I am debating on how to layout my day as I sit down and write this morning. I try to have a plan every day, but I know that the plan will always change. That is how life works for us and every other living species on the planet. Regardless of all of the changes and unexpected challenges that arise each and every day, somehow all will get done if we stay focused and work through the problems. So many people spend their time talking about everything that went wrong rather than finding a solution.
America will be celebrating 250 years this month, and I am certainly grateful to be here for our celebration. I feel blessed to live in a country where I am free to say and do whatever I want. Now, just because we are legally free to do that, societal norms, family, friends, and life prevent most of us from doing so. Though that is certainly not the fault of our country, but rather ourselves. We create our own traps and then complain when we are unable to free ourselves from them.
I hear people say all the time when they read about people who have found a perceived better way of life, “Well, I wish I could do that, but I have responsibilities and would never be able to just pick up and leave.” The reality is we all can do whatever we want, but most of us aren’t willing to sacrifice what is required to do so. I meet so many people when I am out hiking that have spent their life doing so. Many of them are working from place to place and surviving on whatever money they make or don’t. I can’t say that it is the life that I would want, but maybe somewhere in the middle.
I was speaking with a young mom yesterday who just had a baby and has extended her leave now three times. Her union will hold her job for up to two years, but she doesn’t plan to go back. She would rather live off of less and sacrifice trips and going out to eat than be away from her baby. Now, is that smart to give up a union job and a pension rather than put your kid in childcare a few days a week? All I know is that it’s not my life or decision to make, and we all have to walk our own path and do what’s best for us. I find most of us judge people who do things that we wish we had or want to do ourselves.
Now speaking about things that we want to do! Our first pool party was a success, and I am happy that we had a nice turnout. Now, whether you want to come down and enjoy or not, the option is there for all of you. We will have parties throughout the summer, as we do every year. These parties are held for our residents and their guests so you can enjoy the amenities that you pay for. The dates and times of the parties are posted at the Clubhouse and in the Newsletter. The parties offer free entertainment and food, with food available for purchase at a very reasonable cost. We try to keep the pool open later during these parties. However, we will not keep the pool open after it’s dark out, as it presents a safety issue.
So, for those of you who want to swim, please come down early to ensure that you have time to swim.
The bocce courts are looking good as we added more blue stone and replaced some of the old wood. Every year we resurface the courts and add fresh stone. Then every year, after everyone starts playing and we get their feedback, we adjust the stone level again to suit their play.
Our golf course is in great shape, and we are continuing to improve it more every year. I want to thank Greg Fox and his entire crew for all of their hard work and commitment. A special thank you to Frank and Mary as well as their committee for all of their hard work. A lot of time and energy goes into all of the clubs, and all of our volunteers deserve a big thank you.
The pickleball courts continue to remain open, and we hope to have the surface cracks repaired by the time you read this article. I would like to sincerely thank Jerry from the Centereach Picklr who generously allowed our residents free play twice last month. Additionally, he is allowing our pickleball players to play while the courts get repaired as well. He has been extremely welcoming to our community, and I encourage everyone to stop down and check out their facility.
I think we are going to continue to have a hot, dry summer, and after the winter we had, we should all make time to enjoy it. I know that I will be spending as much time as possible in the lakes and the oceans myself. Nothing feels better to me than a brutal hike where one wrong step could be your last one. Followed by a dip in an ice-cold lake that makes you think that hypothermia is only seconds away. Now that’s what I like, and I know that’s probably not what most of you choose to do to relax.
I encourage all of you to find a summer activity you enjoy and pursue it, as nobody knows what tomorrow will bring. Life is short, and if you are someone who loves to say “someday,” “one day,” or “when this happens, I will do that,” I strongly encourage you to make the one day or some day to be this day.
July brings us the following holidays and days of significance: Independence Day!
Craig Pessin- HOA Administrator
Imagine what our founding fathers had to struggle with when they made the decision to take an idea and turn it into a reality. Here we are 250 years later, and we are living a life that came from that very idea. Never underestimate what your ideas can turn into if you just have the courage to turn them into a reality.
God Bless America and God Bless all of you!