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Welcome to the "halfway point" of the year 2018! We believe this is a good opportunity to pause for some reflection. This has already been a year of incredible events, and the remaining six months promise to bring us additional significant occurrences. For example, thanks to the hard work and diligence of our Access Control Committee, we have completed the monumental task of transitioning to RFID tags from the obsolete transponders. The Facilities Committee oversaw the construction of a new storage building and completed the transfer of stored seasonal items into it. New cabinets have been installed in the Ballroom to facilitate more efficient storage and access to event supplies. The HOA continues to work with EMWD to expand the use of more economical reclaimed water to irrigate our common areas. Coming up in the near future is another slurry sealing project to enhance the longevity of our private streets. None of these things would likely have occurred without the time, talent and dedication of the many volunteers who make up our various committees. So, the next time you see someone you know who serves on one of our committees, please be sure to thank them. Appreciation is their "paycheck." It has been said that to fully appreciate pleasurable moments, you must also experience sorrowful ones. As mentioned in a previous Board Message, each of us has had our lives impacted by events for which we did not plan. Some of the good friends we've made here in Four Seasons have chosen to move away. Many of us have also bid our final farewells to loved ones who have passed away. Some have endured major surgeries or had medical problems. But we've also had the opportunity to be blessed with the arrival of new grandchildren and great-grandchildren. This gives rise to the saying, "life is what happens while you're making plans." How we respond to and cope with these experiences can define our character. Regardless of the type or scope of these events, we have a valuable resource here in our community, namely the overwhelming support of our good friends who surround us. They are there to help us through our grief and also share in the joy of our more pleasant experiences. The wonderful volunteers of the Sunshine Team are the pinnacle manifestation of this concept and we are truly grateful for all they do! Yes, we are indeed fortunate to live in such a wonderful community. But even more importantly, we are blessed to live in a country which affords us so much liberty and freedom. In May, we celebrated Memorial Day - a day of remembrance of all who paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure future generations might retain the fruits of their sacrifices. In June, we celebrated Flag Day as a symbolic representation of these freedoms. And now on July 4th, somewhat representing a culmination of these preceding holidays, we again commemorate and celebrate our nation's Independence Day! More wonderful volunteers have been working diligently to plan, organize and put on yet another spectacular event for us to enjoy! Nearly 2 ½ centuries ago our forefathers established, once and for all, that these United States of America shall be a free and independent nation. The Declaration of Independence is the statement adopted by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. Therefore, we celebrate on July 4th, the pronouncement that the former 13 British colonies henceforth regarded themselves as newly independent sovereign states and, as such, no longer under British rule. Thus, a new nation was formally established as the United States of America. This was undeniably a bold step undertaken by our ancestors. But it will take work to preserve it. Our freedoms did not come without a huge price, and we've continued to pay a huge price over the history of our country. As Ronald Regan once said, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction… It must be fought for, protected, and handed on… or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free." So, go forth and celebrate with family and friends. But please do so with proper reverence for what this special day truly represents and the responsibilities we all carry to sustain it. Message From the Board of Directors Sincerely, and on behalf of your Board of Directors, Jim Hatcher, Ken Pounders, Tony Criscenti, Gene Hikel, Jim Crase, and Greg Rockvam, Russ Brown President 2 | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | July 2018 |