MARY SHELTON

Mary Shelton was born in California while her father was stationed overseas, spending her early childhood in Virginia and Florida before settling in San Luis Obispo, CA during her adolescent years. She attended several universities, including UCSB, Cal Poly, Davis, and Sac State. Her family includes two daughters, two sons-in-law, and two grandchildren in Rocklin, two older children in Los Angeles, and a fourth child studying at Colorado State as a soccer goalie—a testament to the family’s love for soccer.

Mary devoted thirty years to teaching high school English and history, mainly to freshmen and juniors, with twenty years spent in the High Achievers program. She also coached debate, managed the school newspaper, led the Academic Decathlon team, and advised student groups, organizing numerous fundraisers and events. Alongside her teaching career, Mary pursued writing, publishing articles in travel, nature, and Salvation Army magazines, contributing to “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” and writing a monthly humor column for a senior magazine for seven years. She often joked about earning a “six-figure” income from writing—if you counted the decimal point.

After her husband’s passing, Mary moved to Sun City in June 2012 and quickly became active in her new community. She served as a mailbox captain for Neighborhood Watch, assisted residents during emergencies, & offered companionship throughout the COVID pandemic. Her involvement in the Lost Pet Program helped reunite countless pets with their families, bringing comfort and hope. The late Mary Shelton is remembered for her kindness, dedication & the many ways she enriched those around her.

LAILA GLAHN

Laila Glahn was born and raised in Norway, where she graduated from Business School and began her career at an export/import firm in Oslo. Inspired by meeting a Del Monte Company representative from San Francisco, she pursued her dream of visiting California. Securing an eighteen-month sabbatical, Laila traveled there as an exchange student, living with a family in Hillsborough, working as an au pair, and attending College of San Mateo.

After her California experience, Laila returned to Norway but soon realized her heart was in California. She moved back, married, and had a daughter. The family briefly lived in Norway before permanently returning to California. Laila began as a bookkeeper and eventually became business manager and controller for the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), serving there for fifteen years. She later spent twelve years as the business and human resources officer at Menlo Park College, overseeing finances, payroll, tuition, campus security, and HR.

Following a divorce and remarriage, Laila and her husband ran a dry dog food plant in San Leandro until selling the business in 1997. They retired, traveled the U.S. in their motorhome, and settled in Sun City Lincoln Hills (SCLH) in 2012.

Laila became active in her new community, joining Neighborhood Watch through Richard Moore, a friend from Atherton. Her volunteer work includes assisting in a kindergarten class, serving on the NW Elections Committee, and helping with the AARP Tax-Aide program. Laila views Neighborhood Watch as a vital way to connect and support her community, describing it as “one big family.”

PAULINE WATSON

Pauline Watson grew up in Woonsocket, Rhode Island and South Bellingham, Massachusetts. She married in October 1963, after her husband graduated from Rhode Island Radio & Electronics School. Drawn by the electronics boom, they moved to San Jose, California, in December 1963. Pauline began working as a receptionist at San Jose State College, progressing to Secretary and then Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Administration. After 34 and a half years, she retired in July 2000.

Encouraged by their stepdaughter Pam, who had family enjoying Sun City Lincoln Hills, Pauline and her husband visited and decided to move there in October 2005. Pauline’s Neighborhood Watch involvement began in August 2007 at a National Night Out event when her husband nominated her as Mailbox Captain for their street. She quickly embraced the opportunity to connect with neighbors and support the community.

Recognized for her organizational skills, Pauline joined the National Night Out Committee and, following a meeting arranged by Joan Logue, became the National Night Out Coordinator, serving until November 2019. Later, Joan Logue highlighted the need for a secretary, and Ken Sheehan, Neighborhood Watch Executive Director, invited Pauline to fill the role. She served as Neighborhood Watch Secretary for 12 years until November 2019.

Neighborhood Watch plays an essential role in Sun City Lincoln Hills by keeping residents informed about local crimes and scams, collecting emergency contact information for Mailbox Captains and Village Coordinators, and acting as the eyes and ears for the Lincoln Police Department. The program enables quick emergency responses, facilitates sharing house keys for those living alone, and ensures efficient communication of important Association updates, making it highly valued within the community.

JUDY FERRERA

Judy Ferrera was born and raised in Seattle and earned an Education degree from the University of Washington. With California facing a teacher shortage, she was recruited to the Union School District in San Jose, where she taught kindergarten for 37 years. After her initial retirement, Judy continued her teaching career with the Santa Clara Diocese, helping to open kindergarten classes and train new teachers.

Following her second retirement, Judy dedicated her time to volunteering with the San Jose Assistance League, using grant funds to provide books and uniforms to students in need. She and her husband lived in the Villages, a 55+ community, before moving in 2017 to Sun City Lincoln Hills to be closer to their son and six grandchildren, whose ages range from 15 to 25.

Judy enjoys singing in the chorus, where she met Director Suzanne Rosevold, who later encouraged her to become a mailbox captain for Neighborhood Watch. Judy credits Suzanne’s support and patience with her success in this role. Although some neighbors are reluctant to engage due to privacy concerns, Judy’s friendly demeanor and regular neighborhood walks have helped her connect with everyone in her assigned area.

She emphasizes the value of Neighborhood Watch, describing it as well-organized and beneficial, especially since it is linked to local fire and police departments. Through her efforts, Judy has helped neighbors feel safer and more involved. She encourages continued participation, stating, “Keep up the good work, Neighborhood Watch is an amazing group.”