LEISURE WORLD GIVES THANKS

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

The LW Weekly asked residents to share thanks and gratitude this Thanskgiving season, reminding us that even when the world seems dark, there’s always light to be found.

• Edward Hickman, Mutual 3

Moving to Leisure World was one of the wisest decisions I have made. I’m grateful for our gated community; it’s a secure and welcoming place with great neighbors (ALL of them!) and a peaceful atmosphere. The amenities and activities, like the gym, pool, and various clubs and classes, add a lot of value to our lives. Feeling safe to walk around even at night is something we appreciate, and having a wonderful small town and beach nearby is a bonus that makes this community even better. Thanks to everyone who helps make this a great place to call home.

• Tom Pontac, Mutual 10

This year seems to have brought out the good and caring side of people more than any other time in my life. As the world outside our community appears to get meaner, Leisure World remains, for the most part, a kind oasis of civility and a safe place to live out your senior years. Even with all of the changes in my health that have come with advancing years, I find this time of my life still wonderful to share with others and, especially, with my wife Jeanne.

• Fred Wind, Mutual 12

I am thankful for all the clubs in Leisure World. It is important for residents to find friends who have similar interests. A person can immediately make connections. Guess what? We have 9,000 residents. I believe the current number of clubs/activities is around 280. You’ll have to think hard to come up with an activity we don’t have a club for. If you do think of one, you can always start a new group. My personal favorite is Creative Writers. It is fun to be around creative, positive, imaginative people. They love to share, they encourage, they appreciate—Creative Writers enriches my life!

• Mary Ellen Fuller, Mutual 2 I’m very grateful for Leisure World and that I moved here in March 2021. It has changed my life. I’m grateful for my friends that I have met, my kind neighbors, the gym, the bike path and the weather here. I’m also grateful for my beautiful daughter Emily. Happy Thanksgiving!

• Kenneth Glenn Koons and Katy Koons, Mutual 15

My wife and I are in our 80s. But we love life in the Lord. Sure aches and pains hit us daily but we love the fact that we have a fine place in LW; a church nearby in Calvary Chapel and friends who cheer and follow up on good solid global concerns, safety and protection for our nation. I am always most thankful for my wife and even my grand cat, Smokey. May sound weird, but I believe the Lord brought all three of us together and we love Him for it. Happy Thanksgiving to all LW owners and may the Lord bless you on this special day of thanks.

•Yvette Perdue, Mutual 10

I am beyond grateful for generous LW friends and neighbors who, for many years, helped with yarn, caps, scarves, clothing and other dona

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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.