Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/1542725
After reading a recent newspaper article about Americans facing a quiet yet profound dilemma — growing social disconnection — I found myself ref lecting deeply on this issue. Study after study reveals that people across the country are reporting feelings of loneliness and isolation at levels significantly higher than those of previous generations. Many of us are spending less time cultivating friendships, joining civic groups, participating in unions, attending religious gatherings, or engaging in community activities that once formed the foundation of American social life. This rising sense of isolation is more than an emotional weight — it poses serious risks to our overall well-being. Research shows that chronic loneliness and social disconnection can raise the likelihood of heart disease, depression, cognitive decline, and other major health concerns. In many ways, isolation has become a public health issue, weakening not only individual resilience but also the social fabric that supports healthy neighborhoods and families. Valentine's Day, a time devoted to love and appreciation, offers us a meaningful opportunity to ref lect on how we show care — and how we might extend warmth and connection beyond our immediate circles. As Valentine's Day approaches, we are reminded that relationships of all kinds matter deeply. Love is not limited to romantic partnerships. It reveals itself in friendships, simple acts of kindness, shared laughter, or the thoughtful gesture of checking in on a neighbor. These expressions of care strengthen our sense of belonging and remind us that connection is essential to a fulfilling life. For our Four Seasons community, this message resonates in a special way. Although we may not always recognize it, we are part of a shared environment — a close-knit network of people whose presence shapes the experience of living here. A simple wave hello, offering a helping hand, attending a meeting, or participating in a community event can create meaningful ties. These small gestures help counter the national trend of disconnection and reaffirm that each of us has a place, a purpose, and a community to belong to. This Valentine's season, let us take a moment to reach out. Let us choose compassion, extend kindness, and look for opportunities to uplift one another. Our community's strength does not come from its buildings or landscaping, but from the people who call Four Seasons home — people who care, who value connection, and who understand that we are healthier and happier when we are not alone. Getting involved is easier than we may think. Join a committee, play cards with a group at The Lodge, participate in creative activities, or enjoy performances and musical presentations. Ask Tracie Rogers, Social Director, for help with choosing an activity that is right for you. She can help. These opportunities — right here in our own neighborhood — can help foster friendships, reduce loneliness, and create a deeper sense of belonging. If we can be intentional about building connection — one greeting, one conversation, one act of neighborly care at a time — we can help shape a community that supports well-being, eases loneliness, and brings warmth into each other's daily lives. In a world where many are feeling more isolated than ever, our HOA community has the chance to be something rare and meaningful: a place where people feel seen, valued, and genuinely connected. Message from the Board of Directors 2 | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | FEBRUARY 2026 | Sincerely, and on behalf of your Board of Directors, Rick Adkins, Paul Barr, Fred Kydd, Cliff Post, Mary Reyna, and Dan Ramos, Barbra Balser, President