Club celebrates its return at 4th of July picnic
FALW
The Filipino Association of Leisure World (FAWL) celebrated its return with a picnic honoring all veterans in Leisure World on July 3. The celebration was canceled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s picnic was a longawaited activity not only for veterans, but also for the members of FALW. Around 230 veterans and their dependents were served hot dogs, hamburgers, chili beans, Asian noodles, egg rolls, green salad, fresh-cut fruits, drinks and cakes for the July birthdays. Each veteran received a gift and could enter to win a raffle prize donated by Optum Care.
The picnic started with the Pledge of Allegiance led by FALW president Renato Villanueva. The U.S. Armed Forces Branch Medley then sang “God Bless America.” Father Juan Caboboy, spiritual adviser of FALW, gave the invocation. The heartbeats of the audience were almost audible when “Taps” was played, which gave solemnity to the occasion.
Villanueva asked a census for number of veterans present: during WWII, four were accounted for; Korean War, 12; Vietnam War, 26; and Desert Storm, 14. Some who were present had no combat experience.
••• The general membership meeting of FALW was held on July 11. Members were reminded to renew their membership and elected a new president. Eilleen Merritt is the FALW’s presidentelect; Essie Hicks, vice president; Harry Varnas, treasurer; Jane Haas, secretary; and Mel Blake, assistant secretary. The Board of Directors are Ed Bolos, Mel Blake, Carolyn Mottola, Lita Mac-araeg and Ric Dizon.
FALW’s next meeting will be held Aug. 8. The food schedule will begin with group one.
