THE CRIER December 2020

1

THE

CRIER

December 2020

Yes the clubhouse has been closed once again. We will not let that stop us from going on with our park’s agenda.

The Veterans’ Day parade was a big success. We did not get to meet in the clubhouse but we found a way to make it work. This is not only Dennis’s passion, but many who live in Lakeview are also very passionate about Veterans’ Day. This year we printed 50 of the veterans’ photos, both current and when they were in the in military, in a 11 by 17 inch size. We carried them on our cars, motorcycles, and golf carts. Dennis has been collecting these photos for 3 or 4 years and if you are not in them, and you served any branch of the millitary please contact Dennis at [email protected] with a photo of you in millitary and one of you now. He would like to have all who served honored each Veterans’ Day.

After the parade Paul and Pat’s team cooked and served hot dogs and that money went to an area Veterans’ group. For the last 3 years we have given to homeless vets in our area. The Stand Down’s new leader, Michael White and his wife Pam, rode in the parade with Terry Dales and had a few words of thanks afterward in the parking lot while we had our hot dogs.

With hot dogs sales and donations we raised $1,000.00 to give to them that day. Thank you Diane Perry.

Many people were very emotional about Veterans’ Day, some with tears in their eyes while thanking us for not forgetting them. We even got a call from Arizona when Rob and Rolinda saw the youtube video replay of the parade the Zwanzingers took and posted. Rob was thankful to have been included.

With the clubhouse now closed we had to suspend, hopefully temporarily, the Corn Hole day. We will once again get it up and running. Judy Vollmer and Diane Mattes got it started but had to stop for the pandemic.

One more event that we have done for years is the Teddy Bear Drive. In the past we called it a luncheon but that will not happen this year. However, we are still collecting stuffed animals for kids in crisis situations. When bad things happen to the family or friends and the police or fire department are on their premises we give stuffed amimals to help ease that pain. Please bring your stuffed animals to the Lakeview management office for safe keeping until we can take to them. You can find stuffed animals at Kohls from $2.00 to $10.00, also at Marshalls. Please these kids need our help so donate what you can. Last Day has changed to December the 7th _.

2 We are still going forward on the Holiday lights contest and in this Crier is a form for you to vote. We have listed several categories. Please drive the streets to vote on those you like best. After you vote join the rest of us for tailgate hot chocolate and cookies and to warm your heart on December 16th _{at 7:30 pm}

in the clubhouse parking lot. This year we are giving you 3 days to drive the park and vote starting on December 14th _{through December}

16th_{. Please be prepared by bringing a}

clipboard, pen or pencil, a flashlight as well as your address guide so you can put in names and addresses. We are hoping this brings out the Christmas Spirit in those Christians that live in the park as well as the Hanukkah spirit for our Jewish friends and neighbors.

Unfortunately we just moved all the books and puzzles back to clubhouse now we will need to find a new way ahead for these.

Many small businesses are struggling with the pandemic rules and this includes our Crier advertisers. Please remember them if you are looking for service. Their ads pay for the Crier to be printed. Most of them are hanging in with us but they need your help. When they survive we survive.

We have found creative ways to show our support to each other through this unusual and we will continue to find new ways.

At many meetings we were always asked why we had such a large reserve of money not being used, we always said for emergencies. Well this will never be asked again because we have had to spend some of that reserve. It is for this reason we will be planning a fund raiser to build this back up. Paul is working on a 3rd _golf

tournament as a fund raiser for Lakeview Villagers Association. It’s still in early planning so if you have ideas how to make it better please call Paul March.

As always I love living with all you and I want our park to progress not fall back. If you have ideas that you think will help keep us the premier retirement community in the area please send those ideas to me or anyone on the board.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! FROM THE EDITOR Linda Evans

Season’s Greetings! I hope you’re all looking forward to the holidays, limited as the celebrations will be. Lakeview Village is doing its best to keep things festive with the decorations, holiday lights contest and the Teddy Bear collection. Hopefully. you’ll all participate in the judging of the holiday lights contest. You’ll have several days to drive around the park in the evening and view and vote on the various light displays. Then come to the tailgate hot chocolate and cookie night after voting on December 16th.

As I’ve been driving around the park I’ve noticed there still are political signs and flags on display. If you missed my recent email about them, the Mobilehome Residency Law AND California Elections Law, state that all Election related signs, flags, advertising and other materials should be taken down or no longer displayed as of 15 days after the Election Day. Just a friendly reminder.

On behalf of the Crier Staff I want to wish you a wonderful holiday season. Be safe and be happy.

3 RESIDENTS OF THE MONTH

Anne Sadler

Tom and Louise Spradley

Tom’s podium is his pen, and Louise’s, her art cards. The Spradley households thrive on self-expression. Yes, households. Tom and Louise divide their time between El Sargento, a fishing village on the Sea of Cortez in Baja California Sur, and Lakeview Village.

“We spend December through April at our Baja home,” says Tom, “where winters are mild, but the pandemic kept us in Citrus Heights this year.”

They love life here but miss their Mexican friends and Baja home, where the environment encourages creativity. “Besides hiking through a tropical desert to mountain waterfalls and exploring an offshore island,” Louise says, “from our porch overlooking the Sea Of Cortez, we watch some 40 species of birds visiting feeders in our yard every day.”

Tom enjoys Baja’s dark night skies. “We have people over to peer through a creaky old telescope at the moon, planets, and star clusters. It’s an opportunity to educate people about the harm outdoor lights do not only to the night sky but also to our health.” He writes a weekly stargazing article for a newsletter and

stories about the pearl divers who founded the village more than one hundred years ago. Louise, who worked inking animation cells at Disney Studios for the movie Sleeping Beauty, creates greeting cards with watercolor pencils, presenting through drawings and written descriptions the village culture and local flora and fauna. Louise says that “Mexican friends sell the cards to raise money for local charities.”

They first visited El Sargento in 1997 to see their son, who had traveled there during several winters to windsurf. “We came back owning beachfront property and built a home when we retired in 1999,” Tom says.

They describe a quaint village where everyone, until recently, knew each other. However, it has grown, and the couple says that a new hotel and small inns now fill up every winter with surfers, hikers, bird-watchers, and mountain bikers; and more businesses are opening that cater to these visitors.

Tom and Louise enjoy returning to their home in Lakeview Village since moving here in September 2014. “It’s nice to come home to visit with neighbors, spend time with our daughter who lives nearby, and shop at Trader Joe’s,” laughs Louise, “and Tom looks forward to visiting the local library, starting a vegetable garden, and practicing piano.“

Louise says a highlight of her life was her marriage. “We attended the same church but rival high schools. I watched Tom set the basketball team’s scoring record while beating my school’s team. And then he dated a few of my girlfriends before we started dating.”

The couple married in 1958 in Los Angeles. Their son, Bruce, was born in 1961 and daughter, Lynn, in 1965. Until their son was born, Louise continued to work at Disney. “Tom taught math for two years at the junior high where he had attended,” Louise says. “Then, we moved to Wheaton, Illinois, where he taught college math for four years.”

4 While pregnant in 1964, Louise contracted Rubella, and their daughter was born deaf. They returned to L.A. in 1968 and moved to Sacramento the next year, where Tom started a job at American River College, and Lynn enrolled in Starr King public school for the deaf. Back then, deaf children were taught by the oral method and not allowed to use sign language. Tom and Louise met some deaf adults who communicated through American Sign Language (ASL). Since their daughter, then 8, only understood a few words, they learned ASL. Tom’s book, Deaf Like Me, published by Random House in 1978, describes this experience and how Lynn began to communicate in signs after only a few weeks. Their story encouraged parents of deaf children across America to demand that schools adopt ASL to educate deaf students. It earned an honorary Doctor of Letters for Tom from Gallaudet University. The book went into four languages and a movie in Japan. Tom continued to teach for 34 more years in Sacramento and retired from American River College in 1999. Louise worked as a sign-language interpreter and teacher aide at Barrett Middle School for 25 years. Tom says the honorary degree belongs to his wife for the hours she spent teaching Lynn language and her work with deaf children at Barrett.

“We learned important lessons from our kids,” Tom says. “From our daughter, we learned patience, respect for disabled people and their subcultures, and a visual language. Our son taught us to respect and enjoy the Mexican people and their culture and inspired us to learn Spanish and develop a love for adventure. ”

While in Citrus Heights, the couple takes it easy. Louise likes to search thrift stores and garage sales for bargains or a treasure to add to an American Indian art collection she started with some pieces from an aunt.

Tom keeps busy gardening, practicing piano, reading, and writing. “I try to write every day,” he says. “Besides stories, I write to politicians and HMOs when they don’t practice

evidence-based medicine. We have been fortunate to find doctors at Kaiser who encourage their patients to make lifestyle changes such as switching to plant-based nutrition to prevent and reverse hypertension, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes before prescribing pharmaceuticals.”

Tom grows herbs, vegetables, and fruit in their side yard. They have eaten only plant-based whole-foods for 40 years. For exercise, they walk Lakeview Village and follow a daily exercise program on PBS. Tom bikes the perimeter of the village daily.“We love it here. The streets are quiet, neighbors are nice, and it’s close to the library,” Louise says.

For now, their memories of life in El Sargento will carry them through this pandemic until they can return to their adopted village. Isn’t it great that Tom and Louise have beautiful Lakeview Village that they also call home? SOCIAL COMMITTEE

Diane Perry and Kathy Cooley

The clubhouse is closed. There will be only two events in December and those will be the Outdoor Holiday Decorations event and the Teddy Bear collection event.

Teddy Bear Luncheon:

Even though we are not having a Teddy Bear luncheon, we are still collecting bears and other plush animals to give to Citrus Heights police and fire. Bring your donation to the Lakeview Village office. A representative from the police or fire will come and pick them up. Holiday Decorations Contest:

This year’s outside decorations contest will be held on multiple nights: The 14th_{, 15, and} 16th _{of December. The recommended time} to drive around is between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. This will give residents who wish to participate in the judging, plenty of time to drive around the park and make their selections. A ballot with the categories will be

5 attached to the Crier. A ballot box will be available outside the clubhouse starting on the 14th. _{Announcement of the winners will be}

posted on the outside bulletin boards and will appear in the January Crier. Pictures of the winners will be posted on the Lakeview Village website.

Categories: Nicest decoration using most lights. Nicest decorations using fewest lights. Best decorations using inflatables. Best religious/spiritual. Best depiction of Christmas. Best homemade decorations. Best humorous them (cartoon, Disney, Looney Toon). Most original. Most decorated street. The ballot will be designed so that participants can vote for more than one house per category. It is recommended to bring a flashlight and clip board.

LOOK FOR THE BALLOT IN THIS ISSUE OF THE CRIER

BOTTLES & CANS Bottle Bill Skipworth

Well we kicked it right in the cans (and bottles) again this month! 259 smackers! And all that money goes right into our social club. And speaking of social, what great happy hours we had this summer. Now if we can just get a vaccine we can start having indoor activities once again. Everyone keep good thoughts and prayers.

And speaking of everyone, you all get gold stars by your name as nobody tried to sneak in milk jugs, wine bottles, or tin cans this month. Also, we appreciate your continued help on Cans and Bottles pick-up days as we sort the plastic from the glass in the clubhouse parking lot. If you’d like to help, please come to the parking lot at about 9:15 a.m.

Happy holidays everyone, may they be filled with peace and blessings.

Your recycle crew. 808-896-4129.

COMPUTER USERS’ GROUP Rosalie Ingle

The CUG will be skipping their December meeting this year. Hopefully, January will be safer and we will be back in the clubhouse. Have a great holiday season. Remember, you can use Zoom or Facetime and similar programs to see your family and friends on your phone, iPad or computer.

Also, remember there are MANY enjoyable shows on You Tube including the NASA-Spacex liftoffs.

OUT FROM BEHIND SHENANIGANS BAR WITH A MASK ON

Al Fichera

Hello again from behind Shenanigans Bar!

Well, it happened again, we wish it didn’t, but it did. Once again, no clubhouse, no Shenanigans Bar, no more warm outdoor days, no more Happy2Hour fun days. However, we did create great memories with your help to make this a most unique, year of years. (Just try to forget

the bad stuff, okay.)

We held six outdoor events; all were fun, and successful in their own ways. We partnered with the Village Players and enjoyed their music. COVID-19 kept Chef Diane Perry from delighting your tastebuds with her awesome appetizers this year; what a big disappointment. However, we tied-in with Paul March and company a few times instead, and that was a treat for all of us.

You made all that possible for us, you respected your neighbors’ well-being by wearing your masks and keeping safe distances when you weren’t in your own safe groups. You protected our volunteer helpers at tickets sales, bartending, and food venues. Some people

6 think that wearing a mask just protects themselves, but it’s better and bigger than that. By wearing your masks you protect your friends and neighbors. It was a lot to ask, indeed it was painful to ask, but we all came through this period in pretty good shape. I applaud you for helping us stay safe and still have fun together. My tribute to you will be with my go to saying ever since I was a kid, “You guys rock!”

My sad little crystal ball gave up trying long ago, so I can’t rely on it for the next Happy2Hour event. Perhaps an early spring will come upon us. Perchance there’ll be a return to a better COVID-19 color to reopen the clubhouse again. See, without my crystal ball I must guess. My track record on guesses, not so good. Just watch me pick the shortest grocery store line only to have the longest wait to check out. Well, there’s always hope!

So, here comes Friday the 13th and we still have no working kitchen refrigerator. That’s where we store Shenanigans Beer and Wine between Happy2Hours Events. And then, I get told everything in the refrigerator must be removed and I have no place to move it to. So, “Santa Al” had a give away day and those of you that receive emails from the village got a free shopping trip on me. I thank you folks though; there’s no reason to keep the beer and wine for months on end without an event to plan. Next year I’ll restock once we know we can reopen again. I hope those who helped us, enjoy the bounty.

There’s at least one more thank you in me for this very unique year for Shenanigans. The set-up and tear-down crew headed by Judy Wilson, plus the bartenders: Gus, John, Chuck, Winnie, and Judy. Plus Leslie and Gary who jumped in to help, too. Diane Perry has done an awesome job at the ticket table to take over while my wife Dianna was recovering from her heart surgery. I hope I didn’t miss anyone! Yes, there certainly is one more person to thank, Linda Evans! Linda is always ready to blast out something important from

Shenanigans and others in the village. Without her help, we’d be hard pressed to be successful at all. So, THANK YOU LINDA!❤

Finally, perhaps you’d appreciate a couple of our HOLIDAY COCKTAIL RECIPES right about now.

Thanks and Happy Holidays from behind Shenanigans Bar

Al Fichera, Bar Manager CHRISTMAS COCKTAIL �

Splash of Brandy Champagne

Splash of Cranberry Juice 1 Sugar Cube

Add the sugar cube and brandy to an empty champagne flute glass. Wait a moment for the brandy to soak into the sugar cube and then add the cranberry juice. Lastly, top up with the champagne.

**********

BRANDY ALEXANDER � 1 oz Cognac

1 oz Brown Crème de Cacao

1 oz Half-and-Half or Fresh Cream Combine ingredients with ice in a shaker. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with ground nutmeg.

**********

DAMN THE WEATHER � 1 oz Gin

1 tsp Triple Sec

1 tbsp Sweet Vermouth 1 tbsp Orange Juice

Combine ingredients with crushed ice in a shaker. Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass.

**********

CHOCOLATE HEAVEN � ½ oz Coffee Liqueur

½ oz Bailey's Irish Cream Liqueur ½ oz Chocolate Liqueur

½ tsp Caramel Syrup (Optional)

Pour the ingredients into a double shot glass in the above order.

7 FROM DIANE’S KITCHEN

Diane Perry

Teriyaki Chicken Wings 1 lb. chicken wings

Mix all ingredients except wings. Add chicken wings and marinate for several hours.

Cook on BBQ or in oven at 400o _{for 25}

minutes, turning after 12 minutes. Mini Muffulettas

Olive Salad

2 (16 oz.) jars mixed pickled vegetables

 2 tablespoons olive oil/vinegar dressing

 3/4 cup pimento stuffed olives chopped

 Drain pickled vegetables, reserving liquid. Pulse in a food processor until finely chopped. Stir in olives and dressing. Set aside.



12 small dinner rolls (Kings Hawaiian)

 6 slices Swiss cheese, cut in half

 12 thin deli ham slices

 12 Genoa salami slices

 6 provolone cheese slices, cut in half

Check and see if you need more liquid in your olive salad, now’s the time to add it. If you are using Kings Hawaiian rolls, don’t separate rolls until sandwiches are assembled. Cut the rolls in half. Spread 1 heaping tablespoon of the olive salad on the bottom cut side of each of the rolls. Top each roll with 1 Swiss cheese half slice, 1 ham slice, 1 salami slice, 1 provolone cheese slice and the roll top. Separate the rolls and cover with plastic wrap. Serve immediately of refrigerate in plastic freezer bags overnight. Clam Dip

 1 can minced clams

 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese softened

 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic

Drain clams and reserve liquid. Whip cream cheese and add reserved liquid gradually until you reach dip thickness you want. Stir in clams and granulated garlic. Refrigerate for an hour before serving.

Grandma’s Special Cookie Recipe Sandra DiPoalo Huddleston

This recipe has been in my family since my grandmother made them and longer.

Because of their shape we call them dog bone cookies

Oven temperature set at 350 degrees and cook each tray for 12 - 15 min.

Yield about 30 to 36 cookies. Ingredients:

In a mixer or by hand mix together:

1 stick of butter (leave butter out so it is at room temperature)

3/4 Cup of sugar 1 teaspoon of vanilla 1 teaspoon of lemon juice 2 eggs

In a separate bowl mix together: 1 teaspoon of baking powder 3 cups of all purpose flour

Add the above ingredients to wet ingredients and mix slowly.

Slowly add: 1/4 Cup of milk

After all ingredients are mixed together cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let rest for 15 minuets. This is the secret to all good Italian food.

Roll out dough on surface with a light dusting of flour. Roll the dough into 1/4 inch ropes and

8 cut them about four or five inches long for each cookie.

You can just bake them like that or you can slice each end of the rope about 1/2 inch and roll each side back onto the main rope. This makes the cookie look like a dog bone . Enjoy! Godere!

THANKSGIVING DINNER 2020 Dennis Ford

As you all know this pandemic has affected us all. The events that we as long-time residents have looked forward to have all been changed and new creative ways of going forward had to be adopted. Many of us have looked forward to the annual Thanksgiving Dinner. In the past this was a well-attended event where the Lakeview management supplied the turkeys. The last 4 or 5 years Paul and Pat March cooked the turkeys and all the fixings that go with it and for only $10.00 (for residents). We have never done this right on Thanksgiving Day because many of you celebrated with your own families. This has always been a way to say thank you for management and the Lakeview Villagers Association.

We were afraid that this year we would not be able to do this dinner of thanks. That is until Paul called JoAnn Ford asked what she thought of doing this, but only as a “to go” out of the back door. Wow, what a great idea. So JoAnn got to work along with others to see if we could do this. Paul said it was actually Pat’s idea. After the clubhouse was closed we needed permission to use the kitchen, which was given, but only 6 people could be in kitchen at one time. Management also said they would once again supply the Turkeys. Joy Welch was very helpful and worked well with his team. Paul’s team was given the go ahead and he started planning. In the past we were limited by the fire department to how many people we could have and that was about 140 dinners. After ticket sales they found that was way off

the mark. They had to shop for everything including the turkeys. But as the numbers grew Paul and Pat had to keep going to the store to add on, Paul said it seemed like every day for a week they were back at the store. They could have sold more, but after many trips to the store they had to cut off sales. Twenty seven (27) pumpkin pies, 62 plus pounds of mashed potatoes, 60 pounds of stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce 70 oz., of green beans, twenty seven turkey breasts, not whole turkeys. It is one thing to buy all this and another to cook it all. They spent three (3) days cooking it all. But after cooking, they weren’t done yet— they still had to slice turkeys and put it all in to go boxes. Are you seeing it was a big job?

But Diane Perry and her team (Gale Wilson and Nancy Welch) had to sell the tickets in a 4 day sale. Sell tickets and get volunteers to deliver the ones that needed delivering. A few people asked for delivery to those that could not get out. Like my neighbor who just got her son home from hospital the day before. He had successful knee surgery but she is his caretaker

9 and she is 81 years young. Others were in same situation and they were happy to help.

Luckily many people asked to help, and the list is long of those who did help, and many more would have helped if needed.

Tons of effort was needed before the event even took place. Great Job Paul and Pat and their team. We like what you did for us.

Let me show you and email I got from new residents Norm and Renee Schoch. This sums it up for all of us.

“Dear Dennis and JoAnn,

I am sending this to you, and asking you to please pass it on, since I don't have an email for Paul and Pat ,(AKA Trish,) Thanksgiving dinner was fabulous, amazing, delicious, enough food so I waddled afterwards, and did I say delicious and scrumptious? Oh my gosh! IT WAS ABOVE AND BEYOND TERRIFIC! THANK YOU. THANK YOU THANK YOU TO ALL WHO WERE INVOLVED IN PREPARING THAT MEAL.

That's all, we sort of loved it! Hope to see you soon.”

So we are very thankful for the entire March team for first of thinking of a way to do this and second to the hours of work and days of planning that were needed to make this a very thankful THANKSGIVING.

They are not done yet, they would like to do this again for Valentine’s Day and are already working on a menu. And other event that will follow as well.

Great Job Thank You

Paul March, Pat March, Shirley March, Diana Musser, Diane Perry, Cindy Johnson, Millie Loutensock, JoAnn Ford. Roger Van Parys, Doug and Jennifer Knight, Mike Scrieer, Joan Brandy, Judy Wilson, Cindy Cronk and all who helped or volunteered to help.

Loving memories never die, as years roll on and days pass by.

In our hearts a memory is kept, of ones we loved and will never forget.

Richard James – October 29tth

Loy Goodwin – November 16th

NEIGHBORHOOD AWARENESS Leslie Beecher

It’s December already and the holidays are upon us. It’s a busy time of year for us and criminals as well. Please remember to watch out for packages that are delivered and left on your doorstep. Criminals make a living out of driving around and looking for unattended packages and items they can quickly grab. If you are unable to be home for deliveries, have your packages held for a later pick up date or have a neighbor watch out for them, etc.

Recently we have had a few reports of items stolen from front porches and in front yards. These items are of great value to the resident who cares for and displays them in front of their homes. Please CALL THE POLICE and make a report on anything you notice is missing. The police DO NOT know we are having issues unless WE REPORT IT! This is again another good reason to make sure the outside of your home is well lit at

10 night...Criminals like it dark. Let’s make it harder for them to commit crimes.

This is also a busy time of the year for solicitors, so remember, we have a NO TRESPASSING/NO SOLICITING policy at Lakeview. Please do not open your door or engage with strangers, and DO NOT LET THEM INTO YOUR HOME. Call the office so they can be escorted out by management. If it happens after hours, CALL THE POLICE! There is some good news...it appears as though the homeless population by the front entrance of the park is pretty much gone except for a few piles of rubbish. We have been working diligently with a special police task force that is coming by once per week to make sure that encampment is cleaned up and gone. Because we do not live in a perfect world, there is always a chance a few stragglers could come back; if you notice any homeless activity again by the front entrance or campfires at night, CALL THE POLICE immediately!

Remember we are a COMMUNITY and need to watch out for and help each other.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS and stay safe! TEDDY BEAR DRIVE

Because of the Covid-19 Pandemic we had to cancel the 2020 Teddy Bear Luncheon. However, we are still collecting your donations of teddy bears for the Police and Fire departments for children in stressful situations. This is a charity that is close to our hearts and we plan it to be another year of expressed kindness to our children and neighbors in need. Your donations can be dropped off at the Lakeview Office or given to any board member.

The last day to drop off your donation at the office is December 7, 2020

We will be delivering the donations of Teddy Bears to the Citrus Heights Police Department and Citrus Heights Firehouse #23 on December 8th _{2020 at 11 a.m. Anyone who}

wants to accompany us is more than welcome. Thanking you in advance for your continued and generous support of our 2020 Teddy Bear Drive. We say Teddy Bears but all stuffed animals are welcome.

If you have any questions, please contact: Edna Irwin 619-755-7241

JoAnn Ford 916-712-9744

LIBRARY NEWS Chris Guyon

The clubhouse and library stayed open a little longer, than last time, before having to be closed again. It’s too bad because the library is in order and looks great, but safety first.

Danny Popp took out all the books that were stacked for donation on the hearth. They filled his VW Beetle! It is very unlikely there will be another temporary library set up because of the cold weather and rain. Will keep you posted. In the meantime stay safe!

GUARDIAN ANGEL (GA) Ruth Cohen

Do you have a Guardian Angel [GA]? I’ve always known I’ve had one, but she has stayed in the background of my life and I haven’t paid much attention to her or her duties. I guess to remind me, she landed on my shoulder twice in the last few weeks, just to let me know she is on her best behavior and taking care of business.

The first episode when she showed up was peculiar and scary. Harold and I had gone RV

11 camping at the Russian River, north of Cloverdale. Little did we know, half of California would be on fire. We were far enough north that the smoke didn’t reach us, and Harold had a successful fishing expedition, so it was a good trip.

When it was time to come home, we checked with road service and were advised that we could indeed come back to Citrus Heights via I-80 through Vallejo, Vacaville, Dixon, and into Sacramento.

All was well coming into Vallejo where we stopped and had a casual lunch. As we approached Vacaville, we observed firsthand what the fire storm must have been like. The fire had jumped the freeway, both sides of the hills were blackened, the oleanders in the median strip were burnt to a crisp, and the steel guard rail was missing or twisted like spaghetti. A couple of freeway lanes were closed, and workers were feverishly trying to repair the damage. Travel slowed to a crawl. Like everyone else, we inched forward a foot or two at a time. Traveling beside us was an extra wide load, assisted by pilot cars, which made driving a bit nerve-racking. We were choking because of the smoke-filled air.

We finally got through that mess, and decided to pull into the IKEA parking lot in West Sacramento to regroup, this is exactly when my GA appeared. We stopped, used the facilities, had a drink of water, when suddenly there was a loud ka-whoosh! What in the

world was that? Maybe someone ran into us.

Harold said No, it sounded more like a tire

blowout. Tire blowout, I said. How could that be, we are standing still? We took a good look

around the outside of the RV; nothing seemed to be amiss

As we debated what to do, since we had heard something, I glanced up and observed that within walking distance, was a Firestone Tire Company repair shop. Harold, I’m going to

walk over to Firestone and ask them to look at our tires. Follow me with the RV. He did; I

explained our problem to one of the Firestone

workers who said: Oh, we don’t do RVs. I pleaded: Please take a look at our tires. Maybe

they just need air. Grudgingly he said: OK, I can do that, pull your RV right over here. [We

have two rear tires on both sides of the vehicle and it’s extremely difficult to see anything

about the inside tires].

Harold pulled the RV up front of the shop and the worker pulled out the air hose and proceeded to fill each tire with air, then test the tire pressure. Quizzically he looked at Harold and said: I can’t get a pressure reading

on this sixth tire, the inside rear tire on the passenger side. He got a mat and rolled under

the RV to see what he could see. He rolled out and incredulously reported, There is no

pressure in this tire because it is totally, 100% flat, and disintegrated! Wow that was a

surprise. He explained to Harold that they did not have the facility to work on RVs, but suggested another nearby company, Radial Tire.

We called Radial, they said Yes, we have that

tire in stock. Can you come over to the shop?

Harold said, Driving on a flat tire? The Radial Tire representative laughed and said: If the tire

is that flat, you can’t hurt it! We determined

that they were less than a mile away, so on a very busy street at 10-15 miles an hour, we slowly crept down the road.

After examination and a lot of head shaking about our adventure, Radial recommended we replace all of the tires which were very old, saving the best for a new spare. While we waited, they served us fresh donuts and lots of coffee to ease our pain.

Five hours later and with a lighter pocketbook, we arrived back to Citrus Heights. We gradually began realizing that my GA had truly done her job. That blowout could’ve happened anywhere, anytime: in the wilderness where we were camping, in the middle of the devastating traffic in Vacaville, or virtually anywhere we have taken our little RV. But, my GA had arranged for us to have a blowout next-door to a tire shop. How considerate is that?

12 A couple of days later, as we were recovering from our trauma, I was sitting at the dining room table reading the morning newspaper, when my front tooth, a crown, landed in my hand. I was not eating, I was not chewing, I was not brushing my teeth, I was not doing anything, I was just sitting there. For those of you with crowns, you know that they are about the size of a kernel of corn. Easy to swallow! My Guardian Angel again, looking after me, made sure that the crown landed in my hand instead of my stomach.

An emergency visit to my dentist, and my tooth was recemented. Dr. Shore chuckled at my story because she said most often the crown is bitten, swallowed, cracked, crushed, or lost; virtually never is it still in a condition to simply be recemented. Ms. GA, thank you. My husband’s family has always believed in the rule of threes. Good things, or bad, happen in threes. I’ve had two traumas, GA, would you please just forget about number three? You’ve been working overtime on my behalf and I appreciate it and am grateful, so let’s just take a “pass” on number three trauma. Is that OK with you, Ms. Guardian Angel?

PET CORNER Melinie diLuck

I’ve always written my December article about the best animal related books for this year. But this year is unlike any other year in our lifetimes. After much thought, I decided to write about how each one of us can help our

local and national shelters and thus help the animals.

Traditionally fall is the time of the year that non-profit organizations count on holding their major fundraising events to bring much needed money into their budget. But not this year. With the Covid restrictions, there are no fund-raising events. Even adoptions are down and by appointment only. It is a sad fact that many adopted animals are being returned to the shelters because people have lost their jobs, and/or their homes and can no longer take care of them. It is up to us to help the shelters keep the animals fed and sheltered. I’ve included several suggestions, both small and large.

You can get ideas on what they need by searching for a wish list for any animal organization on their website. If you are not able to use a computer, call the organization and ask for them to send one to you. Another place that you can find wish lists is on Amazon. Many non-profits are registered with Amazon, such as Happy Tails. As an example, every time I order from Amazon, which is a lot, a portion of the money that I spend goes directly to my organization as my designated charity. Amazon also had wish lists from many organizations making it easy for you to shop on Amazon and Amazon will send the item directly to your chosen charity or local shelter. Here are a few more ideas. If your love is for the four hoofed kind, drive to your local feed store and buy feed and hay for a local horse rescue group. The feed store can notify the organization to make delivery arrangements. If your home is lonely during this time of the year, volunteer to foster a cat or dog…or adopt. Do you knit or sew? Dogs and cats always need soft warm beds. Buy locally or order several dog beds, cat trees, cat or dog food or litter to be delivered through Chewy or Amazon. If money is tight and you are good at social media, you can help by sharing photos and descriptions of adoptable animals on social media…doesn’t cost a thing.

13 Instead of opening one more gift that you really don’t need, ask instead for your family and friends to donate money to your favorite animal charity in lieu of Christmas, birthday, or wedding gifts.

All of you can make a difference for abandoned, abused, and homeless animals this holiday season and beyond. Thank you for considering this.

PS My usual reminder…Please don’t litter by throwing your cigarette buts on the ground. If a dog or other animal ingests the nicotine, it can kill.

WELCOME COMMITTEE/BLOCK

MONITORS Judy Wilson

As we end another year I want to send out a big THANK YOU to all of the Block Monitors and members of the Welcome Committee for all of their hard work this year. Without the Block Monitors our residents would not receive the Crier each month hand delivered to their door. They have walked many miles to keep you updated on all of the activities in Lakeview. Our Welcome Committee has delivered welcome packets to new residents and welcomed them to our wonderful community.

If you are a new resident to Lakeview and have not had a visit from our Welcome Committee, please notify Darlene Marrow at 916-768-2996 or Carolyn Zwanziger at 916-704-4495 so a visit can be arranged.

NAME BADGES

Have you noticed the name badges many of the residents are wearing at some of our activities? Wish you had one, too? For just $2.00 you can purchase your very own name badge by calling Jane Shore at 916-726-7112.

. Vagaries of the English Language!

Why isn't a Fireman called a Water-man? How come Lipstick doesn't do what it says? If money doesn't grow on trees, how come Banks have Branches?

How do you get off a non-stop Flight? Why are goods sent by ship called CARGO and those sent by truck SHIPMENT?

Why do we put cups in the dishwasher and the dishes in the Cupboard?

Why do doctors 'practice' medicine? Are they having practice at the cost of the patients?

Why is it called 'Rush Hour' when traffic

moves at its slowest then?

How come Noses run and Feet smell? Why do they call it a TV 'set' when there is only one?

Did you know that if you replace "W" with "T" in "What, Where and When", you get the answer to each of them.

Great confusions still unresolved.

1. At a movie theater, which arm rest is yours? 2. If people evolve from monkeys, why are monkeys still around?

3. Why is there a 'D' in fridge, but not in refrigerator?

4. Who knew what time it was when the first clock was made?

14 FREE ADS FOR

RESIDENTS ONLY KIRBY PERFORMANCE 5 VACUUM CLEANER, $100 Cost $700, like new, barely used.

Dorothy Ritter 1-916-725-0223 OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS, LARGE AND SMALL, including icicle lights.

The Russells 1-916-207-2962 HOUSEKEEPING: and rides to appts. or airport. Need help with organizing or home projects? Dependable and reasonable.

Kathy 1-503-522-2447 MEDICARE INSURANCE Going on Medicare? Looking for a better plan? Licensed agent for 20 years. For free quote call Jane Billings 916-560-9500 [email protected]

NEED A RIDE? Doctor appointments, shopping, errands, and airport. Sorry, I cannot take wheelchairs. Reasonable prices. Available and dependable.

Debbie (Ingle) McGregor 1-916-995-8755 PIANO TUNING & REPAIRS Pianos should be tuned at least once a year; action repairs & appraisals, [email protected]

Jack Miller 1-916-735-8735

COMPASSIONATE AND CARING HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS needed to provide companionship to patients at Suncrest Hospice on a weekly basis.

Sarah Sanford - 1-916-833-2728 NEED SOMEONE TO GROCERY SHOP? DO ERRANDS, DRIVE YOU TO THE AIRPORT OR DOCTOR? I also have work experience in PARTY & EVENT PLANNING. I’m a hard worker, reliable, and enjoy helping people.

Glenda 831-252-9440 or 1-916-599-7727 AVON REPRESENTATIVE: See me for all your Avon needs. Cindi Johnson 1-916-242-0043

BARBER/HAIRCUTS: Lakeview resident. Dennis 1-916-696-4620 YEAR AROUND EXPERT INCOME TAX SERVICE: 30+years’ experience ~ Enrolled Agent Sandra Wheeler 1-916- 725-4368

EXPERIENCED CAREGIVER: Full service care including laundry, cleaning, cooking..

Danielle – 1-916-406-3071 SHAKLEE SALES: Too young to retire? Shaklee pays you seven ways to show others how to save money and live healthier lives, #1 Natural Nutrition Co. in U.S.

Rosalie Ingle 1-916-728-6703 LANDSCAPING AND EXTERIOR HOUSE COLOR CONSULTATION Landscape designer, UC Master Gardener, over 30 years’ experience. Dorothy Ritter 1-916-725-0223 MENDING & SIMPLE ALTERATIONS.

Andrea Towle 1-916-276-1824 LICENSED ELECTRICIAN: Senior discounts on all electrical work. Free estimates. See Crier Ad.

Richard Morris 1-916-560-4266 TOP NOTCH CATERERS: Will cater any event, Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Private Parties Reasonable rates. Call for free estimate.

Paul March 1-916-856-6966 FUNERAL EXPENSES: We help put a plan in place for the costs, so your family won’t have to in a very difficult time. Trident Society Cremation. Reasonable monthly payment plans.

Paul 1-916-856-6966 NOTARY - We do it all: Trusts, HD, Wills, you name it. Never a travel fee in the park. Ask for

Peter and/or Babz Bitela, 1- 916 412 1387 KNOW WHAT HAPPENED on the day you were born? The Birthday Chronicle will tell you. Makes a great gift. $5 each.

Linda Evans 1-916-722-4613 To place an ad contact Linda Evans,