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38 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MARCH 2017 The Veterans Club at Four Seasons was formed by Captain Dick Bentley, in September 2013. Our mission is to recognize all the veterans living here at Four Seasons. To date we have 75 neighbors recognized as veterans of the many wars we've endured. These veterans are recognized in our honor roll website, www.fourseasonsvets.org Our club is quite unique. We do not have structured meetings, dues, or costs to be involved. Your military service to our country has you paid up for life. NEWSWORTHY: On Feb. 1, we honored Freedom Day, the Abraham Lincoln signing of the 13th Amendment. Surf our website to Newsworthy and click on Freedom Day. On Jan. 22 the Vets Expo 2017 was held at the Beaumont Civic Center. A very somber and teary eyed presentation was given by Congressman Ruiz, honoring five veterans who were awarded their Purple Heart medals. Their families were present and accepted the medals for them and their proud service. Although their service was 30 to 45 years ago, but by tradition, not forgotten… Surf the Newsworthy tab/Vets Expo for photos of that day. Call or email for more information: Irve Sturner, irve@verizon.net, (949) 422-9969, www.fourseasonsvets.org. ~ Irve Sturner Four Seasons Veterans Bereavement Group It is unfortunate that bereavement groups get such a bad rap. A lot of people have approached me to ask about our group. Some of them have participated in bereavement groups before and simply want to share their experience, but many want to let me know that they think the group is a great idea, just not for them because they are "not that weak." I find that sad. Because of a misconception about personal strength and feelings, a number of people deprive themselves of an amazing experience. We join groups, both formal and informal, throughout our lives. As parents, we are proud when our offspring join girl scouts or boy scouts. We're happy when they play team sports, or join a choir, or play in a band or orchestra. We participate in PTA, teach Sunday school, play cards with friends. We practice yoga together. We join Weight Watchers or TOPS. And why? Because we are unhappy about something, in this case our bodies, and we want to join with people who can share our pain or discomfort, who won't be judgmental, and who can learn new ways to think and behave in order to improve our lives. And we find that perfectly acceptable. But substitute the word 'bereavement' for 'weight loss' and everything changes. Now we are weak instead of motivated. Now we are ashamed of our feelings instead of proud of our courage. Now we are worried about sharing family secrets instead of pleased that our experience may help others. Think about it. And if you have experienced a loss that is causing you unhappiness, come join us. You will find like minded people who will not judge you, who will welcome you and cheer your progress. And you will help them, too. That's what can be so great about a group. It's a place where we can share of ourselves in order to grow and to watch others grow with us. Isn't that a terrific concept? We meet in the Arts and Crafts Room at the Lodge on Mondays from 1 to 3 pm. For more information call me at (951) 922-0934 or email lauriemlarson425@gmail.com. All contact is confidential. ~ Laurie Larson

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