Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1455477
Let's begin March with a question: what is the oldest continuously published periodical in North America? Answer: The Old Farmer's Almanac. It was founded in 1792 by Robert B. Thomas. The word "old" was added in 1832. It has been used to provide weather forecasts and planting charts and has an 80 percent accuracy for weather-predicting. Founder Thomas is quoted as saying: "We must strive always to be useful, with a pleasant degree of humor." These words certainly seem appropriate now. The March Almanac entry discusses the Spring Equinox: which "… marks the astronomical first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, which falls on March 19, 20 or 21 every year. The equinox happens at the same moment worldwide, although our clock times reflect a different time zone." Daylight savings time begins March 13 when we spring forward, and the sun sets an hour later. March in our community is a time to enjoy spring flowers and rising temperatures. This month we prepare for our April Board election. With the number of candidates this year, we look forward to a "Meet the Candidates" event. It is important to have residents who are willing to take on the responsibility of maintaining the vision, mission, and goals of our community. One challenge that your Board has to deal with is changes that impact our finances. We have already had changes to our 2022 budget. On the positive side, our insurance cost has decreased by about $50,000. This offsets the increase in 2021. We thank our Insurance committee and our broker for their work in achieving this reduction. On the negative side, our utility costs have increased, notably, gas prices almost doubled from September to January. You have probably seen this in your monthly gas bill. We also are experiencing the impact of inflation that most of our country is going through. This includes costs of goods and raw materials, as well as wages that affect our vendors and everything we buy, from paper towels to office supplies. In March, we will begin to forecast future expenses and determine if we need to change our reserve contributions. Reserves are needed for maintenance, repairs, and replacement of our major components and are used to meet future expenditures. Our major components include streets/roads, the Lodge, pool, and spa building. The focus will be on our streets and ensuring we have adequate funding for the next one to five years. We also will work with key committees and listen to their recommendations as to what our spending priorities should be. Our committees represent a cross-section of our community and give us a good representation of what our residents believe is important. Finally, a word about our management staff. The past two years have been challenging, especially dealing with changes in COVID procedures and guidelines. Staff usually bear the brunt of our frustrations and actions while following the direction of your Board. It's good to remember they are people doing their best to serve our Four Seasons community. We thank them for all they do. Remember, put your comments in writing and use the suggestion box at the front desk. Message from the Board of Directors 2 | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | MARCH 2022 | Sincerely, and on behalf of your Board of Directors, Greg Rockvam, Cliff Post, Tony Criscenti, Roxy Snider, Fred Kydd, and Barbra Balser Jim Crase President