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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MAY 2023 27 Safety Committee SAFETY 4 "ALL" SEASONS Both driving and pedestrian safety remain two of our major areas of focus. Remember while driving in our beautiful community that the speed limit on Four Seasons Circle is 30 mph, while the speed limit on our residential side streets is 25 mph. While walking, be mindful of vehicle traffic on the streets and stay on the sidewalks whenever possible. If you need to walk in the street, always walk facing the opposing traffic, and, if in a group, walk single file. OUCH! AVOIDING THE STING While outdoors, we have the "opportunity" to share our space with mosquitos, wasps, bees, hornets, and other stinging insects. It is important for us to know how to respond to and treat stings, especially since some people may be allergic. Individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions to insect bites or stings should carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen®) and wear medical ID jewelry stating their allergy. The National Safety Council recommends the following to help prevent against stings: • Wear clean, light-colored clothing that covers as much skin as possible. • Do not use scented soaps, shampoos, and deodorants before working outdoors. • Avoid working near flowering plants. • Stay calm if a stinging insect is flying around. Swatting at it may cause it to sting. If multiple stinging insects approach, go indoors or to a shaded area. • If an insect is inside your vehicle, stop slowly and open the windows. If you are stung: • Wash the sting site with soap and water. • Remove the stinger using gauze wiped over the area or by scraping a fingernail over the area. Do not squeeze the stinger or use tweezers. • Apply ice to the sting area to help reduce swelling. • Do not scratch the sting site, as this can cause swelling, itching, and risk of infection. • CALL 911 if you have an allergic reaction and get medical attention as soon as possible! If available, use an EpiPen® until medical assistance arrives. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month at 10 am in the RCN Conference Room. We encourage you to join the meeting if you have any concerns or if you would simply like an update on our ongoing safety projects. Please drop by if you are interested in joining the Safety Committee. We are always looking for energetic new members. ~ Frank Hilberg, hilberg frank@gmail.com Landscape Committee Spring is well underway and Park West has been busy catching up on all the work postponed due to the cold, rainy weather. You should see a lot of pruning on our common areas and Front Yard Cost Centers (FYCCs) as well as new plantings to replace dead or aging-out plants. During the winter months, we did not have Park West perform a lot of planting, but we were busy behind the scenes planning for the spring. There have been a number of complaints to our Board and this committee regarding the increase in dues for the FYCCs. The monthly fee is now $76 and includes weekly mowing, blowing grass clippings, watering, and tree maintenance as required (during the cold winter months the frequency is less often). During Park West's monthly rotation, they blow leaves from flower beds/planters, weed, prune, plant new plants when required, and perform sprinkler maintenance. (Note: Photinia shrubs are only pruned after the red tips fully grow out.) Most weekly gardeners charge $35 plus per week which doesn't include the cost of water or replacement of dead/dying plants. The increased cost for the FYCCs was carefully evaluated in an effort to keep the increase down as much as possible. When you compare the cost of hiring a gardener to the monthly fee of $76, it really is the least expensive alternative. If there are plantings, maintenance, etc., that you don't like, please join us on our weekly walks. Becoming a member of the Landscape Committee gives you a voice. We are always looking for new committee members to join our team. We walk in different areas of the community looking at plants to determine if any need extra maintenance or replacement. You do not need to be an experienced gardener. Please contact Kathryn Hughes of FirstService to find out where we are meeting on Friday morning as meeting places constantly change. Residents are also welcome and encouraged to attend our monthly meetings the third Tuesday of each month at 1 pm in the RCN. For info, email Kathryn.Hughes@fsresidential.com. ~ Brenda Steckler

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