sportstown usa - the villages, florida
Transcription
sportstown usa - the villages, florida
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION Next delivery date is January 3 50 CENTS December 2011 • Vol. 17 No. 12 The Villages Fact Finder SPORTSTOWN USA - THE VILLAGES, FLORIDA - Comprehensive Cancer Care Arrives in The Villages In 2010, Moffitt was invited to participate in an exciting expansion of services to Lake and Sumter County with support of the Central Florida Health Alliance (CFHA), the community and The Villages developers. Most significantly, Moffitt and the CFHA were motivated by the many passionate citizens who said they wanted Moffitt in their community. One year later, Moffitt’s decision to participate in its first ever expansion and come to The Villages has become reality with the opening of The Moffitt Cancer Center in The Villages. The Moffitt Commitment What does Moffitt mean to The Villages? The new partnership delivers state-of-the-art cancer care right here in The Villages. The facilities belong to CFHA. Moffitt works with the hospital and local physicians to improve the availability of advanced cancer care treatment options with a focus on quality and stronger research capabilities within the community. Moffitt also provides radiation oncology physician services, physics and treatment planning services and radiation oncology management services to CFHA. Patients treated at Moffitt in The Villages have access to Moffitt’s clinical trials as well as streamlined telecommunications and electronic medical record coverage. With the stronger partnership, Moffitt and The Villages improves the patient experience by improving access and coordination of the patient’s personal journey in conquering cancer. Moffitt’s philosophy is to partner with others to optimize the patient experience by providing the right treatment for the right patient at the right place and right time. Moffitt provides some of the most advanced cancer treatment and care in the country. The Villages enhanced partnership provides worldclass service to Villagers – much closer to home. Fact Finder continued on page 16 T he Villages, Florida is a community of over 86,000 seniors with no children or young adults and no major sports teams, but leads the nation in sports and recreation activity. How can this be? With 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every single day, many are joining the tens of thousands who have chosen The Villages as their new home to participate in The Villages’ Lifestyle. Supporting (and Sporting) a Healthy and Active Lifestyle The Villages Recreation Program has grown to the largest and best in the world by supporting the interests of Villagers. The program has gained national recognition recently by the National Parks and Recreation Association with its best ever Accreditation audit, comparing The Villages recreation activities and programs to the standards of excellence established by the very best among other programs throughout the United States. The Villages recreation programs grow each year along with the number of organized activities, which now total 1,836. The facilities also continue to grow and expand to support some of the largest programs in the nation including golf courses, tennis and pickleball courts, softball fields and recreation centers, among many others. Recreation specialists estimate that the great majority of Villagers regularly participate in a sport or recreation activity. The lowest estimate is over 75% to a high of 95% of Villagers who are participating in a healthy recreation activity in The Villages. Villagers are great competitors too, and the opportunities for friendly neighborhood games to local, state and national events are readily available. The Villages athletes are prominent competitors at state and national Senior Games, with many national champions and record holders. The Villages is a favorite venue for local and state Senior Games, as well as occasional professional events, including golf and bowling. The Villages Sports Programs Lead the Nation The Villages is the world’s largest retirement community and most unique. With the world’s largest recreation program, some of the individual programs naturally list among the nation’s (even world’s) largest. The Villages’ 504 holes of golf (China’s Mission Hills is second with 216) generate some amazing annual statistics, with about 10,000 Jeff Bergman of the Village of Virginia Trace opens Bonifay Country Club with the inaugural foursome. Bonifay is The Villages’ tenth Championship Golf Course. Bonifay’s first 18 holes bring the total golf holes in The Villages to a new world record number of 504 holes of golf in one community. tee times available daily and four or five holes in one each day, seven days a week. About 2.4 million rounds of golf are played in The Villages each year, with Villagers making over 1,600 holes in one, shooting their age over 1000 times and losing over (statistically estimated) five million golf balls. Over 600 softball teams, playing in 17 leagues in three seasons, play over 5,200 games annually. The Villages is the Pickleball Capital of the World keeping over ten dozen pickleball courts very busy. Swimming and water sports are also very popular and making good use of The Villages’ sixty recreation (plus seven country club) swimming pools quite active. While the top four sports in popularity are generally accepted to be golf, bowling, softball and pickleball, The Villages Polo program is also the largest in the nation by attendance, and there are literally dozens of other sports and recreation activities that Villagers are enjoying daily. The weekly Recreation News that lists indoor and outdoor activities, clubs and events is currently 56 pages long. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year Sportstown USA continued on page 8 Page 2, December 2011, The Villages Homeowners Association Voice E-Mail: villagehomeowners@thevillages.net Web site: www.thevha.net 1104 Main St., The Villages 32159 Pres. Don Hahnfeldt, dvhahnfeldt@cs.com-----------------------751-6373 Vice. Pres. Jack Knapp, napjack2002@yahoo.com-----------------391-1529 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 John Calandro, jpc318@gmail.com------------------------------430-3425 Russ D’Emidio, rjd601@thevillages.net---------------------------750-4486 Evan Richards, evanbrichards@msn.com-------------------------259-2974 Art Rowe, arowejr61@gmail.com-------------------------------205-7661 Past President, Roger Kass, rogerk@KNG-Marketing.com----------259-7174 Kathy Porter, kathymporter@comcast.net------------------------259-8196 Regional Directors Lake County - Judy Glasel , mtspirit@comcast.net----------------430-9707 Region 1 - Fred Dowling, lfdowling@aol.com--------------------350-6123 Region 2 - Lu Bowen, ludbowen@embarqmail.com--------------259-2155 Region 3 - Geoff Langdon, thecondor@embarqmail.com---------259-1037 Region 4 - Jim Brockman, jmbrockman52364@gmail.com--------750-8395 Regions 5 & 8 - Chuck Wildzunas, chuckw@thevillages.net-------753-3703 Regions 6 & 7 - Bill Gottschalk, wm.gottschalk@gmail.com-------350-2405 Committees VHA Foundation Alice Terrill, Chairman------------------------------------------ 259-1691 Membership Kathy Porter, Chair, kathymporter@comcast.net------------------259-8196 Lady Lake - Judy Glasel-----------------------------------------430-9707 Region 1 - Bob Eisenhauer--------------------------------------259-1485 Region 2 - Lu Bowen, ludbowen@embarqmail.com--------------259-2155 Region 3 - Dottie Hockey----------------------------------------259-2857 Region 4 - Nancy Dodd---------------------------------------- 753-4252 Region 5 & 8 - Felice Maurer----------------------------------- 259-7647 Region 6 & 7 - Lois Buyers------------------------------------- 350-7125 Program & Activities Doug Tharp- ---------------------------------------------------750-1760 Roger Kass-----------------------------------------------------259-7174 Golf Cart Safety Clinic Joy Tolan, Coordinator-------------------------------------------750-5368 Tom Tolan------------------------------------------------------750-5368 Maria Satterfield- ---------------------------------------------- 430-2301 Helping Hands Bill Dyer, Coordinator------------------------------------------ 751-1192 Briar Meadow North, Jim Stone---------------------------------753-7163 DeLeon Villas, Judy Trongon------------------------------------ 750-0954 East Side, John Kelly--------------------------------------- 915-833-8781 Glenbrook, Al Ely-----------------------------------------------259-3944 Polo Ridge, John Sullivan- ------------------------------------- 750-6175 Santiago, Dick Dufresne---------------------------------------- 750-4743 Santiago, Ken Mathieu -----------------------------------------259-2704 Summerhill, Ron Kershner--------------------------------------753-9629 St. Charles, Charlene Lema------------------------------------- 753-2347 Valle Verde, Marty Dubbs- --------------------------------------751-0600 CERT & Emergency Shelter Wayne Ward, cert32159@aol.com-------------------------------205-8280 SHINE Betty Cunningham- --------------------------------------------259-0753 Sunshine Committee Gail Burgess, Coordinator--------------------------------------- 750-1371 Website Ray Glessner-------------------------------------------------- 751-0701 Partners Program Mary Nowak, mnowak@embarqmail.com---------------------- 750-5313 Seniors vs. Crime Liaison Joyce Fisher ----------------------------------------------------750-2491 Military Affairs & Law Enforcement Sterling Wood--------------------------------------------------259-5507 A message from the President of the VHA C Christmastime in The Villages hristmas in The Villages is a special time of year. Villagers are filled with the Christmas spirit and villages are selectively sparkled with decorations are busy with guest and parties. The Villages’ list of special events in December starts with the Tree Lighting in the Squares on December 1st and the celebration continues right through New Year’s Eve, with just about every club and village planning socials and parties. Generosity of Villagers There will be a record number of guests in The Villages, who may share in the warmth and giving nature of Villagers which is highlighted at Christmas, but is present throughout the year. Villagers as a group participate in dozens of charitable and service organizations as volunteers and contributors. Their generosity is epic among national charities. Social groups and dedicated volunteer organizations support the local community from soup kitchens to The Villages Hospital Auxiliary. Shared Harvest gives away over 20 tons of food each year. Woodworkers make over 5,000 toys for local children. Operation Shoebox supports the troops throughout the year and mails out over 30,000 Christmas stockings filled with candy, toiletries, support letters and goodies. Villagers give thousands of gifts and toys and tens of thousands of dollars to multiples charities annually. Over 86,000 residents have chosen The Villages as the best value in a retirement community and participate in The Villages Lifestyle. But it’s the intangibles of The Villages that make this a very special place, such as the generosity and charity of Villagers themselves. Be Thankful, Give Support As we close out the year, be especially grateful for our good fortune and the efforts of our friends, family and neighbors that have made our lives and lifestyle a little bit better this year. The dedication and hard work of many have us looking forward to greater quality of life and longevity through programs The Villages by the Numbers (answers on page 15) Villagers are decorating their homes and entrances for the Christmas season, and The Villages is in the holiday spirit with decorated Squares, Recreation Centers and special events. (Oops…since the Answers to November’s By the Numbers were inadvertently omitted, they are included with this month’s Answers). 1. How many total Christmas Trees are in the recreation centers? 2. How many Christmas Stockings did Operation Shoebox ship to our men and women in the Armed Services this year? 3. How many guests will we expect from Thanksgiving - New Years? 4. How tall is the tallest Christmas tree in The Villages? like America’s Healthiest Hometown, increasing and improved clinical services and new facilities like the Moffitt Cancer Center. Many of your neighbors are VHA members who are the volunteers serving on boards and committees, advocating for us and bringing these dreams to reality. Give these Villagers your support through membership in the VHA or join them yourself as a volunteer in preserving the value of our homes and enhancing The Villages’ Lifestyle. Spirit of The Season Finally, our freedoms and liberties have been fought and died for many times since our ancestors first came to America. During this time of thanksgiving and Christmas, remember those, who helped make these special gifts possible. Remember especially the many who held these ideals so dear that they were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to preserve and pass them on to their sons and daughters. So reflect today on the greatness of America and those who defend her. Be thankful for many things, but especially those who cannot be with us today, because they’re keeping us safe and defending us from those who wish us harm. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and God bless America. Don Hahnfeldt, VHA President December Meetings Golf Cart Safety Clinic Wednesday, December 21st, 10 a.m. Savannah Regional Recreation Center Newcomer Orientation Tuesday, December 13th, 7 p.m. Colony Cottage Recreation Center Good Golf School Thursday, December 1st, January 5th and 19th at 9 a.m. to Noon Colony Cottage Regional Recreation Center Register with the Tee Times Office (352-750-4558) AAC Meeting Wednesday, December 7th, 1:30 p.m. The Savannah Center CDD Districts 1 through 4 Board Meeting Thursday, December 9th District 1, 8:00 a.m; District 2, 9:30 a.m. District 3,11:00 a.m.; District 4, 1:30 p.m. District Office, 1894 Laurel Manor Drive CDD Districts 5 through 9 Board Meeting Friday, December16th District 5, 8:00 a.m; District 6, 9:30 a.m. Dist 7,11:00 a.m.; Dist 8, 1:00 p.m.; Dist 9, 2:00 p.m. District Office, 1894 Laurel Manor Drive VCCDD and SLCDD Thursday, December15th VCCDD, 8:30 a.m.; SLCDD, 10:00 a.m. District Office, 1894 Laurel Manor Drive The Villages Homeowners Association Voice, December 2011, Page 3 Moffitt Cancer Center Recognizes Lung Cancer Awareness Month Moffitt Cancer Center is Florida’s only National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center, a designation that recognizes Moffitt’s excellence in research and contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt has 14 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia, one in Pennsylvania and two in Puerto Rico. Moffitt Cancer Center in The Villages opens this month. Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery for Lung Cancer Moffitt surgical oncologists specialize in standard surgical procedures such as lobectomy, wedge resections and pneumonectomy, as well as the minimally invasive techniques of robotic-assisted surgery and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Minimally invasive robotic surgery offers physicians enhanced 3-D visualization and increased dexterity to remove tumors from hard-to-reach areas within the lungs and chest cavity. Because minimally invasive surgery requires only a few small incisions, many patients who might not be good candidates for open lung surgery may benefit from the use of robotics. CT Lung Cancer Screening Program The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recently published guidelines for lung cancer screening that recommend helical low-dose computed tomography for people at high risk. Moffitt is offering low-dose CT lung cancer screening for this high-risk population. For those who don’t meet the criteria, a physician’s order is required. Appointments can be made with a pulmonologist in Moffitt’s lung cancer program to discuss the pros and cons of screening. To schedule a chest CT screening appointment, call the New Patient Appointment Center at (813) 745-3980 or 1-888-860-2778. For questions, call Cancer Answers at 1-888-MOFFITT. Scans are $350. Stereotactic Radiosurgery Moffitt’s lung program offers a comprehensive radiation therapy program that combines the strength of a skilled, experienced team with advanced radiotherapy technology. Patients benefit from the latest image-guided Stereotactic Radiosurgery tools that allow physicians to sculpt or shape the radiation beam, as well as change the dose intensity and angle. This capability maximizes the effectiveness of treatment while minimizing radiation exposure and harm to healthy tissue nearby. Real-time image guidance with computer-controlled dose delivery allows treatment to hit the tumor site with pinpoint accuracy and precise margins. Moffitt is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country’s leading cancer centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer. Moffitt marks a milestone anniversary this year – 25 years committed to one mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. Help Wanted The Villages Homeowners Association is expanding services to better support its members and its mission of preserving the value of our homes and enhancing The Villages’ Lifestyle. Volunteers have the opportunity to help their neighbors and influence positive change in The Villages community by serving in the following positions: The Villages Voice Editorial Staff, Reporter, Journalist, Photojournalist, Columnist Committees Membership, Retail Partners, Helping Hands, Fund Raising, Charitable Foundation Contact your Regional Director or any VHA Board member to volunteer The Villages’ Buzz Recreation Department Receives Accreditation The Villages Recreation Department received Accreditation from the National Recreation and Parks Association and joins a select group of recreation programs recognized as achieving a standard of excellence among over 3,000 programs nationwide! The two year process was a team effort by recreation staff, District staff and Developer. The NRPA team was amazed at the quality of service we provide to the Villagers in this first-time recognition of a 55-plus community. Scam Notice to Residents In mid-November, phone solicitations to residents from unknown callers were requesting donations on behalf of District Departments. These were NOT from The Villages District Government and residents are urged NOT to provide any personal or financial information over the telephone. Sumter County Sheriff’s Office has received all pertinent information regarding the calls. If you have received similar phone calls please contact Community Watch at 753-0550. The Villages’ Survival Rate 7X the National Average Over the past year the survival rate for Villagers suffering a sudden cardiac arrest was 44% compared to the national average of 6.3%. These outstanding numbers in The Villages are a direct result of Villagers to EMS and paramedics and other medical professionals recognizing the symptoms and taking the immediate and appropriate life-saving actions. The Villages Public Safety Department is on track to train about 2,000 more Villagers this year in CPR/ AED methods, and 40 neighborhood groups have trained teams with AED installed in their villages. Contact the Public Safety Department for more information. CR101 Tunnel Rework Progressing The re-work on the tunnel approaches is expected to happen the second week in December. As the work is being completed, please continue to use caution at the temporary four-way stop located north of the closed tunnel, where golf carts are currently allowed to cross CR101. Watch for a reopening announcement in the Daily Sun. Free Golf on Christmas The Villages Championship Golf Country Clubs will be offering free golf for Villagers on Christmas Day again this year. Watch for details in the Daily Sun or on golfthevillages.com. Golf Carts and Florida Laws Golf carts on Florida streets are subject to the same operating restrictions as other motor vehicles. Villagers in golf carts are required to observe stop signs and traffic lights as well as know the open The Villages, Buzz continued on page 10 Page 4, December 2011, The Villages Homeowners Association Voice America’s Healthiest Hometown Tomorrow’s Health Today Lecture Series U SF Health’s Dr. Amanda Smith, medical director of the Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, presented the sixth lecture in the Tomorrow’s Health Today series, and gave Villagers critical tips and steps in detecting and preventing Alzheimer’s disease. The lecture series has become very popular, and an important feature in The Villages since establishing the USF Health partnership in making The Villages “America’s Healthiest Hometown.” Villagers had a chance to visit and ask questions about this troubling disease. The Savannah Center was filled to overflow capacity as the Scarlet O’Hara theater was packed and hundreds more viewed “Prevent Alzheimer’s Now Before You Forget” presentation. Dr. Smith is the medical director of the largest comprehensive, free standing Alzheimer’s Center in the nation, dedicated to research, technology, care, treatment and education of patients, family and caregivers. In June, Dr. Donna Petersen, USF Health professor and dean of the College of Public, kicked off Tomorrow’s Health Today series informing Villagers how they can maximize the health advantages of The Villages lifestyle. The Villages active lifestyle already benefits residents in terms of life expectancy and quality of life, and Dr. Peterson says it can get much better. Dr. Jay Wolfson spoke to the contribution of electronic medical records in July. USF Health CEO Dr. Stephen Klasko addressed Villagers in August and Miss America 1999 shared her views on living with illness and her experiences as a diabetic. Dr. Chuck Nofsinger’s presentation on sports medicine last month was of great interest to many of The Villages’ senior athletes. The next presentation in Tomorrow’s Health Today series is on December 20th, “What your genes tell you about keeping your heart healthy” should be very popular among many Villagers. The Villages/USF Study is in the last two months of its initial phase of survey development. Focus groups of Villagers are participating in the building phase of the the survey that will be the most comprehensive, focused look at how retirees can extend and improve their lives. Each USF Health presentation introduces some of those steps Villagers can take on that road to longer life and improved health. Lectures in the Tomorrow’s Health Today series will continue at the Savannah Center as one of many programs and events that will be held in The Villages as a result of a recent partnership between the university and the community to make The Villages “America’s Healthiest Hometown.” Free tickets for the monthly lectures series are available through The Villages Box Offices. Summaries of Dr. Smith’s Alzheimer’s program and previous presentations are available on the villages.health.usf.edu website. Tomorrow’s Health Today Schedule: December 20 The Heart of the Matter: What Your Genes Tell You About Keeping Your Heart Healthy Leslie Miller, MD, FACC, Professor of Medicine, Chief & Chairman, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, CEO & Director, USF Cardiovascular Service (CRISP) Medical Director of the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute Amanda Smith participated in USF Health’s Tomorrow’s Health Today lecture series to an overflow crowd of Villagers at the Savannah Center. Dr. Smith’s presentation “Prevent Alzheimer Now Before You Forget” equipped Villagers with factual and practical information about Alzheimer’s and lifestyle changes that they can make and suggestions for “brain healthy habits.” The Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute is the largest free standing Comprehensive Alzheimer’s Center in the nation. Maintenance Tips with Home Warranty Manager O K, I know you have heard this from me before, but I can’t underscore the importance of this maintenance tip, especially when it comes to maintaining the value of your home and protecting it from deteriorating to the point it may require major repair work. I am talking to those of you who own painted exterior homes. If you have a wood frame home with exterior siding this article will not apply to you. The most important thing for these homes is protecting it from water penetration from blowing wind and rain. Water will seek out any minor shrinkage cracks or voids in caulking and can force water into your home. Inspect your painted home regularly. Look for those minor cracks in the walls and voids in caulking around your windows. Repair minor hairline cracks with touch up paint directly over the crack only. Larger cracks will need to be addressed with caulk or stucco patch before painting. Keep the paint on the crack or stucco repair directly and not wide brush strokes over the area. This will make the touch up less cosmetically noticeable and keep the home aesthetically pleasing. If you need caulking repairs around windows or in larger stucco cracks, be sure to use an exterior latex paintable caulk. Remember the paint system and caulking to your block or poured concrete home is the moisture barrier, as concrete is very porous and will draw water into your home if left unprotected or maintained. Consider repainting your home and adding to the protection of your homes concrete walls after a few years. Make sure you use a reputable licensed and insured painting contractor. They will look for the cracks and voids we talked about above and repair them before they repaint your home. Make sure your irrigation system is adjusted frequently to be sure heads are not directed at the home. Constant pressure from water spraying on your home will also find minor voids and find a way into your home. Remember if you need help with finding a qualified paint contractor, please feel free to contact The Villages Warranty office at 753-6222, or contact us through an e-mail request accessible on www. thevillages.net. We are always happy to provide this type of information to our homeowners. Thank you for taking the time to review these maintenance tips. I look forward to visiting with you again. Dennis Stradinger You might be a Villager if... …you think Twitter and tweeting involves small birds chirping... by Bill Landis and Elder Gray The Villages Homeowners Association Voice, December 2011, Page 5 VHA News Regions 6 & 7 Lake County Region Bill Gottschalk, Vice Chairperson Region 6, 350-2405 Wanda Cooksey, Vice Chairperson Region 7, 209-9132 Ron McMahon, Secretary, 205-4647 Judy Glasel, Regional Director, 430-9707 Myra Reff, Associate Director What a special time of the year. Our Snow Bird Friends are returning to roost for the winter. We have just gotten over Thanksgiving and now look forward to Christmas, the biggest holiday of the year, both for its religious and traditional meaning. At no other time are we more generous and giving and that generosity truly shows in our Villages community. Before we meet again it will be a new year. Many of us will have had the opportunity to visit with friends and family and taken a little time to relax and enjoy the start of a bright and promising new year. By the way, are you making a New Year’s resolution? Many people do. It’s easy to make resolutions and often much harder to accomplish them. We in regions 6 & 7 would like to help with that New Year resolution. Why not continue the generosity you will show over these holidays and become a VHA representative for your village or villa. You make that resolution and we will provide you with all the tools necessary to act in the interest of the residents of your village on issues related to the VHA mission of preserving and enhancing the values of our lifestyle and homes. If you are interested, contact Bill, Wanda or Ron at the phone numbers listing at the top of this article. Happy Holidays Everyone. The Lady Lake / Lake County Region had a good meeting in November with many of the attendees from Paradise who wanted to know how/when they might see their road fixed. It was great to see them all and I hope they come back to all of our future meetings. Mira Mesa golf course is now open with the new watering system. Chula Vista has been opened for a while and both courses are beautiful and will be enjoyed by all the golfers. We are still needing reps for the following areas: Orange Blossom Gardens, Village of Del Mar, Hacienda Villas, Courtyard Villas, Village of Valle Verde. Lake Region’s next meeting is December 15th at 6:30 at Chula Vista Recreation Center. Lifelong Learning College Kicks Off Winter / Spring Semester The Winter-Spring Lifelong Learning College offers about 500 total courses and 1,200 sessions, throughout The Villages. Courses listed in the new catalog are conducted at The Villages High School, Middle School and recreation centers. Off-site opportunities are also listed that include day trips to regional attractions requested by Villagers. Each semester new courses are added and this year about three dozen new courses are included for Winter-Spring. Some of the new sessions and surveys in progress to be added include the latest in computer and online services, like How to Learn Online, Kindle Fire, and Microsoft Movie Maker. TVLLC also includes a variety of free courses that include most service courses such as Social Security and Life Transitioning Courses (How to cook, travel and finance as a single). The Villages LLC continues to be the most-participated in program in The Villages. Over 18,000 residents each year attend about 25,000 sessions. The just-completed Fall term had a record number of enrollees attending classes, and the Winter Term already is on pace to exceed those numbers. The nominal course fees are set to cover the cost of conducting the course. The administrative fees are maintained at a low level by the nearly five dozen volunteers at TVLLC who supplement the four full-time and four part-time employees. TVLLC Director Michelle Shideler (left) and Villager Volunteer Betty Wharton of the Village of Mallory Square review the new Winter Catalog of Lifelong Learning College courses and sessions. Veteran’s Corner Fiscal Year 2012 COLA The government announced that Social Security, military retirees and VA compensation and pension recipients will receive a 3.6% cost of living increase effective December 30, 2011 checks. Gainesville VAMC Parking Garage Open The Gainesville VA Medical Center opened a new parking garage on November 14th. This garage will provide 621 parking spaces for outpatient and inpatient appointments, which should help relieve the congestion. USA Cares Sponsors “Operation Home Rescue” Golf Tourney Rich Sobieray, USA Cares Coordinator, announced that their organization is sponsoring a golf tournament to assist military members with saving homes from foreclosure. Every $3,000 raised will save another service member’s house from foreclosure. The tournament, which will take place on Friday, January 13th at Harbor Hills Country Club, will feature a number of former NFL, MLB and NBA players. Cost is $125 per person. For more information, please contact Rich Sobieray at (352) 598-0394 Walt Disney World’s Armed Forces Salute 2011-2012 Walt Disney World is offering 4-day discount tickets for “Eligible U.S. Military Service Members” (or their spouse, but not both) for family and friends. All active and retired military are eligible to purchase up to six tickets. For more information on rates and restrictions please go to www.disneymilitarysales. com. Disney Announces Room Discounts for Military Retirees Walt Disney World is offering discounts for those with valid military ID cards, including retirees. Valid for stays most nights 10/3/2010 – 9/30/2012. Guests presenting a valid military ID when checking in at select Walt Disney World resorts are eligible for special room only discounts: Select Disney Value Resorts: 30% off Select Disney Moderate Resorts and Cabins: 35% off Select Disney Deluxe Resorts: 40% off Visit Villages.health.usf.edu to participate Page 6, December 2011, The Villages Homeowners Association Voice Ask the Chief — The Florida Litter Law A s you approach Lady Lake, you will notice the welcome sign inviting everyone to Lady Lake and you will also see the beautiful and litter-free landscaping. It is a positive reflection of how Lady Lake strives to present itself to the community. The Town of Lady Lake is proactive with removing litter and debris from the roadways throughout our Town. It employs a litter removal crew to daily clean the litter and debris from the roadways. Litter not only costs you, the tax payer, additional monies, it also affects your quality of life. Litter has environmental consequences. Wind, weather, traffic and animals move litter into streets, lawns, landscaped areas, parks and parking areas. Debris may be carried to storm drains and from there, to local waterways. This has the potential for serious environmental contamination. Another example would be discarded cigarette butts. Aside from being unattractive lying around, they also pose a real threat of fire. A 2009 National Visible Litter Survey and Litter Cost Study identified individual behavior as the primary contributor to litter in all locations. Individuals are littering on roads and highways and in retail, recreational and residential locations: Roadway Litter - Tobacco products, mostly cigarette butts, are the most littered item on U.S. roadways (38%). This is followed by paper (22%) and plastic (19%). Most of the litter on roads and highways is caused by people. Research shows that littering along roadways is generated by the following individual actions: - Motorists (52%) - Pedestrians (22.8%) - Improperly covered truck or cargo loads, including collection vehicles (16.4%) - Improperly secured containers, dumpsters, trash cans or recycling bins (1.5%) Non-Roadway Litter – Off the roads and highways, litter originates from many sources, but litter primarily collects at “transition points.” Transition points are entrances to businesses, transportation and other places where items must be discarded before entering. Confection (candy, chocolate, gum, etc.) ranks at the top (53.7%) of what is littered at transition points. This is followed by cigarette butts at 29.8%. Other locations that attract litter—starting from where most non-roadway litter occurs to least—include: Storm drains tend to attract cigarette butts, confection and other litter. Loading docks - Areas behind retail and wholesale business where products are loaded/unloaded from trucks and trailers can become littered with cigarette butts, confection and paper. Recreational Areas - Parks, beaches, courts and open areas where people congregate for leisure activities create lots of opportunities for littering. Construction sites - Active residential or commercial construction are a trap for cigarette butts, paper and plastic. Retail – High-traffic locations such as shopping centers, strip malls and convenience stores can generate packaging litter and cigarette butts and confection on the ground. Aside from the aesthetic penalties of littering, there are monetary and legal implications. Florida State Statutes #403.413 – the Florida Litter Law: 403.413 Florida Litter Law. (4) DUMPING LITTER PROHIBITED. Unless otherwise authorized by law or permit, it is unlawful for any person to dump litter in any manner or amount: (a) In or on any public highway, road, street, alley, or thoroughfare, including any portion of the right-of-way thereof, or any other public lands, except in containers or areas lawfully provided therefore. When any litter is thrown or discarded from a motor vehicle, the operator or owner of the motor vehicle, or both, shall be deemed in violation of this section; (b) in or on any freshwater lake, river, canal, or stream or tidal or coastal water of the state, including canals. When any litter is thrown or discarded from a boat, the operator or owner of the boat, or both, shall be deemed in violation of this section; or (c) In or on any private property, unless prior consent of the owner has been given and unless such litter will not cause a public nuisance or be in violation of any other state or local law, rule, or regulation. (6) PENALTIES; ENFORCEMENT.-(a) Any person who dumps litter in violation of subsection (4) in an amount not exceeding 15 pounds in weight or 27 cubic feet in volume and not for commercial purposes is guilty of a noncriminal infraction, punishable by a civil penalty of $50. In addition, the court may require the violator to pick up litter or perform other labor commensurate with the offense committed. In accordance with The Florida Litter Law (Statute # 403.413), the Town of Lady Lake will be posting the following signage: EXTINGUISHING AND TOSSING CIGARETTES INTO TRASH CANS OR LANDSCAPING CREATES A FIRE HAZARD. ALSO, IMPROPER DISPOSAL ON THE STREETS, ETC. IS CONSIDERED A LITTERING VIOLATION. DO NOT DISPOSE OF BUTTS IN THE STREETS, ON THE SIDEWALKS, IN THE LANDSCAPING, OR IN THE TRASH CANS. YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO RECEIVING A CITATION FROM THE LADY LAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT. While voluntary compliance to this law is preferred, for those that make poor choices, the Lady Lake Police Department will be enforcing this law! We want to continually strive for our friendly community to reflect its beauty and cleanliness. Working together, we will be able to keep the Town of Lady Lake and America clean! 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 (352)751-1560 enathanson@ladylakepd.org Good Golf Tips with Erik Greulach Do your part, pay it forward! T he one question I always get ask when giving presentation to our residents is “Why can’t we get golfers to take care of their responsibilities and rake the bunkers, repair the ball marks, fill divots, etc.?” or a similar version of this question. Well, folks, I’m here to tell you, if we had that answer, we’d sell it to every golf course in the world!! Well actually we believe we have a solution that will help greatly, it’s just how to get it accomplished! From an operation standpoint, we try and educate our golfers through various means: Good Golf School, The Good Golf Guide, GolfTheVillages. com, The Daily Sun, WVLG and our golf staff. But, we need your help too. Yes you, the golfers! Many, Many, Many of you do take your responsibility of practicing good golf very seriously, and for that, we and the other golfers applaud your efforts. Unfortunately, not everyone does. So what’s the answer??? Peer review; that is to say, each of us holding each other accountable. It begins with education and paying it forward! There are a lot of new golfers that move into The Villages each year. While we do a lot on our part to educate them, let’s all pull together and do our part in that process. For those of us who do practice good golf didn’t just start playing golf and automatically know what to do; someone showed us the way. Let’s help those new golfers along! And for those that know but choose not to, let’s help hold them accountable for their actions. Encourage them to do their part! We believe that working together we can make a difference! After all, there’s no better place to be, so let’s all practice good stewardship. Remember, these are YOUR hometown courses. To Good Golf….Erik The Villages Homeowners Association Voice, December 2011, Page 7 Seniors Vs Crime - Tis The Season For Giving — To Crooks I s that the sound of holiday carolers at your door? No. Its kids selling magazines to support a local scam artist - - oops, they meant to say “charity”. Many charities will come knocking, calling, mailing or emailing you pleas for donations during the upcoming holidays. Due to the poor state of the economy, all indications are that these efforts will be even greater this year. For those of us who live in paradise, otherwise know as The Villages, we remember that part of being human is helping those less fortunate. We can be very generous. Seniors Vs Crime wants to warn you, at the start of this holiday season, that many of these so-called charities are fakes. Many of the cards, letters, visits and calls you get this year will be from scam artists. They are out to line their pockets with YOUR MONEY! Even for real charities, before you give so generously, you should know exactly how much of your contribution will actually be used for the charitable cause to which you so generously donate. Would it interest you to know that “Badge Related” (police, fire or EMS) charities are notorious for only giving 30% or less of your dollar to the intended charity? In the case of FAST (Florida Assn. of State Troopers), an organization several Villagers have reported as soliciting them recently, 66% of your donation goes for fundraising costs, 7% to administrative costs, and only 27% of your donation reaches the troopers. FAST solicitations are often made by professional fund raising organizations. Before you give, find out how much of your donation will actually reach the intended recipient. To do that, use your computer to go to the Florida Department of Consumer Services “Gift Givers Guide” at their website. The above statistics about FAST came from that guide. The internet guide is located at: https://csapp.800helpfla.com/cspublicapp/ giftgiversguery/giftgiversguery.aspx In the box marked “Business Name,” type in all or part of the charity name and then click on the “Search” button. That will bring up a list of all registered charities in Florida that have your search word in its name. If you cannot find the charity that is soliciting your donation, that charity is not legally allowed to solicit in Florida. All charities soliciting within Florida, excluding religious, educational and governmental entities, are required to register and file financial information with the state. Don’t have an internet connection? No problem! Call 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) from within Florida and you can get the information you need. Donors should always refuse to give whenever they feel uncomfortable about the request. Some specific warning signs and tips that a charitable solicitation may be a fraud or scam include: • Don’t provide bank or credit card information over the phone on calls that you didn’t expect. • Don’t be enticed to make donations because of promises of prizes, cash awards or sweepstakes. • Don’t give when someone offers to come to your house to personally pick up your gift. • Don’t give when the caller can’t answer questions about the charity. •Don’t give when high-pressure tactics are used. • Don’t make out a check to an individual or to cash. Always make the check out to the name of the charity. If, in a weak moment, you made a mistake and pledged a donation to a questionable charity, don’t sweat it. In the state of Florida, a pledge is NOT a promissory note or debt. It cannot be legally collected if you have changed your mind. Repeated attempts to collect on a pledge constitute Harassment! If you are harassed over a pledge, contact either office of Seniors Vs Crime in The Villages for assistance. Unfortunately, there often are scams that take advantage of the generosity of Villagers who think they are contributing to worthwhile causes. Stay alert, be smart, be aware and be wary. Remember, no one will watch out for YOUR money better than YOU. When in doubt as to what else you can to do, contact your nearest Seniors Vs Crime office in The Villages for advice. They can be reached at 352-7537775 in Marion County or 352-689-4600, Extension 4606 in Sumter County. Volunteers at both offices are ready, willing and able to assist you. Villages Snapshots Lieutenant Nehemiah Wolfe (c) with recent graduates of Sumter County Sheriff’s Citizens’ Academy. About 50 VHA Representatives participated in an eight-week course by the Sheriff’s Department, educating Villagers on the tools, techniques and personnel used by local law enforcement. The VHA recognized the Sheriff’s Office for its contribution in maintaining The Villages as a safe and secure community. Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Nehemiah Wolfe (l), The Villages Public Safety Department Fire Chief Mike Tucker (c) and The Villages Community Watch Battalion Chief Scott Wilder give Villagers updates on safety and security in The Villagers at the VHA General Meeting “More Safe and Secure in The Villages.” Villagers were updated on the effectiveness of local programs and given tips to become even more safe and secure. The VHA support of Villagers by means such as The Voice publication and distribution and free use of medical devices through Helping Hands is 100% funded by members’ dues. The Moffitt Cancer Center in The Villages Oncologist Jenete Mills (l) and Center Director Debra Trovato inspect the newly installed CT Scan equipment in preparation for the Center’s grand opening this month. The latest in scanning technology is essential for tumor mapping and motion tracking for precision radiation treatment. Reservations for community tours of the new Moffitt Cancer Center in The Villages can be made on a limited basis for December 9, 10 and 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 751-8585. The Villages Homeowners Association Voice, December 2011, Page 9 Page 8, December 2011, The Villages Homeowners Association Voice Sportstown USA continued from page 1 Sports and Recreation by the Dozens The Recreation Department’s Top 12 most popular activities ranked by participation in dance, health and wellness, sports, and swimming are: Dance –Line, Ballroom, Clogging, Tap, Jazz, Show Dancing, Ballet, Square, Polka, Scottish, Round, and Drill Team Health and Wellness – Walking Aerobics, Giggles & Shakes, Aerobics, Yoga, Core Conditioning, Stretch & Tone, Tai Chi, Support Groups, Fitness Groups, Nutrition Clubs, Weight Loss Clubs, Fitness Clubs. Sports – Golf, Pickleball, Softball, Shuffleboard, Cycling, Table Tennis/Tennis, Archery, Track & Field, Horseshoes, Badminton, Croquet / Lawn Bowling, Darts (note: Bowling is not operated by the Recreation Department) Swimming – Water Exercise, Water Volleyball, Swim Team, Lap Swimming, Water Walking, Deep Water Exercise, Synchronized Swimming, Water Polo Also of interest to Villagers may be the top twelve’s in other categories of activity: Arts & Crafts – Painting, Quilting, Clay & Pottery, Beading, Knitting, Scrapbooking, Sewing, Stamping, Wood Working, Decorative Art, Ceramics, Glass Etching Music – Concert Band, Classical Music, Acoustical Band, Bagpipe & Drummers, Cabaret Singers, Country Music, Guitar,, Harmonica, Karaoke, Opera, Piano, Choralettes Social Clubs – Neighborhood, State, ItalianAmerican, Baby Boomers, Singles, AfricanAmerican, German-American, Spanish-American, Scottish-American, Parrotheads, Brits Tea, Frogs & Flakes Special Interests – Visual Arts, Clown Alley, Canoe & Kayak, Astronomy, Bird Watchers, Vintage Cars, Collecting, computer, Explorers, Foreign Films, Fishing, Service. Commitment to Health The Villages is well known nationally through its own advertising as Florida’s Friendliest Hometown, but is becoming recognized more recently as America’s Healthiest Hometown as Villagers participate in the University of South Florida Health “America’s Healthiest Hometown” Study. Villagers are actively living The Villages Lifestyle and enjoying the results. Their participation in sports and recreation activities in their daily and weekly routine is building the longevity and quality of life that Villagers hope to entend as long as possible in America’s Healthiest Hometown. Villages Snapshots Sarasota Golf Facility at Morse Boulevard just south of CR466A features a driving range with floating islands and range flags, a golf academy, and extensive pro shop for Villagers. CR101 Golf Cart Tunnel nears completion of rework. Sleeve is installed, floor lower and ramps are in process of being resloped. Director of The Villages Recreation Department proudly displays the Accreditation Certificate distinguishing The Villages Recreation Program as the leader among the elite programs in the United States above the 96th percentile. The Sarasota Pro Shop is one of the largest and best stocked in the nation featuring top-of-the-line clubs, bags, balls and golf attire. Director of The Villages District Government Resident Academy Carrie Duckett (l) presents graduation certificate to Buddy Johnson of the Village of Liberty Park at the Board Meeting of The Village Center Community Development District. Buddy was in the eleventh class of the Resident Academy which has been attended by 266 Villagers, who learn about their District Government and about Community Development Districts - the unique form of government of The Villages. For information about attending future Resident Academies, contract District Government Customer Service. Jim and Judy Jackson survey the building and grounds of the Tierra Del Sol Village Recreation Center. Expansion is proposed to the Amenity Authority Committee. Local residents are hoping for additional meeting space and accommodations. Co-owner of Featured Partner of the Month, All Occasion Events displays a lighted decorator ornament Christmas box and a holiday floral arrangement, store items popular with Villagers. Sanibel Pool is the first swimming pool opened south of CR466A. The second and third pools are Fernandina Village pool and the family pool at Captiva Recreation Center to open in January. Amenities and recreation facilities will be expanding again very soon with the completion of Captiva Village Recreation Center. Teeing off on hole number one Golf Academy Instructor Wm. Bruce Urton of the Village of St. Charles prepares to hit from the teaching bay to the island green at the Sarasota Golf Facility. Bonifay Country Club Restaurant is open for business featuring the Florida Favorites cuisine in a beachside setting, complete with an outside bar overlooking Bonifay Golf Course. at Bonifay Country Club were lottery winners (l to r) Jeff Miller of Mallory Square, John Henry of Sunset Pointe, Jeff Bergman of Virginia Trace and Ron Barker of Mallory Square. The four were one of 18 lucky foursomes among almost 700 groups of Villagers vying for the opening round honors. Moffitt Cancer Center in The Villages Director Walmart Supercenter in The Villages wants to be Villagers’ Safety Supercenter. Walmart Store Manager Wade Stevens (r), with VHA President, donated numerous home safety and security devices and equipment for demonstration/door prizes for VHA’s General Meeting “More Safe and Secure in The Villages”. Debra Trovato hosts Moffitt’s Radiation Oncology Department Chair Craig W. Stevens for Doc Talk presentation at the Waterfront Inn attended by Villagers learning about the latest in technology and treatment coming to The Villages. Dr. Stevens participated in a VHA Town Hall Meeting last year sharing the Moffitt Vision and the value of a Comprehensive Cancer Center and Total Cancer Care to Villagers. USF Health’s Drs. Amanda Smith (l) and Jessica Banko, director and associate director of the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute oversee the research and technology, diagnosis, care and treatment of patients, as well as the education and training of patients, families and caregivers. Page 10, December 2011, The Villages Homeowners Association Voice Florida Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch - Villages’ Donation Drive a Great Success For Ranchers T Another Villages’ Population Milestone The Villages population surpassed 86,000 last month as it continues to grow at a rate of about 1000 each quarter on its way to a final total of about 110,000 by 2015. Sumter County Sheriff Bill Farmer and his wife visited the collection station on Tuesday. Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch Donor Relations Officer Frank Kenny also visited on Tuesday to meet with Villages donors. During the four days of the Fall Villages Donation Drive, enough items were collected for the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches to fill this semi trailer. a donated item from the trunk of a donor’s car at the Fall Villages Donation Drive held from Oct. 25-28 at the Villages Sumter County Sheriff’s Substation. Across the four days, Villages residents donated enough items to fill four box trucks and completely filled a large semi trailer. The items on the box trucks were distributed to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches Thrift Store Crystal River and Thrift Store Live Oak. Proceeds from the sales of these donated items are used to help support the children that live on the four Florida Sheriff Youth Ranch campuses. According to Sheriffs Ranches Enterprises Director of Thrift Stores Jeremy Buzbee, “The donated items are expected to raise between $12,000 and $15,000 for the Youth Ranches.” The fall donation event was so successful that planning is underway to return to the Villages in the spring for another four-day event. So, if during your spring cleaning you find yourself cleaning out your closets, replacing old furniture or upgrading old appliances, consider donating your items to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. Your donation really can make the difference in the life of a child. If you would like more information on how to help our kids, please contact Frank Kenny, Donor Relations Officer at 1-800-765-3797 or visit us at www.youthranches.org. Jim Karantinos, jkarantinos@youthranches.org, 386-842-5501 ext. 1251 Frank Kenny Frequently Asked Questions If I lose my mailbox key, how can I get a replacement? UPDATE…UPDATE…UPDATE…Go to the Lady Lake Post Office Annex in La Plaza Grande Shopping Center North on La Plaza Grande Boulevard and request new key(s). There will be a new lock installed and (3) keys issued. This may take a couple of days and involve a nominal fee of $25. You will have to go in person with photo ID and proof of address for the postal box of concern. For additional information call the post office at 352-753-3888. Can the Sheriff issue an open container citation to Villagers in golf carts at the Polo Field? No and Yes. The Sheriff cannot issue a ticket to a Villager just sitting in a golf cart at the Polo Field with an open container. The Sheriff can issue a ticket to the Villager with an open container at the Polo Field IF the golf cart is MOVING, even though container limitations between home, the golf course, and the square. The IRS Continues to Grinch the Numbers The District Government’s latest attempt to educate the IRS on Florida Statues and the Community Development District form of government is available for Villagers’ viewing on the districtgov.org website. hanks to the residents of the Villages, the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches had a very successful fall donation drive. During the four day event, held on October 25-28, Sheriffs Ranches Enterprises collected approximately 100 donations each day. This number reflects both the drop-offs at the semi trailer located at Sumter County Sheriff’s Substation and the at-home pickups that were completed by Sheriffs Ranches Enterprises drivers. Sheriffs Ranches Enterprises Director of Thrift Stores Jeremy Buzbee collects The Villages’ Buzz continued from page 3 the Polo Field is private property. Florida statute 316-1936 applies. What are my choices for obtaining a Guest Pass ID? Applications for Guest Pass IDs may be made in person at any of the eight Regional Recreation Centers or District Government’s Customer Service Center on Wedgewood Lane and obtained right away. Applications may be made online on the District Government’s website www.districtgov.org and be designated for delivery to one of the eight Regional Recreation Centers for your pick up three days later. Guest Pass ID Policy information is available in the Recreation Department section on the District Government website. How can I get an additional or replace a lost Gate Card? Gate Cards are issued in pairs and may be obtained at The Villages’ Largest Golf Facility Expands The number of holes of golf in The Villages broke through the 500 barrier with the opening of Bonifay Country Club. Two of Bonifay’s sets of three 9-hole courses pushed The Villages total to 504 holes of golf! The next largest golf facility in the world is Mission Hills in China with 216. The Villages will be adding the third 9-holes of Bonifay shortly, plus two more 27-hole Championship Golf Courses and six more 9-hole Executive Courses over the next several years. Annual Awards Next Month The Villages Homeowners Association will be presenting annual recognitions and awards at the VHA General Meeting on January 11th, including the coveted Partner of The Year Award and Volunteer Program of The Year Award. District Government Customer Service. Each household is issued one pair (two total) Gate Cards, and may obtained an additional pair (four total). Cards are issued/replaced at a cost of $15 per card. If one Gate Card of the original pair is lost, a new pair may be issued for $15 with credit being given for turning in the remaining Gate Card from the original pair. Can my guest participate in the Free Golf on Christmas at The Villages Championship Golf Courses? Yes, but at least one of the members of each foursome participating in the Free Golf on Christmas Day must have a Resident ID Card. Watch for additional details on the Free Golf on Christmas in the Daily Sun or on www.golf thevillages.com. The Villages Homeowners Association Voice, December 2011, Page 11 Sumter County Vote Notes A s I was thinking about November 11th being Veteran’s Day I felt that stir of emotion inside as patriotism flowed through my veins. I thought, what a wonderful country we live in! How can we ever express enough thanks and gratitude to all the men and women who have served, fought and died for our country, for our freedom? So I thought I would share a couple of things with you. As your supervisor of elections, everywhere I go I highly encourage people to register and vote. If you don’t vote, the people who do vote are the ones who will be electing people, putting them in office where many of these elected officials will have the power to make decisions that will affect your life. Don’t allow someone else to do this for you. Please let your voice be heard by voting your choices. Now I want to invite you to take a nice drive down to Bushnell to the Florida National Cemetery. It is beautiful, peaceful and will pull at your heart strings. At certain times of the day you will hear bells played that echo in the wind. Then at dusk and at dawn you will often see deer grazing in the distance. As you look around in awe, you will never be so humbled as you are at that moment. In 1999 while serving as your county commissioner, I had the honor of traveling to Tallahassee with several of our veterans. The Florida National Cemetery was running out of land so we went to plead for an expansion. This meant that the state would have to give some state land that backed up to the cemetery for the expansion. This was not an easy task as some people didn’t want the state to give up any of that land for any reason. I walked into the room and looked around at all the veterans present. So many asking for so little in light of what they had given. As I stepped up to the podium I could feel my hands trembling as I addressed Gov. Jeb Bush and cabinet. He could see my hands shaking and told me to go ahead and share my concerns and that everything would be okay. So I spoke on behalf of our veterans with a heartfelt plea. I was the only county commissioner present out of our 67 counties. Where was everyone I wondered? This cemetery is for veterans everywhere. Well, it wasn’t very much later that I received word we had received the expansion from the state. What an answer to prayer. Then much to my surprise our veterans from American Legion Post 18 in Wildwood, who had traveled to Tallahassee with me, gave me a plaque. It states, “For going beyond the call of duty to help veterans acquire land for expansion of the Veteran’s National Cemetery.” Needless to say I felt honored and, yes, I cried…. Many times when I’m out and about at different events and functions, I feel as though we have lost some of that love we have for America. That maybe we are not as grateful as we should be. Patriotism seems to be fading away with each generation. And we are the last generation to pass it along to our kids and grandkids. I promise you this, that I have and will continue to teach our youth about what it’s like to really love our country, to respect those who have fought for it and how blessed they are to have the freedom we all share. And I will always preach: vote, vote, vote!!! QUOTE FOR THE MONTH: A thoughtful mind, when it sees a nation’s flag, sees not the flag only, but the nation itself. Henry Ward Beecher Holiday Decoration Policy This year Gate Houses and Village/Villa entry sign walls may be decorated by resident groups. This excludes postal stations. Residents must submit a design to District Property Management, 3231 Wedgewood Lane, prior to installation. Once approval has been given, decorations may be installed. pecifications for Village/Villa Entry Wall S Decorations: •G reen garland, green wreaths (maximum 3’ in width, not to obscure sign wall lettering) and red bows are acceptable decorations. •O nly wire, rope or cord can be used to display holiday decorations from entry walls. •N o nails, screws, tape or any other material that would break, peel or penetrate the surface, lights (electric or battery), statues or colored ribbon other than red are permitted. Specifications for Gate House Decorations: •O ne green wreath with a red bow (maximum 3’ in width) may be placed on the entrance and exit side of the Gate House. •N o nails, screws, tape or any other material that would break, peel or penetrate the surface, or lights (electric or battery) are permitted. Mystery Pic Can you recognize this Villages landmark? answer on page 16 Karen S. Krauss, Supervisor of Elections, Sumter County, www.sumterelections.org 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 Santa Wants YOU To Join The VHA Page 12, December 2011, The Villages Homeowners Association Voice VHA Member Benefits* All offers require VHA membership card presented at time of sale. —NO REFUNDS AFTER SALE— *One benefit offer per family membership. 24 Hr. Cart Club, Inc. Bravo Pizza Fort Knox Self Storage & Truck Rental 352-330-1911 1080 Lake Sumter Landing 13634 U.S. Hwy. 441 – Lady Lake www.24hrcartclub.com 352-430-2394, 2395, 2396 352-750-4647 $10 Off Premium Membership 10% Discount with purchase of $20 or more. Rent a 5x5x10 Standard Unit, $5 Off Basic Membership Not valid with any other offer. Get the Second Month for $1.00 Valid on initial sign-up only. Valid on new contracts only. Captain Mike’s Lazy River Cruises AAA Auto Club South On the Withlacoochee River Golf USA 1107 West North Blvd. Suite M, Leesburg Lighted Driving Range & Miniature Golf Southwest of Ocala on Hwy. 200 just in 1-888-625-3855 698 W. Lady Lake Blvd. – Lady Lake Back of Stumpknocker’s Restaurant Save on New Membership with AAA Auto Club – Primary Member saves 352-259-2313 Call for Reservations, 352-637-2726 $5.00 when joining. Mondays: $1.00 Off 18-Hole Round www.lazyrivercruises.com Save when adding new family member to membership. of Miniature Golf $2 Off Any Person, 2-Hour Tour Only All new family members are 50% off regular price. Fridays: $1.00 Off Large Range Basket (120 Balls) Chick-Fil-A of The Villages Only $15.00 each for Classic and $26.00 each for Plus membership!! See our special offer in the 7330 U.S. Hwy. 441 – Rolling Acres Plaza Tree Tops Golf Shop and Golf USA listings. A&C Exteriors 352-430-0223 120 N. US Highway 27/441, Lady Lake Gotta Get Your Name On! Buy any Breakfast Meal and Receive One Free Chicken Biscuit. Custom Embroidery and Monogramming 352-753-3322 Chili’s 5% off Club Shirts, Logos and Monogramming Landscaping, Pavers, Lawn Service and House Pressure Washing 1206 Avenida Central, The Villages 32159 Karen D. Andrews 10% Off any Service. 352-751-6555 352-391-9333 Phone and Fax All Animal Trapping Svc. Inc. Free chips and salsa to VHA members with valid Hearing Aids from Digital Hearing Systems membership card at the Avenida Central location ONLY. “Florida Wildlife Commission Permitted” 347 Colony Blvd. - The Villages 352-245-0193 Office • 352-299-5675 Cell Cici’s Pizza 352-259-8824 15% Discount 243 Colony Boulevard 420 Corley Rd. Leesburg, FL 10% Discount For All Follow-Up Service. The Villages 352-315-9960 352-259-5508 All Custom Concrete & Curbs, Inc. BUY ONE (1) package premium batteries, FREE nonalcoholic drink with purchase of pizza buffet. 352-671-1514 get 2nd one free-per visit. Must show VHA ID card to get offer. allcustomcurbs@aol.com Haagen Dazs 10% Off Concrete Landscape Curbing Color Wheel Paint 1001 Lake Shore Drive – Lake Sumter Landing & Decorative Concrete Overlays. Call for free estimates. 3381 Wedgewood Lane – The Villages, FL 32159 352-751-0261 352-205-7124 – www.colorwheel.com All Occasion Events and Home Decor 10% Discount 15% DISCOUNT ON REGULAR PRICES Not valid with any other offers-Excludes Sale Items H & R Block (excludes all current sale prices) 1175 Main Street, The Villages, FL 32159, 352-205-8345 208 S. Hwy. 27/441 – Lady Lake, 352-750-3669 AOL-INCO9@yahoo.com Comfort Suites 17860 SE 109th Ave. – Summerfield, 352-347-6736 15% discount-Wednesdays 1202 Avenida Central 4085 Wedgewood Lane – The Villages, 352-259-6578 352-205-8340 All Things Fine Special Rates: May 1, 2010 — October 31, 2010 — $71.00 $25 Off Tax Preparation. Valid at these offices only. 1171 Main Street – Spanish Springs November 1, 2010 — April 1, 2011 — $99.00 352-259-7384 Islands of Beauty Not valid on Leesburg Weekend. 10% Discount on Tuesdays 10889 N.US Hwy 301 Call in Advance for reservations. Excludes sale items and not valid with any other offer. Oxford, FL 34484, 352-748-2251 Cozco Handcrafts $5.00 discount any Chemical Treatment Arden’s Fine Jewelry 1121 Main Street – Spanish Springs Johnny Rockets 1060 Canal Street – Lake Sumter Landing 352-430-0386 976 Old Mill Run – Lake Sumter Landing 352-751-6613 10% Off – Excludes Sale Items. 352-259-0051 50% Off Jewelry Appraisal on One Item Custom Apparel and Gifts 10% Off Meal Offer limited to one item per household. 3451 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, 32162 Kilwin’s Chocolate and Ice Cream A Special Day Gift Shop 352-750-1600 1108 Main Street – Spanish Springs 3535 Wedgewood Lane – Southern Trace email: villagesapparel@yahoo.com 352-430-3600 352-259-7270 10% off one (1) purchase of $25 or more. Buy one slice of fudge, get the second slice free. 10% Off Your Purchase Excludes Pandora Jewelry. And 15% off one (1) purchase of $50 or more. One offer per family membership. Baby Bundles On The Go Dry Clean City 352-406-4754 The Kings Gallery 13745 Highway 441 - Lady Lake babybundlesonthego@embarqmail.com 1110 Main Street – Spanish Springs $5.00 discount off $30 Dry Cleaning or Laundry 10% Discount on Crib Rental 352-259-6998 Must present membership card for discount. 25% Off Framing on Wednesdays Bamboo Bistro – Asian Fusion Edible Arrangements Does not apply to sale prices. 700 N.US Hwy 441 11962 County Road 101 – Palm Ridge Plaza Lady Lake, FL 32159, 352-750-9998 Lake County Premier Boat Tours 352-391-1334 One Free House Wine, Domestic Beer, Small hot sake or Route 441 at Ruby Street, “Wooden Park” Tavares, Florida $4.00 Off Purchases Valid on orders over $25.00. Tea with purchase of a meal. Historic Lakeside Inn – Mt. Dora Firehouse Subs One per visit with VHA Membership Card. All 15% discount 13757 U.S. Hwy. 441 - Lady Lake Please call 352-434-8040 or 866-269-6584 Not valid with other offers or specials 352-430-3870 Boulevard Tire Center Free Cookie with Purchase of Medium or Large Sub 418 S. Hwy. 27/441, Lady Lake Not valid with any other offer. One benefit per member. 352-430-2380 10% Discount on any Brake Service over $100 The Partners Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors as to the suitability for partnering with commercial enterprises. The Villages Homeowners Association Voice, December 2011, Page 13 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. Nantucket Bay 1008 Canal Street – Lake Sumter Landing 352-753-4161 10% Off Every Wednesday Old Tyme Sake 10889 N. US HWY 301 Oxford, FL 33484 352-748-0021 $5.00 discount with $25.00 Purchase Panda Express 869 North Hwy. 27/441 - Home Depot Plaza 352-751-2507 10% Off - Not valid with other coupons or specials. Pauly’s Pizzerias 986 Alverez Avenue – Spanish Springs - 352-750-6296 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. Peterbrooke Chocolatier 1087 Canal St., The Villages, FL 32162 352-391-5877 www.peterbrookethevillages.com 20% DISCOUNT with purchase of $25 or more not valid with any other offer or coupon member must present card 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. Schwan’s Home Service, Inc. www.schwans.com 352-245-2480 Free Half-gallon of Ice Cream with Your First Order. Shang Hai – Chinese Food Take Out 8744 SE 165th Mulberry Lane The Villages, Florida 10% discount on total bill with VHA Membership Card Sherwin Williams Store 10936 Highway 301 - Oxford, FL 34484 352-748-3352 15% off all regular prices (Not including sale prices) Proof of VHA membership required. Sonic Drive-In 11211 SE 178 Pl. – Walmart Shopping Center 352-347-2860 1/2 Price Drinks, Slushes, Teas & Sodas 2pm - 5pm Daily Valid at the Summerfield location only. Sunshine Central Vacuum Systems, Inc. 13624 S. U.S. Hwy. 441 Summerfield 352-307-6581 $300 OFF a new system with VHA Membership. 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. The UPS Store 1576 Bella Cruz Dr. The Villages, 352-753-8000 5% discount UPS shipping. 15 % discount on purchase of boxes and packaging with VHA membership card. Tierra del Sol Country Club 806 San Mariano Drive, The Villages, FL 32159 352-753-8005 or 352-259-0228 tierrarestaurant@yahoo.com 10% Discount with a Beverage Purchase. Not Valid With Any Other Offers. Tire Choice Total Car Care 45 LaGrande Boulevard - The Villages, 352-391-6488 10% Discount on any service with VHA Membership Card. Tire Choice Total Car Care 43949 Wedgewood Lane The Villages, 352-391-1001 $19.99 Oil Change to VHA Members Only 10% Discount on any service with VHA Membership Card. Tree Tops Golf 698 W. Lady Lake Blvd. - Lady Lake, FL 32159 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 1106 Main Street – Spanish Springs 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. Villages Golf Shop 704 N.Highway 441/27- Lady Lake $5.00 Discount On Any Purchase Over $25. (EXCLUDES Golf Balls) Village Graphics Steve Mosher, Market Square Tuesday and Thursday evenings 352-409-6853 Purchase a lamp post sign for your home, receive a 50% discount on custom license plate. Whole Earth Pet Supply 1556 Bella Cruz Dr. Lady Lake, FL 32159, 352-391-5806 10% discount all pet supplies(not including discounted items) VHA Featured Partner All Occasion Events of Spanish Springs The Villages Factoid With the opening of Bonifay Country Club, The Villages has 10 Championship Golf Courses and 29 Executive Golf Courses with a total of 504 holes of golf, far exceeding the second largest golf facility in the world, Mission Hills in China, which has 216 holes. Championship Golf holes total 52.8 miles and Executive Course holes total 31.2 miles. There are 147,896 yards (84.0 miles) of golf available in The Villages (from the back tees), which is equal to the driving distance from Orlando to Tampa. The Partners Committee is presently soliciting new members. If you have a business to recommend, contact Mary Nowak at 750-5313 or mnowak@embarqmail.com. Page 14, December 2011, The Villages Homeowners Association Voice 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 Country Club Hills Ray Leggiero- --------------------751-0221 Steve Macejak--------------------751-3023 Orange Blossom Gardens Silver Lake Larry and Anita Troutner---------259-3630 Village of Del Mar Hacienda Villas Chula Vista Villas Judy Glasel-----------------------430-9707 Myra Reff-------------------------750-1650 Courtyard Villas Village of El Cortez Peggy Harrison-------------------750-0186 Village of La Reynalda Judy Mix------------------------- 751-0610 Alice Burnette--------------------430-0691 Village of La Zamora Mario & Lillian Campagnola-----751-0512 Village of Mira Mesa Dan Bard-------------------------259-9433 Villas of Spanish Springs Sid Kingry------------------------586-7941 Village of Valle Verde Vista Sonoma Villas Otto and Janet Voettiner---------753-4278 Vista Lago Villas Linda Pelletier--------------------259-0229 VHA North Region Freedom Pointe Ellen Salter-----------------------753-0630 Hickory Hammock 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 Eileen & Jerry VanLoozen--------259-9954 De La Vista Villas - North Joy Tolan--------------------------750-5368 De La Vista Villas - South Joy Tolan----------------------------------750-5368 De Allende San Antonio Villas San Miguel Villas Joyce Fisher-----------------------750-2491 Village of Hacienda Hills Hacienda - East Bill Calabrese---------------------259-8308 Hacienda - North Richard O’Malley-----------------750-5398 Hacienda - South Juliette Testa---------------------753-3350 Hacienda - West Ed Martin-------------------------753-8523 Village of Palo Alto Jerry Coomans--------------------259-3540 Tierra Grande Villas Villa La Paloma Stephen Beaulieu----------------753-9181 Delores Staub- -------------------259-1097 Tierra del Sol - North Robert Eisenhauer---------------259-1485 Tierra del Sol - South Louis & Mary Guiliano------------753-7306 Village of Rio Grande Rio Grande No. 1 Bob & Faye Fountain-------------750-0677 Rio Grande No. 2 Nick & Joan Martucci-------------753-7516 Clyde Kemper- -------------------750-0537 De Laguna Villas Beverly Ament-------------------750-3080 De La Mesa Villas Sandi Andrews-------------------750-6570 Rio Grande Villas Milly Adams----------------------753-5608 San Pedro Villas Village of Rio Ponderosa Charlie & Kathy Porter-----------259-8196 Patio Villas Carl Bell---------------------------750-1251 Village of Rio Ranchero Howard Keppler------------------750-4742 Carey Scully----------------------753-1434 Valdez Villas Village of Alhambra Alhambra - East Art & Alice Terrill-----------------259-1691 Alhambra - West Villa De Leon John & Judy Trongon-------------750-0954 Villa Del Canto Ed & Rae Nowe-------------------259-1488 Village of Harmeswood of Belle Aire Barry & Ginny Evans--------------259-2271 Village of Santiago Ken & Dotty Mathieu-------------259-2704 Jo Pfent---------------------------259-4512 Village Valdez Annamay Miller------------------753-0242 Escandido Villas Henry & Dotty Cole---------------759-9065 Wayne Speicher------------------259-9934 La Crescenta Villas Barbara Welter-------------------259-9531 San Leandro Villas Donald & Lu Bowen--------------259-2155 Village of Santo Domingo Lois Guntle-----------------------753-9014 John & Elaine Blum--------------259-3592 John & Anita Land----------------751-2535 Vera Cruz Villas Villa de la Ramona Villa Santo Domingo Village of Belle Aire Alexandra Villas Cottages of Summerchase St. Simon Villas Valdosta Villas David Dingee--------------------259-4364 Glenbrook-East Joel Prather-----------------------753-8537 Sunbury of Glenbrook Village of Polo Ridge Doug & Claudette Tharp---------750-1760 John Sullivan--------------------750-6175 Villa Berea Gail Donofrio---------------------259-7435 Nacthez Villas Village of Summerhill Amelia Villas Fernandina Villas Village of Briar Meadow Briar Meadow East Barbara Fielitz--------------------751-2626 Briar Meadow North Jane and Jim Brockman ---------750-8395 Briar Meadow South Andy Sindt------------------------350-6128 Birchbrook Villas Jane and Jim Brockman ---------750-8395 Forsyth Villas Kay Mutty------------------------753-0932 Greenbriar Villas Legacy Villas Sally Yurich-----------------------259-2877 Mayfield Villas Art Rowe-------------------------205-7661 Quail Ridge Villas Donna Hagenbuch---------------259-2945 Village of Calumet Grove Herb Gantz-----------------------751-3976 Ashleigh Villas Cameron Villas Roger Kass & Anne Gray---------259-7174 Greenwood Villas Merry Oak Villas Morning View Villas Village of Chatham Bromley Villas Allan Wadman-------------------259-0908 Sherwood East Villas Sherwood West Villas Village of Piedmont Ray & Kay Glessner---------------751-0701 Chadwick Villas Waverly Villas Village of Springdale Sunnyside Villas Fairlawn Villas Pinecrest Villas Royal Oak at Springdale Carolyn Willette------------------408-0390 Village of Woodbury Jim Murphy-----------------------259-1581 Ivystone Villas Donna Schaeffer-----------------753-1897 Regions 5 & 8 Village of Ashland Robert & Janice Blakeley---------750-2917 Bellamy Villas Ruth Ferguson--------------------205-7128 Clayton Villas Jasper Villas Walter & Janice Martin-----------205-7099 Rainey Villas Village of Belvedere Felice Maurer---------------------259-7647 Phyllis Kravitz--------------------750-1878 Arlington Villas Jerry & Carol Knoll----------------391-5002 Belmont Villas Cherry Hill Villas Hialeah Villas Dean & Joan Barner--------------751-5725 Village of Bonnybrook Gail Burgess----------------------750-1371 Broyhill Villas Clifton Villas Ezell Villas Ray & Pat Adams-----------------751-6966 Heritage Villas Inglewood Villas Village of Bridgeport at Lake Miona Karen & Hans Thiemann---------259-7288 Village of Liberty Park Thomas Simone------------------205-8155 Dave Laspesa---------------------552-5263 Chesterfield Villas Eagle Ridge Villas Dorothy Bree---------------------753-5429 Karen Grasso---------------------750-6724 Edgefield Villas Julie Ayotte-----------------------350-2087 Mount Vernon Villas Village of Lynnhaven Barbara Urbanski-----------------753-2663 Rod South------------------------751-7547 Collington Villas Terry Welsh-----------------------205-8400 Southern Oaks Villas Swainwood Villas Village of Poinciana Philip & Davida Seindenberg----750-3152 Lawrence & Sherry Recla---------430-1114 Bailey Ridge Villas Lime Grove Villas Thom & Betty Anne Horning ----751-7034 Mount Pleasant Villas Sullivan Villas Thomas Davis----------------612-201-2240 Village of St. James Gary Seitz-------------------------350-7510 Village of Sunset Pointe William & Maria Satterfield------430-2301 Hickory Grove Villas Joan Sullivan---------------------430-0755 Village of Tamarind Grove Judy & Steve Robb---------------633-1672 Village of Winifred Chuck & Nancy Wildzunas- ------753-3703 Latrobe Villas Thomas & Judy Schuler----------751-4440 Village of Buttonwood Marsha & Robert Rose------502-689-5474 Hallandale Villas Arlene Kaplan--------------------753-0482 Villages of St. Charles Charley & LeeAnn Reed----------561-4814 Hortensia Villas Carol Pirone & Butch Udell-------753-0982 Hydrangea Villas Dick & Sherry Birdsall-------614-578-3031 Oviedo Villas Village of Pennecamp Valerie Juno----------------------633-0944 Elliott Lefkowitz------------------633-0380 Altamonte Villas Sue Martin- ----------------------753-0972 Amberjack Villas Azalea Villas Boxwood Villas Jacaranda Villas Kingfisher Villas Mangrove Villas Charles Gaines--------------------630-9912 Regions 6 & 7 Village of Virginia Trace Gail Hood-------------------------750-1578 Virginia Vine Villas The Villages Homeowners Association Voice, December 2011, Page 15 Stillwater Villas Richmond Villas Gary Rosenhouse-----------------430-1959 Village of Tall Trees Ginny Fortney--------------------430-0297 Lou Anne White------------------430-2086 Deanna & Loyd Klusendort------- 753-148 Cherry Vale Villas Cindy Gottschalk------------407-765-2419 Oak Bend Villas Village of Bridgeport at Lake Sumter Bill Hawkins----------------------350-2598 Gregg Foster----------------------205-4388 Village of Bridgeport at Miona Shores Irv Markley-----------------------259-4684 Village of Caroline Bob and Charley Griffin----------391-1105 Elizabeth Villas Roger & Judith Curth-------------753-9704 Katherine Villas Kaylee Villas Audrey & Mort Solitare----------753-2387 Village of Mallory Square Judy Bonn------------------------217-0319 Natalie Villas Harvey Blakely-------------------350-2052 Emmalee Villas John Wharton--------------------------- 350-7373 Alexa Villas Bill & Margaret Gottschalk-------350-2405 Madison Villas Barbara Matis--------------------391-1339 Phyllis Grasso---------------------391-9417 The VHA Mission To preserve and enhance the value of our homes and The Villages’ lifestyle. 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. VHA Guiding Principles Maintain as the top priority, the interest of the residents on whose behalf the VHA is working. Act in the interest of the residents of The Villages on all issues related to the VHA mission. Enable and encourage constructive communications between The Villages’ residents and local government agencies, The Villages’ management, and The Villages’ developer. Develop a consensus among community partners on issues that best represent residents’ interests. Be non-partisan yet be a voice for the residents on issues affecting the VHA’s mission. Foster growth and progress for a positive process of social, cultural, environmental, and economic community development. Seek mutually beneficial partnerships with and among community service organizations. Conduct open and transparent operations and administration of the VHA. Recognize and support constructive efforts by community residents, service groups and organizations contributing to the VHA mission. Encourage resident participation in community affairs, VHA activities, and VHA leadership roles. Serve the complex and rapidly changing needs of our unique community. Janeann Villas Village of Amelia Emily Emigh----------------------391-1695 Linda Grzesik---------------------751-1761 Audrey Villas Joanne York----------------------751-1666 Village of Sabal Chase Lois Byers-------------------------350-7125 Gary Hendricks, Sr.---------------259-2139 Sara Manduca--------------------751-4639 Carlton Villas Tanglewood Villas Laurie Cooper--------------------638-4308 Hampton Villas Donna Thompson----------------753-1778 Oleander Villas Jim Neilson-----------------------753-9812 Village of Largo Peter Havighorst-----------------391-1288 ºVillage of Hadley Newport Villas Jim Hipple------------------------633-2976 Village of Duval Hillcrest Villas Russ Bond----------------------- 753-9164 Ron McMahon-------------------205-4647 Rosedale Villas Grovewood Villas Joan Puleo------------------------259-8007 Allandale Villas Keystone Villas Pat Kennedy----------------------391-5291 Bainbridge Villas Crestwood Village of Hemingway Double Palms Wanda Cooksey------------------209-9132 Gene Carpenter-------------------753-6464 Seneca Villas Holly Hill Adriana Villas Sandhill Villas Margaux Villas Village of Bonita Gerry & Meryle Bedard-----------750-4133 Bonita Villas Patty Colhoun--------------------751-1040 Mariel Villas Kenya Villas Sheryl Cohen---------------------751-4448 Nancy Hellekson-----------------350-6451 By the Numbers Answers 1. T here are 94 total Christmas trees decorating The Villages recreation centers - 56 in Regional Recreation Centers and 38 in Village Recreation Centers. 2. As of December 1st Operation Shoebox sent 30,000 Christmas stockings to the troops filled with goodies, notions, toiletries and personal thanks from home. Last year over 29,000 stockings were sent and the final total this year will approach 40,000! 3. From Thanksgiving through New Years about 60,000 are expected to visit The Villages and be issued guest ID cards. Since many of the visitors and guests do not obtain Guest Pass ID, the population of The Villages almost doubles over the holidays if everyone coming could be counted. In the last 12 months 188,077 guest ID cards have been issued. 4. The Christmas trees at Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter Landing are the tallest at 37 Feet. November By the Numbers Answers: 1. T here are 34 roundabouts in The Villages - 5 north of CR466, 17 between CR466 and CR466a, and 12 south of CR466A. There are 31 in Sumter County, 3 in Marion County and none in Lake County. 2. There are 34 completed tunnels in The Villages north or CR466A, and 8 more tunnels opening at CR466A and south. 3. There are currently 40 intersections interior and bordering The Villages controlled by signal lights – 28 traffic signals on along county roads such as CR 466, 42, and 44, and another 12 are along major residential thoroughfares such as El Camino and Morse Boulevard. 4. One – crossing US441/27, which is the only public golf cart bridge in the United States crossing a US highway. VHA Newcomers ASHENHURST, Jack & Ginny BALASKA, Michael & Alice BLOOMCAMP, Francis W. BOOTH, Dwight & BOEHLER, Deborah BUDNAR, Mike & Kathryn CAMPBELL, Doris CARTER, Dale & Manuela CONDON, Bill & Pat CORNWALL, Patrick & Sue COTE, Allan & Sandy DEMPSEY, Jim & Joyce DiDOMENICO, Antonio & Ruth F. EWING-CHOW, Peter & Paulette FEE, Dennis & VAN NOY, Carol FLASCH, Colleen & Michael FORSTALL, Harold & Maria GILMORE, Patrick & Mary GRACZYK, Marcia & Gene GRIFFIN, Mick & Char HALLIDAY, Sabina HOLLAND, Fred & Peggy JONES, Sharon & Steve KALTENBAUGH, Barry & Pat KEITH, David KEYS, Gary S. & JEPKO-KEYS, Joann M. KNUTH, Brian & Patrice LaROCHELLE, Rose LAVIN, Max & Don LAYMAN, Shirley LeBEDNIK, Barbara & John LEE, David A. & Qunitcoe A.M. McLEAN, Donna MEADE, Richard C. & Josann J. MILLIGAN, John K. & Kathleen Z. MOSEMAN, Doug & Carol MUSSER, Benjamin L. & Sharon C. POINTIOUS, Douglas & Sharon PORTER, Gerald & Joanne PRYOR, Mark & Diane RAINES, Alfred N. II REESE, David & Susan RINGER, Gary & Linda ROEDER, Larry, Sandra & Christian SCHERMERHORN, George & Mary SHEEHAN, Maureen & PARNASS, Corky SHORE, Eva SMITH, Ernest W. (Bill), Janet S. STOVER, Allan & Jean Ann TAYLOR, Neil & Beverly VISZLAY, John & Sandra WALSH, Noreen T. WHEELING, Roger & Linda WOODIN, Donna & O’Brien, Edwin (Tom) Page 16, December 2011, The Villages Homeowners Association Voice Santas Of The Villages Paradise Center Santa Lake Miona Regional Recreation Center Santa La Hacienda Regional Recreation Center Santa Savannah Center Santa Laurel Manor Regional Recreation Center Santa Spanish Springs Sales Center Santa Fact Finder continued from page 1 Moffitt a Comprehensive Cancer Institute According to the National Cancer Institute, the “Comprehensive” designation is conferred upon an elite group of cancer centers that represent “the strongest institutions in the nation dedicated to scientific innovation and excellence; to interdisciplinary research, training and education; and to coordinated recognition and pursuit of new research opportunities.” Each NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center receives grant support from the NCI and has an enhanced stature that attracts other federal and private grant funding as well. Moffitt is Florida’s only Comprehensive Cancer Center. Moffitt is also one of only four Cancer Centers in the South ranked in the nation’s top 50 and listed as the South’s best, head of Emory, Shands and Mayo. Total Cancer Care Moffitt’s Total Cancer Care™ program for cancer patients in the community includes working together to improve and provide access to cancer Mulberry Grove Regional Recreation Center Santa Lake Sumter Landing Sales Center Santa Mystery Pic Answer prevention, health and wellness. Someday, you or others participating in this research may need drug therapy to treat your disease. Should this occur, your doctor will want to use gene-based technology to find the best drug for you. If a promising new drug is available that may benefit you, Moffitt (through your doctor) will contact you with this information. Total Cancer Care is Moffitt Cancer Center’s comprehensive approach to cancer that enables researchers and caregivers to identify and meet all the needs of a patient and his or her family during the patient’s lifetime and for future generations. Total Cancer Care follows the patient throughout her or his life, including screening, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Translational research is incorporated at each step along this continuum of care and follow-up. Total Cancer Care is a partnership of patients, doctors and researchers trying to advance cancer care through personalized medicine. The Toy Soldier guarding Market Square at Lake Sumter Landing