GRATITUDE
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tions to Christian Outreach in Action in Long Beach for the many homeless. We can always use more.
• Linda Johnson, Mutual 15
I am so grateful for a good night’s sleep. It sounds simple but think of all that is entailed in making that good night’s sleep possible. We live on the safest country in the world. And why is that? Because of the military, police, firemen and EMTs.
When I hear a siren, I can roll over and go back to sleep because I know that whoever is in need will be cared for and taken care of.
I know that all of these women and men are working 24/7 to make us safe and to protect our country and provide a good night’s sleep. You can’t put a price on that.
• Cynthia Stone, Mutual 14
While LW offers many reasons to be grateful, one I especially want to honor is 96-yearold resident Mary Larson, who has written a very informative, thoughtful newsletter for LW Democrats for over 40 years. She is an example of super aging and a gift to the community.
• Anna Derby, Mutual 5
On behalf of the Golden Age Foundation (GAF), I’m thankful for those countless volunteers, maybe a couple of hundred, who share their precious time for others at the Hospitality Center, the Mobility Aids Office, Income Tax Service, shredding service and battery recycling service to provide extra programs to enhance our living in Leisure World.
Also to those donors who open their pockets to make it possible to have all these wonderful programs available. Without donors or volunteers, the GAF wouldn’t be able to provide the services we do, and we’re looking for volunteers and donors contributions.
On a personal note, I’m so thankful to live in wonderful seaside community in Leisure World: meeting new friends, sharing our life stories, realizing how blessed we’re to live in this safe and secure place.
Thanks to the Security Department and Service Maintenance employees who keep our place moving forward.
• Joe Osuna, Mutual 15
I am thankful that me and my partner in life, Oralia, my wife, continue our journey together on our road of destiny.
We met in high school and will celebrate 64 years of marriage this month. I’m grateful for all the many good folks we have met in Leisure World since 1999.
• Dave Crandall, Mutual 10, in poem For you, Leisure World resident, I’m thankful.
You’ve filled my days with special gifts—a tankful!
In our community, I see you daily: Art class, writing club, oops, I dropped ukulele!
I’m thankful for this moment in fate’s design As the sun pokes his head through the clouds to shine, And I imagine the smile I see on your face Which I sure hope this poem will not erase!
• Kay Mount, Mutual 17
Members of the LW Shuffleboard Club have expressed appreciation for the hours of volunteer time throughout the LW community that support clubs and other amenities. Specifically, there is gratitude for the Member Services and the Facilities (aka Physical Properties) Committees as well as the many GRF staff who support our club.
The Shuffleboard Club is most thankful for our own warm, fun group that supports one another at club activities and beyond.
• Barry Allen, Mutual 10
Thanksgiving is almost here, and it is time to think about all our blessings. My wife, Pauline, and I moved to our new home here in Leisure World after a bout with COVID-19 in 2021. Pauline said we should start looking for a new home. One that we own. In April we moved here to Mutual 10.
I am very grateful for not only the library but the people who work there that also have a smile on their face. I visit every Thursday to trade in the books and take out new ones.
In June we rescued a 5-yearold, 10-pound dog. Pauline researched his records, and she found his birth name, Marley. He came to live with us on a Thursday which was a concert night. Marley and I go for a morning walk before breakfast and meet and greet his dog friends and their walkers to start the day off with good happy vibes.
With 9,000 people here in Leisure World, there is little excuse not to meet a new friend every day and to be grateful for your life here with all the opportunities.
