Leisure World News

U.S. Marines flew to Mesa to wish Leisure World resident and veteran Lou Byrd a Happy Birthday! Seriously. It really happened! Here’s why. Two years ago, Lou was featured in an article in the Leisure World News on veterans living in Leisure World. One of his friends, Dave Mickle, saw the article and passed it on to Bob Ditch, founder of Birthdays for Vets. This organization searches the military background of a veteran to determine which one of the veteran’s senior officers might remember him. Then, Bob sends a letter and background to this officer with a request. “Would you sign and send a Happy Birthday card to the veteran on his upcoming coming birthday?” More often than not, the officer agrees! In Lou’s case, he was a navigator on the Marine’s new C-54 transport during World War II. The plane flew several missions to China to provide medical supplies, provisions and ammunition to two U.S. Marine bases in China and elsewhere in the South Pacific. At the end of his tour, he flew over 50 missions, totaling more than 1,800 hours. Special Birthday Gift Based on this background, Bob Ditch determined it would be best to contact the Miramar Naval Air Station in San Diego, home to the famous Top Gun fighter training school. He contacted the Squadron Commander, Lt. Col. Mike Blejiski. He sent Lou’s background story and the following request: “Would you send a birthday card for Lou’s 74th birthday?” Mike replied, “Hell no. We’re not sending a birthday card. We want to meet Lou in person and give him more than a birthday card!” As it turned out, Miramar had just received the brand new KC-130-J tanker, the most sophisticated airborne tanker in the world. And they had already scheduled a cross country training flight to Mesa on February 10 to the Williams Field Gateway. The group was led by Lt. Col. Blejiski, who was the command pilot and in charge of the training flight and the welcoming party. They could not have been more helpful and accommodating. They gave Lou and his friends a tour of the plane, posing with Lou and the group. When he learned that Lou’s favorite picture from the original article was the picture of Lou sitting in the co-pilot seat of his C-54 looking outside the window, he made certain to recreate the same picture — this time sitting in the co-pilot seat of the KC-130. Lou sitting in the co-pilot seat, where he previously often sat in the C-54 practicing celestial navigationwhile serving. (GPS navigation hadn’t been invented yet!) March 2022 www.lwca.com Season Ticket Sales! Page B1 Library Book Sale Page A7 Lions Club Spring Fling Page A6 L EISURE W ORLD N EWS The speed limit on Leisure World streets is 25 mph. No passing. Be vigilant at crosswalks! U.S. Marines Fly to Mesa to Wish Veteran Lou Byrd Happy Birthday! Beware Coyotes: How to Stay Safe! Coyotes are one of Arizona’s most common wild animals. From barren mountain landscapes to lush golf courses, coyotes are easily found in Arizona. Despite their prevalence, coyotes are more likely to be heard than seen. However, if you do spot one, it is imperative to have the correct information on how to avoid danger. ¬ is knowledge will keep you safe andmay be the determining factor between life and death. Appearance and Temperament Coyotes look like bigger dogs. But beware! ¬ They are not like most furry friends! Rather, they are wild canines that can become dangerous and vicious. But according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), most coyotes are timid animals and will often run away if they are challenged. Where Spotted Coyotes can be seen on golf courses, in parks and neighborhoods. Dangers of Feeding Coyotes are very intelligent and clever animals. ¬They adapt to changes in their environment. If a new residential development is built in their natural habitat, they may flee temporarily. However, they can also return and acclimate to their new environment. However, once coyotes become comfortable around humans — often due from humans feeding them — they no longer are afraid. In fact, the opposite occurs and humans may be perceived as their newfound feeding source. Hence, the reason why wildlife experts repeatedly discourage people from intentionally feeding coyotes. LW Rules Prohibit Feeding Animals Please be aware of LeisureWorld’s Rules and Regulations 2-410 pertaining to feeding animals: A. The placement of food or water for wild animals (“wild animals” is any species normally considered wild animal including pigeons, geese, ducks and any feral ordinarily domesticated animal) is prohibited. The Community Manager or designee may authorize exceptions. B. Feeding birds on or within 36 inches of the ground or on a surface exceeding 12 inches in diameter is prohibited. All manors are restricted to one (1) seed feeder and unlimited hummingbird feeders. Birdbaths shall be located at least 28” above the ground. Schedule of Fines The fines for not following these rules as established in Leisure World’s Rules and Regulations Chapter 9 – Schedule of Fines - are as follows below. The schedule of fines listed below are general guidelines. Based on the severity of the offense, the fine could be increased to the maximum of $1,000 per violation. • 1st Violation: Warning or fine up to $200. • 2nd Violation (same offense): $50 to $200 • 3rd Violation (same offense): $100 to $300 • Additional Violations (same offense): Up to $400 • Safety Violation: Warning or fine up to $500 • Continuing Violation: Daily fines until cured and/or additional sanctions may be imposed. Please also note that according to the AZGD, “Never feed wildlife. It is unlawful to feed coyotes in Maricopa, Pinal and Pima counties per Arizona Revised Statute 13- 2927. Violations can result in a fine of up to $300.” Thank you for your cooperation! Safety Tips The safety of Leisure World residents is our number one priority. Here are few safety tips to help keep you and your pets safe from coyotes. 1. Do Not Feed: Do not intentionally feed coyotes. Most people who do this feel that they are giving the animals a treat. Not so. What people are doing is creating a space of familiarity for the coyote and danger for themselves. 2. Secure Garbage: Be sure to tightly tie your garbage. You do not want your yard to become a food source. Col. Mike Blejiski gives Lou his birthday gift - a framed diagram of the inside of the KC-130. continues on page A6 continues on page A3