Record heatwave kept crowd away from the event, but 356 vehicles and 9,785 pounds unwanted items collected, the weather was just too much to handle,

Compared from June Salvation Army event, which three trucks filled up with treasures from the L.W and 654 vehicles showed up, 6,113 pounds collected, from 5 hours service, this time the record heatwave prevented many shareholders coming to the event, way less numbers.

But, one of our shareholders who were cleaning their parent’s place brought so many furniture, through 4-5 trips by big truck they used. It almost filled up one Salvation Army truck, which was wonderful for both of us, Salvation Army and shareholder.

Three trucks handling 356 vehicles with the most cars have an average of 4-5 bags of stuff, small furniture, small kitchen items, small house appliances, luggage, a dozen sets of men’s suits, boxes of shoes, boxes of CDs, boxes of books, boxes of women’s handbags, and miscellaneous items. Please remember, if you bring the furniture, it has to be in great condition and sellable.

The program, dubbed “Salvation Saturdays,” brings Salvation Army donation trucks into Leisure World every other month, providing a convenient and cost-effective way for residents to rid themselves of unwanted items. In addition to giving residents a convenient venue to drop off donations, the program also saves shareholders money since it cuts down on expensive haul-away costs for cast-offs that were previously disposed of at the 1.8-Acre site.

And it will help all those who have gone to support the Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Centers located across Southern California.

 The Salvation Army project is under the stewardship of the Golden Age Foundation (GAF), bi-monthly. The next service will be in October, and December, the same as the 2^nd Saturday.

Beginning in 2027, there will be a different hour, from 9 to 1.

GAF President Anna Derby said the nonprofit’s board was happy to accept the new responsibility. The GAF manages a large number of programs that benefit shareholders, including Hospitality, tax assistance, document shredding, mobility aid loans, battery recycling, and more to enhance the lives of L.W shareholders, but at no cost to them.

From the June event, no more Salvation Army bags will be in clubhouses. The donated plastic bags will be Library and News office two weeks before the date of service.

 GAF would like to thank to three of Salvation Army workers, and GAF volunteers: Anna Derby, Dave Forney, Tonette Kadrmas, Rosemarie Da Roza, Vicky Burman, Charlie Dunn, Geneva Potepan, Carol Ostergaard, Shari, Bob Dunn, Ed and George for their hard working under the warm sun to greeting, lifting, moving, and thanking everyone to bring stuff. Everyone complimented how wonderful this program is to the community. We also would like to thank everyone who generously donated extra tips. This donation helps the general GAF programs.

Pennie Mitten, Donation Coordinator, Phoenix Adult Rehabilitation Center, the Salvation Army USA Western Territory, Adult Rehabilitation Centers Command thanked a remarkable volume of donated goods, 9,785 pounds of clothing, hardgoods, housewares, and furniture – an incredible contribution that directly supports individuals and families in need. It is good to know the event helps the direct funds they use for the rehabilitation program.

For more information, please go to www.goldenagefdn.org

Seven new benches have been installed in Mutual 1 thanks to a bequest by former Mutual 1 resident Marilyn Schatz. The Mutual 1 Board of Directors will honor Golden Age Foundation (GAF) President Anna Derby and the GAF Board for facilitating the $25,000 donation on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 9:30 a.m. in the Clubhouse 6 Hospitality Room. All are welcome. Cake and refreshments will be served.

Schatz moved to Leisure World in 2013 after a career as a secretary and notary in the South Bay. Almost immediately, she started volunteering for the GAF. She assisted the free tax program by making phone appointments and took calls for the Mobility Aids program. Her journals reflected how much she enjoyed volunteering, as well as her dog, Abby. Schatz donated her entire estate to the GAF upon her death in 2021.

The benches will honor her memory and provide residents with comfortable places to rest, visit with friends and enjoy the outdoors. Schatz’s bequest was also one of the founding resources that led to the creation of the Collaboration Team, which brought organizations like the Orange County Council on Aging, Alzheimer’s OC and Adult Protective Services to Leisure World, providing shareholders access to licensed social workers. These organizations are located on the northeast side of Building 5, near GRF Member Resources. 

For more information on how to donate to the GAF, or how to take advantage of its many service programs, visit goldenagefdn.org.

—Emeritus Member of the Golden Age Foundation Linda Johnson and GAF President Anna Derby, Phuoc Germine, Mutual One Director  

Teens and Seniors Unite for a Greener Leisure World, to serve 305 vehicles.

Tuesday, July 28^th, Golden Age Foundation (GAF) and Teens Against E-waste (TAE) worked together to host a free Battery and Electronic Waste Recycling Event for the Leisure World community. The result was a resounding success!

From a 9:30 a.m., a dedicated group of a dozen TAE volunteers, aged 13 to 17, from three local branches, along with five parent chaperones, worked side-by-side with GAF volunteers for over a couple of hours under the bright sun. it was warm day to look for the iced cold-water bottles provided by the GAF. These teens helped residents unload used batteries, old cell phones, tablets, laptops, cables, and small household appliances from their cars. The event’s primary goal was to prevent these items, which contain hazardous materials, from ending up in landfills and to ensure the recovery of valuable metals that can be reused in new technology. The teens and GAF volunteers meticulously sorted the batteries and e-waste and then loaded them onto the truck from JunkBug, a certified recycling company and long -term partner of TAE.

The piles of collected e-waste served as a visible measure of their impact, and the occasional appearance of a resident’s friendly, adorable pet in the car brought smiles and brief, joyful pauses to the busy workflow.

The collaboration was a two-way street of inspiration. The TAE teens brought their characteristic passion and strong belief in youth activism to the cause, demonstrating the power of young leaders in driving environmental action. In turn, they gained invaluable knowledge from the experienced GAF volunteers, who shared their expertise on different battery types and recycling protocols. The teens were deeply impressed by the GAF volunteers’ meticulousness, patience, and unwavering dedication to serving their community and protecting the planet. The GAF volunteers truly set a powerful example of lifelong civic engagement.

TAE is profoundly grateful to the GAF for the incredible opportunity to collaborate. This event aligns perfectly with TAE’s mission to raise awareness about the critical e-waste issue, take concrete action for a greener planet, and engage teen leaders. All collected e-waste will be handled by our certified partners to ensure environmentally sound processing.

Together, the teens and the GAF volunteers made a tangible difference for Leisure World. TAE looks forward to future opportunities to work with the GAF at Leisure World on projects that promote environmental responsibility. By joining hands across generations, we not only serve our community today but help build a more sustainable tomorrow.

The GAF would like to thank the more than a dozen of TAE teenagers, 5 parents and GAF volunteers: Al Basler, Harry Varnas, Carol Ostergarrd, Geneva Potepan, Sophie Jin, Fara McCartney, Charlie Dunn, Jim Gable, George and Anna Derby.

The total weight of batteries collected is about 690 pounds. Current estimated e-waste total approximately 420 pounds of electronics, including desktop computers, laptops, monitors, printers, networking equipment, and other small electronics.

The next Battery and E-Waste Recycling Event will be in November, 14^th at the Amphitheater from 10 to 12. Please see the weekly as it gets closer.

For more information, go to www.goldenagefdn.org

Co-wrote by Anna Derby and Lucy Zhang

About Teens Against E-waste (TAE):

Founded in Spring 2021 by high school freshman Joshua Lou in Cypress, California, TAE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on raising e-waste awareness, promoting environmental action, and fostering youth leadership. With over 66 branches across 6 countries, TAE establishes permanent battery collection sites and hosts recycling events in schools, communities, and senior living facilities. To date, TAE’s collective efforts have responsibly recycled over 127,681 pounds of e-waste and 622,802 batteries, thanks to the dedication of more than 2,230 volunteers.

GOLDEN AGE FOUNDATION

The Golden Age Foundation (GAF) received a certificate of recognition at its inaugural multicultural festival on July 18 from the California State Senate and State of California.

The GAF was recognized for its dedication to celebrating the diverse cultures, traditions and heritage that enrich the Leisure World community and brings residents together in the spirit of unity and friendship.

The multicultural event also reflects the GAF’s commitment to fostering connection, inclusion, and cultural appreciation for all.

The certificate was presented by Seal Beach Mayor Pro Term Ben Wong and Zechariah Jauregui, a representative from the office of California State Sen. Tony Strickland in District 36. GAF president Anna Derby accepted the certificate of recognition on behalf of the GAF.

GAF president Anna Derby (center, holding certifi cate) and GAF Board members.

Golden Age Foundation shared the diversity of Leisure World during its Saturday night Amphitheater show on July 18^th.

Six cultural groups from the ethnic’s teams performed songs and dances from their native countries to the delight of the audience of 2,000.

The Leisure World Arirang Club opened the show with three repertoires, Bu-Che-Choom, (Fan Dance), with colorful fan in eight of beautiful costumes on them to longing for thriving rice field, and flower blossom in the dance to symbolize healthy growing season.

Followed by Jin Do drum so by Young Park, which traditionally performed in rice farming village, to ensure and to celebrate good harvest. It was a very masculine dance that blends in with cheerful tune and beautiful movement.

The last one is a Seoljanggu with 18 performers including a Zing player. Seoljanggu is the pinnacle of Korean traditional percussion and the ultimate janggu showcase, beautifully combining the dynamic rhythms of Korean music with the elegant lines of traditional dance. 

The second, by the Chinese Friendship Club, displayed Tai Chi with 15 members.

Even though it was serene, and gentle, behind the story is that Tai Chi is powerful exercise and is wonderful for our well-being for seniors.

It helps improve balance and coordination, builds strength and flexibility, and can even help manage chronic pain or blood pressure. Most importantly, it’s a lovely way to reduce stress and find some peace of mind. we have modified our steps so some of the moves would be less of a struggle for us Their performance was modified to less of a struggle for the performers. Audience seems into this performance. It is known that UNESCO recognized the Tai Chi as Intangible Culture Heritage. 

The Japanese-American Club brought two different acts: Hikari Taiko Drummers, and Japanese American Club members danced coal miners’ wives showed the traditional dance longing for their spouses. Taiko is traditional Japanese drums known for their thunderous, booming sound. Ranging from small hand-held drums to massive floor-standing bass drums, they are played using wooden sticks called, Bachi. They are one of many Japanese Cultural Activities.

Hikari Tokai drummers of 10, mesmerized audiences with gigantic drums, played two thunderous music, and joined the farmers to play the traditional dance, called

“Tanko Bushi or “Coal Miner’s Song.” That dance simulates the movements of coal miners digging, throwing coal, wiping away sweat and pushing carts. It was created to lighten the monotony of labor and has a celebrate the life. They also performed the dance “Tokyo Ondo” and were accompanied by a Taiko drumming group.” The Taiko Drummers were fantastic!!

With plenty of aloha spirit, Hui O Hula is truly a multicultural club.  Through the joy of the Hawaiian hula and music, their dancers celebrate the rich tapestry of people, friendships, and cultures that make Leisure World – our home – such a welcoming and lovely place. They performed Grand Old Flag by many significant individuals crossed the stage with Red, Whie and Blue flags on their hands, followed by the God Bless America. With colorful costumes and smiles on their faces, they brought admiration, affection, with a symbol of someone special in your life.  

Green Rose Hula   Green Rose Hula is a song about admiration and affection, Here at Leisure World’s Multicultural Event, they celebrated our many cultures coming together as one, to bring a place with noise, and exclaimation!!

Filipino Association of L.W presented two two dances and in between A Capella choir group’s singing, and continue to the 2^nd dance. And they ended singing the God Bless America. The first dance with a floral garlands “Bulaklakan” brought pleasant sight to the It is another traditional and joyful Philippine folk dance, originating from the province of Bulacan. The second dance was “Polka as Nayon”, which was popularized during Spanish colonial era from the Tagalog region of the Philippine Islands. 

. 

The evening’s MC, Anna Derby announced the Vietnamese- American Club’s program with a real love story like this: “Vietnamese American Club will present Lion Dance with fire cracker, follow by their traditional wedding”.
“It all began with a love story at Leisure World’s table tennis club. Don and Vivian met, fell in love, and after several years of dating, decided to tie the knot.  Rather than a modern Western style wedding, they chose to celebrate their union with a beautiful traditional Vietnamese wedding ceremony.  Today, we invite you to enjoy this culturally rich presentation, featuring wedding guests representing the three regions of Vietnam.”

All of audience loved to hear the story, and the place went wild even before the show started. A Lion Dance made exciting scene and followed by a spectacular Vietnamese traditional wedding scene, with over 20 performers lined up with beautiful costumes, it was a scene to remember the evening. It was well fit with the theme, and every time groom’s parents and bride’s parents handed out a red envelope to the newly wed couple, we can hear the audience made a noise to “another one, money envelope”.

That’s how we learned the other cultures, and it was truly the opportunity to savor for a long time. Their MC Kim Yen was a great to hold on the ceremony. Everyone praised how talented their group was in presenting such a beautiful story through a short, entertaining play. Many commented on how engaging and well-organized the performance was from beginning to end.

As promised, at the end of the performance by 6 teams, the president of the GAF called raffle to give away 5 winners for $100 each, 10 winners for $50, and 4 winners for $25, of a total of $1,100 winners from Vietnamese Club, The L.W Arirang Club, Hui O Hula and one anonymous donor who donated into those prizes.

We would like to thank to audience who showed up to support the program, and Golden Age Foundation who hosted and produced to bring the diverse cultures to unite one.

The GAF would like to thank to those who volunteered for the program frontline or behind the scene, we appreciate everything you have done for the community and neighbors. It sure was a joyful celebration for all of us. Hope to see you soon.

The City of Seal Beach contributed for the GAF hosts multicultural festival on July 18^th in the amphitheater,

On behalf of the Golden Age Foundation (GAF), thank you for the City of Seal Beach’s contribution to the Multicultural Festival held on July 18th at the amphitheater.

The city’s consistent support is invaluable to the GAF and the Leisure World community. We are especially grateful for your leadership and ongoing commitment to our events. Our special thanks to go to Mayor, Lisa Landau, and Council member, Pro Tem, Ben Wong.

The Golden Age Foundation has been serving the Leisure World community for over 53 years.  The Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization established in 1973 to enhance the quality of Leisure World life to our more than 9,500 shareholders.  Over the years, through the support of volunteers, individuals and organizations the Foundation has organized and implemented many programs that have benefited our community at no cost to our shareholders.  Our foundation is entirely staffed by fellow shareholder volunteers.

For more information, go to www.goldenagefdn.org

July 18th, 2026

Traditional Vietnamese wedding is the theme of their performance on July 18^th, at the GAF hosts the Multicultural Festival performance, starts at 7:30 on Saturday,

The Vietnamese Club of LW was first introduced to the community by Mr. Do Thien Trần in December 2004. His vision was to bring Vietnamese residents together to build friendship, practice Tai Chi, play Mahjong, and preserve Vietnamese culture and traditions while remembering the homeland they left behind in search of freedom in the United States.

Most members of the group came from South Vietnam and deeply respect the former South Vietnamese freedom flag — the yellow flag with three red stripes. Through the years, the club has continued to celebrate important cultural and family traditions such as Lunar New Year, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, annual picnic barbecues, and Thanksgiving gatherings.

Their Thanksgiving celebration carries a special meaning. It is a time to honor and thank the Vietnam veterans, remember the millions of Vietnamese people who sacrificed their lives for freedom, and express deep gratitude to the United States and the American people for opening their hearts and sharing the gift of freedom with Vietnamese refugees. Many of their children have gone on to serve and hold distinguished positions in the United States military and other professional fields, giving back to the country that welcomed and sheltered their families.

For this year’s Multicultural Day, and because the program allows only 15 minutes for each cultural presentation, the Vietnamese Club felt that presenting a traditional Vietnamese wedding ceremony would be the best way to share the beauty, elegance, and cultural heritage of Vietnam with the community.

Vietnamese traditional weddings are more than a celebration between two people — they are a union of two families rooted in respect, culture, and ancestral traditions. Rich in symbolism and family values, these ceremonies have been passed down for generations and continue to be cherished by Vietnamese communities around the world.

A traditional wedding often begins with the “Ăn cu’o’i” engagement ceremony, where the groom’s family presents ceremonial gifts such as tea, wine, fruits, and betel leaves to the bride’s family. These offerings symbolize respect, gratitude, and the joining of the two families.

On the wedding day, the couple participates in the ancestor ceremony, one of the most meaningful traditions in Vietnamese culture. The bride and groom light incense and bow before the family altar to honor their ancestors and seek blessings for a happy marriage and future together.

The tea ceremony follows, where the couple serves tea to parents and elders as a sign of respect and appreciation. In return, the elders offer blessings, advice, and sometimes jewelry or lucky money to the newlyweds.

Traditional Vietnamese weddings are also known for the elegant áo dài, colorful decorations in red and gold symbolizing happiness and prosperity, and joyful receptions filled with music, food, and family celebrations.

The repertoire will begin with a traditional Lion Dance performance, symbolizing the chasing away of evil spirits and bringing good luck, happiness, and prosperity to the Bride, Groom, and both families.

The Vietnamese Traditional Wedding presentation will also include:

• -Traditional wedding ceremonies
• -Vietnamese áo dài fashion display
• -Traditional music and instrumental performances
• -Wedding procession reenactment
• -Cultural narration honoring ancestor traditions
• -Vietnamese wedding red envelopes presentation

The Golden Age Foundation (GAF) will host the Saturday Amphitheater event on July 18th to showcase the cultural diversity within Leisure World. This festival provides a platform for our many ethnic clubs to share their heritage, fostering understanding and unity among neighbors.

Seven different cultural clubs have been working hard to prepare a variety of traditional dances, songs, and musical performances. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and will run for 105 minutes.

Everyone is welcome to attend. We hope this event helps our community learn more about one another and move toward a sense of “One Unity.”

By Phuoc Germaine

Record Breaking 654 vehicles and 6,113 pounds unwanted items!!!

Three trucks filled up with treasures from the L.W and 654 vehicles showed up, 6,113 pounds collected, from 5 hours service,

Three trucks handling 654 vehicles with the most cars have an average of 5-7 bags of stuff, small furniture, small kitchen items, small house appliances, luggage’s, a dozen sets of men’s suites, boxes of shoes, boxes of CDs, boxes of books, boxes of women’s handbags, and miscellaneous items.

The program, dubbed “Salvation Saturdays,” brings Salvation Army donation trucks into Leisure World every other month, providing a convenient and cost-effective way for residents to rid themselves of unwanted items. In addition to giving residents a convenient venue to drop off donations, the program also saves shareholders money since it cuts down on expensive haul-away costs for cast-offs that were previously disposed of at the 1.8-Acre site.

And it will help all those who have gone to support the Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Centers located across Southern California.

 The Salvation Army project is under the stewardship of the Golden Age Foundation (GAF), bi-monthly. The next service will be in August, October, and December, the same as the 2^nd Saturday.

GAF President Anna Derby said the nonprofit’s board was happy to accept the new responsibility. The GAF manages a large number of programs that benefit shareholders, including Hospitality, tax assistance, document shredding, mobility aid loans, battery recycling, and more to enhance the lives of L.W shareholders, but at no cost to them.

From the June event, no more Salvation Army bags will be in clubhouses. The donated plastic bags will be Library and News office two weeks before the date of service.

 GAF would like to thank to Salvation Army workers: Gilbert, and Adam, and GAF volunteers: Anna Derby, Dave Forney, Tonette Kadrmas, Rosemarie Da Roza, Kathy Gupton, Carol Schbeck, Lisa Brass, Namil Shin, Vicky Burman, James Farr, Nancy Montgomery, Charlie Dunn, Geneva Potepan, Carol Ostergaard, Bob Dunn, Young Cho and Linda Johnson for their hard working under the warm sun to greeting, lifting, moving, and thanking everyone to bring stuff. Everyone complimented how wonderful this program is to the community. We also would like to thank everyone who generously donated extra tips. This donation helps the general GAF programs.

For more information, please go to www.goldenagefdn.org

The Golden Age Foundation will have a June Annual Board meeting

on Wednesday, July 22nd, at 2 p.m. in the GRF Conference

Room B.

All members of the Foundation are welcome to observe the GAF Board

meeting. This is a great opportunity to catch up on the latest news and get

a preview of coming Golden Age Foundation attractions and projects.  

The GAF Board meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month, unless special

circumstances the time and location may change to announce to the community.

 Hope we will see you there! 

Any questions, please contact Anna Derby at (562) 301-5339.

Battery Recycling is Back! on Tuesday, July 28th, CH 2 parking lot, from 10 to 12, E-waste will be also collected, and see below the detail, Golden Age Foundation will be collecting your approved batteries (see below) for recycle on Tuesday, July 28th, from 10-12 in the CH 2 Parking Lot, the GRF ID is required. The GAF is partnered with a Teens Against E-waste  (TAE) is a student-run, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to back to the Battery Recycling program, and additionally to collect E-Waste items as well as onsite. TAE aims to raise public awareness of the pressing issue of e-waste, take action towards a greener planet, and engage teenage leaders due to our strong belief in youth activism. ​TAE was founded by high school freshman Joshua Lou  in spring 2021 in Cypress, California, and spread to Canada in September of the same year.  To make a greater impact, they launched the international One Million Batteries campaign in November 2021 and the WEEEcycle  campaign in July 2022. So far, TAE has expanded to over 60 branches in six countries.  TAE will send a group of approximately 10-12 students and 4-5 parent volunteers. And GAF Board will coordinate, sort it through as we collect batteries to separate lithium from the rest of alkaline by bagging the lithium batteries. GAF would like to ask shareholders to put the hearing aid batteries to a small plastic bag to help our event. The students will wear the yellow vests for visibility versus the GAF board will have the red vest. E-Waste Items Accepted: Computer Monitors/Televisions/Laptops/CRT Monitors/DVD Players/Scanners/Fax Machines/Copy Machines/Printers/Radios/Stereos/Speakers/Vacuum Cleaners/Microwaves/Mini refrigerators/ Other Small Household Electronics E-Waste Items NOT Accepted: Mercury-Containing Equipment Light Bulbs or Fluorescent Tubes Aerosol Cans Liquids Refrigerators Washing Machines Dryers Dishwashers It is very important to keep our planet clean to recycle batteries instead of throwing them in the dumpster. Please note that this service is for Leisure World shareholders’ personal household batteries only. Please no business batteries. Next battery recycling will be on Saturday, November 14 th at the Amphitheater parking lot. The Golden Age Foundation is happy and honored to be able to serve our community in this area. Questions, please text (562) 301-5339.

The GAF is partnered with a Teens Against E-waste (TAE) is a student-run, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to back to the Battery Recycling program, and additionally to collect E-Waste items as well as onsite. TAE aims to raise public awareness of the pressing issue of e-waste, take action towards a greener planet, and engage teenage leaders due to our strong belief in youth activism.

​TAE was founded by high school freshman Joshua Lou in spring 2021 in Cypress, California, and spread to Canada in September of the same year.  To make a greater impact, they launched the international One Million Batteries campaign in November 2021 and the WEEEcycle campaign in July 2022. So far, TAE has expanded to over 60 branches in six countries. 

TAE will send a group of approximately 10-12 students and 4-5 parent volunteers. And GAF Board will coordinate, sort it through as we collect batteries to separate lithium from the rest of alkaline by bagging the lithium batteries. GAF would like to ask shareholders to put the hearing aid batteries to a small plastic bag to help our event. The students will wear the yellow vests for visibility versus the GAF board will have the red vest.

E-Waste Items Accepted:

Computer Monitors/Televisions/Laptops/CRT Monitors/DVD Players/Scanners/Fax Machines/Copy Machines/Printers/Radios/Stereos/Speakers/Vacuum Cleaners/Microwaves/Mini refrigerators/

Other Small Household Electronics

E-Waste Items NOT Accepted:

• Mercury-Containing Equipment
• Light Bulbs or Fluorescent Tubes
• Aerosol Cans
• Liquids
• Refrigerators
• Washing Machines
• Dryers
• Dishwashers

It is very important to keep our planet clean to recycle batteries instead of throwing them in the dumpster. Please note that this service is for Leisure World shareholders’ personal household batteries only. Please no business batteries. Next battery recycling will be on Saturday, November 14^th at the Amphitheater parking lot.

The Golden Age Foundation is happy and honored to be able to serve our community in this area. Questions, please text (562) 301-5339.