This Sunday is an appropriate day to celebrate the hard-won right to exercise religious freedon. While brothers and sisters in Christ around the world meet in secret churches or are in danger of being disowned by their families, kidnapping, torture and death, Americans enjoy the right to meet publicly and worship the way in which they are most comfortable. So, while enjoying the Fourth of July holiday

The Atherton and Woodruff Wards will celebrate Independence Day on Saturday, July 3, at the Atherton building, located at 6500 E. Atherton St., Long Beach. The celebration will begin at 9 a.m. with a flag raising, followed by patriotic music, an inspirational speaker, potluck breakfast and a decorated bicycle parade. This is a great opportunity to invite friends, work colleagues and neighbors to

by Mary Larson LW contributor Leisure World Democratic Club leaders continue to plan for the resumption of membership meetings on Aug. 18 at noon. The club’s program committee wants to hear from members which potential candidates for the 2022 election they would like to see invited to speak at the meetings between August and the June 2022 Primary. Email program committee chair Debbie Wrathall

The American Latino Club will open its doors again on Thursday, July 8, in Clubhouse 3, Room 2, at 11:30 a.m. Members are asked to call if they intend to come, as there is a maximum limit of 85 people at a time in the room. This way, the club can add any new people who want to become members. Current members will have until Aug. 12 to let club leaders know if they intend to continue membership.

The first meeting of the Italian-American Club will be Wednesday, July 21, at 2 p.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 2. Returning members should note on their calendars that this is a new day, time and place. All Leisure World residents are welcome.

by Brian Harmon LW contributor Two representatives from Congresswoman Michelle Steel’s office discussed election strategy to approximately 35 people at a special strategy meeting of the LW Republican Club on June 22. The two represenatives thanked the club for all of its help in electing the congresswoman last November. One of the represenatives was often seen at the GOP club booth last

This monthly class is focused on adults who have always wanted to learn traditional Oriental martial arts but feel out of shape or uncomfortable training with younger students. The Zoom classes are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. and emphasize gentler, safer, modern training methods. Students improve physical fitness, increase mental alertness, reduce stress and achieve an attitude of positive