Woodbridge LIFE April 2014

W oodbridge

LIFE

Your Life. Your Community. Your News.

Volume 4 ▪ Issue 4 ▪ Number 31

April ▪ 2014

April The Woodbridge softball season opens Saturday, April 5, with a well-planned array of events at Del Webb Field. This edition of Woodbridge LIFE features an article by Paul Webb about three amazing octogenarian players.

There is also a game schedule to cut out and post, along with the words to North America's favorite baseball song.

Join us at the field for Opening Day events! There will be something for everyone from classic cars, to live music, to popular ballpark food (some FREE!). Of course, stay and watch the games. Four games will be played, back to back, at the conclusion of the opening festivities.

Inside

Bedford and Hancock . . . 6 Bridge Scores . . . . . . . . 8 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Committees . . . . . . . . . 17 Day Trippin' . . . . . . . . 30 Events and Tours . . . . . . . 17 Garden Tasks . . . . . . . . 32 Groups and Clubs . . . . . . 34 Where in the World . . . . . 38 WOA Update . . . . . . . . . . 4

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

Contact us:

WBLIFE2012@gmail.com

y a Pl

By Paul Webb

What is the maximum age that allows a Woodbridge resident to play softball?

ANSWER: We may never know.

As of this moment we have three male players who have successfully crossed the 80-year mark. We trust that this will be an inspiration to others who secretly have a desire to play again, but think they might be too old. Not only do our octogenarians play, but they do it well.

The elder of this elite group is GEORGE MOFFATT (bottom right) who was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, on January 8, 1931. Toward the end of last season “Gorgeous” George was having trouble with his legs, but still hitting well. Surgery

! l l ba

has repaired that problem and strengthened his heart. He is eagerly awaiting the new softball season.

He is glad to have finally outgrown his former nickname, “Georgie Porgie," thanks to the fans at Woodbridge.

Next in seniority is HORACE ELLIS (top left). He was born in Jamaica on December 24, 1931.

He laments that since his birthday is so close to Christmas, he has missed out on a lot of birthday gifts. One of the gifts that he still has is his deceptive speed running the bases. HORACE “THE FOX” had to drop out of softball for part

Photos by Butch Larson.

of a year because he was losing his sight. With the help of God and some doctors, he is seeing well now and is eagerly awaiting the opening day of softball, 2014 edition.

Close on his tail is HAL “THE KID” BROWN (top right). He was born in Oakland, California, on September 21, 1932. Hal first See

PLAY BALL page 16

Page 2 • April 2014

Editor's Viewpoint:

I

By Deb Ristau

n the December issue of Woodbridge LIFE, I shared a story of opportunity and fate. I ended the article with, “Fate has a way of putting me in the right place, at the right time, every time. Friends, when opportunity knocks, I hope you answer the door.”

Woodbridge LIFE

from Wisconsin and Michigan in the north to Louisiana and Georgia in the south. We looked at downtown condominiums, lake cabins and even beach houses on Lake Michigan. We found many that were nice, but nothing perfectly aligned with our wants, needs and budget until last month.

While researching All too often, we dream but retirement Deb Ristau don’t take action. We live communities for a Woodbridge LIFE Editor on Someday Isle. You know WBL article, I learned the place. “Someday, I’ll do about a Del Webb near Nashville, this, or someday, I’ll do that.” I TN. Dave and I have been to hope fate and opportunity have Nashville many times throughout crossed your path more than once our 23 years together and it and you have taken action to turn is one of our favorite vacation a dream or two into reality. For destinations and not far from some, moving to Woodbridge was a family. dream that came true. It certainly was the right decision for us six I used a few timeshare points years ago. Recently, fate and and booked a stay to learn more opportunity came together again about the Lake Providence by Del for the Ristaus.

Webb (LPDW) community there.

I arranged a visit with the sales As many of you know, my husband team and invited Woodbridge Dave still works long hours during resident and friend Barbara Silva tax season. As the founding to go along on the trip. Meanwhile, partner of Ristau and Company, preparing for both the trip and the CPAs, he loves his work, his article, I began online research. wonderful business partners, staff The more I learned, the more Dave and clients. He has no desire to and I talked about Nashville as retire, ever. His partners do not a possible place for our Midwest want him to retire and neither do home. Roundtrip airfare from San his clients. However, the commute Jose was only $280. The Nashville from Woodbridge to his office in International Airport is only 10 Modesto has become more difficult. minutes from LPDW. Timing.

An auto accident last October led Fate. Opportunity. Looking for us to purchase a small home near red flags. his office, so he could walk to work during the months when he works I expected them. Red flags. There 14 hours a day, seven days a week. were none. We had dinner one At 74, those long hours take a night with one of the LPDW toll. We do not want him to be a Resident Directors and his wife. statistic on Highway 99. We had Barbara, who ran for the WOA no idea what would happen next.

Board here, asked the difficult questions regarding finances, We first moved to Woodbridge reserves and those pesky concerns with a plan to purchase a second about daily operations. I was home closer to Dave’s children more concerned with activities, and family in the Midwest. When entertainment and happy hour. I the economy tanked in 2008, our am glad she was there to ensure plans were put on hold, but we my research was thorough. Then continued to search for the ‘right’ I found the perfect lot with the property at the ‘right’ price in perfect exposure, location and floor the ‘right’ location. We searched plan at a price we could afford, if…

We had to make a choice. Keep the little house near Dave’s office so he can continue to do the work he loves and pay the bills or keep our beautiful and beloved home at Woodbridge near my parents, our many new friends and my volunteer job as editor of Woodbridge LIFE. One of them would now have to go if we wanted our Midwest home.

It is with a very sad and heavy, yet an extremely excited and happy heart, that I tell you this will be my last editorial. Our Executive Director Kayo Armstrong is working with several competent graphic designers and editors to replace me and I thank Carol Jo Hargreaves for creating this April edition. I especially want to thank everyone on the Woodbridge LIFE team and all of our wonderful friends here. I wish I had room to name everyone. Our hearts will always cherish these years and who knows, when fate and opportunity come together again, perhaps we’ll be back.

April Fools' Day: Origin and History The uncertain origins of a foolish day by David Johnson and Shmuel Ross (www.infoplease.com)

April Fools' Day, sometimes called All Fools' Day, is one of the most light-hearted days of the year. Its origins are uncertain. Some see it as a celebration related to the turn of the seasons, while others believe it stems from the adoption of a new calendar.

April Fools' Day is observed throughout the Western world. Practices include sending someone on a "fool's errand," looking for things that don't exist, playing pranks, and trying to get people to believe ridiculous things.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

APRIL TRAVEL IDEAS Author Unknown

I have been in many places, but I’ve never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can’t go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone.

I’ve also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.

I have, however, been in Sane.

They don’t have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my children, friends, family and work.

I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I’m not too much on physical activity anymore.

I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often.

I’ve been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.

Sometimes I’m in Capable, and I go there more often as I’m getting older.

One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get!

I may have been in Continent, and I don’t remember what country I was in. It’s an age thing. They tell me it is very wet and damp there.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Through the Lens Photos by Volker Moerbitz

"MOONLIGHTING"

a t

From Dodie's Desk:

By Dodie Miller, Activities Director

W

e started off our month of March with a first and successful Mardi Gras party.

Some outstanding masks gave the room that feel of Mardi Gras, but our decorated golf cart parade only produced one decorated cart (we think because of the weather) and a huge stack of “toss beads” went to Roger and Judy Goodnow for their decorated golf cart. They got it all! The delicious dinner afterward started with baby greens salad w/grilled green beans, Creole-grilled chicken breast w/dirty wild rice, red beans and grilled red and yellow peppers. Dinner finished with a banana custard-filled cream puff drizzled in salted caramel and chocolate. Yum! The tables were decorated with colorful toss beads and coins and by evening’s end, the beads were flying high all around and coins were flipping through the air.

Can’t wait for next year!

T

hese images of our Woodbridge by Del Webb community were taken by resident Volker Moerbitz. We are on the lookout for images that capture the beauty and essence of Woodbridge. You choose the subject.

Submissions for Through the Lens may be sent to WBLIFE2012@gmail. com. Only digital photographs in high resolution of 300 dpi or better will be accepted. There is no guarantee photos submitted will be published.

We look forward to seeing your work and hope you enjoy looking through the lens.

Our second Newcomers’ Social had 80 new residents in attendance and our Lifestyle Committee, along with some of the members of the Welcoming Committee, Resident Director Roger Cunning, Executive Director Kayo Armstrong and Neighborhood Watch Commander Bob Hall. We greeted and answered questions as we went table to table where we found some making new friends and other residents at a table all living on the same street. Bob Hall informed all of what Neighborhood Watch does and gave information on how to protect our surroundings. Thanks to the committees, the resident director, executive director and watch commander for making the event successful.

The Swingin’ Blue Stars of the USS Hornet gave us another memorable show. These ladies

Page 3 • April 2014 have such beautiful harmony.

You’ll read more about this show in an article

by Bill Barnhart on page 12.

Dodie Miller, WOA Activities Director at Woodbridge Mardi Gras

St. Patrick’s Day dinner by our Men of Woodbridge group fed 176 Woodbridge residents. These guys are doing an outstanding job with putting on their feeds. The food is pretty darn good as I have indulged in many of them. Keep up the good work, gentlemen!

The Lori's had speaker Susan Schultz from the District Attorney’s office speak on elder abuse and scams among the elderly. She’s always an interesting speaker with current information about what we all need to watch out for. She gave excellent information for our Woodbridge residents.

Doctors Hospital had their quarterly wine and cheese social and brought everyone up to date on what services are available and ongoing efforts to improve those services. Many prizes were given throughout the evening. This is a great social for Woodbridge.

We would like to see more of you out to the potluck nights. They are always held the last Tuesday of the month. Fabulous tasting food is brought to the table and it’s a great chance to meet more Woodbridge residents.

The Women of Woodbridge’s Speaker Series was the last get together for the month with two of our residents, Terry and Juanita Hall, taking everyone on a visual trek through Camino Santiago, Spain. It was a 500-mile journey for them that they shared with us.

What a journey!

SPRING IS NATURE’S WAY OF SAYING, “LET’S PARTY.”

Page 4 • April 2014

Kayo Armstrong Executive Director

past 30 issues or so, Woodbridge LIFE has grown, evolved and improved with each publication. Editorial Team members have come and gone, but we’ve maintained our commitment to the mission statement on which the paper was founded.

Mission Statement: “Woodbridge LIFE is a celebration of the diversified residents of Woodbridge by Del Webb

By Kayo Armstrong in Manteca – a look at As you know, Woodbridge their accomplishments, an exploration of their LIFE is a fantastic publication delivered to our hopes and dreams, residents monthly at no cost a place to share joy, announce activities and and with no burden on the bring neighbors together.

WOA’s operating budget.

Woodbridge LIFE How do we do this? strives to enhance the The answer is simple, lives of all residents and but creating the paper exceed expectations with each month is anything informative articles, lively but simple. It is a very features, a calendar of complicated process driven events and more.” by a small group of talented Throughout the course and dedicated volunteers of our community, who spend a great deal emotionally-charged of time and energy each issues will be raised month. This group is and debated, passion for called the Woodbridge various views will come LIFE Editorial Team and and go, rumors will swell includes writers, editors, and diminish, and politics photographers and laywill sometimes take the out wizards. I handle forefront of neighborhood the advertising sales and conversations. The portal, coordination to ensure along with a variety of a quality paper can be meetings, is available for sustained at no cost either residents to express their to individual residents or views and often debate the Association budget. issues small and large.

Woodbridge LIFE began However, representing the in October of 2011, born of a controversial or political vision from long-time Editor issues throughout the Deb Ristau and me. When community, no matter I proposed the idea to the how un-biased we may try Board, we were planning to be, is contrary to the a paper of 16 pages with a mission of Woodbridge “stretch goal” of 24 pages.

LIFE. It wasn’t long before the As in the past, paper gained momentum Woodbridge LIFE will and we were quickly up to remain committed to our 40 pages!

Mission Statement going During the course of the forward: a celebration of

Woodbridge LIFE Mission Statement

Woodbridge LIFE

WOA Update

By Kayo Armstrong

ADA Repairs

To ensure our ongoing compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Pulte Homes hired an ADA consultant to perform a complete audit of our facilities. The good news was that we were already compliant with many of the ADA standards established when the Lakeview Clubhouse and other amenities were built.

However, there were a few areas where we needed improvement to be fully compliant. Following is a brief summary of the improvements Pulte Homes coordinated and funded to ensure our compliance:

· Contrast striping in a number of areas · Repositioning of restroom door hardware and paper dispensers · Proper pressure for doors · Placement of shower heads in handicap stalls and outdoor pool shower

Woodbridge LIFE and a place to bring neighbors together in the common appreciation for the BEST community around!

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at 8247581 or kayo.woodbridge@ gmail.com. Thank you for supporting the amazing efforts of the Woodbridge LIFE Editorial Team!

· Removal of non-ADA compliant drinking fountain in upper fitness center · Installing smooth service on tennis court gates · Improvements to several exterior hand rails Probably the most noticeable of the ADAcompliance work was improvements to the parking lot. This project was performed in early March and entailed adjustments to slopes, aisles and other features of the handicap parking spaces.

As mentioned, this work was funded by Pulte, and is now complete.

Clubhouse Parking Lot Seal Coating

The Lakeview Clubhouse will undergo a seal-coat and re-striping of the entire parking lot beginning March 31. This is a project that was dictated for 2013 in the WOA’s Reserve Study but was put on hold until the ADA improvements in the parking lot were completed. This project, weather cooperating, will take place Monday, March 31, through Friday, April 4. Half of the parking lot will be addressed on March 31 and April 1, immediately followed by the second half.

By only performing the work of half the parking lot at a time, we hope to minimize the inconvenience to our residents. Please visit the portal for updated information on parking and building access closer to March 31. The work is scheduled to be completed prior to Softball Opening

www.ourwoodbridge.net Day on April 5. Many thanks to resident Terry Hickey for his research and coordination on this project.

March Listening Post Notes

Thank you to those residents who participated in the March Listening Post. The notes from this meeting are now posted on the portal. Please mark your calendar to attend a future Listening Post, held the third Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m.

The Listening Post is your opportunity to ask questions about, dispel rumors or provide suggestions on any topic regarding the WOA.

April Dates to Remember Thursday, April 10 Property & Grounds, 3 p.m.

Monday, April 14 – Policy & Procedures, 2 p.m.

Wednesday, April 16 – Listening Post, 3 p.m.

Thursday, April 17– Finance Committee, 2 p.m.

Wednesday, April 23 – Board of Directors, 3 p.m.

Thursday, April 24 – New Resident Orientation, 9 a.m.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 5 • April 2014

Resident Directors' Report

By Garry Dudley, Resident Director

C

hange is upon us as we are beginning to transition from winter to spring. The flora and fauna are emerging from hibernation and we are changing our wardrobes in anticipation of warmer and warmer weather.

In nature, change is inevitable

And today we are a significant entity both within our thriving neighborhood as well as in our surrounding Manteca community.

And our growth will continue at an even faster rate since we are now facing a more vibrant economy than we had in our first half of build-out. This being said, we, as your representatives on the Board,

WBL photo by Robert Philis.

Woodbridge Owners Association Resident Directors Garry Dudley and Roger Cunning are working together to develop the best solutions for our entire community.

and ongoing, but we as humans tend to have a tougher time with it, particularly if we cannot see what is in it for us personally.

Additionally, the personal filters we all have that we have acquired and nurtured throughout our lives makes it difficult to understand and assimilate to changes we do not fully understand. In the change process then, education would seem to be the first requirement necessary for success.

Our community has made leaps and bounds in growth, both in physical assets and institutional complexity, in the short seven to eight years it has been in existence. In its infancy, Woodbridge was comprised of few residents and a mobile trailer for the Clubhouse -- things were quite simple and easy to manage.

As we grew, both simplicity and ease became more of a daily effort.

are proactively looking to ensure that Woodbridge stays vital and effective as we double the size of our community in the next four to five years.

As we move forward in this endeavor, it is vitally important to have the input of our residents as we are all in this together. And, as noted above, our growth will be ongoing for some time and many, many more changes will have to take place to remain vibrant and successful. An excellent example of this was our Town Hall meetings that took place last month as we began to examine the current Rules and Regulation change proposal regarding the reporting structure of our committees. Initial expectations entering the meeting versus those thoughts at the end of the meeting, I believe, showed an increased knowledge of the subject and hopefully more understanding.

The process experienced during the exchange of ideas at those meetings was the beginning of the foundation needed to create a solid working relationship within this community. I am excited and optimistic about the results of the meetings, not necessarily the increased knowledge of the proposed change, but on the larger scale, the establishment of an open forum with a respectful, courteous exchange of viewpoints to move the proposal forward. We look forward to this process taking place many times in our future.

As Board members, Roger and I are committed to earning your trust and confidence. We come from long careers where transparency was a given and we believe it is an easy requirement to meet. An example of this was when we ensured that this current proposal regarding the committee reporting structure change was put forth for comment for at least 30 days, and more likely, up to 90 days. The nature of this current proposal, by law, does not require this comment period but we felt most all changes should be put forth in this manner, and we will continue that in the future.

So as change is an everyday occurrence in our lives, we simply ask that we judge that change after we have all the inputs and thoughts that went into the proposal prior to making a judgment. We can only experience success together.

If we are not together in our moving forward, then we are not a community, and that is generally what drew most of us to this place.

Together ... A Community!

"DOC" DIXON'S COMEDY & MAGIC SHOW

By Carol Jo Hargreaves

If you are looking for hilarious entertainment and magic, "Doc" Dixon's Comedy and Magic Show will provide an evening packed with clean, hilarious comedy and baffling magic. It is scheduled for Saturday, April 12.

Dixon is a magician, comedian, speaker, author of several books on sleight of hand and comedy for the magic world, and an entrepreneur. $15 pp tickets went on sale at the front desk March 3.

Multipurpose Room doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30. More details provided on the flyer in the Clubhouse.

Woodbridge LIFE www.ourwoodbridge.net

Page 6 • April 2014

 FITNESS

EVERY 17 SECONDS

 NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

WARNING

By Paul E. Serpa, Senior Fitness Specialist

B

alance your budget? Balance your checkbook? What about balancing YOU? A recent study showed that, in the United States, someone over the age of 65 is admitted to the Emergency Room for a fall-related injury every 17 seconds. Every 30 minutes, one will die from injuries caused by a fall.

As we age, our balance becomes more important.

Here are a few tips for judging and improving your balance. v How

quickly and comfortably can you rise from a chair? If you need to use the arm rests for support, your balance is compromised.

v Are you steady when

standing with your feet close together?

v How quickly do you begin

to fall if somewhat gently nudged?

v How steady are you when

turning 360 degrees with your eyes open or with them closed?

You can improve your balance by doing exercises a few minutes at a time, several times per day. These exercises can even be done in your kitchen while you are making all of that comfort food from last month. v High knee lift – standing

next to your kitchen counter with your hand placed lightly on the edge for support, lift opposite knee (right hand, left knee) until thigh is

parallel with the floor.

Hold for a count of three.

Repeat 10 times. Switch hand / leg and repeat. v Side leg raise – place a

hand lightly on edge of counter for support. Lift opposite leg out to the side. Hold for count of three. Repeat 10 times. Switch legs.

Butt lift – Face the counter and place both hands lightly on edge of counter – your upper body should be slightly tilted forward. Pick a leg, any leg. With your knee stiff, lift one leg straight behind you as high as you can. Repeat 10 times and switch legs. v

v Practice standing up from

your kitchen chair, using arm support as little as possible. Try this with a narrow stance and with a wide stance, 10 times each.

Doing these simple but effective exercises will help prevent you from becoming a “17 second” statistic.

FREE HEARING HEALTH SEMINAR, April 15 at 3 p.m.

Wesson Hearing Aid Center of Manteca specially invites you to come join in the fun! This will be a great time to learn about the newest hearing technology and for hands-on experience with the hearing aids. There will be raffle prizes, light appetizers and wine.

For planning purposes, please sign up at the front desk.

Tax Scams

By Bob Hall

T

he Internal Revenue Service is warning people of tax scams.

Every year identity theft and phone scams top the agency’s list of worst schemes taxpayers could encounter.

The IRS announced people could see these scams at any point in the year, but many of the schemes peak during tax season.

Scams can be sophisticated and take many different forms.

Citizens are urged to protect themselves and use caution when viewing emails, receiving phone calls or getting advice on tax issues.

Below are the top three scams taxpayers should be on the lookout for this year.

Identity Theft The IRS says tax fraud through identity theft tops this year’s list.

Fraudsters like to get a taxpayer’s Social Security number and other bits of information to fraudulently file a tax return and claim the refund.

The IRS suggests taxpayers be alert to possible identity theft if they receive an IRS notice that states: See

SCAMS page 11

www.ourwoodbridge.net

 ATTITUDE

Woodbridge LIFE

Aging

By Phil Bookman

Do not go gentle into that good night,

become, but your view becomes much more extensive.”

Old age should burn and rave at close of day;

Our society is full of news of aging. Departments of aging are full of specialists on the problems of aging. So are some hospitals and nursing homes.

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

--Dylan Thomas

W

ith my trusty cane, and carrying a supermarket bag for books, I shuffled to the information desk of the Manteca Public Library.

“Ah, old age is not for sissies,” I said, using an old line. The assistant looked at me and then attacked her computer looking for titles using “old age” and “sissies” in her search.

“Wait, wait,” I said. “That was just a little joke.” Or was it?

“Well, it sounds like a book title,” she said.

Indeed, it does. How often we reflect on time and old age, time being the great healer and great destroyer. Passions burn and are requited by time.

Ticking of the clock never stops, ticking until we hear it no more.

What do the gray hairs and wrinkles matter? We are better now than in our 40s, 50s and 60s as we join the legions of those who know youth is wasted on the young.

The legendary film director Ingmar Bergman said this: “Perhaps it is an illusion, but I have the feeling I can see wider and understand more. It’s like climbing a mountain. The higher you get, the more breathless you

Congress debates Social Security, Medicare and Obamacare while those whose lives depend on those debates grow weaker and live in fear.

Politicians tell us we don’t have to worry, but many elderly persons do worry about utility bills and medical bills. In a month, with a serious illness, your life’s savings can disappear.

I once received a phone call from the oft-vilified Bishop Roger Mahoney, who despaired of increasing hospital costs and the failure of the medical community to do anything about them.

Well, we aren’t asking health care professionals and public utilities, “Are you operating as efficiently as you can?” Not a bad question when it seems that most cost increases are passed on to the consumer. Not a bad question, when the number of nurses continues to decline. Nor when an aspirin costs $5.

Page 7 • April 2014

Pamela Andrews,DDS Over 20 Years Experience Personalized Service Excellence with Value

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Dentures Bridges/Partials Extractions Emergencies

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www.mantecafamilydentist.com Senior Discounts

Payment Plans

Major credit cards and many dental insurances accepted

We’re not aware of the billions the government spends in reimbursing private hospitals and nursing homes that care for our seniors. Our seniors don’t want something for nothing, They want that which they have earned. They want peace of mind and to retain their dignity.

Time passes and our view becomes more encompassing.

We know that peace of mind and dignity is something we want, too.

Making Manteca Smile since 1994

Page 8 • April 2014

Woodbridge LIFE www.ourwoodbridge.net

Arts

At the Clubhouse

 BRIDGE

By Don St. Lawrence

The Bridge Group meets Mondays from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Club Room.

Bridge Scores MARCH 3:

Grace Pasion Nancy Hansen Phil McCallion Lee Stern Carolee Jones Don Harris Don St. Lawrence Nancy Compton Betty Buff Phyllis Tindell Robi Cornelius

MARCH 10:

Phyllis Tindell Sharyl Burgeson Phil McCallion Don Harris Robi Cornelius Betty Buff

5170 4840 4420 4000 3800 3400 3080 2800 2690 2660 990 3840 3660 3630 3480 3340 3150

Lee Stern Kathy Comden Grace Pasion Donna Desselle

MARCH 17:

Letha Watson Lee Stern Shirley Lopes Phil McCallion Don St. Lawrence Phyllis Tindell Grace Pasion Dave Lopes Betty Buff Robi Cornelius Don Harris

MARCH 24:

Robi Cornelius Lee Stern Don Harris Phyllis Tindell Betty Buff Phil McCallion Don St. Lawrence Renée St. Lawrence

2750 2620 2310 2050 4620 4440 4310 4140 3640 3600 3460 3300 3280 2610 1990

5900 4300 3420 2860 2370 1890 1380 1080

 ARTISTS & CRAFTERS

A

By Penny Dauler

pril announces the arrival of spring. The days are warmer and we want to be outdoors.

Weeding may not be a favorite activity, but the finished look of the yard is worth it. I have a river of daffodils in my front yard and today I brought maybe a quarter of them inside. Flowers indoors and out…I love it.

What does this have to do with arts and crafts? Miniature Gardens… we don’t have a date yet, but we are planning to each make a miniature or fairy garden… start collecting your minis now. The garden can be indoors or out… large or small. The hobby stores have started to supply products for such a project. Things like little fences, mailboxes, benches, gazebos, little red wagons…you get the idea.

I have an outdoor fairy garden that is actually part of my landscaping.

For this project, I’m thinking of an indoor garden highlighting my two orchids.

The April Arts and Crafts calendar is full of craft classes, workshops and activities. Stop by the Craft Room and pick up a calendar.

They are located on the yellow communications board along with class sign up sheets.

Each class taught in the Arts and Crafts Room costs a minimum of $1, which goes to the club. The member instructors also may charge a fee which is to cover the cost of materials. The member instructors do not make money on their classes. Bring money to the general meeting the first Friday of

the month to prepay for any of the monthly classes you might enjoy.

Not all activities cost money. On the third Monday of each month, under the excellent tutelage of Gerri Rogers, we make and donate breast cancer pillows. Since July 20, 2012, we have made and donated 602 pillows. UFO Monday is the fourth Monday of the month.

Bring your unfinished projects and possibly your lunch and spend the day with us.

Monday, April 14, Margo Flanagan will offer watercolor tulips as her painting class theme.

Check out the windows in the Arts and Crafts Room for examples of all upcoming classes.

Time to throw off your winter coats and once again enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

OCEAN DAYS Marie Ash Evans

Waves fighting a battle with fortresses of the earth wind sounding the trumpet Ocean Days.

Waves break into sparkles and shatter the quiet sky, gulls screaming in silence Ocean Days.

Wind plays on the billows tossing into sprays the deep and lonely waves Ocean Days.

&

 READERS' GROUP

T

By Marie Evans

he Woodbridge Readers’ Group, open to every resident of Woodbridge, meets the first Wednesday of every month at 10:30 a.m.at the Clubhouse.

Hazel Field led the discussion of her choice, DEAR LIFE, by See

READERS page 9

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Page 9 • April 2014

 SECRET PALS

By Linda Hauser

 DRAMA

By Mel Bernstein

D

ue to other commitments, Anne Madrid will be stepping down as chairperson. Running the Drama Group is a time-consuming task and we thank Anne for her past contributions. We are in the process of looking for a new chairperson(s) as it may take two people to fill your shoes, Anne!

Set design, creation and production will be handled by Ray Noble and Roger Goodnow. Ray and Roger would welcome some assistance. If you have time and would like to help out, please contact any member of the Drama Group. Sound will be managed by Mike Killingsworth, who would also appreciate additional hands.

Again, if you have an interest in stage sound production, please contact the Drama Group.

Drama Group normally meets every Thursday at 1 p.m. in the Multipurpose room. People who are interested in any phase of the theater are always welcome to attend. Please confirm we will be meeting on a given Thursday, as breaks are taken around the Christmas holidays and immediately following our performances.

From

READERS page 8

Alice Munro for our March meeting. This is an interesting book of short stories, and one of the few books of short stories we have read. Several of our members mentioned they enjoyed the change and I think most of us enjoyed reading them. The author is the recipient of many prizes for her work, including the Nobel Prize for Literature, the 2009 Man Booker International Prize for her literature and is a three-time winner of Canada’s

H

ello, Ladies of Woodbridge, have you picked up the Secret Pals questionnaire yet? It can be found in the slots in the main hall of the Clubhouse. Have you completed it and followed the directions to return it?

We will soon be starting our second year of the Ladies of Woodbridge Secret Pals.

The photos depict how our Secret Pals surprise gifts are delivered and received. Carole Pfoutz, Susan Russitano, Terri Heath and Terri’s dog, Braco, are pictured. Terri checked her front porch and found a potted plant waiting for her; Braco liked it, too.

Carole and Susan are showing how you may sometimes ask a friend to personally deliver your gift to your Secret Pal. Our motto is “It is better to give and receive” by having fun meeting new women and getting to know old friends better.

If you have any questions about our second year, please call Linda Hauser at 824-8582. Remember to return your questionnaires no later than May 1 by simply following the instructions. We will have our drawing of names on May 15 in the Clubhouse.

highest literary prize, the Governor General’s Award for Fiction. She was born on 7-101931, (a good Cancer birth date) and raised in the Province of Ontario where many of her stories take place.

There were 11 of us present and we had a lively discussion and everyone seemed to have a different favorite story. Our various reactions to the books we read are endlessly fascinating. It is amazing to me how we each read the same story yet form differing

Photo by Robert Philis.

Terri Heath (above) checked her front porch and found a potted plant waiting for her. Terri's dog, Braco, liked it, too.

Photo by Robert Philis.

Carole Pfoutz (left) and Susan Russitano (right) show how you may sometimes ask a friend to personally deliver your gift to your Secret Pal.

conclusions, likes and dislikes. I usually leave with the feeling I need to reread each book because I missed this or that nuance, thus misunderstanding much of the storyline. Ann Barden commented that the women in these short stories all seemed to be caught in the margins conflicted in some way while Phil Bookman felt that the stories were poetic and beautiful. Ruth Field doesn’t like short stories and found these depressing, which I can see as some of the female characters seem unable

to move out of the static place they find themselves (margins as Ann suggested) - Many of the women intend to read more of Ms. Munro’s books.

Our next meeting will be Wednesday, April 2, at 10:30 a.m.

The book for April, (we read the book first, then have a discussion) is THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN by Garth Stein and will be presented by Penny Dauler.

Page 10 • April 2014

 WINE 101

By Jon Ford

Woodbridge LIFE www.ourwoodbridge.net

Wine 101 Notes for March Focus on Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot

By Jon Ford

Malbec Malbec is the most readily available wine to find as Argentina has become the “go to” country for production, especially from the Mendoza region.

W

e had a full house once again for our Wine 101 class.

The class focused on some lesser known Bordeaux wines including Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot and Malbec. As usual, the appetizers the participants brought were the best, bar none. We were able to sample a wide variety of each of the varietals.

Each class is based around a theme. The class starts with a brief lesson on the various varietals followed by a wonderful social period to consume mouthwatering appetizers, sample great wines and connect with our neighbors.

Argentina currently grows about 80% of the world’s malbec followed by Chile, France and then California. The grapes are also found in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa where the grapes thrive the best between l,000 and 1,200 feet. Some grapes are grown in France in the Cahors region of Bordeaux but are frequently blended with merlon and tannat.

The malbec grape was significant in the United States as a blending grape before prohibition but then lost its popularity until the “Meritage” style emerged in the 1990s in California. It is rare to find many domestic malbecs.

Prices range from around $8 to $30 depending on oak aging time and growing elevations.

cabernet franc in Bordeaux is found in the Right Bank Region.

Prices for cabernet franc range from $12 - $100.

Serve with roasted chicken, pork, veal, veggie pizza and Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Petite Verdot Petite verdot has a supporting role like malbec in Bordeaux as a blending grape and is mostly found in the Medoc area of Bordeaux.

Because the grape is really good enough to make wine only one out of every four years, petite verdot has been falling out of favor in Bordeaux.

Also contributing to its lack of popularity is that the shoots and canes can become very weak.

However, petite verdot seems to do well in warmer climates.

Its peculiar characteristic is that there are always two grape clusters per shoot.

Very little is produced in the world as a single varietal.

No wine knowledge is necessary as participants vary in their wine expertise. Please bring your own glasses, a wine based on the month’s theme and an appetizer to share with the group.

Cabernet Franc

Prices range from $11 to $125 with the best wines coming from Italy and Australia.

Cabernet franc is the parent of cabernet sauvignon along with sauvignon blanc. It is also one of the parents of merlot.

Petite verdot carries flavors of vanilla, smoke, spice, cedar, molasses, blackberry, black cherry, black plum and even tar.

April’s class will be Wednesday, April 2, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

The wines being discussed and sampled will be Gewurztraminer and Reisling. The challenge this month is to try to find a dry style of either wine. (Please have the bottle opened and recorked when you arrive as this saves a great deal of time.) Sign ups for the April class began on March 13.

Seventy-five percent of cab franc grapes were lost in Bordeaux due to frost in 1956.

Serve with dishes such as beans, risotto, lentil soup and pork-fried rice.

It has a smoother mouth feel than cabernet sauvignon and is generally used as a blending grape in Bordeaux. It is best suited to growing in cooler climates and will give you flavors of alvaro, plum, spice, fresh herbs, pepper and violets. A drawback is that it can be thin and weak in improper growing conditions.

This is the first attempt at reviewing what was taught in the March class. Hope this is what you were looking for.

We hope to see you there. Any questions about the class can be referred to Jon Ford at 815-9803.

The highest concentration of

WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE

Give me any feedback, either positive or negative, about this article.

Sun, Sand and Sip

By Linda Little

I

f you enjoy drinking wine, eating and listening to good music, you won’t want to miss the Women of Woodbridge’s 4th annual Sip for Scholarship on May 1, 2014, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the Lakeview Clubhouse. This year’s theme will take you on an escape to a tropical paradise where you can dream of soaking up the sun and relaxing with a good glass of wine.

Cost is $25 per person and includes tastings from several wineries as well as the Olive Oil Pantry. At press time, the wineries included: Acquiesce (Lodi), Delicato (Manteca), Heritage Oak (Lodi), Sera Fina Cellars (Plymouth) and Windmill Ridge (Tracy). Hot and cold appetizers will once again be prepared by Chef Bryan and the students in Manteca Unified Vocational Academy’s culinary program. Entertainment will feature instrumental and vocal groups from the local high schools.

A raffle will also be held; tickets will be sold at the event. Proceeds from the event will benefit student scholarships at East Union, Manteca and Sierra high schools.

Tickets for the event may be purchased at the Lakeview Clubhouse front desk beginning April 1. There are no refunds.

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

WB SINGERS

“SENIOR PROM”

From

Tax Scams page 6

Woodbridge Singers Spring Concert

By Elizabeth Cunning

P

ut on your poodle skirt and join us for “a rockin’ good time” in May! Our own Woodbridge Singers are putting the final touches on their “Senior Prom” concert. You can sing along to some of your favorites from the '40s, '50s and '60s. Songs featuring soloists include: “It’s a Most Unusual Day” with Vicki French, “Sh-Boom” with Jon Ford and “Travelin’ Man” with Jack Dauler. Original stories from their teenage years will be shared by Judy McNamara and Paul Hanz. Photos from graduation days will appear on the screen as line and ballroom dancers, choreographed by Patti Barnhart, fill the dance floor.

There are two performances for your enjoyment: Tuesday, May 13, at 2 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. RSVP at the front desk for $2 ea. ticket.

(Funds will help with ongoing costs of the choir.) Tickets go on sale the first week in April.

(Seating is limited.) You are invited to bring goodies to share for the reception after each performance.

--------------------Batter-Up! Let’s Play Ball!

Stockton Ports Baseball will host the Woodbridge Singers as they share the national anthem before the game at 7:05 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16. Come out early and support our enthusiastic singers!

�

More than one tax return for you was filed.

You have a balance due, refund offset or have had collection actions taken against you for a year you did not file a tax return.

IRS records indicated you received wages from an employer unknown to you.

If you believe you were a victim of identity theft, the IRS suggests you notify the agency as soon as possible.

Telephone Scams The IRS stated it has seen an increase in local phone scams across the U.S. Callers pretended to be from the IRS. The goal is to steal money or identities from victims.

According to the IRS, these scams come in many variations.

Some callers will say the victim owes money or is entitled to a large refund. Others might threaten arrest or driver’s license revocation.

Common characteristics of these scams include:

· Scammers use fake names and IRS badge numbers.

Page 11 • April 2014

False Promises of “Free Money” It is common for scam artists to pose as tax preparers during tax season. The IRS said scammers lure victims in by promising large federal tax refunds. They use flyers, phony store fronts and word of mouth to attract as many victims as possible. The IRS said these scammers prey on people who do have a filing requirement like low-income individuals and the elderly.

�

Just a Reminder …

By Kayo Armstrong

The deadline to buy tickets for “Royal Treasures” is Tuesday, April 15. “Royal Treasures” is the theme for this year’s oneday ladies’ retreat hosted by the Woodbridge Ladies’ Bible Study group. The event is Thursday, May 1, at the River Mill in French Camp. Tickets are $65 and include continental breakfast, gourmet lunch, afternoon treats, raffle items, keynote speaker Barbara Webb and live music, drama, and dance coordinated

by Woodbridge Singers Director, Elizabeth Cunning. For more information or to purchase a ticket, contact Virginia Anderson by April 15 at (209) 624-3464.

OUR WOODBRIDGE LIBRARY

By Deb Ristau

Residents are welcome to borrow books from our Community Library at the Lakeview Retreat.

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 Club Room (right across the hall). 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 Club Room with a note. “Self Help” 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.

�

THANK YOU!

· Callers might be able to re-

cite the last four digits of a victim’s Social Security number.

· Con artists may imitate

the IRS toll-free number to make it seem like it’s the IRS calling.

· Scammers sometimes send

falsified IRS emails to victims to support their bogus calls.

Robert Philis took this photo of Letty Sotelo, a resident of Del Webb Woodbridge for seven years, who now resides at Prestige Living. Letty is pictured with Elvis Presley impersonator, Ron Rey, after his February 27 afternoon show.

Page 12 • April 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

The Swingin' Blue Stars of the USS Hornet

S

By Bill Barnhart

andy, Nancy, Cindy and Cindy, professionally known as The Swingin’ Blue Stars of the USS Hornet, gave a rousing evening of fun and great entertainment.

They started the evening with a short intro about the Andrews Sisters and their efforts to financially support their family by singing during the latter years of the depression. Then, how they made it into big time right when they were ready to give up and go back home to secretarial school, and then how they did their part during the Second World War to keep the spirit alive here at home while brothers and fathers were off fighting the war.

These ladies were flawless in their renditions of the Andrews Sisters songs. One of the favorites was the Beer Barrel Polka. As a lead up to this song, they asked for the person in the audience who had been at their show last year who knew the words to the song. Good ol’ “I’m nuts about you” Warren Atherton admitted to being that person and was asked to come up and lead the singing. Guess what? He actually did! And he knew the words to the song also! Of course, the best part was after the song was over and one of the Cindys mentioned she had been asked how they got the back

seams in their stockings so straight.

She asked if someone would judge whether the seams were straight enough and Warren was ready and willing to be that judge, giving them all a thumbs up.

Of course, any good show is extra special when a new star is born.

Warren Rogers ended up being a big star right up there with the Blue Stars themselves. Warren won the pleasure of doing the song with the Blue Stars by being the only guy to admit having a birthday in March. It might have been a premonition, but this writer wasn’t about to admit that night was just a couple days away from his own birthday. Warren, though, did not do justice to the Polynesian outfit they dressed him up in with long blonde tresses, a skimpy grass skirt and half coconut shells to cover you know what. Check out the picture and you’ll know what I mean.

A heartwarming highlight of the evening for this writer had to be when the Blue Stars sang a slow song and I looked around and there were, not just one or two, but about ten to twelve couples slow dancing in the small spaces between tables all over the room. It was an evening for touching base with the romantic human side in all of us.

Photo by Bill Barnhart.

Warren Rogers was the center of attraction with The Swingin’ Blue Stars of the USS Hornet.

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Woodbridge LIFE

Page 13 • April 2014

New Neighbors: Boardwalk Path to Love!

Article by Mel Bernstein. Photos by Mel and Xin Bernstein.

I

t has been almost a year since Bob and Phyllis Teglia moved to Woodbridge from Fremont. Both agree that the friendly atmosphere in our community has made it easy to make friends and call Woodbridge home.

Other places the Teglias have lived include Kansas (outside Kansas City) and New Jersey (outside New York City), where Bob held positions in the telecommunications field.

Bob and Phyllis met in San Jose in the mid1960s while both worked at PacBell.

adopting the future baby boy and the answer was “Yes.” Shortly afterward, the daughter became pregnant and so ended up with two sons. The family maintained a relationship with the biological mother; when the older son grew up and married, she was at the wedding.

Phyllis lived in Alabama until age eight, when her father, who was in the military, was transferred to Guam. Phyllis has memories of moving to Guam, starting out by train from Birmingham to San Francisco. Once in San Francisco, she and her family traveled by ship to Guam.

Part of the local excitement involved Japanese soldiers hiding in the hills of Guam, unaware that the war had ended. Every once in a while, one of the soldiers would appear in a village or outside a military base.

Another curiosity arose due to the fact that the Japanese had imported snails which were consumed as a delicacy during their occupation of Guam. Phyllis recalls that during snail mating season, they would come out in droves on local roads. Unfortunately for the snails trying to cross the road, vehicles would unavoidably run them over, resulting in a strange popping sound. Phyllis lived in a Quonset hut in Guam and later went to the Philippines for two years while in high school.

It seems that Bob had stopped by the place of a young woman whom he had occasionally dated. But he had not told her he was coming over. It turned out she was busy and actually had a date for that evening.

Coincidentally, Phyllis was there, being close friends with the woman and having stayed over the previous night. All knew each other from work, so Bob suggested he and Phyllis join the other couple for a double date. They decided to go to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, which was a well-known amusement park. Against her better judgment, Phyllis agreed to ride the roller coaster with Bob. Bob did such a fine job of Flash forward. Phyllis is still close to her high comforting the nervous Phyllis, that one thing school classmates and all who moved to the U.S. led to another and they eventually married. organize a high school reunion every few years.

The last one was held in Napa, while the next The Teglias have two daughters and three reunion will take place in Branson, Missouri, a grandchildren, who also live in California. long way from the Philippines.

They joke that one grandson “came from the Bob was born and raised in Nevada, attended grocery store!” One of their daughters was the University of Nevada and graduated having a difficult time getting pregnant, so she with a degree in electrical engineering. He and her husband discussed adoption. While soon landed a position with PacBell in San shopping at the local grocery, a checker with Jose. After five years, Bob was transferred to whom they had become friends mentioned that AT&T headquarters in Manhattan and lived her sister was pregnant but couldn’t keep the just outside New York in New Jersey. He baby. She asked if they might be interested in

recalls taking the Jersey Central Train into Manhattan to work, one stretch of which took the train under the Hudson River, passing through a tunnel which several years ago was flooded by Hurricane Sandy. His AT&T office in Manhattan in the 1970s was located next to the construction site of the World Trade Center.

Bob recalls going on a tour of the Center, which included taking an elevator up to a high floor that offered a view of downtown Manhattan.

Later, Bob received an offer from Sprint and moved his family to Kansas City. After some 10 years of living in the Midwest, Bob and Phyllis began looking for a chance to return to the Bay Area. The opportunity presented itself shortly thereafter, when Sprint offered Bob a position in Fremont that he readily accepted.

Phyllis turned down a chance to attend Auburn University because her family was moving to California. Phyllis has worked in the education field and has done tax returns for many years.

She often takes classes in areas ranging from real estate to journalism. When time permits, Phyllis enjoys visiting casinos and is a regular on gambling trips with friends.

Rest assured, she knows the tax ramifications of both winning and losing at the tables! Bob is a Block Captain and an avid cyclist, having participated in a number of “Century” (100mile) rides. He has also biked to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis, going on 150-mile rides that span two days and which have raised more than $60,000 for charity. Bob can often be seen walking JJ, an energetic Australian Cattle Dog and Bo, a lovable Golden Retriever, around Lake Rockwell. With one arm tautly holding a leash for Bo and the other arm controlling JJ, Bob sometimes appears to be practicing his waterskiing techniques! Occasionally, neighbors have doggie treats for the “guys,” who tug at their leashes to get to the goods, begging that age-old question, “Who is walking whom?”

Page 14 • April 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Communication tips for people with a hearing loss

By Pat Passarell

Pat Passarell is a resident of Woodbridge and has been a hard-of-hearing advocate for over 25 years, assisting with workshops and conventions. She is also a volunteer advocate for Cochlear Americas. If you have any questions, email her at PatPassarell@aol.com or call at 825-1841.

Communicating with a person with Hearing Loss ENVIRONMENT • Avoid noisy background situations. Go someplace where it is quiet.

• Avoid poorly lit areas. Move to where the lighting enhances speech-reading.

• Do not stand in front of a light source. It will silhouette your face and obscure lip-reading.

PLANNING AHEAD • It is hard to see lips behind a beard or mustache. Keep facial hair trimmed or remove it all together.

• Do not put obstacles in front of your mouth when talking, such as your hand, cups or papers.

• Do not put objects in your mouth while speaking, such as gum, cigarettes or food.

• Accents are more difficult to understand. Be prepared to repeat or write down what you say.

• Don’t try to carry on a long conversation while the person is driving.

• Use visual aids: fliers, pictures or a list to help clarify what you are referring to.

• Use technology when available.

Type the information on the computer, email or instant message.

• Learn and use the Sign Language alphabet.

GET PERSON'S ATTENTION BEFORE YOU SPEAK • Never talk from another room.

• Gently touch or tap the person’s hand, arm or shoulder.

• Wave your hand gently in front of their vision.

• Click the light switch on and off a few times.

once they are looking at you.

• Face the person directly and on the same level whenever possible.

• Eye contact conveys a feeling of direct communication and helps with lip-reading.

• Enunciate by speaking slowly and clearly. There is no need to yell or exaggerate your speech.

• Don’t shout. Shouting distorts the movement of the mouth and the sounds of the words.

• Gently tap the table the person is touching a few times to make vibrations.

• Use gestures, pointing and facial expressions to enhance the information.

• Ask them how they prefer you get their attention; everyone is different.

• When changing the subject, use key words to give clues of the new topic.

WHEN TALKING BEGINS • Call the person by name to initiate communication. Proceed

See

HEARING page 19

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Woodbridge LIFE

Page 15 • April 2014

Page 16 • April 2014

From

Play Ball front page

started playing softball at age 75 here in Woodbridge. In his first season, he tore muscles in both legs and missed playing for six weeks. Once he healed, Hal has steadily experienced improvement which is remarkable for a senior rookie. His goal is to hit the ball harder and farther in this new year.

Other than age and desire to play softball, are there any other ways that their lives resemble each other?

Childhood Experiences: George received a pair of double blade ice skates at age four and rapidly advanced to single blades.

He loved to play hockey and may have advanced to the big time pro level except for an injury that sidelined him for a number of years. He remembers making up games to play. Because times were tough, George had to find work in his early teen years.

Horace worked in the fields on a farm, but still had plenty of time to play soccer and cricket. If you watch Horace’s batting swing, you will see that it has been influenced by years of playing cricket.

Hal was raised with a strong work ethic. He did not have much time for games or recreational activities.

Work Experiences: George spent 47 years in the printing area of newspapers.

His job was titled “stereo typer,” involving working with lead plates and printing presses. He lost fingers on his left hand when a worker turned on a press without warning George and his hand was caught in the press as a result.

That disqualified him for military service. George also farmed almonds for 23 years in Turlock.

Horace worked in construction and house painting. He lived in England for a while before coming to Florida and eventually to Woodbridge.

Woodbridge LIFE

Hal was drafted into the army where he became a supply sergeant at Fort Lewis, in Washington.

With early experience in groceries and his role in the army, Hal spent another twenty years in the grocery business. His big break came when UC Berkeley hired him as their purchasing agent. He made all the purchases for the athletic programs, food service (serving 30,000 meals a day) and various office and miscellaneous areas.

Hobbies / Interests: George - Hockey (at 16 played in front of 17,000 spectators), baseball, softball, golf, pastels, dancing.

Horace - Softball.

Hal - Softball, poker (has won four tournaments at Woodbridge.) As with softball, he had never played before coming to Woodbridge.

Marriage: George met his lifelong sweetheart, Marie, at a dance. They were married during Hurricane Hazel and celebrate 60 years together.

Advice: Pay attention when your wife is talking to you.

Horace and Ida have been married 53 years. Advice: God must come first. Give to God and the poor.

Despite ups and downs (everyone has them) make up before going to bed. Keep your promises, especially “til death parts us.” Agree to do what is best for the two of us as one being sticking together.

Hal and Edie married right out of high school and have been together 61 years. Advice: Listen carefully.

Always have the last word which is always,“Yes, dear.”

Conclusion: As the reader can see, the lives and experiences of these octogenarians have varied greatly except in one area: marriage. These marriages

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

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

2401 Morning Brook Drive Manteca, CA 95336

209-824-7581

www.ourwoodbridge.net PUBLISHER

WOA

824-7581

Resident Directors

EDITOR

Executive Director

ADVERTISING

Activities Director

WBL EDITORIAL TEAM

Roger: 647-4380 / Garry: 648-4868 Kayo Armstrong:

Dodie Miller:

824-7831 824-7927

Management

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

represent commitment, desire, love, joy and satisfaction (add your own qualifications if you wish).

These traits are also to be found in playing softball.

As one who will become a member of the 80-year-olds next year, I asked what advice they would give me for a long life. Their answers: George - Think young. I still feel young inside this body. Have an "I can do it" attitude. Enjoy living each day. Horace - Only eat cooked food. Help anyone you can. Be loving to all people. Never listen to rumors. Hal - Be thankful for each day you get up. Eat healthy.

As you remember these three softball players, think of them as “little kids” in big bodies reliving days of neighborhood games.

Benefit from their advice. Come to the games and cheer them on.

Better yet, if you are at all able, join a Woodbridge “neighborhood” team and “Play Ball” for the joy of it.

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.

Deb Ristau

765-5058

Kayo Armstrong Kayo Armstrong, chair Mel Bernstein Sharyl Burgeson Roger Cunning Carol Jo Hargreaves Dodie Miller Volker Moerbitz Pepper Noble Pam Phelps Deb Ristau Mike Spence

824-7831 824-7831 510-482-8304 239-1492 647-4380 988-5831 824-7927 239-7965 239-1933 408-930-8758 765-5058 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 © 2014 by Woodbridge Owners Association. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

Contact us:

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Woodbridge LIFE

Page 17 • April 2014

Coming to Woodbridge

Woodbridge Owners Association

EVENTS and TOURS - April/May 2014

Board-Appointed Committees

By Dodie Miller, Activities Director

SETNESS TOURS PRESENTATION – Tuesday, April 1 @ 5 p.m. – Travel, wine and cheese! This will be about trip and tour information on upcoming events offered by Setness Tours. Door prize will be awarded for two tickets to the races at Golden Gate Fields. Q & A. Sign ups are needed at the front desk.

WINE 101 – Wednesday, April 2 @ 6 p.m. – “An Introduction to Gewurztraminer and Reisling.”

You’ll want to bring your own wine glass and a bottle of gewurztraminer or reisling (these should be chilled). Have the bottle uncorked and then re-corked.

Please bring an appetizer to share.

SOFTBALL OPENING DAY – Saturday, April 5 @ 8:30 a.m. – Come out and cheer on the newly formed teams.

LADIES' LUNCHEON -Wednesday, April 9 @ Noon - This luncheon will be held at the Woodbridge Clubhouse and be a box lunch catered

by Manteca Unified Culinary students. You may choose either Grilled Marinated Tri-Tip with lemon caper sauce, pasta salad and fresh strawberries, OR grilled chicken breast with apple pear pico de gallo. Dessert will be brownies with salted caramel and lemon bars. Seating is limited to 64 and cut-off date to sign up is April 4. $17 pp CASH to either Jacqueline Andrews or Jacque Reynolds.

DOC DIXON’S COMEDY & MAGIC SHOW – Saturday, April 12 @ 7:30 p.m. -- “Doc” Dixon is a performer who will give us a hilarious performance with magic tricks throughout the show. He has performed with Tonight Show’s Jay Leno and Comedy Central’s Dave Atell & Greg Geralso. The show is guaranteed to give us lots of laughter and magic. Tickets are $15 pp and are on sale.

WESSON HEARING PRESENTATION – Tuesday, April 15 @ 3 p.m. – Wesson will present

a different set up this year. They will hold small group discussions, have hands-on experience with the hearing aids, talk about hearing health and offer real answers to hearing aid questions.

Raffle prizes, light appetizers and wine. Sign ups taken at the front desk.

HOBO DINNER – Wednesday, April 16 @ 5:30 p.m. – Dress the part ‘cause the best hobo will win a prize. Dinner will be a typical hobo dinner of stew, bread and butter, mud pie, coffee and water.

Tickets are $10 pp. Two $25 tickets to the Sip for Scholarship, “Sand, Sun & Sip” will be awarded to the best looking hobo.

HEALTHCARE OPEN FORUM – Thursday, April 17 @ 9:30 a.m.

– This is an opportunity to discuss current trends in healthcare and address any healthcare questions residents may have with the CEO of Doctors Hospital Manteca.

DOCTORS HOSPITAL MAKO PRESENTATION ON KNEE AND HIP REPLACEMENT – Tuesday, April 22 @ 6 p.m. – If you have joint pain in the hip or knee, get all of the information on the most current procedure with this new MAKO surgical equipment. Sign up at the front desk.

A DAY AT THE RACES – Saturday, April 26 @ 10:15 a.m. – Enjoy a day of horseracing at Golden Gate Fields, located in Berkeley on the shore of San Francisco Bay. Price includes an elegant buffet in the Turf Club, entry fee and coach transportation. The bus picks us up at the Clubhouse. Cost is $99.

Reservations are through Setness Tours (209) 476-8486.

POTLUCK NIGHT – Tuesday, April 29 @ 5:30 p.m. - From a resident’s request, we’re asking everyone to bring a colorful dish so the buffet table has a colorful look. Spaghetti (red), green or orange vegetable, pasta (white), meat balls (brown), tomato salad (red), etc. Samples are on the Pot

Luck flyer. Sign ups taken at the front desk.

SIP FOR SCHOLARSHIP – Thursday, May 1 @ 5 p.m.

– Theme is “Sun, Sand & Sip” – Details will follow.

THORSON FINANCIAL CASINO BUS TRIP – Friday, May 2 @ 9 a.m.

– You are invited to join Thorson Financial Estate Management and Carrollton Mortgage Co. for a FREE bus trip to Red Hawk Casino.

Sign ups taken at the front desk.

COMMUNITY WIDE GARAGE SALE – Saturday, May 3 @ 8 a.m.

– Everyone puts out treasures at their garages. A generous resident, Mel Reynolds, has made all the signs and the sale is also advertised in the local newspaper.

Please keep this an organized, clean and positive experience for all residents. Make sure you are ready at 8 a.m. and cleaned up by 2 p.m.

MAMA’S WRANGLERS – Saturday, May 3 @ 6:30 p.m. -- This is a family band & cloggers out of Las Vegas. Their confidence, charisma, hot instrumentation, dancing and powerful vocal harmonies will be a show to remember. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and show at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 pp and available at the front desk.

COMMUNITY CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH – Sunday, May 4 @ 10 a.m. – This brunch is sponsored

by Pulte Homes and is limited to 50 residents. There will also be 50 future homeowners present for an elegant catered brunch.

Tickets are $12 pp and go on sale April 4.

SIX-YEAR CLUBHOUSE ANNIVERSARY – Monday, May 5 @ 4 p.m. – Enjoy cake and ice cream sponsored by Pulte Homes for the anniversary celebration sponsored by Pulte. Sign up at the front desk.

See

COMING page 19

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 • Norm Hauser, Chair hauserl18@yahoo.com 824-8582 •

Debby Hickey, Secretary 629-8737

PROPERTY & GROUNDS • Mike Spence, Chair mspence1740@gmail.com 924-8032 COMMUNICATION • Kayo Armstrong, Chair kayo.woodbridge@gmail.com 824-7831 • Deb Ristau, WBL Editor debristau@verizon.net 765-5058

• Carol Jo Hargreaves, Directory Chair cjohargreaves@verizon.net 988-5831 WELCOMING COMMITTEE • Cheryl Juarez, Co-Chair cheryl.juarez@sbcglobal.net 239-6962

• Sue Vernali, Co-Chair suemo52@comcast.net 923-4899

Refer a friend and we’ll thank you.

2,500 times to be exact.

GLENBROOKE We have just added

There has never been a better time for your

OVER TWO THOUSAND

friends to explore a new Del Webb community.

reasons for you to refer your friends

You already love your new Del Webb lifestyle, why

to the fabulous Del Webb lifestyle you have already

not share it with the people you care most about.

discovered. Right now you can receive $2,500

THE CLUB

for every person you introduce to us who purchases a new home in any Del Webb community in Northern California.

WOODBRIDGE

See the Woodbridge sales office for details: 1451 Americana Street • Manteca, CA 95336 • (209) 239-3099 • www.delwebb.com/woodbridge

SIERRA CANYON

*Residency requirements at Del Webb communities require that at least one resident of household must be 55 years of age or older, and additional restrictions apply. Some residents may be younger than 55. This referral payment offer is valid only on new purchase agreements for homes in the Del Webb community entered above and that are accepted by Del Webb on or after 9/1/11 and close escrow before 12/31/12. In addition to other terms, conditions and limitations established by Del Webb, the buyer may not be represented by a realtor or broker in connection with the purchase of the home, buyer must not have visited the community before the referral and buyer must register the referring party on buyer’s first visit to the community as required by Del Webb. Eligibility for receipt of a referral fee is subject to terms, conditions and limitations that have been established by Del Webb. In order to be eligible to receive a referral fee, both the buyer and referring party will be required to sign a separate document of Conditions, Restrictions and Certifications. If the document is not signed by both parties and delivered to Del Webb as required by Del Webb, and all of the terms, conditions and restrictions are not fulfilled, a referral fee will not be paid. Additional terms, conditions and restrictions apply. This offer is subject to change or withdrawal at any time without notice. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. © 2012 Pulte Home Corporation. All rights reserved. Pulte Home Corporation is a licensed California real estate broker (lic. #00876003).

www.ourwoodbridge.net From

COMING page 17

AARP DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM – Tuesday and Wednesday, May 6 and 7, @ 12:30 p.m. – This program will take you through defensive driving techniques, age-related changes, insurance discount and you don’t have to take a test.

Limited to 30 each day. $20 for non-AARP members and $15 for AARP members due the first day.

WINE 101 – Wednesday, May 7 @ 6 p.m. - Details will be available after the April Wine 101.

HEALTHCARE OPEN FORUM – Thursday, May 8 @ 9:30 a.m.

– This forum is conducted monthly by Doctors Hosptal CEO.

MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST Sunday, May 11 @ 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. – Sponsored by the Men of Woodbridge who will be cooking a special breakfast for the start of Mother’s Day. Tickets go on sale April 7 and are $7 pp.

WOODBRIDGE SINGERS SPRING CONCERT – Tuesday, May 13 @ 2 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. – Get your tickets early. Goodies will be available after the concert. $2 pp tickets go on sale April 1.

Woodbridge LIFE

PATRIOTIC SING ALONG with the Strummin’ Wonders Ukulele Group – Wednesday, May 21 @ 6:30 p.m.

WHEELS OF WOODBRIDGE 100 – Saturday, May 24 @ 10 a.m. –Golf cart registration for the “100” will be at 10 a.m. and the parade begins at 10:30 a.m. Contact Bill Barnhart with questions (6298838).

WOMEN OF WOODBRIDGE SPEAKER SERIES – Thursday, May 27 @ 2 p.m. - Astronaut Jose Hernandez will speak on his journey into space. This event will fill up fast so sign up at the front desk as soon as possible.

POTLUCK NIGHT – Tuesday, May 27 @ 5:30 p.m. – Bring your favorite meat loaf, potatoes or vegetables for this potluck night.

Salads and desserts are always alternatives. Sign up at the front desk beginning April 30.

HAPPY HOUR – Friday, May 30 @ 5:30 p.m. – This is our first happy hour for 2014 and we’ll again have Dave Badilla start us off with his dancin’ music. Bring an appetizer to share at your table, a folding chair and table if you want for your group. We won’t have enough chairs and tables for everyone and this is a very popular night. Tickets are $3 pp and go on sale May 1.

From

HEARING page 14

• Extend extra consideration in a group situation. Only one person should be talking at a time. Alert the person to changes in speakers.

IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE • Rephrase when you are not understood. Repeating yourself may not always be successful.

• Write your message down or draw pictures.

• Ask for specific suggestions to improve your communication together.

• Recognize that we hear and understand less when we are tired or ill.

• Don’t say, “Oh, never mind.” This is rejecting and excludes the person with a hearing loss.

• Sometimes the hard of hearing interrupt conversations unknowingly because they didn’t hear the talking.

HAVE A GOOD ATTITUDE • Be patient, positive and direct.

• Be courteous. Offer helpful solutions if you can identify them.

• Talk to the person, not about them.

• Don’t speak for the person who has a hearing loss.

Page 19 • April 2014 • Help them understand what is being said and allow them to respond for themselves.

• Know that a person not understanding directions or what is happening will worry and be anxious.

• Try to keep the person connected and involved in the conversation.

• Don’t stop communicating with a friend or family member. Find creative solutions.

• Just because someone speaks well doesn’t mean they can hear well.

HELPFUL PHRASES TO USE “Where would you like to sit, so that you can better understand me?”

“It’s loud in here. Would you like to go somewhere quieter?”

“I think you misunderstood me. I asked you about … , but you said …“ “What can we change to improve the communication right now?”

“If you don’t understand me, please let me know. I’m happy to say it again.”

DCARA Hard of Hearing & Late Deafened Support Program www.dcara.org

Page 20 • April 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

Softball Season Opening Day is Saturday, April 5 Article by Dave Reed; photos by Bob Abreu

· The East Union JROTC

presenting the colors and a local celebrity throwing out the symbolic first pitch

A

nother exciting season of softball is right around the corner. If you missed the main sign-up period, you may still sign up anytime during the softball season. You can obtain the sign up sheets at the front desk of the Clubhouse.

OPENING DAY CEREMONIES Opening Day of our softball season will be a family event that all of our Del Webb Woodbridge community can enjoy. Accordingly, Opening Day on Saturday, April 5, will start at 8:30 a.m. with free coffee and donuts (until they are gone) on the basketball court. Thanks to Del Webb for sponsoring the free donuts and coffee!

Also starting at 8:30 a.m., we will have the following:

· Music from the Second Chance Band

· Classic cars owned and displayed by Wheels of

Woodbridge members

· Representatives from the

Manteca Fire Department

· The Manteca Police

Department and the canine unit

· The Stockton Ports

mascot, "Splash" (time dependent on his schedule)

· Teams and umpires will

gather on the field at 9:30 a.m. to start the Opening Ceremony. They will be joined by the following:

· A trumpeter performing the national anthem

· The Woodbridge Singers

performing a patriotic song and “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”

· The Veterans of

Woodbridge will be there with their flags, one at each base.

The first game with the Diamond Gals will start 15 minutes after the ceremony. The Silver Slugger games will follow that game. The Snack Shack will be open during the games and our great volunteers will be staffing it. The Strummin’ Wonders ukulele players will be playing music during breaks in the games.

Free peanuts and sunflower seeds will be provided by one of our sponsors during the games.

Everyone will also receive one raffle ticket during the day for a drawing at the end of the last game. There are four prizes – two certificates for lunch at Chez Shari and two Gift Certificates ($20) for Orchard Supply Hardware.

FIELD MAINTENANCE Our Field Maintenance Committee continues to work with the Property and Grounds Committee and WOA staff, as well as the GP landscape maintenance personnel, to improve the Del Webb field conditions for both player safety and fan comfort. In addition

www.ourwoodbridge.net IMPORTANT DATES Coaches meetings at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, and Tuesday, May 6. All residents are welcome.

Woodbridge Senior Softball Council (WSSC) Meetings (6:30 pm): On Tuesday, April 1, and Tuesday, May 6. All residents are welcome.

Opening Day of Softball Season Ceremony and Games; Saturday, April 5. All residents are invited.

to the infield improvements and sunscreen repairs we highlighted in last month’s article, a much needed wind screen has been added to our announcer’s booth.

I look forward to seeing you at the Del Webb Field. If you have any questions please give me a call, Dave Reed, WSSC Vice President Communications (209-740-6289).

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 21 • April 2014

GAME SCHEDULE THROUGH MAY 10 SILVER SLUGGER SCHEDULE Final Date Sat 5-Apr

Come early Opening Day for FREE coffee and donuts sponsored by Del Webb (until they're gone)!

FREE peanuts and sunflower seeds, too!

Wed 9-Apr

Chorus: Take me out to the ball game, Take me out with the crowd; buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack, I don't care if I never get back.

Let me root, root, root for the home team, If they don't win, it's a shame.

For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out, At the old ball game.

Nelly Kelly was sure some fan, She would root just like any man, Told the umpire he was wrong, All along, Good and strong.

When the score was just two to two, Nelly Kelly knew what to do, Just to cheer up the boys she knew, She made the gang sing this song: Repeat Chorus

Opening

Time

Lines

Teams-Colors

9:30

DGals

10:30

1 v 5

11:30

2 v 4

12:30

3 v 2

1:30

5

Team 1-Orange Tom H

5 v 2

8:30

3 v 1

10:00

Sat

Wed 16-Apr Sat 19-Apr

DGals

Jon F

Team 2-White Bob Penz

2 Team 3-Red Jerry M

Take Me Out to the Ball Game Nelly Kelly loved baseball games, Knew the players, knew all their names.

You could see her there ev'ry day, Shout "Hurray" When they'd play.

Her boyfriend by the name of Joe Said, "To Coney Isle, dear, let's go", Then Nelly started to fret and pout, And to him, I heard her shout:

Game

Sandy D

12-Apr

The unofficial anthem of North American baseball

(3/10/14)

Craig H

8:30 DGal

4 v 3

10:00

Team 4-Green

2 v 1

11:30

Butch L

3 v 2

8:30

4 v 5

10:00

1 v 4

8:30

5 v 3

10:00

*Wolverine

11:30

Tournament-Lodi

DGals

3

Bill N

Team 5-Blue Bob P

Will W

1

Option-1, 2 v 3, 5 Wed 23-Apr Sat 26-Apr

Wed 30-Apr Sat 3-May

Wed 7-May Sat 10-May

5 v 1

8:30

4 v 2

10:00

DGals

Option- 70’s A v B

8:30 DGal

2 v 5*

10:00

1 v 3*

11:30

3 v 4

8:30

1 v 2

10:00

2 v 3

8:30

5 v 4

10:00

DGals

11:30

4 v 1

8:30

3 v 5

10:00

DGals

5

4

3

1

8:30 DGal

1 v 5

10:00

2 v 4

11:30

Clip and save this schedule for future reference.

An updated schedule will be published next month.

Page 22 • April 2014

The

Woodbridge LIFE

MAN Page

WHEELS OF WOODBRIDGE

By Bill Barnhart, Head Lugnut, and Kayo Armstrong

Jack Keef A Friend to Everyone Jack loved cars from an early age, a passion that continued throughout life. His favorite pastime was customizing and showing cars and he pursued this with the same vigor in which he approached life. He owned many different hot rods, always adding more chrome, more bling.

Prior to marrying Annette, he shared his dream of building a stagecoach car and she married him anyway. Always the gogetter, Jack’s dream eventually became a reality. He worked on the stagecoach car for seven years, and

when completed, named it Stage Fright. The car toured through the United States and subsequently through Europe as well. Being so impressed with Jack’s handiwork, the Mattel Toy Corporation created a Hot Wheels replica of the stagecoach car. Occasionally, Jack and his famous car are still mentioned in hot rod magazines.

Jack went on to own a 1934 Ford, a 2003 Corvette, a 1940 Ford and a 1955 Chevy Sedan Delivery.

Jack was an active member in two Manteca car clubs, “Wheels of Woodbridge” here at Woodbridge where Jack lived, and a Manteca club named “Nuts and Bolts.”

Each week Jack enjoyed meeting fellow car enthusiasts from Nuts and Bolts for an early morning breakfast. Jack’s efforts in support of the Wheels of Woodbridge Rods, Roadsters and Cruising car shows here at Woodbridge helped to raise $30,000 over a four-year period for Second Harvest Food Bank.

Jack and his family’s assistance

during the car show and at other events, such as the Woodbridge 100 golf cart races, will forever be remembered. When he showed up with family members, they all jumped in to help wherever help was needed.

Having dedicated his life to God at a young age, Jack’s faith was great throughout his life. He and Annette were faithful members of Harvest Valley Church in Pleasanton for 30 years. Since moving to Manteca, they attended Cornerstone Community Church for the past five years.

Throughout his life, Jack had many friends and people were naturally drawn to his fun-loving attitude, positive outlook, great humor and uncanny ability to make others feel special. Jack had a unique gift for remembering people’s names and kept his friends close throughout life. He remained close to several childhood friends, and each said they were his best friend. And each was.

Jack is and will be, for years to come, greatly missed by the family and friends he held so close. Those who were a part of Jack’s life will always be grateful to have known a man so kind in nature, unpretentious and down-to-earth.

Those who have known and loved Jack have been blessed by this inspiring man.

Jack’s final words to a nurse in the hospital were, “Thank you.” These were the heartfelt words Jack used throughout his life and even into his last moments. To those of us who loved Jack, we say … Thank you, Jack. To know Jack was to be his friend. Jack leaves behind the greatest legacy a man can leave for the future -- two generations who will follow in his footsteps and be proud to do so.

Photo supplied by the Keef family.

World renowned Stage Fright hot rod built by Jack Keef and copied into a Hot Wheels car by Mattel Toy Corporation.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

 MEN OF WOODBRIDGE

T

By Ed Shoup

his month the Men of Woodbridge held their yearly St. Patrick’s Day dinner, and once again it was a hit, selling out three weeks before the event. All attendees enjoyed the delicious corned beef, cabbage, red potatoes and carrots. Great Irish music was performed during the dinner by our local “Shenanigan’s” band.

Thank you to all who attended and made the event a great success.

Our group has been discussing several ideas on how to better serve our community and our local residents. We meet on the second Monday of each month at 10 a.m. in the Club Room at the Clubhouse. All Woodbridge men are encouraged to attend and get involved.

MOTHER'S DAY BREAKFAST

By Carol Jo Hargreaves

The Men of Woodbridge is again sponsoring Mother's Day Breakfast, a special treat for mothers and others to enjoy Sunday, May 11.

To accommodate as many as possible, there will be two seatings this year, 9 to 10:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to noon. The delicious menu includes mimosas, orange juice, scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes, fruit cocktail, coffee and water.

Tickets are $7 pp. Purchase your tickets as soon as possible. The cutoff for ticket sales is Thursday, May 8 at 5 p.m.

There will be no refunds.

Page 24 • April 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

WOA Business

 P&GC REPORT

By Mike Spence, Chair Property and Grounds

The drought is upon us and water conservation is a priority issue for all. WOA has adjusted the watering days of the week to comply with the city’s water conservation schedule. WOA uses the addresses of the several water meters scattered throughout Woodbridge to select the proper schedule. Don’t be surprised to see some sections watering on one day of the week and others on an alternate day. There is one notable exception to this watering schedule, the area around the Clubhouse where most of our amenities (putting course, tennis courts, softball field, etc.) are located. The irrigation water from our own well supplies nonpotable water for this purpose and we do not consume the city’s potable water supply. The well

is part of our Lake Rockwell system. We maintain the pumps and motors and pay for the electricity, but Mike Spence otherwise, the water is free. We are not required to water only on certain days of the week. Our watering schedule is driven by the activities around the Clubhouse and the desire to maintain a park-like appearance of the area without being wasteful.

We have completed preliminary feasibility research into drilling a well for irrigation at Stockbridge Park. Currently, we use citysupplied potable water for irrigation at Stockbridge Park, Panda Park and several WOA owned nearby areas of landscaping.

The water is not free; it costs literally tens of thousands of dollars annually. Our shrubs, plants

and turf don’t need potable water. They actually thrive on straight well water. Putting in such a well will not be cheap; again, it will cost tens of thousands of dollars. If the well is installed, we stand to make significant reductions to WOA utility bills, while reducing the demand on the city’s potable water supply.

The city is very supportive of the well; fourteen of their parks use well water for irrigation.

P&GC has passed along a proposal to the Board to conduct a more thorough in-depth professional investigation of the well including landscape architect, civil engineer, electrical engineer, possible partnering with the city and a list of legal questions. The Board is supportive of the concept and is actively working on the proposal.

The long awaited slurry coating and restriping of the Clubhouse parking lots is scheduled for the week of March 31. The Clubhouse will remain open during the project and all events will proceed as scheduled.

www.ourwoodbridge.net One half of the lots will be closed for two days, then the other half for two days. While the coating is drying and curing, please don’t walk or ride bikes on it.

P&GC is actively involved in the construction of our budget. The Board and our Executive Director are not shy about asking for directed research and consultation.

The reserve component of our budget lists several thousand items WOA owns and maintains.

WOA hires a consultant to conduct a once every three year inspection and evaluation of these items and annual reviews, “The Reserve Study.” P&GC makes recommendations to the Executive Director to fine-tune the study based upon our directed research.

The operational portion of our budget involves several significant contracts. P&GC is routinely consulted in refining the Scope of Work for several of these contracts before the Executive Director and the Board negotiate and finalize the contracts. April is the start of 2015 budget research for P&GC.

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

via a sharing of the proceeds or the imposition of an easier to manage flat rate or fee.

 P&PC

By Norm Hauser, Chair Policy and Procedures Committee

Please remember that the best rules are common sense and common courtesy.

T

he Policy and Procedures Committee met on Monday, March 10. We finalized our discussions of the reservation and rental policies and have now prepared a recommendation that will be forwarded to the Board, via the Executive Director, for its review.

Perhaps the focal point of the discussion of the reservation and rental proposal was a clause that called for the forwarding to the WOA of a ten percent (10%) share of net proceeds from fund raising events that were intended to raise monies destined to be moved out of Woodbridge to various organizations in the surrounding community. At times, referring to such funds as money going “off campus,” the discussion generated numerous comments from the nearly thirty residents in attendance.

We discussed the issue of the additional wear and related impacts on WOA facilities that may justify the charging of a percentage of the proceeds as a means of offsetting the longterm costs associated with such activities. Some residents and committee members felt that cost recovery was justified, whether

It was asked if the WOA had been able to actually Norm Hauser establish a realistic cost figure that could be directly associated with the types of wear that a given use would cause. The specific answer is that, as yet, no such formula has been created and the WOA cannot say that a given event will require the recovery of a known dollar amount as an offset.

Several residents commented that they felt all such activities really just represent the general use of facilities paid for in the monthly dues paid by every resident of Woodbridge. Comments were made that some free regular activities, both indoors and outdoors, in which large numbers of residents participated several times a week were likely responsible for much more wear than some of the fund raising types of activities that occurred only a few times a year.

While it was acknowledged that not all residents would be expected to participate in each, if any, event, all enjoyed an equal opportunity to join in and the decision to refrain from doing so was a simple See

Page 25 • April 2014

Serving the community since 1979.

Valley Oak Dental Group is a multi-specialty group practice committed to excellence.

Our Pediatric Department provides a comfortable, caring atmosphere for your children.

We provide the latest General Dentistry procedures in a state-of-the-art dental suite.

General Dentistry Mark A. Hochhalter, DDS Bonnie J. Morehead, DDS Rudy R. Ciccarelli, DDS Elizabeth C. Grecco, DDS Ron G. Joseph, DDS Daman P. Saini, DDS Harneet K. Saini, DDS

Our Oral Surgery Department provides general anesthesia and I.V. sedation in a safe, professional environment.

Pediatric Dentistry

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Our family welcomes yours.

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*General Dentist Practice Limited to Children

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• California Dental Association • American Dental Association • San Joaquin P.P.A.

P&PC page 33

209.823.9341

valleyoakdentalgroup.com 1507 W. Yosemite, Manteca

Page 26 • April 2014

Woodbridge LIFE www.ourwoodbridge.net • Custom Built Entertainment Centers • Bookcases • Home Office • Custom Kitchen Cabinets • Bath Designs CALL TODAY FOR A FREE IN HOME ESTIMATE

(209) 668.8400 sales@reeddesignca.com

• Custom Built For Your Home • Contemporary & Traditional Designs • One-On-One Time With A Design Specialist In Your Home • Affordable • We Can Match Your Existing Cabinets • Built-In or Free Standing

Visit our online showroom today! reeddesignca.com

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 27 • April 2014

Fifth Children's Easter Egg Hunt

By Claudia Watkins

B

ring the family and especially your grandchildren to join fellow residents and families for an Easter egg hunt and other games, Saturday, April 12, at 2 p.m. on the lawns near the Del Webb Softball Field and bocce ball courts.

The Easter Bunny

By Mike Spence

E

aster is a Christian feast celebrating the resurrection of Christ. Easter has many and varied religious customs and practices. It also marks the end of Lent, a time of fasting and moderation. The Easter celebrations have evolved over the centuries. There now seems to be as many variations of the feast as there are countries.

How’d the rabbit get involved?

This fun event is sponsored by the Woodbridge Grandparents Group along with Steve’s Mobile Sunscreens.

Activities and afternoon games will include an Easter egg hunt, sack races, a water balloon toss contest, face painting and more.

Steve’s Mobile Sunscreens will provide ice cream sodas for all attendees.

Please bring a basket or container for eggs and your own water or other beverage.

Let your grandchildren know the Easter Bunny will be there, too!

WBL photos by Robert Philis.

For more information and to RSVP, please contact Claudia Watkins at 209823-8678 or portal email by April 8.

Last year's Easter Egg Hunt was fun for all ages! Bring your family especially your grandchildren - Saturday, April 12, at 2 p.m. There will be an Easter egg hunt, sack races, a water balloon toss, face painting and ice cream sodas. Please RSVP to Claudia Watkins by April 8.

The origins of the word Easter are very cloudy and not known to a certainty. One possible explanation is a reference to the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre, the “dawn goddess,” strongly associated with the revival of dormant plants in the spring. I can see the possible connections; it was dark and now there is more light and the plants that were dormant are returning to vigorous life.

Spring, the season, is often associated with rebirth, rejuvenation and fertility. One of the symbols of fertility is three interlocking rings. The shape of the eggs of chickens, reptiles, amphibians and other animals resemble these rings. Chicken hens lay eggs demonstrating their obvious fertility. Hens lay few, if any, eggs during winter, but resume full production in the spring.

Easter eggs are often colored.

Modern food coloring makes the task simple. Earlier egg coloring involved mustard seeds,

red onions, green vegetables and beets. All of these colors represent the colors of spring.

Fields of pastel colored tulips comes to mind.

Rabbits are clearly a robust species and their reproductive accomplishments are legendary-- what better symbol of fertility.

The first published accounts combining the rabbit and an egg was from Germany, circa 1680. The account tells of a rabbit laying eggs in a garden.

Constructing nests in the garden for the rabbit to lay the eggs in soon evolved into Easter baskets.

The pieces are all there: Resurrection, celebrations, springtime and colors are some great symbolism for rebirth and fertility. Mix these well, add some Madison Avenue capitalism and you have a chocolate Easter bunny.

I had this fully researched and all figured out. Then I read a couple more pages, then a few more. Early German Lutherans depicted the Easter Hare as a judge of children, evaluating if they were good or disobedient. Sounds like Santa’s job description to me.

In Germany the animal symbol for Easter is a fox, osterfuchs, not a rabbit. In Switzerland it’s an Easter cuckoo. The Easter bunny is quite a combination of traditions.

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 28 • April 2014

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Retirement Communities NOT Equal

By Deb Ristau

Retirement Communities are NOT created equal. Which is best and why?

I’ve been working on this article for months. It is proving to be much more difficult than I ever imagined. What is so hard about doing the research and investigating necessary to find the best retirement communities in America and offer suggestions and options as to what makes a good retirement community? (And, why Woodbridge

by Del Webb might arguably be the very best around?) The whole project seemed simple and straightforward at the onset.

Let me state the obvious. The broad variety of criteria and various weight given to each aspect of retirement considerations is numerous, relative and cannot be equally applied. In addition, from interviews, discussions and research, I am finding the number one reason retirees select a particular community comes down to family and the proximity thereof.

market for developers.

If we follow the car purchase analogy, the ‘Lifestyle’ factor assesses features like color, comfort, look, feel and performance. Some people are looking for a sexy red sports car and others prefer a black pick-up truck or a silver mini-van. All have their distinct traits.

All will get you from point A to point B; it’s a matter of taste and comfort.

So it is with retirement communities.

You can’t compare apples and oranges, SUVs with Ferraris or a 20,000 home Sun Lakes community with a 1,400 home Woodbridge community or a 700 home Del Webb village on a lake in Georgia. Each community gets check marks in both the plus and minus columns. Ultimately, it comes down to location, affordability and the lifestyle envisioned by the potential resident.

What do you want out of life at this stage of your life, and where do you want to be?

Research shows a number of articles written about the best places to retire, the worst places to retire and the best and worst retirement communities as well. Most factor the cost of living, nearby health care, weather and activities.

Most want to be closer to loved ones once work and careers are removed from the equation. The next big concern is nearby health care. Those two criteria are closely followed by affordability, climate, taxes and the cost of living. If you were buying a car, the As an example, Forbes named the top concerns above would be like ensuring 25 places to retire in 2014 and rated some of those as follows: the car had a motor and ran well, that all of the parts were working and it had Abilene, TX: Pros: some sort of parts and labor guarantee.

Robust economy, warm climate, cost There is another factor considered by of living 13% below most people looking to purchase a national average, home in an active adult community and average home price that is ‘Lifestyle,’ honed by Del Webb $139,000 (national and incorporated by other developers average: $207,000). capitalizing on the 78 million baby Con: Not very boomers born between 1946 and 1964 walkable. who are retiring or planning to retire.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, only five percent of the boomer population is making the move to an active adult community, but that is enough to create a huge niche

Bluffton, SC: Pros: Scenic waters, warm climate, good state tax environment, average home price $197,000,

low crime, highly walkable.

Cons: Cost of living 8% above national average.

Fargo, ND: Pros: Gangbusters economy, cost of living 8% below national average, typical home price $165,000, abundant doctors per capita, above average air quality, high marks for bicycling and volunteering.

Con: Cold winters.

According to Neal Frankle, a contributor to Forbes Magazine, “Active adults are looking for moderately Photo by Deb Ristau. priced homes. They want to live in safe Sunset falls on Woodbridge by Del Webb communities in warmer climates. They in Manteca, CA. like trails and recreation centers, but they also want to be centrally located.

Many people in this age group are still because I wrote a wine book, “What working and they still want the benefits is your favorite wine?” Answer: that the big city has to offer.”

“The wine in my glass at the moment.”

Unfortunately, California is not considered one of the best states in Answer: “The community that best which to retire. On the other hand, fits your wants, needs, lifestyle, Northern California has always had a proximity to family and the onsite lot to offer residents including great activities and amenities available.” weather, great soil and the proximity Make your list, check it twice and to the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra don’t settle for less than everything.

Nevada mountains.

Remember, you are in charge of your I have personally visited and own destiny. researched retirement communities After visiting ten Del Webb across the nation, including those communities around the country and developed by builders Robson, Lennar researching many more online, it is and Pulte as well as several smaller my opinion Pulte Homes Del Webb age restricted communities created communities offer the best value with by independent builders tapping regard to homes, locations, amenities into this market. Which active adult and lifestyle activities. Woodbridge neighborhood, city and state is the in Manteca, California is, in my best? That is rather like answering opinion, one of the best. another question I am asked often

W

a t r h e i

A M o c

T g w b t w m

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Manteca's history, told by its Murals Article and photos by Volker Moerbitz

W

elcome back to our Manteca Mural Tour. After talking about the pioneers who started the first farms, it is now time to remember those who turned a hamlet of fifty people that wasn’t even granted its own train station into a thriving farming community.

A number of murals feature Manteca’s farming products. One of them is at Library Park, and it is called “Produce.”

The mural is framed with farming goods that made Manteca famous - mainly pumpkins, grapes and watermelons. Long before Manteca became the “Pumpkin Capital of the World,” it was known as the world’s “Watermelon Capital.” The man who put Manteca on America’s

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 29 • April 2014

"Produce," a mural in Library Park, shows farming goods that made Manteca famous - pumpkins, grapes and watermelons. The mural was created by Manteca's mural artist Colleen Mitchell in 2012.

map was Ed Powers. Powers realized that the “Sandy Plains,” as Manteca’s farm land was called at the turn of the century, were not only good to grow wheat and barley but also supported watermelons.

Local journalist Dennis Wyatt wrote in the Manteca Bulletin on November 26, 2011: “In 1905, Powers introduced watermelons to the sandy plains. He planted 200 acres that in turn produced 200 carloads of choice melons. The net return - $18,000 - prompted him to double his acreage in 1906. Soon Manteca was shipping 20 carloads a day of melons to all parts of the United States.” 1

of sunflowers called “Manteca.”

We will also learn more about the Pumpkin Capital as we move on to other murals.

The right side of the mural pays tribute to Manteca’s wineries.

The first grapes were planted at the turn of the century. Before irrigation, the amount of wine produced was not very high, but the right soil and the right amount of sunlight ensured high quality, making Manteca’s wine popular throughout California and beyond.

The labels on the boxes show two of Manteca’s oldest wines, Baby Marie and Manteca Beauties.

the intercontinental railroad, which opened in 1869. Parts of the original Goodwin Ranch – especially the original blacksmith shop – can still be seen in Manteca’s History Museum.

However, almond farming did not start until 1914, and Benjamin A. Goodwin, owner of the Goodwin Ranch, was instrumental in its introduction. In 1909, Goodwin formed the South San Joaquin Irrigation District. The first dam – above Knights Ferry – was completed in 1912 and in 1913 the first water was delivered.

Only a few years later, almond

We will come across Powers’ accomplishments looking at other murals, too, as he left his mark in many of Manteca’s first developments – from the city’s first phone system to a special breed

The right side of the mural pays tribute to Manteca’s wineries. The labels on the boxes show two of Manteca’s oldest wines, Baby Marie and Manteca Beauties.

In the center of this mural is an almond tree. According to the boxes stacked in front of the tree, it grew at the Goodwin Ranch.

The Goodwin family arrived in California during the mid-1870s.

They were one of the first families that traded the wagon trek for

orchards outgrew every other crop in the region. Today, the dam that started it all is named after Benjamin A. Goodwin and we will pay a closer visit to his almond business next month.

1 http://www.cagenweb.com/ sanjoaquin/1900.pdf

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Page 30 • April 2014

Day Trip: GREAT GETAWAY The Napa Valley Wine Train

By Pam Phelps

L

ook outside lately? Yes, March came in like a lion and helped to give us the much needed rain our valley needed. But, look closely and you’ll see something else. Grass is greener, and our plant life is starting to show the prelude to another season of new life … spring! Our days are getting longer, and soon, many of us will feel the desire to get back out on the road to explore, take in the season change and have new adventures.

Here’s an idea for a day trip or even two or more days depending on your interests and how badly you need to ‘re-charge your batteries.’

I’m talking about taking the Napa Valley Wine Train. Even if you haven’t taken this pleasurable train trip before (I’ve done it twice to date), I guarantee that it is never

exactly the same experience. The scenery changes with the seasons, and the creative menus are constantly changing and evolving.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with this delightful outing, let me tell you more.

The Napa Valley Wine Train was established and had its first run on September 16, 1989. This year will mark its twenty-fifth year of operation. The train’s tracks were originally built in the 1860s

to bring guests to the hot springs of the city of Calistoga. Today, it is one of the nation’s only active, historic passenger railroads.

You’ll enjoy a leisurely threehour journey (offering lunch or dinner trips) through the beautiful Napa Valley in your choice of five differently designed and restored vintage rail cars. The route starts at their station in the Oxbow district of downtown Napa. Then, the train travels north to St. Helena where it stops briefly to make the switch before returning to Napa.

Do be sure to check your time of departure as check-in time is usually one hour before departure and boarding takes place about 20 minutes later. They also offer guided winery tour packages for interested parties.

Special holiday and event trains are also available, but please note that they sell out early, so try to plan ahead. The Santa Trains in December are especially enjoyable for both the young and the young at heart.

The scenery from the train cars can be positively breathtaking. The first time I took the train was in the fall. The colors changed with every vineyard I passed, making the day seem even more magical. And believe me; it is not just for those of you who drink wine.

Aside from the scenery from your seat on the train (and any tours you might choose), the food and the services are spectacular. During the ride, you’ll be treated to some of

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the most decadent, locally sourced menu items. And, if it is your choice, you can also enjoy wines of the finest caliber. What a great way to just spoil yourself for a day. And who says it has to be just that day? Surf the net for more information on surrounding bed and breakfasts, hotels, restaurants, wineries, etc. You might also try the Napa Valley Chamber of Commerce for additional assistance.

The choices seem endless once you have visited the website and start to plan your great getaway. The official website is WINETRAIN. COM. The toll-free number is (800) 427-4124. The train’s physical address is 1275 McKinstry St., Napa, CA 94559. Now, all you have to do is pick a date!

Photo courtesy of Napa Wine Train website, www.winetrain.com.

Member SIPC

SETNESS TOURS TRAVEL ADVENTURES Travel, Wine and Cheese

Tuesday, April 1, at 5:30 p.m.

Join Katherine Setness and Shawn Russell to learn about day trips and multi-day trips, picking up from Woodbridge Clubhouse.

Enjoy wine and appetizers as you talk about travel.

Door prize of tickets for two to the horse races at Golden Gate Field will be awarded.

For planning purposes, please sign up at the front desk.

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Woodbridge LIFE

!

s a r G i d r Ma

Page 31 • April 2014

Photo by Robert Philis.

Mike Drewry (above) and Margaret Kimura (below) ready their pickleball serves.

PICKLEBALL Photo by Robert Philis.

Melinda and Gary Fiorio enjoy the Woodbridge Mardi Gras Party.

Photo by Robert Philis.

Louise Rodriguez and Lucy Ramos are colorfully attired for the March 1 Mardi Gras Party.

Photo by Robert Philis.

Woodbridge residents play pickleball weekdays at 10 a.m.; Mondays and Fridays at 7 p.m.

Ladies' doubles are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 a.m. and men's doubles, Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Page 32 • April 2014

Woodbridge LIFE too. With most of us cutting back on our water, watch out for insects because your plants may be more susceptible to attack in their weakened state.

Garden Tasks for April

By Sandi Larson, Master Gardener

A

pril is here and I just this year realized what a great time it is to work on irrigation issues. My gardeners really cleaned up my backyard this year. If you’ve seen my yard, you know I have lots of blooming plant material in my west facing backyard. They pruned my plants nicely and actually cleaned up my old leaf and dead flower debris at the base of my plants.

Now I can actually see my drip irrigation – and all the problems I have! My plan is to go out in the next two weeks before all my foliage comes in to troubleshoot my system with my hubby.

Neither one of us is an expert in this area, but all you need are just a few supplies. I bought a basic plastic kit one year at Home Depot which includes a tool to puncture the drip line and a few drip emitters. As you look at your drip, see whether you need a plug at the end of your drip line (maybe the plant died or you moved it). Or maybe you have plants that have gotten much bigger than when they were originally planted and the drip emitter isn’t covering the plant area. Decide if you need an emitter on a stand that sticks in the ground; I believe they even have drip that is as tall as 10”. It helps to have a partner turn on the irrigation from the valves so you can see where things are actually watering.

A little time now will make a big difference in your watering efficiency.

April is a good month to deadhead your azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias

Sandi Larson and then fertilize with an acidloving fertilizer. If you haven’t done so, it’s suggested you mulch around your plants to a depth of 3” of organic matter. Leave the base of your plants open so that your fertilizer, insecticide and water can enter. This will also save on water evaporation. Bait for snails and slugs and if you have weeds, either hand pick them or use a weed killer. Be aware of the wind when you use weed killer as it can drift many feet and you could accidentally kill a plant five feet away. I try to spray on days that the wind is very low or early in the morning is best.

This month is a good time to start planting your vegetable garden.

It’s recommended that you prepare your soil first by putting soil amendments in it. Do not work the soil if it’s really wet because the soil will compact. Look for a reputable nursery to start carrying tomatoes and peppers for planting later this month. Why not try to plant an heirloom tomato this year?

You can also sow seeds of cosmos, dwarf bedding dahlias, fuchsias and sweet alyssum. Continue to bait for snails and slugs. Feed roses with a well balanced fertilizer or a product like the Bayer insecticide/fertilizer in one. Also, now is a good time to put that same product on your trees and shrubs that may have aphids or other insects. I use it on my crepe myrtles and gardenias,

If you are looking for drought tolerant plants to put in this spring, some suggestions are butterfly bush, ceanothus, rockrose, flowering quince, heavenly bamboo, pomegranate and lilac. Some drought tolerant vines are lavender trumpet vine, evergreen clematis, trumpet creeper, hardenbergia, pink jasmine, passion vine and Lady Banks rose. Small shrubs and groundcover that are drought tolerant are Sea Thrift, Snow in Summer, dwarf plumbago, lambs ear, sweet violet, daylilies, English lavender, bearded iris, trailing lantana and verbena.

Feed your citrus trees monthly and keep your eyes open for “suckers” coming from the base of the plant.

If you have fruit trees that have finished blooming, this is a good month to thin out the fruit clusters.

Within each cluster, leave the best looking two to three pieces of fruit on the tree to grow larger.

If you are having a hard time gardening, you’re not alone. As we age, many of us lose mobility, strength and/or flexibility for one reason or another. There was a gal in the Manteca Garden Tour who was in a wheelchair and she had a beautiful yard based on having many raised flower and garden beds in her backyard and front yard. She was able to garden even in a wheelchair! Don’t punish yourself if you don’t have the energy or incentive to garden.

We all go through seasons. If you aren’t able to garden, go to someone else’s garden and enjoy it. There are many books on the topic of Senior Gardening. Here are three recommended by the San Joaquin Master Gardeners: The Illustrated Practical Guide to Gardening for Seniors: How to maintain your outside space with

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ease into retirement and beyond,

by Patty Cassidy, 2011. Also try Gardening for a Lifetime: How to Garden Wiser as you Grow Older,

by Sydney Edison, 2011. A third book is The Age-Proof Garden: 101 practical ideas and projects for stress-free, low maintenance senior gardening by Patty Cassidy, 2013.

In May there are two garden tours for your enjoyment. The Manteca Garden Club Tour is Saturday, May 10, and two Woodbridge homeowners are sharing their lovely yards this year. Tickets are available locally at Rainforest Nursery on Yosemite and Park Greenhouse in Ripon. Cost is still $15. The San Joaquin Master Gardeners tour is on Saturday, May 18. “Lovely to Look At, Delicious to Eat” is this year’s theme. The tour will go to gardens in Stockton, Morada and Lodi.

Tickets for this event are $20 prior to the event and $25 the day of the event. Tickets are also available at Rainforest Nursery or Park Greenhouse.

Happy gardening!

COMMUNITYWIDE GARAGE SALE Saturday, May 3, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

It's time to get those "treasures" ready to sell! No sign-ups needed.

Everyone who would like to participate in the garage sale should set out their items in front of their garages by 8 a.m.

This well-known and popular event is advertised in the Manteca Bulletin and with signs throughout the community so you can expect a good turnout. Please contact Activities Director Dodie Miller if you have any questions.

www.ourwoodbridge.net

From

P&PC page 25

personal choice. It was noted that every resident of Woodbridge completed their purchase of a property here with the full knowledge that they were also purchasing an equal opportunity to join in community activities using community facilities, to avoid any such activities or facility use, or to pick and choose the levels of their involvement and to change the degree of their involvement at any time as they might choose.

In the end, the committee voted to recommend to the Board that the reservation and rental policy document not contain a requirement that the WOA require that some fund raising events be assessed a ten percent (10%) share of their net proceeds.

With only fifteen (15) minutes left in our session, we began a review of the language in the section of the Group and Club Guidelines that deals with the subject of a resident using WOA facilities to generate a personal profit. After a brief review of the topic with the committee, comment was sought from the many residents attending

Woodbridge LIFE the session. Initial comments focused on our crafters and dealt with the thoughts that, while some did make some small degree of profit, most were lucky to cover costs and, indeed, participated in the various activities as much for the social exchange as for the technical instruction that was available. This is of importance as we work within the guidelines of our governing documents that contain a provision prohibiting the operation of home based businesses.

The committee will take up this entire matter again, and in much greater detail, at our April meeting and we ask that those residents having input attend if at all possible. In the event you cannot attend, you may have someone present your thoughts to the committee or you can email your thoughts to me, Norman Hauser: HAUSERL18@YAHOO. COM. If you choose to email me your thoughts, please know that the entire text of your comments will be shared with every committee member, just as would be the case if you spoke at our meeting.

The next P&PC meeting will be Monday, April 14.

Page 33 • April 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

Page 34 • April 2014

ATTENTION!

The Publication Committee is currently working with the Softball Club to facilitate a "WOA Goup and Club Faire" to be held in May. A planning meeting will be scheduled and information posted on the portal.

We encourage a representative from each of the groups and clubs listed at right to participate in both the planning and the Faire. Detailed information will be posted on the portal and we will send an email to the group representative on file as well. This is also a good opportunity for anyone with an idea for a new group or club to brainstorm with others and see if there is enough interest to make it happen.

BACKPAIN????????

Call

DR. JON SERAFIN B.S. D.C. At

Lathrop Chiropractic 16972 S. Harlan Rd. Lathrop, CA 95330 Ph (209) 858-1029 www.docserafin.com

www.ourwoodbridge.net

WOA Groups and Clubs: Group, Club Artists & Crafters Painters Quilters Bocce Ball Bridge Bunco Chair Volleyball Cribbage Crochet/Knitting Dance -­‐ Ballroom Dance -­‐ Line Drama Game Night Grandparents Hand & Foot Cards Men of Woodbridge Neighborhood Watch Paddle Tennis Pickleball Pinochle Poker Radio Controlled Flyers Readers' Club Second Chance Band Strummin' Wonders Tennis Trivia (Fun Trivia) Veterans WB Softball Wheels of Woodbridge Wine 101 Women of Woodbridge Woodbridge Singers

Contact Nedra Ball

Phone 815-­‐9309

Ray Pfoutz Don St. Lawrence Mary Braun Jacquie Steffy Dave Steffy Renée St. Lawrence Patti Barnhart Patti Barnhart Claudette Conklin Pat Buxton Claudia Watkins Ruth Field Terrell Estes Bob Hall Bob Hall Bob Hall Claudia Watkins Al Sanchez Joe Victoria Bob Umberger Renée St. Lawrence John Green Carla Marquardt Mel Topping Bob Hall Nick Music Butch Larson Bill Barnhart Jon Ford Birdie Nieri Elizabeth Cunning

239-­‐0387 825-­‐7137 239-­‐0409 825-­‐4805 825-­‐4805 825-­‐7137 629-­‐8838 629-­‐8838 985-­‐4282 239-­‐8663 823-­‐8678 229-­‐6977 824-­‐7464 239-­‐5712 239-­‐5712 239-­‐5712 823-­‐8678 239-­‐8235 815-­‐9343 239-­‐2983 825-­‐7137 239-­‐5256 624-­‐3754 239-­‐8718 239-­‐5712 825-­‐9451 824-­‐2062 629-­‐8838 815-­‐9803 624-­‐3779 647-­‐4380

Non WOA Sanctioned Clubs: Club Christian Men 55ers RV Group Indoor Walking Class Neighbors Helping Neighbors Red Hat Ladies Senior Bowling Women's Bible Study

Contact Mel Reynolds Sue Edmiston Jacque Reynolds Monika Hunt Claudia Watkins Barbara Silva Carolyn Johnson

Phone 624-­‐3768 601-­‐9210 629-­‐8508 824-­‐7295 823-­‐8678 824-­‐0262 239-­‐0936

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

Woodbridge LIFE

www.ourwoodbridge.net

Page 35 • April 2014

April Activities Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

7

13

14

20

21

27

28

11 a.m. – Facility Rental

Friday

1

2

3

4

8

9

10

11

17

18

24

25

5 p.m. – Setness Tours Presentation

6

Thursday

6 p.m. – Wine 101

Noon – Ladies’ Luncheon

15

16

3 p.m. – Wesson Hearing Presentation

5:30 p.m. – Hobo Dinner

22

23

6 p.m. – Doctors Hospital MAKO Presentation

3 p.m. – Board Meeting

29

30

5:30 p.m. – Potluck Night

9:30 a.m. – Doctors Hospital Forum

9 a.m. – New Resident Orientation

Saturday 5

8:30 a.m. – Softball Opening Day 11 a.m. – Facility Rental

12

7:30 p.m. – Variety Comedy Show

19

11 a.m. – Facility Rental 4 p.m. – Facility Rental

26

10:30 a.m. – A Day At the Races

► All regularly scheduled clubs and groups are listed on page 34.

More detailed information may be found on the Woodbridge portal.

WOA meetings are also listed on page 4.

May Activities Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday 1

2

5 p.m. – Sip for Scholarship – “Sun, Sand & Sip”

4

5

10 a.m. – Community Champagne Brunch

4 p.m. – 6th Year Clubhouse Anniversary

11

12

Mother’s Day

9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.– Mother’s Day Breakfast

9 a.m. - Thorson Financial Casino Bus Trip

6

7

12:30 p.m. – AARP Driver Program 6 p.m. – Wine 101

8

9:30 a.m. – Healthcare Open Forum

9

13

14

15

16

21

22

23

28

29

30

12:30 p.m. – AARP Driver Program

2 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. -Woodbridge Singers Spring Concert

18

19

20

25

26

27

Memorial Day

Friday

2 p.m. – Speaker Series 5:30 p.m. - Potluck Night

6:30 p.m. – Patriotic Sing Along – Strummin’ Wonders Ukulele Group

6 p.m. – Board Meeting

6 p.m. – New Resident Orientation

5:30 p.m. – Happy Hour

Saturday 3

8 a.m. – Community Wide Garage Sale 6:30 p.m. – Mama’s Wranglers

10

9 a.m. – CPR Class

17

24

10 a.m. – Wheels of Woodbridge 100

31

Page 36 • April 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

All ourMay Woodbridge clients are “sweethearts” in our eyes...and whythe not come the truth of Easter, the joy of Easter and blessings check out what they see in us.

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California companies areEstate separate entities. Inc. and the Securities America Insurance License #0712011. Thorson Financial Management, companies are separate entities.

Household Hints

By Bill Barnhart

This month’s article will deal with a couple issues being encountered by those of us who have lived here at Woodbridge for five years, give or take a couple years.

Replacing PhotoCell for Exterior Lights For the first five years or so, every home built here at Woodbridge had a photocell installed high on the wall above the circuit breaker box on the exterior wall of the garage. In the evening when it begins to get dark, if the switch is already turned on and the photocell is working, your entry way light and the light on your garage will come on automatically and go off automatically in the morning. When the switch is on, it is dark outside and the lights will not come on, it’s a sure sign your photocell has reached the end of its useful life. You can purchase a new photocell (they are called Outdoor/Exterior Light Control on the packaging) at a hardware store. Home Depot has them for $12.87 and are located on aisle four at the far end on right side.

At Orchard, they are $13.99 and located on aisle 20 near the back.

It doesn’t hurt to pick up one of these to have on hand when yours stops working.

The photocells are simple to replace. There are three wires: a red, a black and a white. Turn off the switch in the inside entry hallway. There is still one live wire, so it is best to also turn off the circuit breaker labeled “photocell” in your circuit breaker panel. Remove the old photocell by unscrewing the two screws holding the plate to the wall with a Phillips head screwdriver. Use a power screwdriver if you have one because the screws are really long.

Pull the stiff wires out of the wall, remove the screw nut and hook up the new photocell matching the color wires one wire at a time.

Push the stiff wires back inside the

www.ourwoodbridge.net wall and then remount the new photocell on the wall. Flip the circuit breaker back on, turn on the inside switch and you’re done.

Call if you don’t want to attempt it yourself.

Replacing Battery in Home Security System If your home security system control panel starts beeping every so often, it is usually a sign that either your phone system is down or the battery needs to be replaced in the lock box in your master closet. If your phone is working, you likely need to replace the alarm system battery.

You can purchase a battery from Arvin for $24.95 + tax and they will install it at no charge.

Alternatively you can order one on the Internet, (CASIL CA1240) from Amazon. One reseller had it as cheap as $14.99 + 6.99 shipping. If you order it on the Internet, you will need to install it yourself or call if you want help (629-8838).

To replace the battery, open the door on the lock box and take out the battery. Remove the two wires and then reinstall the wires on the new battery just as they were on the old battery, red to red and black to black. It’s very simple and there is no need to turn anything off before you do it. However, this battery is not something you should buy in advance; you should wait to purchase a fresh one when you need it.

Happy Easter Sunday, April 20

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Woodbridge LIFE

Page 37 • April 2014

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We sell top quality refurbished Golf Carts with 30 day warranty, all of our carts are thoroughly inspected prior to selling. We offer a full service shop with an experienced mechanic who will take care of all your golf cart needs, whether it is a simple tune-up, a repair or even a custom built cart.

We also sell all the accessories you want or need at a discounted price, including covers, batteries & chargers, seat belts, lights & blinker kits. We can either install the parts and/or accessories or you can chose to install them yourself.

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Page 38 • April 2014

Woodbridge LIFE

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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.

This photo was taken recently when Shirley Smith visited Paris. Did she see the famous Eiffel Tower? No - because actually she went to Paris, TEXAS, to visit the Veterans Memorial with her grandchildren.

Shirley took along her favorite reading material, Woodbridge LIFE!

Sue and Warren Atherton celebrated Warren’s 89th birthday at the Flamingo Hotel, Las Vegas.

Robert Philis with February's Woodbridge LIFE at Mt. Diablo State Park.

Ray (right) and Gerda Foxworth (not pictured) took their granddaughters, Julia and Emma, to the Monterey Bay Aquarium in March.

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.

Windows are the #1 Source of HEAT GAIN! Windows Walls and Doors People & Activities Cracks & Leaks Ceilings

Security Doors •Stainless Steel Mesh Maintain your Security AND your View!

Sunscreens Will: See Our Doors put to the Test at ~ Reduce Cooling Costs ~Protect Furniture & Artwork from harmful UV rays ~Lower Room Temperatures up to 15º

Saturday 4/12-- Easter Egg

Hunt

Wednesday 4/30

Pizza and Corona Dinner *Must Sign Up in the Clubhouse for Dinner*

•Solar Screens•

•Security Doors•

•Retractable Awnings•