Chief Catri
I am happy to inform everyone that the year 2020 is officially over. Back in January of 2020 in China, a strange new virus began to spread, it’s presence a silent clock counting down to the time it would bring the world to its knees. Back in June, I was already thinking about how 2020 has changed everything, and it is only half over, even though it felt like it has been going on for half a century. I wanted to hit the reset button but realized that would only be wishful thinking on my part.
I knew that the American people would be pulling together in so many ways to start making things better. We, as a nation, have faced massive threats before and have risen to the challenge, so I knew that we could do it again. The future of America cannot just depend solely on local, state, and federal governments. The eventual solutions lie in the attitudes and the actions of the American people. Okay, forget 2020. Now is the time to buckle down to make 2021 better, moving forward with hope. When we are hopeful, we are using the thinking style that forms the foundation of optimism.
Safety and security, both actual and perceived, are essential to fostering a sense of well-being and peace. Measures that increase actual and perceived safety contribute strongly to a cohesive and engaged community. Some of the best security advocates you can find are just yards away from your home—they are your neighbors, and establishing a relationship with them not only helps deepen your ties to your homeowner’s association community, but also helps increase the security of your family and home. Your neighborhood is, in many ways, an extension of your home. Living independently means being able to travel within your community and utilize its resources safely and with confidence.
Security is not just achieved at the HOA level. Individual homeowners need to do their part to deter criminals as well. Check that all windows are locked, all doors (including the garage door) are closed and locked, and all car windows are rolled up. Intruders look for easy access, so making your home as inaccessible and challenging to enter as possible will help keep away any trouble. Video doorbells, such as the Ring, are affordable and easy to install, and they will help keep the whole neighborhood safer by making it easy to catch and report suspicious activity. Educate your elderly relatives and friends on general safety measures. Protect yourself from scams. Prevent injuries so you can stay in the game. Make personal health and wellness a priority. Wear reflective gear when walking at night and always be alert to your surroundings.
Your safety and security in every aspect of your life are important to us. This is a new year. A new beginning. And things will change. From the SunBird Patrol, have a sparkling New Year!