Leisure World Partyers Take Global View

The theme song for residents of Seal Beach Leisure World on Dec. 31 could go something like “Today we’re gonna party like it’s 1999.”

While many Orange County residents will still be hours away from their New Year’s Eve parties, residents and guests at the senior community will have rung in the New Year eight hours ahead of midnight, local time. For them, 2000 begins midnight Greenwich Mean Time, which is 4 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

For those a bit skeptical of the timing, organizing chairman George E. Brown has an explanation for Celebrate 2000’s afternoon highlight event.

“Time is relevant,” the former mayor of Seal Beach said. “I mean, when is it really midnight?”

If they are inclined, residents can celebrate all over again on local time. The community will have its share of traditional midnight celebrations. However, chances are good that nothing will match the planned activities from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at three of Leisure World’s clubhouses.

Since its first meeting in October, a committee has been planning an activity-filled event. Inspired by a resident’s desire for something special, the scheduled events include live Internet broadcasts projected on a big screen, a carnival and the preparation of a time capsule--to be opened in 2050.

Planning committee member Tom Barratt is in charge of the Internet headquarters in Clubhouse 4. He has been researching sites planning to have live broadcasts of world events, including sunrise 2000 from Australia and New Zealand.

Brown delights in being able to see what is happening in the rest of the world as the 1999 numbers roll over ahead of local time.

“If everything goes black, we’ll know it [first],” he said with a smile.

As part of a time capsule, with a burial location yet to be determined, residents will be asked to make predictions for 2050. Residents can make a prediction concerning space exploration, the Internet, transportation and Leisure World.

The carnival, “A Collage of Years,” will feature booths and costumes depicting Prohibition and flapper days, the war years and USO, disco and hippies, and high tech and the future.

Traditional trappings like noisemakers and streamers will be provided. Those attending may want to save the party favors for later . . . eight hours later. Information: (562) 431-6586, Ext. 324.

Alex Murashko can be reached at (714) 966-5974.