GREEN TIP: Confused about Plastics?

You're not alone. Experts have reached a consensus and recommend that you avoid these varieties -- identified by a triangle and number on the bottom of most containers -- for the following reasons:

1. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) commonly contains di-2-ehtylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), an endocrine disruptor and probable human carcinogen, as a softener.

2. Polystyrene (PS) may leach styrene, a possible endocrine disruptor and human carcinogen, into water and food.

3. Polycarbonate contains the hormone disruptor bisphenol-A, which can leach out as bottles age, are heated, or exposed to acidic solutions. Unfortunately, this is used in most baby bottles and five-gallon water jugs and in many reusable sports bottles.

Christmas Tree Solution

This is a simple little formula that, fed regularly to your tree, will keep it fresh, fragrant and green far longer than water alone. It's tried and true!

The first week is a critical time to keep the water level checked daily, and sometimes twice a day.

1 quart HOT tap water (hot water aids in circulation)
1 T. liquid iron (keeps the tree green). This is found in the garden section of stores.
2 T. light corn syrup (feeds the tree). This is found in the baking aisle of your grocery store.
1 T. laundry bleach (fights bacteria and fungi)

Happy Holidays!

(Recipe by Katherine Sturr, DesignerInside-Out Designs)

GREEN TIP: Toilet Dams

If water-saving or dual-flush toilets are not in your office or home improvement budget, then place one or two plastic containers filled with stones in your toilet's tank. This intermediary step will displace a significant amount of water use over the course of a year.

Clubhouse Recipe of Month of December

CHICKEN TOSTADA

1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. chopped fresh garlic
2 tsp. diced yellow onion
5 roma tomatoes, diced (1 for topping)
1 chipotle pepper, cut into chunks
1/2 tsp. cumin
salt, to taste
1 bay leaf

4 each 5 oz. chicken thighs (recommended) or
3 each 6 oz. chicken breasts, precooked and shredded
6 corn tortillas, deep fried or sauteed in oil or butter
6 tsp. refried beans
3 oz. shredded iceberg lettuce per tostada
6 tbsp. cheddar cheese
6 tsp. sour cream (optional)

Sautee garlic and onion in olive oil until onion is translucent. Add diced tomatoes and chipotle pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes. Season with cumin, salt, and bay leaf. Using an immersion (hand blender, puree sauce. Bring to a boil and continue boiling for 3 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add chicken. Cook for 5 minutes and remove from heat. Allow chicken to marinate for 1 hour.

To build tostada, place each tortilla on a dinner plate. Evenly distribute refried beans on tortillas, followed by reheated chicken mixture, lettuce, cheese, remaining tomatoes, and sour cream, if desired.

Serves 6

GREEN TIP: Plastic Linings in Cans

Bisphenol-A, the hormone-disrupting chemical found in plastic bottles, is present in the majority of canned foods.

The thin plastic lining found in canned goods contains traces of BPA that can migrate into food.

One way to avoid BPA-lined cans is to purchase foods packaged in Tetra Paks, aseptic cartons made from layers of paper, aluminum, and polyethylene.

GREEN TIP: Light-Emitting Noel

It's a fact: Christmas decorations will cause a spike in your electricity bill.

This year, consider purchasing strings and strands that contain light-emitting diodes, which use 99 percent less electricity than traditional bulbs.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I would like to take a moment to wish you a very Happy & Blessed Thanksgiving. This is a very special time of year when we get a chance to reflect on all that is important to us.

Quote of the day:

For flowers that bloom about our feet
For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet
For song of bird, and hum of bee
For all things fair we hear or see
Father in heaven, we thank Thee!

HAVE A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Italian Club Christmas Party

Don't miss the Villages Italian Club Christmas Party on Sunday, December 14 at the Clubhouse. The party begins at 5 pm with no-host cocktails and antipasti, followed by dinner.

Jerry Sauceda and his group will have you laughing, singing, and dancing. All of this fun and a full sit-down dinner and raffle prizes for only $45/member.

Spanish Club Holiday Fiesta

Join in the fun for a traditional fiesta sponsored by the Spanish Club on Saturday, December 6 at the Foothill Center. This event will be catered by Grace Honesto and will consist of both Mexican and American food...enjoy Chile Verde, Corn Tortillas and other Mexican specialities.

Festive music and a performance by Jerry Sauceda will delight all.

GREEN TIP: Clean Your Refrigerator Coils

Cleaning the back of your refrigerator -- the coils and electric circuitry -- increases energy efficiency. A refrigerator with dirty coils works harder, and that means an extra 25 percent more energy use and CO2 emissions as compared with a refrigerator with clean coils!

Clubhouse Recipe for Month of November

LEMON BUERRE BLANC SAUCE

1/2 tsp. diced shallots
1/2 tsp. garlic
1 cup white wine, preferably a high quality chardonnay
2 tbsp. butter small cubes
2 oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

Heat oil slightly and add shallots and garlic and saute lightly. Deglaze with white wine and add lemon juice. Reduce until 1/4 cup and turn off burner but leave pan on the burner. Stir in butter slowly adding small pieces 1 at a time.

Serve with chicken or fish and your choice of white wine.

New Era Seniors Lifestyle Show

This is Information for Baby Boomers and beyond!

Where: Santa Clara Convention Center
When: Sunday November 9, 2008
Time: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
FREE Admission and Parking

This is an opportunity for baby boomers, seniors, family of seniors and caregivers to meet experts. The full day Expo and Seminars include
topics such as:

*Affordable housing for independent living.
*Anti-aging products/services
*Assisted living, skilled care facilities, residential facilities
*Automobiles
*Clothing and accessories
*Entertainment
*Home care assistance
*Home improvements – room additions, painting, modifications, wheel chair access
*Insurance
*Landscape & gardening
*Long Term Care
*Managing chronic disease and services available
*Medical equipment
*Nutrition
*Optometry
*Part time job opportunities
*Products for grandchildren
*Recreational products
*Real Estate - investments, mortgages, reverse mortgages, etc.
*Senior Counseling (transitioning)
*Social Outings
*Sources for financial and legal advice and help
*Spas
*Travel information
*Trust & Wills
*Wealth management and wealth creation
*401K/IRA/ROTH/SEP
*And much more!

AS A NOTE, I will be exhibiting and talking about the real estate opportunities available in The Villages Golf & Country Club. Just look for B & A Realtors and ActiveOver50 publication.

Mistakes can cost you money!

The Villages Golf & Country Club is located in Santa Clara Co. which is a county in California that allows for property tax transfers from anywhere within the State.

Here are the guidelines of the law:

* Must be at least 55 years of age
* Never used the transfer before
* Value of new residence must NOT exceed the former (or perhaps 105 or 110 percent)
* the transfer claim must be filed within 3 years of the new purchase.

In order to avoid any costly mistakes in filing this claim, PLEASE do not rely on anyone other than yourself to complete the paperwork and file the claim.

For further information regarding Proposition 60 and Proposition 90 and for a link to the filing form, please click on (http://www.bandarealtors.biz/useful_links.htm).

Get into the Holiday Spirit!

December is a busy month with activities in the community.

Now is the time to get into the Holiday Spirit, check your calendar and come join in the fun with your neighbors:

* Wednesday, December 3 - Holiday shopping at Union Square in San Francisco (transportation included at $28/person)

* Sunday, December 7 - Wine tasting and appetizers at the beautiful Chateau Julian Winery in Carmel (transportation included at $67/person)

* Tuesday, December 16 - Thursday, December 18 - Reno or Bust! Enjoy a 2-night stay at the El Dorado Hotel and Casino with buffet dinner and show. (transportation included at ONLY $220/person for double occupancy)

* Wednesday, December 31 - New Year's Eve at Cribari auditorium with dinner and dancing all in your backyard for ONLY $57/person

You can reserve your space NOW for any of these exciting events at the Community Resource Center!

HOW TO FIX LIFE'S LITTLE MISHAPS

Mishaps happen and it is important to know what steps to take in order to reduce their impact.

Crayon on Walls * Spray the marks with a car part lubricant and wipe with a soft cloth. Repeat as necessary, then wash the wall with warm water and dish soap.

Gum in Carpet *apply a small amount of muscle pain treatment cream and pull out using a plastic bag once the cream has heated the gum. Dab with warm soapy water and pat dry as soon as the gum is removed.

Wax on Table Cloth * Once cooled and set, scrape off excess with a credit card. Place one paper bag underneath and one above the cloth and run an iron over the area on medium heat. The wax will be absorbed by the paper bags.

Lipstick on Clothing * Use a clean, white, damp cloth to dab off as much as possible as soon as the stain is noticed, being careful not to rub. At home, dab or spray with any grease pre-treatment liquid, let stand, the wash in warm water.

Halloween Dinner Dance

Come join your friends and neighbors for our annual Halloween Dinner Dance at the Clubhouse on Friday, October 31 beginning at 5:30 p.m. The special buffet dinner and dancing to the Jerry Sauceda Band is only $43 per person.

Following dinner we will have a parade of costumes, and judging will be announced later in the evening with prizes being awarded for most originaland most unique costumes, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes. Get your imaginations going!

(Costumes are optional, so don't miss out on the fun if you can't come up with a costume!)

Oils of Paicines

Olive oil is the jewel of California agriculture. The Oils of Paicines is a CERTIFIED ORGANIC processor who select the best, well-riped olives and the result produces a full bodied flavored oil which will enhance any meal!

Check the website on the LINKS or call directly to 831.389.4263 and ask for the label with The Villages on it....a wonderful olive oil!

Villages Oktoberfest

The Villages German Club is sponsoring the 12th annual Oktoberfest on Sunday, October 26 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Clubhouse.

The cost is $35.00 for Villagers and $40 for Visitors. The cost includes good food, music by the Alpiners USA Band and Dancing!

For a bit of history: the first Oktoberfest was held in the year 1810 in honor of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig's marriage to Princess Therese von Saxony. The festivities began on Oktober 12, 1810 and ended on Oktober 17 with a horse race. In the following years the celebrations were prolonged and moved into September to allow for better weather conditions.

Come "Celebrate with Joyful Hearts" and learn more about this wonderful Bavarian festival.

Clubhouse Recipe for Month of October

CHICKEN SALAD with HONEY ORANGE DRESSING

Honey Orange Dressing

1 cup thawed orange juice concentrate
1 T Dijon mustard
3 T honey
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
2 1/2 cups canola oil
2 pinches fresh ground pepper
2 T cold water (if necessary)

In a stainless steel bowl, whisk together orange juice concentrate, mustard, honey, and vinegar with a wire whisk. Stream in oil as you continue whisking. Add black pepper.
If it appears that the mixture is becoming too saturated with oil and may separate, add cold water, and continue whisking.

Chicken Salad

10 oz. mixed greens
1 Roma tomato, cut into wedges
1/2 cucumber, peeled and sliced
2-6 oz. chicken breasts, pre-cooked, and sliced on the bias
1-5 oz. can mandarin oranges
Salt to taste

Divide greens amoung two plates, and place in a pile in the center. Place three tomato wedges on each plate at the 12:00, 3:00, and 9:00 positions. Do the same with the cucumber slices.
Divide chicken slices, and place on top of greens in center of each plate. Place three orange segments on top of chicken. Sprinkle with salt, and drizzle with honey orange dressing, as desired.

Serves two

Tax Information for Second Homes (Section 121)

The Section 121 tax incentives modification under HERA affects the $250,000 / $500,000 exclusion of gain on the sale of a principal residence. It is the only real modification to the existing traditional Section 121 and Section 163 real estate tax codes.

Beginning 1/1/2009, a second home (or rental property) that is converted to a principal residence will have to play by some new rules.

When the second home is sold, any gain attributable to use as a second home (or rental property) will be taxed at capital gains rates at that time. Any gain attributable to use as a principal residence will remain excludable, up to the $250,000 and $500,000 limits. Essentially you must now prorate the usage, whereas before you could potentially live there for 2 years and get the full exclusion... now you'd have to look back over the 5 year period and prorate the time spent as second home or investment and treat that based on capital gains, and the balance would apply toward the $250,000/$500,000 Exclusion.

If you own a second home (or rental property), PLEASE work with your tax advisor before selling and calculate your capital gains.

Villages Health & Wellness

The Villages offers it residents numerous opportunities to stay fit with its central golf course, four swimming pools, tennis courts, the Wellness and Fitness Center, bocce courts, scheduled fitness classes, and more.

Don't know what to do, then consider this list:

* Get up early and help maintain the golf course with the volunteers of the Bandini Patrol
* Play bocce at the Villages bocce court and enjoy the camaraderie of the Bocce Club
* Shoulder your camera bag and venture out on a field trip with the Villages Camera Club
* Go to one of the Villages pools and take a dip with the Dippy Dolphins
* Grab your garden tools, join the Garden Club and get your workout at the gardens
* Pull out your golf clubs and join one of six groups for either men or women
* Don your comfortable exercise suit and join the Jazzercizers for a regular, low impact workout
* Mount up and take a trail ride with the Riding Club (horse not included)
* Strap on those dancing shoes and cut a rug with the Social Dancers
* Break out your paddle and warm up with the Table Tennis Club
* Get a grip on your racquet and join the Tennis Club for a exhillarating match at the tennis courts

Do you want more suggestions....come check out the numerous groups and organizations that are offered in the community.

Murder Mystery Dinner

This fun-filled, interactive, murder mystery includes dinner as well as the performance. You will have the chance to win prizes and decide who did what to whom! "Murder by Mischance" is the mystery this year presented by Billy Eakes and the Murder Mystery Players. Synopsis: Good looks can result in several girlfriends, even more enemies and a few death threats. Phil Rossiter is a very good-looking man...with such good looks it would be easy to forgive him for his faults. Come out and get the rest of the mystery and win the prize!

Friday, October 10 in Cribari Auditorium beginning at 5:30pm with no-host cocktails followed by dinner at 6:15pm. The best part of the deal is fun and a great dinner for only $46 per person. Make your reservations at Building B.

Clubhouse Recipe for Month of September

CHICKEN SCAMPI WITH FRESH MOZZARELLA

2 Tbsp. olive oil (not extra virgin)
1-6oz. chicken breast, cut into four sections
1 Tbsp. chopped garlic
3 vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped
3 oz. white wine
Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
2 oz. buffalo mozzarella, sliced into 1/2" slices
1 bunch fresh basil, cut chiffonade

Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in saute pan. Add chicken breast pieces and saute for 2-3 minutes. Flip and saute another 2-3 minutes or until done. Set chicken aside.

In a saute pan, heat remaining olive oil. Saute garlic lighty, and add tomatoes. Saute for 3-5 approx. minutes. Add wine and season with salt and pepper.

Place cooked chicken on serving dish. Top with tomato mixture, followed by mozzarella, then basil.



from Gavin Williams' cooking demonstration on July 17th

Clubhouse Recipe for Month of August

DOUBLE MELON SOUP

1 small cantaloupe, peeled, seeded, and chopped
2 Tblsp. orange juice
1 tsp. orange zest
2 Tblsp. sweet sherry
1/2 honeydew melon, peeled, seeded, and chopped
2 Tblsp. lemon juice
3 Tblsp. mint, chopped
mint sprigs for garnish.

Puree the cantaloupe with the orange juice, orange zest, and sherry. Cover and chill for at least three hours. Meanwhile, puree the honeydew melon with the lemon juice and mint. Cover and chill for at least three hours. Pour equal amounts of each melon mixture into chilled serving bowls for a half-orange, half-green effect. Garnish with mint springs and serve chilled..

Makes six servings.

Hot August Days & Nights

August 23 will kick off at 1pm with a Classic Car Show complete with Art Show and Wine Tasting. Villages' resident George Smith will display his cars from the Chevrolet Car Club and Ford Mustang Club. The cost for this part of the day is $10 per person.

Following the afternoon activities, the second part of the day will include a light deli dinner with dancing in the Cribari Patio to the music of The Sound Bytes who play '50s, '60s, and '70s music. The cost for this part of the day will be $30 or $38 for both events.

Register at Building B for this great event.

Guest room rates change

The guest room rates increased slightly as of July 1, 2008.

The Villages has four Guest Rooms located above the library at Cribari Center. The rooms are comfortably furnished with queen-sized beds. Two rooms have one bed each and two rooms have two beds each.

The current rates are $82.50/night for the one bed rooms and $93.50/night for the two bed rooms.

This is a DEAL for great guest lodging!

Clubhouse Recipe for Month of July

AVOCADO SALAD

Salad:
3 heads butter lettuce
4 pears, cut into chunks
2 cups dried cranberries
2 bags slivered almonds, toasted
Sliced strawberries
Other berries
Grilled chicken, white meat, cut into chunks
2 avocados, cut into large chunks

Dressing:
1 cup olive oil
1/8 cup grated red onion
1/2 cup red raspberry vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. poppy seeds
1 tsp. Dijon mustard

Combine all ingredients in a bottle, and shake to blend.

Toss lettuce, pears, dried cranberries, and almonds in a large bowl. Just prior to serving, toss with dressing and scatter a generous amount of berries, chicken and avocado over greens.

KEY Step in Identity Theft Prevention - SHRED

It's time to clear out all those old records. According to the Better Business Bureau, the key step in ID theft prevention is to SHRED sensitive personal and financial documents.

What to shred and when:

1. Canceled checks without tax purposes after one year. If the checks support tax returns, they should be held for at least seven years.

2. All credit, debit and ATM receipts after the transaction appears on your statement.

3. Credit card and bank account statements with no tax significance after one year; remaining statements should be kept for seven years.

4. Credit card contracts and loan agreements should be kept for as long as the account is active.

5. Investors should retain documentation of a purchase or sale for as long as you own the investment and the seven years beyond that time.

6. Paycheck stubs can be shredded yearly after the income has been reconciled with a W-2 or other tax forms.

7. Monthly bills should be shredded the year after you receive them and have compare them to the month's bill of the last year.

ALWAYS Shred and not recycle the following:

1. Documents that include Social Security numbers, birth dates, PIN numbers or passwords.

2. Banking documents such as leases, contracts or letters that include signatures.

3. Pre-approved credit card applications

4. Medical or dental bills

5. Travel itineraries

6. Used airline tickets

If you have any questions on what to have shredded, please consult your accountant and/or attorney.

To locate the nearest drop-off location:
Call Carla Griffin
408.274.8766

"Strip shredding left in a plastic bag is only a puzzle to be put back together!"

_._,_.___

What do I do with Construction/Remodeling Debris?

Do you have an item you want to get rid of but you are not quite sure what to do with it? Often wonder if it should it be donated, recycled or thrown away and how or where?

• Construction/Remodeling Debris:

Concrete- Capitol Recycling/Graniterock – (408)574-3000
- Guadalupe Rubbish Disposal – (408)268-1666
Drywall/Sheetrock, Ceiling Tile, Flooring -
- Carpet & Foam, Wood- Pacific Coast Recycling – (408)848-6811
- Environmental Management Systems – (408)501-4200
- Waste Management – (408)982-0100
Dirt/Clean Fill- Stevens Creek Quarry – (408)253-2512
- Kirby Canyon Recycling – (408)779-2206
Metals/Metal Scraps- San Jose Metals – (408)293-4032
- Sims/Hugo Neu – (408)494-4200
Tile/Toilets/Porcelain- Zanker Resource Management – (408)263-2384
- Raisch Products – (408)229-7851

Farmers' Market

The Farmers' Market has arrived in the Villages every Wednesday, 9:30am - 11:30 am in the Clubhouse Parking Lot. The Market will remain open until early Fall.

Come shop for the freshest produce picked early in the morning and delivered directly from the farms to us. Find those specialties of the season - Tree ripened cherries from Hollister, first of the season's tender apricots from Modesto, vine-ripened strawberries from Watsonville, sweetest white or yellow corn, the most flavorful red ripe tomatoes, organic produce, fresh cut flowers, crisp salad greens, ocean fresh fish, specialty baked breads, pastries and more from the Certified Growers & Producers!

Here Comes the Circus!

"Here Comes the Circus!" is the theme of this year's 4th of July Celebration. The parade starts at 10 a.m. in front of the Cribari Auditorium and moves around Cribari Lane. The festivities kick off at 8:30 at the Cribari Auditorium with good things to buy and eat. The parade floats are constructed using cardboard on golf carts and the parade consists of antique cars, marching groups, fire trucks, and music, and the floats are sponsored and made by various Villages and organizations in the community. All are competing for "Best of Show".

The Village people, family, and friends come together for a wonderful day of community spirit. In the afternoon the activities move to golf, swimming, and the Family Bocce Bash at the Bocce Court/Gazebo. This is a wonderful day to celebrate the birthday of our nation!

Clubhouse Recipe for Month of June

Chicken Fettuccine Pomodoro by Gavin Williams

10 oz fettuccine (fresh or dried)
3 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. chopped garlic
1 oz. minced shallots
4 oz. diced fresh tomatoes
4 oz. white wine
2-4 oz. grilled chicken breasts, sliced
2 oz. butter
3 oz. canned tomato sauce
salt and pepper to taste
1 oz. parmesan cheese
1 oz. fresh basil, sliced

Cook fettuccine to al dente. Rinse and toss with 1 tbsp. olive oil. In a skillet, heat remaining olive oil, and add garlic, shallots, and diced tomatoes. Saute for 3 to 5 minutes. Deglaze pan with white wine, and add chicken. Cook for 2 minutes, add butter and pasta, then tomato sauce. Season to taste, cook 3 more minutes. Divide pasta into two bowls, and top with parmesan cheese and basil.

Chef's suggestion: Serve with garlic bread!

Villages Restaurant

Want great food near your home...check out the outstanding specials and menu's at the Villages Clubhouse.

Weekday Special evenings:

DINER NIGHT - every Tuesday
Clubhouse Wedneday Night BUFFET - priced at $14.95 + tax & gratuity
STEAKHOUSE NIGHT every Thursday (Reservations highly recommended)

Cinco de Mayo

The Villages has many activities. The Spanish Club has invited all Villagers and guests to the Clubhouse on Sunday, April 27, 2008 for a no-host bar of margaritas, sangria and Mexican beer. Mariachi Tapatio will play and sing traditional Mariachi music, Balet Anoranzas will give a dance performance. The Villages caterer staff have planned a spectacular culinary feast for the party goer's.

Almost NEW Villa FOR SALE

DRASTIC PRICE REDUCTION! Now offered for $349,000

Enjoy a Carefree LifeStyle within the gates of this Senior (55+) Active Adult community. Move right in to this completely remodeled Villa with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, nestled in a redwood tree setting....all this for only $436,200.

Reach me at 408.274.8766