LW Weekly_Trans_Vie_01-31-19

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Health Fair is Feb. 1

The OptumCare Health Care Center will hold a health fair tomorrow, Feb. 1. All Leisure World residents are invited to this free event from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 

To make sure everyone is able to get their screenings, the HCC is asking residents to attend based on their mutuals. Residents who show up during their scheduled time will be entered into a raffle for prizes.

Residents from Mutuals 5-8 will attend from 9-10 a.m.; Mutuals 9-12, 10-11 a.m.; Mutuals 14-17, 11a.m.-noon; Mutuals 1-4, noon-1 p.m.

Donna Miller, a manager at the HCC, said the health fair will be larger than past ones. Several screenings will be available, including BMI, balance, grip strength and more. 

“If someone is a patient here, we can update their records with the screenings,” Donna said. “It’s convenient for the patient. At their next appointment they can focus on what matters more to them than just screenings.” If someone isn’t a patient at the HCC, she said they could take the screenings to their doctor. “We really want residents to make use of them, no matter where they go for care,” she said.

Sometimes it can be hard to understand what a screening means. To help make sense of it, there will be clinical pharmacists available to residents. Kaylyn Pham is a clinical pharmacist with Monarch HealthCare. She’s excited to be part of the health fair. “We’ll be there to go over the screenings and answer any questions,” Kaylyn said. 

She also encouraged residents to bring a list of their medications, including any supplements or over-the-counter medicines, like Advil. Kaylyn said a list would be enough. “Normally I would ask a patient to actually bring all their medicines in for an appointment, but this will be a busy event. We don’t want anyone to lose their medications.”

Jeremy Matteson,  owner of Senior’s Choice Physical Therapy, will offer complimentary balance testing and grip strength testing. These tests are important because people don’t feel comfortable talking to their doctor about physical changes. 

“A regular check on your strength and balance is a great way to stay proactive with your health,” Jeremy said. “If you notice you aren’t as strong as you used to be, or you are a little uneven when you walk, bring it up to your doctor. He or she can help you find ways to get stronger.” 

He said many doctors may recommend physical therapy or other activities to keep your muscles in shape.

Representatives from several health plans will be at the fair. They can help answer questions about their insurance benefits for members.  For more information, contact OptumCare Medical Group at 1-833-486-7886.

GAF tax help is available

by Ruth Osborn

rutho_news@lwsb.com

Tax season officially started on Monday—but it doesn’t have to be a taxing time for LW residents.

Yes, the tax code is so complex that most people need help filing returns, and many are vulnerable to the fear and anxiety that brings.

But the Golden Age Foundation will do everything it can to lessen the pain for Leisure World residents. To that end, the GAF annually sponsors the AARP Tax-Aide Program, which provides a team of trained volunteers to prepare and e-file returns, beginning Monday, Feb. 4. 

“We’ve got friendly, trained people to make the process as simple as possible,” said Diana Lambert, the GAF’s tax program coordinator. 

The free service, which is by appointment only, is available in the GAF tax preparation room in Clubhouse 6, Room A, on the second floor. It will take at least an hour to review documents, and prepare and file the e-returns. Appointments are scheduled on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Call 596-1987 to make an appointment. People should leave their names and telephone numbers on the GAF answering machine. A volunteer will return the call to schedule an appointment. 

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program, now in its 51st year, has helped 68 million taxpayers. It offers free assistance to anyone, especially those 50 and older, who can’t afford a tax preparation service. You don’t have to be an AARP member to get tax help from IRS-certified volunteers. 

In 2018, taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.3 billion in income tax refunds and more than $213 million in Earned Income Tax Credits. 

The Leisure World volunteers are a cut above. Take Ken Velten, a former Southern California resident now living in Missouri. But he returns every February to visit friends, soak up the sunshine, golf and help people prepare tax returns. What? Yes, it’s true.

This is the fifth year he has participated in the GAF’s Tax-Aide program. 

“Basically, taxes are challenging, and the AARP has this great program to help seniors here in Leisure World,” said Velten. “The program is outstanding, and so is Diana and all the volunteers.”

Taxes are an indisputable fact of life, and it’s good to file sooner rather than later. Experts say the best way to avoid becoming a victim of tax-related fraud is to file tax returns as soon as all necessary documents are in hand.

So the first thing to do is make an appointment.

You must be a full-year California resident and qualify to file as single or married filing jointly. The following records should be brought to the appointment, if they are applicable to you:

• Social Security card, required

• Driver’s license, State issued ID or Leisure World photo ID

• Copy of 2017 Federal and State returns

• Forms 1099 for interest, dividends, pensions, social security benefits, sales of stocks

• Cost of stocks and bonds that were sold during 2018

• Form 1095-A if you purchased medical insurance through Covered California

• Forms W-2

• For itemized deductions, prepare and total a list of medical expenses, charitable contributions, taxes, interest and other deductions. Bring the list along with the organized receipts

• Copy of a check if you want a refund to be deposited into your checking account

Individuals with rental property, a net loss from self-employment, or out-of-state tax returns are not in-scope for this program.

An Intake/Interview Sheet (Form 13614-C) must be completed for each return that is prepared. For your convenience, the form is available in the Leisure World Library. Pick up the form and complete it in advance. 

Aviation training may increase noise levels

A visiting U.S. Army aviation unit will conduct training exercises and night flight operations at Los Alamitos Army Airfield (LAAAF) from Feb. 3-9.

The exercises are designed to maintain overall operational readiness and proficiency of the aviators and support personnel and will include periods of increased air traffic.

Residents living near the Joint Forces Training Base may hear aircraft arriving and departing outside of normal airfield operating hours and increased aircraft noise during the hours of darkness throughout the training period.

Efforts will be taken to minimize inconvenience to our neighbors during evening hours.

For additional information, contact Col. (CA) Richard Lalor at 795-2096 or via email at richard.w.lalor2.nfg@mail.mil, or Senior Airman Crystal Housman at (805) 458-3825 or via email at crystal.c.housman.mil@mail.mil.

Westminster DMV to close for repairs

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)  Westminster field office at 13700 Hoover St. is closed for repairs, effective Jan. 25.

The office will continue to honor scheduled appointments for behind-the-wheel tests and vehicle verifications. 

All other appointments will be handled at nearby field offices.

The Westminster field office is scheduled to reopen to the public at 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 11.

Woman’s Club tea meeting is Feb. 5

The Leisure World Woman’s Club will have a tea meeting at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 5, in Clubhouse 2. The theme is Valentine’s Day, and members are encouraged to wear red. 

Tony Odell Rogers, who studied voice, dance and theater at the University of South Florida, will provide entertainment. After college, he began a music career as lead singer for a 50s-60s band called The Remainders. Along with performing in bands, Tony has also appeared in four productions at Chapman University and was the vocal director for four Chapman productions.

Members are asked to bring non-perishable food, which will be given to Food Finders, which picks up donated food from hundreds of local grocery stores, bakeries, restaurants and produce markets  for distribution to missions, shelters and social service agencies. The agency helps provide enough food for 22,000 meals a day.

The Woman’s Club invites all Leisure World women to join. For membership information, contact Penny Wright by phone at 799-9486, by email at pennyw65@gmail.com or at home, 13902 Thunderbird Drive 8-C.

Y Service Club Rummage Sale

The Y Service Club is accepting donations for its next rummage sale on Saturday, March 2. People are welcome to donate jewelry, glassware, books, kitchenware, small appliances, tools, linen, shoes, purses, holiday decorations, lamps, pictures and small furniture items. 

To arrange for a pick up, call one of the numbers in the club’s classified ad in the LW Weekly under the heading “Leisure World Helping Leisure World.” 

The club’s rummage sale is a major fund raiser for the YMCA “Kids to Camp” program and projects that benefit the Leisure World community.

Children-A-Priority

The Children-A-Priority club will meet for lunch and a speaker at noon on Feb. 7 in Clubhouse 4. 

George Gjersvold, a retired Long Beach firefighter, will share his experiences as an arson investigator, a fire prevention inspector and an urban search specialist.

Bring a friend to enjoy this informative event and a catered hot meal. 

Lunch is $12 and will be served at noon. People are welcome to arrive early to socialize and meet new members. 

This small group supports youth with a focus on underprivileged local children. Partners include Precious Life Shelter, Casa Youth Shelter, Food Finders, Interval House, Stepping Up, Kiwanis House, and Special Olympics. 

For more information and to make reservations, call Maria Swift at 493-1924 or Romy Brannon at (714) 345-5314. 

American Legion Auxiliary donated $5,000 to military families

The American Legion Auxiliary donated $5,000 to Lincoln Military Housing to help 48 Coast Guard families who have no income because of the government shutdown.  

On Jan. 15, more than 40,000 active-duty Coast Guard service members did not receive their paychecks—the first time in history that U.S. service members were not paid during a lapse in government funding, according to Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl L. Schultz.

The young families who live in Seal Beach at the Naval Weapons Station base are supported solely by the military member supplying the family with money, and now there is none. The government was temporarily reopened on Friday, but there will be a lag until full operations are restored.

Monetary donations and donations of baby diapers, toilet paper, paper towels, rice, pasta, cereal and toiletries such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc., are now being accepted. Gift cards to restaurants, gas stations and grocery stores are also welcome.

The need is urgent.

To donate call  Judy Traver at 596-1065 or Joyce Lamm at 430-4488.  

They will give you information where and when to drop off donations. The veterans appreciate LWers’ generosity. 

The next Auxiliary district meeting will be held Saturday, Feb. 9, at Newport Harbor. A carpool will leave from President Jean Sudbeck’s home at 8 a.m. People who want to attend should call Jean.   

Plans for the annual Fashion Show Luncheon are moving along.  It will be held Saturday, March 16, at noon. Tickets are $25 per person or $200 for a table of eight.

There will be door prizes and an opportunity drawing. Clothing will also be for sale. It’s a great time to get an Easter outfit. The lunch will be Italian, and all proceeds will be used for nursing scholarships at Golden West College. To buy tickets, call Cathy Boufford at 598-9361.

AARP Smart Driver Class

The next re-certification session for AARP’s Smart Driver Class will be held Feb. 18 in Clubhouse 3, Room 6, from 1-5 p.m. The fee is $15 for AARP members; $20, non-members. Only checks can be accepted. People will also need to bring their driver’s license. 

The two-day certification session will be March 18 and 19 in Clubhouse 3, Room 6, from 1-5 p.m. both days.

CRTA Luncheon

The California Retired Teachers Association will have a luncheon meeting at noon on Friday, Feb. 1, in Clubhouse 2. Reservations are required. The cost is $15, which covers the lunch and the program. 

Payment is due at the door, and reservations can be made by calling Sue Grimsley at 431-3083. Payment is required unless cancellations are made by Jan.30.

The luncheon will be barbecue chicken wraps, nutty coleslaw, cartwheel salad and cheesecake for dessert.

Jessica Bullard-Nolan from the Irvine office  of the California State Teachers Retirement System will speak. She will cover many aspects of the pension that are important to retired teachers.

Pancake breakfast is Feb. 16

The American Legion will host a pancake breakfast from 8-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16, in Clubhouse 2. Come eat, and watch American Legion members flip pancakes made from fresh ingredients, courtesy of Fantastic Cafe in Westminster.  

Monies raised are used to help veterans in local communities.  

Tickets are $5 per person and include a stack of pancakes or biscuits and gravy. The meal comes with sausage, orange juice and coffee or tea.  

Tickets are sold at the door; all are welcome to come and enjoy breakfast with family and friends. 

Elevator closed for repairs

The elevator in the GRF Administration building is out of service to undergo repairs, which are expected to be finished in March. People who are unable to use the stairs should to go to the Stock Transfer Office on the ground floor of the Administration Building, where the receptionist will help them connect with staff on the second floor.

All public meetings have been moved to either Conference Room B in Building 5 or to Clubhouse 3.

People can check the calendar or contact Administration or Mutual Administration staff for more information at 431-6586.

Senior Patriots

The Senior Patriots for Peace will meet at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12, in Clubhouse 3, Room 2. Speaker Derek Marsh, a co-director for the Human Trafficking Task Force of Orange County, will discuss what causes trafficking, which includes sexual exploitation and forced labor, and what is being done to prevent it. There will be time for questions and answers. All are welcome. For more information, call Dorothy Kemeny at 242-4751.

Super Bowl 53 to be televised

The GRF Recreation Department will host a Super Bowl LIII party on Sunday, Feb. 3, in Clubhouse 4 on the big screen, starting at 3:30 p.m. (In case of an overflow crowd, there will be a big screen TV set up in Clubhouse 1.)

The 2019 Super Bowl will feature the Los Angeles Rams vs. the New England Patriots  at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Plan to join friends and enjoy complimentary snacks.  

watch your step   

by Jim Breen

jimb_news@lwsb.com

When a relatively new scam is attempted on three residents in four days, its time to alert the rest of Leisure World.

Calls were placed in the community between Jan. 21-24 by a smooth-talking man supposedly from Medicare seeking members’ numbers. 

The scammer’s “pitch” was nearly identical in all three: Their new Medicare cards are either temporary or contain errors. He needed their number so he could send a “permanent” card.

Two of the intended victims refused, but the other surrendered  it. No harm done, however, because the Mutual 12 resident  reported her error to Medicare and was told that nothing could be done until her number was actually used.

“They said that Medicare was not sending out any new cards and urged me watch my accounts and look for any new purchases,” she said.

“I know better than to give out my personal information like that,” she said.

“This guy was very good on the phone, very polished,” said Jim Bacchetti, the last of the three residents contacted.

They wanted the Mutual 9 resident’s number because the first card sent had a lot of errors. 

“He almost had me convinced,” said Bacchetti. But he began to have doubts when the man gave him a number to call to confirm that he really was from Medicare.

A spokesperson from Medicare said that the scam began soon after the new cards were first issued last April, but has ramped up considerably this month.

Medicare has a wealth of good data on its website www.medicare.gov, the official government site for Medicare. 

For detailed information on what to do in case of a Medicare scam and where to report it,  go to the  link “Identity Theft: Protect Yourself.”

•••

Phone scams on cellphones are on the increase. And they no longer originate in major cities. Last week, I received scam calls from Greneda, Mississippi; Hempstead, Texas and Roodhouse, Illinois.

Have you been the victim of a scam attempt? Send details to Jim Breen at the email  address above or call 431-6586, ext. 387, Wednesday- Friday between 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

lw democrats  

Attendees at the SBLW Democratic Club’s fourth Tuesday of the month Voter Information Series began the year by exploring the role being played by their new representative in Congress, Harley Rouda. 

The session was facilitated by Mary Larson, the club’s immediate past president and Laura Oatman, Rouda’s newly appointed district director.

Larson began the meeting by reviewing Leisure World’s voting record in the 2018 election while stressing the importance of look-

ing ahead to 2020. She also shared how Democrats are currently organizing themselves in the House of Representatives.

Congressman Rouda is one of 16 members of the House from California who are members of the New Democratic Coalition. Information about this coalition can be found on-line at http://newdemocratcoalition-himes,house.gov.

There are reportedly 90 New Democrats, 95 members of the Progressive Caucus and 24 Blue Dogs in the 116th Congress (with some overlap). Rouda has also been named as a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition.

Upon arrival in D. C., Rouda wasted no time in beginning to carry out the pledges he had made during the campaign.

Among other things, he has added his name to the “Equality Act,” which seeks to protect people from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, and gender identity and sex. He has introduced and seen the adoption of H.R. 206, known as the “Encouraging Small Business Innovation Act.”

In a Dec. 11 article published in “The Hill” on-line, he stressed that the best chance to tackle climate change is doubling down on infrastructure.

Rouda’s district director in Orange County has been equally busy. During the club’s Voter Awareness meeting, Oatman shared information about the many events she and the Congressman had attended while he was home the previous weekend.

The staffing of her office, located off the I-405, south of the John Wayne Airport, is almost complete and it will be opened shortly.

She invited members to contact her any time by email at Laura.oatman@mail.house.gov.

Attendees at the meeting expressed their appreciation, as well as enthusiasm, about this pledge of accessibility.

Club members are reminded that the next membership meeting will be on Wednesday, Feb. 20, in Clubhouse 4 at noon.

For information about this and other Club sponsored events, email lwsbdemocraticclub@gmail.com.

security corner

by Victor Rocha

Securiiy Services Director

For the next few weeks, I am going to focus on how we can all work together in enhancing vehicle and pedestrian safety in the community.  This week’s focus is on pedestrian safety.

In the United States, seniors make up 13 percent of the population, but account for 23 percent of all pedestrian fatalities.  It’s important for  pedestrians to take street crossing seriously.

 You can protect yourself by focusing on these points:

• Always cross the street at an intersection or crosswalk.  Most pedestrians are struck by cars when they cross the street at places other than intersections or marked crosswalks.  

• Before stepping off the curb, look left, right, then left again for traffic.  Make eye contact with the driver whenever possible to ensure you are noticed.  

• Obey the “Walk-Don’t Walk” signals. Just because the traffic light may be green does not mean that it is okay to cross. Pedestrians should follow the pedestrian signals.

• Walk. When the “walk” symbol is illuminated, you may begin to cross (after looking for traffic).  

   • Flashing red symbol. This advises the pedestrian who is already in the crosswalk to complete his or her crossing.  Most importantly, this symbol advises the pedestrian not to begin to cross the street due to the fact that the pedestrian may not safely make the crossing before the light turns green for vehicle cross traffic.   

• Solid red symbol.  Do not enter or cross the street.

•Drivers need to see you to avoid you. Use the pedestrian flags that are located at selected intersections and cross walks to increase your visibility.  

If you have any questions or concerns regarding pedestrian safety, contact me at 431-6586, ext. 371, or at victorr@lwsb.com.

Letter to the Editor 

Editor: 

 It is currently very dangerous to turn left onto St. Andrews Drive when departing from the Clubhouse 6/Health Care Center parking lot. The automobile or golf cart now has to pull quite far onto St. Andrews to see if a vehicle is approaching. 

Having a red curb along what are now three parking spaces adjacent to this driveway would help make this turn much safer.

Valerie Jorgenson

 Mutual 14

Gov 01/31/19

Schedule of Mutual Meetings 

Mutual meetings are listed below. Mutual residents are invited to attend the open meetings of their mutual boards as follows:

Tuesday, Feb.  5 Mutual  16

Conference Room B canceled 

Tuesday, Feb.  5 Mutual 17

Conference Room B 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb.  6 CFO Council

Conference Room B 10 a.m.

Thursday, Feb.  7 Presidents’ Council

Clubhouse 4 9 a.m.

Friday, Feb.  8 Mutual 3

Conference Room B 9 a.m.

Monday, Feb.  11 Mutual 9

Conference Room B 9:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 12 Mutual 15

Conference Room B 1 p.m. 

Wednesday, Feb. 13 Mutual 4

Conference Room B 9:15 a.m.

Thursday, Feb.  14 Mutual 12

Conference Room B 9 a.m.

Friday, Feb.  15 Roundtable with Mutuals/GRF

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 19 Mutual 14

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Wednesday Feb. 20 Mutual 5

Conference Room B 9 a.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 20 Mutual 7

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Thursday, Feb.  21 Mutual 2

Conference Room B 9 a.m.

Thursday, Feb.  21 Mutual 11

Clubhouse 3, Room 9 1:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 22 Mutual  6

Conference Room B 9:30 a.m.

Monday, Feb.  25 Mutual 8

Conference Room B 9 a.m.

Wednesday, Feb.  27 Mutual 10

Conference Room B 9 a.m.

Thursday, Feb.  28 Mutual 1

Conference Room B 9 a.m.

GRF Committee Meetings 

Golden Rain Foundation committee and board meetings are open to Leisure World residents. Conference Room B is located downstairs in Building 5. The Conference Room B Conference Room is upstairs in the Conference Room B Building. The following is a tentative schedule of meetings on the Golden Rain Foundation master calendar, maintained by Conference Room B:

Friday, Feb. 1 GRF Board Executive Session 

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 4 Recreation Committee

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 6 Physical Property Committee

  Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 8 Executive Committee 

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 11 Mutual Administration Committee

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 13 Security, Bus & Traffic Committee

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 14 Communications Committee

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 15 Finance Committee

Conference Room B 9 a.m.

Friday, Feb.  15 Roundtable with Mutuals/GRF

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 21 Information Technology Committee

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 22 Facilities and Amenities Review Ad Hoc

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 25 Management Services Review Ad Hoc

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 26 GRF Board of Directors

Clubhouse 4 10 a.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 27 Architectural Design Review Committee

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 28 Service Maintenance Committee

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Message from the Mayor

by Thomas Moore

Mayor of Seal Beach

With its idyllic coastal environment and genuine hometown atmosphere, Seal Beach is an exceptional city with a lot to offer those of us fortunate to call this place home.

As Seal Beach mayor for 2019, one of my priorities is to provide regular communication on a variety of topics of importance and interest to the community.

On this occasion, I want to provide an overview of City Hall discounts and services available to help seniors experience more active and fulfilling lives.

Annual beach parking passes are available at a reduced rate of $70 (the cost of a regular pass is $117), and weekday shuttle rides are available to Shops at Rossmoor and the North Seal Beach Center where well-balanced lunches are served as part of the city’s Senior Nutrition Program.

Of course, Dial-A-Ride with advanced reservation, curb-to-curb transportation service continues to be an option when traveling within the city to visit friends, shop for home goods or groceries, or go to medical appointments.

Other discounts are pet licenses for 50 percent of the regular cost, and utility tax exemptions for homeowners 60 and older with qualifying income.

And, thanks to a federal grant, the city also offers free bathroom modifications to income-eligible Leisure World residents who would benefit from converting their bathtub into a shower and replacing their standard toilet with one with a higher seat. 

Also, every Monday morning during tax season (February through April), seniors with qualifying incomes can get free tax return preparation and filing assistance. 

Spaces are limited and appointments are required and can be made by calling (562) 431-2527, ext. 1344.

It is an honor to serve on the Seal Beach City Council, and I look forward to communicating with you regularly throughout the year. 

If you have any questions or comments about the services or discounts I referenced, or any City program or project, call me  at 431-2527.

GRF BOARD RECAP

The following is a recap of the Golden Rain Foundation Board actions at the Jan. 29 meeting.

Approved Minutes

MOVED and duly approved the minutes of the December 18, 2018 Golden Rain Foundation (GRF) Board of Directors (BOD) meeting were approved, as presented. 

General – Appoint Committee Chair

MOVED and duly approved to appoint the Strategic Planning Ad hoc Committee Vice Chair, Ronde Winkler, as Chair of the Committee.

General – Rescind Policy 3330-70, Health Care Center Maintenance

MOVED and duly approved to rescind Policy 3330-70, Health Care Center Maintenance.

General – Reserve Funding Request – Replacement of Heat Pumps, Clubhouses One and Two 

MOVED and duly approved a contract with Alpine Heating and Air, for a cost not to exceed $12,600, to replace the heat pumps in Clubhouse One and Two, units #6 and #8 respectively, Reserve Funding, and authorize the President to sign the contract.

Finance Committee – Accept December Financial Statements

MOVED and duly approved to accept for audit the financial statements for the month of December 2018, for audit, as presented by the Director of Finance.

Finance Committee – Liquid Reserve Funds Transfer Request

MOVED and duly approved the transfer of $500,000 of reserve funds, from First Foundation Bank to US Bank, following the maturity of a $500,000 CDAR, on January 31, 2019, for the purposes of maximizing insured funds and to invest in higher yielding CDs with US Bancorp.

Finance Committee – Investment Ladder – CD Purchase Request 

MOVED and duly approved the purchase of brokered CDs, totaling $1,000,000 of reserve funds, all with a 12-month term, at the prevailing interest rates at the time of purchase.

Finance Committee – Additional Fidelity Bond Coverage

MOVED and duly approved the additional Fidelity Bond coverage, per the spreadsheet included in the agenda packet, and authorize the President to sign the documents to secure the revisions to the Master Insurance policy, Fidelity Bond, Form 14-02-17277.

Finance Committee – Authorization of Fund Transfers

MOVED and duly approved the Resolution to Authorize Funds Transfer, as drafted.

Finance Committee – FINAL VOTE: Amend 3324-31, Purchasing Fees

MOVED and duly approved to amend Policy 3324-31, Purchasing Fees, to increase the transaction fee for all materials purchased through the Purchasing department and the Copy & Supply Center, from 2% to 5% and to replace “shipping and handling” with “processing” fee.

Information Technology Committee – Capital Funding Request – Technology Updates, Administration Conference Room

MOVED and duly approved the purchase of all Administration Conference Room equipment updates, for a cost to not exceed $15,000, Capital Funding, and authorize the Executive Director to initiate the purchases and equipment installation.

Mutual Administration Committee – TENTATIVE VOTE: Amend 1201-33, GRF Identification Cards

MOVED and duly approved to tentatively amend Policy 1201-33, Photo Identification Cards, changing the title of the policy to “GRF Identification Cards”, removing the reference to Policy 1801-33,  increasing the fee for second and subsequent losses of ID cards to $50, amending the term “renter” to “renter/tenant”, and stating that the non-surrender fee “may” be waived, rather than “will” be waived in the case of a deceased member, and  changing “loss(es)” to “replacement(s)” pending a 30-day notification to the membership and a final decision on March 26,  2019.

Physical Property Committee – Contractors of Record 

MOVED and duly approved contractors of record for M.J. Jurado, Schlick Services, Greenwood Heating and Air, Advanced Painting and Kress Construction, for a one-year term.

Physical Property Committee – Capital and Reserve Funding Request – Restrooms, Locker and Breakrooms, Service Maintenance

MOVED and duly approved to award contracts/work orders to Los Al Builders, for the partition’s, lockers, and window replacement; Cornerstone Flooring, to replace flooring in the break and locker rooms; Service Maintenance, to Refinish and paint walls Blue Lace #1625, replace ceiling tiles – white, replace tables and chairs, install kitchenette, install two sinks and install two hand dryers; Talmar, to install two work stations; and Alpine Heating and Air, to install heat pump, for a cost not to exceed a total of $73,623.53 including $2,000 contingency, Capital funding, and authorize the President to sign the contracts.

to “replacement(s)” pending a 30-day notification to the membership and a final decision on March 26,  2019.

Physical Property Committee – Contractors of Record 

MOVED and duly approved contractors of record for M.J. Jurado, Schlick Services, Greenwood Heating and Air, Advanced Painting and Kress Construction, for a one-year term, for contracts that do not exceed $10,000.

Physical Property Committee – Capital and Reserve Funding Request – Restrooms, Locker and Breakrooms, Service Maintenance

MOVED and duly approved to award contracts/work orders to Los Al Builders, for the partition’s, lockers, and window replacement; Cornerstone Flooring, to replace flooring in the break and locker rooms; Service Maintenance, to Refinish and paint walls Blue Lace #1625, replace ceiling tiles – white, replace tables and chairs, install kitchenette, install two sinks and install two hand dryers; Talmar, to install two work stations; and Alpine Heating and Air, to install heat pump, for a cost not to exceed a total of $73,623.53 including $2,000 contingency, Capital funding, and authorize the President to sign the contracts.

GRF Board

Executive Session

1:00 p.m., February 1, 2019

 Conference Room B

NOTE: This meeting is closed to Shareholders/Members per Civil Code §4935

A. Call to Order – President Stone

B. Roll Call

C. Legal

D. Contracts

E. Member Disciplinary Actions

F. Personnel

G. Adjournment

“Agenda is Subject to Change”

GRF BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

December 18, 2018

CALL TO ORDER

President Linda Stone called the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Directors (BOD) of the Golden Rain Foundation (GRF) to order at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, December 18, 2018, in Clubhouse Four.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Victor Rocha, Security Services Director, led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

ROLL CALL

Following the roll call, Corporate Secretary reported that Directors Perrotti, R. Stone, Snowden, Pratt, L. Stone, Gerber, Gould, Hopewell, Rapp, Fekjar, Dodero, Winkler, Heinrichs, Findlay, Lukoff, and Moore were present. The Executive Director and the Director of Finance were also present.  Director Friedman was absent. 

Sixteen Directors were present, with a quorum of the voting majority.

PRESIDENTS COMMENTS

On June 27th of this year, the GRF Board of Directors attended an all-day planning session to establish a Mission Statement and Three-Year Goals. 

A mission statement is a short statement of an organization’s purpose, what its overall goal is, identifying the goal of its operations: what kind of product or service it provides, its primary customers or market, and its geographical region of operation.

Mission Statement

The Golden Rain Foundation provides an enhanced quality of life to our active adult community of Seal Beach Leisure World (this was ratified at the July 24, 2018 Board of Directors meeting).

Three-Year Goals:

Attract and retain quality employees

Increase organizational effectiveness and efficiency

Improve community access control

Protect, preserve, and improve our assets

Improve and enhance hardware, software, and use of technology (these were ratified at the July 24, 2018 Board of Directors meeting).

Last week, on December 12th, the Board attended a six-month follow-up session. The object was to revisit these goals to see if the Board wanted to make any modifications and to check the progress of the twelve strategies that had been developed to achieve the goals. 

The Directors and key management staff evaluated the twelve strategies and found them to be timely and viable. For example:

To attract and retain quality employees, one of the strategies was to propose and budget for a formal Employee Referral Program. I’m happy to report that this has been accomplished.

To increase organizational effectiveness and efficiency, a strategy was to purchase policy management software, including governing policy and costs. The software has been purchased and staff is currently being trained.

To improve community access control, we are rapidly approaching a solution. At the October Board meeting, the Board conceptually approved $450,000 to $500,000 for a new Access Control and Visitors Management System. Our new Director of Security Services has been tasked to bring to the Board a proposal and related costs for such a system, within 60 days.

To protect, preserve, and improve our assets, an investment policy is being developed as we speak, and the Finance Committee has already begun the process of improving our interest income, (Mission Park and Veteran’s Plaza are improvements to our assets), and we are preserving our assets by attacking deferred maintenance head on.

The last goal was to improve and enhance hardware, software, and use of technology. Last month, the Board approved $158,148 for software that will be used to manage inventory, purchase orders, and service request orders (SROs). Consolidating these work processes into one software solution will increase GRF efficiency and productivity. The timeline for completion of this project is October 2019.

I’ve listed just five of the twelve strategies developed. Of the seven remaining, some have already been approved and implemented or are in process and soon to be presented to the Board for approval.

For this past GRF year we identified:

Fifty-three strengths and accomplishments, such as Mission Park, new Health Care Lease, and reduction of insurance rates; 

Forty-five current internal weaknesses and challenges, such as deferred maintenance, access control and outdated management agreements and governing documents; 

Twenty-six external factors and trends that might have a positive impact in the next three years, such as location, increased property values and new technology;  and Thirty-Four external factors and trends that might have a negative impact in the next three years, such as the high cost of living in Orange County, increase in the minimum wage and being landlocked.

This Board has worked very hard this last year to achieve our goals and to further the mission statement “The Golden Rain Foundation provides an enhanced quality of life for our active adult community of Seal Beach Leisure World.”

Please give this Board a round of applause.

My wish to you is to enjoy the coming holidays safely and with good cheer and health. The year 2019 is fast approaching.

And now on to the business at hand.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The GRF Board of Directors will meet, in Executive Session, on December 20, to discuss legal and contractual matters.

SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES

No employees were available to be recognized with a service award.

SEAL BEACH COUNCIL MEMBER’S REPORT

Seal Beach Council Member Sandra Massa Lavitt provided a recap of the Seal Beach Council meeting.

SHAREHOLDER/MEMBER COMMENTS

In accordance with Policy 5610, Participation by Foundation Members, members may enter into a comment period prior to the beginning of business.  NOTE:  Foundation members are permitted to make comments before the business of the Board begins.  Requests must be registered in advance of the meeting. The Open Meeting Act allows boards of directors to establish reasonable time limits for the open forum and for speakers to address the board. (Civ. Code §4925(b).) Time limits, per speaker, are limited to:

4  minute limit per speaker, when there are no more than 15 speakers

3  minute limit per speaker, 16 – 25 speakers

2  minute limit per speaker, over 26 speakers

Two members offered comments.

CONSENT CALENDAR – APPROVAL OF BOARD COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

In accordance with Civil Code 4090, the Foundation will make available a summary of the meetings where a quorum of the Board was present.  A quorum of the Board was present at the following Committee meetings: 

• Minutes of the Mutual Administration Committee Board Meeting of October 

    8, 2018

• Minutes of the Recreation Committee Board Meeting of November 5, 2018

• Minutes of the Physical Property Committee Board Meeting of November 7, 2018

• Minutes of the Executive Committee Board Meeting of November 9, 2018

• Minutes of the Security, Bus & Traffic Committee Board Meeting of November   

  14, 2018

APPROVAL OF BOARD MEETING MINUTES

The minutes of the November 27, 2018 meeting were approved, as presented.

REPORTS

The Health Care Center Advisory Board will meet on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, at noon, and a report will be given at the following GRF Board meeting. 

The Strategic Planning Ad hoc Committee will meet on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, at 1 p.m.; a report will be provided at the following GRF Board meeting.

The Chair of the Facilities and Amenities Review (FAR) Ad hoc Committee presented a report on the progress of the Ad hoc Committee; policies are being written and will be presented at the January FAR meeting.

The Chair of the Management Services Review Ad hoc Committee presented a report on the progress of the Ad hoc Committee. At the next meeting, the Committee will begin reviewing services presented by the Finance Department.

NEW BUSINESS

General

Committee Appointment

In accordance with Article 7, Section 1, Article 8 of the Bylaws and Foundation Policy 5100-30, Committee Functions of the Golden Rain Foundation of Seal Beach, the President shall appoint all committees and their members, subject to the approval of the GRF Board.  

Ms. Stone MOVED, seconded by Ms. Hopewell –

TO approve the appointment of Ronde Winkler to the Facilities and Amenities Review Ad hoc Committee.

One Director spoke on the motion.

The motion was carried unanimously by the Board members present.

Architectural Design & Review Committee

Capital Funding Request – Landscape Improvements, Medical Building

The Physical Property Department was tasked with obtaining costs to replace landscaping around the Medical Building. A proposal, Exhibit A, was obtained by our current landscaper, Anguiano Lawn Care, for a cost not to exceed $10,429, based on recommendations by the Architectural Design and Review (ADR) Committee. 

At its November 28, 2018 meeting, the ADR Committee requested Finance Committee review and consideration to determine if sufficient  funds, not to exceed $10,429, are available for this project.

At its regular meeting on December 17, 2018, the Finance Committee reviewed available funding for this Capital project, and unanimously resolved Capital funding is available. 

Ms. Heinrichs MOVED, seconded by Ms. Rapp –

TO approve replacement of landscaping around the Medical Building, for a total cost not to exceed $10,429, per revised proposal, Exhibit A in the agenda packet, from Anguiano Lawn Care dated 11-19-18, Capital funding, and authorize the President sign the contract.

One Director and the Executive Director spoke on the motion.

The motion was carried unanimously by the Board members present.

Executive Committee

 Approve Workers’ Compensation Policy Renewal

At its regularly scheduled meeting on December 14, 2018, the Executive Committee reviewed the proposals for the renewal of the Workers Compensation Policy for GRF.

Our insurance broker, DLD Insurance, has reviewed our coverage and obtained bids from five (5) carriers including our current carrier, Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC).

The bids ranged from $269,973 to $418,000 with the lowest bid coming from BHHC, our current carrier.  The 2019 budget for this expense is $309,119:

 

Mr. Lukoff MOVED, seconded by Ms. Fekjar–

TO approve renewal of Workers’ Compensation coverage with Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies (BHHC), for the 2019 policy year, in the amount of $269,973, and authorize the GRF President to sign the renewal.

Two Directors and the Executive Director spoke on the motion.

The motion was carried unanimously by the Board members present.

Approve Uniform Contract

The uniform contract is due to expire on January 1, 2019. In preparation for the expiration of this contract, staff has reached out to several uniform companies, including Cintas, our current uniform vendor. Two bids were received:

 

Staff recommends the selection of UniFirst, based on its detailed proposal and unit rates per the attached bid. Based on the total number of uniforms currently needed, the annual estimated cost would be $19,115.72. The total amount budgeted for uniform expenses, for 2019, is $42,861.

At its December meeting, the Executive Committee recommended the Board award a contract to UniFirst based on its detailed proposal and unit rates (Exhibit A in the agenda packet).

Mrs. Perrotti, MOVED, seconded by Ms. Snowden–

 

TO award a contract with UniFirst based on bid proposal dated November 13, 2018, marked Exhibit A (in agenda packet), for a five-year term, funding from Operations, and authorize the President to sign the contract.

Four Directors, the Executive Director and the Director of Finance spoke on the motion.

The motion was carried with one no vote (R. Stone).

 

Finance Committee

Accept November Financial Statements

At the regularly scheduled meeting of the Finance Committee on December 17, 2018, the Committee duly moved to recommend to the Golden Rain Foundation Board of Directors acceptance of the November 2018 financial statements for audit.

Ms. Winkler MOVED, seconded by Mr. Lukoff and carried unanimously by the Board members present-

TO accept the November 2018 financial statements for audit.

Approve Liquid Reserve Funds Transfer Request

At the regularly scheduled meeting of the Finance Committee on December 17, 2018, the members discussed the liquid funds held in various financial institutions and noted the balances in some of the financial institutions exceed the FDIC insurance limit and, therefore are not in compliance with Policy 5520-31 – Reserves. 

The Committee passed a motion to recommend the GRF Board authorize the transfer of $1,300,000 of reserve funds, from First Foundation Bank, to US Bank, for the purposes of maximizing insured funds and to invest in higher yielding CDs with US Bancorp.

Mr. Lukoff MOVED, seconded by Mr. Dodero –

 

TO approve a transfer of $1,300,000, in Reserve funds, from the First Foundation Bank Business Maximizer account, to the Money Market Reserve account at US Bank, for the purposes of maximizing insured funds and to invest in higher yielding CDs with US Bancorp.

Two Directors and the Director of Finance spoke on the motion.

The motion was carried unanimously by the Board members present.

Investment Ladder – CD Purchase Request

At the regularly scheduled meeting of the Finance Committee on December 17, 2018, the members discussed terms and interest rates on CDs offered through US Bancorp. Additionally, the Committee discussed the current investment ladder and reserve funds available for investing to fill in the gaps in the investment ladder.

Following this discussion, the Committee passed a motion to recommend the GRF Board authorize the purchase of four (4) CDs at approximately $245,000 each, with maturity dates of January and July 2020, and January and July 2021, at the prevailing interest rates at the time of purchase, for a total of approximately $980,000 of reserve funds.

Mr. Lukoff, MOVED, seconded by Ms. Rapp- 

 

TO approve the purchase of four (4) CDs, at approximately $245,000 each, with maturity dates of January and July 2020, and January and July 2021, at the prevailing interest rates at the time of purchase, for a total of approximately $980,000 of reserve funds.

Three Directors and the Director of Finance spoke on the motion.

The motion was carried unanimously by the Board members present.

Approve Exclusive Use of Trust Property Lease Amendment

At the December 17, 2018 meeting of the Finance Committee, the Committee recommended the GRF Board approve the 1st Amendment (attached) to the leases for the exclusive use of trust property identified as Friends of the Library, Genealogy Club, Golden Age Foundation, Historical Society, Radio Club, Theater Club, and Video Producers Club.

 The addendum extends the lease agreements for six months (January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019), per the terms and conditions of the existing agreements. 

Ms. Hopewell MOVED, seconded by Ms. Perrotti-

TO approve the 1st Addendum for the lease agreements, for the exclusive use of Trust property, for a six-month term, from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019, for the Friends of the Library, Genealogy Club, Golden Age Foundation, Historical Society, Radio Club, Theater Club, and Video Producers Club, and authorize the President to sign the agreements. 

Four Directors and the Executive Director spoke on the motion.

The motion was carried unanimously by the Board members present.

FINAL VOTE: Amend Policy 5061-31, Fees

At the regular Finance Committee meeting on October 15, 2018, the Finance Committee recommended Policy 5061-31, Fees, be amended. The proposed policy changes are noted in the attached document.

At its meeting of October 23, 2018, the Board of Directors voted to tentatively amend this policy, pending a 30-day notice period to Foundation members. The policy draft was published in the November 2nd edition on the Golden Rain News. Members were welcomed to submit their comments or questions to the Board Office on this matter. Printed copies were also available to shareholders/members in the News Office, the Library and the Reception desk, second floor of the Administration building. This process is recommended in accordance of the Davis-Stirling Act, Civil Code §4360. 

No correspondence was received, regarding amendment of Policy 5061-31, Fees, during the 30-day notification to the membership period.

Ms. Rapp MOVED, seconded by Mr. Dodero

 TO to amend Policy 5061-31, Fees, to increase the facilities and amenities fee from twenty (20) to twenty four (24) times the monthly GRF assessment fee and change the $25 fee from “late payment” to “returned check” fee.

Six Directors, the Executive Director, the Driector of Finance and the Recording Secretary spoke on the motion.

The motion was carried unanimously by the Board members present.

Mutual Administration Committee

FINAL VOTE: Amend Policy 1201-33, GRF Identification Cards

At its meeting on October 8, 2018, the Mutual Administration Committee recommended the Golden Rain Foundation (GRF) Board of Directors (BOD) amend Policy 1201-33, Photo Identification Cards.

At its meeting of October 23, 2018, the Board of Directors voted to tentatively amend this policy, pending a 30-day notice period to Foundation members. The policy draft was published in the November 2nd edition on the Leisure World News Members were welcomed to submit their comments or questions to the Board Office on this matter. Printed copies were also available to shareholders/members in the News Office, the Library and the Reception desk, second floor of the Administration building. This process is recommended in accordance of the Davis-Stirling Act, Civil Code §4360. 

No correspondence was received, regarding amendment of Policy 1201-33, Photo Identification Cards, during the 30-day notification to the membership period.

Ms. Hopewell MOVED, seconded by Ms. Heinrichs –

 

TO amend Policy 1201-33, Photo Identification Cards, changing the title of the policy to “GRF Identification Cards”, increasing the fee for second and subsequent losses of ID cards to $50, removing the reference to Policy 1801-33, amending the term “renter” to “renter/tenant”, and stating that the non-surrender fee “may” be waived, rather than “will” be waived in the case of a deceased member.

Five Directors spoke on the motion.

The motion failed unanimously with sixteen no votes.

Mr. Lukoff MOVED, seconded by Ms. Hopewell and carried unanimously by the Board members present –

 

TO refer Policy 1201-33, GRF Identification Cards, back to the Mutual Administration Committee, for further review.

Physical Property Committee

Capital Funding Request – Building Improvements (Medical Building) and Concrete Replacement (Medical Building and Building Five)

The Physical Property department was tasked with obtaining costs to replace concrete, as needed, and install roofing in the open awning areas around the Medical building. Proposals are attached,  Exhibit A, based on recommendations by the ADRC at their October 24, 2018 meeting.

Medical Center

 After a brief discussion, Ms. Hopewell MOTIONED, seconded by Ms. Fekjar and carried unanimously by the Committee members-

 

TO approve and recommend the Physical Property Committee seek costs for:

• Concrete additions/replacement to existing sidewalk

• Fill in roof openings around building

Bids were received from MJ Jurado (concrete removal/replacement) – $15,356 and Jordan Roof Company  (roof additions) –  $ 5,400.

It was recommended by the Physical Property Committee, at its November 7, 2018 meeting, to add a $2,000 contingency, and forward this request to the GRF Board after review by the Finance Committee. 

At its regular meeting on December 17, 2018, the Finance Committee reviewed available funding for this Capital project, and unanimously resolved funding is available.

Ms. Gerber MOVED, seconded by Ms. Fekjar –

TO approve improvements around the Medical Center Building including concrete replacement, and roof installation (cover open awnings), based on recommendations of the ADRC, adding a contingency of $2,000, for a total cost not to exceed $22,756, Capital funds, and authorize the President to sign the contracts. 

Two Directors and the Executive Director spoke on the motion.

The motion was carried unanimously by the Board members present.

CONTROLLER’S REPORT

The Finance Director provided a financial report earlier in the meeting.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

The Executive Director provided a written report for the Board.  

BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS

Sixteen Board members spoke on the meeting proceedings.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned was at 11:34 a.m.

_______________________________________

Suzanne Fekjar

GRF Corporate Secretary

dfb

Community 01-31-19

Care Ambulance is topic of Sunshine Club 

Rob Viera, Orange County division manager for Care Ambulance Service will be the speaker at the Sunshine Club tomorrow, Feb. 1,  at 10 a.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 9. His topic is “Care Ambulance Service’s Role in Your Community.” 

Viera has worked closely with community groups, fire departments, hospitals and other agencies to ensure a good working relationship in the interest of providing the best care possible to all those who call in their time of need. Robert will answer questions and provide a better understanding of how the emergency system operates when 9-1-1 is activated.  

Three additional  speakers for February will be Patrick Gallegos, assistant manager of City of Seal Beach, on Feb. 8; Ronnie Alvarez, LPL finance specialist Feb. 15; and Dr. Gina Kay, home health care, on Feb. 22.

The club appreciates shareholders bringing their own coffee mugs to participate in the “Save The Earth” program. 

Shareholders should arrive early to guarantee good seats. 

The Sunshine Club is designed to help people get along in the community, for neighbors to have better communication and to get the best out of living in Leisure World. 

Classes are held from 10 a.m.-noon on Fridays, in Clubhouse 3, Room 2 (except the first Friday in Room 8). All shareholders are welcome to attend; membership is not required. Refreshments are served.

For more information, call Anna Derby, 301-5339.

GRF trip to see Ducks vs. Jets is March 20

Anaheim Ducks will take on the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday, March 20, with the puck dropping at 7 p.m.  This night is also an Anaheim Ducks and Honda Center promotional giveaway night. Everyone in attendance will receive a Ryan Getzlaf NHL Draft Bobblehead presented by San Manuel Casino. 

Join GRF members at the game, hosted by the GRF Recreation Department, in lower bowl seating right behind the goal. Tickets are on sale at the Recreation Office in Building 5 for $80, including transportation and fees. 

Make reservations by emailing events@lwsb.com, in person, or by calling 431-6586, ext. 326 or 324.  Guests are welcome but must be accompanied by a GRF member.  Accessible seating is available for this event, if requested at the time of purchase.

Owned by the city of Anaheim, Honda Center officially opened as Anaheim Arena on June 19, 1993, with a sold-out Barry Manilow concert. In October of that same year, the venue was renamed Arrowhead Pond and hosted the first Mighty Ducks of Anaheim game. 

The year 2005 began a new era as Henry and Susan Samueli took ownership of both the team and the venue management company, Anaheim Arena Management, LLC. In 2006, the official name of the arena changed to Honda Center, along with the team to Anaheim Ducks.

Debuting in fall of 2015 was a brand-new scoreboard measuring 27 feet tall and 47 feet 10 inches wide. The six-millimeter diode equipped hardware features 1248 x 2208 lines of resolution, the clearest and highest definition picture available in any North American venue.

Lion’s Club International

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to get organized and clean out your closets and drawers, then keep Lions Club International in mind when you come across those old eyeglasses you’re no longer wearing.

By donating them you can give a gift of vision to someone in need. A collection box is located inside the  sliding door of Building 5, near the elevator. 

The nonprofit organization collects and recycles glasses in an effort to help eradicate blindness and vision loss. Donated eyeglasses are cleaned, sorted by strength, packaged and distributed to those in need, mostly in developing countries, but also in America.

GRF Olympics

Leisure World clubs are organizing tournaments that will be held  in March and April for the first Leisure World Olympic games. 

Several sports clubs have shown an interest in participating in the games, including bocce, pickle ball, billiards, table tennis, golf, shuffleboard and poker. 

Individuals who want to participate in events and athletic skills, such as swimming, freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and relay teams, that are not organized by clubs are also invited to take part in the LW Olympics.

There is still time for other clubs to  join in the competition by emailing the club name, activity, contact name and contact phone number to events@lwsb. Some additional suggestions for tournaments are bridge, Mexican Train dominoes, cribbage, Yahtzee, bowling and basketball free throws and other games played in LW.

Shareholders can participate in various games by contacting the clubs to find out when the club’s Olympic tournaments begin. Those where there are no clubs for the desired event should contact the GRF Recreation Department by email at events@lwsb. All competitors must be members of the GRF. 

The top three participants in various tournaments will be awarded medals at a ceremony  that will be held in May.

Minibus orientation class is Feb. 7

The Golden Rain Transportation Department will conduct informational meetings on using the Minibus service from 10-11:30 a.m. and 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, in Clubhouse 3, Room 3. 

The sessions are for shareholders who want to learn about Minibus system routes and timetables and other transportation options available in Leisure World. 

“Learn the Route,” previewing the “D” route, will follow the 10 a.m session. The ride-along is limited to the first 17 participants and takes one hour. 

Bus service orientations are held on the first Thursday of every month. 

For more information, call Fleet Manager Grant Winford at 431-6586, ext. 372.

Band of California Battalion to play

Sunshine Club presents The Band of the California Battalion on Wednesday, Feb. 20, in Clubhouse 2 at 7 p.m. The doors will open at 6 p.m. Admission is free. 

The Band of the California Battalion, a reenacted Union Civil War Brass Band, presents authentic music from the American Civil War. 

The band was the only group from west of the Rocky Mountains to be featured at the national Civil War brass band festivals in Campbellsville, Kentucky, and was invited twice to be the keynote band at the Gettysburg Brass Band Festival that included emotional command performances for the National Park Service on the battlefield at the Pennsylvania Monument. The Band of the California Battalion was also the only group featured in a special musical performance for the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. 

The Band of the California Battalion was a featured performer in the inaugural concert series at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, as well as the opening of the new Lincoln Exhibit at the Huntington Library. 

The Band performs at concerts, reenactments, special performances and festivals around California and the country.

For more information, call Anna Derby, 301-5339.

The band’s website is http://www.civilwarband.us.

Italian American Club

The Italian American Club meets the first Wednesday of each month in Clubhouse 4 at noon. Everyone welcome. 

Cory Nakasue, an astrologer, will be the guest speaker on Feb. 6.  She’ll give insight about Venus in the month of “Love.” There will be time for questions and answers. 

Membership dues are payable at the meeting. Unfortunately the cost of everything has increased, thus making it necessary for the club to increase its membership dues as well.

Register for Ralph’s Rewards

Registration for the Ralph’s Reward Program can be done over the phone again. Shareholders are encouraged to  participate in the Ralph’s Reward program at no cost to help benefit the Golden Age Foundation (GAF). 

The GAF is a non profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to making the Leisure World Seal Beach community a better and happier place in which to live. 

Ralph’s donates a percentage of its sales to local charities just for people doing their regular shopping. To receive funds, people must register for a charity of choice, the Golden Age Foundation, with the Ralph’s Reward program. People can register online at www.ralphs.com anytime or by calling (800) 443-4438 or (800) 660-9003, Monday-Friday, between 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

The GAF has volunteers  to help people sign up for the program in the Clubhouse 6 Hospitality Room every Tuesday 9-11 a.m.

Another way to donate funds to GAF without any cost to the donors is by enrolling  in Smile.Amazon.com and indicate the Golden Age Foundation, Seal Beach, as the  charity of choice. Every time the registered person shops on Amazon, a percentage of the purchase will be donated to GAF without any additional cost to the purchaser.

These programs are great opportunities to help the GAF as it works to enrich the lives of Leisure World residents.  

Ralph’s has announced that it is committed to giving $2 million during 2019 through its Community Contributions program. 

Yiddish Club

The Yiddish Club of Leisure World will meet at 7 p.m. on Feb. 7 in Clubhouse 3, Room 2. 

The topic will be the life and work of the well-known American Jewish writer and poet Sam Liptzin. After new words and proverbs in Yiddish are introduced, President Yakob Basner will share stories, poems and aphorisms by Liptzin. 

Refreshments will be served after the program.

Friendship Club Computer Classes

The Friendship Club offers computer classes taught by Jeff Sacks, Maxine Smith, and Miryam Fernandez.

• Monday, Feb. 4, Clubhouse 3, Room 4

11 a.m. – Let’s Talk eBay (Smith)

• Monday, Feb. 11, Clubhouse 3, Room 4

11 a.m.  – Computers (any kind) for Beginners. (Sacks)

11:30 a.m. – Questions and Answers discussion (Sacks)

Noon – Facebook for Beginners (Fernandez)

• Monday, Feb. 18, Clubhouse 6, Room B

11 a.m. – Android (Google) Smartphone Beginner (Sacks)

11:30 a.m. – Questions and Answers discussion (Sacks)

Noon – To Be Announced (Fernandez)

• Monday, Feb. 11, Clubhouse 3, Room 4

11 a.m. –  To be announced

Noon – To be announced 

• Thursday, Feb. 28, Clubhouse 3, Room 7

1-2:30 p.m.- Android (Google) phone and Tablet (Sacks)

2:30-4 p.m. – Let’s Talk eBay (Smith)

 Classes are free, but donations to pay for a wireless hotspot and printing materials are welcome.

For eBay information, contact Maxine Smith maxla@aol.com; for Facebook information contact Miryam Fernandez, 884-7460; for computer information, contact Jeff Sacks (714) 642-0122.

To suggest questions for Q & A, or to join the email list, email to jfsacks@gmail.com.

American Latio Club

The American Latino Club will begin its New Year on Friday, Feb. 1, in Clubhouse 4 at 1 p.m. with a short meeting to plan activities for 2019 and to collect dues for old and new members. Annual dues, $5, are payable at the meeting. Coffee, cookies and refreshments will be served.

LWers gather books for children who need them most

Sue Ellis, Mutual 15; Midge Bash, Mutual 14; and Donna Gambol, Mutual 1, waited in the rain with hundreds of other educators and folks to secure books for children who need them most. Each of them was able to select 25 books.

The LWers are volunteers for the St. Anne’s Women’s Guild. The guild provides outreach service to women and children who are victims of human trafficking and to women and children in shelters, among others. 

The trio went to the Lafayette Park area of Los Angeles to pick up books through First Book’s distribution of some 40,000 books. The books were generously donated by the Disney Corp.

Gambol has been involved with First Book for over 15 years. She organized and hosted a similar book distribution in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, before relocating to Leisure World. 

“They are a tremendous charity,” says Gambol. “I became aware of them some years ago and instituted a variety of literacy initiatives in Johnstown and Cambria County where the poverty level is quite high. Annually we distributed books during the Halloween Parade and Trojan Family Christmas program.” Gambol says the expressions on children’s faces when you give them a new book is priceless. “They grab that book and hold it close; they are so excited to know that it is their’s ‘for keeps’”

Gambol notes that one of the most significant factors of a child doing well in school is directly correlated to the number of books in the home. Research indicates that children from low income areas have fewer than one age appropriate book per 300 children in the home, while affluent neighborhoods on average have 15 or more age appropriate books per child.

“It’s not surprising, really, “ says Gambol. “If you were a high school drop-out, chances are that books were not your friends, and when you have a child, the likelihood of your spending any discretionary money on a book is very slim. Uneducated parents are more likely to buy their child a ball, doll, or ice cream cone, but certainly not a book.”

First Book is an extraordinary charity whose original mission was to provide brand new books to children who need them most. Today the non-profit’s success has expanded its reach beyond just providing books but also school supplies, warm clothing, and healthy snacks. 

“Yet still it provides books, beautiful, brand new books to children,” says Gambol. First Book transforms the lives of children in need through its member network of more than 400,000 educators. 

Since 1992, First Book has distributed more than 175 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low income families in more than 30 countries. First Book currently reaches an average of 3 million children every year. 

First Book members work in classrooms, after school and summer or early childhood programs, shelters and health clinics, libraries, community programs, military support programs, and other settings serving a majority of children in need. 

Charity Navigator gives First Book an overall  94.7 rating and 100 percent rating for accountability and transparency. It further notes that 97.3 percent of the charity’s total expenses are spent on the programs and services it delivers. 

“That’s a pretty good endorsement,” says Gambol. To learn more go to: Firstbook.org.

Obituaries

Murphy, Margretta Judith

1931 – 2019

Margretta “Greta” Judith Murphy passed away on Jan. 20, 2019.

The fourth of six children to Marie and William Diener of Salt Lake City, Utah, she moved to Seattle after graduating from high school to pursue a degree in English literature. She graduated from Seattle Pacific College in 1954.  

After her husband, Neal Murphy, died in 1962, she became a public school teacher, teaching kindergarten for more than 30 years in the Monrovia and Los Angeles Unified School Districts. 

Greta lived most of her life in Southern California—in Monrovia, where she brought up her two children as a devoted single mother, later moving to San Pedro, Long Beach and Leisure World in Seal Beach.  In her final years, to be closer to her children, she lived in an assisted living facility in Oakland.

Greta was vivacious, intellectually curious and loved music.  Her smile lit the room. She threw great parties and family gatherings, was a terrific conversationalist and had a distinct artistic sensibility evident in her home and the activities she enjoyed, singing, writing, attending concerts, reading, traveling and going to museums. 

She was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach, and sang in its choir for several years. She also sang with the William Hall Chorale in Pasadena.

She is deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her daughters Melissa Murphy, El Cerrito, California; Annie Murphy, Santa Cruz, California; and Judy Chambers Nelson, Mendocino County; her brother Michael Diener, Mariposa County; his sons Erik and Derek; and her niece Wendy Wise.

Donations in Greta’s name may be made to UNICEF USA or to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach.

Francis M. (Bud) Morris

1938 – 2019

Bud Morris passed away peacefully in his sleep on Jan. 11, 2019. He lived in Leisure World for several years before moving to Texas two years ago. 

Bud always greeted you with a big smile and kept a positive outlook on life. He loved watching Dodgers games and playing poker.

After retiring from the aerospace industry where he worked for many years as a computer quality engineer, Bud discovered a love of travel. He spent three years discovering America in an RV and was recently planning a trip to Italy.

He was also a writer for many years. He taught “A Course in Miracles” and held many classes in Leisure World. He was an author of four “A Course in Miracles in a Nutshell” books. His latest book, “Spirituality Unlimited! — Practical Interpretations of A Course in Miracles” was published in 2018.

Bud will be missed by his family, friends and colleagues. 

A memorial service will be held in Texas.

Bertetto, Elizabeth “Betty”

1925-2019

Betty Bertetto of Mutual 7 died Jan. 24, 2019, after a day spent by the ocean, enjoying her favorite meal of fish and chips with three of her beloved children.

After a restful night, she awoke and had a medical event of some type. Her daughter was called and shortly after she got there, Betty quietly and easily took her last breath. She was 93 years old. 

At 19, Betty met the love of  her life, Johnnie. They were married for nearly 70 years and had 11 children. The couple travelled all over the U.S.  

At 50, Betty went back to college, got her nurse’s degree and practiced that profession for 20 years. 

She and Johnnie began square dancing around that time. They were active members of the Leisure World Whirlers for many years.

Betty will be remembered for her sweet disposition and lifelong friendships.

A service will be held Thursday, Jan. 31, at 1 p.m. at All Souls Mortuary in Long Beach.  

Deaton, Margaret

1927-2019

Margaret Deaton, 91, of Mutual 4 died peacefully Jan. 28, 2019, with family by her side. 

A memorial service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Feb. 4 at 11 a.m.

On the Go

Day Trips 

Cachuma Lake Eagle & Wildlife Cruise – Feb. 2, $89, includes boxed lunch picnic, David Nell/Good Times Travel, (888) 488-2287

Segerstrom Center, “Come From Away” – Feb. 7, $92, GRF Recreation, events@lwsb.com, 431-6586. ext. 326

Coachella Valley: Covered Wagon Tour & Cookout – Feb. 10, $119, David Nell/Good Times Travel, (888) 488-2287

The Pantages Theatre, “Hello Dolly!”The Broadway Musical – Feb. 17, $139, David Nell/Good Times Travel, (888) 488-2287

The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens With Tram Tour – Feb. 23, $89 includes lunch, David Nell/Good Times Travel, (888) 488-2287

Harlem Globetrotters, Honda Center -Saturday, Feb. 23, $55, GRF Recreation, events@lwsb.com, 431-6586, ext. 326

Long Beach State Basketball – Wednesday, March 6, $6, GRF Recreation, events@lwsb.com, 431-6586, ext. 326

Beverly O’Neill Theater, “Life Could Be a Dream” – Thursday, March 7, $70, GRF Recreation, events@lwsb.com, 431-6586, ext. 326

The Colorful Songs Revue, “The Luck O’ the Irish” – March 16, $109, includes lunch and wine, David Nell/Good Times Travel, (888) 488-2287

Mission San Juan Capistrano -Tuesday, March 19, $30, GRF Recreation, events@lwsb.com, 431-6586, ext. 326

Anaheim Ducks, Honda Center -Wednesday, March 20, $80, GRF Recreation, events@lwsb.com, 431-6586, ext. 326

Pala Casino —March 29, $6, $10 back, American Legion Post 327, Gail Levitt, 596-1346.

 Harrah’s Rincon – Daily, free, Amphitheater, 7:15-7:30 a.m., (877) 777-2457

Pala Casino – Daily, free, Amphitheater, 8 a.m., (714) 985-9555

Pechanga Casino – Daily, Amphitheater, 8 a.m., free, $10 in EZ Play upon arrival, (951) 770-2579

Valley View Casino – Sunday-Tuesday, Amphitheater, 7 a.m., free

Overnight Trips 

Bluegrass Cruise – Feb. 18-22, four days, Carnival Inspiration, Long Beach, Catalina, Ensenada, Long Beach, Ellen Brannigan, (310) 890-2368

Nature’s Bounty & Wonder Valley – Four-day tour featuring Fresno’s Blossom Trail, Farm Visits with Tastings and Wonder Valley Ranch. Feb. 24-27, David Nell/Good Times Travel, (888) 488-2287

Central Coast Whales, Rails & Dunes – Three-day tour featuring Morro Bay Hotel, Guadalupe Dunes, Whale Watching, Coast Startlight Train. March 6-8, David Nell/Good Times Travel, (888) 488-2287

Death Valley Splendor – Three-day tour featuring a Ranch at Death Valley Stay, Furnace Creek Inn lunch, Badwater, Local-Guide. March 17-19, David Nell/Good Times Travel, (888) 488-2287

Desert Bloom – Two-day tour featuring Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Pala Resort Stay, Temecula Valley, Julian, Local Guide. March 17-18, 2019, David Nell/Good Times Travel, (888) 488-2287

Laughlin – April 22-24, Seal Beach Woman’s Club,  womansclubofsealbeach.org

California Eight Missions – June 4-9, motorcoach tour, six days, eight meals, sightseeing, Seal Beach to San Francisco, Traveling Tigers Club, Joanna Matos, 598-1849

Golden Nugget Las Vegas – Sept. 8-11, motorcoach tour four days, sightseeing National Atomic testing museum, Valley of Fire, Lost City Museum, Botanical Gardens. Traveling Tigers Club, Joanna Matos, 598-1849

Traveling Tigers

by Joanna Matos

LW contributor

Nine members of the Traveling Tigers Club  joined four other senior travel associations to motorcoach to the 53rd Quartzsite annual Pow Wow Gem, Rock and Mineral show.  

The Arizona weather was  brisk, but it was sunny for shoppers to walk and peruse 400 outdoor vendor sites with displays from around the world.  

Eloise Knoll looked hard to find a most beautiful, yet unusual, large rock—a heavy white quartz rock with veins of blue crystals. It is considered quite rare. She forgot to ask where it is mined, but Eloise knows the word “celestite” comes from the Latin meaning heaven. 

The recent rains left the desert floor very green. 

The group visited the museum that was Quartzsite’s last mail stagecoach station.   

Joanna Matos favored the Tyson Wells Sell-A-Rama, which had amazing rock, gem and mineral displays. She was also enticed by vintage license plates, wood art and crafts, handmade leather goods, bling bling hats, the world’s strongest glue, Navajo turquoise jewelry and doggie sun hats among other offerings. 

The group visited the Hi Jolly pyramid statue that honors Philip Tedro, his Greek name, but he worked under the name of Hadjali. Hadjali was hired as a camel driver/trainer for U.S. government in 1857.  

A small  mining boom revitalized the town of Quartzsite in 1857, and it remained until 1965 with a population of about 3,000. These days the population can swell to over a million during January and February as rockhounders, jewelers, vendors and snowbirders in all kinds of RVs attend this major Pow Wow show. 

Community 01-31-19

Care Ambulance is topic of Sunshine Club 

Rob Viera, Orange County division manager for Care Ambulance Service will be the speaker at the Sunshine Club tomorrow, Feb. 1,  at 10 a.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 9. His topic is “Care Ambulance Service’s Role in Your Community.” 

Viera has worked closely with community groups, fire departments, hospitals and other agencies to ensure a good working relationship in the interest of providing the best care possible to all those who call in their time of need. Robert will answer questions and provide a better understanding of how the emergency system operates when 9-1-1 is activated.  

Three additional  speakers for February will be Patrick Gallegos, assistant manager of City of Seal Beach, on Feb. 8; Ronnie Alvarez, LPL finance specialist Feb. 15; and Dr. Gina Kay, home health care, on Feb. 22.

The club appreciates shareholders bringing their own coffee mugs to participate in the “Save The Earth” program. 

Shareholders should arrive early to guarantee good seats. 

The Sunshine Club is designed to help people get along in the community, for neighbors to have better communication and to get the best out of living in Leisure World. 

Classes are held from 10 a.m.-noon on Fridays, in Clubhouse 3, Room 2 (except the first Friday in Room 8). All shareholders are welcome to attend; membership is not required. Refreshments are served.

For more information, call Anna Derby, 301-5339.

GRF trip to see Ducks vs. Jets is March 20

Anaheim Ducks will take on the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday, March 20, with the puck dropping at 7 p.m.  This night is also an Anaheim Ducks and Honda Center promotional giveaway night. Everyone in attendance will receive a Ryan Getzlaf NHL Draft Bobblehead presented by San Manuel Casino. 

Join GRF members at the game, hosted by the GRF Recreation Department, in lower bowl seating right behind the goal. Tickets are on sale at the Recreation Office in Building 5 for $80, including transportation and fees. 

Make reservations by emailing events@lwsb.com, in person, or by calling 431-6586, ext. 326 or 324.  Guests are welcome but must be accompanied by a GRF member.  Accessible seating is available for this event, if requested at the time of purchase.

Owned by the city of Anaheim, Honda Center officially opened as Anaheim Arena on June 19, 1993, with a sold-out Barry Manilow concert. In October of that same year, the venue was renamed Arrowhead Pond and hosted the first Mighty Ducks of Anaheim game. 

The year 2005 began a new era as Henry and Susan Samueli took ownership of both the team and the venue management company, Anaheim Arena Management, LLC. In 2006, the official name of the arena changed to Honda Center, along with the team to Anaheim Ducks.

Debuting in fall of 2015 was a brand-new scoreboard measuring 27 feet tall and 47 feet 10 inches wide. The six-millimeter diode equipped hardware features 1248 x 2208 lines of resolution, the clearest and highest definition picture available in any North American venue.

Lion’s Club International

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to get organized and clean out your closets and drawers, then keep Lions Club International in mind when you come across those old eyeglasses you’re no longer wearing.

By donating them you can give a gift of vision to someone in need. A collection box is located inside the  sliding door of Building 5, near the elevator. 

The nonprofit organization collects and recycles glasses in an effort to help eradicate blindness and vision loss. Donated eyeglasses are cleaned, sorted by strength, packaged and distributed to those in need, mostly in developing countries, but also in America.

GRF Olympics

Leisure World clubs are organizing tournaments that will be held  in March and April for the first Leisure World Olympic games. 

Several sports clubs have shown an interest in participating in the games, including bocce, pickle ball, billiards, table tennis, golf, shuffleboard and poker. 

Individuals who want to participate in events and athletic skills, such as swimming, freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and relay teams, that are not organized by clubs are also invited to take part in the LW Olympics.

There is still time for other clubs to  join in the competition by emailing the club name, activity, contact name and contact phone number to events@lwsb. Some additional suggestions for tournaments are bridge, Mexican Train dominoes, cribbage, Yahtzee, bowling and basketball free throws and other games played in LW.

Shareholders can participate in various games by contacting the clubs to find out when the club’s Olympic tournaments begin. Those where there are no clubs for the desired event should contact the GRF Recreation Department by email at events@lwsb. All competitors must be members of the GRF. 

The top three participants in various tournaments will be awarded medals at a ceremony  that will be held in May.

Minibus orientation class is Feb. 7

The Golden Rain Transportation Department will conduct informational meetings on using the Minibus service from 10-11:30 a.m. and 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, in Clubhouse 3, Room 3. 

The sessions are for shareholders who want to learn about Minibus system routes and timetables and other transportation options available in Leisure World. 

“Learn the Route,” previewing the “D” route, will follow the 10 a.m session. The ride-along is limited to the first 17 participants and takes one hour. 

Bus service orientations are held on the first Thursday of every month. 

For more information, call Fleet Manager Grant Winford at 431-6586, ext. 372.

Band of California Battalion to play

Sunshine Club presents The Band of the California Battalion on Wednesday, Feb. 20, in Clubhouse 2 at 7 p.m. The doors will open at 6 p.m. Admission is free. 

The Band of the California Battalion, a reenacted Union Civil War Brass Band, presents authentic music from the American Civil War. 

The band was the only group from west of the Rocky Mountains to be featured at the national Civil War brass band festivals in Campbellsville, Kentucky, and was invited twice to be the keynote band at the Gettysburg Brass Band Festival that included emotional command performances for the National Park Service on the battlefield at the Pennsylvania Monument. The Band of the California Battalion was also the only group featured in a special musical performance for the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. 

The Band of the California Battalion was a featured performer in the inaugural concert series at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, as well as the opening of the new Lincoln Exhibit at the Huntington Library. 

The Band performs at concerts, reenactments, special performances and festivals around California and the country.

For more information, call Anna Derby, 301-5339.

The band’s website is http://www.civilwarband.us.

Italian American Club

The Italian American Club meets the first Wednesday of each month in Clubhouse 4 at noon. Everyone welcome. 

Cory Nakasue, an astrologer, will be the guest speaker on Feb. 6.  She’ll give insight about Venus in the month of “Love.” There will be time for questions and answers. 

Membership dues are payable at the meeting. Unfortunately the cost of everything has increased, thus making it necessary for the club to increase its membership dues as well.

Register for Ralph’s Rewards

Registration for the Ralph’s Reward Program can be done over the phone again. Shareholders are encouraged to  participate in the Ralph’s Reward program at no cost to help benefit the Golden Age Foundation (GAF). 

The GAF is a non profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to making the Leisure World Seal Beach community a better and happier place in which to live. 

Ralph’s donates a percentage of its sales to local charities just for people doing their regular shopping. To receive funds, people must register for a charity of choice, the Golden Age Foundation, with the Ralph’s Reward program. People can register online at www.ralphs.com anytime or by calling (800) 443-4438 or (800) 660-9003, Monday-Friday, between 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

The GAF has volunteers  to help people sign up for the program in the Clubhouse 6 Hospitality Room every Tuesday 9-11 a.m.

Another way to donate funds to GAF without any cost to the donors is by enrolling  in Smile.Amazon.com and indicate the Golden Age Foundation, Seal Beach, as the  charity of choice. Every time the registered person shops on Amazon, a percentage of the purchase will be donated to GAF without any additional cost to the purchaser.

These programs are great opportunities to help the GAF as it works to enrich the lives of Leisure World residents.  

Ralph’s has announced that it is committed to giving $2 million during 2019 through its Community Contributions program. 

Yiddish Club

The Yiddish Club of Leisure World will meet at 7 p.m. on Feb. 7 in Clubhouse 3, Room 2. 

The topic will be the life and work of the well-known American Jewish writer and poet Sam Liptzin. After new words and proverbs in Yiddish are introduced, President Yakob Basner will share stories, poems and aphorisms by Liptzin. 

Refreshments will be served after the program.

Friendship Club Computer Classes

The Friendship Club offers computer classes taught by Jeff Sacks, Maxine Smith, and Miryam Fernandez.

• Monday, Feb. 4, Clubhouse 3, Room 4

11 a.m. – Let’s Talk eBay (Smith)

• Monday, Feb. 11, Clubhouse 3, Room 4

11 a.m.  – Computers (any kind) for Beginners. (Sacks)

11:30 a.m. – Questions and Answers discussion (Sacks)

Noon – Facebook for Beginners (Fernandez)

• Monday, Feb. 18, Clubhouse 6, Room B

11 a.m. – Android (Google) Smartphone Beginner (Sacks)

11:30 a.m. – Questions and Answers discussion (Sacks)

Noon – To Be Announced (Fernandez)

• Monday, Feb. 11, Clubhouse 3, Room 4

11 a.m. –  To be announced

Noon – To be announced 

• Thursday, Feb. 28, Clubhouse 3, Room 7

1-2:30 p.m.- Android (Google) phone and Tablet (Sacks)

2:30-4 p.m. – Let’s Talk eBay (Smith)

 Classes are free, but donations to pay for a wireless hotspot and printing materials are welcome.

For eBay information, contact Maxine Smith maxla@aol.com; for Facebook information contact Miryam Fernandez, 884-7460; for computer information, contact Jeff Sacks (714) 642-0122.

To suggest questions for Q & A, or to join the email list, email to jfsacks@gmail.com.

American Latio Club

The American Latino Club will begin its New Year on Friday, Feb. 1, in Clubhouse 4 at 1 p.m. with a short meeting to plan activities for 2019 and to collect dues for old and new members. Annual dues, $5, are payable at the meeting. Coffee, cookies and refreshments will be served.

LWers gather books for children who need them most

Sue Ellis, Mutual 15; Midge Bash, Mutual 14; and Donna Gambol, Mutual 1, waited in the rain with hundreds of other educators and folks to secure books for children who need them most. Each of them was able to select 25 books.

The LWers are volunteers for the St. Anne’s Women’s Guild. The guild provides outreach service to women and children who are victims of human trafficking and to women and children in shelters, among others. 

The trio went to the Lafayette Park area of Los Angeles to pick up books through First Book’s distribution of some 40,000 books. The books were generously donated by the Disney Corp.

Gambol has been involved with First Book for over 15 years. She organized and hosted a similar book distribution in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, before relocating to Leisure World. 

“They are a tremendous charity,” says Gambol. “I became aware of them some years ago and instituted a variety of literacy initiatives in Johnstown and Cambria County where the poverty level is quite high. Annually we distributed books during the Halloween Parade and Trojan Family Christmas program.” Gambol says the expressions on children’s faces when you give them a new book is priceless. “They grab that book and hold it close; they are so excited to know that it is their’s ‘for keeps’”

Gambol notes that one of the most significant factors of a child doing well in school is directly correlated to the number of books in the home. Research indicates that children from low income areas have fewer than one age appropriate book per 300 children in the home, while affluent neighborhoods on average have 15 or more age appropriate books per child.

“It’s not surprising, really, “ says Gambol. “If you were a high school drop-out, chances are that books were not your friends, and when you have a child, the likelihood of your spending any discretionary money on a book is very slim. Uneducated parents are more likely to buy their child a ball, doll, or ice cream cone, but certainly not a book.”

First Book is an extraordinary charity whose original mission was to provide brand new books to children who need them most. Today the non-profit’s success has expanded its reach beyond just providing books but also school supplies, warm clothing, and healthy snacks. 

“Yet still it provides books, beautiful, brand new books to children,” says Gambol. First Book transforms the lives of children in need through its member network of more than 400,000 educators. 

Since 1992, First Book has distributed more than 175 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low income families in more than 30 countries. First Book currently reaches an average of 3 million children every year. 

First Book members work in classrooms, after school and summer or early childhood programs, shelters and health clinics, libraries, community programs, military support programs, and other settings serving a majority of children in need. 

Charity Navigator gives First Book an overall  94.7 rating and 100 percent rating for accountability and transparency. It further notes that 97.3 percent of the charity’s total expenses are spent on the programs and services it delivers. 

“That’s a pretty good endorsement,” says Gambol. To learn more go to: Firstbook.org.

Obituaries

Murphy, Margretta Judith

1931 – 2019

Margretta “Greta” Judith Murphy passed away on Jan. 20, 2019.

The fourth of six children to Marie and William Diener of Salt Lake City, Utah, she moved to Seattle after graduating from high school to pursue a degree in English literature. She graduated from Seattle Pacific College in 1954.  

After her husband, Neal Murphy, died in 1962, she became a public school teacher, teaching kindergarten for more than 30 years in the Monrovia and Los Angeles Unified School Districts. 

Greta lived most of her life in Southern California—in Monrovia, where she brought up her two children as a devoted single mother, later moving to San Pedro, Long Beach and Leisure World in Seal Beach.  In her final years, to be closer to her children, she lived in an assisted living facility in Oakland.

Greta was vivacious, intellectually curious and loved music.  Her smile lit the room. She threw great parties and family gatherings, was a terrific conversationalist and had a distinct artistic sensibility evident in her home and the activities she enjoyed, singing, writing, attending concerts, reading, traveling and going to museums. 

She was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach, and sang in its choir for several years. She also sang with the William Hall Chorale in Pasadena.

She is deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her daughters Melissa Murphy, El Cerrito, California; Annie Murphy, Santa Cruz, California; and Judy Chambers Nelson, Mendocino County; her brother Michael Diener, Mariposa County; his sons Erik and Derek; and her niece Wendy Wise.

Donations in Greta’s name may be made to UNICEF USA or to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach.

Francis M. (Bud) Morris

1938 – 2019

Bud Morris passed away peacefully in his sleep on Jan. 11, 2019. He lived in Leisure World for several years before moving to Texas two years ago. 

Bud always greeted you with a big smile and kept a positive outlook on life. He loved watching Dodgers games and playing poker.

After retiring from the aerospace industry where he worked for many years as a computer quality engineer, Bud discovered a love of travel. He spent three years discovering America in an RV and was recently planning a trip to Italy.

He was also a writer for many years. He taught “A Course in Miracles” and held many classes in Leisure World. He was an author of four “A Course in Miracles in a Nutshell” books. His latest book, “Spirituality Unlimited! — Practical Interpretations of A Course in Miracles” was published in 2018.

Bud will be missed by his family, friends and colleagues. 

A memorial service will be held in Texas.

Bertetto, Elizabeth “Betty”

1925-2019

Betty Bertetto of Mutual 7 died Jan. 24, 2019, after a day spent by the ocean, enjoying her favorite meal of fish and chips with three of her beloved children.

After a restful night, she awoke and had a medical event of some type. Her daughter was called and shortly after she got there, Betty quietly and easily took her last breath. She was 93 years old. 

At 19, Betty met the love of  her life, Johnnie. They were married for nearly 70 years and had 11 children. The couple travelled all over the U.S.  

At 50, Betty went back to college, got her nurse’s degree and practiced that profession for 20 years. 

She and Johnnie began square dancing around that time. They were active members of the Leisure World Whirlers for many years.

Betty will be remembered for her sweet disposition and lifelong friendships.

A service will be held Thursday, Jan. 31, at 1 p.m. at All Souls Mortuary in Long Beach.  

Deaton, Margaret

1927-2019

Margaret Deaton, 91, of Mutual 4 died peacefully Jan. 28, 2019, with family by her side. 

A memorial service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Feb. 4 at 11 a.m.

On the Go

Day Trips 

Cachuma Lake Eagle & Wildlife Cruise – Feb. 2, $89, includes boxed lunch picnic, David Nell/Good Times Travel, (888) 488-2287

Segerstrom Center, “Come From Away” – Feb. 7, $92, GRF Recreation, events@lwsb.com, 431-6586. ext. 326

Coachella Valley: Covered Wagon Tour & Cookout – Feb. 10, $119, David Nell/Good Times Travel, (888) 488-2287

The Pantages Theatre, “Hello Dolly!”The Broadway Musical – Feb. 17, $139, David Nell/Good Times Travel, (888) 488-2287

The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens With Tram Tour – Feb. 23, $89 includes lunch, David Nell/Good Times Travel, (888) 488-2287

Harlem Globetrotters, Honda Center -Saturday, Feb. 23, $55, GRF Recreation, events@lwsb.com, 431-6586, ext. 326

Long Beach State Basketball – Wednesday, March 6, $6, GRF Recreation, events@lwsb.com, 431-6586, ext. 326

Beverly O’Neill Theater, “Life Could Be a Dream” – Thursday, March 7, $70, GRF Recreation, events@lwsb.com, 431-6586, ext. 326

The Colorful Songs Revue, “The Luck O’ the Irish” – March 16, $109, includes lunch and wine, David Nell/Good Times Travel, (888) 488-2287

Mission San Juan Capistrano -Tuesday, March 19, $30, GRF Recreation, events@lwsb.com, 431-6586, ext. 326

Anaheim Ducks, Honda Center -Wednesday, March 20, $80, GRF Recreation, events@lwsb.com, 431-6586, ext. 326

Pala Casino —March 29, $6, $10 back, American Legion Post 327, Gail Levitt, 596-1346.

 Harrah’s Rincon – Daily, free, Amphitheater, 7:15-7:30 a.m., (877) 777-2457

Pala Casino – Daily, free, Amphitheater, 8 a.m., (714) 985-9555

Pechanga Casino – Daily, Amphitheater, 8 a.m., free, $10 in EZ Play upon arrival, (951) 770-2579

Valley View Casino – Sunday-Tuesday, Amphitheater, 7 a.m., free

Overnight Trips 

Bluegrass Cruise – Feb. 18-22, four days, Carnival Inspiration, Long Beach, Catalina, Ensenada, Long Beach, Ellen Brannigan, (310) 890-2368

Nature’s Bounty & Wonder Valley – Four-day tour featuring Fresno’s Blossom Trail, Farm Visits with Tastings and Wonder Valley Ranch. Feb. 24-27, David Nell/Good Times Travel, (888) 488-2287

Central Coast Whales, Rails & Dunes – Three-day tour featuring Morro Bay Hotel, Guadalupe Dunes, Whale Watching, Coast Startlight Train. March 6-8, David Nell/Good Times Travel, (888) 488-2287

Death Valley Splendor – Three-day tour featuring a Ranch at Death Valley Stay, Furnace Creek Inn lunch, Badwater, Local-Guide. March 17-19, David Nell/Good Times Travel, (888) 488-2287

Desert Bloom – Two-day tour featuring Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Pala Resort Stay, Temecula Valley, Julian, Local Guide. March 17-18, 2019, David Nell/Good Times Travel, (888) 488-2287

Laughlin – April 22-24, Seal Beach Woman’s Club,  womansclubofsealbeach.org

California Eight Missions – June 4-9, motorcoach tour, six days, eight meals, sightseeing, Seal Beach to San Francisco, Traveling Tigers Club, Joanna Matos, 598-1849

Golden Nugget Las Vegas – Sept. 8-11, motorcoach tour four days, sightseeing National Atomic testing museum, Valley of Fire, Lost City Museum, Botanical Gardens. Traveling Tigers Club, Joanna Matos, 598-1849

Traveling Tigers

by Joanna Matos

LW contributor

Nine members of the Traveling Tigers Club  joined four other senior travel associations to motorcoach to the 53rd Quartzsite annual Pow Wow Gem, Rock and Mineral show.  

The Arizona weather was  brisk, but it was sunny for shoppers to walk and peruse 400 outdoor vendor sites with displays from around the world.  

Eloise Knoll looked hard to find a most beautiful, yet unusual, large rock—a heavy white quartz rock with veins of blue crystals. It is considered quite rare. She forgot to ask where it is mined, but Eloise knows the word “celestite” comes from the Latin meaning heaven. 

The recent rains left the desert floor very green. 

The group visited the museum that was Quartzsite’s last mail stagecoach station.   

Joanna Matos favored the Tyson Wells Sell-A-Rama, which had amazing rock, gem and mineral displays. She was also enticed by vintage license plates, wood art and crafts, handmade leather goods, bling bling hats, the world’s strongest glue, Navajo turquoise jewelry and doggie sun hats among other offerings. 

The group visited the Hi Jolly pyramid statue that honors Philip Tedro, his Greek name, but he worked under the name of Hadjali. Hadjali was hired as a camel driver/trainer for U.S. government in 1857.  

A small  mining boom revitalized the town of Quartzsite in 1857, and it remained until 1965 with a population of about 3,000. These days the population can swell to over a million during January and February as rockhounders, jewelers, vendors and snowbirders in all kinds of RVs attend this major Pow Wow show. 

Assembly of God 

“Good News Shoes” (shod with the gospel of peace) will be  the message by Pastor Sam Pawlak of Assembly of God Church at 10:30 a.m. Sunday  in Clubhouse 3, Room 2.

He will continue his the series, “God’s Wardrobe for the New Year.”

 The Lord’s Supper will be celebrated.

 A 10 a.m. prayer meeting is planned.

 Denise Smith will lead the worship songs and Diana Mushagian will discuss church activities.

The 6 p.m. Sunday hymn sing will be held  in the Clubhouse 3 Lobby, led by Associate  Pastor Dan Ballinger.

People gather from Leisure World and beyond to select their favorite songs that will be led by Pastor Dan. The evening ends with fellowship. 

A duet by Pastors Sam and Pat Pawlak is planned.  People gather for prayer at 5:15 p.m.

•••

 On  Sunday, a group from Assembly of God will leave for Dinuba, California, to participate at Gleanings for the Hungry, a  ministry of Youth with a Mission.  

Some will package dried soup for  distribution to more 40 counties and others will help with office work, quilting and maintenance

•••

The Bible study is planned at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6,  in Clubhouse 3, Room 7.

Pastor Sam will continue the study from the book of Hebrews  

Visitors are welcome to all church meetings.

community church 

 “Souper” Bowl Sunday on Feb. 3 matches the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots.

The Community Church’s  missions team invites members  and others to bring their canned soup or non-perishable food donations to Sunday worship.  

Bins will be set up in the Narthex with the names of the teams playing in the big game.  

Donations from the greater Leisure World community will be received at the church office through Feb. 7. 

Office hours are Monday-Thursday from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.   The drive will benefit the Long Beach Rescue Mission.

 On Sunday, Pastor Johan Dodge will give the message,“The Heart of the Vine, Love Is” from  1 Corinthians 13:1-13.  

Peggy Coles will serve as lay liturgist. 

Worship services begin at  9:50 a.m., followed by refreshments and coffee  in Edgar Hall. .

community church

Community Church will host a luncheon for cancer patients and survivors on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, in Fellowship Hall. The catered lunch will be free to all guests.

Doors open at 11:30 a.m. There will be a time of sharing and entertainment. 

Reservations are required and can be made by calling Taylor White at 596-6358. Leave name and telephone number. Space is limited and will be open to patients and survivors only.

First Christian  

First Christian Church’s Saturday service begins at 5:15 p.m. The Hospitality Room opens at 4:30 p.m. 

Sunday begins with Elder Jack Frost teaching Bible study at 9 a.m. in the book of Exodus. 

At 9:30 a.m. the Hospitality Room opens for fellowship and light refreshments with co-hosts Carol Speake and Sue Kaminski.

Pastor Bruce Humes begins the service at 10:15 a.m. with praise, prayer and Scripture.

Margaret Humes will lead the hymns: “Amazing Grace,” “Hallelujah, Praise God,” “Faith is the Victory” and “I Know Whom I Have Believed.”

The Communion hymn will be “Grace Greater Than Our Sin.”   

The choir, under the direction of Anita Ragole, will sing “Fairest Lord Jesus.” 

Elder Jack Frost will present the Communion meditation and service. For the offertory, the praise team will sing, “I Will Call Upon The Lord.”

Jerry Tester and Janice Chapman will sing “Where Could I Go?” followed by Linda Benevento, who will read Scripture from Matthew 20:11-16.

Pastor Gene Cherryholmes’ message will be “A Gift For All” (based on Matthew 20:1-16) about marriage and divorce.

The hospitality room opens 45 minutes before each service for fellowship and light refreshments. 

Prayer and verse-by-verse Bible studies during the week are held on Tuesdays with Pastor Humes and on Thursdays with Pastor Cherryholmes both at 9:30 a.m. 

The Calvary Chapel Bible study group meets in the chapel on Thursdays at 6 p.m. with Pastor Phil O’Malley. 

Hearing enhancements are available at all church functions. Call the church office at  431-8810 for more information.

beit halev 

“Mishpatim,” “Rules 2” will be the Torah reading for the 10:30 a.m.  service Saturday, Feb. 2 at Beit HaLev.

The portion from which we read, Exodus 23:20-23:18, speaks of how God will clear the way for the Israelites to enter the Promised Land. All hostile tribes will be “swept away” before them. 

 The Moses ascends Mount Sinai for 40 days and nights to transcribe the Ten Commandments onto the tablets.

Services are accessed online at Livestream.com/Galityomtov and Facebook.com/galityomtov.

In addition to the Sabbath services, Rabbi-Cantor Galit also conducts a short weekday Ma’ariv  service on Thursdays at 4 p.m. on SimShalom.com.

That includes a Torah reading, a D’var Torah, prayer for healing and the Mourners Kaddish.

•••

The Hebrew class for beginners has resumed on Wednesday afternoons.

To learn Prayerbook Hebrew or Modern (conversational) Hebrew, contact Rabbi-Cantor  Levy-Slater at 715-0888 or duets@icloud.com for information regarding day and time.

good shepherd  

Dr. Kenneth Haugk, founder and executive director of Stephen Ministries in St. Louis, will present his book “Cancer – Now What?”, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6, at Good Shepherd Church in Los Alamitos. 

Admission is free. Books will be available for purchase for $15 and signed by the author. 

The book draws on the experiences and insights Dr. Haugk gained during his wife’s battle with cancer.

 He interviewed over 3,500  cancer survivors, loved ones, and medical professionals.  

Dr. Haugk is a psychologist, author, pastor, and teacher.

No reservations required. Admission is free. 

For more information, call Gary Halker at 235-3644 or the church, 493-2553.

gamechangers

Gamechangers, an interactive Bible study for men and women,will meet from 1:30-3:30 p.m. tomorrow, Friday, in Leisure World.

Sessions are held on the first and third Friday of the month.

Course topics include what identifies people as followers of Jesus and how to live a Christian life.

The workbook has independent units, so a session can be missed and made up later.

For the location and more information, call Joan Eisenhart at 343-8066.

salvation army

The Salvation Army Home League will hear Rev. Lisa Rotchford speak on “Freedom of the Soul” at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 4 in Clubhouse 4.  It will be a Bible study and Christian history presentation, based on the doctoral dissertation she is writing.  

The presentation has been put into a practical small group format, which she will share with the audience.

Rev. Rotchford has served as an Episcopal priest at St. Theodore of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Leisure World for the last six years.

All are invited to attend.

faith christian  

Members of Faith Christian Assembly enjoy studying the Bible, which says that it comes down to what’s going on in the heart. 

To that end, “It’s All About The Heart” will be the theme of the monthly mid-week Bible Study at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6, in the church’s Garden Room.

The Bible study will be taught by Pastor Sheri Leming.
All are  invited to attend and  bring a friend.

Tuesday is Faith Fellowship, at 11 a.m. in the Garden Room.

To receive a free newsletter and for more information, call 598-9010 or visit www.FCAchurch.net. 

ROCK CHURCH

The first level of Operation Solid Lives (OSL) will be presented by Rock Church beginning Feb. 10. at Marina Community Center, 151 Marina Drive, Seal Beach. All are  welcome. 

For more information, call (714) 526-8233.

Holy Family

Holy Family Catholic Church, located at 13900 Church Place next to the St. Andrews Gate, will celebrate the fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time this week

The readings: 

First Reading: Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19; Responsorial Psalm: 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15-17; Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13; Alleluia: Luke 4:18; Gospel: 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13.

•••

First Friday Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: The Sacrament of Reconciliation (confessions) is available on the First Friday of the month at 9:15 a.m. in the Church, beginning tomorrow, Feb. 1. 

•••

The Day of Perpetual Adoration is scheduled on Wednesday, Feb. 6, concluding with Holy Hour from 4-5 p.m.  All are invited to attend.

•••

The Women and Men of Grace Prayer Group meets Wednesdays from 10:30-11:45 a.m. at the rectory.

                      ••• 

All are invited to say the Rosary and Divine Mercy at 3 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays  in church. For more information, visit the church website at www.holyfamilysb.com 

•••

The church celebrates Sunday Mass at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon; the  Vigil Mass is at 5 p.m. Saturday; daily Mass is 8:30 a.m., Monday-Saturday.  

Confessions are heard from 4-4:45 p.m. Saturdays and the eves of Holy Days: and 9:15 a.m. on First Fridays.

LW Baptist  

The Leisure World Baptist Church will observe the Lord’s Supper on Feb. 3 as is the tradition on the first Sunday of the month. 

Sunday School begins at 8:40  a.m. with Bob Simmons the teacher. 

Fellowship and coffee with friends at the round table is planned until 9:45, when the worship service begins.

Em Schoonhoven and Patsy Schaffner will sing “I Bowed on My Knees and Cried Holy,” the favorite written by Nettie Dudley.

Directed by Darlene Harris,  the choir will  provide a selection.

Pianist Yvonne Leon will play the offertory.

Pastor Rolland Coburn’s morning message from Romans 1-8-15 is “Praying for God’s People,” Galatians, 6:2. The Communion service will follow.

The closing hymn will be “Make Me a Blessing.”

The prayer room, attended by church members, is available.

The Men’s Fellowship will meet at 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 4, in Clubhouse 3, Room 8.

 Members meet for Bible study and fellowship at 3 p.m. on Wednesday,  Feb. 6, in Clubhouse 3, Room 1.

For more information, call 230-2920.


Aglow International  

Aglow International will hold a luncheon at 11:30 a.m.  Thursday, Feb.14 , at Mimi’s Cafe, 6670 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach.

Men and women are welcome.

Reservations should be made by Feb. 11 by calling 631-7291.

Redeemer Lutheran  

Members of Redeemer Lutheran Church will listen to a message from Pastor Gil Moore Sunday titled “It’s Proclamation Time.”  His text is Luke 4:21-30.

The greeter will be Karen Ford. 

The choir will sing “Although I Speak with Angel’s Tongue.” Altar flowers will be provided by Wendy Alfageme in memory of her grandson, Rafael.

The Sunday service with Holy Communion begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by a coffee hour in Fellowship Hall.

Led by Pastor Lynda Elmer, the Wednesday Bible class meets at 10:30 a.m.   in Fellowship Hall.The group is studying the Book of Ezekiel.

The Respite Center meets on Monday, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 596-1209 for information about registration and volunteering.

Website for the congregation is  at www.redeemerlutheransealbeach.com.

congregation sholom 

Services at Congregation Sholom will be held  at 7 p.m. tomorrow, Friday,  in Clubhouse 3, Room 9. An Oneg shabbat will follow.

On Saturday, Feb. 2,  a bagel  breakfast is planned at 9 a.m. in  Clubhouse 3, Room 9, followed by services led Rabbi Karen Isenberg.

A potluck dairy lunch will be served at noon. During lunch, Rabbi Isenberg will discuss this week’s Torah portion.

•••

The walking group leaves Clubhouse 3 (in front of the lobby) at 6:30 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays.

•••

 Kelly Frankiewicz from the Interfaith Council will be guest speaker at the Friday service on Feb. 8. Ms. Frankiewicz holds a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is a national evacuation supervisor and spiritual care provider for the Red Cross.

•••

To provide a ride to services, or to get one, call Jeff Sacks at (714) 642-0122 or Maria Bogart at 594-4362.

Cards and Games Scoreboard 

Fun Time Pinochle Club winners Jan. 28:  Nancy Wheeler, 12,170; Julia Troise, 11,780; Maureen Habel, 10,810; Margaret Smith, 10,730.The club meets from noon-4 p.m. Mondays in Clubhouse 1. For more information, call Joan Taylor at 240-5416. 

 –Bert Sellers

•••

Monday Bridge Club winners Jan. 28: Jan Craven, Dick Triggs, Sheila Hanley. Games begin at noon in Clubhouse 1. For more information, call Mary Nell Clark, 296-8570.

•••

Burning Tree Duplicate Bridge Club club championship winners Jan. 26: N/S:  Mark Singer-Russ Gray; Al Appel-Ellen Kice; Linda Nye-Joan Tschirki. E/W: Gary Paugh-Marilyn McClintock; Larry Slutsky-Fred Reker; Mike Nielsen-Sue Boswell; Carolyn Burns-Sylvia Kaprelyan. Winners Jan. 24: N/S:  Larry Topper-April Berg; Betty Jackson-Gary Paugh; Joan Tschirki-Fred Reker; Mark Singer-Judy Carter-Johnson; Jean Kato-Barbara Harris; Joan Berg-Harriet Weiss. E/W: Sue Fardette-Marilyn McClintock; Eileen Kotecki-Jeanette Estill; Mike Nielsen-Sue Boswell; Howard Smith-Dorothy Favre; Ellen Kice-Russ Gray. The club meets at 12:15 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays in Clubhouse 1. For information on how to join the fun and play, call or text Fred Reker at (615) 898-0669. The next special event is the club championship on Saturday, Feb. 23.  

        – Fred Reker  

              •••  

Jolly Time Pinochle Club winners Jan. 26: Gayle Colden,  12,580; Tony Dodero, 12,310; Nancy Wheeler, 11,120; Irene Perkins, 10,840. Games are played from noon-4 p.m. on Saturdays in Clubhouse 1. For more information, call Peg Kaspar at 799-0433. 

          –Bert Sellers

                                            •••                         

Saturday Social Bunco Club winners Jan.26: Most buncos: Nancy Brown. Most wins: Marie McGuire. Most babies: Dolores Ruiz. Most losses: Doris Dack. Door prize winner: Helen Sponsler. The next meeting is Feb. 9 in the Clubhouse 3 Lobby. Signups begin at 1 p.m. Due to the demand for tables, a 1:30 p.m. arrival is advised. Play begins at 2 p.m. The club meets the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. For more information, call Doris Dack, president, (714) 356-0443.

                                                  •••

Leisure World Duplicate Bridge Club overall winners in a 17-table game Jan. 24: First in Strats A and B: Melanie and Jerry Smith; second in Strat A: Sharon Beran-Bud Parish; third in Strat A: Joyce Basch-Dorothy Favre; fourth in Strat A: Bill Linskey-Fern Dunbar; tied for fifth place in Strat A: Sibyl Smith-Marilyn McClintock and Janet Wagner-LaVonne McQuilkin; second in Strat B, first in Strat C: Claudette Barrack-Sudershan Sood; third in Strat B: Peggi Spring-Monica Gettis; fourth in Strat B: Emma Trepinski-Mark Singer; fifth in Strat B: Winnie Warga-John Hagman; sixth in Strat B: Shirley Knopf-Lynn Danielson; second in Strat C: Cookie Pham-Elaine Dovgard; third in Strat C: Miriam Kelley-Judy Mathias; fourth in Strat C: Donna and Jim Shaffer. Winners Jan. 21: N/S: First in Strats A and B: Larry Topper-Shirley Knopf; second in Strat A: Bill Linskey-Larry Slutsky; third in Strat A: Janet Wagner-LaVonne McQuilkin; fourth in Strat A: Joan Tschirki-George Alemshah; fifth in Strat A: Betty Jackson-Fay Beckerman; sixth in Strat A, second in Strat B: Alan Olschwang-Chie Wickham; third in Strat B, first in Strat C: Julie Cunningham-Gene Yaffee; fourth in Strat B: Sharon Beran-Claudette Barrack; second in Strat C: Ernie and Ylia Ross. E/S: First in Strat A: Judith Jones-Al Appel; second in Strat A, first in Strat B: George Koehm-Dorothy Favre; third in Strat A, second in Strat B: Jeanette Estill-Marilyn McClintock; fourth in Strat A: Linda Stein-Sue Fardette; fifth in Strat A, third in Strat B: Bobbi Vann-Pau Chen: sixth in Strat A: FernDunbar-Rob Preece; fourth in Strat B: Judy Carter-Johnson-Mark Singer; first in Strat C: Louise Seifert-Stan Johnson; second in Strat C: Sylvia Kaprelyan-Russ Gray. Games are played Mondays and Thursdays beginning at 12:30 p.m. in the Clubhouse 3 Lobby. Players are asked to arrive by 12:15 p.m. to confirm their reservations. To make or cancel a reservation for Mondays, call Midge Dunagan at 594-9698; for Thursdays, call Sharon Beran at 308-7838 or email her, no later than 10:30 a.m. on day of game, at hbsharonb@gmail.com. With a maximum of 18 tables available, players without reservations should arrive by noon and check in with the director of the day; they will be accommodated on a first-come- first served basis if there is space. Players needing a partner should arrive by noon and check with the club manager; every effort will be made to find a partner. To cancel a reservation on game day or to report running late, call (636) 579-1357 between noon-1 p.m. 

            •••

Friendly Pinochle Club winners Jan. 24: Grace Buster, 13,510; Bert Sellers, 11,350; Bev Adams, 11,070; Nancy Wheeler, 10,700. The club meets Thursdays from noon-4 p.m. in Clubhouse 1. For  more, call (310) 968-9509.

pickleball players

by Sandra deDubovay

LW contributor

The Pickleball Players Club recently hosted Leisure World’s first round robin Tournament.

It was a major success, with 32 players competing in three different levels on four  courts in Mission Park behind Clubhouse 2.  

Tim Linehan chaired the event.

First place in level 3.5 was Bob Magie with an impressive perfect score of 77. 

There were two courts playing in level 3.0. Tied for first place were  Anne Calvo, Lyn Doyle and Wayne Gould. 

 Mike Carlson won in level 2.5 competition.

Finishing second were Bobby Pahm, level 3.5; Connie Adkins, Annemarie Lovdahl and Jerry Wrenn, level 3.0; and John Perrotti, level 2.5. 

Trai Nguyen and Sandy Bird tied for third in level 3.5; Dave Locy and Lynn Baidack, level 3,0 and Gary Adelman, 2.5.

A special thanks for University Trophies & Awards, Koffels Food Service and Seniors Choice Physical Therapy for donating items to winners and participants.

 Other members volunteered to help make the tournament run smoothly. 

Many residents stopped by to watch the tournament.

For more information, call Sandra deDubovay at 480-5895.

men’s golf club

by Dave LaCascia

LW contributor

The Men’s Golf Club held its monthly tournament on Jan. 23, a bright but cold morning on the local course that turned into a great day for golf.

Forty-eight players teed it up in four flights over 18 holes. All but one of the winning net scores were at, or below par. 

The A flight has golfers with handicaps of 0-5l; B, 6-8; C, 9-14 and D,15-18.

All scores are net (actual score minus handicap):

A: Alan Sewall, 50; Bob Bar-num, 53; tie for third place between Fujio Norihiro and Dong Kim, 54.

B: Byong Choi, 48; Stan Johnson, 51; Ron Steele, 52; Hyon Shin, 54; Chang Choi, 55.

C: Joon Yoon, 51; Mike Carlson, 52; tie for third place among Jim Johns, Youn Lee, Paul Alloway and Dale Williamson, 54.

D: Ben Benjamins, 48; tie between Steve Moody snd Marv Jones, 51; Bob Marselle, 52.

Closest to the pin on the eighth hole was Suk Im, and on No. 17, Stan Johnson. There were four circle hole winners.

The next Men’s Club tournaments will be played on Feb. 13 and 27.

Men’s Club dues are now payable to the membership chair or the golf starter before the next scheduled tournament. To play in any future tournaments, dues must be up to date. 

SPRING POOL LEAGUE

In forming the spring session of the Leisure World Pool League, five three-person teams were created. 

That way, each team will play one another team and have two byes. The 11-week season began Jan. 21 and ends April 1.

 Every player plays four games of doubles and two games of singles against opponents.  Three games of 8-ball and three games of 9-ball are played.  

On opening night,  the  Patriots beat Breaker! Breaker!, 9-3,in the Clubhouse 2 pool room.

 Sal LaScala of the Patriots won five of his six games, including both singles matches.  Teammates Kurt Bouhenne and Gary Poling won four games.

  CPR edged the Three Amigo, 9-7, in the other match. Richard Ryles of CPR won four, including his 8-ball game. 

For more  information, call Dave Silva at 209-3183.

Women’s Golf Club  

Forty-six members of the men’s Golf Club played for low gross, low net  and putts on  Jan. 22 at the local course.

Flight winners:

A: Low gross: Tie between Devore Kim and Janice Turner, 28. Low net: Zoe Pickell, 25.                 Putts: Sun Lee, 10. B: Low  gross: WoAnne Walshe, 31. Low net: Tie between Mary Anne Moore and Mary Park, 27. Putts: Hai Yee Yang, 12.

C: Low gross: Kay Hong, 33.                 Low net: Tie between Mary Lancaster and Neva Senske, 24.                 Putts: Mary Greig, 11.

D: Low gross: Cecilia Han, 36.                 Low net: Tie between Dorothy Favre and Bertha Berrigan, 24.                Putts: Cecilia Han, 12.

Chess Club Puzzle  

This week’s puzzle: White moves first and for any answer by black, the white’s next move is checkmate. 

•••

Chess partners are available in Leisure World when the LW Chess Club meets from 2-6:30 p.m. on Fridays in Clubhouse 3, Room 7.  Free lessons for beginners.

•••

Solution to this week’s puzzle : g3. The white queen moves from c3 to g3. Any answer by black, the white’s next move is check mate.

tournament poker club  

by Susan Dodson

LW contributor

Lem Hall won the final table in Tournament Poker Club play on Jan. 19 in Clubhouse 6. 

His hole cards of ace and queen of spades gave him a flush by river’s end, ending the game. 

He was followed by Glenn Evenson, Ken Reddy, Glenda Saunders, Nancy Jordan and Wendy Wu, club president. 

Hall has lived in Mutual 6 for 18 years, and is a retired oil field driller.  He is a mini-farmer, RV enthusiast and fisherman and regular card player several times a week.

First high hand was Drew Sargent with four queens, with king kicker. 

Second high hand was Valerie Jorgenson with four queens, 10 kicker.  

Mike Elias, son of club founder George Elias, won the featured hand with  hole cards of 6 and 9.

For more information, call Wendy Wu at  (714) 366-0940.

cribbage club  

Alma Zamzow earned her second star with a perfect score of 847 in Cribbage Club play on Jan. 22 at Clubhouse 1. 

She was followed in scoring by Jack Hawn, 845; Candy Meyers, 843 and Joan Berg, 840. 

Marilyn Chelsvig and Evelyn Ingram had six games of 121. Fifty-nine players  attended.

Cynthia Eastman celebrated a birthday by treating other members to chocolate cake and ice cream. She  was unable to attend, so Margaret Smith and Bea Lissow stood in and served. Nancy Wheeler brought assorted candy.

               •••

Members meet at noon on Tuesdays in Clubhouse 1. 

Play usually ends by 3:30. Residents are invited to join the club; there’s always room for more.

Partners are not required. Players should arrive

by  noon to be assured of a table. 

To  learn to play cribbage, call Patti Smith at 242-4674, and she will arrange for lessons for one hour before the games begin.

  Bobbie Straley

Shuffleboard Club

The Classics and Girl Power battled a 9-9 tie on Jan. 25 in the 13th week of play in the Leisure World Shuffleboard League. 

The  Classics’ all-game winners were Roger Bennett, Dennis Jensen, and Kathleen Morrison.  

Girl Power’s all-game winners were Carrie Kistner and Peggy Hamilton.   

In the other match, the Puck- masters nipped the Sliders, 10-8. The Puck Masters’ all-game winner was Gary Jantzen. The Sliders’ all-game winner was Jean Cochran.

Next week’s game will be tomorrow at Clubhouse 1 courts when the Sliders face the  Puckmasters and Classics play  Girl Power.

Top players’ records:

Men: Gary Jantzen, 19-7;           Sal La Scala, 23-13; Roger Bennett, 21-12.

Women:  Connie Lee, 23-15; Carrie Kistner, 21-14; Peggy Hamilton, 15-12.

The Classics are in first place with 8-1/2 points, followed by the  Puck Masters, eight points,  Girl Power, five, and Sliders, 4-1/2.

For more information,call Carrie Kistner, club president, at (949) 300-0285.

Arts 01-31-19

Hui O Hula

Last week Hawaiian musician Geri Kuhia came to play music for Hui O Hula at the Monday and Tuesday classes and also performed with the dancers at the Alpert Jewish Center on Wednesday. Her music was enjoyed by all.

Auntie Geri and her Mehana band partner Carole White will entertain the LW community on Feb. 11 at the Hospitality Center, thanks to the efforts of Carl Kennedy, who is in charge of the Hospitality Center, and Hui O Hula.  

“A Cup of Aloha” will feature Auntie Geri, Auntie Carole and Hui musicians Fortunato Revilla, Carrie Kumabe and James Coots, as well as the hula dancers. The event will start at 10 a.m. Hot coffee and sweets will be served starting at 9 a.m. Everything is free, and everyone is welcome.   

The hula club also hopes that LWer Celeste Lowe, a veteran hula dancer, will perform “Sase/Sassy Hula,” a dance that won her first place at the prestige Kumukahi Ukulele & Hula Festival competition in Las Vegas last year.  

Having friendly neighbors is one reason shareholders choose to live in Leisure World. 

“A Cup Of Aloha” on Feb. 11 will be an excellent opportunity for all to enjoy the hot coffee, conversation, Hawaiian music and hula dance. 

Community Karaoke 

Decked out in a borrowed cowboy hat, Tino Tupas, a popular crooner, sang a swingin’ country western tune for the Community Karaoke crowd last week. Country music may be as American as apple pie, but the club served up chili dogs and ice cream cups  for 80 folks during its annual Country Western Jamboree karaoke party. 

Folks loved the foot stompin’, hand clapping melodies like “Luckenbach Texas” by Bob Barnum, “Red River Valley” by Ann Martin, and “When Will I Be Loved?” by Susan Kelleghan.

Ellen Brannigan had the audience clapping with “Deep in the Heart of Texas.” Sue Piippo had fun with “Harper Valley PTA,” and Vickie Van Ert surprised everyone with excellent yodeling. 

Mike Breen chose “Don’t Fence Me In,” and Janice Chapman and Tosca Lies joined up to sing “Let It Be Me,” which garnered lots of applause.

Pete Tupas, Ric Dizon, Tony Tupas, Pat Kogok, Audrey McKenzie, Ren Villaneauva, Rick Hering, Bev Adams, Byong Choi, Bobby Gronchi, Kathy Swinger, Tommy Williams, Helen Schultz, Charlie Guggino, Culley Eaby, Donna Burr, Walter Piippo, Ruby Johnson and Anna Li among others entertained for an appreciative audience.

All are welcome to practice their tunes from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesdays in Clubhouse 6. Karaoke parties are each Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in Clubhouse 1.  Singers appreciate their audience!  Everyone is welcome.

Valentine’s Day Dance

The third annual GRF Valentine’s Day Dance will start at 5 p.m. on Feb. 14 in Clubhouse 2 and feature music, dancing and romance. The free event is for all GRF members, not just couples. Bring beverages and snacks. Koffel’s will provide their famous virgin margaritas and piña colada bar for purchase. 

Dance to the music of the Elm Street Band, which was founded at the corner of Elm Street and Anaheim in Long Beach and today  is one of the most well-known bands in the area. It headlines the Long Beach summer concert series along with the Long Beach Municipal Band.

People can get photo keepsakes for $10. Photographer John Harper  will take 5×7 photos that people can take home. Couples who can also order large, digital portraits for $99.

The event is expected to draw a full house;  GRF ID s and wristbands will be required at the door, and seating will be first come, first served. Stop by the Recreation Office in Building 5 any weekday between 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. to pick up wristbands (limit two per shareholder/member). For information, contact 431-6586, ext. 398 or 326, or email events@lwsb.com.

Velvetones to play

The Velvetones Ballroom Orchestra with Manee Valentine (above) and Marcia Ford will perform in Clubhouse 1 at 6 p.m. on Feb. 3. Admission is free, and all are welcome.

Community Sing

Leisure World residents are cordially invited to sing with the Community Sing at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 4, in the lobby of Clubhouse 3.  

People who want to participate in the first half-hour of Opening Acts should come at 6 to sign up with the emcee and bring music for the pianist (if accompaniment is desired).

Carmen Edwards will lead group singing until 7:15 when she will introduce her half-time guests, the Hui O Hula dancers.

Genealogy Club

The Genealogy Club will offer Thursday Theme Workshops from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in the Genealogy Library in Clubhouse 3, Room 10.

There is no charge for these workshops, and everyone is welcome.

Workshop topics are:

• Jan.  31: DNA (How to register and submit DNA tests)

• Feb. 7: Ancestry.com

• Feb. 14: Marriage Records 

• Feb. 21: Fold 3 (Military Records)

• Feb. 28: Newspapers.com

• March 7: DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution)

Rockin’ Chairs in concert

The Rockin’ Chairs will play in concert on Saturday, Feb. 2, in Clubhouse 2. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the music begins at 6:30.

Back by popular demand, the band plays classic rock and roll  dance music. This will be a Valentine-themed event. 

Bring a sweetheart or find one on the dance floor. Snacks and decorations are provided by Tommy Williams and Ruth Long. People are welcome to bring their own beverages.

Opera Club

Everyone is invited to come and watch Mascagni’s “Cavalleria Rusticana” in Clubhouse 3, Room 2, at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 5. This opera is a first cousin to “Pagiacci,” which the club enjoyed in January.

“Cavalleria,” another short opera,  which was first performed two years earlier, also took place in a small Italian village, also in the Verismo style, with themes of love, rejection, infidelity and murderous rage.

The opera is sung in Italian with English subtitles. The meeting room will be open at 1 p.m. (but not before). 

No dues are collected. For further information, contact Beverly Emus, LW Opera Club President, at 296-5586 or bemus@socal.rr.com.

Dance Classes and Clubs

The following is a partial list of dance classes and clubs available in Leisure World:

•A Time to Dance Club by Joseph: Ballroom dance group lessons are held the second and fourth Thursdays in Clubhouse 3, Room 2. Fox trot is taught from 6:30-7:30 p.m.; tango, 7:30-8:30 p.m.; $5 per session. Singles and couple are welcome. For information, call (559) 403-8974.

•Ballet: A one-hour class is held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays in Clubhouse 6, second floor. No experience is necessary. Men and women, including beginners, are welcome. Classes, $3, are taught by Mel Lockett. For more information, call Lynn R. Heath, 296-5588.

•Dance Club: Ballroom and social dance classes are held on Wednesdays in Clubhouse 6, Room C. Beginning/intermediate rumba is taught from 7:15-8:15 p.m. and intermediate rumba is taught from 8:15-9:15 p.m. The cost is $6 per class or $10 for both classes. Singles and couples are welcome. Dancers rotate. For information, call dance instructor Jeremy Pierson, 999-1269, who has 20-plus years of professional dance experience.

•Dancing Feet Club: Ballroom and line dancing are held in Clubhouse 2 on the fourth Sunday of the month from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Doors open at 6. Admission is free. Guests may bring drinks and snacks. The club holds free line dance lessons and practices in Clubhouse 6 on Thursdays from 7-9 p.m., and on the first, third and fifth Sundays from 4:30-6 p.m. For more information, call Ed Bolos at (551) 998-4223. 

•Flowering Step Line Dance: Free classes are held at 10 a.m. on Mondays and the third Tuesday of the month in Clubhouse 2. Young-Ah Ko is the instructor. For more information, call (310) 658-0379 or 296-8068.

•Fun Exercise Line Dance Club: Intermediate line dance meets from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays in Clubhouse 6, Room C; membership, $10 a year. For information, call Suzanne Ahn, 810-1614.

•Grapevine Line Dance: Free line dance classes for all levels on Thursdays from 3-5 p.m., Clubhouse 6, Room C; more advanced dancers attend the Friday class (taught at a faster pace) from 1-3 p.m. in the lobby of Clubhouse 3. Newcomers need general knowledge of line dance and basic dance steps. For more information, inquire in classes.

•Hui O Hula: Beginners meet on Mondays from 10-11:15 a.m., upstairs in Clubhouse 6, followed by an intermediate and advanced class. The Tuesday class starts at 1:15 p.m. upstairs in Clubhouse 6. All levels are welcome. For more information, call 252-9676 or email jojo@huiohula.com.

•Joyful Line Dance Club: Get exercise and learn line dances from 3-4:30 p.m., Wednesdays, in the lobby of Clubhouse 3. Beginners dance from 3-3:30 p.m.; intermediates, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Members dance to popular favorites at the beginning and learn newer dances in the last hour. 

Takako Mitchell is the instructor. For more information, call Anna Derby, 301-5339.

•Leisure Time Dancers: The fox trot and salsa will be taught on Mondays at 2 and 3 p.m. in Clubhouse 6. Mitch Tannen is  teaching while instructor Richard Sharrard is away. Singles and couples are welcome; dancers rotate. Cost is $6 for one hour; $10 for two hours. For more information, call  434-6334.

• LW Cloggers:Advanced and intermediate students meet at 8:30 a.m. and beginners at 10:30 a.m., Wednesdays, on the Amphitheater stage. For more information, call 598-9974.

•Saturday Morning Dance Club: Fox trot is taught from 9-10 a.m.; rumba or west coast swing (to be decided Feb. 1), from 10-11 a.m., Saturdays, in Clubhouse 1; Candi Davis; instructor; dancers rotate. Sessions are $5.

•Suede Sole Dancers: The group meets at 6 p.m. on Sundays for a class upstairs in Clubhouse 6. Pat Erickson is the instructor. 

•Velvetones Jazz Club Dance: The big band plays dance music at 6 p.m. on the first and third Sundays of the month in Clubhouse 4. 

•Zumba Club: Stef Sullivan teaches the class with dance steps inspired by salsa, merengue, cha-cha, raggaeton, Cumbia, Bollywood, jazz, hip-hop and disco. Classes, $3, are held at 5:30 p.m. on Mondays, 8:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. on Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. 

Classes are held in Clubhouse 6, except the Thursday class, which meets in Clubhouse 3.

Lapidary Club Meeting

Dean Jacobus, president of the Lapidary and Jewelry Club, invites  members to attend a general meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 10 a.m. in the Lapidary Room to the rear of Clubhouse 4.

Members will discuss the future of the club. All input is welcome.

Coin Club Meeting

The Leisure World Coin Club will meet at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 13, in Clubhouse 3, Room 2, for a discussion of the popular American Silver Eagle, considered by many to be the nation’s most beautiful coin. 

This one-ounce silver coin is available for collectors in many collectable states, proof to bulk, from collector to investor. An American Numismatic Association presentation will show various coin conditions, values, collectability and of course history. 

All Leisure World residents are invited; new members are given a collectible coin for their collections.

Lapidary Room Hours

The Lapidary and Jewelry club will have open evening hours on a trial basis to accommodate LW residents who cannot come during the day.

The Lapidary Room in Clubhouse 4 will be open on Thursdays  from 5-7 p.m. starting Feb. 7.

On every third Thursday evening, the club will have a potluck dinner. All are welcome to check out the facility.

Whirlers Square Dance

The Whirlers will have a dance party tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 1, in Clubhouse 4 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. The theme will be “Sweetheart Ball.” 

There will be music, dancing and a finger-food potluck. Pre-rounds are from 6:30-7 p.m. Square and round dances will be alternated from 7-9 p.m., followed by a potluck and socializing. Singles and couples are welcome. 

There will be a singles rotation so everyone can dance. Cost is $7 per person. For more information, call Lenore Velky at 237-2682.

People can learn to square dance in a beginners square dance class starting on March 4. The class will cover 110 square dance steps that are used in regular square dances. The class takes nine months and goes from March 4 through the first Monday of December.  People who want to brush up can attend classes held weekly on Mondays from 7:30-9:30 p.m. All dancers are welcome. 

Singles and couples are welcome in all classes. There is a singles rotation so everyone can dance. All classes are held at the Garden Grove Women’s Club, 9501 Chapman Ave., in Garden Grove.  For more information, call Mel Branham at (714) 803-0250. 

Good News Singers Concert

by Nancy Maggio  

LW contributor

                         

The Good News Singers will present a concert of uplifting gospel and Christian music at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2, in Clubhouse 4. A new look will accompany the music as the choir will be in white robes to depict those who are “Caught Up to Meet Him” on their way to heaven.

Soloists Sophia Peng and Jerry Tester will sing songs of encouragement. 

The Messenger Quartet has been practicing special music, and The Spiritones have been putting the finishing touches on song selections.

A free full meal will be available to audience members. Come and be blessed by the music and the food. Bring a friend or a neighbor, someone you know who needs to hear the message of a living and loving God.  

Dancers and Mixers Club

The Dancers & Mixers Club will have a Valentine’s Day Dance in Clubhouse 4 on Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 7-9 p.m. Everybody is welcome.

Linda Herman will provide live dance music to sweep your sweetheart away. 

Partners are not needed, as there is both a mixer and some line dancing.  

Kellie Sala, an independent healthcare broker, will provide light refreshments and answer health care plan questions.  

Feel free to bring favorite beverages. Annual membership dues are $20. 

Thank you to volunteers Walt Bier, Margie Thompson and John Hlavac for being the greeters at the front desk at the January dance. 

GRF Weekly Dance

The Golden Rain Foundation sponsors a weekly dance on Saturdays from 7-10 p.m. in Clubhouse 1. 

Jim Gilman and his band will play on Feb. 2.

He has been a regular performer at the GRF Saturday Night Dances and for New Year’s Eve for many years, bringing ballroom dancing favorites from 40s swing to 50s ballroom. 

“I got started in music at the age of 7 with six weeks of free accordion lessons,” said Jim. “While in college, I played at Knott’s Berry Farm after my father saw an ad in the newspaper, ‘Wanted-Accordion Player.’” After graduating, he added electronic keyboards and met Tony Carinio through an index card on a bulletin board. They toured as the Free and Easy band for several years throughout the midwest.  

He formed The Associates with Gordon Powers and Paul Reed in 1976.  Gordon has retired and Mick Waller joined the band in 2010.  It has  played for clubs, cruise ships, hotels, country clubs and private parties all over Southern California.

Adrian Tapia joined us a few years ago and has been a tremendous asset. “He’s a huge talent and we’re very lucky to have him,” said Jim.

The band plays on the first Saturday of the month. Guests must be accompanied by the GRF member who invites them.  

Dinner Service in LW

Naples Rib Company and Finbars Italian Kitchen will bring dinner service to Leisure World alternating on the first and third Mondays  in Clubhouse 1. Naples will be here on Feb. 4; Finbars, on Feb. 18.  

Naples requires reservations, which can be made by calling 439-7427 or on its website at www.ribcompany.com/leisure-world-menu.asp. Reservations must be received before noon on the Mondays that they serve here. Those who book through the website will receive a special treat.

Finbars does not require reservations. 

Diners are free to come anytime between 4:30-6 p.m. and the dining room is open until 7 p.m.

The Recreation Department is working on bringing other restaurants to Leisure World.

Naples Rib Co Menu—Feb. 4

Dinners include two side orders (coleslaw, barbecue beans, macaroni and cheese or garlic mashed potatoes), and a mini loaf of cornbread with honeybutter (tax included).   

Dinner Selections

Prime Rib (8 oz), $20

5 Rib Bones, $16

Tri Tip (6 oz), $16

1/2 Chicken, $15

1/4 Chicken, $10

Louisiana Hot Sausage (2 each) Dinner, $10

Pasta Primavera,  $13

Combo Meals

Ribs and 1/4 Chicken, $18

Ribs and Tri Tip, $20

(5 Bones and 6 oz Tri Tip)

1/4 Chicken and Tri Tip (6 oz), $18

Extras

Add one Louisana hot sausage, $2

Add bottled water or a can of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, $1.50

Weekly health, exercise classes  

Beginning Yoga

Classes are offered from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on ednesdays in Clubhouse 3, Room 6, and at the same time on Fridays in Clubhouse 3, Room 7. Bring mats. The fee is $5 a class.

      For more information, call Patti Endly at 430-7291.

Yoga

Classes are offered Tuesdays at 10 a.m. in the Clubhouse 4 Lobby,

Thursdays at 10 a.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 1; and Saturdays, 10 a.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 2. The fee is $5 per session.

       For more information, call Connie Adkins at 506-5063.

Yoga, Meditation, Tai Chi

Classes are offered from 9:30-11 a.m. on Saturdays upstairs in Clubhouse 6. Paul Pridanonda teaches students to free the mind and spirit using laughter and slow and steady flow of tai chi movements. 

      For more information, call 430-7143. 

Monday Intermediate Yoga

Classes are offered each week from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Clubhouse 4, Section C; fee: $5 per session. 

      For more information, call Pat Castaneda at 225-0273.

Chair Exercise

Classes are offered from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays in Clubhouse 1. Classes are for men and women at all fitness levels. 

For more information, call 493-7063.

Ageless Grace

The eight-week chair-based exercise program, which addresses 21 specific aging factors, has resumed weekly classes at 4:30 p.m. on Mondays, upstairs in Clubhouse 6. The exercises are practiced in a chair. 

To participate, drop in anytime for $5 per session or pay $30 for all eight sessions.

 For more information, call Carol Costello at 596-3927.

Movement for Health and Self-Healing Medical Qigong Club

      Qigong practice sessions classes are held from 9-10 a.m. on Thursdays in Clubhouse 3, Room 2. 

     The session is led by Dave Heilig, QiGong practitoner.

      For more information, call Catherine Milliot at 760-4545.

Fitness Fusion Upper/Lower Body Strength and Yoga

Classes are offered from 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Clubhouse 6, top floor. Attendance both days is not necessary.

 The fee is $4 a class when paying by the month, or $5 for those who do not attend  on a regular basis. 

For more information, call Marion Higgins at 296-8328.

Feeling Good Exercise

     Move to the music from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Mondays  in Clubhouse  1, with Sarah Grusmark and Thursdays with Katie Sellards.  The fee is $3 a class. 

     People of all fitness levels are welcome. For more information, call Cathleen Walters at 598-9149.

Stick, Qigong, Tai Chi Club

Stick exercises, qigong and tai chi chih classes are held from 9:15-11 a.m. on Tuesdays in Clubhouse 3, Room 1. 

For more information, call Joann Mullens at 596-3936.

Pilates

Chair classes meet from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursdays upstairs in Clubhouse 6. The cost is $5 a class. Instruction includes seated and standing exercises. 

Mat classes meet Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Clubhouse 6, Room C. Those who attend should bring a mat. All other equipment will be provided.

For additional information, call Susan Hopewell, 430-6044, or Linda Neer, 430-3214.

Senior Meals  

Seal Beach Community Services, in cooperation with Community Senior Serv, offers a weekly hot meals program at the North Seal Beach Community Center, 3333 St. Cloud Dr. The center is open from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Friday. Lunch is served weekdays at 11:15 a.m.  Arrive by 11 a.m. to check in at the front desk. Reservations not needed. Sugar-free desserts offered on request, including water packed fruit to accommodate diabetics. One percent milk served daily. Suggested donation, $3 for seniors 60 and older; $5 for all others. For more information, call 430-6079.

Monday, Feb. 4: Orange chicken with orange glaze, brown rice, Brussels sprouts, pudding.

Tuesday, Feb. 5: Egg drop soup, pork loin with sweet and sour sauce, brown rice, green beans, almond, fortune cookies.

Wednesday, Feb. 6: Pasta primavera with Romesco broccoli and white bean salad, 50/50 salad mix with red wine vinaigrette, breadstick, fruited gelatin.

Thursday,  Feb. 7: Homemade beef stew with potato and vegetables, winter vegetable blend, biscuit, melon.

Friday,  Feb. 8: Cheeseburger on wheat bun with lettuce, tomato and red onion, potato salad, mayonnaise and mustard, fruit cup.

Wa-Rite Club

by Margaret Humes

LW contributor

Well, I took my own advice, got serious and lost five pounds. I was out of control, and my clothes were shrinking. That fits right in with the Wa-Rite Club’s thought for the week, “I thought my dryer was shrinking my clothes, but the real culprit was my refrigerator.” 

Needless to say I had to wake up and get out of my state of denial, (although it was a nice place to live for awhile), and make some changes.  

Making use of our wonderful Leisure World  library, I armed myself with books to research new information. I was motivated by all the success stories. I learned about the science of the body and what foods to avoid.   

If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Unless you are determined to initiate change, followed by action, it’s not going to happen. Give up the sugar, chemicals and highly processed foods. Eat more vegetables, fruit and food in their natural state as much as possible with portion control and balancing our pH.  

There’s nothing new under the sun, as Solomon would say, the problem lies within myself. Diet comes from the Greek word “dieta,” which means “discipline” or “way of living.”

The key is to make real changes that you can live with successfully. Unfortunately it involves sacrifice and you know how painful that is. I had to give up my beloved coffee, only because I drown it with cream and sugar.  

I also got rid of my leftover holiday sweets, and discovered other delicious alternatives. I am surviving. My clothes are starting to fit again.

Wa-rite is a support group of women needing to lose 10 pounds or more. Members meet on Fridays in Clubhouse 3, Room 1 from 9-10 a.m.

Weigh-ins  are from  7:45-8:45 a.m. Annual dues are $10.

To join or visit a meeting call Diana Goins at 760-1293.

Meals on Wheels, Long Beach

Meals on Wheels of Long Beach, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community service organization that delivers a variety of freshly prepared meals to homebound and active Leisure World shareholders. The discounted daily fee is $8.25 for a complete hot dinner, lunch consisting of a large salad or sandwich with a small side salad, dessert and carton of low-fat milk. Meals with a “friendly visit” are delivered weekdays between 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. To start a new client application online at www.mowlb.org or call Caron Adler at (562) 433-0232.

Monday, Feb. 4: Salisbury steak with brown gravy, macaroni and cheese, seasoned broccoli, fresh orange, tuna salad sandwich with spinach and tomato, cucumber, onion and dill salad.

Tuesday, Feb. 5: Teriyaki chicken bowl, sticky rice, sesame broccoli, carrot cake, Greek chicken salad, tomato, olives, cucumber, feta cheese, vinaigrette dressing and crackers.

Wednesday, Feb. 6: Chili relleno casserole, black beans, zucchini and tomatoes, unsweetened apple sauce, ham and cheese deli sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and pickle, creamy coleslaw.

Thursday, Feb. 7:  Roast beef with mushroom gravy, garlic and chive mashed potatoes, green beans with herbs, ambrosia salad, turkey and cheese sandwich with lettuce, tomato and pickle, three bean salad.

Friday, Feb. 8: Tuna noodle casserole, dinner roll, roasted Brussels sprouts, yogurt with fruit, Chinese chicken salad with mandarin oranges, red cabbage, carrots, onion, Asian dressing and crackers.

Meals on Wheels, Long Beach

Meals on Wheels of Long Beach needs volunteers to help with deliveries in Leisure World

Help is needed Monday-Friday from 10 a.m.-noon as a driver or visitor.

To help, call Carol Adler,  LW site manager, at 433-0232.