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14 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JULY 2017 Four Seasons Spotlight pproximately 10 years ago Randy Balt answered a call to serve this part of the country – our small piece of it – Four Seasons Beaumont. And like the Founding Fathers, Randy has stuck with his commitment until he knew that his fledgling entity – the community newsletter -- was well established, up and running. What is now a 60-plus-page, slick-paper, artfully designed magazine, the Breeze, filled with colorful pictures, entertaining and informative articles and plentiful advertising that pays for it, started out as a couple of computer-printer pages called the Sentinel. The Sentinel was the only product of the Communications Committee, which has since been divided into Communications Committee and the Breeze Editorial Board. Both are concerned with ensuring that the residents of Four Seasons Beaumont are well-informed and entertained. Currently, the Communications Committee concentrates on the delivery of electronic information updating and expanding the FSB website, while the Breeze remains print based. (Although the Breeze is available online.) All of that growth represents a lot of work and commitment, from the volunteer members. As one of the people who has worked on the magazine with Randy for several years, I have witnessed his dedication and his leadership skills. Year after year, when the time came for committee elections, the position of Communications Committee chair became open. And year after year not one person sitting around the table raised their hand to nominate any replacement or to volunteer. None of us thought we could fill his shoes. But those of us who worked with Randy on the magazine were not the only ones who noticed his skills. He has been tapped for a new leadership role in the community. He will head an ad hoc committee to assess the recreational needs of Four Seasons. As the community continues to grow, with many new homeowners filled with interest and expectation occupying their new houses, various plans and strategies for physical and other activities are competing with each other. And someone who could calm the waters while listening to many voices and helping to sort out the best options, was needed. And our Board of Directors tapped Randy for the position. Once again he answered the call of his community. And as he marched off, answering his call, one burning question remained: would he continue to write the Chef 's Corner? He responded, "yes, but not every month." And there you have it. Read the Breeze carefully. It might be there next month. Or the next. It was only fitting that the Editorial Board gave Randy a thank-you and good-bye party. We gave him mementos that best represented the time he spent in during his service. So first of all, he received a gift certificate to a local coffee emporium, to fuel his well known coffee addiction. Then he received a framed poem. A poem? Well, yes, but it was a "Parts of Speech" poem so that he could never forget what a noun, verb, pronoun, or adverb were. He received an engraved wooden cooking spoon inscribed with, "I like to stir the pot." Draw your own conclusions. And lastly, he got a cupcake cake. We decorated it with items that commemorated his time with us. We will miss him. He's been a good leader. But he prepared us well. We think we know what we're doing, and we can teach others what to do, too. So come to a meeting and see what you think. Did Randy school his troops well? And of course, we'll still see him around. And we'll watch as he helps to shape the Courts (Rec Center 3), our other facilities and all of the activities that they encompass and that we will be enjoying for years to come. And to Randy: we will miss you. And thanks. It's been an interesting and informative tour. And now… Go make our courts and our new Rec Center the best they can be. You've got a big job ahead of you. But we've got faith in you. We just hope it won't take 10 years. A Founding Father Moves On By Laurie Larson A Committee members gathered to say goodbye to Randy Balt at Tacos & Beer Restaurant Randy looks forward to stirring the pot with his new spoon Everyone enjoyed the cupcake cake

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