Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1439361
New year, new perceptions. Out with the old, in with the new. Before we throw the baby out with the bathwater, let's consider how valuable lessons from the past have served us. Through a world pandemic, many found what was important. No longer planning wedding receptions to include hundreds of people you barely know. Backyards became essential. It has also shown many of us how important making those calls to a loved one shouldn't be put off. As a keeper of the calendar of events I often hear, "We have always done it this way." I don't mind this, so often we get to what works because the other ways have proved to be wrong. There is value in the experience. As creatures of habit, there is safety in what we have always done. Now that we are getting back to so many things that feel normal to us after being shaken up a bit we want them to be just the way they were, at the same time we want to be entertained by the latest and greatest. As this new year unfolds I hope you join me, club leaders, and event chair people in some fun times presented for you to enjoy. Before we can, this year started a special mention to JoAnn Sopata and her small but mighty team of decorators that decked not only our halls but our lobby, Computer Lab, Library, Card room, Ballroom, and restrooms! The joy residents express when entering to see all the beauty is so much fun to witness. We will feel the void as everything gets put away. A special thank you to Leonid and Mila Brodrov for creating the annual Hanukah display. They have been doing this for many years and even though Mila mentions each year that it is her last year, she arrives with a renewed dedication and creative ways to change it up. It is a labor of love and so many in the community appreciate their efforts. Cheers to the Social Committee for another amazing New Year's Eve party! Patty Jones and her co-chair Margie Culton along with a team of volunteers presented a night to remember. Pictures of this event and the Holiday Home Tour event chaired by Mary Swinney and Chris Sullivan will be in February's issue. I am looking forward to laughing with you at the upcoming comedy night, shoot I'm always ready for a laugh. Life can get so serious and they say laughter is the best medicine! 4 | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | JANUARY 2022 | From Your Activities Director By Tracie Rodgers Sat., Feb. 26, 12 to 6 pm. Gates open at 11 am. Festival style seating. Ticket info coming soon. Join us for a musical celebration of Blues on The Plaza with Mardi Gras Blues 2022. As Lent approaches, we will be putting together a musical gumbo of some of Southern California's Blues Talent that will be sure to ensure a Fat Saturday for us all to enjoy. The show will start with the world-class talent of Nathan James. At the age of 19, James left his hometown to travel the world and play in The James Harman Band. Recognized as a top sideman and with a respected solo career, he has played many International Festivals. Up next is Lil A and the Allnighters led by Alex Woodson. Founded in 2006, this band quickly became the band to look out for in the Southern California scene. They play traditional style West Coast Blues and provide support and back up for older Blues artists' shows. Sporting a two-guitar attack and Alex's prowess as a harmonica front man, the sparks will fly when they take the stage. Next up comes The Fremonts. From their early beginnings 20 years ago, this band has ventured out to play the gulf coast and swamp blues of their heroes like Slim Harpo, Lazy Lester, Lonesome Sundown, and Lightning Slim. The Fremonts have continually evolved as a band by looking to legendary blues artists and have earned their own standing in the blues community. Since New Orleans shares with the world a musical gumbo of multiple genres of music, we end the festival with a return engagement of Motown Soundz. This day of music will take place in our beautiful plaza. Please save the date, bring your folding chairs, and get ready for a day of Blues and Soul from some of the best in the business. Mardi Gras Blues on the Plaza