Leisure World News

Ray Colvin Celebrates Century of Memories! Leisure World resident Ray Colvin is living life to the fullest! He recently celebrated his 100th birthday with a bang! To mark this special occasion, forty-five Leisure World neighbors, friends and family organized a two- day fiesta on August 8 and 9 to honor him. They lavishly decorated his front lawn and home with birthday décor and enjoyed great food and fun. During the celebration, many of Ray’s friends and family showered him with warm-hearted speeches and touching congratulatory toasts. “I will long remember the events and toast,” says Ray joyfully. Maria Brewer and her husband, who have been friends with Ray since 1995, attended the festivities and helped decorate his lawn. “Ray is a fabulous person and deserves to be celebrated!” says Maria. “It was great to be part of this special celebration for him! The Early Years Ray was born on August 9, 1921, in the small town of Eden in southeastern Arizona. After graduating from junior college in Thatcher, Arizona, he moved to Los Angeles to work in the defense industry. On January 11, 1943, Ray and his high school sweetheart Bea Marshall were married. “We waited until Bea was 21 so that I would not have to ask her father for permission to marry,” says Ray. Called to Serve Ray was drafted into the Armed Services in 1944 and spent two-and-a-half-years on the Navy minesweeper Compel in the South Pacific. “Duty on a sweeper was rough,” recalls Ray. “I never complained because I had a dry bed every night and wasn’t seasick. I also had plenty of food, although it wasn’t the best.” After leaving the military, Ray worked for the Atlantic Oil Company in the Los Angeles area. After retiring, Ray and Bea moved to Leisure World in 1991. During their marriage, the duo made 15 trips to Hawaii, the last one was on a Princess cruise ship. Unfortunately, Bea passed away in August 2018. “I was lucky that we were able to celebrate our 75th wedding anniversary,” says Ray gratefully. Living it Up Although Ray is very mobile, he is very grateful to have Stella Clarke, his caregiver, who takes care of him and his home. He also works out five days a week at the Fitness Center. You can often see him on the treadmill, getting in some cardio. “Some days I don’t want to go, but then there’s Stella who pushes me,” laughs Ray. Ray enjoys playing the organ. He likes music, especially country, and enjoys watching country music shows on TV. He also loves trivia and gets his daily fix of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. A favorite pastime is going to Black Angus restaurant in Mesa with friends. He enjoys the camaraderie and his favorite cocktail, the High Ball. At 100, Ray is just getting started. He recently renewed his driver’s license for another five years and keeps his eye on the stock market! Ray loves Leisure World and plans to spend his remaining years here. “I thank the good Lord for giving me a long, healthy and great life!” Happy Birthday, Ray! Neighbor Maria Brewer celebrates with Ray. September 2021 www.lwca.com Turkey Trot Page B1 Budgeting vs. Financial Planning Page A14 20th Anniversary of 9/11 Page A3 L EISURE W ORLD N EWS The speed limit on Leisure World streets is 25 mph. No passing. By Barry Jacobsen On August 3, the Leisure World Lions Club presented checks totaling $24,400 to local charities supporting our community and surrounding areas. These donations helped the United Food Bank, New Hope Community Center, Bridging Arizona and Lions Camp Tatiyee. Earlier this year, the Lions Club donated a total of $20,655 to these groups. These donations were made possible by fundraising efforts supported by Leisure World residents and others. The Mesa Leisure World Lions Club was founded in 1969 and currently has 65 members. Our motto is, “We Serve.” Our key fundraising efforts include Fly the Flag Program, recycling aluminum cans, estate sales, annual golf tournament, annual theme dinner, mailbox painting, Parade of Homes, car and cart washes, and food drives. United Food Bank The United Food Bank has provided hunger relief to people in the East Valley and eastern Arizona since 1983. As a Feeding America member food bank, they collect, acquire, store, and distribute food to about 165 partner agencies and programs, serving over 345,000 households annually in five counties. In 2020, due to COVID-19, United Food Bank distributed more than 27 million pounds of food, providing 22.5 million meals, a 20% increase over our distribution in 2019. This year’s Lions donation is estimated to provide more than 32,000 meals. Bridging AZ Bridging AZ serves as a clearinghouse for donated furniture and household goods to be distributed to qualified families and individuals in need. In the past 11 years, Bridging AZ has distributed over 250,000 items helping over 60,000 people in need. Recipients are identified and qualified by partnering social service agencies where the clients are enrolled in programs supporting their transition from temporary to permanent housing. These programs support families and individuals moving into self-sufficiency. Most clients were previously challenged by homelessness, domestic violence, chronic life-threatening disease, substance abuse, employment and/or job training, learning disabilities or just bad luck. New Hope Community Center The New Hope Community Center provides food, clothing, family aid and job search help for residents in the zip codes 85205, 85206, 85207, 85208 and 85209. Lions Camp Tatiyee Lions Camp Tatiyee is the only organization in Arizona that provides individuals with special needs the opportunity to spend a week away from home in the White Mountains, enjoying activities and meeting new friends, all for free! This 60-year-old program is primarily supported by Lions Clubs in Arizona. Leisure World Lions Support Local Charities (From L-R) Dennis Heimpel, First Vice President Barb Yapp, Corporate and Volunteerism Manager Grace Bishara, Membership Chair Jill Viccky-Heimpel, Sue Hayes, Alan Yapp, Kathleen Hilger, Don Steffan, George Miller, Carolin Lowy, Second Vice President Bob Sharkey, President Barry Jacobson. continues on page A5 Ray’s home decorated for the big occasion!