell Letha Watson Phil McCallion Cherie Ford Don St. Lawrence

DEC 8:

Lee Stern Kathy Comden Grace Pasion Letha Watson Don St. Lawrence Carolee Jones Cherie Ford Phil McCallion Don Harris Betty Buff

DEC 15:

Lee Stern Don Harris Phil McCallion Cherie Ford Don St. Lawrence Betty Buff Phyllis Tindell Letha Watson Robi Cornelius Kathy Comden

5190 4360 3840 3610 3500 3310 2020 1970 1960 5540 4460 4100 4050 3270 2880 2820 2650 2360 2220

www.ourwoodbridge.net

By Paul E. Serpa, Senior Fitness Specialist

DEC 22:

Cherie Ford Don St. Lawrence Phyllis Tindell Letha Watson Don Harris Kathy Comden Betty Buff Robi Cornelius Nancy Hansen Lee Stern Phil McCallion Grace Pasion Sharyl Burgeson

DEC 29:

Nancy Hansen Cherie Ford Phil McCallion Robi Cornelius Grace Pasion Betty Buff Kathy Comden Don St. Lawrence Don Harris Letha Watson Lee Stern

4710 4220 4200 3830 3550 3540 3470 3270 3130 2990 2960 2430 1340 6430 4960 4900 4570 4460 4330 3440 2730 2640 2060 1970

3890 3800 3780 3260 3230 3070 2650 2540 2230 2040

Free Zumba Gold Classes Submitted by Dodie Miller, Activities Director

F

 FITNESS My Parents Were Right (dammit!)

At the Clubhouse

By Don St. Lawrence

ree classes are being offered in January for Zumba Gold. Rose Wilson is the instructor for this modified level (basic) of Zumba.

Tuesday, January 6, and Thursday, January 8, at 11 a.m. are the times to try out the class to see if it’s one you would like to join.

Sign up at the front desk.

A

s the New Year turns and we start to look inward and resolve to change things in our lives, it is the perfect time to think about our own personal health. I don’t know why I’m thinking about Mom and Dad; both told me nothing comes for free, everything has its price. Well, they were right.

Everything has its price, even your own personal health. Your health costs a little at the grocery store but its real cost is your time, energy and effort. You have to take time to work, you must put out the energy, and you have to make an effort to change your eating habits. Love yourself

enough to live a healthy lifestyle.

Your own personal health is your responsibility; nobody can do it for you. You can’t take a pill; the replacement parts are state of the art but nowhere near your original parts. How much time?

Ideally, we should all do one hour, five to six days per week.

The most important thing is that as the New Year turns, we do more than we are doing now, not only in our workouts but also in our nutrition plans. Small changes make a big difference over the year. Pay the price for your own personal health.

Love yourself enough to live a healthy lifestyle!

Arts  ARTISTS & CRAFTERS Promise to Stop By

By Penny Dauler

I

t’s January. Shouldn’t there be snow flurries outside? I guess not if you live in Manteca.

New beginnings, isn’t that what we expect in January? This is the month of New Year’s resolutions and promises to ourselves. One promise we all could make is to stop by the Westport Room (aka Arts and Crafts Room), peek in and see what is going on.

I can tell you that if you stop by on Monday mornings, you’ll find a craft project but if it’s the third Monday of the month, we are making pillows for the oncology department at Kaiser. In the afternoons, the china painters will be creating works of art from plain white plates. On Tuesday mornings, the painters are filling their canvases with wonderful colors. To continue with the creative theme, Wednesday mornings bring out the paper crafters. Even if you’re not into paper crafting, you should stop and see what these women can create

out of a piece of paper. Knitters and crocheters take over the room on Thursday mornings where the click of needles and buzz of conversation fill the room. Kick out the knitters because Thursday afternoons belong to the quilters and their sewing machines. Actually it’s the sewing machines that take over as quilting is not necessarily on the calendar. The first Friday of the month is our general meeting which we encourage all interested folk to attend as this is when we plan the calendar for the next month and our “out and abouts” are discussed.

The second Friday is reserved for Margo and her watercolor class but other Fridays have specialty classes scheduled. These could be anything from sewing together seasonal table toppers to learning how to decorate and repurpose wine bottles.

The Westport Room is a busy room, a room that hums with talent, a place for the talented and not so talented to try out new things.

So please stop on by. We have a chair waiting just for you.

�

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Woodbridge LIFE

 WOODBRIDGE SINGERS

Page 13 • January 2015

Winter Concert

By Elizabeth Cunning

W

oodbridge Singers shared their Winter Concert in December to a standing-room only crowd. Singalong holiday songs and beloved Christmas carols filled the air along with performances by singers, dancers, instrumentalists, neighbors and friends. We’ll just have to wait another year to see what Dave Steffy cooks up for a new "Twelve Days of Christmas.” This year, the twelve days were cleverly adapted: “On my first day at Woodbridge, my true love gave to me: A new house built by Pulte!” By the time it rolled around to the Eleventh Day, the verse included “Eleven fish a-jumping…” Those seated in that particular audience section were led by Roger Goodnow in doing just that – jumping!

The Commons invited Woodbridge Singers to share holiday songs at their annual Winter Wonderland Tea. The evening was a commotion of sights, sounds and holiday goodies.

The Singers took a break for the holidays. Rehearsals will start again on Monday, January 12, at 7 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room. Newcomers are welcomed! No experience is necessary and reading music is not required. The Spring Concert in May will include songs from the best-loved musicals of all time. If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Cunning, Director, at 209-647-4380 or 612-8553.

Photo by Roger Cunning.

Woodbridge Singers, led by Director Elizabeth Cunning, shared holiday songs from the balcony at the Commons.

A 15-minute version of the Woodbridge Christmas Concert captured by Roger Cunning can be found at https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=ed1z8f8cmoc.

 STRUMMIN' WONDERS Christmas Concert

By Carla Marquardt

T

he Strummin' Wonders Sing-Along Christmas concert was like watching a Broadway variety show. Line dancers danced to six familiar Christmas songs; a variety of silly songs were performed like: "My Favorite Things - the Senior Version," "All I Want for Christmas is My Upper Plate” and the yearly favorite, "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas." Their best performance was "Mary, Did You Know" using a plucking style which gave goosebumps to many listeners. Don't miss the Strummin’ Wonders’ next concert of Love Songs for Valentine's Day in February.

Thirteen of the Strummin' Wonders performed for the assisted living and Renaissance Memory group at The Commons at Union Ranch on December 11.

We have the most fun when the strummers play in the memory wing. We get the residents to sing their favorite Christmas carols which brighten their eyes as well as their day.

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

Strummin' Wonders Sing-Along Christmas concert.

Food for Your Brain

By Carla Marquardt

D

id you know that learning an instrument is the best way to feed your brain and to keep it healthy? Brain testing has documented that learning an instrument is the best stimulation for the elderly brain (which surpassed solving crossword puzzles). Keep those neurons buzzing!

Beginner ukulele group lessons are forming every month. You

don't need to read notes and you don't have to sing. Ukulele is the easiest instrument to learn. You will be playing lots of songs after just one lesson. It takes eight lessons to master it and then you can play along with the exciting group of Strummin' Wonders. We practice every Monday at 2:15 pm.

If your fingers work, your eyes can see, and you have time to practice, then you are eligible to learn the ukulele. Join a wonderful playful group of ukulele nuts! Call me so you can attend the next series of lessons this month. I can also lend you a uke! Carla Marquardt, 209-624-3754.

Page 14 • January 2015

 WOODBRIDGE READERS' GROUP

By Marie Evans

W

oodbridge Readers held its annual Christmas luncheon at the Clubhouse, Wednesday, December 3. We all had an enjoyable time discussing books, authors and the holidays. Our delightful luncheon consisted of several different salads and a wonderful lemon bar cake catered by the Bean and Leaf Cafe.

Our book for January is Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and suggested by Phil Bookman.

Our next meeting is the first Wednesday of January at the Clubhouse at 10:30 a.m.

Woodbridge Readers is open to every resident of Woodbridge. We take turns suggesting books for certain months. The person suggesting the book normally leads the discussion but does not have to. Once we start talking about the book, discussion flows naturally around the table. Each person is different, so each discussion is different. It is very low key and quite enjoyable if you like to read. Most of us agree that one of the best aspects of this group is the variety of books we read and the authors we are introduced to, often for the first time.

Our first meeting in the new year will be held January 7 at 10:30 a.m. at the Clubhouse in the Oxford Room (formerly called the Club Room).

We hope you will join us in 2015.

Woodbridge LIFE

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 WOODBRIDGE DRAMA GROUP Meetings in January

By Bob Naquin (for Dona Eberhardt)

I

t is the New Year and the Drama group is gearing up for some fun.

There are several plans afoot, so get into the action early and get one of the juicy parts.

So you say you can't act: That hasn't stopped anyone in the past.

So you say you can't remember lines: We have you covered with cue cards.

So you say you can't sing: No worries. Most of the audience can't hear.

So you say you can't dance: You just haven't had enough liquid rhythm juice.

All joking aside, there is something for everyone to do, no matter the skill or experience level.

The Drama group will meet at 1 p.m., Thursday, January 8, at the Clubhouse. This is the regularly scheduled meeting of the Drama group and everyone is welcome, whether you have attended before or not.

But wait; there is a better deal! On Thursday, January 22, at 1 p.m., the Drama group is having a social with refreshments to welcome, entice or snare anyone who wants to check it out. There is no obligation and you won't have to sit through a short, 90-minute presentation. Just come and enjoy the refreshments and get to know the zany "Way Past Their PrimeTime Players.”

See you there.

Man on a Mission

By Judy McNamara

M

ost of you may not realize the time and effort Mark Bianchini devotes to keeping our prize community in tiptop shape.

I had the pleasure of riding around with Mark in the Woodbridge golf cart as he made his Tuesday rounds of garbage pick up. We started at the pool area where Mark not only empties the garbage cans but also wipes them down meticulously. Then it was off to all the other garbage containers around the community.

Riding around with Mark gave me a chance to talk with him about all the other jobs he does which include washing all the windows of the Clubhouse, sweeping and power washing the tennis and pickle ball courts, washing down the golf course, restocking the mutt mitts and emptying the containers, wiping down and cleaning all the benches and patio chairs and seeing to it that the parks are kept clean. Besides his outdoor jobs, Mark also works inside the Clubhouse keeping it clean and changing light bulbs. When needed, he still works the front desk.

All this work is done with a smile and a sense of humor. Mark is the first to say he's OCD, but I think he's a man who takes pride in whatever he does. If something needs to be done, he does it. I would say he's more of a perfectionist.

Mark was brought up in Stockton and graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1975 and for all but one year of high school, he worked in convalescent and rehabilitation hospitals. He praises his parents for his hard-work ethic.

After working for and retiring from Caterpillar for 30 plus years, Mark began doing yard work for people when a friend suggested he apply for a part time maintenance job. He applied and was

interviewed at Woodbridge and eventually got a part time job at the front desk. This led to the maintenance responsibilities. He works Tuesday through Saturday, one o'clock to six o'clock.

Mark has been married to Maria since 1980 and the couple resides in the Atherton development conveniently located across Union Road.

They have two adult children and have just become grandparents for the second time.

Woodbridge is fortunate to have Mark and his always-sunny disposition working here at Woodbridge.

Thank you for all you do, Mark.

Photo by Judy McNamara.

Mark Bianchini helps decorate the Clubhouse Christmas tree.

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Woodbridge LIFE

Page 15 • January 2015

Page 16 • January 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

Household Hints

By Bill Barnhart

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS

T

his month I would like Bill Barnhart to take some time to talk about our Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) program here at Woodbridge.

This is such a great program for many residents who don’t have the necessary skills or physical ability to accomplish certain tasks whether it is home maintenance or short-term general living tasks. I am proud to be part of this program and want to thank Sharon Bayer, a previous Resident Director, for starting this worthwhile program. Here are some examples to give you a better understanding of what NHN can do for you: • If you or your spouse is hesitant about climbing a ladder, NHN can help you. Just as God made little green apples, there are things that need a ladder to accomplish such as changing A/C filters, smoke alarm batteries and burned out light bulbs both inside and outside the house, etc.

• I have to admit that even though I’ve published instructions on how to program your sprinkler controller and your A/C thermostat and tried to simplify them, they were still a bit complicated. If those tasks, including programming your garage door openers, are beyond you, feel free to call NHN. Someone will get right on it for you.

• If you’ve bought a storage cabinet, bar stool or similar piece of furniture that comes in pieces in a box, you will likely come to find that you need to think like a mainland Chinese engineer when it comes to following

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the instructions for putting it together. If this is the case, call NHN. We’ve got people who think just like that.

• When you’ve acquired new stereo equipment, a new computer, a router or a new printer and the setup instructions are beyond you, or you simply don’t know the difference between a Coax cable and a HDMI cable or a RCA cable, then it’s time to call NHN. • If your gardeners have filled your garbage containers so full that they are too heavy for you to put out for pickup, give NHN a call.

• There may be times when you are feeling pretty poorly.

Maybe you have a bad case of the flu and are just not up to taking that package to the post office or doing the weekly grocery shopping. Call NHN. • If you need some short-term relief as a caregiver or the main cook in the household is unable to prepare meals, it’s time to call NHN for that needed short-term relief that will help you to rest and start anew tomorrow.

I hope you are getting the point, folks! There should be no reluctance or feelings of embarrassment when you have a need to call NHN for help. These are all volunteers who do these tasks because they are your friends and neighbors and that’s what friends and neighbors do for each other, period!

One last thing before I sign off for this month. In last month’s article about drying shower doors, I should have added a reminder to dry off the underside of the seat ledge in our showers. There is an air space under that edge that is designed to be there but it is possible for moisture to wick up inside the seat and do damage. Make it a habit to dry that edge with your towel and you’ll be surprised how wet your towel gets from just that quick pass along the underside of the ledge.

�

Did you know Bill Barnhart's popular Household Hints articles are posted on the Woodbridge portal? Currently you can find articles published from December 2013 through December 2014 by entering the portal and selecting Resource Center in the gray horizontal bar. Scroll down to Neighbors Helping Neighbors, click the plus sign and then click on Household Hints. You will find a list of topics and the date published.

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Woodbridge LIFE

 WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE Women of Woodbridge Wants You

Page 17 • January 2015

By Linda Little

I

f you are a woman and live in the Woodbridge community, you are a member of the Women of Woodbridge (WOW).

Women residents who are new to the Woodbridge community or are unfamiliar with the Women of Woodbridge are invited to attend a complimentary continental breakfast Tuesday, January 21, at 11 a.m., followed by the monthly WOW meeting in the Lakeview Clubhouse.

Women of Woodbridge sponsors events and activities which support and empower children in the Manteca community.

Events include: • Take a Sip for Scholarship (wine tasting) – Funds a $1,000 scholarship for graduating seniors at each of the Manteca high schools.

• Ladies’ High Tea – Proceeds benefit the Manteca Unified School District’s homeless children.

• October Harvest Dinner – Benefits a new organization each year.

• School Supply Drive – Basic supplies (paper, pens, pencils, etc.) are collected and donated to local elementary school(s).

WOW also works with other Woodbridge organizations to assist with events in the Woodbridge community. These events have included the Wheels of Woodbridge Car Show, the Holiday Home Tour and the Evening of Appreciation.

Additionally, WOW sponsors a bi-monthly speaker series featuring a topic of interest to both women and men. Past topics have included ancestry searches, women’s suffrage, WWII and the Stockton Shipyards, history of quilt making, empowering women in third world countries, and the history of local Native Americans.

If you would like to become an active WOW member and/or get updates about WOW activities and meetings, sign up on the portal by following these simple steps: • Sign on to the portal (www.ourwoodbridge.net).

• Click on the “Stay Connected” link.

• Select Discussion Groups.

• Scroll down to Women of Woodbridge and click on “View” (in blue).

• Click on “subscribe” in blue at the end of the information paragraph to the right.

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Page 18 • January 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

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 WOODBRIDGE PINOCHLE GROUP Pinochle Christmas Party

By Mary Braun

T

wenty-four pinochle players attended our fourth annual party at the Clubhouse on December 8. The party started with lunch and cards and ended at 4 p.m.

Everyone brought a dish of food to share and we all enjoyed each other's company and a great game of pinochle.

The Pinochle group meets Mondays at 2:15 p.m. and Thursdays at 1 p.m. Anyone interested in playing pinochle, please call Robert Philis at 239-1542.

Photo by Mary Braun.

Twenty-four players attended the Woodbridge Pinochle group Christmas party.

 MEN OF WOODBRIDGE

By Ed Shoup

N

ovember was a busy month for the Men of Woodbridge. At our meeting we elected new officers to lead our group. Elected President was Bill Goodwin, Vice President is Nick Music, Secretary is Jon Ford and Treasurer is Mel Bernstein. A big thank you to the outgoing leaders who served for the last four years -- President Terrell Estes and Secretary/Treasurer Ed Shoup. Nick Music will be serving his third term as Vice President. Each term is for two years.

We hosted our annual Thanksgiving Weekend Breakfast that was a great success and enjoyed by all who attended. Our group also assisted with the Manteca Boys and Girls Club annual telethon. Other residents joined with our group to assist with this project. All together, 17 residents manned the telephones for an hour. A great big “THANK YOU” to all who helped make the telethon a success.

At our December meeting, our group made a $500 donation to the Marines affiliated with the Toys for Tots Foundation. Our members and Woodbridge residents also donated unwrapped toys for the event.

Currently, we are preparing for our Taco Feed dinner Wednesday, January 14. Check the flyer for details. Our next meeting will be a breakfast/meeting Monday, January 12, at 9 a.m. Check the Men of Woodbridge group on the portal for the location. Our normal meetings are on the second Monday of each month at 10 a.m. in the Quincy Room (kitchen area) at the Clubhouse and are open to all male residents of our community.

Photo by Ed Shoup.

Residents and their guests enjoyed the Men of Woodbridge Thanksgiving breakfast.

If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read it in English, thank a veteran. Have a great day and a better tomorrow!

Photo by Ed Shoup.

Men of Woodbridge donated $500 to the Marines affiliated with the Toys for Tots Foundation.

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Woodbridge LIFE

Garden Tasks for January

By Sandi Larson, Master Gardener

A

s of this writing, December 8, we have had no freeze so far and not even much Sandi Larson frost. In fact, other than the rain, this is one of the mildest Decembers I can remember in my over seven years in Manteca!

I received a couple of questions recently about citrus, lemons and oranges specifically. I am not a vegetable gardener nor do I have any fruit trees. I wish I had more knowledge of some of these items but, thank goodness, I have lots of resources with the UC System!

Citrus – Lemon trees don’t need much pruning. The best time to prune citrus is late winter to early spring. However, young trees can have their stems tip-pruned to encourage bushiness. Also, it’s a good idea to remove the lower branches of heavy fruited trees such as grapefruit so fruit does not touch the ground which can lead to rot. Dwarf varieties of clementine, tangerine and mandarin need very little pruning. Citrus is frost and freeze sensitive and may suffer damage when temperatures fall below 30 degrees. The best lemon for cold weather is the “Improved Meyer” lemon. However, none of the lemons will survive 20-degree weather unless it’s heavily protected. I also just read that lemon trees don’t like lots of rain!

Page 19 • January 2015

lights can also have the same effect of giving you a few degrees of protection.

Gardening in the winter: With as much rain as we’ve already had, I would not want to compact your soil. Some of the winter crops you can plant now are lettuce, radish, spinach, garlic, onions, shallots, arugula and cabbage.

I have turned off my sprinkling system completely. We have had enough rain this month that I have no idea when I’ll turn it on again. Plants in pots, however, may need your attention, particularly if they are under eaves.

If you don’t have your spring flowering bulbs in the ground by January, it’s probably too late. I purchased some at a large chain hardware store that were 75 percent off in late November and I’m getting them in a pot this week. I love the miniature daffodils --they make me feel like spring is finally around the corner. In February you can start looking in your local grocery store or big box store for daffodils and other bulbs that are flowering.

Are you looking for something fun to do? In February you can go up to Napa for the Mustard Festival, usually held near the end of the month. It’s beautiful up in the Sonoma and Napa areas with the trees generally leafless and the mustard blooms running between the leafless grapes. Bring your camera. It is very picturesque.

January into February is the best time to prune roses. It’s also a good time to plant bare root trees, roses, vines and fruit trees. This is also a good month to prune deciduous fruit trees (they lose their leaves) such as apple, peach, nectarine and ornamental shrubs.

Start from the inside of the plant and work your way outward.

Remove branches that cross or rub each other or are dead and diseased. Prune for an attractive shape. For a good overview of pruning of fruit trees, please go to www.homeorchard.ucanr.edu. On page one on the right hand side, there’s a tab that says “pruning and training.”

Continue to watch the weather reports at night for predictions of frost or freeze. If frost or freeze is predicted, protect your frost/ freeze sensitive plants such as citrus, fuchsia, succulents, tropical and sub-tropicals and bougainvillea. You can cover your plant with burlap or plastic. If you use plastic, make sure the plastic does not touch the plant; stake it with sticks to keep it above the plant. You can also spray a product such as Freeze Pruf. I found a blanket that claims to protect your plants with eight degrees of additional protection during cold weather. If you have tropical or sub-tropical plants, you’ll want to invest in one of those products. Small

Our Woodbridge Library

By Jacque Reynolds

R

esidents are welcome to borrow books from our Community Library at the Lakeview Clubhouse. Books are shelved alphabetically by author, with paperback books located inside the cabinets.

Our volunteer librarian, Jacque Reynolds, reminds us to please return books to the BOOK CART located in the Library on the

Photo from theplantfarm.com.

Pruning citrus trees.

Happy gardening!

right side wall. From there, she will return the books to their proper places on the shelves.

If you would like to donate books, please leave them on the cart in the Library with a note. “Self Help,” history, cook and garden books are not accepted because there is not room to display them. For book donations of 20 or more, please call Jacque Reynolds at 209-629-8508.

“AUDIO” - Jacque has created a small section to start an audio book collection to the right of the newspapers. If you would like to donate audio books, please put them on the book cart. Jacque will be adding to this soon.

Page 20 • January 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

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Woodbridge

The First Seven Days Disclaimer: This story is based mostly on facts that may have been rearranged somewhat and a small amount of fiction. Please recognize that the story’s timeline is not quite to scale either.

By Bill Barnhart

I

n the beginning there was dirt, a lot of dirt, covered with almond trees and gophers numbering in the thousands. Del Webb saw this dirt and said, “What if? What if all the trees were removed? Could Photo contributed. the dirt be made habitable for seniors who were active adults and could they be left to deal with the gophers Bill and Carol Goodwin attended Pulte's sales presentation for future residents. themselves? Could it be made into a place where these seniors would be proud to live? And by their friendliness to others, waving at everyone passing by, our policemen and firemen will appreciate all the sales taxes raised would additional seniors then come?” And Del Webb said to himself, by purchases made by these active seniors. The city officials said “Yes, I think I can make this happen and, yes, I think I can make there would be several caveats though: There must be a bike trail it so that people are willing to come to a town with a Spanish name traversing the southern border of this Woodbridge community; Del [Manteca] that means lard.

Webb must donate land for building a fire station at some unknown time in the future and bear the cost of widening Lathrop Road from And so, on the first day, Del Webb met with the Manteca city its Union intersection westward to Madison Grove; the people of planning officials and laid out his plans for building a community for Woodbridge must be responsible for all landscape maintenance active seniors who would pay lots of property taxes and spend a lot of along this bike trail as well as along both Union and Lathrop Roads, money downtown eating out for most of their meals and frequenting and there must be land dedicated for storm water retention basins the bowling alley and other places of leisure such as OSH and Home (more commonly referred to as “parks” in Del Webb vernacular).

Depot, and this place would be called Woodbridge. City officials Additionally, the people of Woodbridge would be responsible for wondered, “Wouldn’t that name get confused with the city of the same maintenance and repair of all streetlights throughout the community name not too far north of here?” And Del Webb asked, “Do you want and along Union and Lathrop Roads. the taxes or not?” And the City Council said this is all good and we will accept all of the property taxes you are willing to give us and Then the U.S. Postal Service joined the fray and added a caveat that said the people of Woodbridge must also be responsible for maintenance, repair and replacement of all mailboxes within Woodbridge. And Del Webb said, “OK. I was only going to charge residents $50 a month but I’ll just raise the association dues to $155 a month per lot to pay for all these extras.” And so, by the end of the first day, the agreement was struck with city and postal service officials and Del Webb was pleased.

On the second day, Del Webb brought in heavy equipment to remove all of the almond trees but he got to thinking: If he built this Woodbridge in two major stages, he only needed to remove half the trees and leave half for a couple or three years and lease out the orchard to make a little more money on the side while he was preparing the first half for the people he knew would come. Of course, Del Webb didn’t think about all of the dust that would arise when the almonds were harvested by the trees being shaken and the almonds being swept into piles for collection, or how active seniors tend to have more allergies and hay fever symptoms than younger generations.

Nor did he realize the havoc all that dust would create by setting off smoke and CO2 detectors intermittently in those homes close to the remaining orchards. Throughout that second day, trees were ripped out of the dirt and shredded into huge piles of wood shavings. “Ah, another way to make a little side money by selling the wood shavings,” Del Webb thought. This all happened on the second day. And Del Webb was pleased.

Photo contribued.

On the third day, Del Webb’s crews started digging trenches for all

An early view of the tennis court construction.

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Woodbridge LIFE

Page 21 • January 2015

And on the sixth day, Del Webb said to himself, “I’d better make a plan to get some of these homes built and sold before the economy turns upside down and I get stuck with all this empty land with streets and sidewalks but no homes.” So Del Webb called all his contractors together and told them they must be ready at a moment’s notice to work day and night to get a lot of homes built before everything turned upside down because they would then be out of a job. What Del Webb didn’t realize was that thieves would come during the night to steal all the copper wire from the streetlights and, without light, the contractors would end up getting lost (since none of the streets were in Google Maps yet). And Del Webb decided he would start building new homes during the summer of 2006 so the first buyers could close escrow during the month of December 2006. Because it was the Christmas season, everyone would trust him and buy the homes sight unseen without his even having built any models yet and without any plans for building the Clubhouse for at least two more years. This all happened on the sixth day. And Del Webb was pleased.

And on the seventh day, Del Webb looked upon all that he had done, saw that it was good and was satisfied. He called down to everyone and said, “My Woodbridge children, go forth and use these amenities that I have prepared for you. Play softball every Wednesday and Saturday, go for a Photo contributed. swim in one of the pools or relax in one of the hot tubs that will be built sometime in the future. Wile away your time Lake Rockwell was once a big hole in the ground. fishing in the lake but always make sure you throw the fish back. Learn the sport of bocce ball and enjoy it on Sunday afternoons. Play tennis, enjoy concerts and dance like you the utilities, storm drains and sewers. They dug trenches and laid pipe are still a teenager to the music of the Second Chance Band all day long and by the end of the third day, Del Webb looked at all that that will form after enough musical enthusiasts find their common had been accomplished and said, “This is good. We are on schedule.” purpose, and don’t forget to try out that new sport that is sweeping the nation and is named after a dog.”

And during the darkness between the third and fourth days, some bad guys stole all the diesel fuel from the heavy equipment and the Stay tuned for the rest of the story. next morning Del Webb was very sad because his work was going to be delayed and his schedule interrupted. However, calling on all the help Del Webb could muster, the heavy equipment was fueled up, and Editor’s Note: Although some sources claim that the name "Pickleball" with full fuel tanks, work was begun to lay out and cut streets. And, was derived from that of the Pritchard's family dog, a cocker spaniel when the equipment wasn’t busy doing that, it was pulled over to dig a named Pickles, other sources state that the claim is false, and that the really wide hole in the ground. Del Webb declared this hole would be name came from the term "pickle boat," referring to the last boat to named Rockwell Lake and he expected many of his male Woodbridge return with its catch. According to Joan Pritchard, Joel Pritchard's people would spend a lot of time there relaxing, just to get away from wife, the name came "after I said it reminded me of the Pickle Boat crew the honey do’s at home. Later in the day, Del Webb sent in other where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats. Somehow heavy equipment to pour all the sidewalks and lay all the asphalt the idea the name came from our dog Pickles was attached to the naming streets so that construction contractors would not get stuck in the mud of the game, but Pickles wasn't on the scene for two more years. The dog but instead would scatter nails all over the roads -- nails that would was named for the game." eventually be picked up in the tires of the Woodbridge people. And at the end of the fourth day, Del Webb shouted, “We’re back on schedule!”

And he was pleased.

As the fifth day rolled around, Del Webb thought to himself, “Self, I think if I were one of these potential buyers, I probably would not buy into this place called Woodbridge if I could not see what some of the amenities were going to look like where I was going to spend my remaining years.” So, Del Webb again called all his contractors together and told them some amenities needed to be built, pronto. He said, “We need a softball field with a BIG sign naming the field after me.”

He added that there were to be bocce courts, a court named after that silly dog (did I hear someone say Pickles?) and tennis courts. What Del Webb and his contractors forgot was that the sun comes up in the east and sets in the west and that it wasn’t such a good idea to build the tennis courts with an east/west orientation. Del Webb also said, “A well should be dug to the underground aquifer so that water could be supplied to the big wide holes that had been dug that he had named Rockwell Lake and 20,000+ fish should be stocked in the lakes but to make sure the lakes were filled with water first. Of course, he forgot to tell the contractors what kind of plants to put in the 12 planter areas scattered throughout the lake area and, unfortunately, the contractors planted the least expensive and most aggressive plants, cattails. As Paul Harvey used to say, we now know “…the rest of the story.”

Photo contributed. regarding those cattails.

Heavy equipment smooths out the softball field.

Page 22 • January 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

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Softball This Month

By Butch Larson

P

lanning for the 2015 Woodbridge Senior Softball Club season is underway. Our coaching staffs are set for both the Silver Slugger Men and Diamond Gals; our newly elected Council officers are on board and the Opening Day Committee is making plans. Soon our Sponsorship Committee will begin work on obtaining sponsors for the season; our Rules Committee will start meeting and our umpires will begin “spring training.” Here are some key dates to mark on your calendars: February 2-27 - Player sign-ups for all Silver Slugger Men, Diamond Gals and volunteers. Registration forms should be picked up and returned to the front desk of the Clubhouse.

March 2-13 - Practices will be scheduled for all players who have registered. New players should attend at least one session to meet coaches and have them meet you.

If you are a new resident at Del Webb/Woodbridge or have not played softball as part of our Woodbridge Senior Softball Club (WSSC) program, please consider doing so in the 2015 season.

Here are a few GOOD reasons to consider: • We play to have fun and stay as safe as possible • We have five men’s teams and four ladies’ squads to assure

everyone gets playing time

• We play men’s games twice a week, Wednesday and

Saturday; ladies play once a week on Saturday

• We have volunteers in several areas of our program who do

not play but who are dedicated fans

Week of March 16 – Coaches will conduct draft. All registered players will be selected to a team.

• We have a training program to improve the quality of our

Weeks of March 23 and 30 -Team practices and practice games will be scheduled and the first of two annual membership meetings will take place.

April 4 - Opening Day for the 2015 softball season.

NEW PLAYER INFORMATION

umpiring crew

• We have a Snack Shack with the best food in town, run by

the best set of volunteers anywhere

• We have an Opening Day Ceremony that involves several

Woodbridge resident groups and clubs

• We have a wonderful Annual Dinner that was attended by

more than 160 people in 2014

To become part of the WSSC program, complete and turn in a registration form to the Clubhouse during the month of February. We look forward to meeting new participants and introducing you to your Woodbridge neighbors participating in the program.

2014 SPONSORS The WSSC would like to thank the many sponsors that supported our program last year.

Below is the list of those who were kind enough to provide their support. We look forward to their return and hope to add new sponsors for the 2015 softball season.

Alhambra Water Arvin Home Systems, Inc. Chez Shari’s Center Appliance Delicato Vineyards Del Webb/Pulte Denise’s Farmers’ Market Fagundes Meats and Catering Farmington Fresh The Lori’s, PMZ Real Estate Manteca Lighting

Manteca Optometry Old McGowan’s Feed Orchard Supply Hardware Papa Murphy’s Precision Automotive Raley’s Superstores Sandi Larson, Re/Max Steve’s Mobile Sunscreens Svenhard’s Swedish Bakery Ultimate Furniture and Accessories Valero Cruisers

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Page 23 • January 2015

 PICKLEBALL CORNER

By Marcia Umberger

P

eople often ask me, “What is Pickleball?” For those of you who don’t know, it is a game played on a court similar to a tennis court. It is shorter than and not as wide as a tennis court. The size of the court is one of the things that makes this a good game for seniors. The area you have to cover is much smaller which makes it easier on our joints. A player uses a paddle which looks like an oversized ping pong paddle. The ball looks similar to a Wiffle® ball that children use to play baseball.

The game is easy to learn. There are just a few rules. After just a couple of practice games, you are ready to play.

Woodbridge is fortunate to have several residents who are always willing to teach residents to play this fast-moving game. It is good exercise and a great way to meet new people. If you are interested in a lesson or two, feel free to call Valerie Shoot (209-923-3807) or Robert Phillis (239-1542). They will get you going in no time.

Photo by Sue Edmiston.

Pickleball players (l to r) Bob Umberger, Marcia Umberger, Pat Fidler and Dick Juarez are committed to the game.

Page 24 • January 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

Resolutions — What Are They?

By Mike Spence

T

his time of year when the word “resolution” is mentioned, we often think solely about New Year’s resolutions. These resolutions are personal commitments to change one’s life, often for the better, by eliminating or lessening negative actions, starting or increasing positive actions or making changes to one’s life direction. Resolution’s definition is based upon the context in which it was used.

“Let’s go to Resolution.” This could mean going to the isle in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the largest uninhabited island in New Zealand or a research station in Antarctica.

“I served on a Resolution.” In this case, a class of British Royal Navy submarines.

“We took the kids to see Resolution.” The open pit copper mine near Superior, AZ, one of the largest in the country.

“What’s the resolution of your new TV?” Often a measurement of the “sharpness” of a visual display. The measurement is expressed as dots (pixels) per unit of surface area, often a square inch. The more pixels per square inch, the “sharper” the picture.

“I just watched a rerun of Resolutions.” This is the 1996 second season episode of the TV series Star Trek Voyager.

“The City Council adopted a resolution about business license fees.”

This refers to a written motion by a deliberative body. Once adopted, the motion becomes law and/or policy.

“Did they find a resolution to their differences?” This refers to ending a disagreement among parties with a mutually acceptable

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solution.

“What’s the resolution of that new tester you got?” This refers to the smallest change a sensor can detect in the quality it is measuring.

“The mill was powered by a Resolution.” This refers to an early steam engine manufactured by the Coalbrookdale Company.

“They just played ‘Resolution’ on the radio. Did you hear it?” Which one of the 15 songs and albums composed in the last 50 years are you talking about?

“When he heard the news, you could just see the resolution in his eyes.” This refers to a state or quality of being resolute; firm determination.

“The medical problem that put him in the hospital has been brought to resolution.” In medicine, this refers to the subsidence of symptoms of a disease, especially the disappearance of inflammation.

For those of you who are movie buffs, the 2007 sequel movie “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” starring Nicolas Cage, Diane Kruger, Ed Harris and others has many references to “Resolution.”

The “Resolute Desks” do exist; they are a series of four pieces of furniture fashioned from the timbers of the HMS Resolute, an 1850s British sailing ship abandoned in an ice pack, recovered and returned to England by an America whaling ship. Duplicate desks with drawers were crafted from the recovered timbers (sorry, no secret compartments). These two desks are located in the U.S. White House’s Oval Office and Windsor Castle, not Buckingham Palace as depicted in the movie. The third desk, a full-sized desk without drawers is in the Royal Naval Museum in Portsmouth, England. The fourth and final desk is a smaller “ladies’ desk.” It was given to the widow of Henry Grinnel for his efforts at restoring the three other “Resolute Desks.”

With great resolve, I bring this article to resolution.

Manteca Historical Society and Museum

By Jean Kavale

"

I

must visit that museum sometime,” I often told myself whenever I drove by 600 West Yosemite Avenue, the address of the Manteca Historical Society and Museum. Last month I finally made a visit there and was very impressed with what I saw and learned. I began my tour by viewing a display of artifacts used by Native Americans, predominantly Yokuts, who were the first residents of the San Joaquin Valley. The Yokuts inhabited territory stretching from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to Bakersfield and even into the scenic foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

Settlers, primarily farmers, began coming to the Manteca area in the latter half of the 19th century. Their first crop was wheat, mainly because other crops would have dried up during California’s rainless summers.

This situation changed with the development of new irrigation methods. As a result, a large variety of crops could be grown, such as almonds, walnuts,

pumpkins and grapes. Also, a railway and river transportation system was created in the San Joaquin Valley, which enabled the movement of produce to market, and dairy operations became more visible. All these changes added to the prosperity of the area and drew many residents to Manteca, along with various kinds of businesses. By 1918 the town was incorporated.

The Manteca Historical Society, chartered in 1990 as a nonprofit organization, operates and maintains the museum.

Thousands of people have been fascinated by its contents. One of the most interesting exhibits I saw was an early 20th century parlor furnished with elegantly upholstered chairs, a matching loveseat, a big marble-top table and ornate period lamps. Oldfashioned dentist and barbershop chairs are located a bit farther away, along with a display of ladies’ hats from every year since the museum opened. An See

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Woodbridge LIFE

interesting kitchen exhibit contains 1920s appliances, and a stage display emphasizes the elegant clothes of days gone by.

The military-related items on display, such as a U.S. Army uniform that belonged to an interpreter at the World War II Nuremberg trials, would especially impress Woodbridge veterans who have not yet visited the museum. There is also a World War I uniform donated by its former owner’s son and a display of Vietnam War memorabilia. A large American flag hangs proudly above the uniform exhibit.

Local people have given many artifacts to the museum over the years, as well as thousands of photographs. Important documents are filed there, too, where visitors can look up area history or family history. The gift shop sells costume jewelry, postcards and other

Photo by Jean Kavale.

A 1927 La Salle fire engine is housed in an adjacent building.

Page 25 • January 2015

assorted items, and an adjacent building houses such things as agricultural machines, dairy equipment and a 1927 fire engine.

Visitors to the museum consist of school children, families, tourists, residents and others. There is no entrance fee. Because it does not receive government funding, local businesses and citizens who pay annual membership dues financially support the Historical Society.

Memorial donations and fundraising events also provide needed money.

The Society has only one part-time employee; therefore, volunteers handle the other duties. These include more than 30 trained docents who perform such tasks as welcoming visitors, answering questions and directing people to various exhibits. Some volunteers work only two or three hours a month, while several others work two or three days a week. It just depends on how much time each person wants to work.

Photo by Jean Kavale.

Visitors are welcomed to the Manteca Historical Museum on Yosemite Avenue.

Page 26 • January 2015

Joni Morris Christmas Show

Woodbridge LIFE

By Bill Barnhart. Photos by Patti Barnhart.

J

oni Morris was at Woodbridge for the third time the evening of November 29. As always, she put on a spectacular show, this time centered on a Christmas theme. Backed up by her talented band, “After Midnight,” Joni performed on a Grand Ole Opry style Christmas show to a packed house of show goers.

Wearing beautiful and brilliant costumes, Joni spent a lot of time off the stage, connecting with the audience, as evidenced in the pictures accompanying this article. When she came out in the blue dress and started digging into its bodice, her comedienne side started to show through. As Joni pulled a man’s silk dress tie, a pair of red men’s boxer shorts with hearts on them, a rubber chicken and some other unmentionables out of the bodice, the crowd cracked up.

Joni Morris presented her Christmas show to a packed audience.

Joni, in her red dress, mingles with the crowd.

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Joni is best known for her tribute songs to Patsy Cline and she did an outstanding job performing them. She also laced in a few songs from other popular and famous female singers such as Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. I think the highlight of the show was when Joni came out into the audience and picked one man to dance with her. I was thinking she and I might make a good-looking couple and I was about to give her my ‘come hither’ look when she picked another guy. I have to admit that Dale Emehiser represented the men of Woodbridge well but I was still jealous seeing him doing the up-close type of dancing I could have gotten away with even though my wife was sitting there. Sadly, those opportunities don’t come around too often.

Joni is truly one of the crowd pleasers who come to Woodbridge and we thank Dodie Miller, Activities Director, for getting her here for the third time.

Joni Morris opens her performance on stage.

Dale Emehiser gets up close with Joni.

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Woodbridge LIFE

A "Classic Car" Act

Page 27 • January 2015

By Bill Barnhart, Head Lugnut

O

n a cold and wet morning in early November, just as the sun was peeking out from the clouds, several Lugnuts from the Wheels of Woodbridge car club gathered at Second Harvest Food Bank with our “classic cars” for a photo opportunity to help raise awareness for the turkey drive held throughout the holiday season. Since the third year of its being a Woodbridge club, the car club has linked itself with Second Harvest to give the club a

purpose and to help Manteca and the surrounding communities by giving of our time to raise funds for this worthy cause. To date, Wheels has raised in the neighborhood of $37,000 for Second Harvest, the majority of which was pulled in from sponsors outside the Woodbridge community. While we were doing this, we were also able to provide free entertainment to the residents of Woodbridge via the Woodbridge 100 golf cart races, the seven annual car shows to date and the golf cart/bicycle poker runs.

Photo courtesy of Bill Barnhart.

Flyer developed and distributed by the Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee.

Flyer developed and distributed by the Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee.

Wheels of Woodbridge members gathered at Second Harvest Food Bank for a photo opportunity to help raise awareness for the turkey drive.

Page 28 • January 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

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Holiday Homes Tour

I

n addition to touring six homes decked out for the holidays, the day's schedule included:

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Champagne Room Attendees enjoyed a festive glass of sparkling wine or cider and had an opportunity to peruse the raffle prizes.

11 a.m. - Holiday Pantry opened The elves had iced the cakes, braided the breads, baked the cookies, sugared the gum drops, latticed the pies and wrapped them all up with bows of red and green.

12 to 2 p.m. - Holiday Luncheon Executive Chef Bryan of Manteca Unified Schools prepared a scrumptious luncheon of clam chowder or roasted red pepper soup in a bread bowl with tossed salad and pumpkin cream cheese pie.

3 p.m. - Raffle Prize Drawing

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

Santa and a Christmas tree welcomed residents and guests into the Lakeview Clubhouse.

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

Lunches are being readied to serve to tour participants.

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

"Peace on Earth," "Joy to the World" and "A Little Ho Ho Ho" say Sandi Young and Garry Dudley of Millpond Way.

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

"A Return to Santa's Wonderland" is the theme of Sandra and Alan Nevares' Manor Station Way home.

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Woodbridge LIFE

Page 29 • January 2015

Please frequent the following businesses and thank them for being one of OUR HOLIDAY HOMES TOUR SPONSORS: ASERA CARE HOSPICE DOCTORS HOSPITAL OF MANTECA CENTRAL VALLEY EYE MEDICAL GROUP THE LORI’S AND COMPANY, PMZ REAL ESTATE WESSON HEARING AID CENTER WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

Joyce and Robert Graham of Shady Oak Place share "Cherished Christmas Memories."

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

Linda Checchi of Cherry Grove Avenue spotlights the "Changing Colors of Christmas."

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

Florence and Bill McConnell of Appleleaf Lane theme their bedroom "Vintage Holiday Fun."

WBL photo by Volker Moerbitz.

Lynda and Jim Branco of Steeple Run Lane showcase "A Christmas in Paris" dining room theme.

Page 30 • January 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

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Grand Opening of Crothall Laundry Article and photos by Mike Hamiel.

I

n late October I attended the grand opening of Del Webb neighbor, Crothall Laundry Services on North Airport at Daisywood Drive.

This is the first of many projects envisioned for the property between Airport Way and the Union Pacific railroad tracks to the west. The California Public Employees Retirement System owns the rights to CenterPoint, the 250-acre intermodal distribution center.

Crothall does laundry and linen processing for health care

facilities up and down the Central Valley. I asked my host, General Manager Morris Lacey about water usage. "…we employ innovative water recycling systems that cut water usage in half," he replied.

Continuous batch Tunnel Washers are also utilized for reduced water consumption. The 60,000 square foot building currently employs 106 people and is running at about 40 percent of capacity. Unfortunately for its closest neighbors (us), the smell of fresh laundry will not be noticed due to the scrubbers on top of the buildings vents.

Crothall Laundry is spic and span.

Crothall Laundry conveyor belts.

2014 Manteca Christmas Parade

By Bill Barnhart

W

hen you get a call a few days before the upcoming annual parade asking if you can find a person with a convertible who would be willing to transport ten-year-old Nora Mount, Miss Young Winter Fest, in the Christmas parade, what’s a guy to do? Since I wasn’t going to pass up an opportunity to show off the snow-white T-Bird sitting in my garage, it was a definite YES. Nora was one of many representatives from Manteca Youth Focus who was going to be in the parade, and her dad, Don Mount, took the initiative to find a “Cinderella carriage” in which his daughter could ride while others traversed the route sitting in lawn chairs on a trailer. Like Cinderella, Nora wore silver slippers but didn’t have a chance to lose one at midnight, so she will have to wait for another time to meet her prince charming.

I think the entire population of Manteca (all 70,000+ strong) must have shown up for the Christmas parade, the evening of December 6. The street was packed on both sides, often five to six people deep in some areas. It was total fun getting to wave at and make eye contact with many of the little kids

Photo by Jerry Cox.

Bill Barnhart transports Nora Mount, Miss Young Winter Fest, in the 2014 Manteca Christmas parade.

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PARADE page 30

Photo by Bill Barnhart.

Nora Mount, Miss Young Winter Fest, sits on Bill Barnhart's snow white Cinderella carriage.

Flyer developed and distributed by the Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee.

sitting on the curb watching the show go by. You could just see the grins grow on their faces when they realized you were waving at each of them individually. They would then turn to Mommy to say, “Did you see that?” And, it wasn’t just little kids in the front row. Many Woodbridge residents had gotten there early with their lawn chairs and had the biggest smiles of all as we passed by. The Manteca Christmas Parade is just one more of the many reasons why we are glad to have moved to Woodbridge and become part of the greater Manteca community.

Page 31 • January 2015

Flyer developed and distributed by the Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee.

Flyer developed and distributed by the Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee.

Page 32 • January 2015

Woodbridge LIFE

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Flyer developed and distributed by the Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee.

Flyer developed and distributed by the Woodbridge Lifestyle Committee.

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Woodbridge LIFE

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Woodbridge LIFE

 WINE 101

By Jon Ford

I

t is very hard to believe we are wrapping up our third year of Wine 101. We started out on a chilly February evening when we met at Ron and Sharon Kreitzer's house in the Del Webb community to savor some ports with chocolate. We have since evolved into a monthly class hosting as many as 101 people. As the community continues to grow, we are beginning to see some new faces in the crowd. Sign-ups for each class begin the day following the last event. Sign-ups are always at the registration desk at the Clubhouse.

In November our class looked at wines from the Rhone Valley in France as well as the varietals from that valley. We learned that the two prominent grapes are Syrah in the Northern Rhone and Grenache in the Southern Rhone. As usual, we had a great time socializing with old friends and meeting new ones. The appetizers were wonderful (as usual) and we got to sample a wide variety of French and domestic wines during the course of the evening.

Our December class was our annual potluck and gift bottle exchange.

Participants brought a bottle of wine to share, a potluck dish to share (with serving utensil), their own wine glasses, and a wrapped unmarked bottle of wine that was entered into our gift exchange.

Our January class is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room of the Clubhouse. Sign-ups for the class began Thursday, December 4. As usual, 101 participants will be accepted for this class. The theme for the January 2015 class is "Fighting Varietals."

Participants are asked to bring their own wine glasses, an appetizer to share, and a bottle of wine under $10 to share. The wine can be red, white or blush. (Please uncork and re-cork your wine for convenience in the class.)

Wine 101 will be inviting more wine makers to visit our class as well as booking more tours, the next of which will be to the Lodi appellation. We will also continue to educate our students with new information about all the wonderful wines out on the market. Our goals are to have every participant have a good time and want to return and also for participants to leave our classes with more knowledge about wine than they had when they first walked in.

Everyone at Woodbridge is invited to attend and one does not have to know anything about wine to have a good time. The more often you come, the more wellversed you will be about wine. Our class participants possess a range of wine knowledge from nothing to "probably knowing too much!" The class also has a wine hot line so participants can receive information quickly about upcoming events. If you wish to become part of that hot line, simply write me (Jon Ford) at jluvswine@ aol.com, provide your email address and I'll include you on the list. Information is posted in Woodbridge LIFE, on the portal, via flyers available in the Clubhouse and on the Wine 101 hot line.

If you have any questions, please email me at the above email address or call me at 209-815-9803.

I hope to see you at future classes. Until then, keep exploring the wonderful world of wine!

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Woodbridge LIFE

Page 35 • January 2015

DID YOU KNOW...

Compiled by Mike Spence

• At the beginning of each year, ancient

Babylonians made promises to their gods to return borrowed items and pay their debts.

• The most common New Year’s resolutions

involve reducing or eliminating some negative personal conduct (quit smoking, reduce alcohol consumption and the like).

• Many private gyms make a full 25 percent of

their annual profit from new memberships in January.

• In Medieval times, knights took the

“peacock vow” at the end of each Christmas season to reaffirm the commitment to chivalry.

• The success or completion rate for New

Year’s resolutions falls below 10 percent by mid-February.

• Women who make a measurable goal-

related resolution are 10 percent more

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. ~Oprah Winfrey

successful when they make their goals public and solicit support from family and friends.

• Author Frank Ra wrote a book about

New Year’s resolutions titled A Course in Happiness.

• The Romans began each year making

promises to their god “Janus,” the namesake of January.

• It is estimated that in the 21st century,

nearly 40 percent of all Americans make New Year’s resolutions.

• Chiropractors see more new patients in

January than any other month.

• Watch-Night Services, a Christian tradition

practiced by some groups, involves New Year’s Eve reflection on the previous year and, after prayer, resolving to improve for the next year.

Make New Year's goals. Dig within, and discover what you would like to have happen in your life this year.

This helps you do your part. It is an affirmation that you're interested in fully living life in the year to come. ~Melody Beattie

Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. ~Hal Borland

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Woodbridge LIFE

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Old Dogs ... New Tricks or What the Heck is a Hashtag?

By Judy McNamara

I

t’s another year, a new beginning and another attempt to enter the techie millennium. After misplacing two of my four cordless landlines, my thoughts go back to a simpler time when there was only one, maybe two, black rotary desk phones. So what if we had a party line? You just had to wait your turn to use the phone.

Cell phones have taken over our lives. And now, smart phones? That spells danger in my hands. I've asked my friend's 12-year-old son to come over and show me how to use mine, but he's already having surgery for thumb replacements.

How did we ever survive before this new technology took over? We survived -- and very well at that. We actually had to have face-to-face conversations. Tweets and twitters were sounds the birds made up in the trees. My space was the fort my brother and I made growing up in the backyard and was a place where we could actually chat with our friends, face-to-face. One needed to have a password to get in our fort but Facebook? What was that?

OOBE was getting outside to play hide-and-go-seek or kick the can. Gigabytes were tiny little nibbles from mom's cookies to make them last longer. After all, we couldn't spoil our appetites since we ALL sat around the table at the same time and ate everything put on our plates.

A leak was dripping water under the kitchen sink that had to wait until dad got home to try to fix it. The black and white television with rabbit ears had three channels and you actually had to get out of your chair to turn it on or change the channel. Milton Berle was the show of the week presented by Texaco, and Sid Cesar and Imogene Coca made us laugh throughout the week.

The old days sound pretty good. This old dog has a hard time learning new tricks.

For those of you needing further explanation of the new techie terminology, here is a list that might help you: OOBE - Out of the Box Experience Password - A series of letters and numbers written on sticky notes and stuck on the monitor (for those of you who don't know, it's the computer screen).

Mouse - An input device designed to make computer errors easier to generate.

Ego surfing - Typing your own name into Google to see who's talking about you.

Selfie - A picture of one who's full of himself.

FAQ - Frequently avoided questions.

Phonesia – The affliction of dialing a phone number and forgetting who you were calling just as they answer.

Clickesia - A disorder causing compulsive double clicking.

Hashtag - The hashtag remains that mysteriously simple sign that is used to totally confuse folks because we used to call it the number sign or the pound sign. I'm not even putting it in bold print in this definition since it might be something that will come back to haunt me. It looks very innocent, but I have my doubts. Wouldn't a simple footnote suffice? But, hey. What does this old dog know?

Uh-oh. Gotta go! The other party's off the phone now!

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Where in the world ?

Wow! Woodbridge LIFE has been circling the globe with our wandering residents! We will do our best to include ALL travel photographs, but space and clarity will dictate. Preference will go to those not featured in previous editions and, yes, to those in exotic locales and interesting photo ops! Send images electronically to wblife2012@gmail.com using high resolution or actual size. Thank you for your contributions. We're happy that you continue to enjoy Woodbridge LIFE. If your picture isn't here, look for it in the coming months and keep sending them in! Sorry, we can no longer accept print photos.

Judy Cooper visited Berlin (Did you know Berlin was originally called Bearlin?)

(l to r) Heinz Buseman, Lee and Sue Evanson and Mac Marilyn and Dan Armstrong (left) traveled with Debi and Jon Ford to Kona, Hawaii.

McMilin vacationed on the Man-o-War Cay, a small island in the Abaco region of the Bahamas.

Nelson and Janet Conner visited grandkids, Caleigh and Griffin in Bozeman, Montana. It was snowy, minus 17 degrees weather and all were smiling.

Volker Moerbitz shows thankfulness at Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany.

Send travel photos to WBLIFE2012@gmail.com

Please use highest resolution and type WB TRAVEL in the subject line. All travel photos MUST be submitted electronically.