GAF Representatives receive aCertificate of Recognitionat the City of Seal Beach Council Meeting
At the October 12 City Council meeting, the City of Seal Beach was delighted to recognize service clubs in Seal Beach given that September is Service Clubs Month. The various service clubs that we are fortunate to have in Seal Beach play a vital role in community development by providing resources and services to support our community. The City of Seal Beach City Council extends our gratitude in recognition of Service Club Month to our service clubs for their dedicated leadership, selfless contributions, and unwavering commitment to strengthening our community. We were happy to be joined by several representatives of Seal Beach service clubs to receive Certificates of Recognition.
Service Clubs recognized: Seal Beach Animal Care Center, Seal Beach Boardriders Foundation, Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce, Seal Beach City Rotary, College Park East Neighborhood Association, Seal Beach Friends of the Library, Golden Age Foundation, Historic Resources Foundation, Leisure World Lions Club, Seal Beach Lifeguard Association, Seal Beach Lions Club, McGaugh Elementary PTA, Seal Beach Pickleball Association, Project Eli, Project SEEK, Rotary Club of Los Alamitos, Cypress & Seal Beach, Run Seal Beach, Save Our Beach, Volunteers in Policing, and Seal Beach Women’s Club.
Frank Ramirez and Anna Derby, President of GAF, accepting the tricycle.
Frank Ramirez from Mutual One recently donated his electric three-wheel tricycle to the Salvation Army.
Volunteers and donors gathered around to express their gratitude and surprise at his generous gift. One volunteer noted that it is a particularly valuable and impactful donation.
Frank shared that the Salvation Army provided childcare for his son when they lived in Northern California and he has never forgotten the support they gave his family. He wanted to give back in appreciation for everything the organization does for those in need.
The Golden Age Foundation (GAF) is entirely funded by donations which are used to support safe, active, independent living to the community of seniors living in Leisure World Seal Beach. Through the generous support of residents, clubs, organizations and businesses, the Foundation has organized and implemented many programs that benefit our community. GAF does not have any paid staffers and is run entirely by resident volunteers so all contributions go directly to meet the needs of our community and make Leisure World a better place in which to live.
Previous legacy contributions from generous shareholders have funded many projects that benefit our entire community, including major improvements to the exercise center and an accessible bus, plus more.
For example, Mutual One shareholder Marilyn Schatz’s bequest, along with Joy Kramer from Mutual 4, and Venus Veach from Mutual 17’s bequests made it possible to bring licensed social workers to provide in-depth help for the shareholders. The GAF brought multiple beneficial agencies–the Council on Aging, Alzheimer’s OC, Adult Protection Agency, and Pathways– to form an onsite “Collaboration Team” right here at Leisure World in early spring of 2022. Without these services, such as a licensed social worker’s involvement, being able to help shareholders’ complicated situations wouldn’t get resolved or be able to find resources they need to move forward.
Please consider including the Golden Age Foundation (GAF) when planning your will or estate. If you are interested in leaving a lasting legacy contribution, consult with your estate planning professional.
The Golden Age Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization. We appreciate your donations and legacy bequests.
Tax ID # 23-7273105
P. O. Box 2369 Seal Beach, CA 90740
For information on the Foundation’s services to our community, please visit our website at www.goldenagefdn.org. Or for more information, please call 562-431-9589 and leave your name, phone number, and e-mail address.
In March, the Golden Age Foundation partnered with Teens Against E-Waste(TAE) to make a greener community by collecting used batteries and e-Waste from our community.
DATE: Saturday, November 14 TIME: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. noon WHERE: Amphitheater Parking Lot
The collaboration began as 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.
It will be the third recycling event since our inauguration of the partnership between GAF volunteers and TAE teenagers for the our recycling program where we will be collecting your approved batteries (see list below).
Remember to bring your GRF ID, it is required.
Approved battery types for recycling:
Alkaline
Carbon Zinc
Nickel Cadmium (NiCd),
Nickel Metal-Hydride (NiMH)
Lithium Ion (Li-Ion),
Lithium Metal
Silver Oxide
Button cell batteries and all other dry cell batteries
Basically, this includes all household batteries, cell phone and laptop batteries, and small button type batteries.
TIP: Put all Lithium and hearing-aid batteries in a separate baggie as part of the recycle requirements – do not mix in with other batteries for recycling.
It is very important (to keep our waste fees low and 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, no business batteries.
Our next battery recycling event will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2027, at the amphitheater parking lot.
In July 2027, the Battery & e-Waste Recycling event will be on the 2nd Tuesday, July 13, as the TAE teenagers will be out of their classes. The July and November 2027 events will be on Tuesdays since this program partnered with Teens Against E-Waste and Golden Age Foundation, and teenagers will be onsite to help.
More details will follow for shareholders. For more information, please text at (562) 301-5339.
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.
Our next free document shredding service will be on Tuesday, November 10, starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 12 p.m. noon, in Clubhouse 2 parking lot.
This is a great opportunity for residents to shred documents that might be cluttering your home. Now’s the time to begin collecting old documents into paper or plastic bags for shredding (do not tie bags shut.) Remove staples and paperclips as you go.
GAF would like to remind everyone of the following details & rules in order to have shredding service possible.
WHEN – Tuesday, November 10 between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. noon.
WHERE – Clubhouse 2 parking lot.
WHAT – Documents, with NO staples or paperclips. No Magazines or newspapers, they are not allowed in shredding.
SHREDDING BAGS – No Boxes Type of Bags: put your documents in plastic or brown recycle paper bags (with bags opened, do not tie shut).
Note: If bags are tied, you will be turned away to come back with bags that are opened.
No cardboard boxes allowed.
HOW IT WORKS – Stay in your car & put your paper or plastic shredding bags in your passenger seat. GAF volunteers will come to get them out for you.
TIPS – For better shredding service, we would like to remind shareholders:
The recyclable bags need to be opened. Remove staples and paper clips. No newspapers or magazines. No electronic devices will be accepted. Contaminated bags will be turned away. No X-Ray copies or negative photo film. Do not arrive earlier than 10 a.m., as no one will be there to guard your bags. Do not leave documents or bags in parking lot.
Also, save the date for next year’s shredding service in the spring, on March 9th, 2027 in CH 2 parking lot.
About the Golden Age Foundation All Golden Age Foundation programs are provided free to Leisure World shareholders. The Foundation is entirely staffed by volunteers, so all contributions go directly to meeting community needs. The generous support of shareholders, residents, the clubs, organizations and businesses are the main source of income. The Foundation’s programs and projects are made possible by the volunteer efforts of so many.
Donations are welcome and appreciated.
For more information, go to www.GoldenAgeFdn.org Any question, please text Anna Derby at (562) 301-5339.
The Golden Age Foundation will have its October Board meeting on Wednesday, October 28, at 2 p.m. in 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 upcoming 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.)
Hope we will see you there!
Any questions, please contact Anna Derby at (562) 301-5339.
The Golden Age Foundation (GAF) and the Golden Rain Foundation (GRF) have similar names, but they are completely separate nonprofit organizations with different purposes, funding, and staff.
The easiest way to remember the difference is:
GRF manages Leisure World
GAF helps enrich life in Leisure World.
Golden Rain Foundation (GRF)
The Golden Rain Foundation manages the shared property and day-to-day operations of Leisure World.
Every Leisure World resident is a member of GRF and is commonly referred to as a shareholder. GRF receives funding through a portion of residents’ monthly carrying charges.
GRF has employees, an Executive Director, and a Board of Directors. Its work includes Administration, Facilities, Member Services, Operations, and Finance.
Golden Age Foundation (GAF)
The Golden Age Foundation is a separate 501(c)(3) charitable organization. GAF has a small Board of Directors and is operated entirely by volunteers. It has no paid staff.
If you see someone wearing a red vest, that person is likely a GAF volunteer. These volunteers give their time to help fellow residents and are not paid for their service.
GAF’s mission is to help make Leisure World a happier, safer, and better place to live. Its funding comes entirely from donations, memberships, community support, fundraising activities, and occasional bequests from residents’ estates.
How GAF Uses Donations
When GAF receives a large bequest, the donor may ask that it be used for a specific purpose. For example, Jack Schiffiler loved using the gym while he was able to exercise. His bequest helped GAF contribute more than $100,000 toward replacing gym equipment in 2013.
GAF also purchased a handicapped-accessible bus for approximately $130,000, helping residents who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids get to and from activities and appointments.
In December 2020, during the pandemic, the gym underwent a major renovation to create more space for equipment. GAF contributed $75,000 to provide additional equipment for residents to enjoy. These major improvements were possible because GAF received generous bequests from residents’ estates.
GAF does not operate the gym or employ the staff who maintain it. GRF provides the staff and operational support that keep the gym available for residents, while GAF helps fund special improvements and equipment.
Everyday Programs
Even without a large bequest, GAF continues to support residents through donations from the community. Support may come from the Ralphs Community Rewards Program, membership drives, churches, local organizations, individual gifts, and fundraising events.
For example, the October 2024 Walk-A-Thon and the summer Multicultural Festival helped raise funds for GAF programs. The Multicultural Festival brought in more than $12,500, thanks in part to its generous sponsors.
GAF supported programs include:
The Hospitality Center in Clubhouse 6
Tax-preparation assistance
Paper-shredding events
Battery recycling
Mobility-aid assistance
The Salvation Army program, which GAF took over from GRF
These services are provided to residents at no charge. GAF covers the costs through donations and volunteer support.
How You Can Help
GAF welcomes donations of every size. A gift made today, or a gift included in a will or trust, can help support programs and improvements that benefit Leisure World residents.
GAF also welcomes new members and volunteers. The Foundation depends on volunteers to organize programs, assist neighbors, raise funds, and keep its services available. Volunteers are the heart of the Golden Age Foundation.
Golden Age Foundation
Tax ID: 23-7273105
P.O. Box 2369 Seal Beach, CA 90740
Donation envelopes are available at the white wooden post in the Clubhouse 6 lobby. Completed envelopes may be placed in the wall-mounted metal donation box next to the Hospitality Service counter.
People often find filing their income tax returns overwhelming. They need your help. The AARP Tax Program sponsored by the Golden Age Foundation (GAF) needs volunteers for their tax program. You will provide free tax preparation and e-filing to residents. This will relieve the stress of the residents and help them get the refunds they deserve. Experience is not necessary. We will provide all the training and support you need to provide a great service to your community, make new connections, and expand your knowledge.
Positions:
Tax-Aide: Work directly with taxpayers to prepare their tax returns (1-3 days a week for 4-5 hours).
Client Facilitator: Greet clients and help organize their documents (1-3 days a week for 3-4 hours).
Telephone Assister: Schedule appointments for clients (1 day a week for 5-6 hours).
Requirements:
Tax-Aide: Computer Literate
Telephone Assister: Cell Phone to book appointments
Must attend training in January 2027
Work 1-3 days a week during Tax Season from February 1 thru April 7, 2027
To apply and learn if this volunteer opportunity is for you, please call Chris White at (310) 968-3445.
The recent Salvation Army event from October 10 collected 10,020 pounds of unwanted items, compared to 9,785 in August, and 6,113 in June event.
Please note we’ll have new collection hours beginning February 2027, 9 to 1 p.m.
With a combination of heatwave, and threatening of the storm, and rain came down for a short period, Salvation Army held on regular hours, to collect 3 full, huge trucks were filled up, with 511 shareholders cleaned their units.
Compared to in August’s low participation, it was significant – large numbers brought their unwanted items to save the community cluttering.
Three trucks handling 511 vehicles with close to 10 volunteers, the most cars have an average of 4-5 bags of stuff, small furniture, kitchen items, small house appliances, various luggage, a dozen sets of men’s suites, boxes of shoes, boxes of CDs, boxes of books, boxes of women’s handbags, and miscellaneous items. Please remember, if you bring furniture, it has to be in great condition and sellable. It would be nice to come down to the site before you bring the items to show the photo of items to get okay from the Salvation Army staff, so you don’t get turned away.
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.
The Salvation Army project is under the stewardship of the Golden Age Foundation (GAF), bi-monthly. The next Salvation Saturday will be December 12 (2nd Saturday).
Reminder: Beginning in February, 2027, there will be a different hours, 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 and E-Waste recycling, and more to enhance the lives of LW shareholders, but at no cost to them.
Beginning June, no more Salvation Army bags placed in clubhouses. The donated plastic bags will be at Library and News office two weeks before the date of service.
GAF would like to thank to two of Salvation Army workers, James and Gilbert; also our GAF volunteers: Tonette Kadrmas, Rosemarie Da Roza, Vicky Burman, Charlie Dunn, Ed Dupras, Carol Ostergaard, Bob Dunn, Joe Maffucci, Namil Shin, James Farr, Nancy Montgomery, Susan Beebe, and Anna Derby for their hard working under the warm sun, windy and rain 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, On behalf of The Salvation Army, would like to extend their heartfelt thanks for hosting the re Pennie Mitten, Donation Coordinator, Phoenix Adult Rehabilitation Center, the Salvation Army USA Western Territory, Adult Rehabilitation Centers, would like to extend their heartfelt thanks for hosting the Salvation Army and Command thanked a remarkable volume of donated goods, 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.
MICHELLE AND GERALD SIGN UP FOR THE GAF REWARDS PROGRAM
Golden Age Foundation began Ralphs Reward program sign up in 2014 to raise funds to use to make our community better with a dozen people signed up to bring a $ 9 check.
Over the years with shareholders active participation and GAF Board volunteering to meet shareholders in the CH 6 Hospitality area to bring more sign-up, it reached to close to 750 shareholders signed up, and each quarter the program brings close to $1,500, and annually over $6,000 from their shopping at Ralphs after they signed up. Last year the Ralphs Reward program brought over $6,400, and thank to shareholders who signed-up and shopped at the Ralphs.
The Ralphs Community Contribution Program is sponsored by its parent Kroger Grocery Stores and is an easy way for Leisure World residents to raise money for the Golden Age Foundation. This is currently the only active fundraising project the foundation has and is presently supported by almost 750 LW residents.
A digital account is needed to participate in the program. Once linked to your Ralphs Rewards card each time you shop and swipe the card at a Ralph’s grocery store the GAF will receive a donation from Kroger’s at no cost to you. We need to have your Ralphs membership card, email and a cell phone to receive a code from company to verify you.
For more information, please text at (562) 301-5339.
