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26 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | DECEMBER 2023 At our October meeting, we were fortunate to have a presentation by Luren Dickinson, Beaumont Library Director, who discussed plans for the renovation and expansion of our Beaumont library facility. During this presentation, we also learned some very interesting information and facts about the history of our hometown library. On Nov. 8, we scheduled our Beaumont City Fire Marshal, Kylie Tillema, who provided us with an update of the Fire Maps for our community. We were also scheduled to have an update by the Beaumont Police Department about scams and scam prevention tips. In December, we anticipate having a State of the Community update from General Manager, Eric Zarr, along with a state of the city update from our Beaumont City Manager Elizabeth Gibbs. HOME HOLIDAY SAFETY As you know, many people are away from their homes during the holidays. The following are some hints to keep burglars from "helping themselves" at your home when you are gone for an evening or an extended time: • Keep valuables and gifts out of sight. • Always lock all doors and all windows. • Turn on outside lights. Trim back shrubs and bushes to make the front of your house more visible from the street. • Cut up cartons for televisions, computers, stereos, or other "high priced" gifts. Tie the pieces together with identifying labels on the inside before putting them out for trash pickup. • Have inside lights and a radio or television on timers. • Stop all mail, package, and newspaper deliveries or arrange for a trusted neighbor to pick them up daily. • Inform someone where you are and when you are expected to return. • When returning home, have your keys in hand to quickly unlock the door. • If you suspect someone has been in the house, leave immediately and call 911 from a mobile phone or from a neighbor's house. We would like to thank our Block Captains and Community Awareness (formerly Neighborhood Watch) Committee members for all they do to help keep our community safe. ~ Frank Hilberg, hilberg frank@ gmail.com Community Awareness Landscape Committee Christmas Plants and Flowers for Your Home Last year I presented some plants that make the year end holidays more merry. Here are some additional ones that will add cheer to the holiday season. Amaryllis (1): Big, crimson trumpets of amaryllis herald the season on your mantel or buffet table. Red still rules for the holidays, however new cultivars offer a spectacular variety of shapes, colors, and patterns to choose from each year. 'Red Lion' is unsurpassed for its brilliant red blooms. Popular cultivar 'Minerva' brings cheer with a red and white starry pattern. Christmas Rose (2): Sweet, nodding flowerheads adorn this winter-bloomer. Christmas Rose (Hellebore sp.) is native to alpine regions of Europe and come into flower when the rest of the garden is blanketed in snow. It has become increasingly popular as a houseplant, nudging its way into the holiday season. Red Spider Lilies (3): Red Spider Lily (Lycoris radiata), is another dependable bloomer in the amaryllis family. Its striking clusters of blooms add gorgeous crimson color to your home in an unexpected twist on the traditional. Paperwhites (4): Fragrant Paperwhite blooms nestled in a pot make a glorious display. Just about the easiest bulbs to force indoors, it's no wonder why Paperwhites are popular Christmas plants. Newer cultivars have larger flowers … and more of them. 'Ziva' and 'Ariel' are just two prolific bloomers you'll want to try. Paperwhites are often sold as kits for the holiday season. They're virtually foolproof — just add water. ~ Kirk Freyermuth, kafreyer@frontier.com 1 2 3 4

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