LWW Translate/Vie Ed. 05-11-23 – Leisure World Seal Beach

Alzheimer’s OC introducing Memory Support Team in LW

Alzheimer’s Orange County (AlzOC), with the support of numerous community partners, is pleased to introduce the Leisure World Seal Beach Memory Support Team (MST).

The MST will provide a variety of memory support programs and services to LWSB shareholders and families concerned about memory loss and/or cognitive decline.

The MST is comprised of dementia care specialists and care team navigators who will team with residents to support their efforts to live productively and independently.

The development of the MST was greatly influenced by the thoughtful and persistent advocacy of the Golden Age Foundation.

MST programs and services, many of which are planned to begin this June, will include:

• Brain health classes

• Memory and cognitive screenings

• Memory training programs

• Early memory loss workshops

• Individual and family dementia care consultation and care options counseling

• Medication reviews and reconciliations

• Home safety evaluations and dementia-related safety screenings

• Dementia education, interventions and resource linkages

• Advance care planning

• Caregiver well being

• Behavioral management support

• Respite care programming

• Personalized dementia care management services

• Memory support outreach and engagement

Many of the above services will be accessed via phone or virtually (Zoom), at the LWSB Social Services Office, events, LW clubhouses and in the homes of individuals and families living with memory loss. Enrollment for in-home services will require a no-fee clinical assessment provided by the clinicians of the MST.

All the above services with the exception of respite care programming will be provided at no cost. Respite care programming is expected to begin in January 2024, and more information about that service will be forthcoming.

The LWSB MST is funded in part by a federal grant from the Administration for Community Living, including additional financial support from the Golden Age Foundation and AlzOC. MST services are based on a model of personal care management designed to address the unmet needs of persons living with dementia and provide support for their care partners. Services will be offered in English as well as Korean.

Support for this program has also come from the Golden Rain Foundation, SoMang Society, Pathways Volunteer Hospice, CSULB Center for Successful Aging, LWSB Community Church, Meals on Wheels Long Beach and Orange County, LWSB OPTUM Care Health Center and AlzOC.

Individuals interested in participating in the Memory Support Team can call the AlzOC Helpline at 844-373-4400, weekdays from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. or send an email to info@alzoc.org.

Bicycle Safety Month

May is National Bicycle Safety Month. The Seal Beach Police Department and California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) want to remind motorists and bicyclists alike to be courteous and share the road safely. Although bicycle safety is something that should be observed every day of the year, the month of May is dedicated to encouraging drivers and bicyclists to do their part to help reduce deaths and injuries on California’s roads.

“We all have places to be and not everyone gets there by car,” Chief Michael Henderson said. “Bicyclists and pedestrians have the same rights to the road, but face even more risk without the protections that vehicles have. We should all be looking out for one another.”

To help keep pedestrians safe, SBPD will conduct traffic safety operations throughout the month focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors. Here are some steps people can take to greatly reduce the risk of getting injured or in a crash:

Pedestrians

• Be predictable. Use crosswalks, when available.

• Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care.

• Do not walk or run into the path of a vehicle. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.

• Be visible. Make it easy for drivers to see you—wear light colors, reflective material and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk or at night.

Drivers

• Follow the speed limit and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.

• Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.

• Never drive impaired.

Bicyclists

• Obey traffic laws, use hand signals, use lights at night (front white light and rear red reflector), and wear a helmet.

• Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.

• Avoid the door zone: do not ride too closely to parked cars.

• If there’s a bike lane, use it, unless making a left turn, passing, or approaching a place where a right turn is allowed.

• Yield to pedestrians. Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians withinmarked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections.

No one quite like her: Tributes to the mothers of LW

To Rosie Otte,

Mutual 6

Rosie Otte is an amazing woman who has dedicated her life to supporting her family. As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Rosie has undoubtedly played a vital role in shaping the lives of the people she loves. Her love, guidance, and support have undoubtedly helped her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to achieve their dreams and become the people they are today. On this Mother’s Day, it’s important to acknowledge the incredible impact that Rosie has had on her family. She has been the glue that has held them together, providing a sense of stability and continuity in a world that is constantly changing. Her selflessness and devotion to her family are truly inspiring.

So, let us take a moment to honor Rosie Otte and all the other amazing mothers out there who have dedicated their lives to their families.

They are the unsung heroes of our world, and they deserve our deepest gratitude and respect.

-—Cathy Otte

To Mable Schriver

When I was a little girl, my grandmother, Mable Schriver, moved into LW. It was brand new then and it was fun to come every week for lunch and see the big world globe in the water out front. Grandma was the center of our whole family. Over 100 of us have been here to visit her and get some of her wonderful hugs and love.

Years later, grandma needed help, so my aunt Berneace Sabo moved in to assist her. She was very active in various clubs here in LW, including the swim club.

After my aunt’s passing, my cousins, Roger and Michi Broms moved in and a few years later my husband and I moved into another home here in LW and have been here for over 16 years. “And the beat goes on!”

—John and Debbie Shields,

Mutual 5

To Helen Lockyer

My mom, Helen Lockyer is an encouraging, strong and positive woman. She cheered for me in the stands while I played softball, drove me to the beach to surf, and took me with her to to play golf. She inspired me to follow my dreams and never give up. My mom is beautiful inside and out. Happy Mother’s Day mom! I love you.

—Pam Krug, Mutual 6

To Emily Rosina

My mum, Emily Rosina, was born a city girl on Christmas Day in Norwich, England, in 1912 to Percy, a policeman in the city, and Emily, a housewife. She loved city life, so it was a difficult adjustment to move into village life after she married my dad in 1935. Her character grew no doubt in leaps and bounds as she pumped water in order to flush the toilet or fill the copper for washing the clothes. In 1939, she became a mother to Jackie, then John and later to me. We were all born during the Second World War.

I admire my mum’s fortitude under stressful situations. She always saw the bright side of life even in bleak times. She learned to appreciate the birds she saw and heard in the country. She loved us three; we were the best thing that ever happened to her. She always encouraged me to make the most of every opportunity that came my way. She let me practice recipes I had learned in cooking class and never complained of the mess I made! She was the most “let go” person I’ve ever met, letting me freely come to America with my husband after losing my dad and her husband three weeks earlier. I’m happy to say my mum remarried a man who had never worn a tie in his life, a requirement by my sister in order to marry my mum.

She got to live back in the city and dance the afternoons and evenings away with Bill. They taught senior citizens to ball room dance, ran tea dances to raise money for guide dogs for the blind, and had much joy for 20 years together.

Mum, you’ve no idea how much your energy and enthusiasm for life, your care for others, your humor, your love for music and dance and the needy helped shape me. In some ways I still feel like “your little girl.”

—Christine Bird, Mutual 5

To Carol Chambers, Mutual 5

Mom,

Happy Mother’s Day. Your whole family loves you so much. Thank you for all that you have done for us. You have been the best Mom and Nana anyone could ask for. Can’t wait to spoil you on your day. You have been the rock of this family. Thank you for all the fun times that we have shared, can’t wait to make many more with you. We love you so much.

—Melody and Brent

Lizarraga, and Cassie,

Melvin, Bella and

Michael Mendez

To Shirlene Wallis,

Mutual 7

Mother’s Day is a wonderful day to remember one of the most important women in my life! I am Shirlene Wallis’ only child, so she gave me all of her love and attention while growing up.

My mom introduced me to Christianity and taught me about the love of God from the day I was born. My mom has always been there to help me with my three children.

She continues to be a big part in my life and the lives of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. I feel very blessed to have her as my mom, and it is great living close to her and spending more time with her!

—Debbie Casper, Mutual 3

To Isobel Riley

She raised 10 children and was an amazing mom to all of us. Miss her everyday!

—Mary Ellen Fuller,

Mutual 2

To Irvene Bernstein, Mutual 15

This is easy—the biggest compliment I can get is someone telling me I’m just like my mother or that I sound like my mother or I sing like my mother: off key, knowing all the words and loudly!

—Perri Brackett, Mutual 15

To Everlinda Garcia,

Mutual 9

My sister and I struck gold when God gave us our Mom. Everilda Garcia, known by her friends as “Evelyn,” has lived in LW for five years now.

Forty years ago, my mom left a third world country with nothing more than a suitcase and very minimal money gifted by her friends and family. She, along with two young daughters (my sister Carmen and I), embarked on a new path. Through Mom’s hard work and struggles she has taught us to value of perseverance, courage, importance in education and that through hard work you can achieve anything.

Mom is a simple woman, who will give everything and anything to those in need. She will walk to the houses of those who are ill and bring them a homemade meal, will ensure she has room for those that need a place and will always be there for those in need. She has taught us that what you give you get in return, and her kindness has certainly been returned by those that know her.

Evelyn is amazing, the best mom that God could have given us, she is always there if we need her with open arms and honest support. As of today, she is still making sure my sister and I (both in our late 40s) are okay when she is no longer around.

We love you Mom, we see you, we hear you and we feel the love you have for us. Happy Mother’s Day, today and everyday.

—Ally Phillipsen and

Carmen Garcia

To Essie Mildred

Bohannan Carter

My mother was born on the Fourth of July in the year 1909. She grew up in Huntsville and Fayetville, Arkansas. She had a younger brother. Her folks came to Fullerton, California, in 1928, after Essie finished her freshman year at the Arkansas university.

She met, and later married (in 1934) my father, John Cecil Carter, an Oklahoma man who came with his parents to Fullerton in the 1920s. He attended Fullerton High School and played football there. They had many adventures together. After having three children, including myself, they took many trips, especially to Yosemite National Park. They both had a great sense of humor and loved playing pranks on family members. Cecil worked long hours at the Pacific Telephone Company, so my mother would often be alone with just the three of us kids. I was still a toddler, sitting in a high chair, while my older brother and sister would quarrel about something.

All my mother had to do was look at the kitchen door window and start to get under the table where we were eating. Then all three of us kids would stop what we were doing and get under the table, too.

I needed a little help from my sister to get out of the high chair. We weren’t in any real danger, but for the rest of that night, there was peace and quiet, which my mother really needed! Ha!

—Ethel Carter, Mutual 2

To Kelley B. Song,

Mutual 14

God gave us the best, most dedicated and supportive mother we could ever wish for: Kelley B. Song. Mom has always been there for us, and our dearly departed dad, Keith K. Song, as the matriarch to an immigrant family, from life in America in an SRO in 1969 toiling for years to feed us, guide us and educate us, support us as we grew into adults. She loved us all way through, to success and happiness.

Kelley is an artist, painter, ceramicist, philosopher and supporter of the arts, with a modern, whimsical eye for design and aesthetics. She’s an arbiter of great style and taste. We salute and appreciate so much our dear mother Kelley B. Song and love our beautiful mother too much to mention, for everything she has sacrificed and done for us! We love you, Umma, until the end of time! Kelley B. Song, the greatest mother on Earth… ever, we love you so much!

—Jina Asia Bautista,

Mutual 14

To Thuy Do,

Mutual 14

To Mom,

You are the rock of our family. Your strength, wisdom, guidance is to be admired and emulated. An amazing mother and grandmother, you have taught us all what it means to love and live. Though there is only one day dedicated to celebrating and remembering mothers, we celebrate you everyday in our hearts.

You continue to thrive and flourish as you inspire everyone around you. You shine so brightly to the world in your art and your commitment to serve others as you share your faith. We are your children, but we do not have the energy to keep up with you. We love every bit of you and want to spend this Mother’s Day celebrating your love for us.

—Stephanie T. Do, Mutual 14

To Patricia Rhoades,

Mutual 9

Our mom is our hero.

From Eric: My dad died unexpectedly when I was 3 years old. In response to what had to be the most traumatic experience of her life, my mom, Patricia Rhoades, worked full time and put herself through nursing school to provide the best life for me and my baby sister Becky.

You don’t always see the whole picture when you are a kid, but looking back through my grownup eyes, I see a woman who sacrificed everything for her children, who made us her No. 1 priority…always! Even when I was a moody jerk of a teenager! Because of my mom I grew up to be a good man and a good father. I’m not without my flaws, but I didn’t get those from my mom. My mom is my hero.

From Becky: I second everything my brother wrote above. Mom put herself through nursing school and worked hard every day of her life to give my brother and I a good, happy, secure life.

She also loved us unconditionally, something that shouldn’t be, but is, rare. All the best things about me come from her and the example she set for us. It is truly a joy to visit her, to travel with her, to talk to her, and to be her daughter. My mom is an incredible woman and my hero.

We make sure to love, cherish, appreciate, and spoil our mom at every opportunity. Happy Mother’s Day!

—Eric and Becky Rhoades

SBPD involved in vehicle pursuit

Seal Beach Police Department was involved in a vehicle pursuit last weekend, which resulted in the arrest of a 38-year-old Long Beach resident suspected of driving a stolen vehicle.

On May 6 at around 7:10 a.m., SBPD officers were dispatched to the area of First Street and Pacific Coast Highway in Seal Beach after an automated license plate reader detected a possible stolen vehicle. Officers located the vehicle on PCH and Second Street in Long Beach.

A 10-minute vehicle persuit ensued. The pursuit ended after an officer utilized a manuever meant to intervene in vehicle pursuits. The officer conducted the manuever near the northbound 405 Freeway transition to the 710 South Freeway, forcing the vehicle into an embankment.

The male driver was taken into custody without incident. His male passenger fled on foot and could not be located.

The driver complained of minor pain and was medically cleared at a local hospital. No officers or members of the public were injured during this incident.

California Highway Patrol is investigating the traffic collision. The suspect was identified as Anthony Ramirez of Long Beach. He was transported to Orange County Jail to be booked for felony possession of a stolen vehicle and felony evading.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact Sergeant Garcia at 562- 799-4100, ext. 1649, or jfgarcia@sealbeachca.gov.

LWers celebrate Cinco de Mayo

LWers packed Clubhouse 6 on May 5 for Cinco de Mayo—an annual celebration of Mexico’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It’s one of GRF’s most popular events of the year, featuring Koffel’s Mexican food truck, virgin margaritas and a variety of Mexican and American food.

AlzOC seeks to hire LW navigators

Alzheimer’s Orange County (AlzOC) is hiring two part-time “care team navigators.”

AlzOC is seeking mission driven, compassionate and skilled individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of those living with cognitive loss.

Care team navigators (CTNs) will be core members of the LWSB Memory Support Team (MST) being developed by AlzOC.

Alzheimer’s Orange County is a community based nonprofit organization that has assisted individuals living with dementia and their family care-partners in Orange County for 41 years.

The MST is an education and care coordination program that teams with families and individuals living with dementia.

The goal is to improve the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia and their care-partners, as well as to decrease unnecessary medical costs.

The heart of this care team is the navigator who, in partnership with the AlzOC clinical team, will provide a variety of services and support to individuals living with dementia and their care-partners.

Those services include:

• Assessing individuals with cognitive decline and working with them to develop a plan of care.

• Providing education and support concerning memory loss and what to expect.

• Screening for unmet care needs including clinical or medication issues, behavioral issues, safety risks and psychosocial well-being.

• Guiding families through the process of advance care planning.

• Providing connections to local community services.

The navigator will be the primary point of contact for participants and their families enrolled in the program.

Navigators will work with participants and collaborate with their health care providers under direct supervision and guidance of the AlzOC multidisciplinary clinical team.

To view the complete job description, visit https://www.alzoc.org/about/employment-opportunities/.

For additional information, call Project Manager Tarah McNulty at 949-757-3759. Interested individuals should review the full job description and submit a cover letter and resume to alzoc.hr@gmail.com.

This employment opportunity is exclusively with Alzheimer’s Orange County and is not with with the Golden Rain Foundation.

Memory Support Team programs and services will begin in June.

Community Emergency Response Team

At the April 28 CERT meeting about 20 people filled out a personality type questionnaire to clarify their strengths and weaknesses, especially during an emergency.

After scoring the questionnaires, CERT President Catherine O’Brien gave a very entertaining presentation of personality types and how they function in different circumstances and with each other.

During an emergency, “idealists” are good at caring for people and inspiring others. “Rationalists” are best at making strategic plans while “artisans” seek quick action and are rarely discouraged. Those who identify as “guardians” value rules, authority and stability and are excellent scribes in an emergency.

Knowing what you are best suited for and why others act as they do can help, not just in emergency situations.

The next CERT meeting is Friday, May 26, at 10 a.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 9.

The topic will be “Dealing with a Power Outage.” All LW residents are invited.

Pages 19-20, 26-27 Arts and Leisure

Seal Beach Guitar Ensemble

The Seal Beach Guitar Ensemble will perform on July 29 at 10 a.m. in the Clubhouse 3 Lobby.

The ensemble had its first concert of the year in on April 27 in Clubhouse 3, Room 6, at 10 a.m.

The group performed a new list of “Moderato Cantabile,” “Do Re Mi” and three other ensemble pieces. Each member also played solo.

The ensemble has a new member: Titus Kim, who has played and taught an auto harp class before in LW.

The ensemble will perform its new repertoire in this year: “Minuet in G” and “Medley of Christmas Carols” for the second annual concert. Ensemble members gather every Thursday in Clubhouse 3, Room 6, from 9 a.m.-noon. to learn classic guitar techniques and skills.

Anyone who is interested in learning classic guitar or joining the group is welcome.

For more information, contact president Mimi Lee via text at 914-843-1696.

Hula dancers perform for Mutual 12 luncheon
Hui O Hula had a lot of fun entertaining the LW crowd at the GAF 50th celebration on April 22. Around 30 dancers and musical band KAPAKAHI showed up to dance and sing. After the first song, “God Bless America,” hula program continued with both the hula kahiko (traditional chant) as well as hula auwana (modern dance styles). Implements such as na pu’ili (bamboo sticks) and na ‘uli ‘uli (feather gourds) were also used.

On the morning of April 27, Hui O Hula entertained at the LW Health Care Center on its “Celebrate Hawaiian Culture Day.” The hula dancers and the LW medical staff had lots of fun dancing together. The club thanks Sarah Young, who is the patient relations liaison for the HCC.

Next, dancers went on to perform at Mutual 12’s annual luncheon. Hula instructor Jojo Weingart lives in Mutual 12, and said it was exciting to be able to share her aloha in hula with her neighbors and friends there.

Hula dance lessons are offered twice a week. All are welcome. The current hula subject is “Ka Pilina,” composed by Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett. For more information, call 562-431-2242.

A special class for absolute beginners will be offered in June. This class will last six weeks; basic steps and two hula will be taught. Sign ups are necessary, and there will be a small fee.

LWers invited to sell their crafts at July 4 event

Recreation will host its annual Fourth of July Classic Car Show & BBQ and is calling on all artisan clubs to showcase and sell their crafts.

This is Recreation’s largest event of the year, and club’s are invited to take advantage of this opportunity to engage with both Leisure Worlders and guests while enjoying food truck fare, live music and classic cars courtesy of the Silver Fox Classic Car Club.

Artisans are an integral part of this event, as spectators enjoy one-of-a-kind crafts and talents right inside of the walls.

To participate in the event, contact Recreation at 562-431-6586, ext. 476, or email mayokab@lwsb.com.

Space is limited and filling up fast. This is a way to promote a club and attract new members, as well as to show off artistic talents.

Travel Diary: Taiwan

by Ivy Kung

LW resident

I visited Taiwan, also called “Formosa,” from March to April this year.

I lived in Jiaoxi Township, Yilan County, Taiwan, a scenic spot famous for its natural hot springs. One of the eye-catching ancient mountainous areas I visited was called the “Horse Paving Trail” and is now called the “Jiaoxi Historical Trail.” It is a section of Danlan Ancient Trail South Road in Yilan County. It is the transportation from Tamsui Office (Taipei) to Kavalan (Yilan).

The road was formed during the Xianfeng and Tongzhi years of the Qing Dynasty with immigrants to reclaim the inland of Pinglin, along the Xindian River and Jingmei River to Shenkeng, after crossing Shiding and Pinglin, to Shipai, Toucheng to Jiaoxi and Beiyi. There are many overlapping sections of the highway, also known as “Beiyi Ancient Road.” Roads were built during the Japanese colonial period, and the ancient roads were abandoned. Only the section from Shipai to Jiaoxi well-preserved. It was restored by the Jiaoxi Township Office and named “Horse Paving Ancient Road.”

The Pao Ma Ancient Road has been named many times, and each name represents a period of history—the earliest was a path for transporting timber. The track was laid with round logs, smeared with black oil to reduce resistance, and wooden horses were used to carry the timber, hence the name “Wooden Horse Road.” The ancestors walked with blue threads, and wooden horses weighing thousands. Now on the gentle and wide gravel road, hikers walk briskly and enjoy the clear streams of the mountains, unprecedented lightness and affinity.

Photo Arts Club

The Photo Arts Club will meet today, May 11, at 1:30 p.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 9.

The assignment is to submit photos taken on the club’s field trip to the Rancho Los Alamitos on April 13 by submitting them to Ben Benjamins at benbenjamins@hotmail.com to be shown at the meeting.

People should also bring photos of their choice to be displayed and to be commented on at the meeting.

Hooks and labels will be available for members to use to hang framed photos in the hall of Clubhouse 3.

Individuals with technical or other questions will be paired with someone who can help them for individual discussion after the meeting.

Everyone is welcome. For information about the club, call Regine Schumacher at 562-430-7978.

—Regine Schumacher

Traveling Tigers

The Traveling Tigers will meet Wednesday, May 17, at noon in Clubhouse 3, Room 9. The meeting will begin with a potluck.

People are encouraged to bring a dish to share and, if possible, their own plates, silverware and coffee cups. There will be a short business meeting at 1 p.m., followed by a travel related discussion.

Doo Wop Club

A private event has been booked at Clubhouse 2 on May 20 and as a result, the next Doo Wop performance is planned for Saturday, July 15.

The club welcomes several new performing members who will hit the stage just in time for the annual Summer Woodstock themed show. Those interested in auditioning can let the club know by joining its private Facebook group page.

If you don’t sing or dance, there are still many other ways to join the club. Another great show is shaping up.

—Lu DeSantis

Naturalist will speak at meeting

The Garden Club will meet Monday, May 15, at 1:30 p.m. in Clubhouse 2. Naturalist, artist and photographer Kim Moore will present a program titled “A Garden Filled with Life,” an overview of some insects and other critters that call a garden home.

After retiring from a career in information technology for the financial industry, Moore pursued her interests in nature, photography and art.

She has taken classes in entomology, zoology, birding and botanical illustration and is a certified naturalist through the Los Angeles Coastal California Master Naturalist Program, participating in environmental education and in citizen science activities including local butterfly surveys, bird counts and biodiversity hunts and studies.

“My art and photography reflect my passion for exploring nature—starting right outside my own front door,” she said.

Her work has been displayed at the Museum of Latin American Art, Greenly Art Space, Gallery at El Dorado Nature Center and the Liberty Gallery and Event Space in Long Beach.

Tickets for the Garden Club’s “June Blooms” luncheon will be available in the lobby before and after the meeting at a cost of $20.

The luncheon will be June 19 at 11:30 a.m. in Clubhouse 2. It will feature a delicious meal including a club wrap or veggie/hummus wrap with salads and an array of baked goods for dessert.

Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite gardening hat and participate in a festive parade.

There will also be door prizes and an opportunity drawing for many splendid gift baskets. Club membership is not required to attend this event.

The WE CARE table will also be set up in the lobby for donations of non-perishable food, gift cards and cash. Coffee, tea and cookies will be served after the meeting.

Recreation Amenity Update

by Kathy Thayer

Recreation Manager

Excessive club setup policies pulled for further study

The GRF board decided to pull two reservations policies off the April agenda at the last minute for more review. These amended policies would allow GRF to charge clubs for excessive setups: that is, requiring more than a total of one hour setup, teardown, cleanup, and AV assistance provided by one custodian. The board sent the policies back to the Recreation Committee. After discussion at the meeting, it was decided to send this to a work study once the new committee structure is implemented in July.

The discussion included the possibility of exempting 501(c)(3) organizations that raise money for Leisure World residents. It was also recommended that new clubs and existing ones at the time of renewal will need to work with staff on the setup they would like, which may or not be approved depending upon how elaborate it is. That procedure was approved and is now being implemented. Another director suggested allowing only the one hour for setup and teardown and any time required for one custodian beyond that would come off of their reservation time.

Recreation did reach out numerous times to offer clubs a consultation on their current setup; only four clubs took us up on it.

Amenity questionnaire results

Results of the New Amenities Questionnaire were published in the LW Weekly on May 4. They may also be viewed on lwsb.com. Over 1,900 residents responded. Overall, we did not see much enthusiasm for new amenities and virtually all ideas would only be supported if they did not raise assessments. This is valuable information for the committees that plan for the future. The survey was conducted using Survey Monkey, which program GRF owns, at virtually no cost to shareholders. The digital version includes comments that could not be calculated.

Big events coming up

We are busy preparing for the Amphitheater season, special events, running bus trips, and acclimating to the new GRF structure. The July 4 Classic Car Show, BBQ and Craft Fair is coming soon. If you are a member of a craft club, ask your leadership if they have signed up for the biggest event of the year. See page 19 for more information.

New food trucks

Finally, we are in negotiations with several food trucks to be added to a monthly rotation. Of all of the requests on the survey, more food options were No. 1. If the community supports these businesses, we can count on them coming back and if not, they will require that we guarantee a certain level of sales to return. If you have a favorite truck, we are open to more suggestions.

We welcome your respectful input and inquiries on all things Recreation. Please let us know what is on your mind.

For further information, contact kathyt@lwsb.com.

Author will discuss Vietnam War

The LW Library invites residents to its second AuthorSpeak event of 2023 on Friday, June 2, at 11 a.m. next to the Library at Veterans Plaza.

Veteran, artist and memoirist Robert Richert will take listeners through his time in the Vietnam War as a drafted civilian and through struggles, both mental and physical, that he endured while in Vietnam.

He’ll also discuss his healing process in the years afterward with his book “Open Wound.”

Arrive as early as 10:30 a.m. to enjoy refreshments provided by the library. The discussion begins at 11 a.m.

RV Club Annual Picnic

The RV Club will meet Tuesday, May 16, at 5 p.m. in the Clubhouse 1 picnic area.

The group will have a barbecue dinner for the club’s annual May barbecue and potluck picnic. The club will provide tri-tip and chicken entrees and beverages.

Members may bring a side dish such as a salad, potato dish or dessert. Happy hour starts at 4 p.m. Members who want chicken for their entree must RSVP.

Volunteers are needed. To volunteer, come by the picnic area at 4 p.m. This is the RV Club’s last meeting until September. RSVP to lwrvclubsb@gmail.com or text Bob Konier at 562-314-8468.

LW Orchestra

The LW Orchestra is rehearsing for its spring concert, which will take place Saturday, May 20, in Clubhouse 4 at 1 p.m. with exciting and challenging new music to present. The program will include Bizet flute solos by Robann Arshat, who is the GRF member resource liaison, a movement from Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5,” and “Ave Verum” by Mozart sung by Linda DeRungs from Mutual 5.

The orchestra has grown over the last two years and is almost complete. However, the group needs an oboe player, French horn player and drummer. The group could also use another bass player.

The LW Orchestra rehearses on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons in the Amphitheater. Anyone interested in joining call Fred Reker 615-898-0669 or email fredreker326@gmail.com.

As always, the concerts are free and refreshments are served at the end. It is a grand bargain and wonderful musical experience.

—Fred Reker

GRF Excursion Recap

by Mayoka Bassell

Recreation Department

When I saw the International City Theater’s ad for “Under the Skin” by Michael Hollinger, I immediately knew it was a comedy I wanted our residents to enjoy. And so we did on April 30 as Gold Coast Bus 6042 took us along Ocean Boulevard with residents beaming in their excitement. The excursion was smooth from start to finish, and “Under the Skin” was impressively clever. The play offered a mix of laughter, confusion, and tears—both of joy and frustration—as Reina neurotically decided whether her father Lou deserved her kidney or not.

Lou seemed like the guy who always was who he was no matter what it cost others. So, we all felt for Reina as we watched her inner girl lose it while she carried all the pain from her past. And understandably so. At the end of the play, her love for her father allowed her to donate a kidney as a match, although Lou, as it turned out, was not her biological father!

I want to encourage our residents to not shy away from the new experiences GRF is hosting for our community.

Recreation still has tickets to the Angels game on June 9 and will soon be selling excursion tickets to the Getty Villa on July 7, as well as Pageant of the Masters on August 30.

For more information about upcoming excursions, contact Mayoka at 562-431-6586 ext. 476 or email mayokab@lwsb.com.

Quilting Bee luncheon tickets on sale

The Leisure World Quilt Bee Annual Spring Luncheon Fundraiser is May 17 in Clubhouse 2 at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $20.

This is a popular event with wonderful door prizes. There is limited seating so those interested should contact Lisa at 949-584-2884 as soon as possible to purchase tickets.

Opera Club

The Opera Club will screen “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” on Tuesday, May 16, at 1:30 p.m. in the Learning Center of Clubhouse 3.

Frieda Davis, the club’s knowledgeable music source, will introduce this contemporary opera by composer Terence Blanchard.

The opera is based on the New York Times’ bestselling “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” by Charles M. Blow.

It is a memoir about the author’s early-life exposure to pedophilia, illustrating the negative psychological and emotional effects caused by the human behavior of another person.

In Act 1, the adult Charles is driving back to his childhood home in Louisiana with a rifle next to him.

He recalls how his mother Billie was unable to extend affection to him as she had four other children plus a full-time job to manage her household.

When his older cousin Chester visited and abused Charles at age 7, he understands that destiny beset him with the burden of how to deal with that incident.

Act 2 recounts how his traumatic incident was followed by rage and confusion. However, Charles does decide to move on with his life by going to Grambling College.

In Act 3, he falls in love with Greta, but when he learns she is seeing someone else and breaks off with him, he calls home in his loneliness, only to find out that Chester is again visiting.

He packs a gun and sets off for his childhood home leaving destiny and the audience to discover the outcome of his decision.

The production is in English with English subtitles. Attendees are invited to wear masks indoors, if desired.

No dues or fees are collected.

For more information contact Opera Club President Margaret Gillon at MargaretG@yahoo.com or call her at 562-370-3844.

Genealogy Club

The Genealogy Club Workshop, which meets in the east end of Clubhouse 3, welcomes visitors and new members.

The club provides computers with Ancestry.com, newspapers and military subscriptions for member use. It also has a large selection of research books and periodicals.

The Genealogy room is open Monday through Thursday from 1-4 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m-2 p.m. Each Thursday afternoon at 1:30 p.m., the club has a short class on a variety of subjects.

The schedule is as follows:

• May 4: Ancestry.com

• May 11: The Brazilian Connection

• May 18: Land Records

• May 25: DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution)

Symphony will host Mother’s Day event

The Seal Beach Symphony will hold its inaugural Mother’s Day recital on Sunday, May 14, at the Old Ranch Country Club.

From Australia, pianist Van-Anh Ngyuen will play selections from Chopin and Debussy. Coloratura Soprano Hila Plitman will feature Mozart’s “Queen of the Night.”

Concert Master Myroslava Khomik will impress with Vivaldi and Massenet. Artist in residence Sangeeta Teresa Mai and Artistic Director Chad Berlinghieri will present a few classics, including the Italian favorite “Mamma!”

The afternoon will feature a cash bar and passed appetizers.

Individual tickets range from $25-$125. VIP tables and tax-deductible sponsorship opportunities are available.

For more information, visit sealbeachsymphony.org or call 562-509-8640.

Bob Dylan tribute in Seal Beach

Leisure World resident Jon Pearlstone has two free local live music performances in Seal Beach. On Saturday, May 13, from 6-8 p.m., Jon will perform his Bob Dylan Tribute at Bogart’s Coffee at 905 Ocean Ave. right across from the Seal Beach Pier. The show features Dylan’s greatest hits along with other songs he inspired and the stories behind them. There is no cover charge.

On Sunday, May 21, Glory Days Bar and Restaurant in Seal Beach right off of Pacific Coast Highway has hired The Legends of Rock Band to play dance music from 3-6 p.m. There’s indoor outdoor seating and dining and, if it goes well, the bar plans to make it a regular event at least until football season. Residents may know The Legends of Rock Classic Rock Dance music from their monthly pickleball club dance in Clubhouse 2.

The Legends of Rock and The Bob Dylan Tribute appreciate the support of fellow Leisure World residents.

Community Karaoke

Cinco de Mayo was the karaoke theme of the night. The musical rhythm of “Jambalaya” sung by Ric Dizon and Ren Villanaeuva had the audience dancing. Vito Villamor’s “Texas When I Die” also had them swaying. Eileen Merrit did a rousing “Redneck Woman.”

Essie Hicks sang a powerful “Black Velvet.” Barbie May pleased listeners with an old Freddy Fender hit “I Can’t Help It.” Tony Burris grabbed attention with “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.”

The subtle beat of “All Over Again” was nicely sung by David Noble. Some beautiful, moving ballads were sung by Elizabeth Butterfield, Bev Sunday, Mariza Joaquin, Bob Barnum, Vitaly Telishevsky, Richard Yokomi, Gerry Tagaloa, Rob Illingworth and Donald Horning. Duets were fun for Susan Kelleghan, Vinny Correnti and Sherlene Wallis. Thirty-three karaoke performers kept the audience entertained.

Join the club for music and fun each Wednesday in Clubhouse 1 at 5:30 p.m. Enhance your karaoke singing performance at the Monday afternoon practice sessions in Clubhouse 6 from 1-3 p.m.. This is an opportunity to select the perfect rendition and key for a favorite tune. Everyone is welcome.

Leisure Time Dancers

On week five of the current class series, the Leisure Time Dancers gained a few new members, so they reviewed the basics.

Everyone did well, so the East Coast swing class returned to the cuddle in/out and pivots.

Likewise, the tango class reviewed and polished basics, and when that went well, introduced to new folks to the open box.

Classes are every Monday in the dance studio, upstairs in Clubhouse 6.

East Coast swing is at 2 p.m., followed by tango at 3 p.m.

No partner necessary. Class will rotate so everyone dances. The cost is $7 per person for one class, $11 per person for two classes in a single day.

For more information, contact club President Jackie Theis at 310-743-9373.

South Coast Orchid Society

The South Coast Orchid Society will meet Monday, May 22, from 7-9 p.m. at Whaley Park Community Center (5620 E. Atherton St., Long Beach, 90815).

This week’s program is titled “My Ten Favorite Cattleya Species,” presented by orchid guru and judge Douglas Overstreet, whose knowledge of orchids is truly encyclopedic. Orchids grown by members and guests will also be on display. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, email southcoastorchidsociety@gmail.com.

Religion, pages 6-7

First Christian Church

First Christian Church of Leisure World honors all mothers of natural children, step-children, adopted children, or foster children. It is through a mother’s love that all creation can come to understand the love that the creator and savior has for all people.

Pastor’s Message

One of the lessons found in the Old Testament is from when God had given Abram specific instructions on where to settle his family. Abram arrived in the Negev and built an altar to the Lord. Afterward, a famine struck the land. This was a test of Abram’s faith; trusting God to provide and remaining in the land he led Abram to. The text gives no indication that God instructed Abram to go to Egypt, but Abram with his family went Egypt and had a dangerous encounter with the Egyptians.

Abram devised a plan of defense by telling his wife to lie and say she is his sister. Because she was a beautiful woman, Abram believed the Egyptians would kill him to have her. Pharaoh’s officials saw Sarai and brought her to live in Pharaoh’s house.

God would later bring Abram and Sarai through that time of failure, and back to the promised land.

God would continue to bless Abram, just as he will continue to bless those who put their faith in Jesus Christ today. Even those who, in a lack of faith, go through trials of one’s own making.

Weekend Services

Sunday services are traditional services from 9:30 a.m.-10:45 p.m. with hymnal music led by Janet Ray and Pat Kogak at the piano. This week, the choir will sing “A Christian Home.”

Saturday services are more contemporary with Gregory Black leading worship with guitar accompaniment. The service is held from 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Midweek Studies

Melli Herrera leads the Women’s Bible Study on Mondays from 10:30-11:45 a.m.

Pastor Gary Whitlatch leads

the Tuesday Bible study group from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

The Thursday Bible study group, led by Elder Jack Frost, meets from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Pastor Bruce Humes leads the prayer and Bible study group on Fridays from 6-7 p.m.

All residents are welcome to join any of the studies.

Scripture of the Week

“How Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways,” Psalm 128:1.

Contact

First Christian church is located on Northwood Road behind Carport 125.

Those who have a need or would like more information about the church can call 562 431-8810.

Community Church

The Community Church Missions Team will host another drive through food drive on Thursday, May 18, from 10 a.m.-noon in the parking spaces in front of the church. People are asked to bring cans or non-perishable food items for the event. On the day of the event, a Missions Team member will greet people at their vehicles to receive food donations. People may also drop off items at the church office during the week.

Before it was highly commercialized, Mother’s Day began as a celebration created by Anna Jarvis to honor her own mother back in 1908 at a Methodist Church in West Virginia. The tradition was to give a carnation and a handwritten letter to celebrate mothers. This Sunday, May 14, following service, Community Church will honor mothers and mother figures in the Fellowship Hall.

Pastor Johan Dodge was away this past weekend but is back and will give a sermon titled “Do Not Fear What They Fear.” Those who have felt fear controlling life recently are encouraged to come and listen to the sermon.

As always, the word Gospel means “good news” and those who are in need of some good news are welcome to join the service in person or online on Zoom and on Facebook @CommunityChurchLeisureWorld. People can contact the church office to receive the Zoom link. The in-person Sunday service is followed by food and fellowship.

Those who are in need without another way to address it can call the church office and leave a message at 562-431-2503.

Faith Christian Assembly

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come,” Proverbs 31:25.

Faith Christian Assembly wants to wish LWers a happy Mother’s Day, while understanding that for some, Mother’s Day is not the happiest of days. For those who did not have the ideal relationship with their mother, Faith Christian Assembly offers this encouragement from Isaiah 49:15: “Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you.”

This Scripture shows that the love that God has for believers is even stronger than that love between mother and child that people celebrate every May. The love of a mother for her infant child has always been the example people point to as the strongest attachment there is, but God will never, ever forget.

LWers are invited to Faith Christian Assembly’s Mother’s Day service at 10:30 a.m. Join the church in singing hymns, listening to an encouraging biblical message and experiencing warm fellowship. Note there is no evening service on Mother’s Day, May 14.

The church is located at 13820 Seal Beach Blvd. in Seal Beach, on the corner of Seal Beach Boulevard and St. Andrews Drive, just outside Leisure World. Office hours are Tuesday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

To receive more information about the church, call the office at 562-598-9010, email contact@fcachurch.net or visit www.FCAchurch.net.

Assembly of God

Service/Gathering Times: Sunday morning at 10:30 in Clubhouse 3, Room 2. The Wednesday Bible study is at 10 a.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 2. The Hymn Sing is held on fourth Sunday of the month in the Clubhouse 3 Lobby at 6 p.m.

This week’s sermon: LW Assembly of God will honor all mothers, whether they have given birth to a child or fulfill the role of mother in someone’s life. God gifted women with the ability to bring life into the world, and with that ability comes great responsibility and a good bit of fear. “Being a mother is learning about strengths you never knew you had and dealing with fears you never knew existed,” said Michelle Duggar.

God so valued mothers that he included Mary in his plan to redeem the world. The Bible is full of examples of women who served God in their role as a mother. Pastor Chuck Franco will present a sermon titled “Happy Hannah,” found in 1 Samuel 1:1-28, to tell the redemptive story of a woman who went from grief to joy.

Bible Study: “The Book of Acts,” by Louie Giglio, will bring fresh insight to familiar passages of Scripture. As students delve deeper into the study of the early church, they discover new ways Scripture applies to their lives today. The early church turned the then-known world upside-down. It is time for today’s church to help turn this world right-side up.

Contact: More information about the church can be found at www.lwassemblyofgod.com.

Those who would like prayer, personal contact from a pastor or a DVD of the Sunday morning sermon can contact pastors Chuck and Sheryl Franco by calling 562-357-4360 or emailing pastorchuck@lwassemblyofgod.com. Carolyn van Aalst is also available at 562-343-8424.

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

Beit HaLev

Beit HaLev and Rabbi Galit-Shirah conduct online livestream Shabbat services every Friday evening and Saturday morning.

To join the Beit HaLev “Zoomagogue” interactive service, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9152434704?pwd=THJGTE1OUXI5VXFDTWtuZHF4K3VxUT09. The meeting ID is 915 243 4704 and the passcode is RavGalit.

People can also join on Facebook at www.facebook.com/galityomtovOn or YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU_LHxFlq4-vsxs07H-U1Rw.

All Beit HaLev services share special prayerbooks onscreen, “Lev L’Lev,” which include excerpts from the Reform Siddur, “Mishkan HaT’filah.”

Beit HaLev and Rabbi Galit-Shirah are a part of the Union of Jewish Universalist Communities and Clergy. It is progressive in thought and traditional in liturgy. Services are joyous, meaningful and musical. Beit HaLev welcomes everyone who seeks a path to the divine and doesn’t believe in labels. It considers all religions holy and valid. To join Beit HaLev, call Rabbi Galit-Shirah at 562-715-0888 or email duets@icloud.com. Contributions to Beit HaLev are welcome and may be sent to: Beit HaLev, P.O. Box 2279, Seal Beach, CA 90740.

Christian Fun and Fellowship Club

The Christian Fun and Fellowship Club will meet on Tuesday, May 16, at 6 p.m., in Clubhouse 3. All are welcome to come and enjoy an evening of wonderful potluck food, as well as entertainment.

People are asked to bring a food dish to share, as well as table service to the meeting. Coffee and water will be provided by the club.

People are encouraged to bring a friend or neighbor for a great evening.

For more information, contact Connie Postma by calling 562-794-9313 or emailing cnspostma@yahoo.com.

LWer receives Catholic honor

Mutual 14 resident Gretchen Dinger recently received an honor through the Catholic Charities Auxiliary of Orange County.

Dinger is a St. Anne’s Honoree at the 2023 Catholic Charities Inspirational Women Banquet. She is currently the president of the Women’s Guild, a Sacristan, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion who visits the homebound, lector, and RCIA Catechist. In identifying her reason for serving Christ and his Church, Dinger said: “I want to be a saint and to bring Jesus to everyone, every day.”

“We are blessed to have Gretchen at St. Anne’s and are inspired by her generous and faithful service to Christ and His Church” said Vikki Lyons of St. Anne’s Seal Beach.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Meetings for the Atherton Ward are held at 6500 E. Atherton St., in Long Beach. The sacrament service is held every Sunday at 10:30 a.m., followed in the second hour by Sunday School on the first and third Sundays, Relief Society and Elders Quorum on the second and fourth Sundays. Primary classes for children are held every Sunday during the second hour.

Members who are unable to attend Sacrament services in person can request a link from Bishop Mike Gravley at 562-212-8641.

The reading source for this year is the New Testament. The reading assignment for the week of May 15-21 is Matthew 21–23, Mark 11, Luke 19–20 and John 12.

The devotional, “Come, Follow Me” says “The Savior was hungry after traveling from Bethany to Jerusalem, and a fig tree in the distance looked like a source of food. But as Jesus approached the tree, he found that it bore no fruit.

“In a way, the fig tree was like the hypocritical religious leaders in Jerusalem: their empty teachings and outward demonstration of holiness gave no spiritual nourishment. The Pharisees and the scribes appeared to keep many commandments, yet missed the two greatest: to love God and to love thy neighbor as thyself.”

Redeemer Lutheran & St. Theodore’s

A Mother’s Day thought and reflection from the Bible: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres,” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

“Abiding in God’s Love” is the theme for RedeemerLutheran and St. Theodore Church’s worship service on Sunday, May 14, at 10:30 a.m.

LWers are invited to join the community and share the word and Communion in the sanctuary at 13564 St. Andrews Drive, across from the Administration building where ample parking is provided. Dee Sessa and Teresa Smith are this week’s greeters and Sharon Heck will play the organ and accompany the choir.

The church thanks those who have contributed to the continuous food drive. People can bring non-perishable food items to the church any time to be distributed to those in need in the broader community.

The outdoor chapel that reflects God’s light is available 24/7 for prayer and contemplation. Feel free to come alongside the church (on the north side, near the golf course) to pause, sit on the bench, rest and pray.

For more information about the church or its services, call 562-598-8697.

Congregation Sholom

Congregation Sholom will hold services via Zoom with Rabbi Eric Dangott on Friday, May 12, at 6:30 p.m. Following the service there will be an Oneg in Clubhouse 3, Room 9.

Rabbi Mike Mymon lead the hybrid services on Saturday, May 13, in Clubhouse 3, Room 9, and via Zoom at 10 a.m.

Saturday’s Torah portion will be Behar-Bechukotai from the book of Leviticus. Behar (On The Mountain) details the laws of the sabbatical year (Shemita), when working the land is prohibited and debts are forgiven. It also sets out laws of indentured servitude and of the Jubilee year (Yovel), when property reverts to its original ownership. Bechukotai (In My Laws) is the final Torah portion in the Book of Leviticus. It begins describing blessings that follow obedience to God’s laws and curses that come with desecration of them. It ends with laws of vows and consecration of people and property.

To receive a Zoom invitation, contact Jeff Sacks at 714-642-0122.

Congregation Sholom has been serving Leisure World since 1962. It offers a traditional Jewish service in person and online.

Those who want to join Congregation Sholom, should call Howard Brass at 714-396-0121 for a membership packet.

LW Baptist

This Sunday, May 14, at LW Baptist is special because of the mothers in the world. Ruth was a mother in Israel, the great-grandmother of King David, although she was a gentile who came to faith in God.

Ruth’s blessing is recorded in Ruth 2:12: “A full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”

The LW Baptist choir will sing, “Under His Wings,” in Clubhouse 4 at 10 a.m. this Sunday.

The Monday men’s fellowship group will survey the era when Ruth lived. The Energizers Group will meet on Wednesday, May 18, at 3 p.m. to discuss how the line “the tongue is a fire,” from Psalm 52.

To receive more information about the church and its service, call 562-430-8598.

Buddha Circle

Buddha Circle will meet with Ven. Kusala on Saturday, June 3, in Clubhouse 3, Room 1, from 9:30-11 a.m. Ven. Kusala is well known in the Buddhist community and presents Buddhism in a simple way. The group is interactive and those who attend are encouraged to ask questions. Donations are welcome and will support Ven. Kusala in his teachings.

For more information, call 562-431-7275.

Christian Women’s Fellowship Group

Christian Women’s Fellowship and Bible Study Group will meet on Monday, May 22, in Clubhouse 3, Room 6, at 10 a.m. For more information, call Jean Davidson, 562-431-0597; or Margie Singleton, 562-594-8100.

community, pages 12,14, 16-17

Sunshine Club

Learn more about Meals on Wheels OC

Darla Olson, vice president of advancement at Meals On Wheels Orange Count,y will speak at the Sunshine Club’s meeting on Friday, May 12, in Clubhouse 3, Room 2, at 10 a.m.

Olson is responsible for funding development, corporate and community relations, marketing, branding, as well as overseeing the communications for the organization.

Meals on Wheels Orange County’s mission is to nourish the wellness, purpose, and dignity of older adults and their families in the community. The organization is the largest nonprofit provider of nutrition and supportive services for at-risk older adults.

Meals On Wheels Orange County is committed to erasing hunger and loneliness for at-risk older adults through nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks, and keeping families together through day services. Through its critical services, the organization delivers one million meals to more nearly 15,000 at-risk older adults each year throughout 20 Orange County cities.

Olson brings a commitment to excellence and a passion for Meals on Wheels Orange County. She cares deeply about older adults and believes that educating the community and raising awareness and resources can help elderly neighbors live with independence in the homes and communities they love.

Olson will give a presentation to the Sunshine Club about how Meals on Wheels Orange County provides so much more than what it is known for by addressing the issues of hunger and isolation in older adults. She will explain the services and qualifications for Meals On Wheels Orange County’s home delivered meals and case management programs such as Meals on Wheels, Senior Lunch Café, Friendly Visitor, Adult Day Health Care and Adult Day Services programs.

All Leisure World residents are welcome to join this meeting. The Sunshine Club does not require membership fees, although donations are welcome. Refreshments will be served at the meeting.

For more information, contact Anna Derby at 562-301-5339.

gaf

Volunteers will help LWers sign up for Ralphs Rewards on Wednesdays

In an effort to increase participation in the Ralphs Community Contribution Program, volunteers from the Golden Age Foundation will be available every Wednesday from 9-11 a.m. in the Hospitality Room in Clubhouse 6 to assist residents in signing up for the program or to answer any questions.

The Ralphs Community Contribution Program is sponsored by its parent Kroger Grocery Stores and is an easy way for Leisure World residents to raise money for the Golden Age Foundation without an additional cost.

A digital account is needed to participate in the program. Once linked to a resident’s Ralphs Rewards card, each shopping trip and swipe of the card at a Ralphs grocery store will give the GAF a donation from Kroger’s at no cost to the resident.

This is currently the only active fundraising project the GAF has and is presently supported by 300 LW residents.

For more information,about the program or the Golden Age Foundation, text 562-301-5339.

—Anna Derby

Benefits trafficking and financial abuse workshop is on May 22

Those interested in learning how to protect themselves and your ones are invited to attend the Benefits Trafficking and Financial Abuse Workshop on Monday, May 22, from 7-8:30 p.m. at St. Irenaeus Parish Hall, 5201 Evergreen Ave., Cypress.

Benefits trafficking is the financial exploitation of Social Security benefits, disability benefits (SSI), veteran’s benefits, Medicare, food stamps, etc. St. Irenaeus Bridge of Light: Human Trafficking to Human Triumph Ministry is sponsoring this free event to raise community awareness of benefits trafficking, human trafficking, and scams, such as identity theft, romance scams and healthcare fraud that can wipe out your life savings.

Financial exploitation is the fastest growing area of victimization of older adults according to the Association of Adult Protective Services. Financial losses are estimated at $1.7 billion nationwide. Seniors are especially targeted by abusers. One in ten older Americans (five million) experience abuse each year according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. However, only one in 25 cases is ever reported.

Experienced law enforcement professionals will present information about various scams, provide helpful resources, and give tips on how to prevent becoming a victim. Risk factors for financial abuse and red flags will be discussed. The speakers will also talk about the role of law enforcement in the prevention and prosecution of these crimes.

All are invited to this community event. Refreshments will be offered. Bring questions and concerns. “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” Proverbs 18:15.

Contact Monica Kovach at 310-490-6113 for more information.

— Rosemary Lewallen

SB Woman’s Club

Get tickets for the fashion show on May 20

The Woman’s Club of Seal Beach will host a fashion show and luncheon fundraiser on Saturday, May 20, at the Marina Community Center at 151 Marina Drive, Seal Beach, from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

A lunch will be served that includes a choice of chicken salad, roast beef or a vegetarian sandwich.

The fashion show will display apparel from local Seal Beach boutiques. There will be raffle baskets along with a silent auction.

All proceeds are used to support local charities including the Seal Beach Animal Care Center, the arts and media departments at local schools and the Youth Center. A complete list of recipients is available on womansclubofsealbeach.org.

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by calling Judy O’Neill at 562-706-5721.

GAF 50th Anniversary celebration

Karen Flaig from Mutual 15 was happy to receive an ice cream from Mandi’s Candies & Ice Cream Trucks after attending the GAF’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Mary Greytak celebrates 101st birthday with family

Mary Greytak of Mutual 6 is sort of like the energizer bunny. She celebrated her 101st birthday at her home with family and friends. Mary’s daughter Dee and son-in-law Brian from Mutual 12 hosted the luncheon celebration for the family. Two of her three granddaughters were able to attend along with her daughter-in-law and three of her four great-grandchildren.

Mary has lived in numerous Mutuals during her 23 years in Leisure World. She was a mutual director and active in the Cribbage Club for many years, holding officer positions. She is not as mobile as she used to be but still manages to play cribbage weekly with a group of friends who come to her home.

“What a blessing it is for her to have such faithful and cherished friends,” Dee said.

Mary has a great memory and shared stories with family about having ice delivered by the iceman, surviving a flood during her childhood, volunteering at the USO in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and the jubilation when World War II ended.

Mary now resides in her home with “Alexa,” a voice from a computer. Alexa reminds her to take her medication, turn on or off lights and adjust the heat. What a different world it is than the one she was born into.

Happy Birthday to this lovely centenarian.

Democratic Club

by Mary Larson

LW contributor

The LW Democratic Club will meet on Wednesday, May 24, in Clubhouse 3, Room 9, at 1 p.m. Club members and supporters can join in person, online or by phone. Login information can be obtained by emailing sblwdemocraticclub@gmail.com.

Isabel Ocampo, finance director for Dave Min for Congress, will be the guest speaker at the meeting. Sen. Min is the best-known Democratic candidate currently running for Congress in LW’s District 47.

Plans are also under way to restart the Democratic Club’s “Voter Awareness Series.” These sessions—likely to be held on the third Wednesday of the month—will be primarily focused on assisting all LW Democrats and supporters who seek to understand the issues and candidates involved in the upcoming races.

The first Voter Awareness Series session will focus on the role and influence of the Democratic Party at all levels. The emphasis will be on alerting LW voters as to how they can be a part of the process.

In the 2024 primary election, all registered Democrats in Leisure World—regardless of whether or not they are a member of the club—will have the opportunity to help determine the party’s position on issues. During this election, they will elect several members of the Orange County Democratic Party Central Committee. This committee is the party’s decision-making body at the county level.

LW voters will play a significant role in the 2024 primary election. This is because of changes implemented in 2012 as to how Californians vote, led by former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Before 2012, there had typically been around seven or eight same-party candidates running for a number of open positions in every general election. Now, all voters in primary elections are able to pick any candidate on the ballot, regardless of party affiliation. Only the top two vote-getters advance to the general election.

•••

The club’s information and registration booth outside Clubhouse 6 is open on the first Tuesday of each month from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Democrats and supporters can stop by the booth to show support, get more information about club activities or register to vote.

For more in-depth reporting on issues and candidates, People can subscribe to the club’s free electronic newsletter by emailing democraticclubsblw@gmail.com or calling 562-296-8521. Be sure to include full contact information, as well as party affiliation.

FALW will hold annual Veterans Picnic on July 1

The Filipino Association of Leisure World (FALW) announced its annual Veterans Picnic will be held on Saturday, July 1, at the Clubhouse 1 picnic area. The event is open for all U.S. veterans residing in Leisure World and their guests. It is a way for the FALW to express its gratitude to veterans’ for selfless service to a great nation.

The Golden Age Foundation (GAF) donated $3,500 to the FALW for the event. The FALW is grateful for the assistance.

The FALW started the event 11 years ago, but due to COVID-19, it was cancelled for two years. The event came back last year, stronger and bigger than ever.

Last year, close to 250 veterans and their guests attended the picnic. Guests enjoyed delicious food, desserts, fresh-cut fruit and sodas, and sang all the military branch songs to uplift spirits. “Taps” was played for departed comrades.

The Hui O Hula Club and the Hawaiian Band will entertain during the picnic this year.

Registration is required to attend the event. To register, call Ren Villanueva, 323-854-6209; Ric Dizon, 714-225-3597; Ed Bolos, 551-998-4223 or Harry Varnas, 323-791-1141, and state your name, phone number, branch of service and number of guests. A gift will be distributed to first 100 veterans who registered for the event.

Registration is open to veterans until June 25.

April Security Incident Report

The following is the security incident report for the month of April. It has been edited for clarity and brevity.

FIRE: 3

April 4, 10:02 p.m., Mutual 1

Orange County Fire Authority arrived on scene on scene to a false alarm; no fire or smoke.

April 19, 10:04 a.m., Mutual 8

OCTA arrived on scene on scene to a false alarm; no fire or smoke.

April 21, 7:49 a.m., Mutual 9

Burnt toast triggered a smoke alarm. There was no fire or damage to the property.

COYOTE SIGHTINGS: 3

April 9, 6:40 a.m., North Gate

Coyote exited community.

April 18, 2:05 a.m., Clubhouse 4 Parking Lot

Two coyotes observed.

April 23, 8:15 p.m., Mutual 14

Coyote reported near unit 17G.

THEFT: 7

April 4, 8:20 a.m., Clubhouse 4 parking lot

Five catalytic converters were removed from three GRF buses.

April 8, 9 p.m., Mutual 10

An unknown person removed a catalytic converter from a resident’s vehicle. Resident had not started the vehicle in three weeks, so it is unknown when the catalytic converter was removed.

April 10, 3:22 p.m., Mutual 8

An unknown person removed a grill and propane tank from a resident’s carport area.

April 20, 6:08 p.m., Mutual 2

An unknown person removed plants from a resident’s front yard area

April 26, 9:58 a.m., Clubhouse 4

An unknown person removed an aluminum ladder belonging to GRF.

April 27, 2:20 p.m., Mutual 6

A resident took property belonging to a GRF employee. Seal Beach Police were called but did not make an arrest. The GRF employee did not want to prosecute.

April 29, 8:35 p.m., Mutual 2

An unknown person removed a delivery box from a resident’s porch.

VANDALISM: 1

April 16, 9:53 a.m. Mutual 8

A resident stated an unknown person damaged the corner of her window screen.

PET COMPLAINTS: 5

April 6, 2 p.m., Mutual 12

A dog bit a resident after it was left off leash.

April 16, 7:15 p.m., Mutual 10

A dog owner was advised that barking was causing a disturbance.

April 17, 3:18 p.m., Mutual 7

Residents were involved in a verbal dispute over a barking dog.

April 26, 8:30 a.m., Mutual 3

A resident reported a barking dog. No noise detected.

April 27, 3:30 p.m., Mutual 3

A resident complained of another resident’s dog relieving themselves near their unit.

TRAFFIC INCIDENTS:3

April 1, 9:12 a.m., North Gate

A vehicle struck a metal pole with exiting the community.

April 6, 5:40 p.m., 1650 Interlachen Road

A vehicle struck another vehicle and fled the scene.

April 15, 4:30 p.m., Golden Rain Road

A resident stated another vehicle drove through a stop sign and almost collided with their golf cart. No collision or injuries occured.

NOISE COMPLAINTS: 10

April 1, 9:15 a.m., Mutual 3

Ongoing neighbor dispute regarding noise.

April 3, 10:03 p.m., Mutual 3

Ongoing neighbor dispute regarding noise

April 13, 5:45 p.m., Mutual 7

A resident complained of noise from neighboring unit. No noise detected at the scene.

April 15, 3:17 a.m., Mutual 4

A resident complained of noise from a neighboring unit. No noise detected.

April 17, 4:30 a.m., Mutual 4

A resident complained of noise from a neighboring unit. No noise detected.

April 18, 3:47 a.m., Mutual 4

A resident complained of noise from a neighboring unit. No noise detected.

April 24, 11:27 p.m., Mutual 7

A resident complained of noise from neighboring unit. Security advised neighbor, who reduced the volume.

April 26, 4:25 p.m., Mutual 6

A resident complained of a vendor’s radio loudly playing music. No noise detected.

April 29, 9:15 p.m., Mutual 15

A resident complained of noise from a neighboring unit. No noise detected.

April 29, noon, Mutual 2

Ongoing noise issue regarding loud television. Neighbor reduced volume.

INJURIES: 12

April 2, 12:02 p.m., Mutual 15

A resident fell while walking and was taken to the hospital.

April 5, 3:53 p.m., Mutual 14

A resident fell while walking and was taken to the hospital.

April 7, 8:25 a.m., Mutual 10

A resident fell in a crosswalk but did not need hospital transportation.

April 10, 11:27 a.m., Mutual 11

A resident fell while walking and was taken to the hospital.

April 10, 7:30 p.m., Mutual 5

A resident fell while walking and was taken to the hospital.

April 12, 1:35 p.m., Mutual 15

A resident injured his finger in a car door.

April 13, 4:25 p.m., Mutual 12

Resident fell while walking but did not need transportation to the hospital.

April 13, 6:37 p.m., Mutual 9

A resident fell off a bicycle and was transported to the hospital.

April 14, 12:32 p.m., Mutual 4

A resident fell while walking but did not require transportation to the hospital.

April 26, 2:35 p.m., Mutual 12

A resident fell while walking but did not require transportation to the hospital.

April 27, 2:34 p.m., Amphitheater

A resident fell while climbing the stairs but did not require transportation to the hospital.

April 27, 2:17 p.m., Mutual 1

A resident fell while walking but did not require transportation to the hospital.

LOST RESIDENT: 8

April 2, 9:35 p.m., Mutual 1