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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | NOVEMBER 2022 | 3 The Board of Directors continues its quest for a fair and practical budget for 2023. The Finance Advisory Committee and FirstService Residential are maintaining a focus on keeping assessments as low as possible. The Board is collaborating with them as closely as possible and we are optimistic that the 2023 budget will be a success. The Board has serious recessionary concerns that directly impact our service employees. The service industry has not yet recovered from the pandemic and will continue to suffer from a lack of candidates to work in the Restaurant and Lounge. We are working diligently to address this situation in the budgetary process. The "Listening Sessions" in the Sandwedge on the first Monday of each month at 3:30 pm are appreciated by all who attend. There are two Board members present and they are there primarily to "listen." This is a comfortable and polite gathering (and there are cookies and coffee). If you have not had the opportunity to attend, please do so at the next session on Mon., Nov. 7. Don't forget the "Message to Management" process. You do not have to wait an entire month to have your concerns heard. You can either go on the website or fill out the paper form at the Main Clubhouse reception desk and submit your comments or concerns directly to FirstService Residential. The Board displayed the sample for replacement carpet to be installed in the Ballroom, atrium, and adjacent hallways at the Open Session on Sept. 28. The process for choosing the carpet was arduous and lengthy. This was a six-month endeavor and much thought and consideration was put into the final decision. There is a target date to have the carpet installed before Christmas. Monday Night Football in the Lounge is a huge hit! Sharon Robinson hosts the half time football trivia with a prize awarded to the winner along with a drawing for the weekly glass football mug that includes a gift card. There will be a new fall menu in the Restaurant and Lounge soon. Thomas, Chef Chris, and their crew are gearing up for a very busy season. The desserts are currently displayed in a glass case at the entrance to the Restaurant for all to see and enjoy. The Restaurant and Lounge Committee is diligent in its quest for diner's comments. They are keeping track of all comment cards submitted and are sharing their findings with the Board of Directors on a monthly basis. Please be patient with the water situation mandated by the city of Banning. We are in constant contact with the city to meet the demands they have imposed, while at the same time being mindful that trees, etc. that need more water. The proposed water and sewer rate increases are a primary concern at this time. The city of Banning has mailed information on Proposition 218 to all residents. It is very important that you respond appropriately by Nov. 8. If you oppose or protest the rate increases, please complete the form and mail to the city of Banning or drop off at our Administration Office. The scheduled water rate increase is 10 percent per year for the next four years and the sewer rate increase is 119 percent the first year. If you don't complete the protest form you will be considered to be in favor of the rate increases. Don't forget our popular upcoming events: the Fall Craft Show on Nov. 4 and 5 in the Main Clubhouse Ballroom, and our 11th Annual Veterans Walk on Nov. 12 at 9 am. The Community Awareness Program is very special this month. The guest speaker is Ramonita Cruz-Young, Senior Veterans' Service Representative from the Department of Veterans' Services. Also present will be an officer or the Chief of Police from Banning Police Department along with Mike Romero, Director of Securitas. Thanksgiving is around the corner and always a welcome tradition. The Board of Directors wishes our community a wonderful day full of love, good food, and thanksgiving for all. "Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance." ~ Eckhart Tolle From the Master Board

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