Call of the Wild by Frank Baker

We, in California, live in what is called a Mediterranean climate. There are only five places on earth where this climate exists: Chile, the Mediterranean basin, South Africa, southwestern Australia and here (southern Oregon down to northern Baja California). Characteristics of this climate are cool wet winters and hot dry summers. Our climate supports more plant species than Canada, and the central and northeastern United States combined! Of course, all species are not found everywhere. Plant communities vary according to climate types.

Lake Oaks is situated in the oak woodland plant community. As the name suggests, oak trees dominate the landscape. They are all around us. I would like to talk about the three oak species we see most often here in Lake Oaks.

Black Oak – This oak is easily identifiable by the large deeply lobed leaves with spiny tips that we usually associate with oak trees. They are deciduous, that is they lose their leaves in winter, after turning brilliant yellow in the fall. They generally have a life span of between 100 and 200 years although some have been known to live up to 500 years. A good standalone example of the Black Oak is in front of Space 127 in Phase 2 and in front of Space 249 in Phase 4. (Continued on page 3)

Lake Oaks Social Club

Visit Lake Oaks Website at: http://www.lakeoaks.org

August 2016Quacker Activities at Lake Oaks

Bible Study 10:00 am every Thursday Joe Pomodoro303-5060

Bingo 6:30 pm First & Third Monday Deloris McDonald(Dinner: 5:45; Bingo: 6:30) 621-1055

Book Club 11:00 Third Tuesday Jeanne Pacheco303-3281

Bookmobile 11:10-11:50 Second Wednesday

Bridge 12:30 pm Every Friday Miep Verkuyl621-0888

Canasta 11:00 am Every Wednesday and 1:00 pm Every Sunday

Crafting/ 2:00 pm Every Monday Miep VerkuylSewing 621-0888

Cribbage 10:30 am 2nd & 4th Monday Carol Schultz409-2912

Exercise 9:00 am Tues, Thurs, Saturday Celia Wolary621-3638

Poker 12:00 Noon each Friday

Potluck Dinner 5:00 pm Second Tuesday& Social Club Meeting

Texas 6:00 pm Tuesday, exceptHold’em 1:00 pm Second Tuesday of the month

Water Aerobics 9:00 am M-W-F Vickie 344-7536 or Shirley 344-7716

WPAC 12:30 - 5:00 pm Second Sunday Wanda Pearson

Yoga 4:20 pm Mon, Wed, Fri Martha Lovette

Around the Lake by Gypsy Silva

Get Well/Thinking of You cards sent to: Dennis McDonald - #144Sharon Ligon - #222Don Costa - #225Glenda Reed - #130

Sympathy cards sent to: Doug Lofgren - #82 - loss of uncle

Sad Note: Adrienne Avery, a former resident (#75) has passed away.

Donations sent to: St. Jude in memory of Marie Sanders - #209

Kudos to: Sue Lofgren for the great job with the new directory! THANK YOU!

Thank You to: Odel and Laurie for can tabsAnd to anonymous for cards and tabs left in ClubhouseSuzanne & Miep for ore can tabs

KUDOS TO JUDIE AND CREW FOR A GREAT PARTY TO THANK OUR VOLUNTEERS ON July 23rd!!! Contact Gypsy Silva, Sunshine Chairman (#1) at 626-1755

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To send an article, an item for sale, a question for Lake Oaks Lucy, or anything “newsy” for the Quacker, send it to Jan Rath (#13) OR janetrath@gmail.com OR call 408-888-6441 OR drop it off in the Quacker Box which is on the coffee table in the Lobby in the Clubhouse.

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Found Found prescription sunglasses on Pleasant Valley Road in front of Tower Market. Call 626-1755 and leave name and phone number.

For Sale Stationary bike for sale:  Perfect condition, everything works great, timer, miles rode, calories burned, distance rode, works upper torso also if you wish. Brand is Weslo. I'll even deliver it to you - $40.00Pat & Helen Murphy - #42 - 626-4668

Placerville Events in August 8/14 - Craft Faire in downtown from 8:00 - 3:008/25 - Hangtown Evening Car Show from 5:00 - 8:00

Note: The World Gold Panning Championships are coming to El Dorado County in September. Details will be in the September Quacker. For a complete schedule of events and dates, go to:eldorado2016.com/GOLDWEEK

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Manager’s Corner Recently there has evidently been an issue with solicitors in the park.  If someone comes to your door please try to get the name of the company they are representing and if possible the solicitors name. Then call the office with this information, and I will be happy to contact the company and inform them of our "No Soliciting” policy. Also, we have received anonymous letters voicing concerns about various things going on in the park. When you write a letter to management, please sign it so we can follow up with you and get more information if necessary to address your concerns.Once again, we have had several homes sell in the park the last few weeks. It is great to have new residents in the park and fun to see some of the improvements being made to these homes and the landscaping.As a reminder, there is NO street parking in Lake Oaks. We have noticed many visitors as well as residents parking on the park streets. Rule #2015.15 (j) states: There will be no street parking except by maintenance vehicles. Fire ordinances require streets be kept clear for all emergency vehicles.Vince and Sharon Ligon, Mgr's.

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Call of the Wild - Continued

Valley Oak – Endemic to California (only found here), Valley Oaks are often called the monarchs of American oaks. A mature tree can grow to over 100 feet tall and live for 600 years! Like the black oak, the Valley Oak is deciduous; however, its deeply lobed leaves are smaller while its acorns are longer and more slender. The bark is very thick (5 to 6 inches) and resembles the knobby hide of an alligator's back. There are many in the park including one behind the Welcome to Lake Oaks sign entering Phase 1 and another beauty across from space 121 in Phase 2.

Interior Live Oak – This is a variable evergreen oak whose leaves usually last about two years, drop, and are replaced by new ones. Unlike the other two oaks, its leaves are oblong with smooth or spiny edges sometimes on the same branch. They may grow to 70 feet tall, or they may assume a shrub like height of 8 to 10 feet. They can live 150 to 200 years. A good example of this oak is just to the left of the manager’s office where you can see two Interior Live Oaks and one Valley Oak.

These oak trees are vital to the health of our area’s wildlife. The acorns they produce feed many mammals and birds. We can easily observe our gray squirrels, scrub jays, and acorn woodpeckers caching the acorns for use in the winter. They also provide much needed shade for our hot

summers. Having these trees mixed with our pines and other species makes our landscape varied and beautiful!

A Little Humor A guy spots a sign outside a house that reads “Talking Dog For Sale”. Intrigued, he walks in.

“So what have you done with your life?” he asks the dog.

“I’ve led a very full life,” says the dog. “I lived in the Alps rescuing avalanche victims. Then I served my country in Iraq. And now I spend my days reading to the residents of a retirement home.”

The guy is flabbergasted. He asks the dog’s owner, “Why on earth would you want to get rid of an incredible dog like that?”

The owner says, “Because he’s a liar! He never did any of that!”

from the Reader’s Digest

Bingo Dinners Aug 1st: Hawaiian ham sandwichesAug 15th: Potato Bar

Dinner is served at 5:45 — Bingo at 6:30!!!

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Lake Oaks Book Club BIG NEWS!! We have changed the day for the book club meeting. We are now meeting on the second Thursday of each month, still in the clubhouse and at the same time 11:00am. The reason for the

change is because I have been working with the Bookmobile person who comes to our park on the second Wednesday of each month. She is going to bring as many copies of the book that we request. That way you will have 4 weeks to read your book instead of 3 weeks. I will get the books on Wednesday and be able to give them to you the next day at our Thursday meeting. We are reading The Girl OnThe Train, by Paula Hawkins for our meeting in August. Happy reading and we always welcome new people. Questions? Call Jeanne Pacheco at

303-3281 or Jackie Ravera at 306-0263.

Recycling News We received $122 for July. As a reminder, please remove the caps from all bottles. We pick up from behind the bar at the Clubhouse every day. Questions, please call Laurie Brown or Odel King at 530-303-3443.

New Arrivals to Lake Oaks This adorable two-legged arrival (with dimples no less) does not live in Lake Oaks, but Allyn Burke (#124) hopes he will visit often since he is her first GREAT-great-grandchild! Fifth generation Domingo David Afoa, whose pedigree includes Samoan, Tongan, Filipino and Scots-Irish, was born on Fathers Day giving his proud new daddy the best present and adding Samoan to the already multi-ethnic/racial mix of Allyn’s family, which also includes Hispanic and Afro-American. She never expected to be the grandmother of a grandmother, but is so proud and happy and looks forward to what, or who, comes next! Congratulations Allyn and Family!

Cribbage Reminder Just a reminder that we play cribbage at the clubhouse on the second and fourth Mondays of each month from 10:30 to approximately 12:30.  Come check it out--you just may love it and find your Lake Oaks niche! Beginners welcome!  For questions call Carol Schultz at 530-409-2912.

Any Medium, Large or Giant Pizza

PIZZA PLUS

You will taste the difference!

OFF$5 00

Lake Oaks Residents, check our Clubhouse for coupon

4615 Missouri Flat Rd (In the Depot Junction)

626-9200

Poker Run Thanks We would like to thank all participants (50 people!) in the July 4th Poker Run. The winners were: HIGH HANDS: First: Shirley Sandy $61, Second: Angie Striklin $26. LOW HANDS: First: Sue Moore $61 and Second: Marty Cowan. The Social Club received $75.The station attendants deserve a special thanks: Judith Tuttle, Jim Stubbe, Frank Baker, Jerry Kyle and Odel King. Also, thanks go to Susan Lofgren and Mary Stubbe for having their golf carts available for transporting those unable to walk around the lake.Butch & Jo Geyer - #272

Message from Social Club President  Hello Lake Oaks friends:  A sincere thank you to all who made our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner such a fun filled event!!  The food from Pizza Plus was delicious.  We rocked & danced to the delightful music of the 'Scotch Tape & Bailing Wire' band.  Thank you Jim Dingman for the wonderful recommendation.  And thank you to Michele Mixon who provided Avon gifts for our free raffle.  We have a number of special events scheduled.  Tickets are now on sale for our 8/21 Luau. So please check the Quacker or our website calendar.  If you want to add an event, please join us on August 18th, 10:15, for our Advisory Committee meeting.  This meeting is open to all Lake Oaks residents, and your ideas are most welcome.Remember to check your Lake Oaks Ad Book and our Clubhouse display table for local Vendor recommendations and coupons.Stay cool!!Judie Stadelman  Social Club President

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The 2016 Ad Book is on the website Hi Neighbors The 2016 Lake Oaks Social Club Ad Book is now on our website. Kudos to Marie, Judie, Janet and team for an outstanding Ad Book. You do not have to be registered on the website to view the online Ad Book. Just follow these easy steps: • Open your browser (Google, Explorer etc) • Go to www.lakeoaks.org • Click on the Quacker tab at the top of the home page • Click on the 2016 Ad Book in the list of Quacker

editions • You now see the 2016 Ad Book in its entirety. Scroll

thru it to find an individual Vendor Side note: The only ads you will see now on the Local Vendors page are those that signed up after the Ad Book publication date. If you have any questions or comments please email me at socialclublakeoaks@gmail.com or text to

Sylvia Dingman - 602-363-5473

Luau/Pool Party Join us by the pool for a Luau on Sunday, August 21st at 5:00. We are having a Hawaiian-based pool party with good eats, drinks and music. Cost is $10.00 per person which includes some delicious Hawaiian food prepared by Kaytie and team, non-alcoholic drinks (soda, water and punch), and raffle prizes. Buy your tickets from Gypsy Silva, Judie Stadleman, Arlene Helwig, Carol Schultz, or Susan Lofgren.  The grocery shopping will be done August 17 so please purchase your ticket before then so we know how much to buy.  Alcohol is not allowed in the pool area so no wine or beer will be served. Glass is also not allowed in the pool area. 

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. — C.S. Lewis

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Ask Lucy by Lake Oaks Lucy

Dear LOL--Why do my family members have to wear orange guest badges when out and about in the park without me?  — A ResidentDear Resident--Lake Oaks is a private area. Anyone visiting here without permission is trespassing. The orange badge lets the rest of us know they have been invited to enjoy our park. Dear LOL--Why can't the surrounding area neighbors come over and use our park and fish here?  It makes me unhappy when I see these kids being asked to leave. --The Angry BirdDear Bird--Same answer as above. Private property. When we all came to live here we signed an agreement to follow the rules. Outside folks have not signed an agreement and in fact have not probably seen the rules. They are a liability to all of us, and how do we know they aren't just scoping us out. i.e. mail theft. Dear LOL--The new man in 303 is really handsome. Is he married? --Looking for loveDear Looking--There is no 303. You’re looking for love in all the wrong places. Keep on dreaming. Dear LOL--The clubhouse is too warm or too cold. Is there anyway we can keep it more comfortable for us. --Love it hereDear Here--The clubhouse is difficult to regulate. It is set at 76 degrees. Room is large with high ceilings so it takes a lot of air. If there are ten of us in the room we are fine. If there are sixty we are too warm. In the meantime the library and billiard room are on a different air conditioner and it gets cold. Management is more than willing to change the thermostats if we let them know we are having a function. Other than that, turn fans on or bring a sweater. Please do not prop doors open as it changes the system. Dear LOL--Why is the pool so cold?  —FrostyDear Frosty--Pool shouldn't be cold any more. A brand new heater was installed July 20 and it is set for 84. Thank you to Lake Oaks Management! PS. Guests must have a resident with them to use pool or clubhouse. Orange badge is not enough. See you next month!

Send your questions to “Ask Lucy” to Jan Rath (Quacker Editor) or drop them in the Quacker box.

4 Tips for Brain Boosting Activity Memory, like muscular strength, requires you to “use it or lose it.” The more you work out your brain, the better you’ll be able to process and remember information. But not all activities are equal. The best brain exercises break your routine and challenge you to use and develop new brain pathways. Here are four suggestions to help boost your brain activity:

It teaches you something new. No matter how intellectually demanding the activity, if it’s something you’re already good at, it’s not a good brain exercise. The activity needs to be something that’s unfamiliar and out of your comfort zone. To strengthen the brain, you need to keep learning and developing new skills.

It’s challenging. The best brain-boosting activities demand your full and close attention. It’s not enough that you found the activity challenging at one point. It must still be something that requires mental effort. For example, learning to play a challenging new piece of music counts. Playing a difficult piece you’ve already memorized does not.

It’s a skill you can build on. Look for activities that allow you to start at an easy level and work your way up as your skills improve —always pushing the envelope so you continue to stretch your capabilities. When a previously difficult level starts to feel comfortable, that means it’s time to tackle the next level of performance.

It’s rewarding. Rewards support the brain’s learning process. The more interested and engaged you are in the activity, the more likely you’ll be to continue doing it and the greater the benefits you’ll experience. So choose activities that, while challenging, are still enjoyable and satisfying.Think of something new you’ve always wanted to try, like learning how to play the guitar, make pottery, juggle, play chess, speak French, dance the tango, or master your golf swing. Any of these activities can help you improve your memory, so long as they keep you challenged and engaged.

From www.helpguide.org

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Anatomy of a Recycling Run A recent Sacramento Bee story analyzed the reasons many recycling centers in California have closed this year, and the problems these closures cause those of us who recycle bottles and cans to redeem deposits paid at purchase. Those of you who donate your recyclables to the Lake Oaks Social Club might be interested in how they are handled and the rate of return.We take the Lake Oaks recycling to the redemption center on hwy 49 between Diamond Springs and Placerville. By volume, the majority of our load is always plastic, mostly individual water bottles. In summer, we have a big increase in glass (mostly beer bottles). Aluminum cans are the most valuable part of our load (per pound), by far. Here is the breakdown of our most recent load:Aluminum cans, two 33 gallon trash bagsWeight = 14 pounds. Redemption value = $21.98Plastic bottles, six 33 gallon trash bagsWeight = 20.66 pounds. Redemption value = $24.58Glass bottles, 9 or 10 casesWeight = 100.3 pounds!! Redemption value = $10.43Translucent water bottles, gall and 2.5 gal size, one 33 gallon bagWeight = 2.61 pounds. Redemption value = $1.47

Total Jeep load = $58.46Aluminum cans - we love ‘em! Lightweight and far and away the highest redemption value per pound. Compare that with glass bottles: ONE HUNDRED POUNDS of glass bottles are worth HALF as much as ONLY 14 POUNDS of aluminum cans.Thanks to all of you who donate your recycling to the Lake Oaks Social Club. If you find it easier, feel free to leave your recycling at our house, #25, across from Jan Rath’s on the way to the clubhouse. Just drop it off near our driveway or shed, or leave it behind the bar in the clubhouse. Questions? Call Odel King or Laurie Brown at 303-3443

EDITOR’S NOTE: The job Laurie & Odel do (as with Jerry & Judie before them) requires a lot of time and effort!!! So, the LO Social Club would like to say a special thank you for your time and work to help raise funds for the variety of special events, donations, and numerous activities that benefit our residents.

Nutrition for Seniors  Need some assistance with meals? The El Dorado County Area Agency on Aging sponsors nutritious meals for Seniors at a suggested donation of $3.  The closest to us is at Lion's in Diamond Springs (530)622-8131. Very importantly,  you may qualify to have Home-Delivered Meals.  Please call Ruth at the Placerville Senior Center.  That phone number is:  (530)621-6160.You may also go online to:  www.edcgov.us/humanservices. Please pick up a brochure at our Lake Oaks Clubhouse.If you have any general questions, you may also call: (530)621-6160.

Medicare NewsHi Lake Oaks residents:  It may seem early, but I want to give you a Medicare Open Enrollment reminder.  It runs from 10/15 - 12/7.  You are encouraged to review your current Prescription Drug Plan.  If you want to change it, we at HICAP can help you review your options.   We can answer many questions for you.  Our office is located at the Placerville Senior Center.  Please call (530)621-6369 to make your individual appointment. In the meantime, if you have any general questions, feel free to call me at: (925)864-6697.Judie Stadelman, HICAP Counselor

Golf Cart Tips For those residents who own a golf cart, here area few things to remember:- Auto or homeowner insurance is important. Call your agent to determine that you are covered.

- Be sure to check the water in the batteries often. If you have any doubt about how to check the water, or how often, just check your Owner’s Manual. If you don’t have an Owner’s Manual, you can access one online for every brand of golf cart.

- Keep it clean! Wash your cart every now and then — including the undercarriage and suspension system. Cleaning your cart will also prolong the life of the paint.

Happy carting!

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 9am Water Aerobics 2 pm Crafting/ Sewing 4:20 pm Yoga 5:45 pm Bingo

2 9-10 am Exercise 6 pm Texas Hold ‘em

3 9am Water Aerobics 11 Canasta 4:30 Yoga

4 9-10 am Exercise 10 Bible Study

5 9am Water Aerobics 12:pm Poker 1:pm Bridge 4:30pm Yoga

6 9-10 am Exercise

7 1 pm Canasta etc.

8 9am Water Aerobics 10:30 am Cribbage 2 pm Crafting/ Sewing 4:30 pm Yoga

9 9-10 am Exercise 1pm Texas Hold ‘em 5:00 Potluck and Social Club Meeting

10 9am Water Aerobics 11 Canasta 11:10-11:50 Bookmobile 4:30 Yoga

11 9-10 am Exercise 10 Bible Study 11 am Book Club

12 9am Water Aerobics 12:pm Poker 1:pm Bridge 4:30 pm Yoga

13 9-10 am Exercise

14 12:30 – 5:00 WPAC 1 pm Canasta etc.

15 9am Water Aerobics 2 pm Crafting/ Sewing 4:20 pm Yoga 5:45 pm Bingo

16 9-10 am Exercise 6pm Texas Hold ‘em

17 9am Water Aerobics 11 Canasta 4:30 Yoga

18 9-10 am Exercise 10 am Bible Study 10:15 Advisory Committee

19 9am Water Aerobics 12:pm Poker 1: pm Bridge 4:30 pm Yoga

20 9-10 am Exercise

21 1 pm Canasta etc. 5:pm LUAU AT THE POOL

22 9am Water Aerobics 10:30 am Cribbage 2 pm Crafting/ Sewing 4:30 pm Yoga

23 9-10 am Exercise 6pm Texas Hold ‘em

24 9am Water Aerobics 11 Canasta 4:30 Yoga

25 9-10 am Exercise 10 am Bible Study

26 9am Water Aerobics 12:pm Poker 1: pm Bridge 4:30 pm Yoga

27 9-10 am Exercise

28 1 pm Canasta etc.

31 1 pm Canasta etc.

29 9am Water Aerobics 2 pm Crafting/ Sewing 4:30 Yoga

30 9-10 am Exercise 6pm Texas Hold ‘em

2016 AUGUST