LWW Translate/Vie 12-30-21

 Dec 30 2021

New Year, New Laws

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed more than 700 bills into law, including leaf blower restrictions, election ballots mailouts, police procedures and streamlining end-of-life transitions for terminally ill people. Some of these laws will not go into effect for years, but some of the legislation may begin impacting daily life in California starting Jan. 1.

Here are a few of the most wide-reaching new California laws:

• Assembly Bill 1276 prohibits dine-in restaurants, drive-throughs and food-delivery platforms from handing out single-use utensils and condiment packets unless the customer asks.

• Assembly Bill 37 requires elections officials to mail every active registered voter in California a ballot for all future elections.

• Assembly Bill 1346 bans the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers, lawn mowers and other small off-road engines, starting in 2024 at the earliest. The law would not prohibit the sale of used gas-powered machinery.

• Senate Bill 380 streamlines California’s assisted death process, making it easier for terminally ill patients to obtain a lethal prescription and end their lives on their own terms. This bill would allow for an individual to qualify for aid-in-dying medication by making 2 oral requests a minimum of 48 hours apart. 

The bill would eliminate the requirement that an individual who is prescribed and ingests aid-in-dying medication make a final attestation. It does require that the date of all oral and written requests be documented in an individual’s medical record and would require that upon a transfer of care, that record be provided to the qualified individual. 

• Proposition 12 seeks to improve living conditions for farm animals in California. The ballot initiative, approved by voters in 2018, bans metal enclosures that restrict pigs from turning around and battery cages that prevent hens from opening their wings. Meat industry experts have estimated that bacon costs could increase by 60 percent. The law is due to take effect Jan. 1, though a group of restaurants and grocery stores have filed a lawsuit to block it, according to news reports. 

• Senate Bill 9 creates a streamlined process to split lots, add second units to properties and convert homes into duplexes.

• Assembly Bill 481 requires law enforcement agencies to seek approval from their local governing bodies when buying surplus military equipment, such as armored vehicles and flashbang grenades.

• Assembly Bill 26 requires police departments to adopt policies that mandate immediate reporting when an officer witnesses a colleague using excessive force and punishes those who do not intervene.

• Assembly Bill 490 prevents police from using restraints and transport methods that carry a substantial risk of suffocating the suspect.

• Assembly Bill 48 prohibits police from firing rubber bullets or tear gas at a protest unless all other crowd control methods have been exhausted, and it is “objectively reasonable to defend against a threat to life or serious bodily injury.”

• Senate Bill 16 allows for more types of police personnel records to be subject to public disclosure, including those related to excessive use of force and sustained findings of failure to intervene, unlawful arrests and searches, and discrimination.

• Senate Bill 73 ends mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug crimes, giving judges discretion to hand down probation instead of jail time for offenses.

• Senate Bill 81 directs judges considering sentencing enhancements to give greater weight to mitigating factors, such as whether the offense was connected to mental illness or childhood trauma and whether the enhancement is based on a prior conviction that is more than five years old.

• Assembly Bill 118 creates a pilot program to test community-based alternatives to a police response when people call 911. Community groups can receive grants to respond to some 911 calls that don’t require a police officer, such as issues related to mental health and substance abuse.

• Senate Bill 332 enables more private controlled fires by reducing the legal liability when a fire escapes control lines and requires an emergency response.

• Senate Bill 389 allows restaurants to continue selling beer, wine and cocktails to go through the end of 2026. Due to their overwhelming popularity—and positive financial ramifications —restaurants will be able to sell alcoholic beverages for takeout long past shelter-in-place orders. 

Drinks will need to be purchased with a meal.

• Assembly Bill 1096 strikes the word “alien” from state law and replaces it with alternatives like “person who is not a citizen.”

• Assembly Bill 1084 requires large retail stores to have a gender-neutral area or display for selling children’s toys and items starting in 2024. The bill does not ban boys’ and girls’ sections in stores but requires the addition of a neutral area. It does not include clothing. The law is the first of its kind in the nation. 

 • Senate Bill 221 requires insurance companies and health plans to provide timely follow-up care and reduce wait times for patients seeking care for mental health and substance use issues.

• Assembly Bill 286 bans food delivery apps from holding onto tips. In an effort to support delivery workers and increase billing transparency, it will be illegal for food delivery apps to retain any portion of a tip or gratuity. If the order is for delivery, that tip must go to the individual worker. If the order is for pickup, the gratuity must go to the restaurant. 

 And there are laws enacted years ago that will go into effect Jan. 1, most significantly: 

• Senate Bill 1383, Trash Composting: Starting in 2022, California will require residents and businesses to recycle organic waste, and all jurisdictions must provide organic waste collection services with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from landfills.

Essentially, all Californians will be mandated to separate organic material from their other garbage. 

Senate Bill 1383 requires organics, such as food and leftovers, coffee grounds, egg shells, banana peels, garden trimmings, lawn clippings, leaves and paper-based items, to be placed into a “green” or “organic” waste bin. 

State studies have found that food waste represents about 18 percent and all organics represent 50 percent of total waste, according to environmental consultant Judi Gregory of Go2Zero Strategies. In households, organics comprise 2-3 percent, according to Bill Kalpakoff, general manager of CalMet Services Inc., LW’s trash disposal provider.

Waste haulers will divert the organic material away from traditional landfills to facilities that will turn the biological mishmash into products such as compost, mulch and natural gas. 

LW residents will not immediately need to change their trash disposal routines. CalMet is finalizing a plan to comply with this new regulation, which may include dumping food waste into gardeners’ green waste bins among other ideas.

The state mandate did not provide funding to implement the new law, and how the mandate will be enforced is unclear. Fines for non-compliance will not be levied until 2024.

• California Minimum Wage: As part of the state’s continued incremental raising of the minimum wage toward a $15 per hour goal, it will hit $14 on Jan. 1 for employers with 25 employees or less, and increase to $15 for those with 26 or more employees.  

In 2016, California became the first state in the nation to commit to raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour statewide by 2022 for large businesses and by 2023 for small businesses. This law increases the minimum wage over time consistent with economic expansion, while providing safety valves to pause wage increases if negative economic or budgetary conditions emerge. 

—compiled from various news reports

GRF Member Services plans new collaboration

The GRF Member Resources department is working to bring a team of social worker advocates to LW, streamlining the process for LWSB residents coping with age-related support issues.

The facility will rotate on-site representatives from Orange County Adult Protective Services, Alzheimer’s Orange County and the Southern California Council on Aging each week. The Golden Age Foundation (GAF) will also participate.

In recent issues,  Alzheimer’s Orange County (Dec. 23) and the Southern California Council on Aging (Dec. 16) were highlighted. This week, Adult Protective Services (APS) is the focus. APS is a nationwide social services program that is provided by the state and  local government for Orange County.

This program serves older adults 65-plus who are in need of assistance. 

APS workers investigate and are focused on remedying cases of abuse, neglect or exploitation.

They work closely with a wide variety of allied professionals such as physicians, nurses, paramedics, firefighters and law enforcement officers. APS also has a vast list of appropriate community resources and assist the elderly and their family members in developing individualized care plans. 

Anyone who suspects, observes or knows that an elder is being abused is encouraged to call in a report to APS viq the 24 hour hotline at 800-451-5155. Each report is assigned to a senior social worker for investigation and case planning. The social worker will attempt to have a face-to-face meeting with the victimized elder in a timely manner. 

The reporting party can rest assured in knowing that a professional social worker is assessing the situation, and everything is kept confidential and not disclosed to the victim, their family, nor the alleged abuser. 

APS helps those who are or have been victimized and people who may simply be struggling with routine daily activities. APS assesses each individual’s unique need, then develops a service plan and connects individuals with resources to maintain his/her safety, health and independence. Every service plan for a competent adult is driven by the adult, not APS, family or others. The goal of APS is to help adults maintain their independence.

Ring in new year at GRF dances

The holidays are in full swing in Leisure World with two GRF dances closing out the season and celebrating the new year.

The Velvetones Ballroom Dance Orchestra, Leisure World’s own professional big band, will play swing and jazz standards from 6-9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 31, in Clubhouse 4. 

Residents can also ring in the new year at Clubhouse 2, where Abilene will play from 9 p.m.-midnight and maybe a bit beyond. 

Abilene is Leisure World’s No. 1 country rock band going strong for nearly 20 years. 

This year, they opened the Amphitheater season with a rockabilly show that drew nearly 2,000 fans. 

Terry Otte leads Abilene and shares singing duties with Tina Schaffer. Guitarist Rod Anderson, Jim Long on guitar synthesizer, Mike Simpson on bass and Jim Greer on drums round out the group

The Velvetones play at Clubhouse 4 on the first and third Sundays at 6 p.m. Starting in 2022, people can catch Abilene on the fourth Saturday in Clubhouse 2. All concerts are free, but tips are acceptable and appreciated.

Residents cannot save tables at the New Year’s Eve dances.

Holiday Notice

In observance of New Year’s Day, all Golden Rain Foundation offices except Security will be closed Friday, Dec. 31.

The Leisure World Maintenance Department will be on call for emergencies only and may be reached by calling (562) 594-4754.

The Minibus service is on the holiday schedule Friday and Saturday. The Access Bus is available Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Friends present check to GRF for LW Library

At the Dec. 21 GRF Board Meeting, Friends of the Library President Cynthia Arance presented a check in the amount of $5,000 to GRF Recreation Chair Leah Perrotti as a donation to the LW Library. Earlier this year, the Friends presented an additional $5,000 to the GRF Library. GRF President Susan Hopewell thanked the Friends for its steady support, which continued despite facility closings and restrictions caused by the pandemic. The GRF Board also thanked  all the residents who support the Friends with donations and purchases. The Friends of the Library operates a used bookstore and boutique across from the LW Library. It sells donated hardbacks, paperbacks, greeting cards and other items. Friends membership is open to all residents. For more information on bookstore hours and volunteering opportunities, call (562) 596-7735.

SBPD’s Santa Cop benefits local family

For the third year in a row, Santa Claus asked the Seal Beach Police Department to help him deliver holiday gifts to those in need.

On Dec. 21, the Seal Beach Police Department visited  residents and a local youth shelter to participate in the third annual “Santa Cop” holiday season community outreach event.

In partnership with Target, the department and West Cities Police Communications, Target employees, officers and dispatch personnel visited several individuals who needed a little extra holiday cheer this year. 

The Seal Beach Police Department asked the community to anonymously nominate individuals and families who were struggling or had fallen on hard times. Several community members wrote to nominate those in need.

Over $1,800 in donations were raised for Santa Cop to purchase gifts and toys. 

These funds were donated by:

• Target store, Seal Beach

• City of Seal Beach Denim Days campaign (a weekly event where city employees can wear jeans in exchange for a small donation)

• Seal Beach Police Officers’ Association (POA) and the Seal Beach Police Management Association (PMA), and

• West Cities Police Communications Employee Association.

After the gifts were purchased, they were wrapped, transported and presented to the nominees by Target employees, Seal Beach Police and West Cities Communications employees and Santa Claus himself.

In addition to toys and other gifts, the nominees were donated a grocery store gift card.

Among those selected to receive gifts were a family of nine as well as a longtime Seal Beach resident living alone. 

In addition to these two nominees, gifts were donated to all eight children who were staying at Casa Youth Shelter, an emergency temporary shelter for homeless, runaway and abandoned youth in nearby Los Alamitos.

“It was a wonderful experience being able to give back to the community and those in need,” said Canine Officer Victor Ruiz. 

“With the help and generosity of all of the involved organizations, as well as the Seal Beach community’s nominees, Santa Cop was able to touch the lives of many this holiday season,” he added.

Santa Claus has asked the Seal Beach Police Department to continue this event next year, and it plans to comply.

To learn more about the ways the Seal Beach Police Department helps to keep the community safe, follow it on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @sealbeachpolice.

Planning Commissioner sought

The District 2 seat on the Seal Beach Planning Commission is vacant and needs a mid-term replacement. 

Seal Beach Councilmember Tom Moore will recommend a candidate for council approval in the next few weeks. 

Leisure World residents who live in District 2 and are interested should email him at tmoore@sealbeachca.gov with their resume and qualifications. 

Candidates must live in District 2, which includes Rosmoor Center, College Park West and LW east of St. Andrews Drive. That’s Mutuals 10-17 and part of Mutual 1.

The Planning Commission, which is comprised of five members appointed by the city council, deals with land-use issues and reviews potential future building projects in Seal Beach. 

The Planning Commission meets the first and third Mondays of each month (or on Tuesday if Monday is a holiday). 

Livestreaming begins at 7 p.m. 

The commission’s specific duties and powers are contained in Chapter 3.10 (Boards and Commissions) of the Municipal Code.

CERT Classes to start

The Leisure World Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is inviting residents to learn how to help themselves and others in the community after a disaster. 

The 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 communities.

The first in-person training since the pandemic began and first ever evening training is set to begin in two weeks. 

It will be held every Tuesday and Thursday in January and February from 6-8 p.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 1. 

Students must attend all class dates listed to become CERT certified. 

 The dates are as follows:

• Tuesdays, Jan. 4, 11, 18 and 25

• Thursdays, Jan. 6, 13, 20 and 27

• Tuesdays, Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22 

• Thursdays, Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24 

 To register for this important training, contact Eloy Gomez at (562) 431-6586, ext. 356.  

CAP Food Distribution

Free food is available in Leisure World to eligible residents who are 60 years or older through Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAPOC), which has a monthly distribution site by Clubhouse 4. 

The next food distribution will be Jan. 20.

Every third Thursday from 9-11 a.m., qualified people receive 40 pounds of food, including  canned fruit, vegetables, meat, rice, juice, cereal and more.  

Eligible seniors must live in Leisure World, be at least 60 years of age and meet income guidelines as follows: up to $1,354 a month for one person; $1,832 for a two-person household; and $2,311 for a three-person household. 

To sign up, bring a photo ID and proof of income (Social Security/SSI statement, letter or bank statement or paycheck stub). 

People who are unable to apply themselves or pick up the food may send a proxy to act on their behalf with appropriate ID. 

For more information, contact Robann Arshat in GRF Member Resources at (562) 431-6586, ext. 317, or robertaa@lwsb.com. 

Calling All Centenarians

The Golden Age Foundation wants to contact LW residents who are 100 years or older for a special event in spring 2022.

The GAF, along with GRF, is planning a celebration to honor the community’s centenarians who have witnessed 100 years of world events.    

The celebration will be on April 20, 2022. If you are 100 or older or you know a LW resident who is 100 or older, call the GAF at (562) 431-9589.

LW Library’s Annual Inventory

The Leisure World Library will be closed from Tuesday, Jan. 11, to Friday, Jan. 14, for its annual inventory. 

The library will reopen Saturday, Jan. 15, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., its normal business hours.

Pool Update

Work on the pool continued last week with the application of pool and spa tile, plus rough plumbing and electrical in the bathrooms and mechanical room. Almost finished are piping for sprinkler valves  for the planters and rough framing. The facility will boast a pool with five swimming lanes, a 30-by-30-foot activity area with a volleyball net, a 9-by-25-foot spa, new locker rooms and a lounge area in a reconfigured space to maximize potential. The pool was closed in November 2019 after a simple remodel turned into a complete redesign when infrastructure defects were uncovered.

Storm Watch

It was a rainy holiday for Orange County with more on the way. There were several reports of downed trees and limbs, but no property damage in LW. Two more storms were expected to close out the year, weather forecasters said.

Most of Orange County should see one-third to a half-inch of rain this week. The storm was also expected to bring high winds and cold temps, forecasters said. 

As of Tuesday, it looked like a dry New Year’s Day, which could be good news for the 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, though that could change by week’s end. 

Rain is welcome because the Sierra snowpack has been at dangerously low levels after a long period of dry weather.  

The California Department of Water Resources reported last week that the snowpack was between 114 and 137 percent of normal across the Sierra range, with more snow expected.

Free Bus Rides Offered New Year’s Eve

The Orange County Transportation Authority will provide safe rides for those ringing in 2022 with free fares on OC Bus from 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 31, to 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 1.

Riding OC Bus is a safe and easy way to get to popular destinations around Orange County. There are bus routes that operate near downtown Fullerton, Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm and more.

The free bus rides, which have been offered for nearly 20 years, were not offered last year because of health concerns related to  COVID-19 but are returning this year as more people return to regular activities.

All riders on OC Bus must wear a face covering to board and ride, and the health and safety of passengers and coach operators remains the top priority for OCTA.

Those who choose to go out to mark the new year are encouraged to consider taking advantage of the free bus service to help celebrate responsibly.

It is recommended that people who want to ride the bus this New Year’s Eve plan their trip ahead of time by visiting www.OCBus.com. 

The site includes an interactive planner that makes it easy for new and experienced riders to determine times and routes, along with a map of popular Orange County destinations.

Free rides begin at 6 p.m., so those getting a start prior to that time must pay the $2 bus fare or use an OC Bus pass.

To date, the free service has recorded more than 162,000 boardings since it began in 2002.

Decal Service Hours

The GRF Security Decal Office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturdays from noon-4 p.m.

The office will be closed Wednesdays and Sundays, and on weekdays from noon-12:30 p.m. for lunch.

The office is located in Building 5 near the Copy Center.

Appointments are not required. Decal issuance is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

To receive a vehicle decal, residents must present the following documents: Proof of vehicle insurance, DMV vehicle registration (vehicle must be registered to the LWSB resident); DMV driver’s license; and a GRF ID card.

Decals are valid for up to two years after the date of issuance. If a resident’s driver’s license expires before the end of the two-year period, a decal will expire in the same month the resident’s drivers license expires. 

Expired insurance, registration and/or driver’s licenses are not valid documents, and no decal will be issued. 

A DMV identification card is not a valid driver’s license, and no decal will be issued.

Perspectives Page 4

Letters to the Editor

Editor:

I would like to thank, from the bottom of my heart, all my friends, who are like family to me, and family in Mutual 2 for the outpouring of love, prayers, support and condolences after the sudden death of my son. 

I am so blessed to have all of you in my life. I love you all.

Elaine Mueller

Mutual 2

Editor:

Do you know every time you shop at the 99 Cents Only store, you are losing money. I bought an item for 99 cents and when I went to pay for it, she charged me $1. I asked her for my penny. She would not give it to me. Now, you say it is only a penny; well, what if I bought 20 items? Then that would be 20 cents I was not getting back. I do not know of any other store that charges me a penny more for my purchase. I could use that money to pay toward my rent, bills or other products. As a senior, I am on a budget. I cannot afford to give money away, especially with the price of gas, food and bills going up.

Judy Bellabella

Mutual 1

Member Column

Editor’s note: Steve Martinez of Mutual 9 wrote this holiday piece with a creative “Star Trek” theme for friends and family, while reflecting back on 2021 and to some extent, 2020 during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. References include the series’ “Way to Eden” (original Season 3), “Voyage Home” (“Star Trek IV” movie), “Final Frontier” (“Star Trek V” movie) and “Deadly Years” (original Season 2).

by Steve Martinez

LW contributor

“Space: the final frontier—these are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds. To seek out new life and new civilizations. To boldly go where no one has gone before!”

Stardate: 123120.21

Destination: Planet Earth

We saw incredible voyages push the boundaries of space exploration, such as Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin, along with newly minted astronauts. 

We wondered whether we’d take a flight, if given a chance at one of those limited spots. For the moment, we continued to explore strange new worlds—worlds of mask wearing, temperature checking, hand washing, virus testing, endless sanitizing, social distancing, teleworking, Zoom calling and livestreaming.

The strangeness came with some offenses. We’ve not yet issued our report but hope our clients will be a good sport. We couldn’t revisit London, Brussels, Bilbao or Montreal, yet managed trips to Palm Springs, Lake Tahoe and St. Paul. 

We didn’t lose weight but wish we had. 

We didn’t win at Powerball but continue to play in hopes of a windfall. We weren’t offered a position in spring but are excited to see what the extra time will bring. 

“We prefer to keep ourselves. We make mistakes, but we’re human—and maybe that’s the word that best explains us.”

—Captain James T. Kirk

 With engines operating at warp speed, we made our way to Eden, where:

• lovers kissed with bliss into the night under a bright crescent moon

• family and friends had tacos on Tuesday without a fork or a knife

• neighbors shared chocolate chip cookies paired with milk in a glass

• athletes lifted weights in Clubhouse 6 to build lean muscle tissue

• prayer warriors filed into sacred spaces for a touch from the Lord

• others bought new trucks from companies like Lincoln and Toyota

On our voyage home, time Tiktoks. Looking through the time capsule, we note more time behind us than ahead. We ponder: Who will offer love and care, and for whom will we care and love? What does the future hold for earth’s conditions, acceptance of differences and peaceful coexistences? Where do new adventures lie? Reflect. Love. Live. Laugh. Go. Be the authentic you. 

“Change is the essential process of all existence.” –Spock

In the Final Frontier, we stop to remember those we have lost to illness, accident, hatred, suicide, hunger and otherwise. The uncountable that have journeyed to unknown worlds. Their names may not be familiar to many, yet they are dear to us. These past two years have been the Deadly Years. 

“Compassion: that’s the one thing no machine ever had. Maybe it’s the one thing that keeps men ahead of them.”

—Dr. McCoy

 Live long and prosper.

Setting It Straight

The Seal Beach Planning Commission meets on the first and third Mondays of each month (or on Tuesday if Monday is a holiday), not on Wednesdays, as incorrectly reported last week. Livestreaming begins at 7 p.m. (For related information, see page 3.)

LW Ham radio operator contacts Santa in North Pole to delight of kids The grandchildren of Bev and Jack Nevin, Mutual 14, had a unique opportunity to talk with “Santa on the Air” Dec. 22. 

The children spoke with Santa via the magic and wonder of ham radio on the Catalina Repeater. They had plenty of questions for Santa, who was 3,050 miles away in the North Pole. Logan, 11; Addison, 8; and Dagny, 3, were amazed that Santa had information about each, making the event magical. Santa knew that Logan had an “Elf  on the Shelf” and plays ice hockey; that Addison plays soccer, loves reading and has an American Girl doll; and Dagny that has been riding her bike with training wheels and wants to go to Disneyland.

The children received acknowledgment cards that they had used a ham radio with the third-party participation of Midge Bash, W6LIK. The Mutual 14 resident is the  emergency coordinator of Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) of Seal Beach and Los Alamitos and Catalina Repeater Association Board Member.

This was the first event of its kind on the Catalina Repeater, which is located on Catalina Island, 26 miles off the Southern California coast with an elevation of 1,600 feet. The repeater is uses solar power. The goal was to introduce amateur radio to children in a fun way. Grandparents and parents received information on Amateur Radio and emergency procedures for families. The evening ended with a pizza party.

Government

Recap of GRF Board Activity, Dec. 21

Approved Consent Agenda

MOVED and approved the consent agenda including the minutes of the following meetings: Recreation Committee, Nov. 1; Physical Property Committee, Nov. 3; GRF Administration Committee, Nov. 4; GRF Board, Nov. 23. Plus, the acceptance of the Financial Statement, November, and approval of Capital Funds Investment Purchase.

Ad Hoc Report

Dissolution of Management Service and Contract Ad Hoc Committee: MOVED to accept the Management Service and Contract Ad hoc Committee’s final report and formally recognize the dissolution of the Committee.

General

Emergency Item–Approve the Non-Budgeted Operating 

Funds for PayScale Contract: MOVED to accept the emergency item regarding PayScale to be added to the agenda, as presented.

Emergency Item–Approve the Non-Budgeted Operating Funds for PayScale Contract: MOVED to approve the PayScale contract for a one-year subscription contract at a cost not to exceed $5,875, funds to come from Operating Budget, and to authorize the GRF President to sign the contract. 

Workers’ Compensation Policy Renewal: MOVED to approve renewal of the policy for Workers’ Compensation Coverage, with Cypress Insurance Company, Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies, for the 2022 policy year, in the amount of $201,199, and authorize the President to sign the required documents. 

GRF Administration 

Capital Funding Request-Emergency Supply: MOVED to approve the purchase of emergency supplies, not to exceed $10,000, from Operational Funding.

Approval 40-1500-6, Council on Aging (GAF) – Lease Agreement: MOVED to approve the lease of Trust property commonly identified as 248 square feet of space adjacent to the Café in Building five to GAF for the annual lease rate of $1. Space will be used by OC Social Service personnel from Adult Protective Services, The Council on Aging and Alzheimer’s of OC to provide social service assistance and support to GRF Members, with assistance from GAF and the GRF Member Resources & Assistance Liaison. It was further moved to authorize the President to sign.

Approval for Background Screening Service: MOVED to approve the cancellation of services conducted by Employers Choice, providing 30 days written notice upon approval, and authorize the signing of an agreement by the Human Resources director with ADP for its Screening Solutions for GRF background screening vendor to begin as soon as implementation can be initiated.

Amend Policy 30-5092-3, BOD Censure Procedure: MOVED to amend 30-5092-3, BOD Censure Procedure, amending language throughout the document also including the two-thirds vote chart, as presented.

Physical Property

Reserve Funding Request–HVAC in Clubhouse six, Upstairs: MOVED to award a contract to County Heating and Air Inc to replace the HVAC systems at Clubhouse six upstairs, per the recommended specifications by SPEC Engineering, for a cost of $229,321 and adding a 10 percent contingency $22,932 for permits and any unseen extras, total cost not to exceed $252,253, funding from Reserves, and authorize the President sign the contract.

Capital Funding Request–Aquatic Center: MOVED to approve additional Capital Funding in the amount of $1,325,000 to complete the Aquatic Center Locker and Equipment Rooms project and authorize the President to sign the needed contracts.

Recreation 

FINAL VOTE: Amend Policy 70-1429.02-1, Golf Course Rules: MOVED to amend policy 70-1429.02-1, Golf Course Rules, updating document language, adding no dogs allowed on the golf course and Authorized Residents not playing shall not cross the golf course, as presented. 

Security, Bus & Traffic 

Capital Funding Request–Speed Cushions: CONCURRED to send back to Security, Bus & Traffic Committee and Physical Property Committee.

NOCE Spring 2022 Registration

The Leisure World NOCE Spring Semester Class Registration Event will be on Jan. 14 in Clubhouse 2 from 9 a.m.-noon or until classes are full. Though the event had previously been planned for early December, NOCE staff availability has pushed it back until after the holidays. There will be ample time to ensure a smooth registration event for everybody involved. 

New students have the option of filling out an application to become a student at 

www.tinyurl.com/NOCEapply; paper applications are also available at the LW Library. Returning students need to bring their Student ID (Banner ID) to the registration event. People unsure of their Banner ID should call NOCE Star Help at (714) 808-4679 to retrieve it. Both new and returning students need to bring their COVID Vaccine Card with them to registration. 

Current Leisure World NOCE classes will soon be visited by a NOCE staff member, who will give students the option of pre-enrolling in the same class for next semester. The NOCE staffer will also be there to assist existing students with uploading their COVID vaccination cards. 

People who are interested in a class and not currently enrolled will need to attend the in-person registration event in January. 

Anyone with questions or concerns should call the library at (562) 598-2431 or visit in person and ask for Taylor Greene at the reference desk.

Family Radio Service Users

The Radio Club provides an opportunity for a Family Radio Service (FRS) practice drill every Wednesday morning. Anyone who has an FRS radio is invited to participate. The call-in time is from 9:30-9:45 a.m. on Channel 13/0. 

Be sure to wait until the radio is clear, then press the side button before stating your first name, last name initial and Mutual number. Release when finished.

For more information or instruction on the use of the FRS radio, contact Leisure World Radio Club President Rich Erickson at rjerxn@yahoo.com, or call (562) 431-6586, ext. 409, to leave a message.

News Deadlines

The editorial deadline is 4 p.m. on Thursday for the following Thursday’s edition. People may email articles or drop them into the letter slot at the front of the News Building, located on the east side of the Amphitheater. See page 4 of any edition for a list of section editors and their email addresses.

Street Sweeping

GRF trust streets are swept on the fourth Thursday of the month. Parked vehicles must be removed from trust streets before midnight the night before. Contact Mutual directors to find out when your carports are scheduled for sweeping.

Health & Fitness

Instructor Mel Lockett (center) welcomes all LWers, regardless of skill level, to belly up to the barre upstairs every Saturday (except Christmas) at 1:30 p.m. in Clubhouse 6. This 60-minute class promises to both relax and tone bodies with traditional ballet movements and classical music. Wear masks and soft shoes such as ballet slippers or soft booties. Call Jojo Weingart at (562) 252-9676 for more information.

Happy Monday Get Strong 

Prevent age-related muscle loss, also known as sarcopenia, with strength training. Via Zoom, certified personal trainer and Leisure World resident Eunis “WildFire!” Christensen leads simple at-home workouts with dumbbells and stretch tubing/bands every Monday at 4 p.m. This free, interactive half-hour group class is designed to help people stay strong and healthy for years to come. 

One 86-year-old student commented, “I have had two hip-replacements and two knee-replacement surgeries; the latter did not go well so I have balance issues. [Christensen’s] Monday class is the only one I can do. I am trying hard to keep my quadriceps, so the Monday class is very helpful.”

Christensen has certifications and education from National Academy of Sports Medicine, National Exercise Trainers Association, American Council on Exercise, Functional Aging Institute, Zumba®, Titleist Performance Institute, and more.

Email wildfire1@truetomybody.com or call (562) 879-1954 for registration information.

The Dance Fitness Club enjoyed an outdoor class on Dec. 21 near the LW Christmas tree in Veterans Plaza. For information regarding future classes, contact Jim Blanchard at (714) 487-2446.

Make changes to your Medicare

by Sandra Teel

Medicare broker

It’s probably a relief to finally stop seeing all those Medicare enrollment commercials—some of them can be so confusing! But if you made changes to your Medicare for 2022, here are a few points to consider:

• If you made a plan change and kept your same doctor, make sure to let the doctor’s office know you have a new Medicare plan.

• If you selected a new primary care doctor, make sure to call that doctor’s office right away to make a new patient appointment. It’s important to get that first appointment set as soon as possible, especially if you have prescription drugs that need refills.

• If you feel you make a mistake in changing your Medicare Advantage Plan, or perhaps you didn’t get the opportunity to change your plan during the Annual Enrollment Period, you can make a one-time change between Jan. 1 and March 31.

If you need additional help, it’s best to contact a licensed independent broker.

Sandra Teel is a licensed Medicare broker who can be reached at (657) 204-4224. Check out her website at www.steelmedicareins.com.

WaRite to start afresh in January

For WaRite members, the new year is not about being new, but rather about starting afresh, which means starting again.

The group will gather on Jan. 7 at 8:45 a.m.; the meeting will begin at 9 a.m. sharp. This will be a “welcome-back” meeting for current members and a time to discuss club rules and bylaws. There will be no weigh-in.

“I’m looking forward to seeing you all and hearing suggestions and input, reinventing WaRite with fresh ideas,” says club President Carol Chambers.

Mask-wearing is mandatory. No food is allowed, but bringing a drink is okay.

The club may resume weigh-ins on Jan. 14 at 8 a.m.; new members will be welcomed that day.

Meals on Wheels, Long Beach

Meals on Wheels of Long Beach Inc. delivers freshly cooked meals for $8.75 per day Monday-Friday, between 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Deliveries include an 8-ounce carton of 1 percent milk. An alternate dessert is available for those on a diabetic diet. Contact Client Manager Caron Adler at (562) 439-5000, ext. 1, or visit www.mowlb.org to complete an online application. To cancel a meal for the following day, you must contact Adler before 9 a.m. the prior business day. Menu is subject to change without notice. 

Thursday, Dec. 30: Chicken enchilada casserole with red sauce, pinto beans and seasoned cauliflower; sugar cookies; ham-and-cheese sandwich, with lettuce, tomato and pickle, plus carrot-and-raisin salad.

Friday, Dec. 31: Closed—no delivery.

Monday, Jan. 3: Herb-roasted pork loin with honey-mustard sauce, macaroni and cheese, and zucchini medley; pineapple with mango; egg salad sandwich, with spinach and tomato, plus homemade potato salad.

Tuesday, Jan. 4: Chicken noodle casserole with peas and carrots, biscuit, and green beans with pimentos; fruit yogurt; entrée turkey and ham Cobb salad, with egg, tomato, bacon and blue cheese dressing, plus crackers.

Wednesday, Jan. 5: Beef lasagna, whole-grain roll, and seasoned broccoli and cauliflower; baked apple with granola; turkey-and-cheese sandwich, with lettuce, tomato and pickle, plus creamy coleslaw.

Arts & Leisure

After a holiday performance, Hui O Hula posed with the LW Maintenance Department—a yearly tradition. The dancers are also grateful to Kathy Thayer and her hui (“group” in Hawaiian) from Recreation Department as well as the hardworking staff at LW Weekly for their help throughout the years. Especially during these unusual times, the group feel fortunate to be living in a safe, well-run community. LWers, regardless of skill level, are welcome to join the free Hawaiian dance lessons Tuesdays in Clubhouse 6 and Thursdays at Veterans Plaza. Classes start at 1 p.m.

Cribbage Club

On Dec. 21, 42 members of the Cribbage Club celebrated the holiday season with a light lunch of sandwiches, chips and cookies before play began.

Candy Meyers won first place, scoring 842, and Pat Blum scored 828 for second place. Three members tied for third place with 827: Rosemary Wu, Pat Fellers and Marilyn Chelsvig. And Connie Deady placed fourth with a score of 823. 

Bea Lissow won six out seven games, while Julie Milburn lost all seven games played. 

The Cribbage Club meets every Tuesday in Clubhouse 1. Desserts and coffee are served at noon, with play beginning at 12:30 p.m. Partners are not needed to play. Players rotate at the end of each game, and seven games are usually concluded by 4 p.m. Club dues for 2022 are $3. 

—Marilyn Chelsvig

Poker Club

Guta Basner won the final table on Dec. 18 with a full house of KKK55. Basner, who has won final table seven times, is a retired consultant. 

Second through fifth players were Tom Pappas, John Burns, Marianne Conte and Bill Clawson, respectively. High hands were won by Jack Pfeiffer and Army Mangravito; the promotional hand of 10-2 was won by Doug Wolfe. Lem Hall won the Ken Reddy special raffle.

The next game is scheduled for Jan. 8 in Clubhouse 6. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., and players must be seated before noon. No late entries will be permitted. For more information, call Judy Jasmin at (562) 626-8179.

Pool Tournament

On Dec. 15, 12 two-person teams competed in the Pool Club’s monthly tournament in Clubhouse 2. This month, 369 was played. Instead of counting wins and losses, the object is to score points; the three ball is one point, the six ball two points and the nine ball three. A team can score anywhere from zero to six points per game.

Each team played six games against different opponents. Players alternated shots, which is known as a Dutch Doubles format.

After three rounds, Rusty Aquino and Paul Snellenbacher were tied for the lead, with George Gordon and Shery Wells at 13 points. In round four, Steve Edrich and Eunis “WildFire!” Christensen made the six and nine to take the lead with 17 points. In round five, Edrich and Christensen made the three and nine to hold on to a two-point lead over Aquino and Snellenbacher. In the sixth and final round, Edrich and Christensen scored three points, ending with 24, securing first place. The team never scored less than three points in any game.

In second place, there was a tie between Connie Terry and Dave Silva and Ruffy Ramos and Guta Bassner. This was a really close match, with two teams with 21 points, two with 20 points and two with 19.

The next monthly tournament will be eight ball on Jan. 19 at Clubhouse 2. The club asks everyone who signs up to be there at 6 p.m., so teams can be formed before play starts at 6:15 p.m.

—Dave Silva 

New Year’s Eve at Leisure World

LW Weekly is seeking high-resolution photos of your New Year’s Eve celebrations. 

Send jpgs and a brief description, along with your name and Mutual number, to pattym@lwsb.com by Jan. 2 for possible inclusion in a future issue.

Community Karaoke

On Dec. 22, 15 karaoke singers were happy to sing numerous tunes. Karen Morris and Bob Barnum chose some energetic tunes, and Richard Yokomi never misses an opportunity to entertain with upbeats songs like “I’ve Got My Mojo Working.” 

Dorothy Ferrington and Ray Geierman sang “Frosty the Snowman” as a duet; also singing as a duo were Tilly Stiehr and Erika Greenwood. 

David Noble gave his favorite holiday song, “White Christmas,” a doo-wop beat. 

Kyung Choi did a pleasant “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” while Ruby Johnson captured us with “Climb Every Mountain.” Tony Tupas was mellow with the Elton John hit “Your Song.”

The karaoke group will celebrate the King’s birthday on Jan. 5 with “Elvis Night.” 

Karaoke practice sessions are on Mondays in Clubhouse 6 from 1-3 p.m., and karaoke parties are every Wednesday beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Clubhouse 1. 

Everyone is welcome to enjoy the music or take the microphone themselves.

—Margie Thompson

Bocce players roll with it

What’s the little-known game hidden behind Clubhouse 2? Bocce is the name of the fast-growing, competitive, team game. The object for each team is to roll its four balls as close to the Pallino (the smaller, target ball) as possible. The winning team is the the one that scores 10 points first.

Bocce ball is easy to learn, has few rules and is a low-impact yet challenging aerobic workout; it’s also an enjoyable spectacular sport. Betty Regalado and Bertha Barragan, all decked out in reindeer antlers, recently stopped by to watch a preseason game. 

When asked what motivated her to play bocce, new LW resident Kelly Johnson said, “I want to try everything! Living in Leisure World is like being a kid again, staying out and playing until dark.”

Lee “Jake” Pfeifer, her bocce partner, shares her enthusiasm. After being introduced to the game by a friend, Lee enjoyed it so much she called the contact number and joined the club. 

Wearing clever, catchphrase-emblazoned T-shirts is a popular way for many of the teams to show their love for the sport. Marti Parker and Rosanne Brewitz wore their matching “This is how we roll” tees to their preseason games. 

Annual dues of $5 per member will be collected starting Jan. 8. Members may also pay on Sunday,Tuesday or Thursday of the first week of play.

Anyone with curiosity, enthusiasm and the desire to have fun is welcome to join. For more information, call Kathy Russell at (949) 293-7517.

—Laura Garcia

Team cinches Pool League win

What had appeared to be a runaway by 4-20, who led the Fall Pool League from week one, turned out to be very close at the end. As luck would have it, 4-20 met second-place team the Fantastics on the last week of play. With an 11-game lead, 4-20 only needed to win two games in the 13-game match to clinch the championship. However, after the six eight-ball contests, the Fantastics had only won one game, shrinking their lead to seven games. Glen Everson won his nine-ball singles match to give 4-20 the Fall Pool League Championship. Ruffy Ramos won all seven of his games for the Fantastics.

The Favorites won their match over Pot Luck by 10-3 and finished in third place. Bill Clawson and Dave Silva each won five games for the Favorites. Pot Luck finished in fourth.

Break ’em and Make ’em edged Go for Broke 7-6, and Ace in the Hole won over Hot Sticks 7-6.

The league thanks Steve Edrich, Eunis “WildFire!” Christensen, Connie Adkins and Barry Chittem for all their help and support in making the Pool League a success.

The teams will meet again on Jan. 10 at 6 p.m. for the league sweepstakes. Each team will play every other team one game of eight ball and one game of nine ball. All three players per team will compete in every game. The top four teams will receive cash awards, and all teams will be paid point money based on how many games they won in the regular season. 

There will also be a sign-up sheet present for those who want to play in the next league season, which begins Feb. 7. Players will meet at 6 p.m. to form new teams.

—Dave Silva

Women’s Golf installs officers 

The Women’s Golf Club’s annual holiday luncheon and installation of officers was held Dec. 17. The following officers will serve a second term next year: President Liz Meripol, Vice President Sandra deDuBovay, Secretary Neva Senske and Treasurer Margie Thompson.

Meripol expressed her gratitude for all the hard work and dedication given by the officers and committee members throughout the year, and each was presented with a special gift. She also thanked Dave LaCascia for serving as the temporary handicap chairman; Patty Litrell takes over that position next year.

The golfers were treated to a delicious Korean barbecue lunch prepared by Sally Park and her committee.

Club member Joyce Basch entertained the group with a clever magic trick. Basch has performed at the Magic Castle and various locations around the world.

On Dec. 21, 43 women golfers competed on a cold wintry day for low gross, low net and fewest putts. The club congratulates Joann Lim, who averaged one putt on each hole for a total of nine putts for the nine-hole tournament round.

The winners were:

Flight A: Low gross: Devora Kim, 26; low net: Grace Choi, 24; fewest putts: tie between Grace Choi and Theresa Lim, 12.

Flight B: Low gross: tie between Joann Lim and Pam Krug, 27; low net: tie between Alison Kim and Sun Lee, 21; fewest putts: Joann Lim. 9.

Flight C: Low gross: Elizabeth Butterfield, 30; low net: tie between Mary Devlin and Anne Walshe, 24; fewest putts: Cecelia Han, 12.

Flight D: Low gross: tie between Kum Delias and Betty Regalado, 34; low net: Joyce Basch, 22; fewest putts: Joyce Basch, 13.

—Dale Quinn

Korean American Chorale Club

The Korean American Chorale Club welcomed 70 residents to its annual Christmas party on Dec. 17. Youg Hee Park performed the Jindo drum dance (top), while Chris Kim (Mutual 1), Joann Lim (Mutual 2) and Simon Lee (Mutual 5) led a sing-along. Any LWer who likes singing is welcome to join the club for practice every Friday from 9 a.m.-noon in the Clubhouse 3 lobby.

Opera Club to screen ‘Evita’

The LW Opera Club kicks off the New Year by showing Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “Evita” in Clubhouse 3, Room 2. The first half of the film will be screened on Monday, Jan. 3, and the second half on Tuesday, Jan. 4. Both showings start at 1:30 p.m.

The musical is based on the life of Eva “Evita” Perón, who was born in poverty and had a scandalous past but used her ambition to become the wife of Juan Perón, president of Argentina, and a formidable co-leader of her nation—all before the age of 33. It’s a historical drama with phenomenal music that received multiple awards from entertainment associations for book, score, acting, costumes and decorations.

The production is in English without benefit of subtitles. All attendees are required to wear masks, per GRF guidelines. No dues or fees are collected. For more information, contact President Beverly Emus at (562) 296-5586 or beverly90740@gmail.com.

Men’s Golf League Results

Eight men and one woman of the Leisure World Golf League participated in the Dec. 13 tournament at the par-70, 6,000-yard Willowick Golf Course in Santa Ana. With cold temps and a damp, long course, scores were generally higher than usual and only two birdies were carded.

All scores are net (gross minus handicap). A Flight handicap is 0-20, and B Flight is over 20.

A Flight: First place: Gene Vesely, a well-played 1 under 69, plus fewest putts; second: Jim Goltra, even par 70; third: Gary Stivers, 1 over 71; fourth: tie between Dave LaCascia and Sam Choi, 2 over 72; fifth: tie between Clay Fisher, Fujio Norihiro, Bill McKusky and Chris Lankford. Fisher recorded two birdies, and Norihiro was closest to the pin on the par-3 fourth and 12th holes.

B Flight: First place: Liz Meripol, a terrific 5 under 65, plus fewest putts; second: Bob Munn, 1 over 71; third: Lowell Goltra, 4 over 74.

On Dec. 17, 12 men played the par-70, 5,600-yard Meadowlark Golf Course in Huntington Beach. It was a very cold, foggy, wet day; scores reflected the difficult playing conditions, with only one round net under par and one birdie.

A Flight: First place: Vesely, 1 under 69; second: Fisher; third: tie between Ron Jackson and Jim Goltra; fourth: tie between LaCascia and Tim Looney; fifth: tie between Norihiro, Choi, Larry Hillhouse, Lankford, Stivers and Bill McKusky. Norihirohad a birdie, and Goltra had fewest putts. Hillhouse was closest to the pin on the 140-yard, par-3 seventh hole.

B Flight: First place: tie between Mike Looney and Lowell Goltra, 3 over 73; second: Munn. Mike Looney had fewest putts for the round.

At the par-62, 4,000-yard David L. Baker Executive Golf Course in Fountain Valley on Dec. 20, 11 men and one woman golfed despite a very cold morning, with pea-soup fog through the 13th hole. It was generally wet tee to green all day. Scores were very good in spite of the adverse playing conditions, with everyone scoring net at or below par, with seven birdies.

A Flight: First place: McKusky, 8 under 54; second: Hillhouse, 6 under 56; third: Norihiro, 5 under 57; fourth: tie between LaCascia, Fischer, Lankford, and Vesely, 3 under 59; fifth: tie between Stivers and Jim Goltra. Two birdies were carded by Hillhouse, while McKusky, Norihiro and Vesely each had one. Hillhouse also had fewest putts and was closest to the pin on the 110-yard, par-3 15th hole.

B Flight: First place: Meripol, 9 under 53, plus fewest putts; second: Lowell Goltra, 5 under 57, plus closest to the pin on the 100-yard par-3 third hole; third: Munn, even par 62. Lowell Goltra and Munn each recorded a birdie.

The Men’s Golf Leagues play Mondays and Fridays at four local courses, all within 15 minutes of Leisure World. The courses the group plays are often quite full so a sign-up sheet is available at each round for advance league reservations.

There is a prize pool for each round that players are not obligated to enter. Rewards are given for low net in each flight, birdies, closest to the pin on two par-3s, and the lowest number of putts in each flight. Holes-in-one and eagles (2 under par), although infrequent, are generously rewarded. If interested, contact, Gary Stivers at (714) 313-3697 or Dave LaCascia at (801) 674-5975.

-—Dave LaCascia

Monday Combined Bridge

At the Dec. 20 gathering of the Monday Combined Bridge Group, the winners were: 

First place: Sue Yokomi

Second place: Howard Bleakley

Third place: Ben Watada

The group meets every Monday at noon in Clubhouse 1. For more information, contact Marion Standish at (562) 493-1236.

Men’s Golf Club 

On Dec. 22, two groups of three flights of variously skilled golfers vied for best net scores (gross score minus handicap), plus four circle holes (shots within a 5-foot circle rewarded) and two closest-to-the-pin challenges at LW’s Turtle Lake Golf Course for the bimonthly Men’s Golf Club Tournament. 

A total of 50 golfers teed off to play 18 holes through the cold but sunny early morning and into the afternoon. Tees again were all well in front of the normal areas, turning the 1,658-yard, par-54 course into a 1,370-yard pitch-and-putt. Accordingly, scores were very low, with 41 golfers net at or under par, with 31 circle holes—another record.

A Flight encompasses golfers with handicaps of 0-7, B Flight is 8-11, and C Flight is 12-18. All scores below are net.

A Flight: First place: tie between Bruce Bowles and Bill Lyons, a really good 6 under 48; second: tie between Ron Steele and Andrew Kim, a well-played 5 under 49; third: tie between Dave LaCascia and Steve Ro, a very nice 4 under 50; fourth: tie between Alan Sewell, Dong Kim, Jae H. Lee, Steve Walker and Richard Jun, a good 2 under 20.

B Flight: First place: Bill Zurn, a terrific 11 under 43; second: Hyon Shin, an excellent 9 under 45; third: Dale Williamson, a super 8 under 46; fourth: Steven Kang, a nice 7 under 47; fifth: tie between Jong Lee and Yoon Sup Yoon, 6 under 48; sixth: James Farr, 5 under 49.

C Flight: First place: Roger Bennett, a tournament-best 13 under 41; second: Byron Schweitzer, a sensational 12 under 42; third: Pat Paternoster, a sweet 9 under 45; fourth: Brian Tivnan, a fine 8 under 46; fifth: tie between Mike Carlson, Ben Benjamins, Jack Haskins and Manny Miranda, an outstanding 7 under 47; sixth: Paul Shellenberger, a first-rate 6 under 48.

Closest to the pin on the par-3 seventh hole was Fujio Norihiro; at the par-3 16th hole, it was Steve Ro.

The next Men’s Golf Club Tournament will be Jan.12. Anyone who had planned to play and cannot should contact Alan Sewell at (541) 324-8558 or Dave LaCascia at (801) 674-5975 as soon as possible. Golfers should arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled tee time and be ready to play.

—Dave LaCascia

Start the new year on the right foot by joining Margie Thompson and Walt Bier (above) and the Dancers & Mixers Club on Tuesday, Jan. 4, in Clubhouse 4 from 7-9 p.m. Linda Herman will provide a variety of live music. Everyone is invited and welcome to bring their favorite beverages and snacks. Partners are not needed. For more information, call (562) 431-1257.

Korean American Women’s 

Sing Along Club

The Leisure World Korean American Women’s Sing Along Club meets on the first, second and third Wednesdays of the month at 2 p.m. in Clubhouse 2. For more information about joining the club, email jhr92833@yahoo.com.

Saturday Morning Dance Class

There will be no Saturday Morning Dance Class with Candi Davis on Jan. 1 or Jan. 8. Classes will resume Jan. 16 in Clubhouse 6.

The first class session is from 9-10 a.m., while the second session is from 10-11 a.m. The sessions focus on different styles of dance, and each class is $7. 

For more information, call Debbie Degrazia at (562) 296-3393.

Editorial Deadlines for the LW Weekly

The editorial deadline is 4 p.m. on Thursday for the following Thursday’s edition. The LW Weekly offices will be closed Dec. 31.

LW Poetry

This feature showcases original poems by members of the Creative Writers Club of Leisure World and other GRF members. 

Thanks for the Funeral Flowers

For your love that comes my way,

Embodied in this bright bouquet,

I thank you so!

The pinks, the reds, the yellows say,

Your thoughts are with me here today,

When I must go.

Cut down they were at height of bloom,

Oh, how they brighten up this room,

Where I now lie.

Though meant to banish any gloom,

Now snipped, they too will meet their doom,

They too must die.

Please, loved ones, let the flowers live,

And in my memory just give,

A potted plant,

Which on the morrow, I believe,

The garden soil will grant reprieve,

As only nature can.

And next week when you pass it by,

Its beauty may just catch your eye—

Please think of me,

Not wilted, drooping like a sigh,

But reaching out to sunlit sky,

God’s glory for to see!

—Fred Wind

Theater Club

The Theater Club will hold its last meeting of 2021 today, Dec. 30, at 2 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center (formerly known as the Loft). Everyone is invited to attend, whether a current member or just interested in finding out more about the club, as this will be an informational session to share plans for the early part of 2022. 

The club’s unofficial motto is “There are no stars in the Theater Club” because the members share a love of theater and working with one other. Acting experience is not required.

Contact club President Taylor White at (562) 208-3359 for more information.

Chess Club

This week’s puzzle is checkmate in three moves. White moves first; any answer by Black, and White’s third move is checkmate.

The solution to this week’s puzzle: The first move is Rh5.

The White rook moves from h1 to h5, then Black pawn to h5, followed by White queen to h5 and Black bishop to h6. The next move by White is checkmate.

Because of the holidays, the next meeting of the Chess Club will be Jan. 7 from 1:30-6 p.m. at Clubhouse 3, Room 7.

Super Bingo

American Legion Post 327 will host Super Bingo on Jan. 23 in Clubhouse 2. Doors open at 1 p.m.

The buy-in is $15, with each additional six-pack of cards costing $15. Winners of regular games will receive $100 or more. There will also be other games, raffle prizes and desserts. 

All proceeds benefit veterans in the community.

Anyone with questions should call (310) 491-8990.

Yahtzee Club

At the Dec. 17 meeting of the Yahtzee Club, Kathy Rose won for Most Yahtzees (six), Donna Wenrick had the Highest Total Score (1,630), and Pat Wilson won the Door Prize.

The Yahtzee Club meets every Friday from 12:30-4 p.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 6. The cost to play is $2 per meeting. 

The club is currently at maximum capacity, but new members will be accepted in January. Anyone who wants to be on a waiting list to join should call Kathy Rose at (562) 596-7237.

Orchestra concert well-attended

The Leisure World Orchestra Holiday Concert on Dec. 18 in Clubhouse 4 was standing room only. The orchestra thanks the custodians for the great job they did adding seats and filling up the stage to accommodate the 200 attendees, some of whom still had to stand. 

The orchestra has grown and sounded better than ever. This was the first concert under the direction of conductor Dr. Samuel K. Kim of Mutual 12. The last concert was two years ago with former, longtime conductor Rae J. Boeving, who passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic. A wonderful teacher, Boeving helped to grow the orchestra into what it is today. 

The concert opened with the orchestra’s first choral work, “Canticle of Praise,” presented with the Leisure World Korean Community Church choir. The rest of the program included works from all over Europe, the U.S. and Central America. One of the highlights was “A Trumpeter’s Lullaby,” by Leroy Anderson, which included a solo by trumpeter Richard Freedman of Mutual 14. There were two medleys of Christmas Carols, “Christmas March” and “A Carol Festival,” plus a fugue based on “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” In all, 15 pieces were perfomed, with the concert ending with the Hallelujah chorus from Handel’s “Messiah” and an encore of the Radetsky March by Strauss. The orchestra members received a standing ovation.

After the concert, the audience was treated to an assortment of refreshments donated by the choir and orchestra members. 

The orchestra is always looking for new members, especially violin and French horn players. Rehearsals are held Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons in the Amphitheater. Anyone interested in joining should contact Fred Reker at (615) 898 0669 or fredreker326@gmail.com.

Entertainment Ensemble & Video Club

The Leisure World Entertainment Ensemble & Video Club (previously known as LW Chorale Club) invites everyone in Leisure World to its presentation of “After Christmas With Love” on Jan. 29 at 1 p.m. in Clubhouse 4. The program offers a fun approach to how the time after Christmas, Hanukkah and all other December holidays should be celebrated.

Refreshments will be served.

Let the Good Times Roll club President Frank Destra and Vice President Lu DeSantis have a “super surprise” planned for LWers on Jan. 15. More details will be announced in LW Weekly.

Religion

Beit HaLev

Services for Erev Shabbat begin at 5:30 p.m., and Saturday morning services start at 10.

Beit HaLev will hold in-person services every week beginning Jan. 7 in Clubhouse 3, Room 4. Masks are required to attend; complimentary Beit HaLev masks will be available.

Beit HaLev livestream services are on Facebook.com/galityomtov and Zoom. To join our Zoomalogue community, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9152434704?pwd=THJGTE1OUXI5VXFDTWtuZHF4K3VxUT09. The meeting ID is 915 243 4704, and the passcode is RavGalit.

Beit HaLev is studying the Book of Exodus, and this week’s Torah reading in the Third Triennial Cycle is “Va’eira,” from Exodus 8:16-9:35. The 10 Plagues dominate the Torah portion; the Triennial reading focuses on the fourth through seventh plagues, which include the insect swarms in Egypt, pestilence attacking the animals, soot thrown into the air by Moses causing boils on the Egyptians’ and the animals’ skin, and fiery hail raining destruction on the land. Each plague brings greater travail to the Egyptians, and each time the Pharaoh’s heart is hardened even more—all according to HaShem’s will.

All Beit HaLev services use special prayerbooks, “Lev L’Lev,” which include excerpts from the Reform Siddur, “Mishkan HaT’filah.” Printed versions of the prayerbooks will be available for sale at the in-person services.

Beit HaLev is part of the Union of Jewish Universalist Clergy and Communities. It is progressive in thought and traditional in liturgy. The services are joyous, meaningful and musical. Beit HaLev welcomes everyone who seeks a path to the divine and doesn’t believe in labels. Beit HaLev considers all religions holy and valid.

To request a Membership Form for Beit HaLev, call Rabbi Galit-Shirah at (562) 715-0888 or email duets@icloud.com.

Congregation Sholom 

On Friday, Dec. 31, services with Rabbi Mike Mymon will be via Zoom at 6:30 p.m. Shabbat services continue on Zoom on Saturday, Jan. 1 at 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Mymon.

 New participants or those wanting to join any online event can request a Zoom invitation from Jeff Sacks via text at (714) 642-0122 or email at jfsacks@gmail.com. Anyone needing assistance with Zoom can contact Jeff in advance.

The walking group walks 6 feet apart while wearing masks every Monday and Wednesday. Meet at 6 a.m. at the bus stop across from Clubhouse 3.

Congregation Sholom is selling silk-screened, branded, reusable masks for $5 each or four for $18, shipping included. All proceeds go the General Fund. To place an order, contact Murray Pollack at murrjet@yahoo.com or (562) 331-3949.

The installation of the new Board of Directors will occur during Friday-night services on Jan. 7. A dairy potluck will be provided by members. Contact Jeff with any questions.

The book club will discuss “Madagascar,” the sixth short story in “Here I Am,” on Jan. 1 at 7 p.m. 

Anyone wanting to plant a tree in Israel for any occasion should contact Michele Vallens at (562) 230-7464.

To add someone or be added the yahrzeit list, call Lisa Brass at (562) 794-9090 by the Wednesday prior to services. To add someone or be added or removed from the misheberakh list, contact Darlene Rose at (562) 347-8088 by Wednesday. And to join the congregation, call Howard Brass at (562) 794-9090.

Leisure World Korean Community Church

On Dec. 18, the LW Korean Community Church (LWKCC) choir with music pastor Dr. Kim Gyu-Sam gave a performance titled “Praise the Lord” in the LW Orchestra Winter Concert in Clubhouse 4.

LWKCC held its Christmas Sunday worship on Dec. 19, during which Reverend Dr. Yong Jang-Young baptized Dr. Michael Kim and Dr. Jennifer Yong’s daughter, Josephine Eunseong Kim.

The church will hold a New Year’s Eve service on Friday, Dec. 31, at 11 p.m. in the main sanctuary.

LWKCC meets every Sunday for worship at 11:50 a.m., with early-morning worship services at 6 a.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Its sanctuary is located next to the south gate at 14000 Church Place; parking is available in the front and back of the building.

Contact senior pastor Dr. Yong Jang-Young at (714) 323-0897 for more information.

First Christian Church

First Christian Church of Leisure World teaches from God’s word, the Holy Bible, most often verse by verse. It is a friendly church that welcomes all visitors. 

Services 

Saturday and Sunday services have the same message given by Pastor Bruce Humes. Sunday services from 9:30-10:45 a.m. are traditional, with hymnal music performed by Pat Kogok at the piano. On Jan. 2, she will also sing a solo. 

Saturday services from 9:30-10:45 a.m. are more contemporary, with Gregory Black leading in worship with guitar accompaniment. 

Friday evening prayer meetings are from 6-7. Weekly Bible study with Jack Frost is on Wednesdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m. All events are open to anyone interested.

 The Message 

In 1 Thessalonians 2:14, it reads, “For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans.” The word “imitators” means followers, indicating that the churches established in Thessalonica followed in the footsteps of the church of God in Judea not only in their newfound faith in Jesus Christ, but also in the suffering and persecution they experienced for Christ’s sake.

It seems that a certain amount of suffering and persecution accompanied those who came to faith in Jesus Christ, whether they were Jews or gentiles. In Judea, it was persecution from fellow Jews, and in Thessalonica, it was from their fellow countrymen or gentiles. The common denominator was faith in Christ. These various trials should not be a surprise to us today, as throughout scripture, there are difficulties experienced by followers. In James 1:2-3, it reads, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” And in 1 Peter 1:6, it says, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials.”

God always has a purpose for the trials, temptation and hardships people encounter as they sojourn through their time on earth. In these two cases, people learn patience and are instructed to greatly rejoice in them. As they enter a New Year, everyone should strive to be more patient and rejoice in the Lord in all circumstances.

Scripture of the Week

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold new things have come” (II Corinthians 5:17).

Announcements 

 Anyone who wants to speak to someone at the church or has a need should call (562) 431-8810 and leave a message. Calls will be returned at the church’s earliest opportunity.

Assembly of God

On Sunday, Jan. 2, Pastor Chuck Franco will present Part 2 of “Courage for the New Year,” bringing insight and applicable principles to encourage Christians to welcome the challenges and blessings of the new year without fear.

Sunday-morning service is at 10:30 in Clubhouse 3, Room 2. Bible study is Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 2. And Hymn Sing is the third Sunday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Clubhouse 3 Lobby. 

Pastor Chuck’s sermons can be accessed on Facebook (Chuck Franco) and the Faithlife app under the group “Leisure World Assembly of God,” where people can also give online.

Anyone who would like a prayer, personal contact from a pastor, or a DVD of the Sunday-morning sermon should call (562) 357-4360 or email pastorchuck@lwassemblyofgod.com. For prayer requests, call Carolyn van Aalst at (562) 343-8424. 

For more information about Leisure World Assembly of God, visit the website at lwassemblyofgod.com.

Faith Christian Assembly

At Faith Christian Assembly, new people are always welcome “Where the Hymns are Sung,” under the direction of gifted musician Earlene Leming. Pastor Sheri Leming’s message is straight from God’s Word and is sure to lift people up! 

Studies have shown that people who attend church and worship regularly tend to be happier than those who do not. Church attendance has also been shown to decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s. 

Sunday service times are 10:30 a.m and 5:30 p.m. Pre-service prayer is Sundays at 5 p.m. Midweek Bible Study is Wednesdays at 11 a.m. And Grief Share meets every Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. in the Garden Room. 

For the most up-to-date schedule, to receive a free copy of the church newsletter, or to obtain more information, call (562) 598-9010 or visit www.FCAchurch.net.

Community Church 

In this fresh new year, what can we leave behind? What can we do differently, even within pesky health restrictions? 

The season of Christmas continues for 12 days. The Magi brought gifts to Jesus; we can share gifts with the needy and kindnesses with our neighbors. The coming of the Magi represents the revealing of God to people worldwide. Wise folks still seek Him. A moment of recognition that God has touched a person’s life is called an epiphany. And beginning Jan. 2, it’s the Epiphany season of the church year, celebrating a time of receiving and revealing God to others.

Jan. 2 is also the eighth day, with eight maids a-milking . . . five golden rings . . . and a partridge in a pear tree. Sounds like too much “stuff”! So something new in the new year could be to clear the clutter. 

On Jan. 2 and 9, Kelly Frankiewicz, who holds a master’s of divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, will preach on “God Moments” and “With You, I am Well Pleased.” 

Community Church has made a point to say loudly and repeatedly, “You are welcome here.” Though that welcome has some constraints imposed by the pandemic, it is still absolute. The congregation continues to worship in person with a new air-filtration system, masking and vaccinations. 

Livestreamed services are available via Facebook @communitychurchleisureworld or Zoom (call the church office or email leisurewccsue@yahoo.com to be connected). 

Anyone in need without another way to address that need may call the church office at (562) 431-2503 to leave a message for Reverend Johan Dodge.

LW Baptist

On Sunday, Jan. 2, the 10 a.m. worship will focus on personal faith. Unbelieving religious leaders of Jesus’ day sought to undermine his authority, but Jesus gained the advantage by publicly showing their unbelief of God’s Word. So they sent spies pretending to pose honest questions about paying taxes that might cause him trouble with the governing authorities. Jesus turned the tables on their trickery, exposing their civil disobedience to government (Luke 20). 

Next, to discredit him, they raised a question of Jewish religious controversy: the resurrection. Jesus points them to Moses’ answer in the Law, which they professed to believe. In their embarrassed silence, Jesus asked them what the Psalms mean by calling the Messiah (Christ) David’s son, since David calls him “Lord.” The self-proclaimed religious teachers were speechless. Jesus followed up by warning the listening crowd to not be taken in by hypocritical leaders. 

The point he makes is that all of these issues—paying taxes, faith in the bodily resurrection, Messiah’s identity and personal character—are of eternal consequence, calling for personal faith. 

Men’s 10 a.m. Bible study on Jan. 3 centers on eternal values. Anyone with questions is welcome to call (562) 430-8598.

—Rolland Coburn

Redeemer Lutheran Church 

On Jan. 2 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Council Vice President Jerry Brady will preach on the Scriptures with a sermon titled “Is Youth Wasted On the Young?” Main services are held at 10:30 a.m. inside the stained-glass sanctuary at 13564 Saint Andrews Drive. Dee Sessa and Maria Swift greet everyone at the door, while Carol Costello is prayer leader and reader. Everyone is welcome. The congregation is caring for everyone’s safety by following healthcare guidelines, wearing masks and social distancing.

Cornerstone Church invited soloist Rachel Yeo and violinist John Nam to join its choir in special Christmas songs during worship on Dec. 19. Regular services are every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in Clubhouse 2.

Community

Sunshine Club

Club looks back over 10 years

When the Sunshine Club began in January 2012, its purpose and mission were focused on LW residents, and the group looks to continue that mission going into its 10th year. 

To stay connected during the pandemic, since July 2020, the Sunshine Club has been meeting via Zoom. It has held 45 Zoom meetings, with an average of 40 participants each week.

The club frequently invites guests to its meetings to speak about different topics. The group also publicizes events in the LW Weekly and the minutes of monthly Mutual meetings and the Board of Directors meetings. 

Before COVID, the club would go on day trips to Los Angeles to experience farmers markets, Los Angeles County Museum of Arts and the Getty Museum. The group traveled to the Lancaster poppy fields and Old Town San Diego. It looks forward to traveling together once the pandemic is over.

The club was able to meet in person twice this year, at its annual summer picnic in July and holiday party in December.

It hosted a classical music concert and Band of the California Battalion for shareholders a few years ago, and the club plans to bring that back as soon as it feels safe enough to gather people in Clubhouse 2. 

To allow members to spend the holidays with family and friends, there’s no meeting on Dec. 31. On Jan. 7, the club will host a Zoom meeting without a speaker to give everyone an opportunity to socialize and catch up. 

The Sunshine Club’s Jan. 14 Zoom meeting will welcome GRF Security Director Victor Rocha. Pharmacist Christine Nuygen will speak on Jan. 21, and Meals on Wheels Long Beach Director Bill Cruikshank will join the group on Jan. 28.

The Sunshine Club currently meets every Friday from 10 a.m.-noon via Zoom. Once it is safe to gather in person again, the club will resume meeting in Clubhouse 3, Room 2. There are no membership dues, and all residents are welcome to join. 

For more information, text (562) 301-5339.

Woman’s Club

Due to the severe rise in COVID cases, especially the delta and omicron variants, the Woman’s Club Leisure World meeting scheduled for Jan. 4 has been canceled.

Humanist Association

Next meeting will be on Jan. 2

Did self-proclaimed psychic Jean Dixon predict the assassination of JFK? Have the prophecies in the Bible been fulfilled, and is the world living in the end times?

For millennia, prophets and seers have been part of human culture across the globe. With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, Robert Richert will offer a skeptical look at the subject on Sunday, Jan. 2, from 10:30 a.m.-noon in Clubhouse 3, Room 1.

His talk will include secular, psychic and religious forms of prophecy throughout the ages. 

Richert has been active in humanist/free-thought issues for four decades. He is currently working on a memoir and commentary titled “Apple Pie Atheist.” His previous book, “Open Wound,” which is about his experiences during the Vietnam War, is available via Amazon. Richert is a dynamic presenter, and his talks are always well-received. 

 Join the Humanist Association and begin the new year by learning about this fascinating subject.

American Legion Auxillary

There will be not be a district meeting on Saturday, Jan. 8, as the officers will be attending the D.E.C. convention at the Marriott Hotel by the Long Beach airport. All members of the Auxiliary are invited to attend. To carpool and RSVP, call (562) 594-0209.

Auxiliary members should record their volunteer hours for 2021 and get them to Donna Severson as soon as possible. Severson will forward the totals to the National American Legion, who reports all volunteer hours to the U.S. Congress. This important report has a huge impact on the help given to veterans by Congress.

Y Service Club

The Y Service Club sells MiraFiber Cloths to raise funds to send kids to camp. With just water, MiraFiber Cloths will clean any surface without chemicals. They are guaranteed to last a long time, if directions are followed. The cost is $6 each or five for $25. 

For more information, call Glenna Hoff at (562) 296-5040.

Democratic Club 

Los Alamitos School Board recall fizzles out

by Mary Larson

LW contributor

The Orange County Register of Voters recently announced there will be no election to recall Los Alamitos School District Board trustees—at least not in the immediate future. 

During the Sept. 28 board meeting, trustees Chris Forehan, Scott Fayette and Megan Cutuli were served with notices of intent to recall them. However, the proposed recall petitions needed to be certified by the Orange County Registrar of Voters before they could be circulated for voter signatures. 

This certification was only the first step of several that would have to be taken before voters would see a recall ballot. (To learn more about these steps, readers are urged to visit www.ocvote.com or Google “handbook on the procedures for recalling local Orange.”) If the petitions had been certified by the Registrar’s office, recall supporters would have to then collect approximately 2,000 signatures of voters from each of the three trustees’ districts within 90 days. A very large percent of these 6,000 individuals from whom signatures would have to be collected live and vote in Leisure World. 

While waiting for information from the Registrar about the status of the recall effort, Democratic Club members continued to inform Leisure World residents concerning the situation. They urged voters to refuse to sign the petitions in support of the recall if they were certified for distribution in the LW community. And if the petitions had been certified, the club was ready to carry out more intense outreach efforts to voters. Fortunately, this is no longer needed.

The Registrar’s office returned what was reportedly the third draft of the petitions on Dec. 7, with a deadline of Dec.17 for revisions. No revisions were submitted by the deadline, so all three trustees have been notified they will not be subject to a recall election.

 For more information about this aborted recall effort and what might happen in the future, LW Democrats and their supporters are invited to subscribe to the club’s free electronic newsletter by contacting editor Mary Larson at (562) 296-8521 or democraticclubsblw@gmail.com.

LWers can help the GAF while shopping

While many shareholders are spending lot of money on groceries, especially during the holidays, there’s way to donate to the Golden Age Foundation (GAF) without paying extra. 

Ralphs has announced it’s committed to giving $2 million through its Community Contributions program.

The GAF is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to making the Leisure World Seal Beach community a better, happier place in which to live. But to provide helpful services, GAF needs to raise funds. 

The Ralphs Rewards program is one way to donate to the GAF. LW residents just need a Ralphs Reward card to register online or over the phone. To sign up online, go to www.ralphs.com. Or people can call (800) 443-4438. Choose the GAF (FS 519) as the designated nonprofit organization. 

Once is person is signed up, he or she can help the GAF obtain funds at no extra cost just by doing their regular shopping. This is a great opportunity for LWers to assist the GAF in its work to enrich the lives of residents.

For more information, go to www.goldenagefdn.org or call Anna Derby at (562) 301-5339.

Avoid these popular scams this holiday season

As you continue to see loved ones in celebration of the holidays, be sure to look out for these three popular scams. 

Charity Scams

Unfortunately, many scammers will take advantage of the kindness and generosity that flourishes this time of year by asking you to make a donation to a charity that does not actually exist. It’s important to verify the authenticity of any charity you’d like to donate to by checking it out on www.CharityNavigator.org. It’s also advisable to contact a charity on your own instead of following a website link from an email or social media post.

If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be a represenative from a charity, consumer.ftc.com recommends asking questions about the charity’s exact name, website, mailing address and how the donation will be spent. Some scammers use names that sound like large, well-known charities to confuse people. Asking questions and writing down information will help you confirm information before you donate.

The Federal Trade Commission requires charities to do these six things when calling potential donors: 

• They can only call between 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

• They have to disclose their name and purpose. They must say the name of the charity and clearly state the reason they’re calling is to seek a donation.

• They can’t deceive you or lie about the fundraiser’s connection to the charity, the mission or purpose of the charity; whether a donation is tax deductible; how much of the donation actually goes to the charity’s programs; and the charity’s affiliation with the government.

• They can’t use a robocall or prerecorded message to reach you unless you are a member of the charity or a prior donor. 

• They must provide a way to opt out of future calls.

• The caller ID has to be truthful. The caller ID on your phone has to show the name of the charity, as well as a number you can call to ask to be placed on the charity’s do not call list.

If someone calls you from a charity and refuses to do one or many of these things, hang up the phone and block the number. 

Delivery Scams

Many people turned to online shopping during the pandemic. Because of this, most people are used to receiving shipping information about incoming packages via email, but some scammers take advantage of shoppers’ reliance on email notifications.

Scammers send out phishing emails disguised as UPS, FedEx or U.S. Postal Service notifications of incoming or missed deliveries. Links lead to fake sign-in pages asking for personal information or to sites infested with viruses. 

The Federal Communications Commission warns of delivery-notification scam calls and texts. These text messages and calls look as if they’re from a legitimate mail or package courier and include a fake tracking link. The link will lead to a website to enter personal information, or it will install malware, and the scammer will be able to take valuable information such as a credit card number or ID number.

If you receive a message about an unexpected package delivery or delay in delivery, be cautious before moving forward. Identify harmful links by checking to see if there are any misspelled words, such as “fedx.com.” When in doubt, contact the courier directly for accurate information about your deliveries.

Gift Cards

Gift cards are popular items to give and receive during the holidays. Many scammers sell expired or empty gift cards this time of year, hoping to make a profit on a card that isn’t worth more than the plastic used to make it. 

Ask to inspect any gift card you purchase before you finalize the sale. Check to see if the activation code is exposed. If it is, the scammer has probably already used the card or has copied the information and will use it soon.

Republican Club

School choice debate focus of Jan. 19 meeting

by Brian Harmon

LW contributor

School choice and why it is at the center of political debate in California today will be discussed at the Jan. 19 meeting of the Republican Club. 

While a topic of debate in LW and surrounding areas has been the attempted recall of members of the Los Alamitos Unified School District, the club believes that a broader, more comprehensive solution would be school choice. Parents who are happy with the education their children are getting where they are can keep them there, and other parents can send their children to the school of their choice.

The Republican Club believes that the current educational system is not providing basic information about the world. The schools are, in effect, rewriting history to reflect a more progressive, liberal or radical point of view. For example, schools do a good job of pointing out the murderous policies of Hitler’s Nazi regime (12 million murdered outright and 44 million killed in the World War II European theater in a war Hitler started). In most high schools, the Holocaust is discussed in ninth-grade world history and 12th-grade government classes, as well as in 10th-grade English classes, during which “The Diary of Ann Frank” is studied.

Unfortunately, the horrible crimes of Mao Zedong in Communist China, especially during the Great Leap Forward in 1958-62, are largely, if not completely, ignored. The death toll was between 45 million and 70 million, including those who were forcibly and intentionally starved to death, plus those who were murdered outright by government officials and Communist Party operatives at Mao’s command. Clearly, Mao was the most effective mass murderer in the history of the world. 

The Soviet dictator Stalin’s murder of 20 million people, largely Ukrainians who were forcibly starved to death, is just about completely ignored.

Changing what is taught in public schools to reflect a more balanced point of view would be difficult, if not impossible, in the foreseeable future. But, the Republican Club believes, school choice would be a positive step toward mitigating the liberal bias it finds evident in the public-school curriculum. It would allow parents to choose whether they want their children to attend a public, private or charter school, and it would improve educational opportunities for all families. “The school choice initiative will give all parents the ability to send their children to the school they feel will best prepare them for the future,” said club President Brian Harmon.

LW residents are invited to visit the Republican Club booth every Monday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., weather permitting, to sign school choice petitions, discuss GOP principles or enjoy pleasant conversation. The Republican Club’s principles include: strong national defense, smaller government, fiscal conservatism, free-enterprise capitalism, tax reform, school choice, equal rights and opportunities for all, God and the Bible, and pro-life.

Obituaries

Dorothea Shaffer Moll 

1917-2021

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on Nov. 6, 1917, Dorothea was one of 12 children born to Adam Carl Arndt and Emma Othelia Brickman. 

At the age of 3, her father moved the family to a small farm near the town of Waters in Northern Michigan. Dorothea attended a one-room school a mile walk from home. She later attended and graduated from Frederic High School in the nearby town of Grayling.

After graduation, she moved to Detroit, where she was introduced to her future husband by her brother. In 1938, she married Francis Shaffer, and they settled in Detroit. In 1948, they decided to leave the cold behind and move to California.

They shipped their household goods west, then packed up their car with their four children, settling in the city of South Gate. Four more children would later be born.

Dorothea went to work in the aircraft industry, employed by Hughes Aircraft, then North American Rockwell, then Boeing.

After Francis died, Dorothea remained in South Gate until she retired. She moved to Leisure World Seal Beach in 1985; while there, she married Bernard Moll, who also preceded her in death.

Dorothea enjoyed many pursuits, joining the bicycle club and shuffleboard group as well as doing needlework and ceramics. As arthritis took hold, many of her activities dropped away, but her lasting enjoyment was walking around Leisure World.

Dorothea died on Dec. 9, 2021. She was preceded in death by two sons. Her daughters spent many hours with her during her last weeks.

She is survived by six daughters, 18 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.

•••

The obituaries deadline is Monday at 1 p.m., prior to the desired Thursday publication date. 

Obituaries that are received later than Monday will go in the following week’s issue.

Email obituary notices to laurieb@lwsb.com with photos attached as jpg files.

The first 250 words, plus one picture, are free to publish in the newspaper; each additional word is 25 cents. 

For more information, call (562) 430-0534, ext. 801, or email laurieb@lwsb.com.

GENERAL

AVON

Lenora Browning, LW Resident. Phone 562-493-5457. Seal Beach Business License #BRN000. 6/30/2022

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May the sacred heart of Jesus be adored and glorified, loved, honored, praised and preserved now and forever. Sacred heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Please pray for Charlie-and-ALL-my-children! Say this prayer nine times for nine days and your petition will be granted. Must promise publication.

GARDENING & LANDSCAPING

FRANK’S GARDENING SERVICE

Complete maintenance and landscape. Serving Leisure World since 1978. Planting, clean-ups, fertilization. New lawns, etc. Offering my services to all Mutuals. Honest and reliable. State Contractor’s License #779462. Call 562-863-7739, 

562-743-3832 or 714-527-1172. 12/30

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Additions & Remodeling, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Windows, Tile & Stonework. State Contractor’s License #393071. 

OGAN CONSTRUCTION, INC. (562) 596-7757.  3/31/22

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JR HOME REPAIRS.  Quality work. Perfectionist, honest & reliable. Call JR 562-519-2764. SB Business License #JRH0001. 7/07/2022

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562-596-0559 LW DECOR INC – LIC 723262

Install doors, new windows, recessed lights, fans, light fixtures. Cabinet refacing & refinishing, paint exterior window frames, ceilings made smooth, closets redone, misc. repairs. Kitchen/bathroom remodeling. 40+ yrs in LW.

LW DECOR INC 562-596-0559.  2/10/22

BATHTUB & SHOWER REFINISHING

We refinish your TUB/SHOWER to look brand new. Convert to a WALK-IN SHOWER and/or raise seat. Nu Kote 562-833-3911  

License #699080 Serving LW since 1999. 2/03/2022

PAINTING

Painting – Free estimates. 1 room or entire house & refinish kitchen cabinets. Call Jerry (714) 826-8636.

CA State License #675336. 12/30

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Affordable – Professional, Licensed and Insured. Interior – exterior drywall repair, texturing, pressure washing, cabinets. Senior discounts. Cory Gee Painting 714-308-9931. License #1049257. 03/03/2022

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562-596-0559 LEISURE WORLD DECORATORS

Lic 723262. 40+ yrs in LW. Interiors, cabinets, exterior window frames, kitchen, bath, doors, trim, primered only premium paints. Ceilings made smooth, crown moulding & baseboards installed. LW Decor Inc.562-596-0559.  02/10/22

FLOOR COVERINGS

562-596-0559

LW DECOR INC. 

40+ yrs in LW. Vinyl plank, laminate, tile indoor and outdoor patio carpet. License 723262. 562-596-0559.  02/10/22

UPHOLSTERY/Carpet cleaning and tile & grout

All Year Carpet Cleaning since 1988. Tile & Grout. Call Tito (562) 658 – 9841. State Contractors Lic. #578194. 12/30

SKYLIGHT SERVICES

SKYLIGHTS

CLEAN, REPAIR, REPLACE. Licensed and insured. Dan (562) 841-3787. Seal Beach License #BRA0002. 2/17/22

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SKYLIGHT Cleaning and Repairs Contact Eugene at (714) 774-4385. Contractor State License 634613-B. 1/13/22

WINDOW COVERINGS

562-596-0559

LEISURE WORLD DECORATORS

Shutters, blinds, roll-up shades, custom drapes. 562-596-0559.   2/10/22

Leisure World Helping Leisure World

Y’s Service Club of the YMCA will assist residents with small non-professional jobs. We change light bulbs, clean air conditioner filters, hang a small picture or mirror, remove or place items on a high shelf, air bicycle tires, etc. Donations gladly accepted. Call weekdays between 9 am-5 pm. (714) 955-2885.

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Does your walker need new tennis balls? Delivery and installation provided. Please give your name and phone number. Free of charge. Diane Hart 714-955-2885. 

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“ROLLIN THUNDER” GOLF CART CLUB 

Offers FREE advice on buying and selling of your golf cart. Also batteries and Safety Flags. 562-431-6859.

eMPLOYMENT/Help WANTED

Caregiver NEEDED for Household assistance, 15 Hours Weekly.   IHSS Funded. Call 562-296-7096.

HOME CARE PERSONAL ASSISTANT

I am an experienced caregiver available to assist with daily care, doctor’s appointments and errands. Available 24/7. 

949-899-7770. Seal Beach Business License HEL0006. 12/30

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CHRISTIAN HOME CARE

Experienced, knowledgeable caregivers, honest, assertive, fluent English. Hourly/full-time, doctor’s appointments, errands. Bernadine 562-310-0280. Seal Beach Business License #BCS0002. Bonded/insured. 6/16/2022

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MOST AFFORDABLE  RATES with optimum service, 30-years  LW experience, reliable, honest caregivers. Licensed, 24-hours, part-time, doctors, appointments, references, fluent English.  Ann 714-624-1911, 562-277-3650 – Heidi. Seal Beach License #HYC0001. 6/02/222

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EXPERIENCED CAREGIVER

Over 25+ years in Leisure World with Excellent References.  Hourly or Live-in. Please Call Pampet: 562-371-4895. Seal Beach License PAN0003  2/24/2022

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Elderly care. Live-in, live-out. 30 years of experience. Cooking, cleaning, medications, companions, doctors. Experience with dementia. Licensed by the state. Gloria 949-371-7425.  3/17/2022

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Maria’s experienced caregivers, run errands, Dr’s appointments, cleaning, part-time, full-time, live-in. (562) 230-4648. Seal Beach Business License License #CAM0006. 05/26/2022

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Leisure World Caregiver with/experience. Has car & can provide references.Maria/562-257-7631. Seal Beach Business License LOP007. 1/06/22

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Do you need Hospice, Rehab or Long-Term Care? Yearly Board & Care in Cerritos. We provide  24-hour care. We accept short or long-term stays. We have more than 20years experience in the Healthcare Industry. Our experienced Care Staff provide home-like, safe, caring, and loving environment. We offer affordable rates, call us for a FREE consultation. We care for Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Hospice, Home-Health, Rehab, Diabetes, Gastroenterology-Tube, C-Pap or Bi-Pap Use. Isabel  Tangonan/RN, 562-307-7668. State License  198603276. 1/06/22

BEAUTY SERVICES

Tammy Nguyen Phenix Salon – Service in private suite. One customer, one hairstylist. Sanitized & professional. Haircut for men & women, shampoo, set, color, highlights, perm, nails & toenails. In-house service available. Tammy Nguyen. 13944 Seal Beach Blvd,  #116. (714) 425-4198. 2/10/2022

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In home hair care, serving the men and women of Leisure World for 36 years. Mel, cell: 562-480-9341. License #KC75538. 1/27/2022

HOUSE CLEANING

Experienced housekeeper. I do weekly and monthly cleaning. Call 949-899-7770. Seal Beach Business License HEL0006. 12/30

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MOVE-IN, MOVE-OUT

WINDOWS, HOUSECLEANING  CALL PHIL AT 562-881-2093 Over 30 years Experience! Seal Beach Business License #AB0001. 12/30

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GRACIAN’S HOUSECLEANING & WINDOWS.

Windows 10% off first cleaning. General housecleaning. Excellent referrals in LW. (562) 307-3861. 20 years experience.

Seal Beach Business License gra0006. 2/10/2022

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General housekeeping, 30 years of experience. Bi-weekly or monthly. Seal Beach License RAZ0002. Call Gloria 

949-371-7425.  3/17/2022

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Maria House Cleaning

We’ll make your house look as nice as possible! 15 years of experience, We can work with your schedule. Bi-weekly or monthly.

Deep cleaning. Call or text 714-496-2885. Bus. Lic #HER0008. 3/17/2022

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MAGALY’S  CLEANING  SERVICE

We make your home sparkle! 7-days call anytime! Complete cleaning. Seal Beach Business License #M0001A.  

Call 562-505-1613.   03/03/2022

COMPUTERS

FRUSTRATED (562)755-6199

Everything for your computer (PC or Mac), cell phone, TV, stereo, any electronic device. Tina Schaffer. Seal Beach Bus. License License #CIP0001  2/17/2022

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John’s Computer Services 562-733-9193

Virus removal, Repair, Training, Software, Wireless, Internet Security. LW Resident  SB License FUH0001. 3/17/2022

AUTOS WANTED

ANY KIND OF CAR

Cars, motorcycle, truck – running or not. We are local – call anytime! We pay cash and remove promptly! We do DMV and Release of liability for you! Bonded/Licensed, since 1985! Call us so we can come out and give you a quote. 562-684-0901. 2/10/2022

ELECTRIC CARTS/SCOOTERS/MOBILE CHAIRS FOR SALE

Golf Cars BUY SELL TRADE and REPAIRS. Call 714-292-9124. 12/30

Transportation

Need a lift? Pam Miller. LW Residents ONLY. 310-227-1258 1/13/2022

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Inexpensive Shuttle. Airports, Shopping, Doctors, etc. SB License  ABL0001. 562-881-2093. 12/30

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Rides by Russ 714-655-1544. 12/30

autos/boats/rv’s trailers FOR SALE

ELECTRIC CAR PADS

Installed at your residence. Call Frank 562-743-3832. Contractor’s License #779462. 12/30

MOVING, HAULING & STORAGE SERVICES

J&D HAUL AWAY AND CLEAN-UP SERVICE

No job too small! Fast, reliable, great prices. Seal Beach Business License BRA0002. 562-841-3787: Dan.  2/17/2022

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A FRIEND AND A TRUCK

Your moving service, any size job.  Business License RO263644. Call 310-387-2618.  2/24/2022

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

Women’s Bicycle $125.00 in Excellent Condition! For further details call 562-598-6720. 

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Hearing Device plugs into TV to listen through Hearing-Aids. Paid/$250, Asking/$40. 562-598-1784.

Leisure world carport wanted

Looking for a carport-space in Leisure-World. Will pay monthly. Please call 949-973-5632.

Free ITEMS

I would LOVE to giveaway a Power Lift Chair for someone who needs it!  It will help you stand-up from a sitting-position. Call me at 562-296-5618. You must pickup.

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Free Ming Plant (Ailing) in Large HEAVY Planter. You must pickup/562-343-6393. Mutual-15