Welcome to a winter wonderland right here at River Islands in Lathrop! As the cooler breezes settle in, it’s time to gear up for a season of wellness that goes beyond just staying warm. This guide is your passport to a winter filled with fitness, delicious recipes, mindfulness, and the vibrant community spirit that defines River Islands. From invigorating outdoor activities to cozy evenings with heartwarming recipes, we’ve got you covered.

Winter Fitness Tips:

man walking by river in nature

Winter doesn’t mean hibernation here at River Islands—let’s keep the energy flowing! Explore the variety of trails right in our community, or break a sweat on the exercise equipment available along the Bennie & Joyce Gatto Historic Trail. In the greater Lathrop area, consider joining local fitness classes or gathering some neighbors for a group hike in Dos Reis Park. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not take a day trip to hit the slopes at Sierra Ski Ranch in Tahoe or show off your moves on the ice rink at Modesto on Ice? Staying active not only helps us stay fit but also brings a lively spirit to our community

Healthy Winter Recipes:

winter soup on table

Heat up your kitchen with some fantastic winter recipes! Try a killer Butternut Squash and Kale soup, which gives you all the cozy feels. Whip up a Chicken and Veggie Stew for a hearty dinner—it’s like a warm hug for your insides. Cap off your evening with a Spiced Chai Latte that’ll make your local coffee shop jealous!


Butternut Squash and Kale Soup:

Ingredients:

1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 cups kale, chopped
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Sauté onions and garlic, toss in squash and kale, pour in broth, and let that goodness simmer. Season to taste, and you’re set.


Chicken and Veggie Stew:

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken, cubed
3 carrots, sliced
2 potatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
Herbs and salt to taste

Instructions:

Brown the chicken, throw in veggies, pour in broth, and let it all mingle until everything’s tender. Season to your liking.


Spiced Chai Latte:

Ingredients:

2 cups milk
2 black tea bags
1 cinnamon stick
4 cloves
4 cardamom pods
1-inch ginger, sliced
Honey to taste

Instructions:

Simmer milk with tea and spices, sweeten with honey, and cozy up with your very own chai latte.


Avoid the Seasonal Blues

women stretching

Embracing mindfulness and prioritizing mental well-being during winter is essential for combating seasonal blues. In the heart of Lathrop, let the serene vibes of our 13 lakes and parks guide you toward a winter filled with positive energy. Consider incorporating mindfulness practices into your routine, whether through moments of meditation or joining a local yoga class. These activities contribute to personal well-being and serve as opportunities to connect with neighbors and foster a sense of community.

Enjoy Local Events

winter family fun at festival

We’re all about spreading the festive vibes at River Islands! Get ready for some heartwarming moments and a good dose of that holiday magic with exclusive events for residents throughout December. We’ve got some great gatherings lined up to make this winter extra special for everyone in our community, including our ever-popular Holiday Drive-By Car Parade.

Whether you’re exploring the trails and exercise equipment within our community, whipping up some comforting winter recipes in the kitchen, practicing mindfulness to beat those seasonal blues, or joining in on the festive local events, there are countless ways to make this winter your best one yet. Let’s embrace the season together! Here’s to a winter filled with warmth, wellness, and wonderful moments in the heart of Lathrop.

The most wonderful time of the year has arrived in River Islands, and we’re gearing up for a festive celebration that’s sure to warm your heart. From acts of kindness to dazzling displays of holiday spirit, we’ve got a sleigh full of events lined up to make this holiday season extra special for our residents!

Events Around the Island

The Giving Tree: Through December 16th, we encourage you to participate in our annual Giving Tree event. Head over to the Christmas tree at the Welcome Center, pick a name, and become a holiday hero! Read our blog to learn more about The Giving Tree and how to participate.

‘Light Up the Islands’ House Lighting Contest: We’re inviting all residents to showcase their holiday spirit by participating in our dazzling House Lighting Contest! This month, transform your home into a festive masterpiece and let your creativity shine bright. Neighbors can view your display during our Holiday Lights Parade and vote for their favorite house.

Holiday Drive-By Car Parade: Santa Claus is coming to town and making a pit stop at River Islands! Join us for our Holiday Drive-By Car Parade, a unique and fun-filled experience for the whole family. Decorate your car with holiday flair, crank up the festive tunes, and follow Santa through the community.

As we celebrate the holidays, let’s also take a moment to give back to those in need. Donations to the 365 Days of Giving food drive can be dropped off at the Welcome Center, making it easy for residents to share the warmth of the season with others. Your generosity makes a lasting impact on Second Harvest Food Bank of San Joaquin County.

Whether you’re participating in the Giving Tree, showcasing your house decorating skills, or parading through the streets with Santa, there’s no shortage of heartwarming moments to be shared. Embrace the spirit of the season and make this holiday in River Islands one to remember!

Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, we are proud to welcome the newest addition to the River Islands family, The Kitchen at Priest Ranch. Owned by our parent company, this new eating spot is conveniently located next to Priest Ranch Winery’s tasting room in downtown Yountville and offers locals and visitors a casual and convenient dining experience. If you are a River Islands resident, you may already be familiar with Priest Ranch Winery and are a member of the Islanders’ Circle, a wine club exclusively for the community of River Islands. If you aren’t a member yet, we encourage you to join now!

kitchen at priest ranch patio

At The Kitchen, you’ll discover a vibrant atmosphere where the flavors of seasonal American cuisine meet the down-to-earth influences of the Midwest. The menu is an expression of simple foods done exceptionally well and perfected to be paired with estate-sourced wines for the ultimate food and wine experience. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast to enjoy on the rooftop deck or grabbing lunch to go, you’ll appreciate the locally sourced ingredients and friendly service!

Discover the Culinary Magic

kitchen at priest ranch

The Kitchen at Priest Ranch and the Priest Ranch Tasting Room are open both daily from 10 am to 6 pm. No need for advance bookings – simply stroll in and enjoy the comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. For more information, visit their website!

The holiday season is upon us, and as we bask in the afterglow of Thanksgiving, it’s the perfect time to usher in the spirit of giving. At River Islands, we are excited to kick off our annual Giving Tree event, and this year, it’s even more heartwarming and festive than ever! From December 1st to December 16th, we are teaming up with the Lathrop/Manteca Fire Department to make Christmas dreams come true for children in need throughout the greater Lathrop community.

How to Participate:

Visit the Giving Tree: Starting on Friday, December 1st, take a stroll down to River Islands Welcome Center, and you’ll find our Giving Tree standing tall and proud. Each ornament on the tree represents a child’s unique Christmas wish. The River Islands Welcome Center is open daily from noon to 5 PM, and is located at 1401 River Islands Pkwy.

Pick an Ornament: Choose an ornament that resonates with you. Each one features a child’s name and special wish, ensuring their dreams are met this holiday season. Wishes can range from toys to clothing.

Wrap and Return: Take the ornament home and carefully select gifts that match the child’s wish. Wrap them beautifully, adding a personal touch that shows you care. Then, bring your wrapped gifts back to the Giving Tree by Monday, December 18th.

Santa’s Special Delivery: As Christmas approaches, our friends from the Lathrop/Manteca Fire Department, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus, will collect your wrapped gifts. They will make sure the gifts reach the children just before Christmas, filling their hearts with joy and warmth.

This season, the true magic of Christmas lies in coming together as a community, spreading love, and making a difference in the lives of those who may be going through a challenging time. Looking for more ways to give back this holiday season? Keep an eye out for information about our 365 Days of Giving Donation Day, and learn more about the year-round food drive here.

As the warm days of summer fade away, it’s time to embrace the cozy comforts of fall and prepare for the rainy and cold winter months ahead. This blog will guide you through a few steps to ensure your home is ready to weather the upcoming season. We’ve got you covered, from outdoor maintenance to interior care and community collaboration!

Outdoor Maintenance

Readying Your Lawn for Winter

Fall is an ideal time to boost your lawn’s health. Start by choosing a high-quality, slow-release fertilizer suitable for your grass type. Applying fertilizer in the fall will help strengthen your roots, making it more resilient to winter conditions. Before winter sets in, mow your grass slightly shorter than usual, but avoid scalping it. Trimming it to around two inches will help prevent diseases and matting. Be sure to remove leaves, twigs, and debris, as wet leaves can smother your grass and create ideal conditions for mold.

Keeping Water Away

Clogged gutters are a disaster waiting to happen. They’re like a blocked highway for rainwater and trust us, you don’t want that water finding its way into your cozy abode! Cleaning your gutters at least twice a year, once in the fall and again in the spring, is essential for proper water drainage. While cleaning your gutters, take the opportunity to inspect them.

Interior Maintenance

Cozy and Safe at Home

If your home has a fireplace, give it some love before lighting it up. Remember to make sure your fireplace damper is doing its job! You want to keep the cold air outside where it belongs.

Emergency Kit: Better Safe Than Sorry

emergency pack items with water

Winter can mean unexpected surprises. Update your emergency kit and make sure to stock it with:

Non-Perishable Food
Bottled Water
Flashlights
Batteries
A First-Aid Kit
Essential Medications

Fall Pest Control: Don’t Let the Bugs Bug You

Preventing pests from seeking shelter indoors is crucial during the colder months. Seal any cracks or gaps in your home’s exterior, as these can be entry points for pests like rodents and insects. Keep your home clean and free of food crumbs, which attract unwanted guests. Consider hiring a pest control professional to inspect your home for potential vulnerabilities and to provide targeted treatments.

Preparing Your Home for the Upcoming El Niño Season

rainy window in home

With the arrival of the El Niño season and the anticipated increase in rainfall, it’s crucial for River Islands residents to ensure their homes are well-prepared to weather the storms. In addition to the above maintenance, there are a few important additions to prepare your home. Trim trees and shrubs to prevent them from falling onto your roof during heavy winds. Avoid overwatering your garden to prevent soil erosion.

River Islands Community: We’ve Got Your Back

lathrop manteca fire department

One of the perks of living in River Islands is the proximity of our Lathrop-Manteca Fire Department and the Lathrop Police Services. Both are located within our community for your peace of mind. Additionally, if you have any questions about what is allowed or needed for your River Islands home, visit MyRiverIslands.com.

Stay safe and enjoy the beauty of the upcoming winter season in your well-prepared homes!