Laurie Vuoto

For the 7th Annual Turkey Trot, Leisure World trotters were Team Zale, supporting beloved residents Jan and Mike Zale, who is battling Parkinson’s.“We are Team Zale,” says Jan excitedly! “That is my husband in the wheelchair. We are walking for him."

Blessed are those who dare to give generously! And that’s exactly what Leisure World resident Fran Chenoweth has done with her love of crafting — specifically making pillowcases for children in need.

When it comes to giving, Leisure World Pickleball Club member Kathryn Scheidler aced it when she turned an unexpected opportunity to help others into a day of volunteering with fellow picklers.

It all started with an argument. In 1958 while attending the University of Dubuque in Iowa, Jim was in charge of orientation week and Shirley wouldn’t wear the required freshman beanie. An argument ensued. But the stage was set and destiny unfolded.

Leisure World residents Mike and Theresa Mead have been blessed to have the wind at their back and the sun upon their face as they bravely sailed the world. In 2014, the adventurous duo achieved their dream.

The lack of affordable housing in the Valley has always been a problem. But as a result of COVID-19 and the ensuing economic downturn, this is an even bigger problem for homeless people, especially veterans.

“With the severe shortage of masks, our Leisure World residents who sew have stepped up — some even sewing through the night — to provide protection for health care workers and neighbors,” says Leisure World resident Linda Weinstock. “ 

Bag & Boob Babes thrives on empowering women struggling with breast cancer. The nonprofit provides love and support with handmade "knitted knockers" to women who have had a mastectomy and need a breast prosthesis.

Nothing stops Leisure World resident Criss Best from living life to the fullest—not even age. Criss, who will be celebrating her 102 birthday on August 19, 2019, can be seen around Leisure World playing golf or cruising in her bright red Chevy Cruze.

Every girl deserves at least one dress,” says Rachel Eggum Cinader, founder of Dress a Girl Around the World. In 2009, Rachel started a Christian ministry to provide pillowcase dresses for girls in Uganda— all from her home in Rockwood, Michigan.

Every vision begins with a dream. And for Ross W. Cortese—the original visionary and founder of Leisure World—the dream to help older adults live a fun and fulfilled life became a reality.

As the old adage goes, “You can’t understand someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.” Leisure World Operations Manager Jason Doll takes this to heart—literally.