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December 2009
Happy Holidays Black and White Enjoying the active life in beautiful Palm Springs Newsletter
NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY
WHERE: THE LODGE
WHEN: DECEMBER 31st
What Time: 8:30 PM to MIDNIGHT
Cost: $15.00 Single, $25.00 Couple, $20.00 Guest
Attire: BLACK AND WHITE FEATURING: "TABUBAND" LIVE ­ WITH OUR OWN ALBERT MARTINE
Click to Print DECEMBER NL Calendar Board and Committee Members "Tabuband" is led by our own Albert Martinez and has been a favorite
at our community events. They have performed at such places as
Crazyhorse and Universal City Walk, among others. Their music
includes Classic Rock and Roll, Oldies, Country, and Salsa. Perfect for
our New Year’s Eve celebration! Light snacks and cake will be served.
Ice, water, soft drinks, and coffee will be available. Board of Directors First 24 residents (single or couple) to sign up will receive a free
bottle of champagne. Sign up at the front desk at the Lodge. Make
checks payable to: President: KHov 4 Seasons PS Social Committee. Ken Wong Vice President: BYOB Mike Rothnie
Age +21 to ? Secretary: Diana Grace
Treasurer: Joan Lopeman Rainbow Social
Director: By: James Fogarty James Crandall On Saturday, November 7 th, the Rainbow Organizing Committee held a BYOB Potluck Social in the Lodge Ballroom in celebration of Director: Pride Weekend which is an annual celebration held in Steve Scherbarth Palm Springs in November. About 90 people attended the function, including members of the Board, and Director: several other Committees. A great evening was held John Papazian with salads, main course items, and desserts, followed by socializing with music for dancing.
Thanks to the Lodge Staff for their help in the setup Architectural
Chairperson: Donald Richroath Vice Chairperson: Judy Crotts Secretary: Vicki Knab Margo Hobkirk
Robert Saenz
Board Liaison: Joan Lopeman
Finance
Chairperson: Jim Kresge
Vice Chairperson: Randal Cloud Secretary: Gerald Levin David Alpert
Deborah Belknap
Kathleen Weir
Rick Hobkirk Board Liaison: Joan Lopeman Community Access Control Committee Chairperson: Gary Cooper Vice Chairperson: Roger Conway
Secretary: Clifford Hillington
Bill Combs Dick Jewell
Ross Willour Board Liaison: and tear­down of the event. The following is a summary of the November 4th Board meeting:
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Community Access Control Committee: The Committee announced the results of the barrier arm survey: 116 ­ yes; 161 ­ no. The Knox box at the south gate will be relocated to allow for immediate access into the Community by police and fire personnel. Facilities Committee: The Committee announced that Kant­Slam locks have been installed on the east and west pedestrian gates per the recommendation in the Annual
Inspection Report, and the locks are to be installed on the south pedestrian gates the week of November 10th. These locks ensure that the gates close and lock after pedestrian entry and/or exit. Newsletter Committee: The Committee is soliciting advertising for the “Focus.” Nominating Committee: The Committee announced that since only one application was received for the open homeowner Board seat that the December 5th Candidates Forum has been cancelled. Social Committee: The Committee announced that they are discontinuing the recycling program due to the minimal amount of income it generated. (Please do not
bring any more recyclables to the Lodge.) Chairperson: Gary Cooper Vice Chairperson: Roger Conway
Secretary: Clifford Hillington
Bill Combs Dick Jewell
Ross Willour Board Liaison: Diana Grace
Landscape
Chairperson: Cy Hegerich Vice Chairperson: Deanna Sparks
Secretary: Pat Ellerd Chase Burke James Fogarty Board Liaison: Ken Wong
Newsletter Editor: Edward Knab Asst. Editor: Mel Long Secretary: Arlene Bergstrom Treasurer: Gary Jacobus Reporter: Jan Howard
Content Editor: Arline Steiner Board Liaison: Ken Wong Transition Committee: The K.Hov Board members announced that they “tentatively” plan to retain one seat on the Board after transition. Pursuant to the governing documents, they may retain 20% of the Board seats, rounded to the next highest number, until 2015. FOUR SEASONS NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION: Gary Cooper, Chairperson of the Four Seasons Neighborhood Organization, reminded homeowners that this is “snake season.” The police have been called out to dispose of one snake in a homeowner’s rear yard; one snake was run over on Savanna Way,
and another was found coiled up in a homeowner’s closet. MANAGEMENT REPORT: The District Delegate elections were held and the following Delegates were elected: Delegate Alternate Delegate District #1 Fred Itson Gary Jacobus District #2 Ann Harris Harold Oemke District #3 Linda Robledo Ken Lewis District #4 Penny Merrell Patti Lively District #5 Ed Knab None OLD BUSINESS: K.Hov indicated that they will donate the event marquee located outside the east entry gates to the Association. The
Board authorized Cindy Hayward, Activities Director, to purchase two sets of letters so upcoming events can be posted on the marquee. NEW BUSINESS: The Board approved the purchase of 14 variable speed pumps
for the pools and spas. Southern California Edison is currently offering a $535
rebate per pump for installation of variable speed pumps. It is estimated that these
Chairperson: pumps will reduce the electricity required for the pools and spas by approximately
Robyn Maceri Vice Chairperson: Glen 50%. ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEXT MEETING: The next meeting of the Board of Lockhart
Secretary: Roger Ball Directors is Wednesday, December 16, at 12:00 p.m. in the Lodge Ballroom. Come on down, meet some of your neighbors and find out what’s happening in the ‘hood. Glen Lockhart Gloria Kapp Board Liaison: Joan Lopeman
Chairperson: Harold Oemke
Secretary: David Merrill Gerald Levin Rules and Regulations Nominating Nominating Chairperson: Harold Oemke
Secretary: David Merrill Gerald Levin Board Liaison: Joan Lopeman
Social
Chairperson: Michele Fuller
Vice Chairperson: Deanna Sparks
Secretary: Roger Ball Arlene Bergstrom Robert Saenz Marian Martinez Board Liaison: Diana Grace
Facilities Chairperson: James Fogarty Vice Chairperson: Mel Robles Secretary: Edward Knab Mark T. Dolan Board Liaison: Ken Wong
Transition Chairperson: Diana Grace
John Rhineberger
Dick Jewell
Secretary: Edward Knab James Fogarty Bill Gombos Aaron Hardy: Khov Representative Emergency Preparedness
Project Coordinator: Jim Crotts
Asst. Coordinator: Candidate Forum Cancelled
The annual “Meet the Candidate” Forum, originally scheduled for Saturday, December 5 has been cancelled. The incumbent Diana Grace is the sole nominee for the homeowner Board member seat open for election on January 20, 2010. Many of you know Diana and know what an outstanding leadership job she has performed for this community. We welcome her continued service on our behalf. It is very important that we have a quorum of members voting in this election in order to assure a valid result. Failure to attain a quorum of voters will necessitate extra electoral activities at significant expense to the Association, in accordance with our Bylaws. All homeowners are urged to promptly respond when ballots are received via first class mail in mid­December. Instructions for returning the ballot, for proxy voting and other election issues will be discussed in detail in the official ballot mailing. Your fellow Association members thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Project Coordinator: Jim Crotts
Asst. Coordinator: Gary Cooper Inventory: Cal Rahmann Secretary: Edward Knab Janna Joos Vicki Knab
Ross Willour Mel Shoemaker Board Liaison: Diana Grace
Chairperson: Gary Cooper Four Seasons Neighborhood Organization (FSNO)
Vice Chairperson:
Annual Meeting Janna Joos By: Gary Cooper, Chair, FSNO Secretary:Roger Conway Roger Ball Most stories of Thanksgiving history start with the harvest celebration of the pilgrims and the indians that took place in the
autumn of 1621. Although they did have a three­day feast in celebration of a good harvest, and the local indians did participate, this "first Thanksgiving" was not a holiday,
simply a gathering. There is little
evidence that this feast of thanks led directly to our modern Thanksgiving Day holiday. Thanksgiving can, however, be traced back to 1863 when Pres. Lincoln became the first president to proclaim Thanksgiving Day. The holiday has been a fixture of late November ever since. However, since most school children are taught that the first Thanksgiving was held in 1621 with the pilgrims and indians, let
us take a closer look at just what took place leading up to that event, and then what happened in the centuries afterward that finally gave us our modern Thanksgiving. The Pilgrims who sailed to this country aboard the Mayflower were originally members of the English Separatist Church (a Puritan sect). They had earlier fled their home in England and sailed to Holland (The Netherlands) to escape religious persecution. There, they enjoyed
more religious tolerance, but they eventually became disenchanted with the Dutch way
of life, thinking it ungodly. Seeking a better life, the Separatists negotiated with a London stock company to finance a pilgrimage to America.
Most of those making the trip aboard the Mayflower were non ­
Separatists, but were hired to protect the company's interests. Only about one­third of the original colonists were Separatists. The Four Seasons Neighborhood Organization will hold its first annual meeting on December 10th at 4:30 p.m. in the Lodge. Mark your calendars because this is an important event for our community and we would like to see as many as our residents as possible attend. We will have our assigned Neighborhood Police Officers there to discuss criminal activity
in Palm Springs in the vicinity of the Four Seasons. A guest speaker from City Hall will discuss what is going on in the city, and we will have information on animal control, and the upcoming 2010 Census. You will have the opportunity to speak one­on­one with our guests and police officers after the presentation to answer any questions or to address any complaints you may have. Residents who attend the HOA Board meetings are briefed at each meeting by the Chair of the FSNO on important issues concerning our community. For those who do not attend the Board meetings, a brief explanation of our FSNO might be helpful. The city of Palm Springs has initiated the Neighborhood Involvement Committee that recognizes communities that are organized and take part in the monthly meetings
at City Hall. There are 23 organized communities in the city with several communities working on their requirements to join. This committee provides us with
a direct link to City Hall to address problems that affect our communities. Because the Four Seasons also has a board of directors who is responsible for life inside our walls, the FSNO committee looks at problems that initiate from outside our walls. The FSNO works closely with our Board and with Neighborhood Watch to ensure the safety of our community. Gang activity, rock throwing, graffiti, car break ins, gunshots from nearby communities, windows broken by BB guns, kids loitering outside our walls, are just a few of the issues that the FSNO committee addressed during this past year. We are the direct link between the Police Department and the community. As the Chair, I communicate regularly with our assigned Police Officers, their Sergeant and their Lieutenant and our officers respond right away to requests for closer surveillance when needed. So come and thank our two terrific Police Officers in person at the meeting. Both Officer Matt Crampton and Officer Jen Kennedy feel as if they are a part of our Four Seasons community. They are interested in us and our well being and determined to do whatever is needed to keep us safe. They deserve our thanks. The Pilgrims set ground at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620. Their first winter was devastating. At the beginning of the following fall, they had lost 46 of the original 102 who sailed on the Mayflower. But the harvest
of 1621 was a bountiful one. And the remaining colonists decided to celebrate with a feast ­­ including 91 Indians who had helped the Pilgrims survive their first year. It is believed that the Pilgrims would not have made it through the year without the help of the natives. The feast was more of a traditional English
harvest festival than a true "thanksgiving" observance. It lasted three days. Governor William Bradford sent "four men fowling" after wild ducks and geese. It is not certain
that wild turkey was part of their feast. However, it is certain that they had venison. The term "turkey" was used by the Pilgrims to mean any sort of wild
fowl. Another modern staple at almost every Thanksgiving table is pumpkin pie. But it is unlikely that the first feast included that treat. The supply of flour had been long diminished, so there was no bread or pastries of any kind. However, they did eat boiled pumpkin, and they produced a type of fried bread from their corn crop. There was also no milk, cider, potatoes, or butter. There was no domestic cattle for dairy products, and the newly­discovered potato was still
considered by many Europeans to be poisonous. But the feast did
include fish, berries, watercress, lobster, dried fruit, clams, venison, and plums. This "thanksgiving" feast was not
repeated the following year. Many years passed before the event was repeated. It wasn't until June of 1676 that another Day of thanksgiving was proclaimed. On June 20 of that year the governing council of Charlestown, Massachusetts, held a meeting to determine how best to express thanks for the good fortune that had seen their community securely established. By unanimous vote they instructed Edward Rawson, the clerk, to proclaim June 29 as a day of thanksgiving. It is notable that this thanksgiving celebration probably did not include the Indians, as the celebration was meant partly to be in recognition of the colonists'
recent victory over the "heathen natives," (see the proclamation). A hundred years later, in October
of 1777 all 13 colonies joined in a
thanksgiving celebration. It also commemorated the patriotic victory over the British at Saratoga. But it was a one­time affair. George Washington proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving in 1789, although some were Dollars and Sense By: Jim Kresge A big welcome back to our friends and neighbors who have returned to enjoy the beautiful weather. As you can see, Four Seasons has changed. Many more homes have been built and we are nearing completion. The process of transition from Developer control to Association control is proceeding on a track that should should see us on our own by mid next year. There have been other changes in the Association as well. Some are small and may go unnoticed. Landscape areas that were inefficient were changed to more desert­friendly configurations. Others have made a significant contribution to our lifestyle. The addition of Afan’s Bistro last Spring has virtually transformed the Lodge. Chef Afan has put together a great menu as well as special event dinners you have to try. An added dimension is the friendly, professional service of the entire Afan Family. Another very significant change has been in the financial health of the Association. If
you have paid attention to financial matters (and I hope you do pay attention) you have noticed a swing from persistent bottom line deficits to small but important bottom line surpluses. This critical change is a result of the revised DRE Budget that started on January 1. Please note that I have carefully avoided the word “profit”. Four Seasons is a “not for profit” organization. The surpluses we have recorded in 2009 have rebuilt our current cash position to appropriate levels and the balance will be used to pay transition expenses as well as anticipated increases in operating expenses in 2010. held a meeting to determine how best to express thanks for the good fortune that had seen their community securely established. By unanimous vote they instructed Edward Rawson, the clerk, to proclaim June 29 as a day of thanksgiving. It is notable that this thanksgiving celebration probably did not include the Indians, as the celebration was meant partly to be in recognition of the colonists'
recent victory over the "heathen natives," (see the proclamation). A hundred years later, in October
of 1777 all 13 colonies joined in a
thanksgiving celebration. It also commemorated the patriotic victory over the British at Saratoga. But it was a one­time affair. George Washington proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving in 1789, although some were opposed to it. There was discord among the colonies, many feeling the hardships of a few pilgrims did not warrant a national holiday. And later, President Thomas Jefferson opposed the idea of having a day of thanksgiving. It was Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor, whose efforts eventually led to what we recognize as Thanksgiving. Hale wrote many editorials championing her cause in her Boston Ladies' Magazine, and later, in Godey's Lady's Book. Finally, after a 40­year campaign
of writing editorials and letters to
governors and presidents, Hale's obsession became a reality when, in 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a national day of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving was proclaimed by every president after Lincoln. The date was changed a couple of times, most recently by Franklin Roosevelt, who set it up one week to the next ­to­last Thursday in order to create a longer Christmas shopping season. Public uproar against this decision caused the president to move Thanksgiving back to its original date two years later. And in 1941, Thanksgiving was finally sanctioned by Congress as a legal holiday, as the fourth Thursday in November
The Finance Committee has reviewed the October Financial Statements. There was a very small surplus of $1,631 recorded. Deborah Belknap’s detailed review of the income statement disclosed several expenses that were paid in October but were actually incurred in September. As always, a single month is not a good indication of direction. The Association’s finances continue to be stable and on track. The Finance Committee is still looking for someone with a background in insurance to assist the Committee with the review and evaluation of insurance contracts. Please
contact me at [email protected] or leave your contact information at the front desk
and I will get back to you. Palm Springs Arial Tram: PALM SPRINGS, CA ­ The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway constructed in rugged Chino Canyon on the north edge of Palm Springs ­ about two hours by car from Los Angeles and San Diego ­ did not just happen. It required foresight, planning, financing and, most of all, a vision. For years, it was
the dream of a young electrical engineer named Francis F. Crocker to "go up there where it's nice and cool".
Crocker's dream began in 1935 while he was on a trip to Banning, California,
with newspaper publisher Carl Barkow. Mopping his
brow in the heat of the day, Crocker gazed on longingly at the still snow­
capped peak of Mt. San Jacinto 10,804 feet high. At that moment, "Crocker's
Folly,'' as it was soon dubbed by one newspaper woman, was born ­ a tramway up the sheer cliffs of Chino Canyon.
In the late 1930s, Crocker enlisted the aid of desert pioneer and co­manager of the famed Palm Springs
Desert Inn, O. Earl Coffman, in his tramway project. Coffman eventually was named chairman of the committee
to plan the attraction. Even though the enthusiasm for the tramway idea was high locally, political roadblocks caused numerous disappointing setbacks. Twice, a tramway enabling bill passed the California State legislature, only to be vetoed by then Governor Culbert Olson. With the outbreak of World War II, the plans were shelved.
However, Crocker's vision
of a tramway to scale those cliffs to the coolness
of the San Jacinto mountains never died. Years after the original plans were shelved, they were dusted off and the battle enjoined.
In 1945, a new tram bill Dogs Strut their Stuff! By: Jackie Freeburn Save the date: December 5, 2009
What? Christmas Dog Walk Where? Meet in front of The Lodge and Strut the Streets of Four Seasons.
When? 1:00 PM December 5, 2009
Purpose: A $5.00 (optional) entry fee. Checks should be made out to Orphan Pet Oasis. Clothing Optional (Christmas Clothing for the dogs)
More information later.
Questions e­mail: [email protected]
Several months ago the Board of Directors sent out a Barrier Arm
Survey to The CACC formulated the survey after numerous complaints from
homeowners The results of the survey were: 116 ­ yes; 161 ­ no. By: Gery Malcom By: The Transition Committee “Transition” is the term to describe the general process by which the control and Open House:
A Community Success Story By: Janna Joos (EPP)
The October 17 th Open House was an extremely successful day for the Emergency Preparedness Program Committee and the entire community at Four Seasons. The open house was graciously organized and sponsored by the Social Committee, who organized a silent auction event for the EPP, which raised $913.50. Thee EPP would like to thank all of the donors (Rahmann, Ball, Jewell, Grace, Finkler, Jacobus, Bergstrom, The Salon, Willour, Crotts, Joos) for all of the wonderful auction items and a special thanks for all of those that had the winning bids (Willour, Itson, Gregoro, Levin, Belknap, Gelman, Hays, Rahmann, Johnson, Hayward, Hathaway, Grace, Dondero, Dresser, Knoll, O’Neill, Shoemaker). With the existing funds and the auction funds, EPP will be purchasing a propane 6000w generator, along with two 5­gallon tanks was passed and Governor
Earl Warren signed the measure creating the Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority. Coffman, who had labored long and
hard to see the vision realized, was named the Authority's first chairman.
By 1950, technicians were
moving ahead on designs for the Tramway, spending more than $250,000 solving riddles of road and tower construction. Funds for the construction of the Tramway were raised by the sale of $8.5 million in private revenue bonds. Not one cent of public funds was used for either the construction or operation of the Tramway. The 35­year bonds paid 5½ percent interest and were paid off in 1996. The Korean conflict was to cause yet another delay, but the ambitious project began to
take form in July 1961.
Construction of the Tramway was an engineering challenge and
was soon labeled the "eighth wonder of the world.'' The superlative was earned because of the ingenious use of helicopters in erecting four
of the five supporting towers. Some 20 years later, the Tramway was designated an historical civil engineering landmark.
The first tower is the only one that can be reached by road. The helicopters flew some 23,000 missions without mishap during the 26 months of construction, hauling men and materials needed to erect the four other towers
and the 35,000 sq. ft. mountain station.
Francis Crocker's dream was completed in 1963; the inaugural ride occurred on September www.tmctavish.com [email protected] The Social Committee is looking for New Members .
By: Social Committee If you love to plan parties, have great ideas, are a worker bee or want t get involved in your community, this is the ideal committee for you to join. Drop by The Lodge and pick up a Committee Application and return it to The Lodge. Or stop by on Thursday, December 3 rd at 10:00 AM and come to their next meeting. Holiday Open House at The Lodge By: Cindy Hayward Put Saturday, December 5, 2009 on your ”Must Be There” calendar. Starting at 3:00 PM, the Staff, with the help of the Social Committee, will be serving hot spiced cider, hot chocolate, spiced hot chocolate and lots of goodies including holiday sweets, breads and other treats. This has been an annual event that many of our residents have enjoyed. Sometimes we’ll break out in song, but mostly it is a time to relax and just enjoy the holiday season with your neighbors, friends and family. Plan an afternoon to forget all the bustle and hustle. We’ll have entertainment and fun and many luscious tidbits to choose from. occurred on September 14th with scores of local and state dignitaries and celebrities on hand.
In 1966 a 7,800 ft. granite spire in the canyon was dedicated to Coffman who
died in August 1967; Francis Crocker died in 1992.
The Tramway announced in 1998 that it was embarking on a modernization program that would see the construction and installation in 2000 of new
cars and updating of its facilities. Beginning in September 2000, passengers rode the world's largest rotating tram cars, constructed by the tram's original car manufacturer, Von Roll Tramways (now owned by
Dopplmayr Tramways).
More than 12 million people have been safely transported by the Tramway into the majestic
mountains overlooking the
Coachella Valley since the
attraction opened in September 1963.
many luscious tidbits to choose from. We’ll expect to see everyone that is in town for this event. This would be an excellent time to bring in your food and toy donations for our donation programs for others to enjoy the holiday. Something small means so much to those that have little.
LADIES BOOK CLUB NEWS By Connie Richroath
The Book Club met on November 24 and discussed “A Year by the Sea: Thoughts of an Unfinished Woman” by Joan Anderson selected by member Pierrette Wilson. A thoughtful, earthy recounting of an escape many women dream of – leaving family responsibilities behind for a year of reflection and self­discovery in a cottage by the sea. So began a seaside saga in which Anderson learned many lessons.
Fascinating fiction and non­fiction books are the focus of our book selections.
Monthly meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 1:30 PM in the Lodge Library. There will be no December meeting of the Ladies Book Club. We wish you a Happy Holiday Season with family and friends! Hope to see you at our next meeting on January 26, 2010. Four Seasons Wine Tasting Club
By: Judy Crotts “I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to my food”. W.C. Fields For those of you who enjoy wine there is a new club for you – Four Seasons Wine Tasting Club. For those of you who enjoy wine there is a new club for you – Four Seasons Wine Tasting Club. "Menopause the Musical"
will be playing at the AnnenbergTheater starting February 5th.
By: Cindy Hayward
If a date is identified to reserve at least 10 tickets, we can get discounted tickets at $42.50 per seat. If you are interested in this theater performance, please email me or come into The Lodge to sign an interest list. I don't have to send any money at this point but if I have the interest, I would like to reserve some seats. Also, please let me know if you would prefer night or matinee tickets.If we have enough interest we may be able to do two sets of tickets, one at each time. Again, please come to The Lodge to sign an interest list or email me back your name
and phone number and preference of time. Obviously, no matter what date is picked, not everyone will be able to attend but I hope we can get at least one group of people to go. I have heard this is a wonderful, funny play. END © Palm Springs Focus Newsletter
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