VHA Healthcare Forum for October General Meeting

Transcription

HOMEOWNERS
ASSOCIATION
Next delivery date is November 3
Vol. 15 No. 10 Neighbor To Neighbor
is there to help
C
itizens Served By Neighbor To Neighbor Expo Endorsed By The
Rotary Club Of The Lady Lake Area And The Villages Districts
The mission of the Neighbor to Neighbor
Resident Council is to provide appropriate referrals
for Village Seniors who are experiencing difficulty
meeting day-to-day needs. The mission was
personified today as local citizens and not-forprofit agencies came together providing important
information to residents of The Villages regarding
their health, well-being and safety. In the first
of a number of planned efforts, the EXPO was
held today at the Paradise Recreation Center in
The Villages. This mission was achieved today
when the Neighbor to Neighbor Expo received a
grateful turnout with residents able to learn services
available in the State and receive answers to
questions about their individual lifestyle concerns.
Hosted by the Rotary Club of the Lady Lake Area,
citizens were able to learn by visiting person-toperson with representatives of agencies to whom
they could turn for assistance as laws and the
regulations become more complicated. Areas of
assistance at the EXPO included changes in the
guidelines for senior health services, Medicare and
supplemental programs, including prescription
coverage, food procurement programs, and
veteran’s benefits. Home safety, and personal safety
assistance was offered by Lt. O’Hara of the Marion
County Sheriff’s Office. Resource directories were
handed out aimed at elder affairs.
Organizations like Mid-Florida Senior Services
and Crystal Holmes from Elder Options, along with
Bill Stewart of the Salvation Army, were able to put
their concerns at ease. Because a spouse served in
the military and was dealing with Alzheimer’s, Fred
Harrop of the Veterans Services Department was
able to direct them to aid of which they were not
aware. For those needing mobility assistance, VHA
Bill Dyer provided a visual of the wheelchair and
walkers available to Villagers. Sam and Carolyn
Berry of the Angel Food Ministries explained the
availability of food and menus. Don Schreiner,
Volunteer Lake, gave an explanation of how a
neighborhood could come together providing
Neighbor to Neighbor continued on page T
October 2009
VHA Healthcare Forum for
October General Meeting
Chief Executive Officer of The Villages Regional
Hospital.
The keynote address and panel will be focusing on
how proposed/passed healthcare
changes will affect our
hospital(s), physicians, insurance
and our pocketbooks. Some
From politicians to pundits
of the key questions include:
we’ve heard so much from
What will happen to our current
right to left, and left to right
healthcare system if 30 to 47
that our heads are spinning
million uninsured/underinsured
with Stimulus, TARP, Bailout,
are added into our roles? Will
Cash for Clunkers, Cap and
there be enough doctors to
Trade, Immigration, Energy
accommodate increased patient
Independence, End the War,
loads? Will there be rationing
and Healthcare Reform. But
of healthcare and procedures,
the one program that is become
especially to seniors? Will
part of our daily discussion
private insurers survive
is healthcare. We can’t open
healthcare reform?
a newspaper, or turn on radio
Emily Friedman
Some of the key variables
or TV news without hearing
include:
four House committee
something about healthcare.
bills, one Senate bill, the
It’s time we got the straight
Speaker’s plan, the President’s
information without any
plan, 500 rejected Republican
political spin.
amendments; the public option,
So the VHA Board has
planned a special meeting
the private coop, universal
for this month’s General
health; 12 million uninsured,
Membership Meeting to help
15 or 20 million uninsured,
answer some of our senior
27 or 30 million uninsured,
community’s questions. The
46 or 47 million uninsured;
keynote speaker will be Emily
cost of $580B, $890B, $1.7T,
Friedman, an independent
cost neutral, zero, a postage
writer, speaker, teacher, and
stamp; $billions in savings from
health policy and ethics analyst
efficiency, elimination of fraud
based in Chicago. Joining
and abuse, cuts in medicare and
Ms. Friedman in a healthcare
medicade, preventive medicine,
panel discussion will be Mike
wellness programs, tort reform
Tim Hawkins
Williams and Tim Hawkins. Mr.
and insurance reform.
Williams serves as the President
The speakers and panel can
and Chief Executive Officer
anticipate many of our questions
of the Community Hospital Corporation, based in
and concerns. Additional questions will be taken
Dallas, Texas. He is a frequent national speaker on
from attendees.
the impact of hospital conversions and advisor to
hospitals on healthcare issues. Tim Hawkins is the
he Villages Homeowners Association partnered with the Central
Florida Health Alliance and The Villages Regional Hospital to
bring the best up-to-the-minute answers to your questions about
healthcare reform at the VHA General
Meeting, Wednesday, October 14th, 7p.m.,
Lake Miona Regional Recreation Center.
Villages’ Secrets Revealed - page 3 • Seniors vs Crime - page 11
Page , October 2009, The Villages Homeowners Association Voice
VHA Officers and Directors
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.thevha.net
1104 Main St., The Villages 32159
Pres. Don Hahnfeldt, [email protected]
V. President, Evan Richards, [email protected]
Sec. Joyce Fisher, crajoyfish@comcast.net--------------------------------------750-2491
Treas. Ray Glessner, raynkay@glessner.org-------------------------------------751-0701
Administrative Board
Al Butler, alabutler@gmail.com------------------------------------------------430-0368
Jim Kelly, jekelly4040@comcast.net--------------------------------------------259-3130
Evan Richards, evanbrichards@msn.com---------------------------------------259-2974
Past President, Roger Kass, [email protected]
Kathy Porter, kathymporter@comcast.net-------------------------------------259-8196
Marty Wilber, mbwilber48@yahoo.com----------------------------------------751-5048
Regional Directors
Lake County - Joy Anderson, [email protected]
Region 1 - Fred Dowling, [email protected]
Region 2 - John Land, [email protected]
Region 3 - Geoff Langdon, [email protected]
Region 4 - Art Rowe, [email protected]
Regions 5 & 8 - Chuck Wildzunas, [email protected]
Regions 6 & 7 - Russ D’Emidio, [email protected]
Committees
VHA Foundation
Alice Terrill, Chairman............................................................................. 259-1691
Membership
Kathy Porter, Chairman---------------------------------------------------------259-8196
Sylvia Mongolier, Membership Coordinator------------------------------------430-0070
Bob Eisenhauer------------------------------------------------------------------259-1485
Betty Dyer-----------------------------------------------------------------------751-1192
Evan Richards -------------------------------------------------------------------259-2974
Marty Wilber --------------------------------------------------------------------751-5048
Ed Fischer------------------------------------------------------------------------750-2491
Alice Terrill ----------------------------------------------------------------------259-1691
Dotty Mathieu-------------------------------------------------------------------259-2704
Newcomer Orientation
Program & Activities
Doug Tharp . ........................................................................................... 750-1760
Roger Kass . ............................................................................................ 259-7174
Voice Editorial Staff
Marty Wilber, Managing Editor............................................................... 751-5048
Safety Clinic
Joy Tolan, Chairman................................................................................ 750-5368
Tom Tolan................................................................................................ 750-5368
Bob Fountain.......................................................................................... 750-0677
Faye Fountain.......................................................................................... 750-0677
Chuck Wildzunas..................................................................................... 753-3703
Health Insurance Assistance
Harold Barnes......................................................................................... 753-8810
Helping Hands
Bill Dyer, Chairman.................................................................................. 751-1192
Belle Aire, Steve Pryor............................................................................. 751-1287
Briar Meadow North, Jim Stone.............................................................. 753-7163
DeLeon Villas, Judy Trongon.................................................................... 750-0954
East Side, John Kelly................................................................................ 391-5736
Glenbrook, Al Ely..................................................................................... 259-3944
Polo Ridge, John Sullivan........................................................................ 750-6175
San Antonio, Hugh & Donna Gracey........................................................ 750-9192
Santiago, Ken Mathieu............................................................................ 259-2704
Summerhill, Ron Kershner...................................................................... 753-9629
Valle Verde, Marty Dubbs........................................................................ 751-0600
Waverly Villas, Connie Connor................................................................. 259-5201
CERT & Emergency Shelter
Charles Miner.......................................................................................... 750-2426
Sunshine Committee
M. J. Doherty, Co-Chairman.................................................................... 753-7239
Gail Burgess, Co-Chairman ..................................................................... 750-1371
Web Site
Ray Glessner............................................................................................ 751-0701
Partners Program
Mary Nowak, [email protected].............................................. 750-5313
Seniors vs. Crime Liaison
Joyce Fisher ............................................................................................ 750-2491
Military Affairs
Sterling Wood......................................................................................... 259-5507
Law Enforcement
Sterling Wood......................................................................................... 259-5507
A message from the President of the VHA
A
TV crew from WPBT/Channel 2, the PBS Miami affiliate, is working on an 18-month project documenting urban sprawl throughout Florida with a working title “Lost in Suburbia”. WPBT’s thesis
is that these hundreds of beautiful developments popping up all over
the state offer luxury accommodations and amenities, but very little
to bring their new residents together into a lifestyle they might enjoy
into their golden years.
The Villages was toward the end of WPBT’s
long list of developments. So they had pretty much
confirmed their initial hypothesis that all of us old
folks were indeed lost in suburbia. However, an
afternoon visiting a typical village neighborhood
in The Villages last week, viewing activities at a
regional recreation center, walking around Sumter
Landing on vendor night, while golf-carting between
these various filming sites, they will probably have to
make The Villages the antithesis of their theme.
On this typical weekday afternoon, Villagers
were just finished with morning golf, softball and
pickleball, getting together for afternoon mah
jongg, band practice and bowling, and headed for
dining, bowling, vendor night and dancing to live
entertainment on the Square. The typical afternoon in
the regional recreation center had a parapsychology
class, poker, and exercise sessions in progress, with
pickleball practice winding down, shuffleboard
and water volleyball just ending, and set up for a
senatorial candidate presentation in the theater. The
Lifelong Learning College was signing up students
Neighbor to Neighbor continued from page assistance in day-to-day needs as well as during
a disaster seeking quickly the help of emergency
services. For questions about Medicare, Janet Blum
and Kevin Donahur of Senior Solutions provided
assistance and directives helping to remedy issues
between the patient and the insurance companies.
Our appreciation is extended to Marlene O’Toole,
District 42 House of Representatives, Janet Tutt, The
Villages District Manager; Rick Lambrecht, District 4
and Amenity Authority Committee member; and the
office of Mike Tucker, Community Watch, for being
supportive of the community in answering concerns
from Villagers.
Carolyn Willette, community services chairman,
and Hermann Weiss, past interim president, of
the Rotary Club of the Lady Lake Area, and as
facilitators for the EXPO, expressed confidence the
Rotary Club of Lady Lake would be most interested
in co-hosting future gatherings along with Barb
Fielitz, VHA rep for District 4, and VHA rep Joy
Anderson of Lake County VHA, members of the
Council. The Rotary motto is “Service Above Self.
“This type of local service in the community, working
jointly with the Neighbor to Neighbor Resident
Council, is a wonderful opportunity for our club, the
VCCD, and organizations in the state to help seek
solutions for Village Seniors.
A contact number for senior services is now on the
VCDD magnet - Neighbor to Neighbor Elder Hotline
800-96-5337.
Carolyn Willette 352-408-4309
for Fall classes and several
individuals were taking
advantage of the recreation
center’s free WIFI service.
Sumter Landing was filled
with shoppers and diners.
Vendors were busy with
browsers and buyers. The
square seats were filled and
the line dancers were enjoying the band’s oldies
but goodies. The film crew enjoyed dining and the
producer picked up a Welcome Package from the
Sales Center, commenting that his wife just might
like to take a good look at this. Maybe WPBT’s
project should be renamed to “Lost in Suburbia, and
Found in The Villages”.
WPBT’s visit points out some of the things that
we Villagers might be taking for granted, but that
really make a big contrast between The Villages and
a typical resort/retirement community in Florida.
We’re highlighting some of these features in the
design of The Villages in this issue of The Voice.
If you wish to support your VHA’s mission of
preserving the value of our homes and enhancing The
Villages’ lifestyle, you are invited to join us today.
An application form is available in The Voice and on
our Website www.theVHA.net.
Don Hahnfeldt, President of VHA
October Meetings Notice
AAC Meeting
Wednesday, October 7, 1:30 p.m.
Savannah Center, Ashley Wilkes Room
Districts 1-4
Friday, October 9
District 1 - 8:00 a.m.; District 2 - 9:30 a.m.
District 3 - 11:00 a.m.; District 4 - 1:30 P.M
Sumter Landing District Office
1894 Laurel Manor Drive
Newcomer Orientation
Tuesday, October 13, 7:00 p.m.
Canal Street Recreation Center
VCCDD and SLCDD
Thursday, October 15
VCCDD 8:00 a.m.; SLCDD 9:30 a.m.
Districts 5-10
Friday, October 16
District 5 - 8:00 a.m.; District 6 - 9:30 a.m.
District 7 - 11:00 a.m.; District 8 - 1:00 p.m.
Golf Cart Safety Clinic
Wednesday, October 21, 10:00 a.m.
Savannah Recreation Center
The Villages Homeowners Association Voice, October 2009, Page C
Secrets of The Villages revealed… daily
olonel Sanders eleven herbs and spices secret recipe is locked
securely in a safe in Louisville, Kentucky. The Villages’ recipe is
advertised nationally and on display locally every day. The big
difference between these two big secrets is that the Colonel’s chicken
can be closely duplicated, and The Villages seems to be without peer.
So what are the secret ingredients of The Villages?
Start with a vision: Build a hometown where your
dreams come true. Entice retirees to share the vision
with the notion of living like a millionaire through
The Villages’ Buzz
Golf Cart Speeders
The maximum speed limit for golf carts in 20
mph on Florida roadways. Only registered, licensed
and insured, low speed vehicles are authorized to
travel over 20 mph. LSV’s must also meet other
requirements like solid windshield, seat belts and
wipers, like an automobile. Fines are high for golf
cart speeders and other fines, penalties and points
may also apply.
Hurricances (where are you?)
We are way below the predicted numbers of named
storms and major hurricanes of most predictors.
Keep those hurricane checklists and kits handy
though, since the hurricane season runs to the end of
November.
Scam (Weather or Not) Alert
Make sure you know what you’re getting when
you buy the emergency radio. Some advertising is
falsely claiming NOAA alerts for radio that don’t
included NOAA transmission frequencies.
Rain, Rain, Go Away
St. John’s and Southwest Florida Water
Management District says that we’re getting caught
up from the four-year drought. But we’re not quite
there yet. So don’t put your umbrellas away while
SWFWMD’s board of governors is still doing a rain
dance.
The Snowbirds Are Coming, The Snowbirds Are
Coming
Be prepared for some longer waits while the
new restaurants get checked out by our returning
Villagers. They’ll be enjoying the recreation facilities
and golf courses too, so your waits and tee times may
also see some delays. Be especially courteous on the
roads, cart paths – and the dreaded roundabouts.
Don’t Tax Me Bro’
Sumter County Commissioners approved a budget
to set property taxes at the “roll back” rate. This is
the FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR Sumter County
has held our taxes at the roll back rate or below,
while improving services to the county! The Sumter
County School Board set our school taxes just below
the roll back rate also! Thanks Sumter County
officials.
their golden years on their pensions. Then make
it come true. Sounds good so far, but what are the
hard ingredients that you can bite into? The main
ingredients can be boiled down to four – the village
concept, infrastructure, staff, and media.
The Villages currently consists of 32 villages (and
many more neighborhoods), lending itself to the
quaintness of a village. As The Villages grows, the
amenities and services have grown proportionately
(pools, holes of golf, tennis and pickleball courts,
etc.) and communities within The Villages have been
socially developing naturally through groups within
and among villages.
The infrastructure is the second main ingredient.
Residents are free to pursue individual interests,
community activities, or organized sports – all
conveniently accessible by golf cart on the network
of streets, cart paths and tunnels connecting residents
to all aspects and venues with The Villages. The
pleasing architecture and landscaping of The Villages
extends from residents’ homes to the town centers
and commercial areas, to the recreation centers and
ball fields. Residents can participate in the many
sports or activities, watch an outdoor polo match or
indoor theater production. There are currently 32
recreation centers, 7 regional recreation centers, 52
swimming pools, 9 country clubs, 459 holes of golf,
89 pickleball courts, 9 softball fields, over 70 miles of
cart paths, and much more.
The next main ingredient is the staff. The
recreation staff of about two dozen full time
employees and 300 part timers (and over 1000
volunteers) organizes and coordinates the various
clubs and activities that the residents enjoy every day.
There are currently over 1500 clubs and activities
being managed by the Recreation Department, with
several more added every week! The Recreation
News is published weekly complete with indoor and
outdoor activities, all club schedules and invitations
!! IMPORTANT NOTICE !!
The District #4 Multi-Modal Path Workshop has been changed to Monday,
October 19 at 2 p.m. The workshop will
still be held at the Savannah Regional
Recreation Center in the Ashley-Wilkes
Room. All other previously scheduled
workshops remain unchanged. The following is a complete listing of all of the
scheduled workshops.
and surveys to new ones. The scope of the program
is almost incomprehensible for a non-Villager. For
example, if you want to pursue your interest in
art, you have to choose among oil paint, acrylics,
watercolor, charcoal, sculpture, clay, ceramics, and
more. There are as many or more choices in varieties
of music, exercise and dance. There are even very
specialized activities … pine needle basket weaving
anyone? Meeting rooms in the recreation centers
are required for most of the 1500+ activities, which
still have room to accommodate many special event
rentals, entertainment department programs, and
Lifelong Learning College courses.
The activities range in size to less than a dozen
members to hundreds. Some of the sports programs
are the largest in the entire United States. The
Villages is the largest golf community in the world,
and golf is not even the number one sport here.
Bowling is generally accepted to be the biggest sport,
with golf, pickleball and softball following in some
order. The softball program is probably the largest
in the United States, playing year round, on nine ball
fields.
The next ingredient is the media, which serves its
traditional function, as well as, our fourth ingredient
to celebrate the Lifestyle we’ve been enjoying.
WVLG radio, VNN television, and The Villages
Daily Sun feature residents every day in the news,
sports, and just plain enjoying themselves in The
Villages. From Villager of the Day, to proud Mom or
Grandfather, to a first 300 in bowling, residents are
celebrated in the news. Neighborhoods are featured
in The Mix weekly, and residents’ activities are
highlighted in the monthly magazine and V-Mails.
Finally, invite a few more friends from back home
to enhance The Villages’ recipe and add a pinch of
your own warmth to The Villages’ famous hospitality.
The chicken is really good, Colonel, but the best
secrets are the ones you can share.
VCCDD #1
October 14, 2009 at 10:00 am
Savannah Regional Recreation Center
VCCDD #2
October 14, 2009 at 1:00 pm
VCCDD #3
October 19, 2009 at 10:00 am
Amenity Authority Committee (AAC) for VCCDD #4
Lady Lake/Lake County
Page , October 2009, The Villages Homeowners Association Voice
Sumter County vote
notes
I
s anyone thinking about next
year’s elections yet? Just in
case you haven’t given them a
thought yet I want to remind you
of a few things that you can do
now.
For instance, did you
know that you do not have to wait until next year to
request an absentee ballot to be sent to you? Florida
Law changed a few years ago where you do not
need a specific reason to receive one. Now you can
request an absentee ballot just because you would like
to take your time and fill it out in the convenience
of your home. It’s as simple as calling our office,
stopping by one of our 3 offices (Village Annex,
Wildwood Shopping Center or Bushnell Office) or go
to our website at #. Fill it out, print it and mail it in to
us (we must have hard copy with original signature).
It’s very easy and it will be on file for next year so all
you need to do is look for it in the mail.
Now would be a good time also to register or make
any changes to your voter registration information.
Have you moved and need to update your address?
Your new address may have put you into another
precinct at a new voting location. Have you recently
married and need to change to your new name? Or
maybe something has happened and you need to
update your signature. Remember that your signature
is very important when voting an absentee ballot.
The signature on the back of the voted absentee ballot
envelope must match the signature that we have on
file for you. And every signature on the absentee
ballot envelope is verified before it is opened and
counted. Also please note that someone else cannot
sign for you even if it’s your spouse or family
member, it must be your signature. Florida does not
accept signatures by a power of attorney or signatures
by someone else for you that have been notarized.
We do except “marks” and “X’s” for your signature if
on file.
Now, I would like to invite you to the Bushnell
Fall Festival on October 17th located in downtown
Bushnell. Please stop by our booth so we can
take care of any changes in your voter registration
information.
QUOTE FOR THE MONTH:
Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie.
William Shakespeare (All’s Well That Ends Well)
Karen S. Krauss, Supervisor of Elections
Sumter County, FL
900 N. Main St.
Bushnell, FL 33513
352-793-0230 or
352-753-1099 (Village Annex)
SECO Trustee report
September 2009
I
have been told that it is always good to start out with the good
news, so I will.
Monday the Board of Trustees authorized $1.4
million to be returned to SECO members.
Your amount will show up in your November bill
and will be dependent on how much you pay and how
long you have been a member. Obviously for most of
us, it will not be a huge amount, but since members
are the “stockholders” the dividends go back to you
rather than some stranger who owns stock.
In the not so good news, the minimum monthly
charge will increase in October by $3 a month. If you
read the papers you will note that this is considerably
less that the increased rates being sought by investor
owned companies. One of the reasons for the increase
is the bad economy, which has decreased new
connections while costs have risen. In addition the
bad market has caused loss of homes and businesses
and the courts when allocating funds normally leave
very little or nothing for utilities. Consequently,
SECO has had to write off considerable funds
($82,000 on average for each of the last 18 months).
The increase will also be used to pay down debt and
reduce credit usage for capital projects.
However, the above is miniscule compared to what
will occur if the Cap and Trade Bill (Carbon Tax) that
passed the House should pass the Senate. If it passes,
it will increase electricity costs by an estimated $50
a month on residential property here and even more
for businesses. It particularly hits Florida hard as
it in effect taxes carbon emissions. Florida has no
natural resources of its own – particularly since off
shore drilling is prohibited. Most of the electricity
in Florida comes from coal-fired plants that will be
particularly subjected to the tax. People in states with
hydropower will have no problems in that area. They
will in other areas as it is estimated that gasoline
prices will increase by 58%. It will increase costs
dramatically on products made in the US which
means jobs (2 million) will be lost to other countries.
India and China have said that they will not match
US environmental goals so guess where jobs will end
up? Perhaps to sum it up, a study by MIT indicates
that the bill will cost the average American $3900 a
year.
Another kindly note in the above act provides that
all states must adopt the California Building Code.
This applies not only to new housing, but if you go to
EDITORS NOTE
Just a reminder to all of you who have a social club, if you
have an event and capture pictures of your friends and neighbors having fun, please submit them to me at mbwilber48@
yahoo.com for consideration in our next Villages Voice.
Remember please, that there is no guarantee that these
pictures will be included, but I will do my best.
Marty Wilber, Villages Voice Editor
(352) 430-9048 Cell
(352) 751-5048 Home
sell your existing home, inspectors will come and tell
you what you have to do to bring your house up to
the new standard. That also applies if you add on to
your home. It can even be invoked if you change the
name on your account. Green is good, but is it that
good? You may want to talk to your Senators about
this – particularly Senator Nelson who has indicated
that he is for the bill. I know nothing about our new
Senator who was just appointed by the Governor, but
it would be appropriate to give him your opinion.
Some of you may have received a flyer from
“Federal Energy Savings”. It talks about a Federal
Act and how you can save between 33-51% on your
electric bill. Essentially it involves the sale of an
$8000 solar water heater. If you want to buy one that
is up to you, but some of the salesmen have indicated
SECO endorsed this product. That is not true. In
addition, it should be understood that SECO does not
give a credit for installing a solar hot water heater.
I hope that you all have a good Labor Day
weekend! Enjoy yourselves!
Barry R. Evans
SECO Trustee
District 3.
August 2009
Financial Report
Ray Glessner, Treasurer
VHA - General Operations
Starting Balance $31,290.34
Income:
Dues Received $1,704.00
Other Income $2.07
Total Income $1,706.07
Expenses:
Hospitality $224.12
Office Expense $583.72
Printing & Distribution $1,905.76
Public Relations $50.00
Services $225.00
Total Expenses $2,988.60
Ending Balance $30,007.81
VHA - Charitable Foundation
Starting Balance Income:
Total Income Expenses:
Total Expenses $0.00
Ending Balance $5,965.38
$0.00
$5,965.38
The Villages Homeowners Association Voice, October 2009, Page Lake County Region
Joy Anderson, Director, 408-5387
Fifteen representatives and five Lake County
Members were the grateful guests of Sumter North
regions #1, #2, #3 on September 10, 2009. John
Land and his great board were wonderful hosts to a
delightful meeting. Carl Bell, the Vice Chairmen of
the A.A.C. brought us up to date on the Dog Park,
the Golf Management System, and the Guest ID
Policy. He explained the new traffic test at the Belle
Aire gate, called the “loop.” The “loop” will open
and close every three seconds and will be use in
conjunction with a high-speed camera. The AAC will
also be working on new ID cards that are difficult to
duplicate.
Janet Tutt, our district manager, was the main
speaker. She explained her desire was that every
Villager have a basic understanding of their
government. She is hopeful that the new six-week
Resident Academy course that is being offered will
accomplish that goal. Than Janet took us through a
power point program explaining Chapter 190, the
statute that shows how our Community Development
District is formed, it duties and restrictions. There are
120 full time employees and 600 part time employees
that ably manage our 36 square miles of our
wonderful community called the Villages. Then we
greeted our neighbors over coffee and cookies. All
had a great time.
Set aside Thursday, October 15, for our next Lake
County Representatives meeting. We will be
welcoming five new representatives to our group. We
have many topics to cover. They include the impact
of the new signs on the Del Mar gate area, up date on
the Life Long Learning Collage, new fishing policy,
and the multi-modal Golf cart paths in Lake County.
Please bring a copy of your deed restrictions. They
will vary from village to village. A lot to cover and
we need input from everyone,
Sumter North Region
John Land, Director, 751-2535
Fred Dowling, Vice Chairperson (Region 1), 350-6123
Don Simson,Vice Chairperson (Region 2), 259-2338
Geoff Langdon, Vice Chairperson (Old Region 3), 259-1037
Secretary, Jane Bakalis, 259-7369
In the “Land of the Little Wheels” the fall season
has arrived and with that comes lower temperatures
and our Snowbirds start to come back to the
Villages. I always feel this is a great time of the year,
Thanksgiving is getting closer and then we have the
Christmas season, what a wonderful time to be here
in the Villages. So much to do and even in retirement
cannot find enough time to do all we want to do.
Our September General Meeting was a great
success, with good attendance and two fine
speakers. Janet Tutt our District Manager was the
keynote speaker and with the aid of a power-point
presentation gave a detailed explanation of how all
the various CDDs work together to make the Villages
News from VHA Regions
so great. Carl Bell the Vice Chair of the AAC brought
us up to date with the various issues being addressed
by the AAC. I can also report the Sumter North
Board members all appeared with black bowler hats
and small black moustaches, our meeting was in the
Charlie Chaplin Room at the Paradise Rec Center,
hence the look alike program!
We can now look forward to our next meeting on
November 12 our speakers will be VHA President
Don Hahndfeldt, a representative from the Golf
Administration and Carl Bell. The meeting will
probably be in the Charlie Chaplin Room, but there is
a slight chance we could be back in the La Hacienda
Rec Center we will keep you posted on this.
At our Annual General Meeting in February 2010
we will be looking to elect 2 new members to our
Board, these will be to fill the positions of Secretary
and that of Chairperson. To facilitate these changes
we have in place a Nominating Committee that at our
November meeting will present a slate of candidates
for these vacant positions. These will be voted on
at our February meeting, if any of our members are
interested in these positions please contact one of our
Board Members.
Region 4
Art Rowe, Director, 205-7661
Barbara Fielitz, Vice Chairperson, 751-2626
Herb Gantz, Secretary, 751-3976
The VHA Region 4 quarterly meeting was
held on Thursday, September 24th. The notes
from that meeting were distributed by email to all
Neighborhood Representatives and are available on
the VHA website at www.theVHA.net.
The VHA quarterly General Meeting will be held
on Wednesday, October 14th at the Lake Miona
Recreation Center at 7 PM. This will be a Medical
Benefits Forum and will be very interesting and
timely.
Take time to read this entire issue of the Villages
Voice. Many innovative changes have been made to
the format and presentation which makes it easier to
read and more responsive to the community.
If you are unfamiliar with the form of government
we have in The Villages, there is a Community
Development District “school” weekly on Thursdays
(10 AM to noon) at the District offices at 3201
Wedgewood Lane. These are informative sessions
and an annual refresher attendance is a good idea.
I receive many calls about common area items that
need repair or attention. Don’t forget you can call
the Villages Customer Service Office at 753-4508
directly. My experience is they are very helpful and
the response is excellent.
As your VHA representatives, we are always
mindful of the VHA mission to preserve and enhance
the values of our lifestyles and homes. If you are
not a VHA member or your membership has lapsed,
please join. Be part of a positive, community-oriented
group.
Regions 6 & 7
Russ D’Emidio, Chairperson, 750-4486
Laurie Cooper, Vice Chairperson Region 6, 750-9566
Charles Wright, Vice Chairperson Region 7, 205-8072
Ron McMahon, Secretary, 205-4647
Our highlight for the month was our Regional
General Meeting on September 21. Our guest
speaker was Captain Gail Lazenby of the Villages
Department of Public Safety who provided an update
on the transformation of Community Watch. Under
the leadership of Mike Tucker, the Villages Public
Safety Director, Community Watch is moving toward
a more proactive, customer-oriented, disciplined,
consistent and factual based organizational model.
Their new mission statement is “To provide a
safe community for Village residents by keeping
a watchful eye around the clock.” Neighborhood
patrols are expected to help individuals who they
encounter that need assistance. If it is something
beyond their control, they should maintain a physical
presence until the appropriate authority arrives.
Below are some of the items they have recently
undertaken:
• Instituted patrols on foot particularly surrounding
town squares
• Trucks have been repainted with recognizable
Community Watch logo
• Community Watch personnel wear identifiable
shirts and jackets
• Patrol trucks now have direct radio communications
with sheriff and police departments. They no
longer have to go through an intermediary dispatch
center. Remember, however, that Community Watch
personnel do not have law enforcement rights.
Some of the improvements that are in the
planning and analysis phase:
• Providing consistency and improvements in gate
operations including upgrading technology for
cameras, possible self-serve kiosks at gate entry to
obtain information. Note that the Amenity Authority
Committee is looking at different procedural options
for opening and closure of gates and residents are
encouraged to attend their meetings.
• Changing the image of Community Watch and
better publicizing what they do. For example their
Adult Watch Program is a great benefit but only a few
take advantage of it.
For more information go to thevha.net.
Also at the meeting, Chairperson Russ D’Emidio
introduced the attendees to the new VHA Web site
and explained the wealth of information it contains.
Residents are encouraged to register so they can
obtain information about their specific region at
thevha.net. It will be a valuable way to communicate
with residents and non-residents, giving them access
to the facts and important issues.
Regretfully, two representatives announced their
resignations this month: Charles Wright, Vice
Chairperson Region 7, and Janet Koptis in Holly Hill
Villas. We would like to thank them for their insight
Regions 6 & 7 continued on page Page , October 2009, The Villages Homeowners Association Voice
Ask the Chief- Defining “burglary”
S
ay the word “burglary” to most
people, and they will immediately
imagine a pried window, an image of a burglar sneaking through their
home while they sleep, stealing jewelry,
maybe electronics and other valuables and
treasured items. This image invokes fear
and revulsion and has led to a prevalence of home alarm systems and
heightened security awareness.
According to the Florida State Statues 810.02
Burglary means entering or remaining in a dwelling,
a structure, or a conveyance with the intent to commit
an offense therein and is a felony.
Like wise, according to the Florida State Statues
810.11 under definitions--As used in this chapter:
(1) “Structure” means a building of any kind,
either temporary or permanent, which has a roof
over it, together with the curtilage thereof. However,
during the time of a state of emergency declared by
executive order or proclamation of the Governor
under chapter 252 and within the area covered
by such executive order or proclamation and for
purposes of ss. 810.02 and 810.08 only, the term
means a building of any kind or such portions
or remnants thereof as exist at the original site,
regardless of absence of a wall or roof.
(2) “Dwelling” means a building or conveyance of
any kind, including any attached porch, whether such
building or conveyance is temporary or permanent,
mobile or immobile, which has a roof over it and is
designed to be occupied by people lodging therein at
night, together with the curtilage thereof. However,
includes such portions or remnants thereof as exist
at the original site, regardless of absence of a wall or
roof.
(3) “Conveyance” means any motor vehicle, ship,
vessel, railroad vehicle or car, trailer, aircraft, or
sleeping car; and “to enter a conveyance” includes
taking apart any portion of the conveyance. However,
“conveyance” means a motor vehicle, ship, vessel,
railroad vehicle or car, trailer, aircraft, or sleeping car
or such portions thereof as exist.
While residential burglaries are a problem, and
security precautions are good, another target exists
for criminals and that is vehicles!
Vehicle burglaries are increasingly common
and very costly affairs. Many people do not quite
realize the ease for a criminal to steal in-dash stereo
equipment, GPS systems, petit cash funds, credit
cards, cell phones, wallets purses and other valuables
that are left unattended and unsecured in your
vehicle. While a home burglary may take anywhere
from 5 minutes to several hours, the average vehicle
burglary is much quicker. There is far less area to
search and valuable components are almost always in
the same general areas.
Even better for burglars are two simple facts:
they can inspect their entire target from the outside
before striking, and many cars are left unlocked.
With dozens of area wide vehicle burglaries in the
last couple of months, the vast majority has been
to vehicles left wide open. No alarm set, no doors
Crunching the Numbers on Overcrowding
T
wo focus groups and many workshops and meetings over the
last five years have struggled with The Villages’ Guest ID policy to
preserve our amenities and protect against their abuse. Recently
strict penalties have been established for violators of the current Guest
ID policy and additional limitations on the program remain under consideration. The principal issue seems to center on the overcrowding of
swimming pools, particularly pools North of CR466.
So let’s look at the numbers. First, there are fewer
pools North of CR466 than South. There are 15 pools
North (4 family, 8 neighborhood and 3 sport pools)
and 37 South (12 family, 22 neighborhood and 3
sport pools). This is a total of 52 swimming pools,
plus another 8 country club pools. Secondly, there
are 21,783 homes North of CR466 (est. population
41,889) and 17,045 homes South of CR466 (est.
population 33,355). Third, for the year ending June
30, 2009, there were 184,496 guest pass ID’s issued
(48% issued to residents North of CR466), and of the
total guest ID’s, 3012 were In-Area Guest ID passes
(01.6%).
Much debate has been over In-Area Guest ID
passes, which are limited to certain family members,
who must be accompanied by the sponsoring
resident to amenity facilities. Over one million
scans of Residents and Guest ID’s at amenities were
conducted in the twelve months ending June 30,
2009, which registered 0.09% as In-Area Guests
(92.2% residents and 07.7% Out-of-Area Guests).
How does all this translate into crowding at our
pools? Overcrowding is generally defined as the
number of swimmers exceeding the total number
of deck and lounge chairs available at a swimming
pool. Data has been tracked starting in May 2009
and through the summer to gather this information.
During this tracking period, one pool (El Santiago)
had swimmers exceed the number of chairs available
on four separate occasions, but no one was turned
away.
The Guest ID Policy is available on the District
Government website (www.districtgov.org). The
complete data and history of The Guest ID Policy,
which was prepared by the District Government staff
for the Amenities Authority Committee, is available
in the AAC section of this site.
locked, sometimes windows left cracked or down
which all provide the ability for the burglar to take
advantage of that opportunity.
Recently, we have taught several criminals an
interesting lesson in which they learned the hard way
(by being arrested) that there is no difference between
the burglary of an unoccupied residence and that of
an unoccupied vehicle. They are both felonies and
carry the same penalties.
The after affects of a vehicular burglary are
devastating for many victims. Beyond the material
loss is the sense of violation, anger, and frustration.
Protect yourselves and your hard-earned assets from
casual, lazy thieves. LOCK your vehicle doors and
if you have a vehicle alarm, set it. Park in a well lit
areas and hide your valuables out of plain site.
Don’t make the criminals life easier while they try
to ruin yours.
Always remember that together we can make a
positive difference!
Until next time - let’s be safe out there!
Chief Ed Nathanson
Lady Lake Police Department
423 Fennell Blvd.
Lady Lake, Florida 32159
(352)751-1560
(352)751-1566 Fax
[email protected]
Please note: Under Florida law (Florida State
Statute 668.6076 - effective 07-01-06), e-mail
addresses are public records. If you do not want
your e-mail address released in response to a publicrecords request, do not send electronic mail to this
entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in
writing.
Regions 6 &7 continued from page and participation and wish them much success in
their other activities.
We as your VHA representatives continue to be
committed to preserve and enhance the value of
your lifestyle and homes – we are your advocate.
Remember, you can find your VHA rep’s contact
information on your local postal facility bulletin
board along with events in your neighborhood. There
are still neighborhoods in need of reps – check pages
14-15 in this issue. If you are interested in joining
this hard-working group and be of assistance to your
community, contact Russ D’Emidio, chairperson
Regions 6 and 7.
All VHA officers and directors are unpaid
volunteer residents of The Villages.
A VHA membership application is in this
issue of The Voice, and available on the
VHA website: www.thevha.net
The Villages Homeowners Association Voice, October 2009, Page October irrigation information
A
utumn is a wonderful time of year in Florida, some say the best.
The weather starts to get cooler and spending time outdoors
becomes much more pleasant. Autumn is also the time of year
when the frequency of afternoon thunderstorms diminishes, and lawn
and landscapes will probably begin to need supplemental irrigation.
There are important guidelines to remember regarding when and how
to irrigate. Following the guidelines will help develop a more droughttolerant and healthy lawn and landscape.
• Don’t irrigate just because it is your scheduled
day. Irrigation systems should only be operated
when the lawn begins to show signs of stress. This will encourage deeper root growth, which will
help to develop more drought-tolerant lawns and
landscaping. It will also save water, which protects our water resources and provides savings on
water bills. Signs of stress, include:
— lingering footprints or mower tracks
— grass blades or leaf blades closing lengthwise
— the top few inches of soil feeling dry
• The amount of irrigation varies depending on
the time of year, rainfall and soil conditions. Please
refer to the WaterWise Irrigation Guide below for
guidelines to follow.
• Evaporation loss can be 60 percent or higher
during the day, so watering must be done before 8
a.m. or after 6 p.m. on your scheduled day, to comply
with the current restrictions put in place by the water
management district.
• Lawns will generally need water before
landscape plants (excluding flowers).
Therefore, if the lawn is being
irrigated when it shows signs of
stress, the landscape plants will be
adequately irrigated.
• Flower beds should be hand
watered with a hose using an
automatic shut off nozzle. Also, if the
lawn has dry spots, use a hose with
an automatic shutoff nozzle to apply
water where it’s needed, instead of
watering the entire lawn.
For more tips and information,
please visit the Water Wisdom
Website at: thevillageswaterwisdom.
com/
The Villages Penny Pincher – Saving on auto insurance
I
f you are driving in Florida you need auto insurance. But some of
us with the same driving history and insurance coverage are paying
very different rates. Progressive Insurance says high to low premiums for the same driver can be a $586 difference – for six months!
Here are a few suggestions that could save you a bundle.
Shop Around. Compare in-house insurers,
company agents, and, independent brokers. Each
has advantages. But for best comparison, make sure
you compare the same services and limits for a true
comparison. Caution: Don’t let price alone be a
selection criteria over the service and reputation of
the company.
Get All Available Discounts:
They are many and varied including:
• Combination Discounts - You can often knock
off 10% to 20% from your premiums if you insure
both your home and your car with the same company,
or by insuring more than one car with the same
company.
• Defensive-Driving Classes - This can often merit
a 10% discount on premiums.
• Retirement and low mileage Discounts - Be sure
to let your insurer know when you retire, particularly
if you retire at a relatively young age.
• Association & Group Discounts may be available
for affiliation with all sorts of associations: your alma
mater, a military group, a professional organization or
employer, to name a few.
• Safety Discounts - Drivers must be rewarded for
having safety features on their car, such as antilock
brakes, airbags and automatic seat belts, as well as
antitheft devices.
• Loyalty Discounts - Stick with the same
company for more than one year, and you could earn
a break of 10% or more on your premiums
• Increase Your Deductible - It applies to your
collision and comprehensive coverage (not your
liability) and is the insurance that specifically covers
your car. In general, increasing your deductible from
$200 to $500 could reduce your premium by 15% to
30%.
• Drop Some Coverage. If you have an older
car, you may want to consider dropping collision
and comprehensive coverage altogether. Collision
and comprehensive can account for 40% or more of
the cost of your premium and covers only the car’s
replacement value.
• Clean Up Your Credit Report - Like it or not,
your credit report can affect whether a company is
willing to insure you — and at what rate. Somebody
who is extremely poor in their payment habits could
pay 30% to 40% more than someone without those
problems.
• Get (Keep) the Right Car - If you’re in the
market for a new car or selling your second car, keep
in mind those with the highest theft rates and repair
costs will cost more to insure. So if you’re debating
between two models, it may be worthwhile to give
your insurance agent a call to see if there is a notable
difference in the insurance costs.
Florida
Sheriffs Youth
Ranches
T
he children at the Florida Sheriffs
Youth Ranches have begun a new
school year. Students are settling
down into their routines of school, after school activities, work and
home responsibilities.
At the Youth Ranches, we try to give our kids all
the opportunities other children have. Our boys and
girls attend academic classes and vocational training.
They have after school jobs either on campus or in
their local communities. When there’s time, many of
our kids participate in after school sports, music or
other activities. They also have daily chores to do in
their own cottages.
Their days are very structured, but staying busy
keeps kids focused. We all know that too much
idle time can lead to bad behavior and troublesome
activities. Thanks to our donors, the Youth Ranches
can provide this structure through a stable home
and caring staff. We can offer boys and girls the
encouragement and stability to help them make the
right choices in life.
You can help us provide for the children in our
care. Please enable us keep our kids on the right track
by making a generous donation. If you would like
more information, please contact Frank Kenny, Donor
Relations Officer at 1-800-765-3797.
• Finally, consult with you current insurance
company and let them know that you’ve been
shopping. The agent should be an expert in discounts
available and how else you might save by staying
with your current policy. How about that loyalty discount?
The Villages by the Numbers
Answers on page 10
1. How many softball seasons and
leagues are in The Villages?
2. How many softball teams are in The
Villages?
3. How many softball games were
played last year in The Villages?
4. How many full time Recreation Department staff run The Villages softball
program?
The Villages Homeowners Association Voice, October 2009, Page Page , October 2009, The Villages Homeowners Association Voice
Responsible Dog Owners Group (RDOG) leads
the way to opening Mulberry Dog Park
About 100 RDOG members and a dozen vendors
celebrated the approval of a Dog Park in The
Villages, North of CR466, at the club’s September
meeting in the Mulberry Recreation Center. President
Karen Tynes gave a power point summary of the
clubs development and successes through its 18month history.
RDOG’s primary objective was to establish a dog
park for residents in the Mulberry/Springdale region
with reasonable accommodations for the dogs and
their owners. Karen Tynes detailed the list of parties
involved along the way, each with an issue to be
resolved. RDOG’s cooperation and determination
resulted in all parties being satisfied and supportive,
including SECO, The Villages, The Villages District
Government, the Amenities Authority Committee,
and neighbors.
The new park, called The Mulberry Dog Park, will
be built in Marion County, adjacent the walking trail
and Lopez golf course. The one-acre park will have
separate large and small dog sections and cost about
D
$26,000. The park will be shielded from nearby
residences with landscaping and a bam booed, fivefoot fence. The budget is released this week, which
will support a grand opening of the Mulberry Dog
Park in mid-November.
RDOG has become active in the community
supporting the Marion County Humane Society
and Thrift Shop. Members participate in the dog
R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) and
participate in the READ program for kids at The
Villages’ library. Members also have teamed with
the Dynamic Dog club to train owner and therapy
dog teams. There are currently about a dozen teams
providing dog therapy services in local care and
treatment facilities, with another dozen or more teams
in training to support additional demand.
RDOG also established a Pet Finder service, which
may be linked through the DistrictGov.com website.
Pet Finders has reunited many owners and pet
already. With their membership building along with
their successes, they’ve inspired RDOG II to organize
Karen Tynes reviews the Mulberry Dog Park plans with Italian greyhound rescue
dog owner Stephen Schlapak of the Village of Woodbury.
south of CR466, with a goal of building another dog
park for the benefit of dogs and owners further south.
The Villages softball program is Tops in the US
oug Woessner and Gary Hecht are typical softball players in The
Villages program. They moved to The Villages after visiting on
the recommendation of friends and relatives. Doug moved here
six years ago by way of Queens, New York and North Carolina. Gary is
a Cardinal fan from St. Louis, who moved to The Villages two years ago.
Both men started getting active in the various programs and activities,
but were drawn to the team competition of softball that they had enjoyed about 35 years earlier.
There are no pickup games or walk-ons in The
Villages softball program. Each prospective player
undergoes three rigorous performance evaluations
to determine his or her competitive skill level. Both
Doug and Gary are in Division (level) 3, the largest
grouping of the five skill levels. Doug says that
levels one and two are very competitive and are
comprised mostly of the young players (in their
fifties). The program is growing along with The
Villages and about 400 new players are evaluated
each year by the couple dozen volunteer evaluators.
New players account for the addition of about eleven
more teams playing each year.
The only age-group play involved is generally in
tournament softball, such as the Senior Games. In
addition to playing within a competitive skill level,
players also select to play in recreation, neighborhood
or traveling leagues. There are 16 different leagues,
each playing through the three softball seasons.
Neighborhood and traveling teams play 12 to 14
games per season, while the recreation teams play 24
to 28 games.
Gary is still a first-year player, settling into the
routine of practice and competitive play that goes
year-round through three softball seasons. Gary
plays for the Steelers. He is one of over 2400 players
playing this season. Doug plays for the Colts and has
been playing longer. He pulls additional volunteer
assignments umpiring. Two umpires are required
for each game. So there are dozens of umpires, all
volunteers.
There are 9 softball fields in The Villages, with
games played six days each week. Saddlebrook
and Buffalo Glen complexes each have four fields,
concession stand and announcing booths. The
scoreboard on each field clicks off seven innings,
many runs and many more hits, among the cheers of
ball players and fans, enjoying the game, fresh air
and an occasional hot dog. Monday through Saturday
Sumter County Board of County Commissioners (l to r) Garry Breeden, Doug Gilpin, Randy Mask, Dick Hoffman (The Villages), Don Burgess (The
Villages) meet on historic day of passing the fifth consecutive Sumter County budget holding taxes at or below the roll back rate (no increases).
Featured Golf Cart of the Month
Umpire Doug Woessner and Catcher Gary Hecht of the Division 3 Steelers await
the pitch.
Mike Calhoun of Division 3 Seahawks connects .
clicks off about 110 games each week of the season,
and after three seasons another 5200 games are
played by the 502 softball teams in The Villages.
Go looking for the “Commissioner of Softball” in
The Villages, and you’ll find an amiable, thirty-ish,
Travis Rima somewhere between his Saddlebrook
Softball continued on page 11
Ken Morrison’s Cadillac Escalade golf cart was worth big bucks before the fire. Although the cart was totaled and the round of golf ended before the second hole, Ken got a rain (fire) check from Palmer Legends, the golf clubs were saved and
no one was injured. Ken warns that there is lots of energy stored in those batteries and good battery maintenance and stowage is a must.
Page 10, October 2009, The Villages Homeowners Association Voice
The Joy of Golf Cars
T
hey are fun, cute, and friendly. Some are functional – some
are fabulous – some will blow your mind. They take you to the
golf course, the pool, the restaurants, or any of a thousand other
places to visit in Florida’s friendliest hometown.
They are personalized with team colors, flags,
and license plates from back home. You search
for gadgets, goodies, and gee gaws to make them
different, unique; truly one of a kind – just like their
owners.
Thousands of them snaked through town to set
the Guiness Book of world records golf car parade
- a record that will only be broken if the Villages
organizes another such event. And most every
holiday many get dressed up to celebrate and parade
through town square bringing smiles to the faces of
all in attendance.
Dogs love them as much as people – maybe more
so! Dogs and humans alike love the wide open
freedom, the breeze in your face, the sunshine, the
sights and sounds, and smells of our little piece of
paradise.
The little cuties have become the symbol of The
Villages - an icon of our lifestyle. At the golf car
store we share your fun and excitement as you choose
what is so much more than transportation. Like kids
in the toy store, new villagers come in to buy their
first and long timers come in to see what’s new.
Men usually ask, how fast do they go and how
far do they go. Women usually ask, what colors and
fabrics are available. Sometime the roles are reversed
but everything about the golf car is important – it
is an extension of your personality and makes a
statement about you.
Lot’s of our customers and neighbors bring their
visiting family and friends on a tour of our stores.
Like so many things in The Villages there is nothing
like it back home and has to be seen to be believed and we enjoy being a part of it.
It is funny how a combination of inanimate parts
brought together in a small package can bring so
much joy to so many. At The Villages golf cars we
share this joy every day when folks take their golf
cars home for the first time. We also share in your
disappointment if problems arise and we work hard
to rectify all challenges. We truly love being a part
of what makes living in The Villages so special to so
many.
Until next time. Ernie
Pickleball in The Villages — How they play, where they play at O’Dell
T
he worse thing about playing pickleball at O’dell is wonderful. I
went there multiple times to make sure I hadn’t just gotten lucky
the first few times I was there and every time was the same….
great. I’ve never run into players that enjoyed Pickleball and each other
with such joy. What surprised me the most is there is a “tribe” of them
out there every morning. It’s like kicking over a fire ant hill when they
open the gate early in the morning, all of a sudden pickleball players
seem to come out of the ground and they’re all over the place. Even in
the summer, the courts are loaded, the waiting area is stacked up with
happy people and the benches are snug tight with resting players that
are still keeping their place in line. Even the parking lot has a herd of
players forming up to join the crowd. Great fun is what brings them
back every day.
O’Dell has more of something few other courts
have and that’s NEW people. NEW to the Villages.
NEW to the game. NEW to retirement. When I say
“NEW”, I mean NEW as in “young” and every single
one of them is full of energy and enthusiasm for a
game they’d never heard of until they moved here.
However, there is one thing missing at O’dell. There
isn’t the first whiff of Ben-gay in the air. They all
looked under dressed without the usual
Spandex, Latex, Gortex, Playtex, Texmex and elastix covering them from
head to toe. Ya know why? They’re
all NEW. Not the first one looked over
60. I thought I was playing with my
grandkids. Players there called me
“sir” or “gramps”.
Each morning I arrived the courts
where already full and the O’dell
staff was on the job with their laser
guns zapping ID cards and players
that didn’t behave. When the regulars
realized a new guy was lined up with them they gave
their smiles of approval and explained how they
rotated on the courts when a game has finished. You
The VHA— Your Voice in The Villages—Join or renew today!
VHA MEMBERSHIP FORM
Name (s): _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________Village/Villa: __________________________________________
Zip: ______________ PHONE: _________________________ E-mail: _________________________________________________
NEW MEMBER:
q $12.00 per household, 2 Years
q $60.00 per household, Lifetime
RENEWAL:
q $12.00 per household, 2 Years
q $60.00 per household, Lifetime
Make checks payable to: The Villages Homeowners Association
Deposit your check and this form, addressed to VHA Membership, in a VHA drop box at any of The Villages postal pick-up stations
or send your check by mail to: The Villages Homeowners Association, 1104 Main Street, The Villages, FL 32159
can get a “buzz” on while standing there from all that
testosterone in the air. The anticipation of who was
going to be in my four-some and
how they might play made my heart
patter.
O’Dell is a happy place to play
Pickleball. A comfortable place
for the beginner as well as the
experienced player looking for a
relaxing morning on some of the
newest courts in The Villages. You
gotta try O’dell. You just gotta.
C U on D Courts……
George Brewer
By the Numbers Answers
1. Three seasons about 15 weeks long;
16 leagues
2. 502 teams, adding about 11 additional each year
3. Best estimate – about 5,200
4. One (and five part time maintenance crewmen)
The Villages Homeowners Association Voice, October 2009, Page 11
VHA Newcomers
BLACK, Tom & Donna
BORE, Tom & Diane
BULLA, Joseph & Virve-Kai
CAPIRCHIO, Salvatore
& Carol
COFFIN, Richard S.
& McGINNES, Joan
COSSETTI, Alan & Marcia
CRAGG, Nancy
DANSBERGER, Linda
DECKER, William & Lynette
DOXTATER, Larry & Carole
ECKES, Tom & Mary Theresa
EIKEMEYER, Peter
ELLIOTT, Norman & Jan
ELSEA, Danny D.
EPPERSON, Webb & Linda
FLINCHUM, John A.
FULLER, Bob
GALLAHER, James
& Rosenne
GASSLER, Nancy & Fred
GILLESPY, Roy & Diane
GIUDICI, Jim & Nancy
GOLDSTEIN, Don Mariann
GRAFFEO, Anthony
& Barbara
HEATER, Jean
& FINLAYSON, Andy
HICKS, Keith & Beth
HILTON, Fred & Leta
HOMARD, David & Kay
HOUCK, Bill & Susie
KAPLAN, Arlene
KASTOR, Neil & Mary
KONECNY, Paul & Lynda
LUSTHAUS, Patricia
MANION, Michael & Sandy
MAYS, Gary
& LALLAS, Patricia
McMANUS, Barbara
MICCHELLI, Michael & Alice
MISIORSKI, Stan & Irene
MORRISON, Daniel
& Margaret
NOEL, Richard K.
& Sharon C.
PETERS, John & Vicky
PFENNINGER, Dwayne
& Dolores
PORCARO, Joseph & Joanne
RAHE, Ron & Vicky
RATH, Janet & Ross
REED, Charley & LeeAnn
SCHWENTOR, Norman
& Brenda
SHIELDS, Eileen & Richard
SILMAN, Ana M.
SILVESTRI, Ben & Geraldine
SIMMONS, Jim & Lyn
SOMMERWILL, John
& Sondra
STRUNK, John & Barbara
TAYLOR, Bob & Gay
TROLL, Yolanda & Joseph
TURVILLE, Stuart & Sandra
WARF, Cynthia
WEST, Maureen & Frank
WILLIAMS, Kenneith P.
Softball continued from page Recreation Center office and one of the ball fields.
But don’t waste time looking for his assistants. There
aren’t any. Travis runs the entire program – probably
the largest in the United States – all by himself, with
a host of volunteers and five part time maintenance
crewmen.
Travis is very proud of the softball program
success, especially the level of professionalism
among the various players, including managers,
advisory members, umpires and evaluators. Safety is
a major factor in The Villages’ age group and keeping
players within their competitive skill levels is key to
enjoyable play and staying safe. The women play
in two skill levels (men in five). Only levels one
and two of the men slide, and there are two first base
bags and two home plates to minimize the chance of
collision.
Travis says that the level of competition is very
high also by The Villages’ team in state and national
tournament play by both men and women. The
Villages’ teams such as Bricks and Sticks, The
Golden Gals, and Walnut Streeters are perennially
ranked tops in the state and top seeds in national
events like the Senior Games.
After a 35-year layoff from the game, it’s not like
the old saying for bike riding. But for Doug and Gary
and about 2500 players on 502 softball teams, The
Villages’ softball is not just the biggest in the United
States, it’s world class great to be playing again!
The history of The VHA Charitable Foundation
I
n 2000, the VHA Board of Directors passed a resolution to establish
the Charitable Foundation to respond to organizations or individuals
with emergencies or special needs.
In the early years the main resource for funds was
the annual spaghetti dinners and the 50/50’s at the
VHA meetings. A special golf tournament was held
and funds were donated to The Villages Regional
Hospital for the chapel and furniture for the lobby.
After hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the ground
hog day tornado in 2007 special events provided
funds.
For Katrina victims, a joint fundraiser was held by
the VHA and The Villages Entertainment Department
with matching funds provided by the developer.
A large donation was made to the town of Ocean
Springs, Mississippi to help rebuild their senior
center that was totally destroyed.
For the tornado in 2007, funds were made
available through trips to Sea World provided by
Anheuser Busch and other donations. This provided
an all terrain vehicle for The Villages Public Safety
Department and funds to install an additional weather
alert radio transmitter as well as donations to the
Lady Lake and Wildwood food banks
Other Charitable Foundation donations from
2003 to present:
1. Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch
2. Scholarships for graduating seniors from Lake,
Marion and Sumter Counties.
3. Operation Shoebox
4. Operation Homebound
5. Project AIM for handicapped children
6. “Relay for Life” golf tournament
7. Lady Lake Police Department children’s holiday
fund
8. Lake-Sumter children’s advocacy center
9. Villages Public Safety Department for AEDs in
recreation centers
10. Kiwanis Club of Lady Lake
11. Lady Lake Girl Scouts
12. The Village Voices
13. MS Walk
14. Odyssey of the Mind
15. Tavares High School band
16. Habitat for Humanity
17. Salvation Army Relief Fund
18. Lady Lake Volunteers (for safety vests)
19. Angel Flight
20. C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team)
21. American Legion
Landscaper advice from Seniors vs Crime
S
eniors Vs Crime, a special project of the Florida Attorney General’s
Office, warns Villagers to take special care when hiring a Landscaper to spruce up your property. Seniors Vs Crime is dedicated
to assisting senior Floridians in avoiding or resolving problems involving any business, including landscapers.
Many of us are considering upgrading our
property by a landscaping project. When planning
your landscaping project, there are a few things you
should be aware of to ensure a smooth and successful
project.
For most landscaping projects, contractors are not
required to have a state license. The exception is for
those landscapers who apply fertilizers or pesticides
to your yard, they must have a license issued by the
Department of Agriculture. Any landscaper should
have insurance to cover their workers and should be
willing to provide proof of insurance to you.
To avoid scams as well as simple
misunderstandings, there are a few simple things you
can do to avoid or minimize problems.
First, to insure everyone understands what is to
be done, be sure you have a clear definition of the
task IN WRITING, including diagrams, pictures if
possible, and a complete description of what you
expect from the contractor. This is called a Written
Contract.
Next inquire about the guarantee or warranty. Ask
for it in writing, but know that many guarantees are
only as good as the contractor who stands behind it.
Check with the local Better Business Bureau and
with Seniors Vs Crime before signing a contract, note
any recent changes in company ownership as this
could be a red flag.
Avoid paying in advance, even a little bit. Often
the contractor will explain that he needs the money
to buy supplies or equipment. Reliable contractors
usually have existing lines of credit with suppliers,
and do not need advance payments. Small or newer
businesses may not have such lines of credit, and
may not be financially stable enough to buy supplies
on credit. If you must pay in advance, ask to pay the
supplier not the contractor, and have the contractor
pick up the material when the job is begun. Then if
the contractor “goes south”, you will at least have the
material, and not a lien on your property.
If the work is protracted, it is reasonable to pay
progress payments. A representative payment
schedule might look something like this.
10% up front deposit at contract signing
15% the day the work starts
25% after all new plants are put in ground
25% after mulch / gravel is put in place
25% final payment after all cleanup, your “punch list”
is corrected, and you are satisfied.
Be sure to get receipts for all payments. Make
checks payable to the company (not the individual
– this is a red flag).
In summary, be smart, be aware and be wary. If
you have any doubts, or need other assistance, call
either of our Seniors vs. Crime offices in The Villages
at (352) 753-7775 or (352) 753-2799, Extension
4253.
VHA Member Benefits*
All offers require VHA membership card presented at time of sale. —NO REFUNDS AFTER SALE— *One benefit offer per family membership.
Get the Second Month for $1.00
24 Hr. Cart Club, Inc.
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
Valid on new contracts only.
352-330-1911
8699 SE 165th Mulberry Lane – Mulberry Grove
www.24hrcartclub.com
352-205-8987
Golf USA
$10 Off Premium Membership
Buy a Fresh-Made Waffle Cone
1162 Main Street - Spanish Springs
$5 Off Basic Membership
Get a Waffle Cone of Equal or Lesser Value Free
The Villages, FL 32162
Valid on initial sign-up only.
One benefit offer per family membership.
Phone: 753-4847
AAA Auto Club South
Captain Mike’s Lazy River Cruises
Golf USA
1107 West North Blvd. Suite M, Leesburg
On the Withlacoochee River
Lighted Driving Range & Miniature Golf
352-787-5140
Southwest of Ocala on Hwy. 200 just in
698 W. Lady Lake Blvd. – Lady Lake
Free dinner/lunch cruise tickets with all new memberships and renewals. Save
Back of Stumpknocker’s Restaurant
352-259-2313
on New Membership with AAA Auto Club – Primary Member saves $5.00
Call for Reservations, 352-637-2726
Mondays: $1.00 Off 18-Hole Round
when joining. Save when adding new family member to membership.
www.lazyrivercruises.com
of Miniature Golf
All new family members are 50% off regular price.
$2 Off Any Person, 2-Hour Tour Only
Fridays: $1.00 Off Large Range Basket (120 Balls)
Only $15.00 each for Classic and $26.00 each for Plus membership!!
See our special offer in the
Caribongo
Tree Tops Golf Shop and Golf USA listings.
A&C Exteriors
1041 Canal Street – Lake Sumter Landing
116 N. Old Dixie Hwy, Lady Lake
352-750-6147
Gotta Get Your Name On!
352-753-3322
Free Color-Changing Tote Bag with the purchase of $30 of more
Custom Embroidery and Monogramming
Landscaping, Pavers, Lawn Service and House Pressure Washing
(Retail Value of $9.99). Offer not valid with any
5% off Club Shirts, Logos and Monogramming
10% Off any Service.
other offer or promotion.
Karen D. Andrews
Limit: one Tote Bag per family. Sale items excluded from this offer.
352-391-9333 Phone and Fax
All Animal Trapping Svc. Inc.
[email protected]
Hearing Aids from Digital Hearing Systems
“Florida Wildlife Commission Permitted”
Chick-Fil-A of The Villages
347 Colony Blvd. - The Villages
352-245-0193 Office
7330 U.S. Hwy. 441 – Rolling Acres Plaza
352-259-8824
352-299-5675 Cell
352-430-0223
420 Corley Rd. Leesburg, FL
15% Discount
Buy A Value Size Combo and get an
352-315-9960
10% Discount For All Follow-Up Service.
Original Chick-Fil-A Sandwich Free.
BUY
ONE
(1)
package premium batteries,
All Custom Concrete & Curbs, Inc.
get
2nd
one free-per visit.
C
ici’s Pizza
352-671-1514
243
Colony
Boulevard
Haagen Dazs
[email protected]
The Villages
1001 Lake Shore Drive – Lake Sumter Landing
10% Off Concrete Landscape Curbing
Phone 352-259-5508
352-751-0261
& Decorative Concrete Overlays
FREE
nonalcoholic
drink with purchase of pizza buffet.
10% Discount
Call for free estimates.
Must show VHA ID card to get offer.
H
& R Block
All Things Fine
208
S.
Hwy.
27/441
– Lady Lake, 352-750-3669
C
omfort Suites
1171 Main Street – Spanish Springs
17860
SE
109th
Ave.
–
Summerfield, 352-347-6736
1202
Avenida
Central
352-259-7384
4085
Wedgewood
Lane – The Villages,
352-259-6578
10% Discount on Tuesdays
352-205-8340
Special
Rates:
$71
May
1-Oct.
31,
2009;
Excludes sale items and not valid with any other offer.
$25 Off Tax Preparation. Valid at these offices only.
$99 from Nov. 1, 2009-April 1, 2010
Arden’s Fine Jewelry
Not valid Leesburg Race Weekend. All reservations
Island Images
based on availability.
1112
Main
Street – Spanish Springs
352-751-6613
Must call hotel directly in advance for reservations.
352-259-7623
50% Off Jewelry Appraisal on One Item
10% Discount on Mondays. Excludes sales items.
Cozco Handcrafts
Offer limited to one item per household.
Johnny Rockets
A Special Day Gift Shop
352-430-0386
976
Old
Mill
Run – Lake Sumter Landing
3535 Wedgewood Lane – Southern Trace
10% Off – Excludes Sale Items.
352-259-0051
352-259-7270
10% Off Meal
D’L
ites Emporium
10% Off Your Purchase Excludes Pandora Jewelry.
4056 Wedgewood Lane – Buffalo Ridge
Kilwin’s Chocolate and Ice Cream
Baby Bundles On The Go
352-259-6246
352-406-4754
10% Discount on Any Ice Cream
352-430-3600
[email protected]
Not to be combined with any additional
Buy
One,
Get One Half Off Any
10% Discount on Crib Rental
special or other discounts.
Ice Cream Menu Item
Bonne Chimie – Custom Skin Care
One offer per family membership.
Edible Arrangements
990 Alverez Avenue – Spanish Springs
11962 County Road 101 – Palm Ridge Plaza
The Kings Gallery
352-391-9600
352-391-1334
1110
Main Street – Spanish Springs
20% Discount. Not to be combined with any other offer.
$4.00 Off Purchases Valid on orders over $25.00.
352-259-6998
Boulevard Tire Center
25% Off Framing on Wednesdays
Firehouse Subs
418 S. Hwy. 27/441, Lady Lake
Does not apply to sale prices.
13757 U.S. Hwy. 441 - Lady Lake
352-430-2380
352-430-3870
10% Discount on any Brake Service over $100.
Free Cookie with Purchase of Medium or Large Sub
Not
valid with any other offer. One benefit per member.
Bravo Pizza
1080 Lake Sumter Landing
Fort Knox Self Storage & Truck Rental
352-430-2394, 2395, 2396
13634 U.S. Hwy. 441 – Lady Lake
10% Off Dine In & Take Out Whole Meal
352-750-4647
Not valid with any other offer.
Rent a 5x5x10 Standard Unit,
The Partners Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors as to the suitability for partnering with commercial enterprises.
Lake County’s Premier Boat tours
Dora Canal, Rivers & Lakes on “Captain Doolittle”
Historic Lakeside Inn-Mt. Dora OR
Heritage & Blue Heron Nature Cruises on “Sea Haven”
All 15% discount.
Both are on U.S. Hwy 441 South in Tavares.
Please call for reservations.
352-343-0200 or toll free 866-269-6584
or 352-434-8040.
Lucky Dog Obedience School
38042 Lake Rd., Fruitland Park, FL 34731
352-874-5552
Free dog toy with 7-week in-home basic obedience course.
MOE’S Southwest Grill
U.S. Hwy. 441 South – Rolling Acres Plaza
352-430-3610
Buy one entree - get one free with purchase of
two beverages every Saturday.
Not valid with any other offer.
One benefit offer per family membership.
Mulberry Gems and Jewelry
8736 SE 165th Mulberry Lane – Mulberry Grove
352-430-3060
15% off in-store items EXCLUDING Pandora and Pickleball Paddles
Nantucket Bay
352-753-4161
10% Off Every Wednesday
Panda Express
869 North Hwy. 27/441 - Home Depot Plaza
352-751-2507
10% Off - Not valid with other coupons or specials.
Party Tyme, Inc
11962 County Road 101 Suite 301
Phone: 352-391-1661
10% off purchase over $20.00
Not valid with any other coupons or offers.
Pauly’s Pizzerias
986 Alverez Avenue – Spanish Springs - 352-750-6296
Mulberry Grove Plaza – Route 42 - 352-259-6296
11974 CR 101-Suite 105 - 352-391-5570
Large one-topping pizza and garlic knots for $12.25
Must show VHA Membership Card.
PAWS For A Moment
11962 County Road 101- Palm Ridge Plaza
352-259-7616
10% Off any Regular-Priced Item
Not valid on sale or food items.
Plaza Jewelers
16770 S. U.S. Hwy. 441, Summerfield
352-307-3846
20 to 40% Savings Off the Already Low Retail Price
& All Watch Batteries $4.00.
Put A Cork In It
Spend $50 on wine accessories and receive a red/black insulated double wine
cooler carrier for $9.99.
Must show VHA membership card.
Quiznos Sub
3509 Wedgewood Lane – Southern Trace
352-751-5698
$2.00 Off Any Toasty Combo Meal
Includes sub or entree salad, side item,
and a 20 oz. fountain drink.
Reasonable Elegance, LLC
11962 County Road 101 Suite 104
Phone: 352-205-8355
10% off total order.
ScentSational Candles and Gifts
994 Alverez Avenue – Spanish Springs
352-753-1604
20% Off Any One Non-Sale Item.
Schwan’s Home Service, Inc.
www.schwans.com
352-245-2480
Free Half-gallon of Ice Cream with
Your First Order.
Sherwin Williams Store
10936 Highway 301
Oxford, FL 34484
Phone: 352-748-3352
15% off all regular prices (Not including sale prices)
Proof of VHA membership required.
Siam Orchid Thai Cuisine
1561 Bella Cruz – Spanish Plaines Center
352-391-5272 - 352-391-5277 Fax
10% Off
Sonic Drive -In
11211 SE 178 Pl. – Wal-Mart Shopping Center
352-347-2860
Tuesday Nights: 5 Single Patty Burgers for $5
after 5 p.m. Add-ons at extra charge.
Wednesday Nights: 1/2 Price Single Patty Burgers
99¢ Single Topping Sundaes
Valid at the Summerfield location only.
Southern Image Photography
97 Del Mar Drive – Spanish Springs
352-430-2056
10% Off The Special of the Month.
Sunshine Central Vacuum Systems, Inc.
13624 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 Summerfield
352-307-6581
$300 OFF a new system with VHA Membership.
Sweet Creams
1000 Bichara Blvd. – La Plaza Grande Center
352-750-0010
10% Discount on all Purchases.
The Red Door
207 S. Main St. (Hwy 301)
Wildwood, FL 34788
352-748-2044
10% Off Iron Benches.
The Solar Guys
“Solatube”- Tubular Skylight
352-307-7077 - Call for free estimate
5% OFF regular price for members.
Must show proof of VHA Membership at time of sale.
Tree Tops Golf
698 W. Lady Lake Blvd.
Lady Lake, FL 32159
Phone: 352-259-2313
Mondays: $2.00 off 18-hole Round Miniature Golf at Live Oaks Miniature Golf
Fridays: $2.00 off Large Range Basket (120 balls)
Tri County Pool & Spa
2468 Hwy. 441/27 Fruitland Park
352-326-0600
10% off all Pool & Spa Chemicals
$200 Discount on any new Cal Spa Hot Tubs
Tuscany Day Spa
1082 Canal St. - Sumter Landing
352-350-2401
10% OFF Any Service with VHA Membership.
Underglass 3M Prestige & Ultra Window Films
330 Hwy. 441/27 Lady Lake.
352-753-5267
Free Windshield Strip-3M or 10% OFF any 3M Film, Home or Auto.
Vic’s Embers
7940 Hwy. 441, Leesburg
352-728-8989
Complimentary after-dinner cocktail or dessert for each
person in the party.
Not valid when transportation is provided by Vic’s Bus.
Must present VHA Member card.
Victoria’s Estate Jewelry
352-751-3386
50% Off Jewelry Appraisal on One Item
Offer limited to one item per household.
Villages Car Wash and Lube
Bichara Blvd. – La Plaza Grande Center
352-753-1306
$1.00 Off the Regular Price of a Silver or
Gold Wash Package.
Village Bowling LLC
Fiesta Bowl
890 Avenida Central – 352-753-2747
Spanish Springs Lanes
997 Alverez Avenue – 352-750-9440
$1.00 OFF a game of open bowling for entire visit.
Villages Food.Com
10% Off Entire Food Order Delivered
Mention Coupon No. 89151 when ordering.
352-307-4424
The Partners Committee is presently soliciting new members. If you have a business to recommend, contact Mary Nowak at 750-5313 or [email protected].
The VHA Vision: To maintain The Villages as the premier 55-plus community in the world, featuring the finest amenities, homes,
retail and commercial businesses, and medical and professional services; as well as the best educational,
cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities.
VHA representatives by village. How does your VHA representative help you?
VHA representatives educate themselves and stay informed to help verify or dispel rumors, provide help when you need assistance resolving neighborhood issues and aquaint you with services and benefits available through the VHA.
Lake County Region
Hacienda - North
San Leandro Villas
Cameron Villas
Elmer Starrett------------------------ 750-4141 Donald & Lu Bowen------------------ 259-2155 Roger Kass & Anne Gray------------- 259-7174
Village of Santo Domingo
Greenwood Villas
Richard O’Malley--------------------- 750-5398
Country Club Hills
Lois Guntle--------------------------- 753-9014 Kenneth Geiger---------------------- 753-0229
Hacienda - South
Ray Leggiero- ------------------------ 751-0221
Merry Oak Villas
John & Elaine Blum------------------ 259-3592
Steve Macejak------------------------ 751-3023 Juliette Testa------------------------- 753-3350
-Needs RepresentativeLee
&
Peggy
Ray-------------------259-3391
Hacienda - West
Orange Blossom Gardens
Morning View Villas
Richard & Nancy St. Amant---------- 259-7931 Ed Martin----------------------------- 753-8523 John & Anita Land-------------------- 751-2535
David & Ruth Schirtzer--------------- 751-6159
Vera Cruz Villas
Village of Palo Alto
Silver Lake
Village of Chatham
Larry and Anita Troutner------------- 561-3630 Robert Landers----------------------- 753-0310 Vince O’Brien------------------------- 259-6037
Villa de la Ramona
Marty Wilber------------------------- 751-5048
Jerry
Coomans---------------------259-3540
Neil and Mary Kastor----------------- 561-4522
Bromley Villas
Fred Driller- -------------------------- 259-0915
Tierra Grande Villas
Village of Del Mar
Allan Wadman----------------------- 259-0908
Villa Santo Domingo
Jerry
&
Jean
Keliher-----------------750-0892
Ruth Truttschel----------------------- 753-3671
Hacienda Villas
Villa La Paloma
Dennis Williams---------------------- 750-0063 Stephen Beaulieu-------------------- 753-9181
Delores Staub- ----------------------- 259-1097
Chula Vista Villas
Tierra del Sol - North
-Needs RepresentativeVillage of Belle Aire
-Needs RepresentativeAlexandra Villas
Sherwood East Villas
-Needs RepresentativeSherwood West Villas
Judy Wilber--------------------------- 751-5048
Heritage Villas
Inglewood Villas
-Needs RepresentativeVillage of Bridgeport at Lake Miona
Karen & Hans Thiemann------------- 259-7288
Village of Liberty Park
Thomas Simone------------------------- 205-8155
Chesterfield Villas
James & Bettye Murphree-------------- 753-0751
Eagle Ridge Villas
Dorothy Bree-----------------------------753-5429
Karen Grasso-----------------------------750-6724
Edgefield Villas
Julie Ayotte------------------------------ 350-2087
Mount Vernon Villas
Bob and Vera Fuchs------------------ 751-0147
Village of Lynnhaven
Judy Glasel--------------------------- 430-9707
Village of Piedmont
Robert Eisenhauer------------------- 259-1485 Tom and Berta Crawford------------- 259-6104
Barbara Urbanski--------------------- 753-2663
Myra Reff----------------------------- 750-1650
Irwin & Charlotte Newman---------- 753-4684 Rod South---------------------------- 751-7547
Cottages of Summerchase
Tierra del Sol - South
Courtyard Villas
Ray & Kay Glessner------------------- 751-0701
Collington Villas
-Needs RepresentativeLouis & Mary Guiliano---------------- 753-7306
-Needs RepresentativeChadwick Villas
St. Simon Villas
Terry Walsh--------------------------- 205-8400
Village of Rio Grande
Village of El Cortez
Waverly Villas
Southern Oaks Villas
Doug & Nancy McKernan------------ 753-9086
-Needs RepresentativePeggy Harrison----------------------- 750-0186
-Needs RepresentativeRio Grande No. 1
-Needs RepresentativeEllen Salter--------------------------- 753-0630
Village of La Reynalda
Village of Springdale
Valdosta Villas
Swainwood Villas
Bob & Faye Fountain----------------- 750-0677
Joy Anderson------------------------- 408-5387
Rio Grande No. 2
David Dingee------------------------ 259-4364 Bob Thatcher------------------------- 259-2083
-Needs RepresentativeJudy Mix------------------------------ 751-0610 Nick & Joan Martucci----------------- 753-7516
Sunnyside Villas
Glenbrook-East
Village of Poinciana
Alice Burnette------------------------ 430-0691 Clyde Kemper- ----------------------- 750-0537 Joel Prather--------------------------- 753-8537 Charles Melia------------------------- 259-7668 Philip & Davida Seindenberg----------- 750-3152
Village of La Zamora
De Laguna Villas
Mario & Lillian Campagnola--------- 751-0512 Bob Wagner-------------------------- 750-1646
Village of Mira Mesa
Beverly Ament----------------------- 750-3080
-Needs RepresentativeVillas of Spanish Springs
Sid Kingry---------------------------- 586-7941
Village of Valle Verde
Sunbury of Glenbrook
-Needs RepresentativeVillage of Polo Ridge
Fairlawn Villas
Pinecrest Villas
-Needs RepresentativeRoyal Oak at Springdale
Lawrence & Sherry Recla---------------- 430-1114
Bailey Ridge Villas
-Needs RepresentativeLime Grove Villas
Villa Berea
Village of Woodbury
Mount Pleasant Villas
De La Mesa Villas
Doug & Claudette Tharp------------- 750-1760
Sandi Andrews----------------------- 750-6570 John Sullivan------------------------ 750-6175 Carolyn Willette---------------------- 408-0390 Thom & Betty Anne Horning -------- 751-7034
Rio Grande Villas
Milly Adams-------------------------- 753-5608 Gail Donofrio------------------------- 259-7435 Bill & Betty Dyer---------------------- 751-1192 Vera Fuchs---------------------------- 751-0155
Al & Marge Hayes-------------------- 750-1563
Nacthez Villas
Sullivan Villas
San Pedro Villas
Jim Murphy--------------------------- 259-1581
Vista Sonoma Villas
Thomas Davis----------------------- 612-201-2240
-Needs RepresentativeEdward Fischer----------------------- 259-4912
Ivystone Villas
Otto and Janet Voettiner------------- 753-4278
Village of Sunset Pointe
Village of Summerhill
Village of Rio Ponderosa
-Needs RepresentativeWilliam & Maria Satterfield---------- 430-2301
Charlie & Kathy Porter--------------- 259-8196 Ray Schwartz------------------------- 751-3048
Hickory Grove Villas
Ron Kershner------------------------- 753-9629
Patio Villas
Joan
Sullivan---------------------------430-0755
Amelia Villas
Carl Bell------------------------------- 750-1251
Village of Winifred
Village
of
Ashland
George
&
Barbara
Rogers-----------751-4159
Village
of
Rio
Ranchero
Hickory Hammock
Robert & Janice Blakeley------------- 750-2917 Chuck & Nancy Wildzunas- ---------- 753-3703
Fernandina Villas
Vincent & Blanche DiRito------------ 753-2310 Howard Keppler---------------------- 750-4742
Latrobe Villas
Sue Martin- -------------------------- 753-0972
-Needs
RepresentativeEd Echerd----------------------------- 753-5441 Carey Scully-------------------------- 753-1434
Thomas & Judy Schuler-------------- 751-4440
Sumter North Region
Village de La Vista
De La Vista - East
Dwight Brockway-------------------- 259-7341
Elsa Goyma--------------------------- 750-4842
De La Vista - North
Earl Cherubini------------------------ 753-3123
Leonard Koss------------------------- 753-0886
De La Vista - West
Paul & Jeanne Greene---------------- 750-5095
Ray Owens---------------------------- 753-5725
De La Vista Villas - North
Joy Tolan------------------------------ 750-5368
De La Vista Villas - South
Joy Tolan----------------------------------750-5368
De Allende
Region 5
Valdez Villas
Rhea & Harold Feinberg-------------- 259-5966
Bellamy Villas
Ruth Ferguson------------------------ 205-7128
Region 6
Clayton Villas
Sandy Adams---------------------------- 751-5462
Village of Briar Meadow
Village of Virginia Trace
Jasper Villas
-Needs RepresentativeRuss D’Emidio, Chairperson ---------- 750-4486
Art & Alice Terrill--------------------- 259-1691
Walter
&
Janice
Martin---------------205-7099
Briar Meadow East
Len Chapple--------------------------- 259-7222
Alhambra - West
Rainey Villas
Barbara Fielitz------------------------ 751-2626
Gail Hood------------------------------ 750-1578
John & Kathy Cayer------------------- 259-3059
-Needs RepresentativeBriar Meadow North
Virginia Vine Villas
Villa De Leon
Village
of
Belvedere
Bill B. Wilson------------------------- 753-9923
-Needs
RepresentativeJohn & Judy Trongon----------------- 750-0954
Felice Maurer------------------------- 259-7647
Briar Meadow South
Stillwater Villas
Villa Del Canto
Phyllis
Kravitz-----------------------750-1878
Larry Waites-------------------------- 751-2858
Ralph & Elsie Pasquino--------------- 259-3976
Ed & Rae Nowe----------------------- 259-1488
Arlington Villas
Birchbrook Villas
Richmond Villas
Village of Harmeswood of Belle Aire
Chet & Linda Sturgess---------------- 750-3976 Jerry & Carol Knoll-------------------- 391-5002 Gary Rosenhouse--------------------- 430-1959
Barry & Ginny Evans------------------ 259-2271
Belmont Villas
Forsyth Villas
Village of Tall Trees
Village of Palo Alto
Village of Alhambra
Alhambra - East
Jim & Tawna Kelly-------------------- 259-3130 William Waldron--------------------- 259-0895
San Antonio Villas
Region 4
Village of Santiago
Kay Mutty---------------------------- 753-0932 Helen Xenos-------------------------- 750-0146 Sylvia Mongolier--------------------- 430-0070
Cherry Hill Villas
Greenbriar Villas
Larry Peterson------------------------ 751-3979
-Needs Representative-Needs Representative-
Ken & Dotty Mathieu----------------- 259-2704
Hialeah Villas
Legacy Villas
Al & Cathy Sherman------------------ 750-3795
Larry & Ann Marsillo----------------- 750-2270 Robert Wilson------------------------ 751-3519 Dean & Joan Barner------------------ 751-5725
San Miguel Villas
Village of Bonnybrook
Mayfield Villas
Joyce Fisher--------------------------- 750-2491 Jo Pfent------------------------------- 259-4512
Paul & Patricia Bennett-------------- 430-0754 Arthur Rowe Jr. ---------------------- 205-7661 Gail Burgess-------------------------- 750-1371
Village of Hacienda Hills
Cherry Vale Villas
Oak Bend Villas
-Needs RepresentativeVillage of Bridgeport at Lake Sumter
Bill Hawkins-------------------------- 350-2598
Escandido Villas
Broyhill Villas
Quail Ridge Villas
Village of Bridgeport at Miona Shores
Henry & Dotty Cole------------------- 759-9065 Donna Hagenbuch------------------- 259-2945
-Needs RepresentativeIrv
Markley--------------------------259-4684
Clifton Villas
Village of Calumet Grove
Bill Calabrese------------------------- 259-8308 Wayne Speicher---------------------- 259-9934
La Crescenta Villas
-Needs RepresentativeHerb Gantz--------------------------- 751-3976
Ezell Villas
Barbara Welter----------------------- 259-9531
Ashleigh Villas
Donald Akers------------------------- 751-0955 Ray & Pat Adams--------------------- 751-6966
-Needs RepresentativeHacienda - East
Village of Caroline
Rosedale Villas
Emily Emigh-------------------------- 391-1695
Grovewood Villas
-Needs RepresentativeRenee Coster ------------------------- 430-1965 Linda Grzesik------------------------- 751-1761 John & Chris Coene------------------- 446-9597 Joan Puleo---------------------------- 259-8007
Hortensia Villas
Linda Grant---------------------------- 753-3794
Audrey Villas
Carol Pirone & Butch Udell----------- 753-0982
Keystone Villas
Allandale Villas
Elizabeth Villas
Hydrangea Villas
Joanne York---------------------------751--666
Bainbridge Villas
Pat Kennedy-------------------------- 391-5291
Roger & Judith Curth------------------ 753-9704
Village of Sabal Chase
John & Sondra Sommerwill---------- 391-9094
-Needs RepresentativeCrestwood
Katherine Villas
Oviedo Villas
Lois Byers----------------------------- 350-7125
Village of Hemingway
-Needs Representative-Needs Representative-Needs RepresentativeGary Hendricks, Sr.------------------- 259-2139
Susan Bieberfeld--------------------- 391-5066
Double Palms
Kaylee Villas
Village of Pennecamp
Carlton Villas
Gene Carpenter----------------------- 753-6464
-Needs RepresentativeAmberjack Villas
Audrey & Mort Solitare-------------- 753-2387
-Needs RepresentativeSeneca Villas
Holly Hill
Village of Mallory Square
Azalea Villas
Tanglewood Villas
Pete DeLair---------------------- 321-288-5618
-Needs Representative-Needs RepresentativeBoxwood Villas
Laurie Cooper, Vice Chairperson 6--- 750-9566
Adriana Villas
Natalie Villas
Hampton Villas
Harvey Blakely----------------------- 350-2052 Donna Thompson-------------------- 753-1778
Emmalee Villas
-Needs RepresentativeAlexa Villas
Madison Villas
Barbara Garnett---------------------- 205-4362
Phyllis Grasso------------------------- 391-9417
Janeann Villas
-Needs RepresentativeVillage of Amelia
Steve Cook---------------------------- 753-5699
-Needs Representative-
Margaux Villas
Gerry & Meryle Bedard--------------- 750-4133
Jim Neilson--------------------------- 753-9812 Bill & Janice Gibbons----------------- 751-4436
Mariel Villas
Bonita Villas
Village of Largo
-Needs RepresentativePeter Havighorst--------------------- 391-1288 Pat Rand------------------------------ 391-1388
Kenya Villas
Newport Villas
Douglas Owen------------------------ 753-5722 Sheryl Cohen------------------------- 751-4448
Hallandale Villas
Village of Hadley
Jim Hipple---------------------------- 674-9376 Arlene Kaplan------------------------ 753-0482
Villages of St. Charles
Mary Fleming------------------------ 350-7750
-Needs RepresentativeHillcrest Villas
Village of Duval
Hallandale Villas
Ron McMahon, Secretary------------ 205-4647
Russ Bond---------------------------- 753-9164
Oleander Villas
Bill & Margaret Gottschalk------------ 350-2405
Sandhill Villas
-Needs RepresentativeVillage of Bonita
Jacaranda Villas
Kingfisher Villas
Mangrove Villas
Region 8
Region 7
Mission Statement: To preserve and enhance the values of our lifestyle and homes.
Veterans Corner - Army Emergency Relief
A
few weeks ago I received a packet
form the Garrison Commander at
Fort Stewart, GA. The subject was
Army Emergency Relief. I had a few minutes so I read the whole packet. When
you are away from your service, you begin to forget all the services they do for
the soldiers and their dependents. The
Army Emergency Relief (AER) is one of
these services. It is a non-profit organization incorporated to provide emergency financial assistance to soldiers
and their families: any active duty soldiers and their family members,
soldiers retired from active duty for longevity or physical disability,
Army National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers on continuous active
duty for more than 30 days, Army National Guard and Army Reserve
soldiers who retired at age 60 and their family members, and surviving
spouses and orphans of soldiers who died while on active duty or after
they retired. As you can see, this includes just about every soldier (and
soldier’s family) who is serving now or has served in the past.
What can AER do for the service member? Here
are a few services that they provide. They can help
with emergency financial needs for food, rent,
utilities, vehicle repair, funeral expenses and the list
goes on and on. They will provide grants or interest
free loans depending on each particular circumstance.
We all know that the pay of lower grade soldiers
is not enough to sometimes cover the unexpected
problems that we are often presented with in life.
Each year the Army conducts a fundraising
campaign in support of Army Emergency Relief. As
our country continues to commit soldiers to meet
worldwide operational requirements, there is an
increased need for the resources provided by AER.
Last year alone, AER provided 85 million dollars in
assistance to 70 thousand soldiers and their families.
That is an enormous service and undoubtedly has
literally saved a great numbers of loyal Americans
from disastrous economic conditions. These soldiers
and their families make great personal sacrifices in
order to protect our freedoms and assist in important
missions worldwide. How wonderful that there is
an organization like AER to be there for them when
needed. As you can see from the following list, AER
has counterpart organizations in other branches of the
military. If you want to help, you can send your check
to:
Department of the Army
United States Army Garrison
954 William H. Wilson Ave.
Fort Stewart, GA 31314
Air Force Aid Society, Inc
National Headquarters
241 18th Street Suite 202
Arlington, VA 22202
Navy-Marine Corps
Relief Society
P.O. Box 96172
Washington DC20090
MORE: If you have a cell phone that you do not
need or is broken, drop it off at any Recreation Center
in The Villages. Each cell phone (in any condition) is
forwarded to a recycling plant in Colorado. The cell
phones are then “blasted” twice to remove all residual
information. The phones are either refurbished or
used for spare parts. For each and every cell phone
received, the recycling company issues a check to the
Marine Corp. League, which then purchases phone
cards worth 250 minutes each for distribution to
troops of all our armed forces branches in Iraq and
Afghanistan.
MORE: The VA announced that our new clinic
has a name. It will be called,” The Villages Outpatient
Clinic.” The Lake City office of the VA (Lake City
is the regional HQ of all VA activities in Central
and North Florida) invited our VHA President Don
Hahnfeldt and myself to accompany U.S. Rep Cliff
Stearns on an inspection tour of the new clinic. We
the veterans of Central Florida are going to get a
state-of-the-art facility. The target date of spring of
2010 is still a go.
MORE: The U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs has declared that ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral
Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is
now considered a presumptive service connected
conditition for any veteran who served a minimum
of 90 days on active duty. This also applies to
unremarried widows of a veteran who died of ALS
and met the service requirements.
For additional veteran’s information, visit the
Veterans Corner on the VHA Web site at www.
thevha.net.
Hope to see you at our next VHA meeting.
Sterling A. Wood, U.S. Army (Ret)
Chairman VHA Military Affairs Committee
352.259.5507 [email protected]
Joint replacement tours offered at The Villages Regional Hospital
T
he Alliance Bone & Joint Center at The Villages Regional Hospital has been performing total joint replacements since August 3rd including both hip and knee procedures.
If you or someone you know is contemplating joint replacement surgery,
a special behind-the-scenes tour is being offered. The tour starts in the operating
room where you will be able to learn
what takes place during joint replacement
surgery and view the special Laminar Air
Flow System which significantly reduces
the possibility of infection. The tools and
equipment used during the surgery will be
on display and give you an opportunity to
see what happens.
The tour then moves to the hospital’s
fifth floor for a look at the 10 bed
orthopedic unit - 8 private and 2 semi-private rooms. A dedicated orthopedic
nursing resource specialist along with physical therapists will personally
explain what to expect throughout a patient’s stay in the hospital as well as after
discharge.
The “up close and personal” tour is being provided to potential patients to
educate them about the advances in joint replacement surgery and to understand
exactly what occurs before, during and afterwards. The more you know, the better
prepared you are.
Space is limited on the tour, so please reserve your spot by calling 751-8585.
At the Alliance Bone & Joint Center,
our team is comprised of the area’s
most respected, board certified joint
replacement surgeons and is designed
to improve the outcomes of orthopedic
patients throughout Central Florida. All
of the components of the program are
critical elements and exist for one purpose
- to create the best possible healing
environment for your completed and rapid recovery.
For more information or to schedule your tour, call 751-8585.
Managing District lands is a balance between
preservation and public access
A
mong its many duties managing the water resources, the Southwest Florida Water Management District helps protect more than
436,000 acres of land through acquisitions and conservation
easements.
The District purchases land and conservation
easements for several reasons, including flood
control, water storage, aquifer recharge and
ultimately to protect our water resources.
District lands include natural floodplains, areas
that replenish the aquifer and areas around lakes,
rivers, wetlands and estuaries that naturally filter out
pollutants before they reach the nearest water body.
Most of the District’s public lands are managed
and maintained by the District but some are managed
by partners, such as counties and cities.
While these lands play a vital role in protecting our
water resources, the majority of these lands are also
available for public use and recreation. In fact, more
than 343,000 acres is open for public recreation.
One of the District’s goals is to maintain a balance
between preservation and public access. That means
determining which outdoor activities are compatible
with the District’s efforts to protect water resources.
Some of these activities include hiking, bicycling,
horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, camping,
picnicking and nature study. Most of the lands are
very natural, which means mostly unpaved trails and
portable restrooms. However, some have facilities
that are accessible for the mobility-impaired.
Each year about 2.5 million people visit District
lands and several of these properties are in your own
backyard. Properties located in Marion and Sumter
counties available for the public to explore include
Half-Moon Gum Slough, the Hálpata Tastanaki
Preserve, Lake Panasoffkee, the Panasoffkee Outlet
and Wysong Park.
This September the District is also launching its
Get Outside! campaign to raise the public’s awareness
about District lands. This campaign coincides with
THE VHA VISION
To maintain The Villages as the premier 55-plus
community in the world - featuring the finest
amenities, homes, retail and commercial businesses, medical and professional services, as well
as, the best educational, cultural, recreational and
entertainment opportunities.
the release of the District’s new Recreation Guide and
National Public Lands Day, which is Sept. 26. The
District’s updated Recreation Guide provides detailed
information and
maps for more than
50 properties owned
by the District. This
2009 edition features
several new properties,
physical addresses and
more detailed property
information. To order
a free recreation guide
or to find out more
about District lands
visit the District’s
web site www.
WaterMatters.org/
recreation.
In addition to
providing recreational
opportunities for the
public, managing
District lands also
involves maintenance
like controlled burns,
exotic plant and
animal control, natural
systems restoration
and other maintenance
like cutting down
trees that are at risk
of falling and keeping
facilities like the
restrooms in good
The VHA partners with Lady Lake’s Police Chief Ed Nathenson, The Villages Recreation Department Direcworking order.
tor John Rohan (right) and other community leaders to kick off the HelpThemCallHome Program for overseas and deployed servicemen and women to call their loved ones back home. Cellular phone donation
boxes are located at Recreation Centers throughout The Villages (see details on page 15 Vets’ column).

VHA Healthcare Forum for October General Meeting

Transcription

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