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I must mention how wonderful our community was decorated for the Fourth of July! When leaving from my library duties on July 3, I just had to stop and take a picture of our fountain with the beautiful flags. I want to thank the McLaughlin's for decorating and providing an uplifting feeling of joy. Fantastic! It has been so nice to see Four Seasons residents at the library. We are having some residents but not a lot. The ones who visit are avid readers. They bring back many books and leave with several. We have had many donations of brand new books, several 2020 books. Thank you to the residents who purchase up to date books and then donate. We appreciate you. It has become well known that we provide a place to borrow puzzles. And, again, we asked if you would donate some and we now have a large collection. This household is never without a puzzle. It really helps us to stay away from the TV. We have rules that we must follow to be open and, in turn, you must follow. Returned books will be put in boxes to be quarantined for three days. On day four the committee can shelve the books brought in that are "ready." For us to work there, we must wear face masks and gloves. We ask that you wear gloves along with your masks to pick out books. If not, we will pull the book for you. The rules were established to keep our residents as safe as possible. We have changed our hours of operation. We are open from 10 am to 1 pm. We are a small but mighty group but just cannot do this forever. I would like to thank Betty Crase, Kay Masonbrink, Anita Decker, Sue Corum, Char Weakley, Lis Woelke, Bernadette Koretke and newbie Betty Barr. Betty had been busy with a brand new great- grandson! Several of these ladies have put in many hours weekly. You are the best. For those who cannot be with us due to health concerns, we completely understand. Please take time to look at our non-fiction books. There are some great books available. Remember, no magazines are allowed. Some feel the new rules are silly. Others thank us for taking care of our library with the new rules. Reading brings people into your life. Open that book! Until next month… ~ Cookie From Bionic Blair: "I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book." ~ Groucho Marx 14 | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | August 2020 | Library Committee We had our first in-person meeting in July wearing masks and social distancing, with a phone-in option. We will continue to try and meet at The Lodge unless there is a change in status in using The Lodge for monthly meetings. The meeting in July continued the need to catch up on requests and proposals. The frost in March had an impact on many of our plants and trees. It isn't unusual that we may not be able to assess a plant or tree's health until well after the cold weather. Some plants may look dead and suddenly new growth emerges. Other plants may look dormant, only to find that they are now dead and need to be replaced. Our committee members continue to walk around their areas on a monthly basis and report stressed, dying, or dead plants and turf. It is the time of year for many flowering trees to shine. You may see the jacarandas and crepe myrtles are in bloom and they are spectacular. This month we share a little history on the crepe myrtle. From the MacDonald Garden Center website blog: "Did you know Crepe Myrtles have been around for more than 1,000 years? Now that's a tree that has certainly proven itself. The Crepe Myrtle's roots actually begin in China, where it was named 'Pai Jih Hung,' meaning hundred days red for its beautiful color and long bloom season. The Chinese also called it the 'monkey tree' because monkeys could not climb the smooth, slippery trunks. This ornamental tree was especially favored by the Tang dynasty between 618 and 906. With its English name derived from the myrtle-like leaves and crinkled, tissue- like petals, the Crepe Myrtle has been in cultivation in the United States for more than a century and a half. Some fine old specimens are found in many historic gardens throughout the south. A short list of likely ports suggests that Crepe Myrtles may have entered the country by way of Norfolk." https://www.mcdonaldgardencenter. com/blog/history-crepe-myrtle The Landscape Committee meets the first Wednesday of the month at 1 pm at The Lodge. Residents are welcome to attend. Please check with the front desk if you wish to attend the Landscape Committee meeting and for the current status of accessing The Lodge. Landscape Committee Crepe Myrtle along Four Seasons Blvd.

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