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Ah, December. The end of the year, but the beginning of another holiday season. This is a busy time at Four Seasons, including the Holiday Home Tour, the Golf Cart Parade, Santa making his appearance before the Holiday Concert, and ending with another spectacular New Year's Eve Gala. It's a time when our residents show their love for others in need. Take the time to enjoy the decorations throughout The Lodge. Ready or not, here is some Christmas trivia (from the Old Farmer's Almanac): What's the origin of "Yuletide?" The word--Yuletide--was recorded in Latin writings as early as A.D. 726 and refers to a 12-day pagan feast celebrated around the time of year that has come to be known as the Christmas season. Why do some people use "Xmas?" No, it's not because people were too lazy to write "Christmas." In the Greek language used by the early church, the letter "C" for Christ or Christos was the letter "Chi" or "X" (pronounced "Kye"). Christ's name was often represented with the first two letters of the name "Christos." This looks like an X with a small p on the top. Who made the first Christmas card? People used to write their own cards. The first Christmas card design is thought to have been printed in England in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole, who asked an artist friend to create a design. The card had the "To:" salutation at the top so that he could personalize it. Now the big question: Are Santa's reindeer female? Although both male and female reindeer have antlers, most male reindeer shed their fuzzy antlers before the beginning of winter (late November to mid- December). This is because the mating season occurs in the fall. The females retain their antlers to protect food resources until after they give birth to calves in the spring. So, any reindeer with antlers at Christmastime are females, including Rudolph. We are fortunate to live in a great community with a plethora of activities and amenities. One of these amenities is our pool. We have been unique in being able to heat the pool year round. At the October Board Meeting, your Board voted to keep heating the spa, but to turn off the heat for the pool from Nov. 6 through the end of February. Why did we do this? In the spring and summer months, the pool solar panels work efficiently to heat the pool. In the colder months with less sun and lower temperatures, the solar panels are much less efficient and gas is needed to supply the heat. Although the amount of gas used hasn't changed a lot, the cost per therm has been increasing. Here are the numbers: Cost Per Therm November December 2019 .77 .79 2020 .80 .89 2021 1.22 1.40 2022 1.53 3.09 We have a problem. Through September, our gas cost was $30,000 over budget. Based on last year's numbers, we could be $60,000 over budget at year end if no changes are made. As stated in the October Board Message, an Ad Hoc Budget Committee has worked on all details of our budget since early this year. The impact of higher utility costs was discussed. Key committees were involved to look at all expenses and cost-saving measures. It's important to note that a number of residents were involved in focus groups to discuss issues affecting our community, including the increase in utility costs. We looked at our options: 1. Make no decision — As Board members we have the responsibility to make decisions, especially difficult ones. 2. A special assessment — There has never been a special assessment at Four Seasons. We believe it is unfair to ask those who use the pool in November through February to pay an additional fee. We also believe it is unfair for all residents to pay an additional fee for these four months. 3. Increase our dues — This would actually be a "permanent" special assessment which the Board wants to avoid, considering the recent annual dues increase. 4. Reduce the temperature of the pool — This would not reduce our costs enough to make a notable difference. 5. Reduce costs in other areas — As stated before, we are not able to do this. 6. Turn off the heat for the pool, but keep heating the spa. Of note: The pool volume is 140,000 gallons, and the spa is 6,000 gallons. We will continue to review and study all aspects of this decision. At the December Board Meeting, we invite you to offer your suggestions and comments, and we will answer any questions. "Decision is the spark that ignites action. Until a decision is made, nothing happens… Decision is the courageous facing of issues, knowing that if they are not faced, problems will remain forever unanswered." ~ Wilfred A. Peterson Message from the Board of Directors 2 | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | DECEMBER 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 We wish you all a happy and safe holiday season, Merry Christmas, and Happy Hanukkah.

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