Holiday celebrations mark the end of eventful year in LW

by Kathy Thayer

Recreation Manager

2 025 has been a banner year for GRF Recreation t that brought positive changes to the department. Joining us this year as our new event coordinator is Gary Fitch, who produced nine sold out bus excursions from “Hamilton” to “Moulin Rouge!,” closing out the holiday season with “The Nutcracker” at Segerstrom Hall in Costa Mesa.

Fitch comes to us with a solid background in sound and lighting production and has been instrumental in upping our game in those areas.

This year, under the leadership of Director Jesse Cripps, we were able to eliminate our holiday lighting contract and move the project in-house with Service Maintenance deploying and storing the decorations. This move saved us $20,000 despite the initial purchase of some new equipment and will ultimately save GRF the $30,000 annually spent under an outside contractor.

Recreation is all about special events and this year was no exception. From the weekend dances to special holiday events, compliments flowed and we came in under budget. For the first time, Recreation was cleared to seek outside sponsorship of events besides the Amphitheater shows whose sponsorships are secured by the Communications Department. This resulted in offsetting the cost of many dances, parties and shows. Plans are in the works to expand this revenue-based model in 2026 as we continue to develop partnerships with vendors who serve the community.

The community continues to want more entertainment and to support that desire without increasing our budget we have encouraged clubs that have extra reservations available to sponsor performances. Several clubs have taken us up on the offer, creating more opportunities to enjoy local talent than ever before and keeping our clubhouses booked and vibrant.

Recently, the GRF Board voted to cut the lease fee for lots at the Community Garden in half. Now more enthusiastic gardeners are joining in the pleasures of growing their own produce and flowers. Those with limited mobility can opt for a “veg-trug” raised bed that eliminates the need to bend and stoop. Authorized residents are encouraged to contact Community Garden Attendant Nikko Turis at 562-431-6586, ext. 2314, for more information.

It may surprise you that Recreation wears many hats outside of managing the amenities. With responsibility for the custodial contract, this year we negotiated a two-year contract extension with Innovative Cleaning Services (ICS) rather than going out to bid, resulting in significant savings to GRF. ICS also led us to a new vendor that upgraded our sanitary paper and soap dispenser and supplies that are not only superior but prevent pilferage and will result in significant savings over time. All of the new, modern equipment was provided and installed free of charge.

The LW Library, which is under the Recreation Department, was able to expand their services this year, thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Library. Whether you are hunting for vintage treasures or decluttering your home, your donations to this awesome club help support one of our most popular amenities.

We hope this snapshot of what “Rec” has accomplished in 2025 offers a view that shows we are not just the purveyors of the adult Disneyland experience that attracts many buyers to Leisure World Seal Beach. We also strive to be good stewards of the properties and funds with which you entrust us.

The Recreation Department would love to hear from residents and welcomes their respectful input and inquiries on all things Recreation. Let us know what is on your mind. For more information, contact kathyt@lwsb.com.

Residents enjoyed hot apple cider and cookies.

Santa Claus, aka IT staff member Andrew Delaney, visited with all the good boys and girls.

Holiday wishes were heard.

Carol Gregurek of Mutual 4 and Scott Bryan of Mutual 1 dressed for the occasion.TOY DRIVE DANCE

Ginnie McGovern of Mutual 5 makes a donation at the toy drive dance.

Brown Descents Car Club President Robert Esparza(r) and his son Benny.MENORAH LIGHTING

The Temple Beth David choir performed during the menorah lighting service.