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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | DECEMBER 2021 | 3 By Marsha Midgett It is hard to believe that we are in the last month of 2021. Hopefully this year, celebrations will take place in a more normal fashion. We will be able to meet in the Ballroom for the Tree Lighting Ceremony. That will kick off a round of celebrations for districts, clubs, and groups within our community. Festive lights will illuminate our streets to bring a feeling of peace and harmony. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Rohatsu (Bodhi Day), or other holidays specific to your beliefs, the Board wishes you a peaceful and joyous celebration. This past year has been a unique one in so many ways. It started in January, with a political division among Americans that continues to this day. The use of social media has fanned the fire in many ways, not only throughout the world, but in our own community. It appears that for some, it is very personal and everything posted becomes "all about me." My own family is divided in our beliefs, but we still manage to love one another and don't post mean or ugly things about each other for the world to see. My hope for 2022 is that we bring people together again, within our families as well as in relationships with friends and neighbors. When my husband and I moved here, we were immediately drawn to the friendly, caring atmosphere of Sun Lakes. That continued to the day he left this earth. Since he has been gone, I have seen a subtle but significant change in how we treat each other and the staff who take care of our day-to-day HOA needs. So how do we come together for the Sun Lakes community? How do we become more unified in the direction we need to take to maintain the beauty and financial health of our HOA? How do we bring people together to work through issues to understand why things need to change to support the healthy atmosphere we all moved here for? How do we get more people involved in the understanding of the financial aspect of Sun Lakes when very few people attended the open Budget workshops? Is it by creating the "SLCC Voice" by a group of residents where concerns are shared with each other? Are there issues that can be addressed in a more transparent way through various communication channels? Can we improve the way the Board communicates with all 3,327 households, both digitally and through paper distribution? Are residents kind and understanding toward employees when interacting with them, whether in person, phone or by mail? Do residents know what the rules and regulations are, and do they follow them? Are residents kind and respectful toward one another? These are questions I have for our residents that directly impact the successful operation of Sun Lakes Country Club. Each of you will have your own answer to them. Are they the correct answer? The only way to know is if everyone shares what they are thinking. This can be done in a number of ways. It could be an email to slccquestions@ gmail.com. It could be an email to the Board, General Manager or Assistant General Manager. Your topic or question could be covered in the Admin Update recorded each month addressing any questions or issues you have. Then everyone gets the answer. You have elected a Board of Directors to keep Sun Lakes financially sound and well maintained. There are many moving parts to make that happen. There are circumstances beyond our control in the supply chain debacle as well as hiring and keeping staff for the Restaurant and Lounge. We have contracted with FirstService Residential to manage the day-to-day operations within the budget the Board has created and approved. Is everything working exactly as planned? No. As in daily life there is always a curve ball or two thrown into the mix. Is everyone perfect in the job they perform? No. Can there be improvements? Yes. It takes a village to keep our community up to the standards of a country club. Everyone must do their part. While your volunteer Board hears some of you and what you want and is moving toward the improvements you are looking for, we need help from more of the residents. Talk to us! We have Listening Forums coming up. Come and tell us your thoughts. We don't see everything posted on social media, but we will listen to you if you choose to get involved in your community. We have a wonderful country club with great amenities where we can enjoy our retirement years. It will take all of us working together to keep it that way. Going into 2022, let's work together as an entire community to stay united and all work toward a common goal. As we begin a fun month of celebrations, on behalf of the Master Board, I would like to wish you all a Happy Holiday Season! Quote of the Month: "We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided." ~ JK Rowling From the President's Desk

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