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As we begin the fourth quarter of 2023 and our third decade at Four Seasons, October finds us transitioning from our warm weather to cooler temperatures. It usually is a great time to be outside walking or participating in activities, such as pickleball, cornhole, tennis, shuffleboard, and bike riding. is month we approve the budget for 2024. Our Ad Hoc Budget Committee begins working on the budget at the end of March every year. Input from key committees helps determine future expenses and priorities. Vendors' contracts are carefully examined, Reserves are studied to determine adequate funding needed for future expenditures. Inflation is a factor to be considered as it impacts all of our costs. Two categories of expenses are worth noting: utilities and street repairs. Regarding utilities, this year we will be over budget on natural gas expense. e winter months' increase in costs was a surprise that affected much of our country. We have been studying ways to manage possible future increases. Our solar project is now having a positive impact on our cost of electricity. We expect this to continue. Looking at our streets, we have begun to address areas that need repair. is year, the East legends will be our focus. Because of our strong reserves, we are well positioned to continue these projects over the next several years. We thank the Facilities Committee for their work to keep our streets safe and viable. We have been working with our Emergency Preparedness Committee regarding fire mitigation, to reduce the chances of a fire occurring around Four Seasons. At the end of August, a meeting was held with Hemet City officials, including City Council Member Jackie Peterson, to review what needs to be done. e City will continue to maintain their property around Four Seasons. e drainage ditch next to the EVA (Emergency Vehicle Access) Road is under the control of the Department of Fish and Wildlife. e city is working with Fish and Wildlife to establish a long term maintenance agreement for our area, as well as other city locations. "e Squeaky Wheel gets the grease" is an American proverb used to convey the idea that the most noticeable problems are the ones most likely to get attention. We intend to be the "squeaky wheel" until this agreement is accomplished. We continue to communicate with Southern California Edison (SCE) regarding fire mitigation and to avoid power outages. One way SCE is minimizing the fire danger is to use a "covered conductor" on exposed overhead wires. is is a layer of insulating material encapsulating the conductor, making them effective in protecting against faults stemming from contact with objects, such as trees that fall during fires or storms. is can reduce the reason to turn off power. In a previous Board message, we stated that Four Seasons is on two separate grids/circuits. One of these circuits now has the "covered conductor," but the other still needs to be installed. SCE will let us know when this is completed. Finally, we welcome our new residents. What is new? One month? One year? We continue to be an active community with new clubs and activities being added every year. It's important to stay active, both mind and body. Whether playing cards in the Multipurpose Room, painting in the Art Room, exercising in the Fitness Center, or just watching a movie in our eater, we have many opportunities to live our lives to the fullest. Have fun choosing what you want to do! "How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?" ~ Satchel Paige Message from the Board of Directors 2 | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | OCTOBER 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