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As this message is being written, the weather is chilly (for us in Four Seasons) and rainy. We are thankful for the rain and look forward to the warmer temperatures and spring flowers. February is probably one of the most commonly mispronounced words in the English language. Most dictionaries now list "feb-yoo-ary" as an acceptable variant, which most of us have been using most of our lives. A number of significant days are packed into the shortest month, including Mardi Gras this year which will be celebrated on Tues., Feb. 21. Mardi Gras, also called Shrove Tuesday from the old Roman Catholic practice of being "shriven" — meaning to confess one's sins, takes place annually on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday — the beginning of the Christian observance of Lent, which lasts about six weeks and ends just before Easter. It is a moveable holiday that can take place in February or March. Some believe that Mardi Gras began with pagan festivals that were absorbed into the Christian religious calendar and is now marked by festivities that focus on eating and extravagant celebrations. In French, Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday." This name comes from the tradition of using up the eggs, milk, and fat in ones pantry because they were forbidden during the 40- day Lenten fast which begins the next day (Ash Wednesday). The word "Carnival," carnelevarium in Medieval Latin, means "to take away or remove meat." During Lent, Catholics traditionally gave up meat during Lent and mainly ate fish. Significant to Four Seasons, February is the month when California was acquired by the U.S., after the war with Mexico ended and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed. So much for this month's history lesson. Some things are worth repeating. In July 2018, the Board adopted doctrines as part of a strategic plan that set standards for future Board members. For those of you who are new residents, we present these for your enlightenment. Vision Statement: It is the vision of the Board of Directors that the Four Seasons at Hemet Community Association be the area's premier 55+ active adult community. Mission Statement: It is the mission of the Board of Directors to preserve and enhance the quality of life and sense of community through effective management of the Association, to enforce rules and covenants, preserve and enhance property values, and support initiatives and capital improvements that benefit the greater good of the Community. Values Statement: As the Board of Directors of Four Seasons at Hemet Community Association, Inc., we value • honesty and integrity above reproach, • professionalism in all that we do, • adherence to applicable laws and governing documents, • fair and consistent enforcement of community rules and regulations, • transparency of decision making and governance, • accountability for decisions and actions, • collaborative work efforts among Board members, Management, Committees, and Community members to achieve a sense of community, • respect for all community members' rights and entitlements, • pride, creativity, innovation, participation, and teamwork, • financial sustainability through responsible fiscal management, • quality maintenance of physical and landscape assets, and • maintaining and enhancing property values. Board Members may come and go, but these precepts will remain constant and guide future conduct and decision making. Message from the Board of Directors 2 | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | FEBRUARY 2023 | Sincerely, and on behalf of your Board of Directors, Barbra Balser, Cliff Post, Tony Criscenti, Roxy Snider, Fred Kydd, and Mary Reyna Jim Crase President

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