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22 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MAY 2020 In our current situation we are all saddened by our inability to do what our calendar was once set to do. Having to cancel the Paint Night and the Fashion Show was not our desire but safety is better than taking risks and so we honor those who made the decision to have us stay in our homes, get out for essentials, and maintain our social distancing. You have our word once our restrictions are lifted to get back to work and do all we can to bring our event calendar back to life. We have been gifted a new date for our schedule, July 11, and are working on a new event should we be clear to do so. Naturally, timing is everything at this point and we will all cross that bridge when we get there. May you all continue to stay safe and let's look forward to the day when life can get back to a sense of normal in the near future! ~ Joyce Hogue, jhogue54@gmail.com Social Committee Spring has sprung! Hopefully, we are all able to be out and enjoy it. With the coming of spring and warmer weather, snakes of many species are through with their hibernation, making human encounter with them more likely. Although most snakes are harmless, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) recommends giving the venomous rattlesnake distance and knowing what to do in the event of a bite. Rattlesnakes are found in California and live in a variety of areas throughout the state from the coast to the desert. They can also be found around homes and yards in brushy areas and under wood piles. Typically, rattlesnakes are not aggressive and will retreat if given room or not deliberately provoked or threatened. Most bites happen when a rattlesnake is touched by someone walking or climbing. There are rare times rattlesnake bites have caused severe injury or even death. However, this should not keep you from venturing outdoors. Most bites happen between the months of April and October when snakes and humans are most active outdoors. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends the following: • Be alert. Rattlesnakes are sensitive to temperature and will adjust their behavior accordingly. After a cold or cool night, they will attempt to raise their body temperature by basking in the sun midmorning. • Wear sturdy boots and loose-fitting long pants. Never go barefoot or wear sandals when walking through brushy, wild areas. Startled rattlesnakes may not rattle before striking defensively. • When hiking, stick to well-used trails. • Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see. Step ON logs and rocks, never over them, and be especially careful when climbing rocks or gathering firewood. • Never grab "sticks" or "branches" while swimming in lakes and rivers. Rattlesnakes can swim. • Be careful when stepping over doorsteps as well. Snakes like to crawl along the edge of buildings where they are protected on one side. • Never hike alone. Always have someone with you who can assist in an emergency. • Do not handle a freshly killed snake, as it can still inject venom. • Leash your dog when hiking in snake country. Dogs are at risk of being bitten due to holding their nose to the ground while investigating the outdoors. Speak to your veterinarian about canine rattlesnake vaccines and what to do if your pet is bitten. Let's all get out and safely enjoy this beautiful community we live in and continue to practice social distancing! The Safety Committee meets the First Tuesday of every month in the RCN at 10 am. ~ Kathy Craven, kathycraven@rocketmail.com Safety Committee Just in case: Check with your committee chair to confirm meeting place, date, and time.