GATHER

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The season that celebrates gratitude is here, and the focus is on all that makes Leisure World a great place to live. The LW Weekly is grateful to its loyal readers and contributors who help make this a weekly conduit of community connection. Staff seeks to accommodate all contributors, who inform readers weekly on LW’s comings and goings. Thank you to all who help do that. As everyone gets ready for a full feast ahead, read on for an abundant look at what your neighbors and friends are thankful for. Mary Ellen Fuller, Mutual 2

I have lived in LW since March 2020 and love it here. I’m so grateful for silence at night, the peacefulness in the morning, the friends I’ve met since I’ve been here, the ocean, the bike path, Main Street in Seal Beach, all of my neighbors and my pretty greenbelt. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.

Fred Fenton, Mutual 12

I am thankful for Leisure World. There are many reasons: location near the beach, affordability, security, accessibility features, six clubhouses, Amphitheater, golf course, aquatic center, dozens of clubs and activities, extensive beautification over the past few years and the many volunteers who serve on our 16 Mutual boards.

But I am most thankful for meeting my wife at Leisure World. Linda and I met at water aerobics classes here. Our falling in love and marrying is thanks to each of us having chosen this lovely community for our retirement years. Thank you, Leisure World!

Tom Pontac, Mutual 10

As corny as it sounds, I’m very thankful that I’m married to my best friend, Jeanne, and that, in many important ways, it’s gotten better as the years go by. I’m thankful that, in times of crisis and difficulty, I’ve been blessed to have the friends and the courage to accept and surmount my problems. I am a better person because of them.

I’m thankful that my parents taught me to be non-judgmental and unprejudiced toward others as regards race, religion or gender, and to not judge myself too harshly either. I’m very thankful that I have, at long last, learned to not dwell on my losses, but to focus what I have and, especially, what I can do for others. I’m very thankful for the life I’ve lived and can’t wait to see what lies ahead.

Eileen Newquist, Mutual 2

I’m thankful for my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I don’t know what I would do without them and my longtime friends that I have made in Leisure World.

Melinda Lee, Mutual 5

I am grateful for having my father still alive today at 85.

Paulette Kaplan, Mutual 7

I just wanted to say thank you for the person who delivers my LW Weekly. Even though I am able to use the computer, I enjoy reading my paper.

The carriers in my area, Mutual 7, come up onto my patio and place my paper on the table that I have set next to my door.

This gesture, small to some but huge to me, is so appreciated. I have back issues, and the fact that I do not have to pick the paper up from the floor is so very much appreciated.

It brings to mind a song from long ago, “Little Things Mean a Lot.”

At this time of Thanksgiving, I am very grateful. Thank you. GRATITUDE

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KG and Katy Koons, Mutual 15

Though we have health problems, we are thankful that our 42nd anniversary is coming soon and for our church and the Lord. We are thankful that we have had freedom in this nation to have two vocations for me: teaching and pastoring, and banking for my lovely wife. Of course, we have family members we love and our cat of 11 years. Longtime friends round out our blessings that include living out our last time in LW. Not bad for a kid from Jersey and a wife from Austria.

Christine Bird, Mutual 5

I am thankful for the variety of trees that adorn our properties, the green grass and beautiful golf course and the humming, lively pool for all to frolic in. I’m thankful for the food trucks offering burritos, pizzas and lobster rolls and bisque and even whoopie pies! And for the variety of clubs and churches that keep us moving in mind, body, spirit and heart. The convenient Health Center Center and post office are invaluable.

Also the diligence of volunteers who help recycle batteries, shred unwanted documents, run our Mutuals with insight, expertise and willingness to serve, and for our weekly newspaper that keeps us informed. We appreciate photos of homes that we wished our loving friends in other parts of the country would invest in so we could be closer physically and not be just text or phone pals. God has been good to us all.

Dave Crandall, Mutual 10

I’m thankful for my 2022 retirement, allowing me to appreciate my new home in Seal Beach, and specifically, Leisure World. Goodbye, morning alarm and rush to begin work on a computer. Hello, stepping outside to feel the caress of the sunshine and sea breeze, and spy the ubiquitous rabbits, monarch butterflies and black phoebes, as well as the occasional great egret.

I’m thankful for the time to enjoy the Leisure World activities, clubs, facilities, and classes (the LW Library, the Creative Writing club, painting, genealogy, Scrabble, bocce ball), and for my new neighbors and old friends. I’m thankful for my new part time math tutoring job outside Leisure World that I actually look forward to, and the gift of being able to taste food, and hear music from the world over, right here in sunny, breezy Seal Beach.

Angela Valerie, Mutual 1

I am very grateful for the shredder truck available to us and for the Golden Age Foundation volunteers who are there to help us. God bless you all!

Steve Martinez, Mutual 9

I’m thankful for the Leisure World community. The GRF and GAF boards give their time without pay to make the community a nicer place to live. Their hard work is noticed. Mutual 9 directors also give their time without pay updating important documents, managing multiple contracts and fending off lawsuits. I sleep well knowing they take care of business.

The Community Church welcomes all no matter your story or identity. Spirits are renewed. And to all those who show remarkable resilience facing life’s challenges, steady perseverance waking each morning to live your lives, and the wisdom to know that wealth and treasure have no pleasure like a friend or two. You are great role models. I’m thankful for the time spent with few and faithful friends; being present with a sound mind, body and soul; the honor and privilege to love you; and a hope for a greater tomorrow.

Janice Turner, Mutual 8

I’m thankful for the opportunity GRF offered me to participate in the 2022 Arts & Crafts Festival. My sales were a success! I raised a generous amount to help St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Thanks to all the generous people that stopped by to make this donation in fighting childhood cancer possible. Wishing you all a blessed holiday season!

Yvette Perdue, Mutual 10

Thankful to LW friends who helped donate hundreds of caps, scarves, clothing, etc., over the years to Christian Outreach in Action, Long Beach, which provides assistance to the homeless.