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| Four Seasons Hemet Herald | August 2016 | 3 Last month's Board Message in the Herald focused on "freedom," and appropriately so. The United States celebrates many special days throughout the year, and some of them are elevated to the status of official holidays. Even though we may appreciate our holidays, it's also important to recognize that throughout our history, there have been enumerable momentous days that have significantly impacted the development of these United States. Some of them have been wondrous and joyous occasions, while others have caused us pain and embarrassment. Here are some significant events that have happened during the month of August: August 3, 1492 - Christopher Columbus set sail from Palos, Spain, with three ships, Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. August 2, 1776 - Most of the 55 members of the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. August 6-10, 1787 - During the Constitutional Convention, among outcomes were the establishment of a four-year term of office for the President, and the appointment of a committee to prepare a final draft of the Constitution. August 18, 1920 - The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote. August 14, 1935 - President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act establishing the system guaranteeing pensions to those who retire at age 65. August 21, 1959 - Hawaii was admitted to the Union as the 50th state. August 14, 1945 - V-J Day, commemorating President Truman's announcement that Japan had surrendered to the Allies. August 13, 1961 - The Berlin Wall came into existence after the East German government closed the border between east and west sectors of Berlin with barbed wire to discourage emigration to the West. August 9, 1974 - Effective at noon, Richard M. Nixon resigned the presidency as a result of the Watergate scandal. August 17, 1998- Bill Clinton became the first sitting President to give testimony before a grand jury in which he, the President, was the focus of the investigation. Regardless of how a significant event may have affected us, it's always important to recognize and learn from these moments in history. An often-repeated quote, attributed to Spanish born American philosopher and humanist, George Santayana (1863- 1952), that applies here is, "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it." A respected American educational theorist and psychologist, David A. Kolb (born 1939), said, "Learning is the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience." Well known for his publications on experiential learning, he established his theory based on a four stage cycle of learning which has become known as the Kolb Learning Cycle. The premise is that one has an experience, reflects on it, learns from it, applies what has been learned, and then the next similar experience is better. And you need not be the one who personally has the experience. Everyone can learn from another's experience. So, why is this important to us here in our Four Seasons community? Well, even though we may enjoy some tranquility within our gated community, we are a component of a much larger, complex population. Most likely we've all been impacted in some way by current events. It seems that practically every day we are bombarded by one tragic event after another, and the news media incessantly retells the story from multiple directions. Faced with this information overload, we often find ourselves conversing about the topic of the day and theorizing about what took place and what should be done. However, our discussions frequently leave us feeling frustrated and uncertain about what to do. Your Board would like to offer the following suggestions that may help you apply the Kolb Learning Cycle: • Become informed. Read the entire Herald Magazine each month. Sign up to receive e-blast messages. Read the electronic message board in the Lodge lobby. Avoid listening to rumors or spreading them. Seek information from those who have factual knowledge about a topic that interests you. • Be engaged. We have a wonderful array of clubs and activities, so consider getting involved with one or more of them. Volunteer to be on an ad-hoc social event committee or even a standing committee. • Participate in events. Many have said that living here is like being on a cruise ship that never docks, so consider attending events that you might enjoy. • Learn new skills. Many clubs offer opportunities to explore hidden artistic talent, as evidenced by our Lodge art gallery. Consider taking CERT (Citizen Emergency Response Team) training and become actively engaged in helping our community prepare for major incidents. Even if you don't want to be part of CERT as a responder, you can learn valuable skills that will give you self confidence in addressing emergencies, small or large. Remember the cliché from the 1960s? "If you're not part of the solution, then you're part of the problem." That simple statement speaks volumes and is a clear beacon that can guide you to achieving more control and influence over things that are important to you. Message From the Board of Directors Sincerely, and on behalf of your Board, Tony, Greg, Ken, Jim, Don, & Gene Russ Brown, Vice President Kolb Learning Cycle

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