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By Tracie Rodgers This first year has had its challenges. Trying to get to know you and how things work have been different than any of us could have expected. For myself, nothing is as it was. Some days it is a roller coaster of emotion and frustration. Being human and all can really get in the way. Despite these challenges, I have had the opportunity to meet many of you in person, through emails, and over the phone. For those of you who were just trying to add your delivery company to the gate list and I answered your call, yes I love to chat. I have been shown such care and kindness and I appreciate that so many have made the effort. As an Activity Director, I would think it is of no surprise when I tell all of you that I love Christmas. I am saddened that we are not able to have our regular schedule of holiday events. I was here last December and was witness to the generosity this community shared with others. We do not have to let this dampen our spirits or our spirit of giving. The Angel Tree and the Veterans Tree will be located in The Lodge as before. I have had the best luck with selecting a day where not a raindrop was in sight. I have been so successful at keeping the rain away that I have picked the absolute hottest days to have any volunteers working outdoors. (If you have volunteered in the last nine months you know.) But the volunteers in this community don't let that get them down. They show up on time prepared for the task at hand. In October we had two events that brought out the resilience in our volunteers. On Oct. 15 we hosted a food drive to benefit the Valley Community Pantry, it was another successful collection. We were able to present the Pantry $755 in monetary donations and 18 overflowing barrels of quality food items. A special thank you to Ginny Cole-Weaver for leading the charge. We also want to thank Patt Gilliland, Annette Denso, Andrea Young, Bobbie Davis, Karen Stevens, Debbie Katrich, and Nancy Hawkins. October 18 did not disappoint when it came to sweltering weather. The vendors arrived in the shady morning hours to set up a nice Health Fair in the parking lot. Team Sunshine arrived to help get everyone in their places with smiles on their faces. This group of ladies worked to keep everything sanitized and anyone who attended hydrated. They do brighten the day even when you think a day couldn't get any brighter (it was HOT). Lifestream Blood Mobile was in attendance and was pleased to have 11 residents donate. They explained each donation helps three people in their time of medical need. Thank you Joann Sopata for coming to the Lodge and sorting through the fall décor. The fall display was beautiful and even though temperatures still soared it let residents know the seasons changed. To give the Golf Cart Parade a little extra spirit Donna McLaughlin arrived with a bag of tricks and treated The Lodge entrance to a spooky makeover. Everybody who bravely made it through the giant spider web without meeting its maker had a smile to share. Well, their eyes were smiling. Thank you for wearing your masks when entering The Lodge. Please visit The Lodge and see the beautiful holiday décor, it is the perfect backdrop to take a lovely picture to share with your friends and family. The Golf Cart Club and the Social Committee will be presenting the Annual Holiday Cart Parade on Dec. 18. These parades have helped our community keep spirits up. Coming together as friends and neighbors to laugh and cheer is very important. We may not get to ring in the new year as in years past, maybe a good old fashioned banging of pots and pans may have to suffice. However you choose to celebrate, may we all enter this new year with a renewed sense of community knowing that when the times got tough, your fellow community members of Four Seasons Hemet answered the call. Cheers! . 4 | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | DECEMBER 2020 | From Your Activities Director It's time to haul out those snowmen, Santa and his reindeer, candy canes, angels, and more; light up the trees, hang the icicles and stars, and get ready for the Four Seasons Holiday Decorating Contest! This contest is for the exterior of your home. Contact The Lodge to enter your home This year a special Front Door Décor winner will be added. Winners will be announced 12/10/2020 in a special eblast Holiday Home Decorating Contest