LW_2-28-19

Page 1, General News 02-28-19

Pier restoration should be completed in May

An $8 million construction project to repair the Seal Beach Pier, which was damaged by an electrical fire in May 2016, is nearing completion. The fire scorched the last 100 or so feet of the wooden structure and an empty building that once housed Ruby’s Restaurant.

The installation of new utilities is more than halfway finished, said Assistant City Manager Patrick Gallegos. The sub-decking is under construction, and new wood piles are being installed.

The project, which included structural and utility repairs, is under budget and on time. The pier is expected to be fully restored by May barring any unforeseen complications.

It took nearly two years to plan and design upgrades and to obtain state and federal permits and environmental clearances. Construction started in September 2018.

After the fire in 2016, Seal Beach compiled the permitting requirements and was able to hire a construction team in the spring of 2018. Construction began on schedule last fall. 

There is an urgency to maintain the work schedule because the Coastal Commission does not allow for construction in the coastal zone between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

The pier is mostly open during construction, with intermittent periods when it must be entirely closed to stage equipment or accept large deliveries, such as lumber. Leisure World residents can check the status at the city website, http://www.sealbeachca.gov. Once the work is finished, the end of the pier will be able to accommodate a restaurant or other tenant.  

The Seal Beach Pier was built  in the early 1900s. It has been rebuilt two times after storms damaged it, once in the 1930s and again in the 1980s. It is one of the longest wooden piers in California.

Tickets on sale to honor LW centenarians

The Golden Age Foundation will host a luncheon to honor Leisure World residents who have reached the venerable age of 100 years and beyond on April 9 in Clubhouse 4. 

Registration will begin at 11 a.m., and event will begin 11:30, with lunch and entertainment.

Admission is free for honorees who are 100 and above, and those who will be turning 100 in 2019. Friends, guests and family are invited come and celebrate this special milestone. Tickets—$25 each or $200 for a table of eight—will be on sale from 9-11 a.m. on Tuesdays in the Hospitality Center of Clubhouse 6. People can also call Anna Derby at 301-5339; Nickie Weisel at (714) 318-2053; or Linda Johnson at 493-9898 to get tickets. 

Ticket sales will help fund the event. Seating is limited.

Centenarians who have received invitations should RSVP to Cynthia Tostado, 431-6596, ext. 317. The deadline is today, Feb. 28.

For more information, call Derby at 301-5339.

LW Dinner Service

Naples Rib Co. will provide dinner service on Monday, March 4, starting at 4 p.m. in Clubhouse 1. 

Finbar’s Italian Kitchen will serve on March 18, and Hometown Buffet on March 25.

Menus are published in the LW News and on LW Live! (See page 17 in the Arts and Leisure section).

Finbars owner Joseph Barbara is asking for suggestions from residents for items they would like to see offered. Send suggestions to events@lwsb.com.

Naples requires reservations. To RSVP, call 439-7427or log on to http://www.ribcompany.com/leisure-world-menu.asp before noon on Monday, March 4. People who book through the website will receive a special treat.  

Finbars serves on a first-come, first-served basis thereby eliminating the need for reservations. People can come in and order any time between 4-6 p.m. with dining until 7 p.m. Hometown Buffet will offer a different menu each month for $11 plus tax for all you can eat. Take-out will also be available.

LW Security Town Hall

Sgt. Chris Hendrix of the Seal Beach Police Department will be the special guest at a Security Town Hall meeting at 1:30 p.m., today, Feb. 28, in Clubhouse 4.

He will cover crime trends and how to minimize the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

Security Services Director Victor Rocha will review the enhanced access control system being proposed for the LW community. 

Everyone is invited.

American Legion Auxliary

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 327 initiated six new members—JudyTrevor, Jeanne Shaffer, Doris Dick, Sue Chance, Christine Gross and LaBrenda Carson— at the last general meeting. The Auxiliary is excited to have these members join the organization. 

Plans are being finalized for the annual fashion show luncheon. There are only a couple of tables left, so people are encouraged to call and make their reservations. Tickets are $25 per person. Ticket reservations are being taken by Eloise Knoll or Cathy Boufford at  598-9361.  

The event will feature a menu of beef or vegetable lasagna as the main course. Requests for the vegetable lasagna should be called in to Eloise Knoll at 533-0773.  

Lovely music and  fashions will round out the afternoon. 

The district meeting will be held at the Cypress Unit on Saturday, March 9 at 9 a.m. To join the carpool, call President Jean Sudbeck at 594-0209. 

People meet on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in Clubhouse 1 to make poppies. Over 7,000 poppies have been made this year.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance

The Golden Rain Foundation’s annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner dance will be held in Clubhouse 4 on Sunday, March 17, with Koffel’s Food Service providing a corned beef and cabbage dinner and Irish music by The Bracken Band.

The authentic Celtic band features Marian Tomas Griffin on guitar and vocals, and Chris Murphy on violin. They’re influenced by artists such as The Pogues, Van Morrison, Horslips, The Waterboys and Alison Krauss. The Bracken Band plays jigs, reels, romantic and drinking songs that will entertain anyone—from the rolling green hills of Ireland, to the stunning chaparral expanses of Southern California.

It’s sure to be a blast, so practice the jig, dig out some green duds from the closet, and call fellow leprechauns.

Tickets are now on sale for $20 each, and groups and clubs can also buy tables of eight for $160. Save the date and watch The LW Weekly or contact events@lwsb.com for more information.

Children-A-Priority

The Children A Priority (CAP) Club invites everyone to a luncheon meeting on March 7 at 11:45 a.m. in Clubhouse 4. All are welcome to attend.

The program is about one of the club’s most productive charity partners, Casa Youth Shelter and will include a professional presentation about the club’s current activities helping local disadvantaged youth. Leisure World support is needed to continue CAP’s  worthwhile efforts to improve the future for the area’s precious children in need.

The cost for a catered hot lunch is $12. Call Maria Swift at 493-1924 or Romy Brannon at (714) 345-5314 for information and reservations. 

The club is planning another of its popular potato bakes and a  bus trip to see “Beauty and The Beast” June 6 at 7 p.m. Watch for details from Juanita Townsend at 431-4026. 

Y Service Club Rummage Sale

The long-awaited Y Service Club rummage sale is here. This Saturday, March 2, doors to Clubhouse 2 will be open from 8 a.m.-noon for the sale. There will be a great selection of holiday decorations, housewares, lamps, pictures, linens, shoes and purses, books, small electronics, glassware, jewelry, and small furniture pieces—all at bargain prices. 

Proceeds from the sale will fund club projects, including the Los Altos YMCA “Kids to Camp” program among others. Y Service Club members only will set up sale items on Friday, March 1. People can bring last-minute donations to Clubhouse 2 on March 1 between 10 a.m.-5 p.m., where they will be gratefully accepted for the sale.  

Senior Patriots

The Senior Patriots for Peace is now meeting in Room 4 of Clubhouse 3 at 1 p.m. on March 12. 

Lisa Hoffmaster, the fund development director of Food Finders, a non-profit food recue organization will be the speaker. She received her AA from Golden West College, her BFA from CSULB and a certification in Fundraising and Non-Profit Management from UCI. She has over 25 years of experience in the non-profit industry.

Food Finders grew from a grassroots organization to its current staff of 13 with hundreds of volunteers and food donors helping reduce hunger and food waste. By 2018 the non-profit had distributed more than 118 million meals worth of food to nonprofits across several Southern California counties.

 Arlene Mercer concerned about perishable and prepared food being thrown away was inspired to link donated food from restaurants, grocers and produce marts to shelters and pantries to feed disadvantaged people in our communities. In 30 years Food Finders has grown from a grassroots organization to its current size rescuing nearly 150 million pounds of wholesome food, providing 125 million meals to over 600 partners. This is the power of one.

Since the club has a smaller room, it would be advisable to call Dorothy Kemeny at 296-8554 for reservations.

LW Woman’s Club

The next Woman’s Club’s tea meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, in Clubhouse 2. The theme for the March meeting is St. Patrick’s Day and members are encouraged to wear green. 

April Walsh, who has performed for the club in the past, will entertain. Her favorite genre is jazz and she sings the standards of the 40s and 50s and hits from Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Doris Day, Patsy Cline and Edith Piaf, just to name a few.

The club’s philanthropic donation for March will be given to the Leisure World Quilting Club. Members are asked to bring 100 percent cotton yardage to the meeting as a donation. Among other projects, the Quilting Club makes items for the Orangewood Children’s Home, which cares for foster children. It is often the only thing, other than clothes, that children take them when they   transfer out of foster care. 

The Leisure World Woman’s Club is a charitable organization and invites all Leisure World women to join. For membership information, contact Penny Wright at 799-9486 or pennyw65@gmail.com.  Membership is $20 per year.

—Nancy Barber

outside the wall 

By Les H. Cohen, Mutual 15

Legislative Advocate Emeritus

 

The Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment Act of  2019 the so-called SWIFT Act (SB-345), was introduced last year by Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) to help Americans achieve financial security in retirement.

If voted into law, the SWIFT Act would fix outdated and arbitrary restrictions that prevent many Social Security recipients, especially women, from maximizing their benefits. 

Earlier this week, the text for SB-345 had not been received by the Library of Congress from the government, and will not be acted on by March 22 or later. Delays can occur when there are many bills to prepare.

If the bill were in effect today, it would increase Social Security income for more than 1 million Americans.

While acknowledging that Social Security is an essential source of income for older Americans and the disabled, Sen. Casey believes that legal restrictions lower benefits for many who count on SS income. That includes widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses whose benefits are reduced by benefit caps and claiming requirements. 

Official poverty rates of widow(er)s receiving Social Security benefits are nearly twice as high as those of retired workers and spouses.

Under current law, widow(er)s who develop disabilities after their spouse dies are not allowed to claim survivor benefits until the age 50. The value of these benefits is severely reduced if they are claimed before the widow(er) reaches full retirement age. 

More than a third of widow(er)s also have their benefits limited by  the “widow(er)’s limit,” which permanently reduces widow(er)’s survivor benefits if their deceased spouse claimed benefits before reaching full retirement age. 

Because eligibility and claiming rules can be complex, many people may not understand how their claiming decisions will permanently impact the level of their Social Security income. They may not know they are eligible for certain benefits.

If enacted, the SWIFT Act would:

• Allow widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses with disabilities to receive 100 percent of the survivor benefit they are entitled to regardless of their age

• Allow widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses to increase the value of their survivor benefits beyond current arbitrary caps

•Require the federal government to proactively provide information to widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses about benefits they are eligible for, claiming options and important deadlines.

Letter to the Editor  

Editor:

Since we now live in a world with little or no privacy, there is an issue that has concerned me for many years. I was prompted to write to Perspectives when I again read in LW Weekly (Feb. 21) “Criminals are masters of manipulating and targeting victims.”

There are pros and cons to everything and we live on private property. 

On the positive side, the Leisure World decal is, among other things, an identifier to Security. Adversely, while outside of LW, not only does our decal show where we live but our specific mutual number is on display to the public. 

Since criminals are masters and can target, that decal can attract crimes toward us while outside our gates. Some of us moved here for safety reasons and now our windshields show where we live.

Remember when there were scams attempted on seniors in the Leisure World Shopping Center a few years ago?

Keep in mind that scams not  only occur over the Internet or by phone. Privacy should be a concern to all of us. Maybe there is some way to keep our individual addresses private.

Julia Howell

Mutual 9

watch your step

by Jim Breen

jimb_news@lwsb.com

Scams are always a concern for seniors, many of whom are targeted on a regular basis. One that has resurfaced in Leisure World is the secret (or mystery) shopper scam.

George Read recently got a detailed letter asking him to be a secret shopper at Walmart. The mailing contained a check for $2,900.  

“I was to cash it, get cash, buy $400 of  blank gift checks and send the rest of it back with a detailed report on the people involved,” said the Mutual 3 resident.

He asked his bank if the check was good and was told it was not, that he was dealing with a scam. He would have had to pay  $12  just to cash it.

“They shredded the whole check,” he said.

Read’s experience with a scam involving Walmart was not the first to occur in Leisure World. 

About five years ago, a resident answered an advertisement in a shopping magazine and was given a phone number at a Walmart store to call.

“Which one should I visit?” he asked.

The scammer’s reply bordered on the ridiculous. 

“Any store, whichever one is closest to where you live.”

So he called the store and was told by the manager that the retailer giant uses its own people as mystery/secret shoppers.

Residents  interested in  making a few dollars as a mystery shopper would be better served to find stores that offer legitimate opportunities.

Here a few tips on how to avoid falling victim to  this specialized scam:

• Do not deposit unexpected paper checks into your personal account and then wire funds or purchase and mail gift cards. That is  almost certainly a mystery shopping scam.

• Never pay a fee to become a secret shopper

• Avoid all “companies” that claim to pay in advance of shop completions.

Always avoid and ignore unsolicited emails and text messages, especially if they are coming from Gmail, Yahoo, etc. rather than a legitimate company’s email account.

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.

Credits & Kudos  

Credits & Kudos must include the writer’s name and mutual, and will be edited for brevity. Mention of a business or service is not an endorsement or recommendation by the LW News or Golden Rain Foundation.

Bob Berry of Mutual 4 is grateful to GRF Recreation Director Terry DeLeon and his staff for a job well done on the Valentine’s Day dance. Bob and his friends had a great time and thought that the Elm Street Band was fabulous.

        •••

Doris Sandrick of Mutual 10 reported that her Legacy Class that ended last week was a major success thanks to a story in The LW Weekly. That success developed into a second one scheduled outside of LW, and eventually another class in Leisure World. “I had a waiting list after the start of the last one,” she said.

Perspectives Policy 

Submissions in each of the following categories may be published at the discretion of the Publications Manager. 

 Letters to the Editor: Maximum number of words, 250. Letters should be typed and delivered to the Golden Rain News by email (preferred), regular mail, deposited in a white GRF drop box, or hand-delivered. Letters must be of general interest to the community and may contain opinions, suggestions, compliments, and complaints without being scurrilous, libelous, defamatory, repetitive or otherwise inappropriate. The names of individual employees, titles and/or departments will not be permitted in letters that could adversely impact any Foundation employee directly or indirectly.

Member Column: At a maximum 500 words, columns may present an argument or opinion or information about pending issues of concern to the community. Priority to first-time or less frequent writers. Some names will be left out to protect privacy.

Contributor: Restaurant review, theater review or travel journal submissions welcome subject to terms and conditions in the policy unless otherwise noted.

Political: Submissions concerning political issues outside of Leisure World and the City of Seal Beach will not be published.

Weekly health, exercise classes  

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.

Beginning Yoga

Classes are offered from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays 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.

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.

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.

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. 

Leisure Leggers

The Leisure Leggers, the walking and running club, meets at 8 a.m., Mondays, in front of Clubhouse 6 for a 30-to-60-minute walk and to train for local races. 

For more information, call Tom Pontac, president, at 304-0880.

Low vision course  

Beginning Friday, March 1, the Braille Institute will sponsor an outreach course  in Leisure World to help people cope with low vision.

The course continues through March 22 in Clubhouse 3, Room 6, from 10 a.m.-noon.

The Braille Institute sends trained specialists to help people learn how to handle the issues that arise from diminished sight.

The outreach includes classes, and home assessments to improve lighting and other needs.

Classes and services are mostly free.

For more information, call Sharon Kohn at 596-1969.

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. One percent milk served daily. Suggested donation, $3 for seniors 60 and older; $5 for all others. For more information, call 430-6079.

Monday, March 4: Pork chile verde, Spanish rice, pinto beans, flour tortilla, orange juice, fruit.

Tuesday, March 5: Pumpkin soup with salt-free crackers, turkey wrap with peppers, diced tomatoes, chopped romaine with ranch dressing, tortilla, gelatin.

Wednesday, March 6: Mrs. Friday’s breaded pollock, potato scallops, Scandinavian vegetable blend, Parker House roll, fruit.

Thursday, March 7: Coconut chicken curry with peas and potato curry sauce, brown rice, vegetable blend, pineapple chunks.

Friday, March 8: Baked salmon with herb sauce, rice pilaf, chef cut vegetables, wheat dinner roll, melon.

Wa-Rite Club  

She’s back and she’s taking control. That would be Dorene Youngs, who had a record eight-pound loss last week as announced at the Wa-Rite Club meeting on Feb. 22.

After the holidays and celebrating a birthday month with wild eating, Dorene made a U-turn and is back on track. 

Dorene was relentless with exercise, and swimming at the pool, even in the cold weather, and nightly walks.

An example menu of her diet was skipping breakfast, then a turkey sandwich with light mayonnaise and a tangerine for lunch.

It was salad for dinner. Alhough she doesn’t like vegetables, she eats them because they’re good for her and better than sweets.

Members reminded her about V-8 juice. It worked for Dorene, but what works for her may not work for those who need breakfast to start the day.

At Wa-Rite, everyone is different and there isn’t a diet that fits all in place. 

•••

The Food for Thought this week: Success is never owned, it is rented and

 the rent is due everyday.

 Wa-Rite is a support club for women to lose excessive weight. Members meet from  9-10  a.m. Fridays in Clubhouse 3, Room 1. 

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.

–Margaret Humes

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 433-0232.

Monday, March 4: Beef picado, Spanish rice, seasoned black beans, fresh orange, egg salad sandwich with spinach and tomato, homemade potato salad.

Tuesday, March 5: Oven baked chicken breast, au gratin potatoes, green beans with herbs, fresh banana, Chinese chicken salad with mandarin oranges, cabbage, carrots, onion, Asian dressing, crackers.

Wednesday, March 6: Vegetarian lasagna, whole wheat dinner roll, Brussels sprouts, cantaloupe chunks, turkey, ham and cheese sandwich with lettuce, tomato and pickle, three bean salad.

Thursday, March 7: Homemade meatloaf with gravy, garlic and chive mashed potatoes, green peas, ambrosia salad, tuna salad sandwich with lettuce and tomato, cucumber, red onion and dill salad.

Friday, March 8: Turkey tetrazzini, rice pilaf, steamed sweet carrots, red velvet cake, Mediterranean salad with chicken, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, vinaigrette dressing and crackers.

Arts 02-28-19

LBSO Bus Transportation

The Long Beach Symphony Orchestra will perform in concert on Saturday, March 9, at 8 p.m. Called “Northern Lights,” the program will include two works by Sibelius, the Symphony #3 and “Finlandia,” and Tchaikovsky’s “Variations on a Rococo Theme” for cello and orchestra.

As always, Maestro Eckart Preu will introduce short pieces by relevant new or modern composers. 

Round trip bus tickets are available for $16, payable with cash (exact change) or personal check at the bus departure site. 

Meet the bus at the Amphitheater bus loading area on St. Andrews Drive no later than 5:45 p.m. on concert Saturdays. The bus leaves promptly at 6 p.m. to arrive in time for Maestro Preu’s free pre-concert lecture, and returns following the concert.

For further information on the concert schedule, visit LongBeachSymphony.org and for LW bus information, contact Bus Co-Hostess Beverly Emus at 296-5586 or bemus@socal.rr.com.

Concert tickets are available at the box office at 436-3203. Those buying remaining season tickets may inquire at the box office about discounts on the bus and concert tickets by joining with the Leisure World Opera Club group.

Opera Club

The Opera Club invites everyone to come and watch “Amahl and the Night Visitors” in Clubhouse 3, Room 1, on Tuesday, March 5, at 1:30 p.m.

The performance was commissioned and filmed live for television on Dec. 24, 1951, with Chet Allen (Amahl), Rosemary Kuhlmann (the Mother), Andrew McKinley (Kaspar), David Aiken (Melchior), and Leon Lishner (Balthazar). Gian Carlo Menotti composed this opera and wrote the libretto to celebrate the arrival of the three kings in Bethlehem.   

On a starry night, there is one bright star, the Star of Bethlehem, leading three kings, Kaspar, Melchior and Balthazar, to the child who will transform the world. The story begins in the home of a crippled shepherd, Amahl, who is approximately 12 years old, and sees the star and hears the distant sounds of travelers, but whose mother is thinking only of her financial woes.

As the three kings arrive, seeking accommodations for the night, they reveal opulent gifts intended for the child they are seeking. Amahl’s fellow shepherds who’ve also seen the star, enter and celebrate the event with a joyful dance before everyone retires for the night.

However, when Amahl’s mother is tempted to steal some gold from the kings, she is caught by their watchful page who in turn is called to defend himself from Amahl who is using his crutch to defend his mother. 

When Melchior forgives the mother, telling her to keep what she wants, she declines to do so. 

As morning breaks and the kings prepare to depart with their gifts for the child, Amahl offers his own gift—his handmade crutch—causing Amahl to stand up miraculously cured. 

The kings invite Amahl to join them in bringing  his own gift to the child.

The opera is sung in English with English subtitles.  

Room 1 is open at 1 p.m. (but not before). 

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

Dancers and Mixers

Everyone is welcome to the Dancers & Mixers dance from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, in Clubhouse 4.

The theme for the evening will be to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Break out your green and plan to join in the fun. 

Partners are not needed as there is both line dancing and a mixer. Bring favorite snacks and beverages. 

Live music with an Irish flair will be provided by Linda Herman. February’s dance had a Valentine’s theme with many dancers wearing red. 

Thanks to volunteers Margie Thompson, Walt Bier and John Hlavac for greeting dancers at the entrance. Kellie Sala of Universal Healthcare Solutions graciously provided snacks for the members and guests. Come out for a fun and relaxing evening dancing to live music with friends.

Lapidary and Jewelry

The Lapidary and Jewelry club will offer a class called an Introduction to Glass Fusion on March 28  from 9:30 a.m.-noon in the Lapidary Room in Clubhouse 4. Sign up in the Lapidary Room. The class is limited to six students

It will cover the basics of glass fusion. Beginners are welcome, and people with experience can expand their skills in glass cutting and shaping to create more intricate designs.

A materials fee of $10 is payable at the class. It covers enough glass to make two squares, decorative pieces included. Fused pieces can be picked up the following day. 

The Lapidary and Jewelry Club reminds members that annual dues of $10 were payable on Jan. 1 and are now overdue. 

If dues are not paid by March 31, locks will be removed from lockers and items removed. Lockers may be reassigned to other members.

If dues are not paid by April 30, items left in locker may be forfeited. Call or text 248-8711 and leave a message or email at gltjiook@gmail.com for more information.

LW Producers Club

The Leisure World Producers Club will present its eighth annual murder mystery this summer. It needs one male actor to join the cast.  He must be able to memorize lines.

 Rehearsals begin in April.  Two performances will be held in early August.

 For more information, call Sam Jones, 598-0880.

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 required. Classes are $3. 

•Dance Club: Ballroom and social dance classes are held on Wednesdays in Clubhouse 6, Room C. Beginning/intermediate cha cha is taught from 7:15-8:15 p.m. and intermediate fox trot is taught from 8:15-9:15 p.m. In March, beginning waltz will be taught from 7:15-8:15 p.m. and intermediate cha cha will be 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, Thursdays from 3-5 p.m. (beginners, first hour, advanced, second hour) at Clubhouse 6, Room C; and beginner level only on Fridays, 2:30-4 p.m., Clubhouse 3, lobby. Newcomers should have general knowledge of line dance and basic dance steps. For more information, e-mail grapevinelinedance@gmail.com or 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. 

•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.

•Leisure World 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.

•Leisure Whirlers Square and Round Dance Club: The club hosts themed dances with a potluck on the first Friday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in Clubhouse 4. Singles and couples are welcome. Cost is $7 per person. For more information, call Lenore Velky at 237-2682. 

•Line Dance, Beginning: Fridays except the first Friday of the month, 10 a.m., Clubhouse 3 lobby and 1 p.m. on Wednesdays, Clubhouse 3, Room 6. Classes are free. For more information, call Barbara Magie, 858-8485.

•Saturday Morning Dance Club: Fox trot is taught from 9-10 a.m.; West Coast swing, 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. 

•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.

Leisure Whirlers

by Eleanor Thompson

LW contributor

The Leisure Whirlers square dance party will be tomorrow, Friday, March 1, in Clubhouse 4 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. The theme will be Shamrock Shuffle. 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.

Learn to Square Dance

Square dancing is a lot of fun. Students meet new people, both young and old as they learn an effective way to exercise the mind and body. 

Square dances are always called in English and there are square dance clubs all over the world, so no matter where people travel, they can find a club to dance with.

Learn to square dance in a new beginners class that starts this Monday, March 4. It will cover the 110 square dance steps that are used in regular square dances all around the world. 

The nine-month class ends Dec. 2. 

It is important to attend all of the classes since they are progressive. 

People can sign up now. Experienced dancers are needed to help support the new students.

Singles and couples are welcome. There is a singles rotation so everyone can dance. 

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.

Eastern Wellness Class

Leisure World resident Annemarie Lovdahl will teach the course “Eastern Practices for Wellness” at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), CSULB main campus, Room 101, on Wednesdays, April 3-May 22, from 10:15-11:45 a.m.

The class will explore ancient Eastern wellness techniques that promote relaxation, healing for the body, and peace for the mind along with the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of these practices. Discover free and easy-to-use methods that reduce pain, lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, improve cardiovascular and cognitive functioning, relieve insomnia, increase creativity and restore an overall sense of well-being and joy.  

The class will cover various forms of meditation, right vs. left brain access to wellness, mindfulness, healing forms of movement such as tao yin and t’ai chi, and the restorative practices of sound healing and laughter as medicine.

The classes will combine lectures, demonstrations and active student participation in the practice of tools that tap into the body’s natural wellspring of relaxation, harmony and vibrant health.  

Ms. Lovdahl holds degrees in psychology, sociology and philosophy from UCI and is a certified teacher in t’ai chi chih, seijaku, reiki, Hasya yoga and longevity stick art.

To register, visit the OLLI website, csulb.edu/colleges/chhs/centers/olli/ or call 985-8237.

Good Times Roll Club

Dig out your “I’m Lucky to be Irish” t-shirts and those green suspenders with the shamrocks. The Let the Good Times Roll Club will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 16 with an Irish Wake Show and Dance Party.

Doors open at 5 p.m. in Clubhouse 2. The classic rock band Sugar Lips will entertain with music from the 60s, 70s and 80s from 6-9 p.m. 

During band breaks, the club performers will entertain with songs suited to the theme of green, Irish, love, life and death.

Everyone is welcome. Admission is free; however, donations to help the club cover the band expense will be accepted and enables the club to sponsor more classic rock dance parties.

This party is for all the fun lovers and party goers of Leisure World.  The club will provide snacks and coffee.  Ice, water, and cups will be available. Guests can bring their own snacks and beverages.  

“Be sure to wear your dancing shoes,” says president Frank Destra.  “This band plays music by Journey, the Doors, Tom Petty, Steppenwolf, and ZZ-Top.” The lead vocalist is the daughter of a new Leisure World resident and so the band is as excited as the club is to be introduced to the stage of Clubhouse 2.

Community Sing

by Ethel Carter

LW contributor

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

People who want to participate in the first half hour of Opening Acts should arrive at 6 to sign in with the leader Carmen Edwards.

Bring piano music for the pianist.  

Carmen’s half-time guest will be singer Bruce DuPont who she will introduce at 7:15.  

Ad Hoc Sing-Along

The LW Ad Hoc Sing-Along Club meets at 4 p.m. on Tuesdays in the lobby of Clubhouse 3 for one hour. All are welcome to come and sing the old “Hit Parade” favorites, show tunes and songs made famous in movies. 

Helene Onu is the song leader and piano accompaniment is provided by Barbara McIlhaney. 

Come and take a turn as a song leader. People do not have to be able to read music. Song sheets are furnished.  For more information, call Chuck Burnett at 493-0176.

LW Chorale

by Nancy Maggio

LW contributor

The Leisure World Chorale will present a concert called “Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime, a Tribute to Dean Martin,” at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, in Clubhouse 4.

The concert will feature songs and memories from the past. Because Dean was Italian, the concert will feature delicious Italian food and colorful clothing.

Besides the many songs Dean Martin made famous, the audience will be treated to fun acting, dancing and a free Italian meal, plus a fun, free gift bag. Songs include “Welcome to My World,” “Arrivedeci Roma” and “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love.” 

Everyone is welcome to come dressed in the colors of Italy (red, green and white) or in clothes depicting the flare of that country.

LW Poetry

This poetry feature showcase original poems by members of the Creative Writers Club of Leisure World and other GRF members. The club’s Poetry Workshop meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 9. The Fiction/Nonfiction Group meets on the fourth Friday at 1:30 p.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 1, followed by a business meeting at 3 p.m.

Summer Mood

A sun-drenched beach, quiet, peaceful…

Sifted, bleached sand cushioning your feet;

The shrill, curious cry of a seagull

bringing you a welcome to her paradise.

Gentle slopes with scarce spots of grass, 

Here and there a lonely cactus;

A small yellow flower, yearning for a 

drop of rain which never seems to come….

Palm trees, ashamed of their small shadow, 

offer you their nectar to quench your thirst,

Then turn back again—their heads bent—

To watch the tireless game of the waves.

Tepid blue waters that frolic in the morning

Often turning into dark menacing demons

by nightfall, only to be driven back into

placidity by the perpetual ruler, the sun.

Moody tropical winds are forever ready to 

play tag with those eluding little silver

spots that play on the rich-blue waters.

Silver from the moon; gold and rubies from the sun…

Rainbow colored fish teasing and jumping;

They smile as they take a quick turn;

Life if calling out to them; adventures….

Their cozy kelp-beds are waiting for them…

Angels have painted the sky India-ink black

and each one of their smiles became a star…

Tucked in your bed, you stretch…relax…

You are ready to turn into the land of dreams.

—Lia Gaspar

OLLI Spring Registration

Spring registration for OLLI classes will start online today, Feb. 28. The majority of registration will be completed online, which is an easy option. 

Registration starts at 8 a.m. Registration directions are in “The SUN,” OLLI’s official news and class schedule,. 

People who have already created an online account should use that account. 

People who forgot their password should click “forgot password” and the follow the instructions that will be e-mailed. For technical assistance, call 985-2398.  

The OLLI website can be found at www.csulb.edu/centers/olli.  Use a credit card and your email address to register for classes from home or with help in the OLLI office. 

Bring information, cash or check and let OLLI staffers help  with either method.

Classes fill on a first-come basis. The SUN contains spring class listings and register information. To get a copy, come by the office or call 985-8237 to have one mailed to you. 

New this semester will be Wisdom Studies, Toltec Studies, Zen Mediation, Asian Art in LA,  and Create Memories with PowerPoint. 

Video Producers Club

Video Producers Club member Bonnie Z. Cooper gave a class to members of the Video Producers Club last week. She talked about cameras, and how to produce and make a video. Joe Osuna shared his knowledge on editing, telling people that 30 minutes of video will take about 25 hours to edit.

Bonnie will have more classes in March. They are open to LW residents only; seating is limited. Classes are free. For the class schedule or for more information, contact Bonnie at  bonniez562@yahoo.com.

The Video Producers Club offers free training weekdays from 10 a.m.-noon in Clubhouse 3, Room 12-A. Get answers to video-related questions and step-by-step demonstrations; no appointments needed. Drop in Mondays to learn more about creating and editing videos with Joe Osuna; Tuesdays, how to transfer VHS tapes to DVD or other media, Richard Houck; Wednesdays, general information about the club and its services, Irene Cistaro; Thursdays, using smartphones and tablets to take videos, Joseph Valentinetti; and Fridays, creating and editing videos, Janice Laine. For more information, call 431-6586, ext. 287.

GRF Movie

“Finian’s Rainbow,” rated G, will be shown at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, in Clubhouse 4.

Feisty Irishman Finian McLonergan (Fred Astaire) and his faithful daughter, Sharon (Petula Clark), bearing a pot of gold stolen from the leprechaun Og (Tommy Steele), settle in the village of Rainbow Valley, Missitucky. 

Siding with local sharecroppers like Woody Mahoney (Don Francks) against a blustering, bigoted local politician (Keenan Wynn), the McLonergans get into a number of fanciful scrapes while being pursued by the magical Og, who will become mortal if he doesn’t recover his gold. 

Can’t make the movie?  

Borrow it from the LW Library for free any time. 

Some scenes and language may offend some people.

Velvetones Dance Band

The Velvetones Ballroom Orchestra with Marcia Ford and Manee Valentine will perform in Clubhouse 4 at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 3. Admission is free, and all are welcome.

CERT Spring Training Set

by Eloy Gomez

safety/emergency coordinator

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. 

Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. 

CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community. Classes are held on five Mondays, April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, from 8 a.m.-noon in Clubhouse 3, Room 1.

Topics are:

•April 1: Unit 1, Disaster Prep; Unit 2, Fire Prevention and Suppression

•April 8: Units 3 and 4, Medical Operations

• April 15: Unit 5, Search and Rescue; Unit 6, CERT Organization

•April 22: Unit 7, Disaster Psychology; Unit 8, Terrorism and CERT

•April 29: Unit 9, Disaster Simulaton; and course review 

Locations and topics may be rearranged. 

To register, call Eloy Gomez at 431-6586, Ext. 356. 

Friends of the Library

The Friends of the Leisure World Library raises funds to support the library through the sale of donations at the Friends Bookstore next to the Leisure World Library. People are welcome to browse for bargains in books, including children’s books, cards, puzzles and more. A boutique sells gently used collectibles and gift items. 

People are asked to bring their own shopping bags when they visit. 

The Bookstore welcomes donations, and volunteers will pick up larger donations if needed.

The Bookstore is open from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Theater Club Chili Night Fund Raiser

It will be Chuck Wagon Chili Night on Saturday, March 9, when the Leisure World Theater Club holds its annual spring fund raiser in Clubhouse 2. Doors open at 4:15 p.m. The chuck wagon picnic supper starts at 5.

The evening will feature a menu of hot dogs, chili dogs,  vegetable plate, fruit plate, chips, ice cream and lemonade. BYOB favorite beverages. 

A cowboy show with favorite performers starts at 6, followed by dancing from 7-9 p.m. with Terry Otte and Abilene.

The cost for the entire evening is $20.

Tickets will be available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the Little Theater (on top of the Amphitheater steps) from 10 a.m.-noon. 

To reserve tickets by mail/phone, contact Taylor White at 596-6358. Reservations are a must; no tickets will be sold at the door.

LB Auxiliary offers a bus to LA Phil concerts

Celebrate the LA Philharmonic’s centennial year, and experience the fun and joy of music with fellow music lovers.

Join the Long Beach Auxiliary of the LA Phil on its chartered bus to Friday matinee concerts at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.  For $18 round trip, people can board the bus at Leisure World at 8:50 a.m. The bus also stops at the Target parking lot in the Los Altos Shopping Center on Bellflower Boulevard at 9:15 a.m.  

Concert tickets (senior rates available) can be purchased from the Philharmonic ticket office by calling (323) 850-2000. 

Remaining concert dates are March 1, April 5 and 19, and May 10 and 31.

Contact Laurie Gilmore, (949) 584-6267 or gilmore21@earthlink.net for bus service information and reservations.

Genealogy Club

The Genealogy Club offers 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:

• Feb. 28: Newspapers.com

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

• March 14: Census Records

• March 21: World Cat/Google Books

• March 28: Researching German History

• April 4: Ancestry.com

Naples Rib Co Menu

Naples Rib Company, 5800 E. 2nd St., Long Beach, will bring dinner service to Clubhouse 1 on March 4. Dinners include a mini loaf of cornbread with honeybutter, extra barbecue sauce, cole slaw and barbecued beans (tax included). Reservations are required by phone  at 439-7427 or online at www.ribcompany.com/leisure-world-menu.asp. Those who book through the website will receive a special treat. Reservations must be made by Monday at noon.

March 4-Naples Rib Co.

DINNER  SELECTIONS

Prime Rib (8 oz) $20

5 Rib Bones $16

Tri Tip (6 oz) $16

1/2 Chicken $15

Pasta Primavera $13

COMBO MEALS

Ribs and ¼ 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

GRF Weekly Dance

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

Jim Gilman will play on March 2.

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

Jim started in music at the age of 7 and moved from Knott’s Berry Farm to forming his own bands, which toured throughout the midwest. 

In 1976, he also founded “The Associates” with Gordon Powers and Paul Reed, and the band played for clubs, cruise ships, hotels, country clubs and private parties all over Southern California.

Mick Waller joined the group in 2010, replacing Powers who retired.  

The talented Adrian Tapia joined the group a few years ago.

Residents can enjoy the band on the first Saturday of every month. Guests must be accompanied by the GRF member who invites them.  

The GRF Recreation Department asks residents and their guests to adhere to the following rules:

• Do not park on the east side of Clubhouse 1. Parking for the clubhouse is across Golden Rain Road at the golf course or on Burning Tree Lane. 

• People must be out of the clubhouse no later than 10 p.m.  

• Only the bands can make announcements from the stage.

• Everyone should sign in, either as a resident or guest.

community church 

Community Church welcomes the season of Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday, on March 6.  

To welcome the community into this holy season, Pastor Johan Dodge will be in front of the church from 9 a.m.-noon offering ashes to anyone who requests them.  

So feel free to “drive through” at your convenience. An area will be coned off in the parking spaces in front of the church.  

On Sunday, March 3, Pastor Dodge will deliver the message, “God Doesn’t Fit in Our Box.”  The Scripture lesson is Luke 9:28-43.   

Lay Liturgist will be Chris Kim. Worship services begin at 9:50 a.m., followed by refreshments and coffee in Edgar Hall.

••• 

Beginning  Thursday, March 7, the church will launch the Lenten “Bowl and a Roll” series.

 The topic, presented by Pastor Dodge, is “Planning Your Memorial and a Spiritual Biography.”

Each week a relevant topic will be presented and soup and bread will be served at no cost.

It will take place at 5 p.m. every Thursday for six weeks. Invite  friends and neighbors.  

For more information, contact Virginia Olejnik  at 386-6076. 

Assembly of God  

Assembly of God Church will celebrate and share the Lord’s Supper on Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. service in Clubhouse 3, Room 2.  

Pastor Sam Pawlak’s sermon title will be  “In Out a Lion” which comes from an old proverb about March, which may go out like a lamb. Pastor Sam will introduce new thinking on the issue.

Denise Smith will lead the hymns of worship. Assisting in the service will be Dan Ballinger and Diana Mushagian.  

The first prayer meeting of the day precedes this service at 10 a.m. The other prayer meeting begins at 5:15 p.m.

The hymn sing that begins at 6 p.m. in the Clubhouse 3 Lobby draws people from several churches in and out of Leisure World.  

 A special feature will be a solo and testimony by Cliff  Vanderwal.  

Associate Pastor Dan Ballinger will lead the songs and Pastor Sam will close with a brief devotion. 

Activities end with fellowship around the tables. Those attending often bring treats to share.

•••

The seventh chapter of Hebrews will be covered at the weekly Bible Study at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6. It is open to all and includes time for comments and discussion.  Workbooks are still available for 

congregation sholom.

Congregation Sholom will celebrate the Jewish Sabbath from Friday sundown tomorrow, March 1 to Saturday sundown the following day. A dinner is planned on Friday.

 On Saturday,   a bagel  breakfast is planned at 9 a.m. in  Clubhouse 3, Room 9. 

A potluck dairy lunch will follow services at noon.

The festivities conclude at 6:30 p.m. Saturday with a service and snacks. 

 •••

Shabbat Across America on Friday, March 1 will be observed at the Leisure World home of Carol Levine, 1520 Northwood Road, 244L. 

For more information or to reserve a space, call 505-3622.

                        •••

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

                       •••

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

            – Scott Simensky

first christian  

After First Christian Church’s February potluck meal, attendees were entertained by the church’s version of the “Not-So-Newlywed Game.” 

Couples were asked questions and tried to answer as they thought their spouse’s would. Surprises and laughter were enjoyed by all. 

At First Christian Church this week, the 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:  “The King Of Glory Comes,” “Majesty” and “In The Name of the Lord” and “Bless His Holy Name.”

 The Communion hymn will be “Lead Me To Calvary.”   

Directed by Anita Ragole, the choir will sing “Caught Up to Meet Him.”

 Elder Jack Frost will present the Communion meditation and service. For the offertory, the Praise Team will sing, “He Is Exalted.”

Pat Kogok and Rhonda Sandberg  will play “The Lord’s Prayer,” followed by Barbara Frost who will read from the Gospel of Matthew, 21:6-10.

Pastor Gene Cherryholmes’ message will be “Enter The King,” based on Matthew 21:6-16. 

 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 Thursday night Calvary Chapel Bible study on March 7 has been canceled. 

Hearing enhancements are available at all church functions. 

For more information,call 431-8810 and leave a message. 

salvation army

Major Lynn Stewart of the Salvation Army California South Division will be guest speaker when the Salvation Army Home League meets at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 4, in Clubhouse 4.

It’s Dr. Seuss’s birthday this month, and those who attend will learn about his life and legacy.

Fun, fellowship and historical information will round out the evening.

– Norah Williams

ROCK CHURCH  

The Rock Church, Seal Beach campus welcomes everyone to weekly services for all ages at Marine Center, 151 Marina Drive, Seal Beach

Effective March 3, Sunday services in English begin at 9 and 11:15 a.m. and the Spanish service starts at 1:45 p.m. 

Sunday’s message can be heard for no cost at www.gototherock.com. 

Select Seal Beach Campus and check the podcast. 

For more information, call (714) 562-8233.

holy family catholic  

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

The readings: 

First Reading: Sirach 27: 4-7; Responsorial Psalm: 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16; Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:54-58; Alleluia: Philippians 2:15D, 16A; Gospel: Luke, 6:39-45

The 2019 Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday, March 6.

At Holy Family, ashes will be distributed at Masses planned at 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.  

Lent is the season of fasting and prayer.

•••

The next Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be held on Wednesday, March 6, after 8:30 a.m. Mass. It concludes with Holy Hour from  4-5 p.m. All are invited.

  •••

Stations of the Cross start Friday, March 8 and are planned every other Friday during Lent immediately after 8:30 a.m. Mass.

•••

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.

Redeemer Lutheran  

As Redeemer Lutheran Church celebrates the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ on Sunday, Pastor Gil Moore will speak from the text of Luke 9:28-43 on the theme “Transfiguration and Exodus.” 

Directing the ushers is Maria Swift. 

The choir will sing “Come to the Mountain.” Altar flowers are from Pastor Gil and Lavona Moore in gratitude for family and friends.

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

 •••

Led by Pastor Lynda Elmer, the Wednesday Bible class meets at 10:30 a.m. on March 6 in Fellowship Hall. The  group is completing the Book of Ezekiel.

All are welcome to attend and express an opinion for the next study.

The Church Council meets today, Thursday, at 2:30 p.m. in the conference room.

  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.

LW Baptist

Leisure World Baptist Church will celebrate the Lord’s Supper this week on the first Sunday of the month in Clubhouse 4. All are invited to attend. 

Sunday School is from 8:40-9:10 a.m., taught by Bob Simons. It will be followed by coffee and snacks until 9:45 a.m.,when the service begins.

Responsive reading will be from Psalms 115.

Soloist Em Schoonhoven will sing “What Grace is This?” 

The choir, directed by Darlene Harris, will sing “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power.”

Congregational hymns will include “O Happy Day,” “Down at the Cross” and “Since Jesus Came Into My Heart.”

Pianist Yvonne Leon will play the Offertory.

Pastor Rolland Coburn’s message from Romans 2:1-16 is titled “How God Judges,” from Genesis, 18:25b.

The closing hymn will be “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory.”

The prayer room, attended by members,  will be open after the service. 

On Monday, March 4, the Men’s Fellowship meets at 10 a.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 8.

The Energizers gather at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, in Clubhouse, Room 1, for fellowship and study.

For more information, call 430-2920.

beit halev

The Torah reading at Beit HaLev for this next week is from Exodus 35:1-36:19. 

It is Shabbat Shekalim, the special Shabbat on which the Israelites are required to pay a half- shekel towards the building and maintenance of the Tabernacle. The Maftir reading will be from Exodus 30:11-16.  

Before the Israelites could begin the construction of the Tabernacle, they were convened by Moses to learn the mitzvoth (laws) concerning Shabbat.  

No work could be done on Shabbat, therefore no Tabernacle construction was allowed on Shabbat. 

The reading then continues with the specific material donations required for the Tabernacle, including the fabrics, wood and metals to be used.

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

In addition to the Sabbath services, Rabbi Galit Levy-Slater  leads a short 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.

•••

Hebrew class for beginners continues on Wednesday afternoons. To learn Prayerbook Hebrew or Modern (conversational) Hebrew, contact Rabbi-Cantor Galit at 715-0888 or duets@icloud.com for information regarding day and time.

faith christian  

Members of Faith Christian Assembly will take time for the sacrament of Holy Communion  at the 10:30 a.m. service on March 3, the first Sunday of the month.

First Corinthians 11:25 says:  “As often as you drink from it, keep doing this in memory of me.”  

Pastor Gwyn Vaughn will provide valuable insight into Communion.

Everyone is invited to participate;  membership is not required.

Tuesday is Faith Fellowship at 11 a.m. in the Garden Room; Bible study taught by Pastor Sheri Leming is 7 p.m.,Wednesdays in the Garden Room; and Grief-Share meets at 2 p.m. on Fridays in the Garden Room

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

christian women  

The Christian Women’s Fellowship and Bible study group will meet at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 11, in Clubhouse 3, Room 6.

All residents are welcome to attend.

Members meet on the second and fourth Mondays of the month.

For more information, call Jean Davidson at 431-0597 or Margie Robertson at 594-8100.

Cards and Games Scoreboard 

Fun Time Pinochle Club winners Feb. 25: Irene Perkins, 11,780; Marilyn Allred, 11,070; Ruth Bonnema, 10,780; Jim Kaspar, 10,710. Winners Feb. 18: Margaret Smith, 12,940; Nancy Wheeler, 12,460; Bert Sellers, 11,510; Maureen Habel,11,370. The club meets from noon-4 p.m. Mondays in Clubhouse 1. For more information, call Joan Taylor at 240-5416. 

•••

Monday Bridge Club winners Feb. 25: Jan Craven, Paul Chang, Joyce Bizzell. Games begin at noon in Clubhouse 1. For more information, call Mary Nell Clark, 296-8570.

•••

Monday Night Bunco Club winners  from Feb. 25: Most buncos: JoAnn Dubinkin. Most wins: Julie Milburn.  Most babies:  Gail Levitt.Most losses: Nancy Pittman. Door prize winner: Peg Szmita. The next game will be played on March 11. Many new players attended the last  games to enjoy socializing and baked treats. Games are played at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of  the month in Clubhouse 3, Room 1. Residents and their guests are welcome to learn new and easy dice game. For more information, call Gail Levitt, 596-1346.

•••

Burning Tree Duplicate Bridge Club winners Feb 23: N/S: Cooie Dampman-Howard Smith; Sibyl Smith-Harriet Weiss; Larry Topper-Jeanette Estill; Russ Gray-Mark Singer. E/W: Gary Paugh-Marilyn McClintock; Linda Stein-Sue Fardette; Chie Wickham-Sue Krause; Alan Olschwang-Kiyo Nagaishi; Joyce Basch-Dorothy Favre; John Tholen-Lynn Danielson. Winners of club championship Feb. 22: N/S: Sibyl Smith-Diane Schmitz; Fred Reker-Bob Mault; Judy Carter-Johnson–Mark Singer; Joan Berg-Harriet Weiss; Larry Toper-April Berg; Jack and Cooie Dampman. E/W: Al Appel-Judy Jones; Larry Slutsky-Alan Olschwang; Sue Fardette-Marilyn McClintock; Michael Rainer-Dale Rensing; Jeanette Estill-Rosemarie Spain; Karen and Dave Johnston; Nancy Lichter-Winnie Warga. 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 a unit game on Friday, March 8.  

        – Fred Reker  

•••

Saturday Social Bunco Club winners Feb. 23: Most buncos: Tie between Shelley Middleton and Kathy Kearney. Most wins: Louise Damron. Most babies: Darlene Brideau. Most losses: Helen Sponsler. Door prize winner: Joyce Ingram. The next meeting is March 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.

•••  

Jolly Time Pinochle Club winners: Feb. 23: Richard Van Wasshnova, 10,580; Jim Kaspar, 10,320; Peg Kaspar, 9,950; Joan Taylor, 9,530. Games are played from noon-4 p.m. on Saturdays in Clubhouse 1. For more information, call Peg Kaspar at 799-0433. 

•••                                             

Leisure World Duplicate Bridge Club overall winners in the Unit-Rated game Feb. 21: First in Strats A and B: Fred Reker-Russ Gray; second in Strat A: Larry Slutsky-Verna Baccus; third in Strat A: Linda and Dick Stein; fourth in Strat A: Fern Dunbar-LaVonne McQuilkin; fifth in Strat A, second in Strat B, first in Strat C: Joan Berg-Frances Gross; sixth in Strat A, third in Strat B: Jeanette Estill-Bud Parish; fourth in Strat B: Winnie Warga-John Hagman; fifth in Strat B: Larry Topper-Judy Cook; sixth in Strat B, second in Strat C: Monica and Paul Honey; third in Strat C: Bill Power-Julie Cunningham; fourth in Strat C: Donna and Jim Shaffer. Over-all winners in a 16-table game Feb.18: First in Strat A: Diane Sachs-Hank Dunbar; second in Strat A: Joan Tschirki-Paul Chen; third in Strat A: Bill Linskey-Gary Paugh; fourth in Strat A: Linda and Dick Stein; fifth in Strat A, first in Strat B: Alan Olschwang-Chie Wickham; sixth in Strat A, second in Strat B: Peggi Spring-Monica Gettis; third in Strat B: Midge Dunagan-Lynn Danielson; tie for fourth place in Strat B between Judy Carter-Johnson-Mark Singer, Larry Topper-Judith Cook and Harriet Weiss-Bea Aron(first in Stara C); second in Strat C: Cookie Pham-Ellen Kice; third in Strat C: Bruce and Jan Peterson; fourth in Strat C: Louise Seifert-Stan Johnson. 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 by 10:30 a.m. on the 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. 

tournament poker

 Tournament    Club President Wendy Wu won her first final table of the year on Feb. 16 with a pair of queens.  

Preceding her were Barry Bri-deau, Gary Carnes, Mike Bass and Nina DeRosa.

High hand winners were Jon Jones and Nancy Jordan, both with four nines.  

Nancy Floyd won the featured hand of queen and seven.

•••

 The Dealers Only Tournament is coming on March 30.  Dealers who have worked for the club on at least three Saturdays are eligible.

•••

Poker lessons for beginners will be offered to all Leisure World residents at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, at the Clubhouse 6 hospitality area.

 For for more information, call  (714) 366-0940.

– Susan Dodson

POOL LEAGUE  

The Patriots lead the Leisure World Pool League standings with 32-16 record at the half-way point of the season.

The team is followed by Chalk and Awe, a game back, with 31 wins. 

The team was a 9-3 winner over the Three Amigos in its last game.

    Gary Monahan had a perfect record winning all four of his doubles matches and both 8-and-9-ball singles games.

    In another match, CPR edged Breaker! Breaker!, 7-5. Connie Adkins and Richard Ryles won four of their six games for CPR.

 The Patriots had it’s first bye, but will play on the next four Monday nights. 

– Dave Silva

Shuffleboard Club  

by Carrie Kistner

LW contributor

There were ties for everyone  when the Shuffleboard Club completed Week 17 of the season on Feb. 22.

In the first match, the Classics and Puckmasters tied 9-9. 

The Classics’ all-game winners were Dennis Jensen and Ellie West. 

The Puckmasters’ all-game winners were Maureen Habel and Anita Giroud.

The other tie was between Girl Power and Sliders, 9-9. The Sliders’ all-game winner was Jean Cochran.

The next games will be played tomorrow, Friday, at the Clubhouse 1 courts between The Classics and Puckmasters and Sliders and Girl Power.

The Classics are alone in first place in the standings with 12 points,  followed by the Puck- masters, 11-1/2;  Girl Power, 5-1/2 and the Sliders, five points.

•••

The next  Friday luncheon will be on March 29 after league play.

•••

The St. Patrick’s dinner pot luck has been canceled, so the next social event will be a happy hour at 5 p.m. on March 13 at the  Clubhouse 1 courts. 

BYOB and bring Irish finger foods to share.  Shuffleboard will be played after the meal.

•••

To join the club or try out the game, practices during league play are held at 10 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the shuffleboard courts behind Clubhouse 1.

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

Shuffleboard Club  

The Shuffleboard Club Olympics tournament date has been changed from Wednesday, March 6, to Friday, March 8. 

The single-elimination  tournament will be played in place of the regularly scheduled league game normally held on that date. 

That league game will be played at the end of the season if necessary. 

Olympics games will be held at the Clubhouse 1 courts starting at 9 a.m. The event is expected to last about four hours to determine the first three finishers.

Competitors should be at the courts by 8:45 a.m. 

Playing brackets will be established by random drawing prior to the start of tournament.

 The top three finishers will be awarded medals at a GRF ceremony currently in June. 

Sign-up deadline for entry to the tournament has been extended to March 4.

The event is open to all Leisure World residents. To participate, call Carrie Kistner, Shuffleboard Club president,  at (949) 300-0285 to enter.

Non-members must attend a class to learn shuffleboard rules, procedures and court preparations. Closed toe shoes are required. Playing equipment will be available at the court.

Bowling Club  

Some high scores were recorded last week for the relatively small Leisure World Bowling League. There are only 10 teams with three bowlers each. 

   Ron Marcus of Very Striking led all bowlers with a 246 game and 647 series. 

Teammate Connie Terry finished with a 178 game as Very Striking extended its lead to nine games over runner-up Spares Are Good.  

Danny Bigelow of Spares Are Good had a 250 game and 643 series and Gracie Hastings had a 190 game, but the team won just a single game from We Can Do It.  Dorothy Favre of We Can Do It finished with a 160 game, which is a 238 with her handicap.

 Renato Villanueva of D Hustlers had a 213 and 226 for a 611 series. The team won just a single game against Nameless as Arnold Bakker opened with a 187.  

OSIMA won three games from Pinbusters as Sharon Van Otterloo had a 170 game.  Tom Kaczmarek led Maybe Next Tuesday to a sweep over Strikes Are Better by bowling a 557 series.

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.

•••

Solution to this week’s puzzle  Ra4. Ba4. The white bishop  moves from b3 to a4.  Any answer by black, the white’s next move is check mate.

cribbage club 

Joyce Underhill scored a high hand of 28 points in Cribbage Club play on Feb. 20 at Clubhouse 1.

The 28 was just one point short of a perfect cribbage hand.

Gene Smith had the winning hand of 845, followed by Jack Hawn, 843; Peggy McKendrick,  840 and Anna Simons, 831. 

Fifty-two players attended.

Anna Simons and Margaret Smith celebrated birthdays by sharing layer cake, pudding and cookies.

Anna and Margaret served.  

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 mores.

Partners are not required. Players are requested to 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.

Ladies Golf Club 

Forty-four members of the Ladies Golf Club played for low gross, low net, and fewest putts on Feb.19 at the local course.

Flight winner:

A: Low gross: Jane Song, 28. Low net: Helen Yoon, 24. Putts/hole: Soo Choi, 12.

B: Low gross: Mary Ann Moore, 32. Low net: Tie between Judy Kim and Mary Park, 26. Putts/hole: Tie among Mary Park, Hailee Yang and Young Yoon, 12

C: Low gross: Betty Regalado, 32. Low net: Dale Quinn, 24. Putts/hole: Yvonne Yim, 13.

D: Low gross: Tie among Jeanne Aramus, Patti Smith, Sue Elliott, and Cecilia Han, 38. Low net: Tie between Veronica Chang and Jean Cose, 27. Putts/hole: Sue Elliott, 12. 

– Dale Quinn

scrabble club  

Members of the Leisure World Scrabble Club meet at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays in Clubhouse 3, Room 5, for three successive games.

Six tables are filled with players on most Wednesdays. An occasional table of three is put together when an odd number of players attend.

Except for national holidays, club members meet every Wednesday.

New members are welcome to arrive early to review the rules.

– Maria Giegerich

                                                 

Government

Security Corner

by Victor Rocha

Security Services Director

As promised, I wanted to share the monthly recap of incidents that involved the Security Department during the month of January 2019:

Fires – 6

Out of six fire calls, only one call was an actual fire (fire extinguished in a dumpster).

Burglaries – 0

There were no illegal entries (sometimes referred to as ‘breaking and entering’) that occurred in the community.

Thefts – 8

All thefts reported were minor petty thefts, including a missing car cover, decorations on a patio, lemons taken from a private tree, and property missing inside a unit (unit currently for sale with Realtor lockbox installed). 

One theft was solved after a neighbor admitted removing property from another neighbors’ storage closet. Please make sure to secure these closets.

Vandalism – 2

Both vandalism incidents involved vehicles being vandalized.

Traffic Accidents – 4

Three accidents involved vehicles colliding with other vehicles due to inattention. The fourth accident was when a vehicle struck a stop sign.

Death Investigations – 19

The Security Department responded to an average of nearly 5 deaths per week inside the community.

Miscellaneous Issues – 40

The Security Department handled a wide variety of miscellaneous minor calls, including noise complaints, parking violations, and residence welfare checks.

If you have an emergency, always dial 911 first, then the Security Department at 431-6586, ext. 377.

•••

No Dumpster Diving Please!

There are trash containers located throughout Leisure World, including large containers in the 1.8 Acre Farm area. There are people who are entering these containers to remove trash and other items. This activity is known as “dumpster diving.”

First, it is important to note that Seal Beach Municipal Code 6.20.130 states that it is unlawful to remove any items from trash containers. Secondly, trash containers hold all different types of trash, from animal and human waste to medical waste (such as needles and other sharp objects). Protect your health and safety and comply with Seal Beach law and do not enter trash containers.

If you have usable items you no longer want, consider donating the items to The Salvation Army (that will pick up at your residence) or clubs inside Leisure World that may be able to use your donated items.

Schedule of Mutual Meetings 

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

Thursday, Feb. 28 Mutual 1

Conference Room B 9 a.m.

Tuesday, March 5 Mutual 16

Conference Room B 9:30 a.m.

Tuesday, March 5 Mutual 17

Conference Room B 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 6 CFO Council

Conference Room B 10 a.m.

Thursday, March 7 Presidents’ Council

Clubhouse 4 9 a.m.

Friday, March 8 Mutual 3

Conference Room B 9 a.m.

Monday, March 11 Mutual 9

Conference Room B 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday, March 13 Mutual 4

Conference Room B 9:15 a.m.

Thursday, March 14 Mutual 12

Conference Room B 9 a.m.

Friday, March 15 Roundtable with Mutuals/GRF

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Monday, March 18 Mutual 15

Conference Room B 1 p.m. 

Tuesday, March 19 Mutual 14

Conference Room B canceled

Wednesday March 20 Mutual 5

Conference Room B 9 a.m.

Wednesday, March 20 Mutual 7

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Thursday, March 21 Mutual 2

Conference Room B 9 a.m.

Thursday, March 21 Mutual 11

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

Friday, March 22 Mutual 6

Conference Room B 9:30 a.m.

Monday, March 25 Mutual 8

Conference Room B 9 a.m.

Wednesday, March 27 Mutual 10

Conference Room B 9 a.m.

Thursday, March 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. Due to repairs to the elevator in the Administration Building, meetings will be held in Conference Room B, located downstairs in Building 5. The following is a tentative schedule of meetings on the Golden Rain Foundation master calendar, maintained by Administration:

Thursday, Feb. 28 Restaurant/Bar Subcommittee

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Friday, March 1 GRF Board Executive Session 

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Monday, March 4 Recreation Committee

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Wednesday, March 6 Physical Property Committee

  Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Thursday, March 7 Pool Subcommittee

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Friday, March 8 Executive Committee 

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Monday, March 11 Mutual Administration Committee

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Tuesday, March 12 Strategic Planning Ad Hoc Committee

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Wednesday, March 13 Security, Bus & Traffic Committee

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Thursday, March 14 Communications Committee

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Friday, March 15 Roundtable with Mutuals/GRF

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Monday, March 18 Finance Committee

Conference Room B 9 a.m.

Monday, March 18 GRF Board of Directors (special) Election

Clubhouse 4 2 p.m. 

Thursday, March 21 Information Technology Committee

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Friday, March 22 Facilities and Amenities Review Ad Hoc

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Monday, March 25 Management Services Review Ad Hoc

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Tuesday, March 26 GRF Board of Directors

Clubhouse 4 10 a.m.

Wednesday, March 27 Architectural Design Review Committee

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Thursday, March 28 Service Maintenance Committee

Conference Room B 1 p.m.

Recap of Golden Rain Foundation Board Activity of February 26, 2019

Approved Minutes

MOVED and duly approved the minutes of the January 29, 2010 Golden Rain Foundation (GRF) Board of Directors (BOD) meeting and of February 12, 2019 Special meeting were approved, as presented. 

General – Adopt Policy 5177-31, Health Care Center Committee

MOVED and duly approved to adopt Policy 5177-31, Health Care Center Advisory Board, to oversee all matters pertaining to lease compliance, community feedback of the Health Care Center and programs of mutual benefit and the exchange of pertinent information.

General – CAMUTCD, Authorization to Allow Seal Beach Police Department onto Property for Traffic Enforcement

MOVED and duly approved sending notification to the City of Seal Beach that the Golden Rain Foundation Trust Streets within Leisure World Seal Beach comply with CAMUTCD and submit Certification with a request to the City of Seal Beach to adopt, by ordinance or resolution, regulating vehicular traffic on Golden Rain Foundation privately owned roads, per California Vehicle Code (CVC), Section 21107, with City of Seal Beach Police traffic enforcement. Required signage shall be posted by Golden Rain Foundation on the affected roads; and further MOVED and duly approved to authorize the Executive Director to place the required signage, in accordance with the CAMUTCD, that the provisions of the Vehicle Code and Seal Beach Municipal Code are applicable to all Trust property streets within this Community C.V.C 21107.5.

General – Approve February GRF BOD Report

MOVED and duly approved to establish a monthly GRF Board Report for distribution. Further, MOVED and duly approved the February GRF Board Report, as presented.

Architectural Design and Review Committee – Reserve Funding Request – St. Andrews Median Landscape

MOVED and duly approved to approve the replacement of landscaping on St. Andrews medians 1, 4 to 16, in an amount not to exceed $260,282, reserve funding and authorize the GRF President to sign a contract with Anguiano Lawn Care (plants and irrigation), in the amount of $184,282, and further approve the GRF President to sign a contract, in an amount not to exceed $52,000, for rock boulder installation with the best qualified contractor; funds include a contingent in the amount of $24,000; the ADRC Chair is authorized to review and approve all contingencies. 

Architectural Design and Review Committee – Operating Funding Request – Community Facilities Tree Trimming

MOVED and duly approved to award a contract to Anguiano Lawn Care to maintain the Community Facilities tree inventory, for a two (2) year term, 2019-2020, in an amount not to exceed $87,640, Operating funding, and authorize the President sign the contract.

Executive Committee – Confirm 2019 Election Provider

MOVED and duly approved to recommend the Board confirm Accurate Voting Services, as the Inspectors of Election, for the 2019 GRF Board of Directors election, as set forth in Policy 5025-30.

Executive Committee – Approve GRF Directors Serving on the GAF Board

Removed from agenda

Executive Committee – Adopt DMS Software Number Format

MOVED and duly approved to adopt the numbering format, for use in the Power DMS tracking system software, as presented.

Finance Committee – Accept January Financial Statements

MOVED and duly approved to accept for audit the financial statements for the month of January 2019, for audit, as presented by the Director of Finance.

Finance Committee – Approve Funds Transfer Request – Reserve Funds

MOVED and duly approved a transfer of $500,000 of reserve funds, from First Foundation Bank to US Bank, following the maturity of a $500,000 CDAR on March 7, 2019, for the purposes of maximizing insured funds and to invest in higher yielding CDs with US Bancorp.

Finance Committee – Approve CD Purchase Request – Reserve Funds 

MOVED and duly approved approve the purchase of brokered CDs, from US Bancorp, totaling $300,000 of reserve funds, using funds from the US Bank money market account, all with a 12-month term, at the prevailing interest rates at the time of purchase.

Finance Committee – Approve Funds Transfer Request – Capital Improvement Funds

MOVED and duly approved to authorize the Finance Department to close the non-restricted money market account at First Foundation Bank, as most of these funds are allocated to the Capital Improvement Fund, transferring all funds from this account to the US Bank non-restricted money market account for the purposes of maximizing insured funds and to invest Capital Improvement funds with US Bancorp.

Finance Committee – Approve CD Purchase – Capital Improvement Funds

MOVED and duly approved approve the purchase of two (2) brokered CDs, totaling $500,000 of Capital Improvement funds from the US Bank Money Market account, with a 6-month and a 12-month term, at the prevailing interest rates at the time of purchase and to hold these CDs in a newly established investment account at US Bancorp specifically for holding investments in Capital Improvement Funds.

Finance Committee – Amend Policy 5340-31, Capital Improvement Funds

MOVED and duly approved to amend Policy 5340-31, Capital Improvement Funds, incorporating guidelines on appropriate uses, investing, withdrawing and transferring Capital funds.

Finance Committee – Amend Policy 5115-31, Finance Committee

MOVED and duly approved to amend Policy 5115-31, Finance Committee, to include the duty of reviewing, on a monthly basis, all financial information, as required under applicable sections of the Civil Code.

Physical Property Committee – Capital Funding Request – Administration and Amphitheater Roofs 

MOVED and duly approved AWS Consultants to provide services for pre-bidders conference, review of bids received, interview bidders, assist with the selection process, and provide the Construction Contract for the roofing of the Administration and Amphitheater buildings, Capital funding, at a cost not to exceed $3,500, and approve the Executive Director to initiate the action.

Recreation Committee – Capital Funding Request – Patio Sets Purchase, Café Patio

MOVED and duly approved the purchase of four (4) standard patio furniture sets, in an amount not to exceed $8,487.71, Capital Funding, and authorize the Executive Director to initiate the purchase.

Recreation Committee – Amend Policy 1403-50, Commercial Use

MOVED and duly approved to amend Policy 1403-50, Commercial Use, back to the  Recreation Committee, for further review.

Security, Bus & Traffic Committee – Rescind Policies 5535-37, Pedestrian Gate Security and 5536-37, Gate Security

MOVED and duly approved to rescind Policies 5535-37, Pedestrian Gate Security and 5536-37, Gate Security, as they are procedures, rather than policies.

Mutual Election Cycle Begins; Directors are needed

The community unity displayed in Leisure World Seal Beach is a direct result of all the unpaid volunteer Mutual and GRF board members duly elected to serve their mutuals and the shareholders over many years. What better way to create and sustain a community such as Leisure World then by volunteering time toward the governance of the incredible lifestyle shareholders enjoy?

This community was founded on the premise that the Mutual Boards and the elected board directors would set into operation the day-to-day business of each mutual corporation. Directors address the issues of most importance to their electorate, that is, the shareholders. Board directors find solutions to existing problems, large and small. This is not an easy job. It takes time, effort and a willingness to unselfishly donate a portion of a person’s everyday life to the community in which they live.

Leisure World Seal Beach is full of highly qualified shareholders who have so much expertise to offer, such as knowledge of construction, plumbing and accounting. New ideas and perspectives are always needed and that means volunteers are needed. Consider becoming a candidate for a director’s position on your mutual’s board of directors. 

The schedule below indicates each mutual’s annual meeting date and election. Note the deadlines to apply for candidacy. If you are interested or have any questions relating to becoming a candidate for election to your Mutual’s Board of Directors, contact the Stock Transfer Office at 431-6586, ext. 346.

—Carol Weller, former Mutual Administration Director, updated by Stock Transfer Manager Nancy Ray)

GRF

Restrictions apply to advertising activities

by Kathy Thayer

GRF Recreation Department

GRF Policy 1406-50, item 5 states: “Although Members are allowed to invite guests, no club may advertise or publicize its activities so as to imply its membership or events are open to non-GRF Members.”

Recently, with the prolific use of social media, postings and ads for club events have been showing up on the Internet. It is incumbent upon club officers to educate their members about the policies governing clubs and that promoting an event on trust property outside of Leisure World is strictly prohibited. Electronic newsletters would fall under this provision and should be shared exclusively with club members, with the disclaimer that this event is closed to non-GRF Members.

Although club members may invite a guest, it should be emphasized that the Shareholder/Member who invites the guest must accompany them at all times.

Clubs may not advertise any activity that is in violation of state, local, or federal law. Unless a club is a registered charitable organization or other non-profit with a license to conduct a lottery, raffles and other games of chance are illegal and cannot be promoted.

GRF does provide ample opportunity for promoting clubs via the LW Weekly, flyers, electronic bulletin boards, LWSB website, and the outdoor marquee. Clubs may submit articles to the newspaper by the end of business on Thursdays to be published the following week. Clubs may submit contact and meeting information or even have a link to a subsite under the Active Living tab on LWSB.com. They may provide six 8-½ by 11-inch flyers, in portrait view, two weeks to one month in advance of the gathering to be posted by the Recreation Department at designated locations and as a courtesy, the flyer will be converted to run on the electronic screens, located in all clubhouses. Clubs wishing to advertise their no-charge event where all are welcome may request space on the St. Andrews/Golden Rain marquee, subject to availability, the week prior to the meeting. Restrictions apply when there is a charge, or where donations are solicited, for attending an event. Clubs should contact the Reservations Office to clarify their particular situation before advertising or review all policies concerning clubhouse usage at www.lwsb.com and search under GRF/Policies/Recreation.

Recreation receives calls daily inquiring about clubs when information is not readily found. Help us help you get the word out and thank you for doing it within the rules.

For more information, contact the Reservations Office by email at kathyt@lwsb.com.

LW Dem Club members attend Rouda town hall

On Feb. 19, an enthusiastic crowd of supporters, including LWers Betty Kobata, Mary Tromp, JoAnn Englund, Mary Larson and Mary Romero, gathered in Costa Mesa to hear directly from Congressman Harley Rouda during his first town hall gathering in Orange County. Rouda began by introducing his mentor Scott Peters from San Diego as a 12-year incumbent known as the fourth most independent Democrat in Congress.

Continuing that theme, Rouda stressed the need to work across party lines to achieve bipartisan solutions to the tough problems facing the nation. Citing an op-ed he had authored late last year, Rouda suggested that linking work on infrastructure and climate change would be the best place to begin. “Our best chance to tackle climate change is doubling down on infrastructure.”

During the course of the evening, Congressman Rouda answered questions randomly selected by attendees. 

Only once he turned to his legislative assistant for help with an answer. Questions ranged from: “Do Congressman really like Trump?” to “What will you do to bring down drug prices?” He got the most applause when he spoke about dealing with spent nuclear fuel, citing he was especially concerned about the problems surrounding the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station that once supplied electricity to Southern California but was permanently shut down in 2013.

Attendees were invited to visit his newly opened Orange County field office at 4000 Westerly Place, Ste. 279, Newport Beach, phone (714) 960-6483. 

The Democratic Club members who attend facilitated further discussion about what he had to say during the club’s fourth Tuesday of the month Voter Awareness Series session Feb. 26. 

Club members are reminded that the next meeting is March 20 at noon in Clubhouse 4.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES GOLDEN RAIN FOUNDATION

January 29, 2019

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 6:02 p.m., on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, in Clubhouse Four.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Margaret Bash, President of the Radio Club, led the Pledge of Allegiance. 

ROLL CALL

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

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

PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS

Welcome residents. Thank you for spending the evening with us. There will be another evening meeting on May 28th.  Watch the LW Weekly for updates.

I have three topics that I want to comment on:

First, I want to talk about the 2019 GRF Budget which for the year is $17,053,833. which equates to $215.07, per apartment, per month (PAPM).  Yet all 6,608 units were assessed $158.20, which equates to a Budget of $12,544,820. That’s a difference of $4,509,013. or $56.87 (PAPM). 

Just think, you are saving $56.87 a month. 

How are we doing that? In one word: Revenue. 

Here are the five main contributors:

Health Care Lease – $720,000 annually

Onsite Sales Lease – $478,500 annually ($6.03 PAPM by buying or selling through Onsite Sales).

LW Weekly advertising – $1,130,504 annually

Recovered SRO fees from the Mutuals – $1,496,391

Other – $743,618

So, in the coming months you will find the various committees investigating ways to increase Revenue for this year and the 2020 Budget. And as we saw above, increased revenue will keep our assessments from increasing or keep them at least to a minimum increase.

Please, do not be alarmed or listen to rumors. This exploration will take place in full view at all committee meetings, which are open to all shareholders. 

All committee recommendations or policy changes will be brought to the BOD for final approval. There will be plenty of opportunities to voice your comments – concerns and hopefully suggestions for solutions!

Secondly, in November of last year, a group of GRF Directors and key staff visited Laguna Woods Village for the day. We wanted to see the similarities and differences between the two communities. We couldn’t completely compare because in some ways it is apples to oranges. For instance, they are over 3 square miles and we are 1 square mile. We have approximately 10,000 residents and they have nearly 20,000. But there are a lot of similarities because their basic structure was modeled after us. They have more pools, more and bigger golf courses, added amenities such as horseback riding, archery and a bar and restaurant. 

We wanted to see if they had possible solutions to some of our problems such as access control (they have 12 gates vs our 3), what they are doing about impacted trust streets, clubhouses, etc. I think it is always a good idea to see what our sister communities are doing. Let’s not reinvent the wheel! We discovered many new ideas and possible solutions…a field trip well worth the time spent.

And lastly, one of the most attractive reasons people choose to live in Leisure World Seal Beach is for the wealth of amenities that are offered for Shareholder/Members to enjoy with their friends and families.

In addition to reserving clubhouse space and picnic areas for family get togethers, certain activities can be shared with residents’ guests.

Trust facilities are provided for the use of GRF Members in good standing and their guests who are at least eighteen (18) years old. Members must be present at all times when guests are using the facilities. You are personally responsible for the guests that you issue passes to. 

There have been many reports of guest pass abuse. I’ve even heard that guest passes are being sold for $100 each. Non-members get or buy a pass that allows them the full use of our amenities 365 days a year. Amenities that you paid for and continue to pay for in maintenance, repair and replacement.

In the coming months you will see spot checks made by a staff member from the Recreation Department and/or the Security Department. They will politely ask for your GRF ID and also ask your guest to show their pass. This is being done to ensure that our facilities and amenities are being used first and foremost by shareholders. Let’s keep our community a great place to live for those of us who pay the bills. You’ll have to admit that we have a pretty good thing going…let’s keep it that way!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The GRF Board of Directors met in Executive Session on December 20, 2018 and January 4, 2019, to discuss legal and contractual matters.

SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES

Service awards were deferred until the February 2019 meeting.

SEAL BEACH COUNCIL MEMBER’S REPORT

Seal Beach Council Member Sandra Massa Lavitt was unable to attend the 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

Four 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 Facilities and Amenities Review Ad hoc Committee Board 

  Meeting of November 30, 2018

• Minutes of the Recreation Committee Board Meeting of December 3, 2018

• Minutes of the Physical Property Committee Board Meeting of December 5, 2018

APPROVAL OF BOARD MEETING MINUTES

The minutes of the December 18, 2018 meeting were approved, as presented.

REPORTS

The Chair of the Facilities and Amenities Review (FAR) Ad hoc Committee presented a report on the progress of the Ad hoc Committee.

The Chair of the Management Services Review Ad hoc Committee was not available to present a report on the progress of the Ad hoc Committee.

The Strategic Planning Ad hoc Committee presented a report on the progress of the Ad hoc Committee.

The Health Care Center Advisory Board presented a report on the progress of the Advisory Board.

NEW BUSINESS

General

Appointment Strategic Planning Ad hoc Committee Chair

In accordance with Article VIII of the Bylaws, Committee chairs and members shall be appointed by the GRF President, “as deem[ed] necessary for the administration of the affairs of the Corporation, and to carry out the purposes of the Corporation, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.”

Ms. Stone MOVED, seconded by Ms. Hopewell and carried unanimously by the Board members present-

TO appoint Strategic Planning Ad hoc Committee Vice Chair, Ronde Winkler, as Chair of the Committee.

Rescind Policy 3330-70, Health Care Center Maintenance

With the approval of a lease with OptumCare, at the July 24, 2018 GRF Board of Directors meeting, Policy 3330-70, Health Care Center Maintenance is no longer applicable.

Mr. Moore MOVED, seconded by Ms. Snowden and carried unanimously by the Board members present-

TO rescind Policy 3330-70, Health Care Center Maintenance.

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

Funding, in the amount of $25,000 has been allocated in the Reserve Study for all HVAC systems in 2019; as of this date, no funds have been used. The heat pumps (unit #6, in Clubhouse One, and unit #8, in Clubhouse Two) have failed and are beyond their useful life. 

The Physical Property Department obtained quotes from two contractors for the replacement of these Reserve Components.  The costs are as follows:

Alpine Heating and Air                            $12,600

Greenwood Heating and Air                   $12,900

Mrs. Perrotti MOVED, seconded by Mr. Dodero carried unanimously by the Board members present- 

TO award a contract to Alpine Heating and Air, for a cost not to exceed $12,600, to replace the heat pumps in Clubhouses One and Two, units #6 and #8, respectively, Reserve funding, and authorize the President to sign the contract.

Finance Committee

Accept December Financial Statements

At the regularly scheduled meeting of the Finance Committee on January 17, 2019, the Committee duly moved to recommend to the Golden Rain Foundation Board of Directors acceptance of the December 2018 financial statements for audit.

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

TO accept the December 2018 financial statements for audit.

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

Approve Liquid Reserve Funds Transfer Request

At the regularly scheduled meeting of the Finance Committee on January 17, 2019, 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 $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.

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

 

TO approve a 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.

Investment Ladder – CD Purchase Request

At the regularly scheduled meeting of the Finance Committee on January 17, 2019, 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 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.

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

 

TO approve 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.

One Director and the Director of Finance spoke on the motion.

The motion was carried unanimously by the Board members present.

Additional Fidelity Bond Coverage

At the Finance Committee meeting of January 17, 2019, the Committee reviewed the Fidelity Bond requirements of Assembly Bill 2912, noting detailed discussions were held with DLD and Chubb in reference to the requirements to be compliant with the AB2912.  Upon completion of all negotiations, a quotation was secured increasing the existing coverage of $1.5 million to $10 million to comply with AB2912 for an additional premium of $11,435 (expense to be proportionally divided between GRF and all Mutuals.  

Ms. Hopewell MOVED, seconded by Ms. Gerber-

TO approve 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.

Two Directors and the Executive Director spoke on the motion.

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

Authorization of Fund Transfers

At the January 17, 2019, meeting of the Finance Committee, the Committee reviewed the attached resolution as drafted by GRF Corporate Counsel for compliance to AB2912 and duly moved and approved to recommend to the GRF Board acceptance of the resolution as drafted.  

Mr. Friedman MOVED, seconded by Ms. Fekjar and carried unanimously by the Board members present-

 TO approve the Resolution to Authorize Fund Transfers, as drafted.

FINAL VOTE: Amend Policy 3324-31, Purchasing Fees

At its meeting on October 15, 2018, the Finance Committee recommended the Golden Rain Foundation (GRF) Board of Directors (BOD) amend Policy 3324-31, Purchasing Fees.  The Committee further amended the policy at its November 19, 2018 meeting.

At its meeting of November 27, 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 29th 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 3324-31, Purchasing Fees, during the 30-day notification to the membership period.

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

 

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

At its regularly scheduled meeting on January 17, 2019,  the Information Technology Committee (ITC) duly moved and approved to recommend to the GRF Board of Directors technology updates to the Administration Conference Room.

Updates:

• Projectors will be removed and three (3) 75” monitors will be installed

• Webcam will be installed to enable video conferencing

• iPad + Apple Pencil will be purchased to use as a tablet

• Cabling in all cubbies and equipment cabinet will be cleaned up

The costs for all technology updates will not exceed $15,000, Capital funding.

Ms. Snowden MOVED, seconded by Mr. Gould –

 

TO recommend the GRF Board approve 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.

Three Directors spoke on the motion.

The motion was carried unanimously by the Board members present.

Mutual Administration Committee

TENTATIVE 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 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. 

At the December 18, 2018 GRF Board of Directors meeting, the Board moved to refer Policy 1201-33, GRF Identification Cards back to the Mutual Administration Committee, for further review.

At its meeting on January 14, 2019, the Mutual Administration Committee further amended the policy and recommended the Golden Rain Foundation (GRF) Board of Directors (BOD) amend Policy 1201-33, Photo Identification Cards.

Ms. Snowden MOVED, seconded by Mr. Dodero –

 

TO 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.

Four Directors spoke on the motion.

The motion was carried with three no votes (Fekjar, Hopewell, Perrotti).

Physical Property Committee

Contractors of Record

To streamline the bidding process, it has been suggested to approve contractors of record for a one-year term. The following contractors have won bids with their low bids in the past and have agreed to honor the same cost as previously bid. Attached are costs provided by the following contractors:

M.J. Jurado 

Schlick Services

Greenwood Heating and Air

Advanced Painting

Kress Construction

At its January meeting, the Physical Property Committee agreed to forward a request to the GRF Board to approve contractors of record for M.J. Jurado, Schlick Services, Greenwood Heating and Air, Advanced Painting, and Kress Construction.

Following a brief  discussion, Mr. Lukoff,MOTIONED, seconded by Mrs. Fekjar and carried unanimously – 

Ms. Fekjar MOVED, seconded by Mr. Lukoff-

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

Seven Directors and the Executive Director spoke on the motion.

Mr. Friedman MOVED, seconded by Ms. Fekjar

TO amend the motion to approve contractors of record for contracts that do not exceed $10,000.

Mr. Lukoff MOVED, seconded by Ms. Winkler – 

TO override the prior motion, amending the amendment to approve contractors of record for contracts not to exceed $50,000.

Five Directors and the Executive Director spoke on the motion.

The amendment to the amendment failed with nine no votes (Dodero, Fekjar, Findlay, Friedman, Gould, Hopewell, Snowden, L. Stone, R. Stone).

The original amendment (…for contracts that do not exceed $10,000) was carried with one no vote (R. Stone).

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

Capital and Reserve Funding Request – Restrooms, Lockers and Breakrooms, Service Maintenance

The Service Maintenance Committee requested the Architectural Review Design Committee make selections for color and type from a scope of work provided to them for the improvements to the Service Maintenance Break room, Locker room, and Restroom in the Service Maintenance Building. The list of items, selected by the ADRC, is attached as exhibit (A) and was used to obtain costing for this project as follows:

At its January 2, 2019 meeting, the Physical Property Committee recommended the GRF Board award contracts and work orders, pending Finance Committee review, to the following: 

• 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 Grey 

• Talmar install two work stations

• Greenwood Heating and Air to install heat pump 

It was suggested to break down the cost of this project into two parts: Break room and Restroom/Locker room:

At its regular meeting in January 17, 2019 the Finance Committee reviewed available funding for this Capital project, and unanimously resolved Capital funding is available. 

Mrs. Perrotti MOVED, seconded by Mr. Friedman-

TO award a contract/work order 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.

Nine Directors, the Executive Director and the Physical Property Director spoke on the motion.

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

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

Fifteen Board members spoke on the meeting proceedings.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned was at 7:53 p.m.

_______________________________________

Suzanne Fekjar

GRF Corporate Secretary

dfb

SPECIAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBERS MEETING – GOLDEN RAIN FOUNDATION

February 12, 2019

In accordance with Article V, Section 3, of the corporation by-laws and pursuant to due notice being delivered to the Directors and shareholders, a special meeting of the Golden Rain Foundation (GRF) Board of Directors was called to order by President Stone at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, in the Administration Conference Room.   

 

ROLL CALL

Following the roll call, Corporate Secretary Fekjar reported that Directors Perrotti, R. Stone, Snowden, L. Stone, Gerber, Gould, Hopewell, Rapp, Fekjar, Dodero, Winkler, Heinrich, Lukoff, Friedman, and Moore were present. Directors Findlay and Pratt were absent.   Fifteen Board members were present, with a quorum of voting majority.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Corporate Secretary Suzanne Fekjar.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The President announced that the CAMUTCD certification has been awarded to Leisure World, Seal Beach.

MEMBER COMMENTS

No shareholder/members offered comments.

Employee Health Care Insurance, Annual Renewal

The Human Resources Director presented the options for employee health care insurance, for annual renewal.   The Executive Director recommended the Board chose the Anthem A HMO Medical Plans.

Ms. Stone MOVED, seconded by Mr. Gould and carried unanimously by the Board Directors present –  

TO recommend to the GRF Board the following GRF employee benefit plans for the plan year beginning April 1, 2019 and ending March 31, 2020:

Anthem A HMO Medical Plans

Guardian Dental HMO and PPO Plans

Guardian VSP Vision Plan

Guardian Basic Life and AD&D Insurance Plan

Guardian Long Term Disability Plan

Guardian Employee Assistance Plan

Guardian Voluntary Life Plan

Guardian Voluntary Accident Plan

Guardian Voluntary Critical Illness Plan

VPI Voluntary Pet Insurance Plan

Reimbursement of up to $500 Hospitalization cost annually per employee.

Flexible Spending Account Plan

for full time GRF employees effective April 1, 2019.

The motion was carried with three no votes (Hopewell, Perrotti, Snowden).

Ms. Fekjar MOVED, Ms. Rapp seconded

TO go into Executive Session.

At 10:57 a.m., Mr. Friedman recused himself from the Executive Session.

Ms Rapp MOVED, seconded by Ms. Winkler and carried by the Board Directors present –

TO return to open session

The meeting was adjourned at 11:26 a.m.

______________________________

Suzanne Fekjar, Corporate Secretary

GRF Board of Directors

dfb: 02.12.19

Community

Living his dream… Breamon Richard’s hard work on the Beach hardwood is rewarded

by Cathie Merz

cathiem_news@lwsb.com

“School, gym, commute, eat, sleep and repeat,” that is how Breamon Richard, senior guard for the Long Beach State men’s basketball team describes his day. “I have no social life.” 

But he is not complaining, he is living his dream and is “blessed to have the opportunity to play for the Beach.”

Richard is one of the six seniors who will be honored at the Long Beach State men’s basketball Senior Game on March 6 against the University of Riverside. 

This is the final game before the Big West Tournament begins and the seniors will bid farewell to the Mike and Arline Walter Pyramid, their home for two or more seasons.

The GRF Recreation Department will escort a busload of shareholders to the Senior Game. The cost is $6, including bus transportation.

Other seniors to be honored are four-year player center Temidayo Yussuf and forward Mason Riggins and two-year transfers, forward KJ Byers and guards Bryan Alberts and Deishuan Booker. 

Richard might be small in basketball terms, 5-foot-10, but he is mighty, fast and always ready to come off the bench “play defense, be active, get a spark, change tempo, anything the coach asks,” he says.

His effort and contributions do not show up on the stat sheet, but his play does not go unnoticed. 

“I hope you know how important you are to this team,” said Head Coach Dan Monson, after a hard fought, come-from-behind victory last week at the Pyramid.

“I wish I had a scholarship for every guy like that, because he needs to be rewarded,” said Monson. “Oh, one came open a couple weeks ago and I’m going to give it to you.” 

Richard says that the scholarship is the highlight of his career at the Beach.

Playing without a scholarship, Richard commuted from Los Angeles by bus and train to get to campus taking two hours each way for two years while a member of the team and during his first year when he was the team manager.

He started playing basketball at age 5 with his father and brother. “I loved it and have ever since. I’m a gym rat.” 

Richard graduated from University High School in Los Angeles where he was a two-time first-team All-Western League selection, averaging 11.5 points and 1.8 assists per game his senior year. 

Upon graduation he was accepted to Cal State, Long Beach. He tried out for the basketball team and was cut, because there were no openings on the team. He didn’t want to leave the program so he stayed on as the team’s manager for a year, leaving each morning at 5 to catch a bus and train to get to practice. 

The following year he applied to Long Beach City College in hopes of getting noticed and earning a scholarship to an NCAA Division 1 program.

At LBCC, he was a two-time all-conference honoree and scored in double figures in all 26 games during the 2016-17 season. He ranked 10th in the state in scoring. 

After completing his two years of eligibility at LBCC, Richard called Coach Monson and asked to tryout for the team. Monson was not encouraging, because there would only be limited minutes available. But Richard never quit and kept working hard.

“It’s that kind of character that will change this program around,” said Monson.

Richard doesn’t play a lot of minutes, averaging only 5.3 minutes per game, and rarely scores.

In the Hawaii game on Oahu last month, Richard made a half-court shot as time ran out at the half. “I never hit one before,” he said. It is hard to say if he saw it go through the hoop, he took off for the locker room so fast, it was reminiscent of the Lakers’ Derek Fisher when he hit the winning shot with .4 seconds left in a Lakers playoff game.

He said that the Beach is the greatest. He has learned about himself and loyalty. The program has been like a family to him and he will do anything to help the team. 

Tickets for the game are on sale at the Recreation Office in Building 5 for $6, including transportation and fees. Make reservations either by emailing events@lwsb.com, in person, or by calling 431-6586, ext. 324. Guests are welcome but must be accompanied by a GRF member. No accessible seating is available for this event.

GRF RECREATION 

Tickets on sale to see Angels vs. Yankees

The Recreation Department has scheduled three Leisure World Days at Angel Stadium for residents and their guests during the 2019 baseball season. 

The first game will be against the New York Yankees on April 24 at 7 p.m. The Yankees are always a big draw at Anaheim Stadium, so purchase tickets, $40, soon at the Recreation Office, located in Building 5, lower level. 

Tickets include transportation. A hot dog and beverage may be purchased for an additional $6.50, and a ball cap may be added for $3. 

Participants need to complete a release form, also available at the Recreation Office. 

The bus leaves promptly at 5 p.m. from the Amphitheater parking lot, but passengers must arrive by 4:30 to be processed. 

Accessible seating is available if requested at the time of ticket purchase. The tickets are non-refundable.

Two more excursions are planned June 27 and July 21.

For more information, contact the Tommy Fileto at 431-6586 ext. 324 or email thomasf@lwsb.com.

CONCERNED SHAREHOLDERS

Ankeny is guest speaker Feb. 28

Concerned Shareholders will meet Feb. 28 at 1 p.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 2. 

Randy Ankeny, GRF executive director, will speak on training new directors and the upcoming elections for Mutual and Golden Rain Foundation board members. 

He will also discuss new projects pending and under consideration and the progress on approvals for new buyers by the Mutuals and GRF Stock Transfer department. 

There will be a question-and-answer discussion. 

There will also be open discussion on topics members want to talk about. 

Annual dues are $3.

FRIENDSHIP CLUB

Learn about Android phone, tablet

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

• 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)

• Monday, March 4, Clubhouse 3, Room 4

11-11:30 a.m. –  Intro to iPhone/iPad (Sacks)

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

Noon – Facebook for Beginners (Fernandez)

• Monday, March 11, Clubhouse 3, Room 4

11-11:30 a.m.-  Intro to Windows 7-10 (Sacks)

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

Noon -Facebook for Beginners (Fernandez)

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.

LW HUMANISTS

‘Is Humanism a religion?’ is topic

The Leisure World Humanist will meet Sunday, March 3, at 10:30 a.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 1. 

Juan Bernal will discuss the controversy over whether humanism is a religion — one that worships humanity instead of God — or not. The idea that humanism is a religion has been expressed recently in two best-selling books, “Sapiens” and “Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow.” 

However, secular humanists disagree and hold the view that Humanism embraces human over supernaturally based values. Their perspective of reality is based on scientific naturalism and a critical, rational philosophy. 

The meeting should be thought provoking and lead to an interesting discussion.

Sunshine Club speakers line-up announced for March

The Sunshine Club will meet, tomorrow, March 1, at 10 a.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 9. The club is designed to help all people to get along in the community and for neighbors to have better communication and to get the best out of living in Leisure World by learning how to use available information. The classes uses LW Weekly as a textbook to go over LW news, general columns, etc. 

The club invites LW community leaders and club representatives to introduce their organizations and also a wide variety of specialists from “outside the wall” to share their experiences and ideas with club members. Guest speakers familiarize shareholders about various topics that enhance living in LW.

On March 8, GRF Director Ronde Winkler, Mutual 10, will be the guest; Dr. Leyla Ali, pharmacist and author of “Off Balance, The American Way of Health, A Pharmacist’s Perspective on Why Drugs Don’t Work,” will be the guest on March 15; Rick Paap, retired Seal Beach police officer, will be the guest on March 22; and Victor Rocha, GRF security services director will be the guest on March 29. 

The topic of each guest speaker’s presentation is announced prior to their visit.

The club appreciates shareholders bringing their own coffee mugs to participate in the club’s “Save The Earth” program. Arrive 5-10 minutes early to enjoy refreshments before the meeting begins at 10 a.m.

The club meets on Fridays, in Clubhouse 3, Room 2, (except the first Friday in Room 9), from 10 a.m.-noon. All shareholders are welcome to attend, no membership is required, Refreshments are served. 

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

GAF Mobility Aids loans equipment to shareholders

by John Hlavac

LW contributor

One of the most frequently used and appreciated services of the Golden Age Foundation is its Mobility Aids program. For more than 35 years, the GAF has provided, at no cost, walkers and wheelchairs to Leisure World residents. 

Each year the GAF loans out an average of 1,200 mobility aids to assist LW residents who are experiencing difficulty ambulating due to health issues. The program is staffed by friends and  neighbors, men and women who donate their time and talents to keep it thriving. The mobility aids team includes 33 shareholders who carry out specific tasks essential to maintaining the loan system.

The GAF offers two types of walkers and two types of chairs. The walkers include a foldable light-weight aluminum model (commonly called a tennis ball walker) and the heavier model, called a rollator, which comes with both a seat and brakes. The chairs offered are the well-known wheelchair and its cousin, the transport chair.  Wheelchairs are powered by the person seated in the chair, while transport chairs require a spouse or caregiver to move the chair around.

The lightweight foldable walker is easier to maneuver inside an apartment. Mobility Aids program chair and resident John Hlavac found a lightweight walker necessary while recovering from knee replacement that left him unable to get around. With the aid of the walker he was able to move about his apartment, take care of daily tasks and gradually begin walking outside. After a while he turned in his walker and moved on to the heavier rollator, which gave him the ability to walk for greater distances with confidence. The rollator is especially beneficial as a long-term mobility aid for residents with balance and stability concerns.

The Mobility Aids program is limited to wheelchairs and walkers. 

Due to sanitizing concerns, GAF does not loan or accept as donations other medical devices such as bedside commodes or shower chairs. The GAF does not loan out crutches or canes, which may be purchased at the Pharmacy. 

The non-profit Golden Age Foundation was created in 1973 to benefit shareholders. All services are provided by tax deductible donations and bequests from residents and friends. For more information, to donate or to volunteer call 431-9589.

Community

Play bingo on Sundays, CH 2

Bingo games, sponsored by different Leisure World clubs, are played at 1:30 p.m. on Sundays in Clubhouse 2. The doors open at 1. All LWers are welcome. Complimentary refreshments are served.

On March 3 the games will be hosted by the New York Club.

The New York Club hosts the first Sunday of the month; Gadabouts, second Sunday; St. Therese of Holy Family Parish, third Sunday; and the American Legion, the fourth and fifth Sundays.KACMA

Class features sonatas by Mozart

The Korean-American Classical Music Academy (KACMA) will meet today, Feb. 28, at 9:30 a.m. in Clubhouse 4.

Ken Chong will present concertos and sonatas by Mozart, including  his “Concerto for Flute, Harp and Orchestra, II, Andantino,” “Violin Sonata No. 26,”  “Piano Sonata No. 11” and “Serenade No. 10, III, Adagio.”

Robert Chung will follow with the members’ hour.

The KACMA class is conducted in Korean and open to all residents. The gathering encourages a fellowship through the enjoyment of mostly classical music and attending outside concerts in a group.

For further information, contact President Angel Joh, 598-0313; Program Chair Robert Chung, 387-7377; or Publicity Chair Yoon Soo Park, 431-3036.

NIKKEI CLUB

Centenarian birthdays will be celebrated

The Nikkei Club will meet Saturday, March 9, at 10 a.m. in Clubhouse 4, Rooms A and B. This will be a special gathering to celebrate the birthdays of Victor Kambe, 100, and Yoshi Oshiki, 101. 

Victor is a former president of the Nikkei Club. 

All former and current members of the Nikkei Club and guests are invited to attend this special day. Lunch will be ordered from Sango Restaurant. 

To order the Japanese lunch, $10, contact Ben Watada, bgwatada@gmail.com, 795-9137, or Aki Green, hinodeSO@gmail.com; 594-4343, no later than March 1.

Anna Derby, president of the Sunshine Club, will be the guest speaker. She will share the history of the Sunshine Club in Leisure World.

The club is putting out feelers to inquire if any former and current members and their guests are interested in taking a tour of the Los Angeles Japantown in June. The bus rental for up to 27 people costs $583 or a larger bus carrying 47 people is $703. Individuals traveling on the bus will pay for the transportation cost. 

The Japanese-American National Museum admission is $5 for seniors and general admission is $9 for guided tours for groups of 10 or more; reservations are required in advance

AMERICAN LATINO 

Club meets for potluck March 1

The American Latino Club will have its monthly potluck meeting at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 1, in Clubhouse 4. 

Members are encouraged to bring their favorite dish, enough for six people, except cake.

At the meeting, members will talk about new plans for 2019.

Yiddish Club

Meaning of Purim will be subject

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

The topic will be the “Meaning of Purim and the Megila.”

After words and proverbs in Yiddish are presented, President Yakob Basner will talk about the topic and recite stories and humor about Purim.

Well-known Yiddish singer, Harriet Benesh will perform Purim songs. 

Refreshments will be served after the program.

Obituaries

OBITUARY

Former GRF Director Lee Rickerson died

LeRoy “Lee” Rickerson, Jr., Mutual 11, died Feb. 12, 2019.

Rickerson was elected to the Golden Rain Foundation Board of Directors in 2003 and served until 2009.

Rickerson was born on Dec. 20, 1930, in Oklahoma, to Lillian and LeRoy Rickerson. 

The early years of his life were spent in Dallas, Texas, with his parents and two younger brothers. After graduating from Adamson High School, he joined the Air Force and served four years as an A&E mechanic and was on the boxing team. 

In 1955, he moved to Los Angeles where he met his wife and soulmate , Connie. They married on April 14, 1956, in Las Vegas. They were married for 62 years.

He worked for Douglas Aircraft in Santa Monica for two years and then went to work as a claim analyst for Thrifty Drugs Distribution Warehouse. He worked for the company for 34 years. He was active in the I.L.W.U. and was the department steward and chief steward for several years.  

He earned his real estate license and sold real estate parttime. He retired in 1992. 

Lee and Connie moved to Leisure World from Riverside, California, in September 1996, where he became active on the Mutual 11 board of directors and served four years as president, prior to being elected to the GRF board of directors.

While serving on the GRF board he was chair of the Security, Bus and Traffic Committee and vice chair of the Resales committee. He was also a member of the Medical, Publications, Recreation, Finance, Physical Property, Information Technology and Library committees.

Lee was the president of the Italian-American Club for two years and president of the Pool and Snooker Club for five years. He also enjoyed the Karaoke Club and was in the Baptist Church choir. 

Rickerson was preceded in death by his soulmate, Connie, on May 8, 2014, and his brothers Lester and Milton. 

He is survived by his daughter, Joanne (Jim) Malara; grandsons, Jason and Travis Malara; great-grandson, Ayden Malara and many nieces and nephews from out-of-state.

He is interred at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Culver City.  

Obituaries

Parris, Joseph Ulysses

1931-2018 

Joseph Ulysses Parris was born on Dec. 23 , 1931, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,  to  Ethel and John Parris. He departed this life suddenly on Aug. 10, 2018.  

He attended the Pittsburgh Public Schools and continued his education at Mountain View College in California. 

He joined the Navy at the age of 17 and was active serving his country until he retired.  

On June 4, 1978 he married his beloved Marilyn and they were married 28 wonderful years until her death Nov. 8, 2006.  

While stationed at Moffett Field for seven years, he grew to love California. From this base he was sent to many places around the world. 

Joseph and Marilyn enjoyed taking adult education classes at San Francisco State University. They spent many years traveling across the United States in their recreational vehicle. They also enjoyed cruises and traveling to Europe. 

He loved his family and always had a soft spot in his heart for children.   He was involved in several organizations in California including, Community House, Littlemans Market  and assisting with the Headstart program.  He  presented as a nice father image to young people. He also worked with behavior problems and conduct concerns of young people. He volunteered for the Stanford Children’s Hospital assisting taking disabled children on trips. 

Joseph was one of few Black men in the Marine Corps. While in the service he was awarded nine metals, including the Marine Corps Good Conduct Metal, and the Navy Achievement, Combat Action and  the United Nations Service Metals.  

Joseph is survived by one sibling Charles (Joanne) of Indiana,       Pennsylvania. 

His other brothers and sisters preceded him in death,  John Parris, Mary E. Russell, Robert Parris and Charolette Findley.  

He has two children, Minister Jacqueline (Henry) Thorne of Richmond, Virginia; Victoria (Heath) Clary of Bear, Delaware and stepdaughter Susan Scott of        California.  He also leaves behind  eight grandchildren, Phillip, Clarissa (Daniel) White, Sasha (Trevon) Walker, Chase Clary, Terri Thorne and Emmanuel Thorne.  Six great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held March 1, at 11 a.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 3. 

—paid obituary

•••

In Memoriam 

Jeffrey Abbott    58

David Werts  83

Evan Wride  39

Gilberto Gonzalez  61

Marie Daniell  69

Mary Nicolai  89

Dorothy Paul  93

Jorge Maldonado  74 

Jerome Parks  58

Thomas Herold  69

Maureen Manning  67

Harry Duckworth  92

Alvin Cooley  71             

Families assisted by 

McKenzie Mortuary, 

961-9301

—paid obituary

•••

Heath, Lynn R.

1949-2019

Lynn R. Heath, age 69, passed away on Feb. 12, 2019, at Los Alamitos Medical Center after a long battle with cancer. 

She was born on April 14, 1949, to Richard Heath and Betty Russell of Rockford, Illinois. 

She lived a life of adventure and entrepreneurship. She valued her family and dearest friends above all else and was surrounded with love until the very end. Lynn will be profoundly missed and always remembered.

Lynn was an active member of the Sierra Club and Leisure World where she made many friends.

Her love for life led her on many trips with minimal provisions, but rich experiences with friends of like minds. Some of her accomplishments included climbing Mount Everest, the Himalayas, Swiss Alps and Mount Kilimanjaro. She also walked the Great Wall of China and the El Camino Trail in Spain. 

She had a great love for dancing and an inspiring touch of creativity. She was a member of the Leisure World Theater Club.

She also was an entrepreneur and owned her own plaster crafts business, Heath in Crafts.

Lynn was positive in spirit and passed that along to everyone she crossed paths with. Her kindness of heart was her instrument of compassion and empathy for anyone who needed it. She believed life held many lessons, and that it should be lived to the fullest.

Lynn was predeceased by her father, Richard Heath, and mother, Betty Jane Jones. 

She is survived by her daughter, Tiffney Heath and grandson, Taylor Heath, Prescott, Arizona; sisters, Cindy Draper-Stokstad, Rockford, Illinois; Ricci Heath, Keizer, Oregon; Betsy Foshe, Pecatonica, Illinois; brother, D. Jay Heath, Long Beach, California; half-sister, Carol Whitbeck Young, Roseburg, Oregon; half-brother Russell Gridley, Signal Hill, California; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life was held on Feb. 16.

—paid obituary

•••

Woelfel, Norma Jean

1933-2019

Norma J. Woelfel, a resident of Leisure World, Seal Beach, California, died Feb. 16, 2019, at Rowntree Gardens in Stanton, California. 

She was preceded in death by her life partner, Clay M. Johnston.

The daughter of Charles and Helen Woelfel, she was born Feb. 21, 1933, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her primary schooling was in Adrian, Michigan. She graduated from Cooley High School in Detroit, Michigan, and later attended Woodbury College in Los Angeles, California, Class of 1956.

Her career in association management and event planning spanned over 50 years. 

While at Woodbury, she was initiated into the Eta Upsilon Gamma Sorority and later the Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity. She had, over many years, coordinated reunions of those sisters, while maintaining a close relationship with the university, serving on the President’s Executive Council.

Norma served as chief financial officer and director on the Leisure World Mutual 9 Board of Directors, 2015-2017.

Prior to moving to Leisure World in 1999, she resided in San Pedro, California, for over 20 years and before that, South Pasadena, California, after moving from Michigan in 1952.

Norma’s humor, laughter and kind heart will be missed deeply by all of her friends and neighbors.

•••

Powell, Robert P. 

1939-2019

Robert P. Powell, 79, Mutual 1, died peacefully Feb. 18, 2019, after a long illness.

Bob was born on Nov. 12, 1939, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He graduated with a degree in landscape architecture from Louisiana State University, and later moved to New Orleans. He owned and operated a landscape company and garden center with his family in West Hartford, Connecticut, until his retirement and move to Leisure World. 

Bob was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. He was past president of the Connecticut Nurserymen’s Association, the New England Nurserymen’s Association, and the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce.

He enjoyed RV traveling, country western dancing and zydeco music and dancing. His latest passion was watercolor painting. Bob especially enjoyed working at Disneyland during his college summer breaks.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Lynn Gorman Powell, Sr. and Lucille Powell, and brothers Lynn Powell, Jr. and William Powell, and is survived by his wife Mary (nee Lafond) Powell, children Sean Powell, Steven Powell, and Karen Powell, and siblings Joyce Hays, Charles Powell, and Wayne Powell.

Bob was a United States Navy veteran. Services will be private, and he will be interred at the Riverside National Veterans Cemetery •••

Davenport, Mary A. 

1923 – 2018

Best Friend and Best Mother 

Mary Davenport lived in Mutual 4 for 15 years. Mary passed away at the age of 95 on Oct. 31, 2018. A beautiful Catholic Funeral Mass took place Dec. 4, 2018, at Holy Family Catholic Church. Family and friends now rejoice that Mary is with her Lord and Savior where she is surrounded with God’s love, beauty and peace. 

Mary had two sisters and three brothers. All have passed. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ellis C. Davenport, in 1998. Mary is survived by her two children, John Davenport and Patricia Davenport; two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Mary was warm, loving, adventurous, intelligent and very generous. She gave to many charities and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She lived a full life, living out her many dreams, including building a house in the redwoods along the northern coast of California with her husband, Ellis. 

Many people in Leisure World saw Mary with her daughter Patricia, who cared for her mother in her later years. No one could ask for a better mother or friend. We all loved her sense of humor, her warm loving smile and her loving heart. She will be missed. 

Love you mom.

—paid obituary

Travel

On the Go

Day Trips 

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.

Anaheim Angels – April 24, $40, GRF Recreation, events@lwsb.com, 431-6586, ext. 326

Stars on Ice, Honda Center – Saturday, May 11, $40, GRF Recreation, events@lwsb.com, 431-6586, ext. 326

Beauty and the Beast, La Mirada Theater – Thursday, June 6, $85, Children-A-Priority, Juanita Townsend, 431-4026 

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 

Central Coast Whales, Rails & Dunes – March 6-8, David Nell/Good Times Travel, (888) 488-2287

Death Valley Splendor – March 17-19, David Nell/Good Times Travel, (888) 488-2287

Desert Bloom – 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, Traveling Tigers Club, Joanna Matos, 598-1849

Golden Nugget Las Vegas – Sept. 8-11, motorcoach tour Traveling Tigers Club, Joanna Matos, 598-1849

Canadian Rockies & Glacier Park—Sept. 8-14, Traveling Tigers Club, Joanna Matos, 598-1849

Palm Springs, Death Valley, Joshua Tree & Las Vegas—Nov. 4-7; motorcoach sightseeing, Traveling Tigers Club, Joanna Matos, 598-1849

Hearst Castle at Christmas Time —Dec. 16-18, Motorcoach sightseeing, Traveling Tigers Club, Joanna Matos, 598-1849

GRF RECREATION

Get tickets to watch Ducks game

Anaheim Ducks will take on the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday, March 20, with the puck dropping at 7 p.m. Everyone in attendance will receive a Ryan Getzlaf NHL Draft Bobblehead presented by San Manuel Casino. Seats for the game are in the lower bowl.

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. 

Getzlaf is the Ducks’ team captain. He has played his entire professional career in the Ducks organization and ranks as one of the franchise’s all-time leading scorers. 

He has played in three NHL All-Star Games and was a member of the Ducks’ 2007 Stanley Cup championship team.

The Honda Center officially opened as Anaheim Arena on June 19, 1993. In October of that same year, it was renamed Arrowhead Pond and hosted the first Mighty Ducks of Anaheim game. A new era began in 2005, when Henry and Susan Samueli took ownership of both the team and the venue management company. In 2006, the official name of the arena changed to Honda Center, along with the team to Anaheim Ducks.

The Honda Center scoreboard, measuring 27 feet tall and 47 feet 10 inches wide, has the clearest and highest definition picture available in any North American venue.

Outing planned to see ‘Beauty and the Beast’

Children-A-Priority will escort a trip to see “Beauty and the Beast” at the La Mirada Theater on Thursday, June 6.

“Beauty and the Beast” is a musical with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and book by Linda Woolverton. The play is adapted from Walt Disney Pictures’ Academy Award-winning 1991 animated musical film of the same name, which was based on the classic French fairy tale by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont.

Beauty and the Beast tells the story of a cold-blooded prince who has been magically transformed into an unsightly creature as punishment for his selfish ways. To revert into his true human form, the Beast must first learn to love a bright, beautiful young woman whom he has imprisoned in his enchanted castle before it is too late.

All eight songs from the animated film are in the musical.

The bus will leave the Amphitheater at 7 p.m.

The cost for the play and transportation is $85.

For tickets and information, call Juanita Townsend, 431-4026.

Catch bus to Pauma from LW

The bus to Pauma will return to Leisure World on Wednesday, March 13. 

Pick up is at Clubhouse 4  at 7:30 a.m. and at the Amphitheater bus stop at 7:45 a.m.

Rollin’ Thunder

Air and Water Day is postponed

The Rollin’ Thunder’s Air and Water Day scheduled for Saturday, March 2, has been moved to Saturday, March 9, due to the expected heavy rain forecasted for this weekend.