It’s good to be remembered.

So said Sharon Bayer at Monday’s “An Evening of Appreciation” event held at Woodbridge at Del Webb.

She was one of 53 recognized at this first-ever function honoring those who have made contributions over the years for the age 55 and over adult community in Manteca.

“Many of those nominated were quick to say ‘I really didn’t do anything special,’” said Birdie Nieri, who served as the mistress of ceremony at the sit down soiree in the Woodbridge clubhouse.

This included Bayer, who was one of the first occupants of Del Webb.

She and her husband moved here in 2006. Bayer was active back then, getting the ball rolling on many of the endeavors including the publication, Woodbridge LIFE.

“It was tough getting people involved at first because everything was so new,” she recalled. “They were shy and chose to keep to themselves.”

But Del Webb – thanks to people like Bayer – changed and eventually evolved to what it is today.

“You’re special because you give of yourself,” said Nieri of those recognized during the inaugural event.

Bayer, who was also involved with the Second Harvest Food Bank, withdrew from her volunteer efforts a few years ago to attend to her ailing husband, who died not too long after.

When Nieri informed of her nomination by Nieri, who is the Women of Woodbridge president, Bayer admittedly didn’t feel worthy.

“I really haven’t been that active in recent years,” she said.

Bayer believed her legacy is what earned her the honor.

Ditto that for Ed Shoup, who has been active in virtually everything  at Woodbridge at Del Webb.

For starters, he’s secretary for his Men of Woodbridge group and has led in the efforts of picking up trash in the Adopt A Highway program.

Shoup is block captain for his Neighborhood Watch at Del Webb.

He’s also umpires for the softball leagues and is in charge of the scorekeepers.

Those honored were chosen by Woodbridge residents, with voting based on past and present efforts.  “There are people here who have done a lot of good things,” said Nieri, who credited the Lifestyle Committee for making this a first-class event.

She, too, was recognized.

The complete list of those honored at “An Evening of Appreciation” were: Julian Andona, Bill Barnhart, Patti Barnhart, Bayer, Mel Bernstein, Luan Bland, Paul Bowers, Sharyl Burgeson, Elizabeth Cunning, Roger Cunning, Jack Dauler, Kathy Dezotte, Sue Edmiston, Sharon Fields, Margo Flanagan, Jon Ford, Georgie Furrer, Perry Gibson, Bob Hall, Carol Jo Hargreaves, Norm Hauser, Rosemary Hein, Debby Hickey, Karla Hoyer, Monika Hunt, Carolyn Johnson.

George Jones, Ann King, Roger LaPresle, Pam Larussa, Butch Larson, Ann Madrid, Carla Marquardt, Judy McNamara, Irene McHenry, Volker Moerbitz, Kathleen Music, Nieri, Pepper Noble, Marilyn Ornellas, Pam Phelps, Robert Philis, Jacque Reynolds, Geri Rogers, Marybeth Saari, Mary Salvador, Rudy Salvador, Al Sanchez, Shoup, Mike Spence and Ellen Wootton.