A Message from VHA President Fred Briggs Championship Golf

Transcription

HOMEOWNERS
ASSOCIATION
www.thevha.net
Next delivery date is August 3rd
50 CENTS
July 2016 • Vol. 22 No. 07
A Message from VHA President Fred Briggs
H
i Everyone, this month I
want to talk about who
we are and our responsibility to conduct ourselves as
adults.
Ongoing events
regarding reckless golf
cart and automobile
driving, illegal parking
and confrontations at
the squares make our
piece of paradise sound
like it’s out of control.
Much of what seems
to place a stain on our
hometown is the result of a small percentage of our
residents acting like the rules don’t apply to them.
It’s almost like the schoolyard of our youth where
bullies tried to rule the day and take advantage of
those who try to follow the rules.
The rules are to keep us safe and allow us ALL
to enjoy where we live. It’s clear and emphasized
over and over that there’s NO saving of seats at the
squares, so why does that seem to be a constant
source of friction among people who attend the
evening entertainment? Do we really need police
officers arresting residents who find it inconvenient to
arrive with their friends early enough to get the seats
they want? Instead they place cushions or tie ribbons
on chairs to reserve them because they feel entitled
or that they can bully anyone who objects to them
not following the rules? You’re entitled to follow the
rules, respect your neighbors and do your best to live
in peace and harmony with your surroundings.
I hope many of you saw Kathryn Deen’s article
in The Villages Magazine where she quoted some
national statistics that showed in nationwide surveys
57% of people don’t know their neighbors by name
and 54% said that they spent a social evening with
someone in their neighborhood less than once a
month or not at all. That’s not what we have in The
Villages where most of us know our neighbors, have
neighborhood social clubs and work to help our
neighbors when they are in need.
Let’s restore our sense of respect for other people,
treat others how you’d like to be treated and stop the
“I don’t have to obey the rules because they don’t
apply to me” actions and attitudes.
If you weren’t able to join us for BINGO on the
1st of July to raise money for our “Helping Hands”
program, you’ve got another chance to help. Our
second BINGO game will be held at La Hacienda
Regional Recreation Center on the 22nd of July from
6:00-8:00PM. Check our website www.thevha.net
for ticket information. There will be water and coffee
provided and delicious baked goods to purchase. It’s
BYOB for those who choose and a good time will be
had by all, especially the winners. I hope to see you
there.
Keep your schedules open for mid February 2017,
because we’re planning a “Hoedown.”
Fred Briggs, President
The Villages Homeowners Association
Inside This Month’s Voice Championship Golf Courses In The Villages
T
he VHA recently received a query about the condition of the
Championship Golf Courses in The Villages and requested us to
provide information on maintenance issues.
Seniors Vs. Crime - Infomercial Scams
See Page 3
Vote Notes
See Page 4
Master Gardener
See Page 5
Bike Friendly Community Corner
See Page 11
Veterans Corner | Agent Orange & VA ID’s
See Page 14
Notes From The Chief
See Page 15
When playing conditions are less than what we
expect, we seek answers. From the information we
have received, the problems seem to stem from the
necessary transition from winter to summer grasses.
VHA President Fred Briggs communicated
with GMS (Golf Management Solutions) who is
responsible for the management process that includes
maintenance of Championship Golf Courses. GMS
provided the following information.
May and June are known as our “transition”
months. Transition refers to the time the courses
are transitioning out of the winter overseed grass
that keeps our courses green and beautiful during
the winter months back to the native summer
Bermuda grasses. Additionally during this time we
begin our much need aerification programs. That
process entails the removing of small plugs from the
greens, tees and fairway/rough surfaces that relieves
compaction from golf traffic, and promotes greater
water and air movement in the soil. These processes
are necessary to allow the Bermuda to continue to
provide acceptable playing surfaces. This year in
particular several courses, most notable Palmer, have
experienced a more challenging and severe transition
than typical. All measures are being taken to move
the courses through this transition period as quickly
as possible and return all courses to the expectations
of our golfers and The Villages. Palmer Legends
will re-open in the near future once conditions meet
expectations.
Additionally, here is a link to our Spring Issue
of our “Turf Talk” newsletter which we post on
GolfTheVillages.com as well as make available in the
golf shops. GolfTheVillages.com is a great resource
for information.
As additional information becomes available, it
will be printed in the VHA Voice. Articles printed
in the Voice are also available on the VHA website
www.thevha.net And, as referenced above, check
out GolfTheVillages.com for additional current
information.
MEET YOUR LOCAL MERCHANTS SPOTLIGHT - Page 9
Page 2, July 2016, The Villages Homeowners Association Voice
VHA BOARD MEMBERS – EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Fred Briggs,President@thevha.net---------------------------------- 717-805-8500
Joe Elliott, Executive Vice Presdient, g.joee.mail@gmail.com---------- 757-846-1998
Joan Sullivan, Secretary, joanstrek@aol.com-----------------------------430-0755
Ray Glessner, Treasurer, Treasurer@thevha.net----------------------------751-0701
PAST PRESIDENT:
Bill Gottschalk, wm.gottschalk@gmail.com---------------------- 430-8011
NORTH AREA VICE PRESIDENT
Joan Testa, cdsjoan@sbcglobal.net--------------------------817-247-9677
CENTER AREA VICE PRESIDENT
Phil Walker, pdwalker9146@sbcglobal.net----------------------- 753-8618
CENTER AREA ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
Walter Lazinski, wpl61@aol.com-------------------------------- 259-0969
SOUTH AREA VICE PRESIDENT
Kay Elder, Kvirgo@aol.com------------------------------------- -633-9494
Policy: Mission, Vision and Core Values
A
s the Villages Homeowners Association marks 25 years of
serving the residents of The Villages, we are continuing to
identify additional areas in which we can serve our community. In order to achieve this goal, we are proud to announce our
new Vision, Mission and Values statements.
The VHA Vision
Keeping the Dream Alive
The VHA Mission
To enhance the residents’ enjoyment and pride of
community through compassion, advocacy and education.
Core Values
The Villages Homeowners Association is committed to
excellence and driven by the following values:
• Ethics
• Honesty
• Independence
• Education
• Collaboration
• Proactivity
SOUTH AREA ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT
Art Donnelly, apd.vette@gmail.com-------------------------631-792-2203
REGIONAL DIRECTORS
LAKE COUNTY
Dan Bard, dpbinfl@aol.com------------------------------------------------------------ 352-391-2035
REGION 1 ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Carol Lynn Nelson, The-Villages-Way@comcast.net------------------------------------------- 753-3249
REGION 2 DIRECTOR
Lu Bowen, 1128 Santa Cruz Dr.,-------------------------------------------------------------- 259-2155
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Carol Speicher, cmspeicherhuron@aol.com--------------------------------------------------- 259-9934
REGION 3 DIRECTOR
Lianne Migiano, liannemigiano@centurylink.net--------------------------------------------- 750-6282
REGION 6 & MISSION HILLS DIRECTOR
Bernie Carleton, bernienyc@comcast.net------------------------------------------------ 914-262-0559
ASSISTANT REGION 6 DIRECTOR
Bob Griffin, bochargrif@aol.com------------------------------------------------------------- 391-1105
REGION 7 DIRECTOR
Mark Gallo, markandlisagallo@hotmail.com------------------------------------------------- 259-1765
REGION 8 DIRECTOR
John Conboy, johcarc@gmail.com----------------------------------------------------------- 750-8039
REGION 9 DIRECTOR
Matt Friedland, mfriedl41@comcast.net ------------------------------------------------ 631-339-2739
ASSISTANT REGION 9 DIRECTOR
Elliott Schnabel, elliott.schnabel@yahoo.com------------------------------------------- 352-391-9383
REGION 10 DIRECTOR
Steve Andelman, club_a@msn.com--------------------------------------------------------- 399-6069
AT LARGE & APPOINTED DIRECTORS
Jim Brockman, jmbrockman52364@gmail.com---------------------------------------------- 693-2180
Russ D’Emidio, rjd601@thevillages.net------------------------------------------------------- 750-4486
Jim Hipple, hipplepi@msn.com------------------------------------------------------------ 633-2976
Donna Hagenbuch, dlhagenbuch@gmail.com---------------------------------------------- 217-0060
Harry Lee, joanandharry@comcast.net ----------------------------------------------------- 259-2085
Irv Markley, irvinj1@me.com--------------------------------------------------------------- 425-9854
Walter Martin, waltermartin41@aol.com---------------------------------------------------- 205-7099
Sandy Mott, mottp@embarqmail.com------------------------------------------------------- 753-7856
Kathy Porter, kathymporter@comcast.net---------------------------------------------------- 259-8196
Art Rowe, arowejr61@gmail.com----------------------------------------------------------- 250-6811
Chuck Wildzunas, chuckw@thevillages.net--------------------------------------------------- 753-3703
COMMITTEE CHAIRS:
Membership
Kathy Porter, kathymporter@comcast.net---------------------------------------------------- 259-8196
Charitable Foundation Board
Joe Elliott, g.joee.mail@gmail.com----------------------------------------------------- 757-846-1998
Sunshine Committee
Gail Burgess, dongail10@comcast.net------------------------------------------------------- 750-1371
Merchants To Members
Donna Hagenbuch, dlhagenbuch@gmail.com ----------------------------------------------- 217-0060
-Communications/Newsletter
Sandy Mott, mottp@embarqmail.com ------------------------------------------------------ 753-7856
Helping Hands Program Director
John “Skip” McDonald, skip30@hotmail.com-------------------------------------------- 352-973-2284
Golf Car Safety Clinic
Mark Gallo, markandlisagallo@hotmail.com ------------------------------------------------- 259-1765
keep the
dream alive!
Join the VHA TODAY
See our website for a list of all
our money-saving and educational programs:
www.TheVHA.net
Join or renew in one of 3 easy ways. Make checks
payable to: The Villages Homeowners Association.
1. Put your check and this form in an envelope
marked “VHA Membership.” Deposit in a VHA drop
box at any Villages postal pick-up station.
2. Send your check and this form by mail to: The
VHA, 1104 Main Street, The Villages, FL 32159
3. Online by credit card at www.TheVHA.net. Click
on yellow box “Join or Renew your VHA Membership Online.”
 $25 per household / 2 years
 $100 per household / LIFETIME
 New Member
 Renewing Member
______________________________________________
Names of all in Household
______________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Street Address
FROM THE SUMTER COUNTY
SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS OFFICE
Recently the Voter Participation Center (VPC)
sent out a mass mailing to thousands of Florida
Voters including many in Sumter County. Some
of these mailers contained incorrect information
indicating that you are not registered to vote when
in fact you are an active registered voter.
The Sumter County Supervisor of Elections
office had NO involvement with this mailing. We
have been informed that they will do another mass
mailing in September.
As always we are here to assist you with any
of your election needs. If you have received one
of these mailers and have questions, please don’t
hesitate to contact us at 352-569-1540. However,
in this instance we would ask that you also contact
the responsible party in regards to the inaccurate
information so that they may be held accountable.
Please direct additional concerns, questions and
complaints to:
Jennifer Carrier
(202) 420-3034
1825 Eye Street NW
Washington DC 20006
jcarrier@blankrome.com
________________________/_____________________
Name of Village
Name of Villa (if applicable)
_________________/____________________________
Zip
Phone
______________________________________________
E-MAIL
______________________________________________
Mailing Address (If different from Villages address.)
______________________________________________
City
State
Zip
2-2016
Join the VHA today.
Help the VHA help you!
The Villages Homeowners Association Voice, July 2016, Page 3
July District Government Meetings
Welcome Wednesdays
Wednesdays each week 11:00 am
District Office
Lake Sumter Landing – 984 Old Mill Run
For additional information
Contact the Customer Service Center at 753-4508
CDD 11
Board Meeting
Wednesday, July 6, 3:00 pm
Board Meeting
District Office Board Room
984 Old Mill Run – Lake Sumter Landing
CDD Districts 9 & 10
Board Meeting
Thursday, July 14
Dist. 9, 1:30 pm; Dist. 10, 3:00 pm
CDD Orientation
Thursdays each week 10:00 am
District Office
Lake Sumter Landing – 984 Old Mill Run
(753-4508)
CDD 7
Board Meeting
Thursday, July 7, 8:00 am
District Board Room
Amenity Authority Committee
Committee Meeting
Wednesday, July 6, 9:00 am
Committee Meeting
Savannah Regional Recreation Center
1545 Buena Vista Blvd.
CDD Districts 1 through 4
Board Meetings
Friday, July 8
Dist. 1, 8:00 am; Dist. 2, 9:30 am;
Dist. 3, 11:00 am; Dist. 4, 1:30 pm
CDD Districts 5, 6 & 8
Board Meetings
Friday, July 15
Dist. 5, 8:00 am; Dist. 6, 9:30 am
Dist. 8, 11:30 am
Multi-Modal Path Discussion Group Meeting
Tuesday July 26, 9:00 am
For more information, please contact Jennifer McQueary • Jennifer.mcqueary@districtgov.org or 751-3939
Seniors Vs. Crime - Scammers Target New Chip Cards
I
f you have a small silver or gold “stamp” on your debit or credit card,
it is probably one of the new chip cards. They’re supposed to make
card transactions more secure against fraud. In the meantime,
crooks are using the introduction of the new cards as a platform for
malware and identity theft scams.
Chip cards - new-fangled credit and debit cards
embedded with a microchip - have been dropping
into mailboxes across the U.S. The rollout is expected
to continue right through 2016 before everyone has
them.
There are ‘kinks’ in the rollout of the new cards
(sometimes called EMV cards after the names of the
companies that created them). These ‘kinks’ are being
exploited by scammers.
It’s easy to spot the chip on your card. It’s a little
gold or silver rectangle that looks like a very simple
circuit board — with a few connected little black
lines.
Over time, they will replace the use of those black
magnetic strips on the back of your card. Instead
of swiping, users place their card into a slot on the
payment card reader. We won’t go into why that
makes the cards safer but, when the system works
properly, it does.
The problems are that some card issuers have not
yet sent them out to their customers. Other issuers
haven’t fully explained why their cards have been
changed.
Either way, this gives scammers a golden
opportunity to phone or email people explaining that
their cards need to be updated or replaced, and then
ask them to confirm card and account details.
The fact is, that card issuers are NOT, repeat NOT,
contacting users by phone or email to confirm card
details. If you are so contacted, any information you
give goes directly into the hands of the scammers and
is used to make fraudulent purchases or for identity
theft.
Emails may contain copied card logos to make
them look real. Some email messages contain links
that lead to phishing pages or malware downloads.
To play it safe with all these tricks, here’s what
you need to know:
• There’s never any reason to give out your card
information over the phone or online to anyone
unless it’s for a transaction YOU INITIATED.
• When you get your chip card, it will need to be
activated. This is the only confirmation action
you need to take. Usually you will not be
asked to re-key your card number.
• Except for the chip card reader, using a chip
card is no different from the way you used
your previous card. You still have to use your
card security number (the CVC code or Card
Verification Code) when buying online or over
the phone. Card issuers call this a “card not
present” transaction.
• Your fraud protection rights are not affected by
the change.
• Even if you have a chip card, the retailer
may not be ready to use them. You’ll still be
expected to swipe your card. The old magnetic
stripe is still there.
• Chip cards can still be counterfeited using
stolen data and, because the magnetic strip is
still there, information can be stolen from these
too if they’re swiped through a compromised
card reader.
The FBI advises: “Consumers should closely
safeguard the security of their EMV cards. This
includes being vigilant in handling, signing, and
activating a card as soon as it arrives in the mail;
reviewing credit card statements for irregularities;
and promptly reporting lost or stolen credit cards to
the issuing bank.”
Remember, no one will watch out for your
interests better than YOU. When in doubt as to what
you can to do to protect yourself against chip card
scams, contact your nearest Seniors Vs. Crime office
in The Villages for advice or assistance. There is
never a charge for their services.
Seniors Vs. Crime can be reached at 352-753-7775
at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in The Villages;
352-689-4600, Extension 4606 at the Sumter County
Sheriff’s Office in The Villages; or 352-750-1914 at
the Wildwood Police Annex at Brownwood in The
Villages. Volunteers at all three offices are ready,
willing and able to assist you. To keep up with the
latest scams, LIKE ‘Seniors Vs. Crime Region 4’ on
Face Book.
Bryan Lifsey, Office Manager
Seniors Vs. Crime
The VHA support of Villagers by
such means as The VHA Voice
publication and distribution and
the VHA Website
www.thevha.net is 100% funded
by members’ dues.
Sumter County Vote Notes
A
round election time we begin
receiving calls from our voters
wanting to know where they
can go to find out anything at all
about judges. Well, there just isn’t
much out there to be found! But, I
hope this article will help just a little.
What are the differences
between a county judge,
a circuit judge, and an
appellate judge? In Florida, both county and circuit
judges are trial judges. County judges hear criminal
misdemeanors – those are crimes that have possible
sentences of less than one year in jail – and civil cases
in which the amount in dispute is $15,000 or less.
Circuit judges deal with criminal felonies, domestic
relations, juvenile matters, probate issues and civil
cases in which the disputed amount is greater than
$15,000. Judges on the five District Courts of Appeal
and the Florida Supreme Court review the decisions
of county and circuit trial courts.
Are all judges elected in Florida? No. Currently,
most circuit and county court judges are elected. If
there is a mid-term vacancy – for example, if a judge
retires, resigns, or dies before the end of the judge’s
term – the governor fills the position by appointment.
Additionally, Florida Supreme Court justices and
District Court of Appeal judges are appointed by the
governor and then run in merit retention elections to
stay in office.
Why are judicial elections not held in November
during general elections? Most judicial races appear
on the primary ballot and then on a subsequent ballot
in the general election only if no candidate receives
a majority of votes during the primary. While this
means that many judicial races never appear on the
general election ballot, it allows for the second round
of voting during the general election if necessary.
Why don’t judges campaign on platforms?
Judicial candidates are prohibited from making
predictions and promises about issues that could
arise once they are on the court because their job is to
make impartial decisions that relate to the law on the
cases before them.
What are the qualifications for running for a
judicial seat? A person is qualified to run for judicial
election after earning a law degree from a law school
accredited by the American Bar Association. All
candidates for trial judge also must be members of
The Florida Bar for at least five years. Appellate
judges also must be members of The Florida Bar for
at least 10 years. Furthermore, judicial candidates
must live in the geographic areas they will serve
when they take office.
How long is the term of a judge? Circuit judges
and county court judges are elected for six-year
terms. To retain their seats, they must be re-elected.
Judges who were appointed to county or circuit court
through a vacancy must sit for election at the end of
the remainder of their appointed terms. Appellate
judges, appointed by the governor, are subject to run
in merit retention elections.
Do judges have term limits? No, judges do not
have limits on the number of times they may be
elected. However, judges may not serve in Florida
past the age of 70 except upon temporary assignment
or to complete a term, one-half of which has been
served before their 70th birthday.
Why am I being asked to vote on judges?
Florida law requires Florida Supreme Court justices
and appeals court judges to be placed on the ballot in
nonpartisan elections every six years so voters can
determine whether they should remain on their courts
for another six-year term. These are called “merit
retention” elections. This year, three Supreme Court
justices and 28 appeals court judges will be on the
ballot.
What do “Yes” and “No” votes mean? A “Yes”
vote means you want the judge or justice to remain
on the court for another six-year term. A “No” vote
means you want the judge or justice to be removed
from the court. The majority of voters decides.
Do appeals court judges and Supreme Court
justices have opponents? No. Your vote determines
whether each judge or justice should remain on the
court. They are not running against opponents or
each other. Merit retention elections are nonpartisan.
In nonpartisan elections, candidates appear on the
ballot without reference to any political party, (e.g.
Democrat or Republican). Florida law requires
judicial elections to be nonpartisan in order to
preserve impartiality.
How do appeals court judges and Supreme
Court justices get on the court? The governor
appoints judges or justices from lists submitted by
Judicial Nominating Commissions, which screen
candidates and make recommendations based on
their merits. Newly appointed judges go on the ballot
for the first time within two years after appointment.
If the voters retain them, they then go on the ballot
again every six years.
Which courts are subject to merit retention
elections? The Florida Supreme Court and the
five District Courts of Appeal are subject to merit
retention elections.
Can judges who commit unethical acts be
removed from office? Yes. This can happen after
an investigation by the Judicial Qualifications
Commission. The JQC (www.floridajqc.com) is
an independent agency created through the Florida
Constitution to investigate alleged misconduct by
Florida state judges. Through this system, judges
have been removed from office.
Can appeals court judges and Supreme Court
justices state their views on issues that may come
before them? Canon 7 of the Florida Code of
Judicial Conduct forbids judges and justices from
saying how they will decide future cases. Judges
and justices must remain impartial and decide cases
without regard to their personal views or beliefs.
Can I read the opinions of the judges and
justices in cases they decided? Yes. Records of
judges’ decisions can be found on the decision pages
of the websites for the District Courts of Appeal
and the Florida Supreme Court and through www.
floridabar.org/TheVotesInYourCourt.
Can I watch videos of the justices and appeals
court judges at work? Yes. Court arguments are
webcast live and archived on court websites.
How can I learn more about judges’ and
justices’ backgrounds? Biographies are on court
websites, accessible through www.floridabar.org/
TheVotesInYourCourt.
The Florida Bar Judicial Administration and
Evaluation Committee’s Voluntary Self-Disclosure
Statement allows judicial candidates to publish
statements on The Florida Bar website – www.
floridabar.org/JudicialCandidates.
The Florida Bar’s webpage – www.floridabar.
org/TheVotesInYourCourt – provides information
regarding the appellate judges and Supreme Court
justices participating in retention elections.
After reading all of this, I hope that it will be
helpful to you in the upcoming weeks as you prepare
to go vote for the judges. And hopefully, we won’t
feel the need to leave them blank, or skip over them,
or vote for the one with the prettiest name, and so on,
because we don’t ever know what to do with them,
right?
REMEMBER that the books close on August 1st,
2016 for the August 30th, 2016 Primary Election!
If you need to register to vote, change your address,
change your name, update your signature, or you
want to change your party, please take care of
business now. Early voting will be August 16th
through August 27th from 9 am until 6 pm.
If you would like a vote-by-mail ballot, please call
our office today at 352-569-1540. You can request
ballots for both elections and vote in the comfort of
your own home.
QUOTE FOR THE MONTH
“The greatest discovery of my generation is that man
can alter his life simply by altering his attitude of mind”
~ William James
Karen S. Krauss,
Sumter County Supervisor of Elections
www.sumterelections.org
352-569-1540
EDITOR’S NOTE:
For information about Lake & Marion County
Elections contact their offices at:
Lake County Supervisor of Elections Office
352-343-9734
Marion County Supervisor of Elections Office
352-369-6746
UPCOMING VHA EVENTS Master Gardener | Pesticides and Insecticides
New Resident Meeting
(Formerly Newcomers Meeting)
Tuesday, July 12
Doors open at 6:30 pm
Meeting at 7:00 pm
Colony Cottage Recreation Center
ALL Villages residents welcome
VHA Board Meeting
Wednesday, July 13
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Laurel Manor Recreation Center
All VHA Board members should attend
This meeting is open to all VHA members.
VHA Board-Representatives Meeting
Thursday, July 14
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Laurel Manor Recreation Center
All VHA Board & Reps. should attend
Questions for Town Hall will be discussed
VHA Town Hall Meeting
CLOSED MEETING
VHA BOARD & RESPRESENTATIVES ONLY
Tuesday, July 19
10:00 am – Noon
VHA Golf Cart Safety Clinic
Wednesday, July 20 @ 9:00 am
Colony Cottage Recreation Center
All Villages residents are welcome
The new VHA Golf Cart Safety Video will be shown
VHA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION BINGO
Friday, July 22
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
La Hacienda Center
Tickets – Joan @352-430-2110 or
Joyce @352-259-0441
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
THE VILLAGES HOMEOWNERS
ASSOCIATION IS NOW ON FACEBOOK
We want to connect with you and share
all the fantastic news, photos, and
events planned year round.
To connect with us search;
The Villages Homeowners Association
Safely Handling Pesticides and Insecticides I always shake my head in disbelief when I see homeowners out in their
tank tops, shorts, and flip flops spraying something around their landscapes. I
know it’s very hot but safety must come first. These chemicals can be very
dangerous to your health and the environment. Please use pesticides and
insecticides only when absolutely necessary and only as directed.
Remember that you kill the beneficial insects too when you spray. These
insecticides and pesticides are lethal to honey bees, our native bees,
butterflies, lady bugs and host of other beneficial insects.
Before you purchase any chemical for your landscape, be sure you
know what pest you are trying to control. READ THE LABEL! Be sure
that this is the correct product for your needs. If you are in doubt whether
this is the correct product, contact the Sumter County Extension Office for help before buying it.
Before applying to the landscape, STUDY THE LABEL! Package directions must be
followed assiduously. The label is the law. Be sure you understand the following:
• First Aid Statements. Note: If you require medical treatment because of some type of
reaction, bring the product with the label to the doctor or the hospital.
• The site where the product may be used.
• The application method.
• How much pesticide or insecticide should be applied and the rate of application. Note:
Manufacturers change their formulations all the time. What you purchased last year may
have been reformulated. This year’s product could be more concentrated making it two or
three times as strong as last year’s batch.
• Use the right container for mixing to avoid chemical reactions.
• Understand whether there are restrictions such as weather, time of day, season of the
year, contamination of sensitive areas, and possible exposure
to non-target species.
• The application methods that are prohibited (For example:
Product not suitable for use on food crops.)
• How often the product can be applied.
• The maximum application rates per treatment and per year.
• Storage and disposal. Note: Never, ever store the product in
an unmarked container. Never, ever pour left over chemicals
down the storm drains, sinks or toilets.
The label will describe the personal protective equipment (“PPE”) that is required when
mixing, loading application devices, and applying chemicals. All products should be mixed and
applied while wearing a long-sleeve shirt, long pants, socks, closed shoes, a hat and chemicalresistant gloves. In addition, the use of safety eyewear and a breathing mask may be required,
and in some cases even a respirator is warranted. After the application is finished, undress, wash
the garments separately from other laundry, and then take a shower. Store the shoes and gloves
safely away from pets.
For more information see The Homeowner’s Guide to Pesticide Safety:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi051 and Personal Protective Equipment for Handling Pesticides:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/PI/PI06100.pdf.
Let me finish by saying, if you use as little of these products as possible, you will find that
your garden will be filled with beneficial insects and birds that will keep your insect problems to
a minimum.
Kathy Porter
UF/IFAS Sumter County Master Gardener
352-689-4670
Send questions to: askthemastergardener@ifas.ufl.edu Page 6, July 2016, The Villages Homeowners Association Voice
The Villages Way | Volunteering
V
olunteering – all of us want to help from time to time but
don’t necessarily want a long-term commitment or to be
locked-in to a certain time or day. We feel guilty when we
know people are counting on us and we can’t be there for them.
Well, do I have a deal for you then! The VHA
has many, many opportunities to “help out just
once in a while”. Here are some of the ways
you can become involved and do it on your own
schedule – one time, or one hour, or one day –
totally up to you.
VHA Fundraising
Bingo: Who doesn’t love Bingo? July 22nd,
La Hacienda Recreation Center. Needed: Ticket
sellers, check-in staff, 50/50 drawing staff,
runners, set up and clean up.
Spaghetti Dinners: October 7, Sea Breeze
Recreation Center and October 28 at La Hacienda
Recreation Center. There will be 2 seatings each
day. Needed: Staff to bus and reset tables, ticket
sellers, set up and clean up. OR, here’s an idea
- sell tickets in your neighborhood and make
this event your monthly neighborhood party – no
cooking, no set up, no clean up. Then caravan by
golf car back to your driveway and finish up the
party there with cocktails. You’ll be making a
great contribution to a greater cause.
Hoe Down: Celebrating Florida’s Cracker
(cowboy) history. What a blast this will
be! February, 2017 An all-day family event
full of games, activities, exhibits, vendors,
refreshments, contests, displays and much more.
Needed: Event planners, vendor sales, vendor
Area And Region News
North Vice President – Joan Testa
cdsjoan@sbcglobal.net – 817-247-9677
Center Vice President – Phil Walker
Pdwalker9146@sbcglobal.net – 753-8618
South Vice President – Kay Elder
Kvirgo@aol.com – 633-9494
VHA North Area
Lady Lake - Lake County
Dan Bard, Director
dpbinfl@aol.com • 352-391-2035
By now households in the Town of Lady Lake,
The Villages have received your door knob hanger
outlining the rules pertaining to tree service. Be sure
to keep it handy for reference. Approved tree service
contractors are:
• Tree Frog Service 352-446-5043
• Tip Top Tree Experts 352-750-9056
• Diversified Tree Service 352-787-7838
recruitments, advertising/marketing, game
assistants, parking staff, set up and clean up and a
whole lot of other ways to just assist.
If you can help with any of these events,
contact Joan Testa, VHA North Vice President,
cdsjoan@sbcglobal.net or (352) 430-2110.
Community Outreach
(what the fundraising helps support)
Helping Hands: All of us know of someone
who at one time has needed some sort of medical
equipment like a walker or a shower chair (see
complete list of equipment available in every
issue of the VOICE, or on the VHA website
www.theVHA.net). Such items are given free of
charge to any resident who needs them. If you
have any such equipment which you no longer
need, consider donating it to the VHA. Needed:
Help in cleaning and refurbishing the donated
equipment to make sure it is suitable for the next
person to use.
Also needed, drivers willing to use their
own vehicle to occasionally deliver the medical
equipment and a Drive Team Leader. The Drive
Team Leader is an “at home job” - who simply
maintains the list of drivers and dispatches
these drivers as requests come in. The Program
Director filters the requests and sends them
to the Team Leader, so this would not be the
responsibility of the Team Leader. Contact John
“Skip” McDonald; skip30@hotmail.com if you
have any or need any such equipment or if you
are willing to help in any of these ways.
•
•
Wise Tree Service 352-430-1001
Bob’s Landscaping & Tree Service 352-7504323
• Reece Cason, Inc. 352-303-0694
Contact them for bids to service you trees.
What I needed was under my nose! I needed
front wheel bearings on my van so I stopped by Tire
Choice Total Car Care at 45 La Grande Blvd. for a
quote. They were $400 cheaper than another tire
store down the road that was not golf cart accessible.
Long story short: they did the work in a timely
manner; wife picked me up from the store and
returned me there in 4 hours in our golf cart when the
job was done. Saved 10% with my VHA card and
all is well. Check out Merchants to Members in The
Voice for savings.
If you live in the Town of Lady Lake – The
Villages and have questions, suggestions, or
complaints, the fastest way to get someone to help is
by contacting the representatives listed below:
•
Lowell Barker, AAC Rep. 352-205-8140
lowellbarker@districtgov.org
Electronic Recycling: February, 2017.
Needed: Traffic directors. You can stay for
an hour or a couple of hours or for the whole
day. Contact Matt Friedland (631) 339-2739 or
mfriedl41@comcast.net
The Villages Voice: Needed: Columnists,
writers, photographers, proof-readers - contact
Sandy Mott (352) 753-7856 or mottp@
embarqmail.com if you have any questions about
these opportunities.
Neighborhood Representatives: A great way
to meet and stay in touch with your neighbors.
Attend occasional meetings, keep informed, and
pass the information on to your neighbors. Be
the “voice” for your neighborhood. Help resolve
issues. Be part of the solution – not the problem.
Contact:
North of Co. Rd. 466
North Area VP – Joan Testa
cdsjoan@sbcglobal.net 817-247-9677
Between Co. Rd. 466 and 466A
Center Area VP – Phil Walker
pdwalker9146@sbcglobal.net 753-8618
All areas South of Co. Rd. 466A
South Area VP – Kay Elder
Kvirgo@aol.com 633-9494
Looking forward to seeing you at many of
these events.
Carol Lynn Nelson
The Villages Way
•
•
The Villages District Customer Service
352.753.4508
www.districtgov.org
Click on Departments and Customer Service
Center
Lady Lake Town Manager
352.751.1545
KKollagaard@LadyLake.org
Upcoming Meetings:
LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY
•
•
Amenity Authority Committee (AAC) –
July 6 and August 10, Wednesdays – 9 am
Savannah Center
Board of Commissioners Meetings – July 6,
18, Aug. 1, 18 Wednesdays – 6 pm Lady Lake
Town Hall
Thanks for reading. Remember, it’s not luck: it is
a blessing.
Dan Bard, Director
Lady Lake-Lake County Region
VHA South Area
RS
NE
American Legion Post 347 Grand Hall, CR-466
& Rolling Acres Rd., Lady Lake, FL
A
L
Side Light Markers (amber)
Upright Signal Indicators
Regular Seat Belts
Directional Buzzers
*Rear Roof & Directional Signal
* Side Mirror with Signal Indicator
* Retractable Seat Belts
*4x6 Mirrors with Mounting Bar
* Wink Rear View Mirror Panel Bar
W
Held on the third Wednesday of each Month
at 1:00 PM
O
SUBMARINE VETERANS MEETING
15% Discount On All
Safety Related Accessories
E
Kay Elder, Vice President
VHA South Area
M
Whether you moved in last week, last month
or last year, you’ve probably been, or will be,
overwhelmed with all the new rules, regulations, and
laws. And how they will affect your choices and
decisions regarding how to adjust to and settle in to
your new Villages’ life style. How do I navigate
roundabouts? What are the rules governing golf
cart operation? Do I need permission to paint my
driveway, change my landscaping, enclose my Lanai
or rip up my rugs? Where do I register to vote, get a
driver’s license or register my car? Where’s a good
place to eat, get my hair styled, repair my watch or
find a lawn service? That’s where we, the VHA, can
help you.
The VHA sponsors New Resident Meetings where
you can learn from, as well as meet and speak with
representatives from law enforcement, county and
local governments and other organizations. Using
our Merchants to Members program, you can find
businesses that you can trust and by becoming a VHA
member will save you money as well. Our Golf
Cart Safety Clinic will not only teach you how to
safely operate and maintain your golf cart, as a VHA
member, will save you money on golf cart insurance,
and safety equipment. If you get injured and need
durable medical equipment the VHA Helping Hands
Program has over 500 pieces of donated equipment
from bed rails to wheel chairs that can be yours to
keep free of charge. And if it’s just friendship and
fun you’re looking for, the VHA hosts social events
like our upcoming Bingo Night!
Most importantly if you love our lifestyle, our
vast array of activities, appreciate our beautiful
surroundings and enjoy the safety and security of
America’s Friendliest Hometown…and want it to
stay that way for years to come…. we invite you to
join the VHA, become a member, volunteer with
one of our groups, be your neighborhood VHA
representative and help us enhance our enjoyment
and pride in our community using compassion,
advocacy and education. Together, with your help
and support, we can truly “Keep the Dream Alive”.
H
S Member’s
VHA
E
O
G
Golf Cart
Safety Upgrade
VI
L
~ ARE YOU NEW TO THE VILLAGES ~
The Villages Golf Cars
TH
E
Kay Elder, South Vice President
Kirgo@aol.com • 633-9494
*These items may not be available for all Golf Car Makes and Models.
VALID MEMBERSHIP CARD REQUIRED
All Accessory Additions by Appointment
ASS
N
O C IATIO
Phone: 352-750-3418
NEED A PROGRAM FOR YOUR CLUB OR MEETING?
Golf cart safety is a “hot topic” in The Villages. The new VHA Golf Safety video is an
entertaining look at some of the most important DOs and DON’Ts of golf cart operation and
maintenance.
The VHA Speakers Bureau will provide a program for clubs and neighborhood meetings. The
Golf Cart Safety video will be shown and the VHA Representative will talk about the monthly
Golf Cart Safety Clinic and other programs offered by the VHA.
For scheduling, contact VHA President Fred Briggs at President@thevha.net
South Area Meeting hosts Deputy Police Chief
A
s part of our ongoing community awareness program, the
Village Homeowners Association recently held its South Area
Meeting at the Eisenhower RRC. Kay Elder, Area Vice President,
and her team were pleased to have Wildwood Police Department’s
Deputy Chief Paul Valentino as their guest speaker.
Chief Valentino presented a historical overview of
the City of Wildwood and its Police Department. He
provided the attendees with an unparalleled view of
the current department and their plans and how they
are preparing to accommodate the expanding growth
of The Villages in their city.
At the conclusion of his presentation, Chief
Valentino spent almost 45 minutes answering
question from the large audience covering
subjects from Alarms, Home Security Audits, the
upcoming Citizen Police Academy and volunteering
opportunities within the department for Village
residents.
For more information about this and future VHA
meetings please contact Kay Elder, VHA Vice
President, or any member of her South Area Team.
You can also visit the Village Homeowners website at
www.thevha.net.
Deputy Police Chief Paul Valentino speaks to The VIllages Residents at a recent community awareness presentation at the South Area Meeting.
THE VHA HONORS RETIREE JIM THOMAS
VHA President Fred Briggs presenting retired Lady Lake Police Officer Jim Thomas a gift of apprecition from the VHA for his 10 years of service to our
community. Jim served a total of 40 years in law enforcement.
Pictured Left to Right: Jim’s wife Teri, VHA Execuitve VP Joe Elliott, holding the microphone, Jim Thomas and Fred Briggs.
As a new feature in the VHA Voice, one of our participating merchants in our “Merchants to Members” program will be highlighted each month. These
participating merchants are listed in our monthly newsletter and on our website www.thevha.net along with the discounts and special offers they provide to VHA
members.
For the last six years Sweet Tomatoes has provided
Villagers with the freshest, most wholesome, and
delicious salads, soups and entrees. In a unique
all-you-can-eat dining experience, you can create a
meal tailored just for you. They have over 45 feet of
fresh salad ingredients and 10 house-made dressings
where you can build your own salad masterpiece. In
addition, they serve a wide selection of homemade
soups, pastas, baked breads and muffins, desserts and
more.
The Villages Voice sat down with the Lady Lake
location Restaurant Manager Carlos Gonzalez to
better understand the Sweet Tomatoes approach to
dining. “Let’s just say that within 24 hours of being
in the ground, it’s on a refrigerated truck and on
its way to us. Our food is made from scratch every
day. Our salad bar buffet features over 50 fresh
ingredients, including specialty tossed and prepared
salads. We also serve original recipe hot pastas,
hand-crafted soups, scratch-made muffins, and
Our Merchant of the Month
Focaccia breads in our hot buffet”
While we were there, we had the opportunity to
speak with a long time customer and VHA member,
Charlie Porter who stated; “Kathy and I love to
eat here. The food is always fresh and the staff is
always friendly. We would highly recommend Sweet
Tomatoes to everyone”.
If you’re having a party, Sweet Tomatoes will
make custom platters and bowls of your favorite
dishes and they also offer Gift Cards for that hard
to buy for special person. HUNGRY ? Fresh fruits
and veggies, pasta , chicken and vegetarian fare,
made-from-scratch soups, bakery treats, breads and
desserts.
And if that’s not enough to entice you. Sweet
Tomatoes offers a Monday to Thursday $7.99 Senior
Special from 2-5 p.m., which includes a beverage.
And if you show your VHA Membership Card you
will receive a 20% discount for up to 4 adults (not
valid on beverages, cookies, kids prices or to go a
la carte) or you can eat anytime on Sundays for just
$8.00.
Sweet Tomatoes is located at 508 US 27/441, right
across from SAM’s Club. They are open from 11
a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more information or to order
take-out platters, call them at 352-751-2500.
L to R - Charlie Porter VHA Member; Sarah Empey, Manager
The Villages
Homeowners
Association, Inc.
www.TheVHA.net
1104 Main Street, The Villages, Florida 32159
New Resident Night
Door prizes for
New VHA Members
& Cookies for all!
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Doors Open 6:30 p.m.
Meeting starts 7 PM
(Reservations are not required.)
Location: Colony Cottage Recreation Center
510 Colony Blvd., corner Morse Blvd.
Date:
Time:
Great Handouts
& Even a Laugh
or Two!
(See pg. 17 of The Villages Phone Book for map.)
What is the Vial of Life Program? What is Code Red? How do I apply for Homestead Exemption? What documents do I
need to get my driver’s license? Where do I go to get my license plates and driver’s license? What are my choices for
medical insurance? What is a CDD? How do I keep from getting scammed by less than honorable contractors?
The answers to these questions and many others will be answered by representatives of the following agencies:
s Sumter County Sheriff’s Office
s Seniors Vs. Crime
s Town of Lady Lake Police Dept.
s Serving Health Ins. Needs of Elders (SHINE)
s Sumter County Property Appraiser
s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
s Sumter County Tax Collector
s Community Improvement Council (CIC)
s Veterans Services
s Sumter County Master Gardeners
s Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches
s Friends of the Library
s The Villages Regional Hospital Auxiliary
s Sumter Landing Bicycle Club
s District Government
s United Health Care
s The Lifelong Learning College
If you cannot join us on July 12, please feel free to join us later as your time permits. New Resident Nights are held the
second Tuesday of every month, 7 pm at Colony Cottage. The next meeting is Tuesday, August 9, 2016.
Be sure look for the VHA monthly newspaper, The Villages Voice, which is delivered the first Wednesday of each
month as an insert to The Daily Sun. The Villages Voice is filled with informative articles about our community, as well
as upcoming VHA events. Be sure to check out the list of Merchant to Member benefits you will enjoy as a VHA
member. Visit our website at: www.TheVHA.net where you can keep abreast of the latest VHA news and read current
and back issues of The Villages Voice.
We invite you to join the VHA, the largest residents’ organization in The Villages.
We welcome you to The Villages and we look forward to meeting you in person soon,
Kathy Porter
Fred Briggs
Membership Chair
Tel: 352-259-8196
Email: VHAoffice@TheVHA.net
President
717-805-8500
president@thevha.net
THE VHA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION • EMAIL: VHACF@THEVHA.NET
Board Members
Joe Elliott, President
250 Jarvis Ct.
g.joee.mail@gmail.com • 757-846-1998
Jim Noce, Secretary
2317 Foggy Brook Loop
jimnoce62@gmail.com • 978-270-0593
Linda Grzesik, Vice President
329 Mercer Way
addmup@gmail.com • 751-1761
Ray Glessner, Treasurer
17957 SE 87th Melrose Ct.
raynkay@glessner.org • 751-0701
FIFTH CIRCUT GUARDIAN AD LITEM PROGRAM
Child Advocate Volunteers
Sought For Guardian Ad
Litem Program
The Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program is
currently in desperate need of volunteers to be
advocates for abused, neglected or abandoned
children whose cases are in the court system.
A GAL is a trained volunteer appointed by the
court to advocate on behalf of a child. The GAL
becomes familiar with the child’s case and makes
recommendations to help ensure a safe, stable and
permanent environment for the child.
“Over 1900 children in Marion, Lake, Sumter,
Hernando and Citrus Counties have been removed
from their homes due to abuse, abandonment or
neglect. GAL volunteers make a profound difference
in the life of these children by helping judges decide
whether a child should be reunited with his or her
family, remain in foster care or in the worst of
circumstances, placed for adoption,” said Marcia
Hilty, Circuit Director of GAL Program for 5th
Judicial Circuit. “They make sure important services
are provided. Simply put, a GAL volunteer makes
sure everyone does what is best for the child.”
Research has shown that when a child whose case
is being heard in dependency court is assigned to a
GAL volunteer, they spend less time in foster care
and do better in school. However, there are more
children in the system than volunteers to serve them
at this time. Eligible volunteers must be 21 years of
age and older (adults between 19 and 21 years are
also eligible to work alongside a certified volunteer
GAL), successfully complete the pre-service training
program and be cleared of any serious criminal
history via a level II criminal background check.
A GAL must complete 30 hours of pre-service
training. On average, volunteers should expect to
spend 10-15 hours a month on a case, and most cases
last 10-12 months. The volunteer works as part of a
team, including a volunteer supervisor and program
attorney.
The next GAL training is July 29th and 30th
in Leesburg. All participants must complete an
application process prior to training. To become a
volunteer in Hernando, Citrus or Sumter Counties,
contact Diana Hollwedel at 352-812-6971 or email
Diana.hollwedel@gal.fl.gov To become a volunteer
in Marion or Lake Counties, please contact Susan
Trump at 352-343-2736 or email susan.trump@gal.
fl.gov For more information, visit
www.guardianadlitem5.org
VHA New Members
BAKER, Scott & Jan & BAKER, Scott E.
BARBRO, Mary
BERGEMAN, Muriel
BERGMAN, Barbara
BETOURNE, Bill & Peg
BLANCHARD, Robert & Patricia
BLYTHE, Bob & Jan
BONAVENTURA, Deborah & Richard
BOURIL, Gerald & Dianne
CAMP, Robert W. & Diane M.
CAVALLO, Peter & Catherine
CHRISTNER, Bill
CROWLEY, Paul & Debra
CRUSE, John, & Jean
CUSACK, Timothy J. & Mary A.
D’AMBROSIO, Joe & Mary Beth
DAVIS, Erin
DICKE, Yvonne & Bob
DONAHUE, Fred & Beth
DURKIN, CAROL
FORD, Connie & Barry
GORDON, Carolyn
GOTTESMAN, Josephine & KATZ, Neil
GRUSENSKI, Robert & Kay
HARRIS, Robert & Katherine
HINCHBERGER, Pamela & GREENLEE, Jeanne
HOLDEN, Hap & Barb
IFFALDANO, John & MARTINEZ, Rosario
JAECKEL, Robert J. & RUSSELL, Anne
KARDEL, John & SWIFT, Nadine
KRUGER, John S. & WHALEN, Jeanne M.
LAMB, Bernice
LANG, Judy & Steve
LEIST, Fran & Bob
LENNON, John & Amelia
LEWIS, James & Kris
LEWIS, Richard & Barbara
MARSH, Harold & Goynol
MATHIS, David & Beverly
McNEIL, Nancy & MURRAY, Douglas
NELSON, Carol & CAMENISH, Charles
PANE, Deborah & Richard
PIVNICHNY, Thomas G. & Elizabeth A.
PRESS, Jim & Christine
RETTKE, Peggy A. & WOOD, Linda
ROSENBERG, Susan & Seymour
RREAGAN, Phyllis & ARNOLD, Al
SANDERS, Faye
SILKE, Randall S. & Patti J.
SIMONDS, Ivan & Pamela
SMITH, Donald M. & Elsie M.
SOLYMOSSY, Joseph & Linda
SPEZIALE, Angelo & Esther
STAMPLER, Glenn & Terry
STANLEY, William & JONES, Donna
TAYLOR, Jerry & Cathy
TINARI, Robert & Barbara
VAUGHN, Steve & Sally
WARRE-BROWN, Linda
WASNICK, Cheryl & William
WEBER, Judith
WHELAN, Vicky & Paul
WILK, Norma
WILLIAMS, Elsa & Walter
WOODY, Tim & Linda
ZEBROSKI, Eileen & PORTER, Russell
Bike Friendly Community Corner : Bike Safety Requires Education & Practice
By Dave Lawrence
or over a decade our State of Florida has been consistently rated
number one in the country for cycling deaths. The state’s cyclists
are dying at a rate three times the national average!
F
Many people move to Florida to enjoy an active
lifestyle, and cycling is a great low impact way
to maintain or improve overall fitness that can be
employed throughout the year. Cyclists can utilize
roadways, trails or sidewalks while many traverse
unimproved areas like beaches and forests. Florida
has it all! But… shouldn’t Florida’s cyclists of all
ages have the safest place to pursue their health and
exercise goals?
One of a few ways of keeping us all (road users)
safer is to follow a process that starts with broad
based education for all road users. Elementary school
is a great place to guide children into a lifestyle that is
safe, healthy, fun and good for our planet. Explaining
rules and providing safety tips for riding on trails,
sidewalks and roadways at an early age can foster
lasting, consistent and predictable behavior.
As children advance through the grade
structure, rules and tips can be designed to be age
appropriate. For example, in grades where children
are approaching the age where they begin drivers
training, drivers’ education classes could touch upon
the concept of sharing the road safely with vulnerable
road users such as pedestrians, wheelchairs, bicycles,
golf carts and motorcycles.
In addition to schools, bike shops and clubs must
become a delivery system that provides information
to the cycling public. Rules of the road and safety
tips should be included in every communication they
publish. We think that every bike sold should have
a copy of safety tips and rules of the road wrapped
to its handle bars with a cable tie. Traffic laws can
change annually with little or no public awareness.
Bike clubs can be a great source for its members
but can also enhance traffic safety by submitting
editorials and opinion pieces to newspapers,
newsletters and magazines which reach road users of
every kind.
Since consistency and predictability by all road
users is based on common principles found in traffic
law, law enforcement training specific to bicycle
ridership is essential to keep traffic moving safely.
Periodic instruction of patrol officers by state, county
and municipal governments regarding annual law
changes enhances guidance to road users when
issuing warnings and citations.
Imagine a Florida that ranks at or near the bottom
of the national accident rankings; i.e., near the
top in safety. A place where you, your children,
grandchildren, friends and neighbors can enjoy
a bike ride knowing that drivers of all types of
vehicles know the rules and are acting predictably,
considerately and yes, safely.
In The Villages, the Bicycle Community and
Bike Friendly Advocacy Group has worked with
the Villages Community Development Districts, the
Recreation Department, the Villages Homeowners
Association, and others to promote bicycle safety.
We educate bicyclists about safe riding and the rulesof-the-road. There is no excuse for either willful
disobedience of traffic laws or unsafe riding. Still…
We also work with The League of American
Bicyclists, a national bicycling organization, to
promote safety. The League was founded as the
League of American Wheelmen in 1880. Bicyclists,
known then as “wheelmen,” were challenged by
rutted roads of gravel and dirt and faced antagonism
from horsemen, wagon drivers, and pedestrians. In
an effort to improve riding conditions so they might
better enjoy their newly discovered sport, more than
100,000 cyclists from across the United States joined
the League to advocate for paved roads. The success
of the League in its first advocacy efforts ultimately
led to our national highway system. We continue
in the pursuit of safety in The Villages. In fact,
The Villages received national recognition from the
League of American Bicyclists with its Silver Award
as a Bike Friendly Community.
We do this work voluntarily because we want our
residents to enjoy living well into their retirements.
Dave Lawrence is a year-round resident of The
Villages. He is an avid cyclist. He serves as director
of safety for the Bicycle Friendly Advocacy Group.
PROFESSIONAL DRIVING WITH RICHARD
Defensive Driving Techniques >>>>
Never assume an intersection is void of
crosstraffic just because the light is green or the
intersecting street/path has a stop sign. Slow
down at all intersections and be ready to stop,
swerve, or whatever it takes to avoid a collision
with a red light or stop sign “Runner”.
Look both ways to verify all cross traffic is going
to stop before you pull out on a green light.
Never pull out in front of a turn signal seen on
an approaching vehicle until you see the driver
commit to the right turn.
Never follow the directions given to you
by another driver who has the right-of-way.
Chances are you might be waved right into an
accident.
Merchants to Members*
All offers require VHA membership card presented at time of sale. —NO REFUNDS AFTER SALE— *One benefit offer per family membership. **Indicates New Merchant
Also visit our website WWW.THEVHA.NET to view discounts
Eats and Sweets
Amelia’s Restaurant and Lake Shore Lounge
at The Waterfront Inn, 1105 Lake Shore Dr., Lake Sumter Landing
352-753-7535
25% discount Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner
(Not valid with any other coupons, discounts or specials)
Excludes alcoholic beverages. Not offered on Holidays
Bamboo Bistro – Asian Fusion
700 N.US Hwy 441, Lady Lake, FL 32159 | 352-750-9998
Free Chef’s Special - Appetizer Sampler.
$6.00 value with $25.00 purchase. Dine in only.
One per visit with VHA Membership Card.
Not valid with other offers or specials.
Chicken Salad Chick
996 Bichara Blvd., La Plaza Grande
Lady Lake, FL • 352-775-9379
www.chickensaladchick.com
10 % Off any order | Valid 6/4/16 - 8/4/16
Chili’s
1206 Avenida Central, The Villages 32159 | 352-751-6555
Free chips and salsa to VHA members with valid
membership card at the Avenida Central location ONLY.
China Buffet
Southern Trace Plaza, 3435 Wedgewood Lane,
The Villages, FL 32162 • 352-751-6866
10 % Off any order
Edible Arrangements
3509 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, FL 32162 | 352-391-1334
$3.00 Off Purchases Valid on orders over $25.00.
Firehouse Subs
13757 U.S. Hwy. 441 - Lady Lake, 352-430-3870
Free Cookie with Purchase of Medium or Large Sub
Not valid with any other offer. One benefit per member.
Flippers Pizzeria at Spanish Springs
Everyday 4 pm – 6 pm, get a FREE Cheese MyPie pizza
with the purchase of any Large Specialty Pizza.
(Cannot be combined with any other coupon or promo
except the FREE Wine or Beer with purchase of an Appetizer)
Everyday 4 pm – 6 pm, get a FREE glass of Wine or Beer with the purchase of
an appetizer. (Cannot be combined with any other coupon or promo except
the FREE Cheese MyPie with purchase of any Large Specialty Pizza).
We DELIVER or CATER to most of The Villages.
Call store at 352-750-1919 for specific delivery routes.
Haagen Dazs
1001 Lake Shore Drive – Lake Sumter Landing | 352-751-0261
10% Discount
Honey Baked Ham Company & Cafe
524 N. Highway 441/27, Lady Lake
Best Buy Shopping Center
352-259-3900 | dddemshar@yahoo.com
Buy One Sandwich or Boxed Lunch - Get 2nd 50% off (equal or lesser value)
Johnny Rockets
976 Old Mill Run – Lake Sumter Landing | 352-259-0051
10% Off Meal
Kilwin’s of Spanish Springs
1108 Main Street – The Villages | 352-630-4704
10% Discount on All Items – Except Daily Specials.
Show VHA Card before purchase.
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.
Panda Express
869 North Hwy. 27/441 - Home Depot Plaza | 352-751-2507
10% Off - Not valid with other coupons or specials.
Peachwave Frozen Yogurt
249 Colony Blvd. - The Villages, FL 32162
www.peachwaveyogurt.com • 352-750-2238 • 10% off any order
Peachwave Frozen Yogurt
4058 Wedgewood Ln. - The Villages, FL 32163
352-674-1495 • 10% Discount on any order.
Peterbrooke Chocolatier
1087 Canal St., The Villages, FL 32162, 352-391-5877
www.peterbrookethevillages.com
10% DISCOUNT with purchase of $25 or more
not valid with any other offer or coupon.
Member must present card.
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.
Sweet Tomatoes
508 US 441/27, Lady Lake, 352-751-2500
20% discount on meals up to 4 adults.
$8.00 Sundays all Inclusive
Not valid on beverages, cookies, kids pricing, or to go a la carte.
Cannot be combined with other offers.
Valid only at Lady Lake location.
Must show current VHA Membership Card at time of purchase.
Services For You
24 Hr. Cart Club, Inc.
352-330-1911 • www.24hrcartclub.com
3 Months FREE with Sign-up
Valid on initial sign-up only.
Bella Tan
13940 Hwy 441 – Suite 502 • The Villages, FL 32159
352-658-1442 / 352-259-1470
10% Discount off any tanning package, spray tan or lotions.
Compass Self Storage
4417 E. County Road 466
Oxford, FL 34484
352-399-6893 | www.compassselfstorage.com
First Month Free
Deans Pest Control
31729 Progress Road - Leesburg FL 34748 | 352-787-5300
Bundling of Service & Senior Discount Available
Dry Clean City
13745 Highway 441 - Lady Lake
$5.00 discount off $30 Dry Cleaning or Laundry
Must present membership card for discount.
Florida Medical Hearing Center
8732 SE 165th Mulberry Lane – The Villages, FL 32162
floridamedicalhearing.com | 352-205-7804
Free Hearing Evaluation
Buy one package of batteries, get one free
Fort Knox Self Storage & Truck Rental
13634 U.S. Hwy. 441 – Lady Lake | 352-750-4647
Rent a 5x5x10 Standard Unit, Get the Second Month for $1.00.
Valid on new contracts only.
Hearing Aids from Digital Hearing Systems
347 Colony Blvd. - The Villages | 352-259-8824
BUY ONE (1) package premium batteries,
get 2nd one free-per visit.
H & R Block
208 S. Hwy. 27/441 – Lady Lake | 352-750-3669
17860 SE 109th Ave. – Summerfield | 352-347-6736
522-B N. Hwy. 27/441 – Lady Lake | 352-259-5708
$15 Off Tax Preparation. Valid at these offices only.
Lint Factor LLC
Air Duct Cleaning
Dryer Vent Inspection & Cleaning
214-460-7723 | www.lintfactor.com
20% off (not vaild with any other offer)
Must present membership card for discount.
The Salt Room
480 N Hwy 27/441 – (Located in Kohl’s Plaza) - Lady Lake, FL 32159
352-750-9909 | www.saltroomvillages.com
15% Discount off all full priced services.
The UPS Store
1576 Bella Cruz Dr., The Villages • 352-753-8000
or
2518 Burnsed Blvd. The Villages • 352-399-5697
5% discount UPS shipping.
15 % discount on purchase of boxes and packaging w/VHA membership card.
The Village Groomer
La Plaza Grande, 978 Bichara Blvd, The Villages, FL 32159
352-259-7000 | $5.00 off 1 Full Groom
Automobile Services For You
AAA Auto Club Group
1107 West North Blvd. Suite M, Leesburg
Save on $5.00 on New Membership with AAA Auto Club Group
New family members are 50% off regular price
Free Atlas to new members only or transfer of membership
Must contact Tami Lyons only for offer at 352-787-8800 or 352-217-6687
AAA Auto Glass
407-878-7940 | Toll Free 855-522-2349 | AAAAutoGlassInc@clubassist.com
Providing Auto Glass Replacement and Windshield Chip Repair
services at your home or work. 10% off Auto Glass Replacements with VHA
Card (Does not apply to insurance replacements)
AAA dollars rewards for AAA members
Boulevard Tire Center
418 S. Hwy. 27/441, Lady Lake • 352-430-2380
10% Discount on any Brake Service over $100.
Tire Choice Total Car Care
45 LaGrande Boulevard - The Villages, 352-391-6488
10% Discount on any service with VHA Membership Card.
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.
280 Colony Blvd, The Villages | 352-430-0043 | www.thetirechoice.com
$19.99 Lube, Oil, Filter & 4 Tire Rotation
10% Discount off any service.
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.
Things To Do
Captain Mike’s Lazy River Cruises
On the Withlacoochee River Southwest of Ocala on
Hwy. 200, just in Back of Stumpknocker’s Restaurant.
Call for Reservations, 352-637-2726 | www.lazyrivercruises.com
$2 Off Any Person, 2-Hour Tour Only.
 The Merchants to Members Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors as to the suitability for partnering with commercial enterprises.
Fletcher Music
1560 Bella Cruz Dr., Spanish Plaines Shopping Center • 352-751-4971
6 Weeks of Keyboard lessons for $20 (includes book)
Jim’s Golf Shop
676 N. U.S. Highway 441/27
Free golf swing analysis on our state-of-the-art launch monitor.
Must present VHA membership card.
Visit our website at: www.jimsgolfshop.com
Tree Tops Golf
175 S. Rolling Acres Road - Lady Lake, FL 32159 • 352-259-2313
Golf at Live Oaks Miniature Golf
Mondays: Softball Cage, Buy 2 Tokens-Get One Free.
Improving Your Home
Bone Dry Roofing, LLC
42116 E. Lakeview Drive, Altoona, FL 32702
352-669-6607 | www.bonedryroofingllc.com
Free Estimates. $50 off glass skylight or upgrade to off ridge vents
Offer Expires 12-31-2016
Chem Dry of The Villages
(Independently owned and operated)
15519 N. Hwy 441, Suite 302; Eustis, FL 32726
352-728-8626 | www.championchemdryfl.com
4 Rooms & Hall $149
(each room 200 sf. or less - not valid with any other offier).
15% off Area Rugs or Tile Cleaning
(not valid with any other offier) Offers Expire 12-31-2016
Coral’s Casual Patio & Fireplace
528 N. Hwy 27/441 - Best Buy Plaze
Lady Lake, Fl 32159
352-430-2159
10% off any wall art
Designer Floors by Nickel Tile
1067 Canal St., Lake Sumter Landing
352-259-5800 | Kim@Nickeltile.com
Free Cleaning Kit with Purchase
3-19-15 thru 3-19-17
Entry Point by Perry Decorative Glass
1124 Bichara Blvd. - La Plaza Grande
perrydecglass@embarqmail.com
www.entrypointbyperry.com | 352-751-0883
10% off any non-sale items
(cannot be combined with any other offer)
March 15, 2016 to December 31, 2016
Foxy Interiors, Inc.
Interior Decorating and Staging
(we come to your home)
407-314-5076 | www.foxyinteriors.com | marie@foxyinteriors.com
10% off any service
Kiley & Sons, Inc.
Residential & Commercial Plumbing
320 U.S. Highway 27/441 Lady Lake, FL 32159 | 352-753-5301
10 % off labor on your next service call (1 hour minimum).
The Kings Gallery
Spanish Springs Town Square, 352-259-6998
20% Off all Artwork every Wednesday
(this offer not to be combined with any other offers)
Now featuring Kameleon Jewelry – FREE compact case with $100 purchases.
The Solar Guys
“Solatube”- Tubular Skylight
352-307-7077 - Call for free estimate
Buy 1 - Save $80 | Buy 2 - Save $200 | Buy 3 - Save $390
On Solartubes & Attic Fans.
10% off WIndow Films & Garage Door Insulation
(Not Valid With Other Offers)
Must show proof of VHA Membership at time of sale.
**Sabrina Gulf Coast Window Cleaning
526 4th Ave. E., Bradenton, FL • 941-565-0054
sabrinawindowcleaning.com
10% off window cleaning (full service) - new customers only
Tervis
Spanish Springs Town Square
1109 Main St., The Villages, FL 32159 • 352-750-0035
10% off total purchase
Tri County Pool & Spa
2468 Hwy. 441/27 Fruitland Park • 352-326-0600
10% off all Pool & Spa Chemicals
$200 Discount on any new Artesian Spa Hot Tubs.
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.
Improving Your Look
Bags, Belts and Bling
13940 Hwy 441 – Suite 502 • The Villages, FL 32159
352-658-1442 / 352-259-1470
10% Discount off any regular priced Boutique items.
Bermuda Bay Clothing
Spanish Springs
1112 Main St., The Villages, FL 32159 | 352-205-8201
Wonderful Wednesdays - 10% off all purchases
April 1, 2015 through Dec. 31, 2016
Custom Apparel and Gifts
3451 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, 32162
352-750-1600 | villagesapparel@yahoo.com
24 pieces or more
10% Discount with VHA Membership Card
Di’s Dazzle Boutique
1008 Canal Street – Lake Sumter Landing
352-753-4161
10% Off Every Wednesday.
Gotta Get Your Name On!
1124 Bichara Blvd. - La Plaza Grande
Custom Embroidery and Monogramming
5% off Club Shirts, Logos and Monogramming
Karen D. Andrews • 352-391-9333 Phone and Fax.
Jewelry Design
La Plaza Grande
1040 Bichara Blvd., The Villages, FL 32159
50% off all Watches (Seiko, Citizen, Esa Movado, Bulovo)
Nails By Methaney
Located inside Cosmera Hair Studio
Best Buy Plaza
576 N. Hwy 27/441, Lady Lake, FL 32159
10 % Discount for New Clients
Plaza Jewelers
16770 S. U.S. Hwy. 441, Baylee Plaza, Summerfield
352-307-3846
20 to 40% Savings Off the Already Low Retail
Price & All Watch Batteries $4.00.
Lodging & Relaxation
Comfort Suites
352-259-6578
1202 Avenida Central, The Villages, FL 32159
10% Room Discount
Not valid on Leesburg Bikeweek. | Call in Advance for reservations.
Hampton Inn & Suites
1127 N.E. 63rd Drive, Lady Lake, FL 32162 | 352-259-8246
ados.tampa@libertygrouphotels.com
10% of best available rate thru 4/30/16
20% of best available rate 5/1/16 thru 12/31/16
Holiday Inn Express
1205 Avenida Central, Lady Lake, FL 32159
352-750-3888 | HIExpress.com/TheVillagesFl or HIExpressfl@gmail.com
12.5% Room Discount with VHA Card - No Blackout Dates
Meeting Space Available
La Hacienda Hotel
352-750-6863
1201 Avenida Central - The Villages, FL 32159
12/21/2015 to 4/31/16 - $89.19 plus tax
Not valid on Leesburg Bikeweek.
All reservations based on availablility.
Call in advance for reservations.
Sheraton Sand Key Resort
1160 Gulf Boulevard - Clearwater, Florida, 727-595-1611
10% discount Fri – Sat • 15% discount Sun – Thurs.
Towne Place Suites by Marriott
25% discount -hotel rooms
valid for members, friends and family members
(blackout dates may apply).
1141 Alonzo Ave - The Villages, FL 32159
352-753-8686 | JSwedenborg@JHM Hotels.com • www.marriott.com/lects
The Waterfront Inn
1105 Lake Shore Dr., Lake Sumter Landing • 352-753-7535
Dec. 31, 2015 thru Apr. 30, 2016 – 15% off
May 1, 2016 thru Sept. 30, 2016 – 25% off
Oct. 1, 2016 thru Dec. 31, 2016 – 20% off
Must Show VHA Card
Miscellaneous
Cozco Handcrafts
1121 Main Street – Spanish Springs, 352-430-0386
10% Off – Excludes Sale Items.
Lake Sumter Appraisals
William B. Mayfield | State Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser
FL. Lic. # RD8052
P.O. Box 861, The Villages, FL 32158 | www.LakeSumterAppraisals.com
Office : 352-259-1155 | Cell: 352-255-1704
Full Appraisal - $350.00
Plantation Flower Designs & Gifts
(Formerly The Tea Plantation)
Florist, Home Decor & Gift Shop,
352-751-6825 or 866-315-1101
10% Discount on purchases over $40.00.
Offer not valid with any other offer or on wire outs.
Must show VHA Membership Card
plantationflowerdesigns@gmail.com | www.plantationflowerdesigns.com
3535 Wedewood Lane, Southern Trace Plaza
Sheriffs Ranches Thrift Store
27900 Hwy 27 – Leesburg, FL • Hours | Mon.-Sat. – 9am-5pm
352-787-0633 • Lmills@youthranches.org
25% discount with membership card.
Whole Earth Pet Supply
1556 Bella Cruz Dr.
Lady Lake, FL 32159, 352-391-5806
10% off total purchase (not including discounted items)
Sports Heaven
Team Logos & Novelties
992 Alvarez Ave., The Villages, FL 32159 | 352-775-4477
15 % off total purchase
The Villages Florist, Inc.
930 Bichara Blvd., La Plaza Grande
352-753-4222 | thevillagesflorist930@yahoo.com
www.villagesflorist.com
10% off all merchandise
(not applicable on wire orders)
Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming
3682 Meggison Rd., The Villages, FL 32163 - Brownwood | 352-775-4654
One FREE bag of Woof and Dog cookies with
your first purchase of one of our premium pet foods valued at $7.95
 The Merchants to Members Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors as to the suitability for partnering with commercial enterprises.
Veterans Corner | Agent Orange Related Diseases May Expand & VA ID’s
LIST OF AGENT ORANGE-RELATED DISEASES MAY EXPAND
The Veterans Affairs Department is weighing
whether to add several diseases to the list of health
conditions presumed in Vietnam veterans to be
caused by exposure to Agent Orange.
A VA working group is studying a report issued
in March by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to
determine whether bladder cancer, hypothyroidism
and Parkinson’s-like symptoms illnesses the IOM
said may be more strongly linked to exposure than
previously thought should automatically make a
Vietnam veteran eligible for VA disability benefits
and health care.
According to Dr. Ralph Erickson, VA’s chief
consultant for post-deployment health services, the
group will make recommendations to VA Secretary
Robert McDonald on whether the diseases should be
added to a list of 15 already in place. The process
could take up to two years, a VA spokeswoman
added.
Roughly 1 million Vietnam veterans are enrolled
in the VA health system, according to the department.
Based on a review of data for one year, 5,484 of these
veterans have been diagnosed with bladder cancer,
15,983 suffer from hypothyroidism, and an estimated
1,833 have Parkinson’s-like symptoms.
The working group also is looking into the role,
if any, that Agent Orange exposure has played in the
development of hypertension in Vietnam veterans.
According to VA, 307,324 Vietnam veterans in the
Veterans Health Administration have high blood
pressure.
“Hypertension has been a question that has
been asked,” Erickson said. “The cohort of men
and women who heroically served their country in
uniform and went to Vietnam are in their 60s, 70s and
80s, and these individuals, merely because of their
age, are starting to accrue chronic diseases that come
with aging. It’s a delicate matter to tease out whether
someone has hypertension because of their age or
whether it would be related to an exposure to Agent
Orange.”
VA recommends that veterans who have an illness
they believe is related to Agent Orange exposure, file
a claim; they are considered on a case-by-case basis if
the illness is not on the presumptive condition list.
Should new diseases be added to the list, the
regulation would go into effect 30 days after it is
published in the Federal Register.
If a veteran dies of a condition determined to
be a presumptive condition after the veteran’s
death, VA will provide dependency and indemnity
compensation benefits to eligible spouses, children,
and parents of that veteran.
WHAT IS A VETERAN IDENTIFICATION CARD, VA ID CARD
The Veterans Identification Card Act 2015 (Public
Law 114-31) was enacted on July 20, 2015. The
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is drafting
regulations that will allow VA to implement and
enforce the legislation. However, this is a lengthy
process that requires time for a public comment
period as well as approval from the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB). The rule making
process is expected to take 12 months or more. VA
is also in the process of developing procedures and
policies to implement the VA ID card program. VA
currently estimates the program will be implemented
in 2017.
In the meanwhile, the Department of Veterans
Affairs continues to provide a Veterans Identification
Card (VIC) for veterans to use at VA medical
facilities. The VIC will be issued only to veterans
who are eligible for VA medical benefits and only
for the purpose of identification and check-in for
VA medical appointments. The new card protects
personal privacy by not showing Social Security
Numbers or dates of birth on the front of the cards.
VA has Service Connected, POW and Purple Heart
(PH) indicators on the new VIC. Veterans who have
been awarded service-connected status after their
VIC has been issued or SC status is not properly
documented on their card, will need to present their
letter showing their SC rating to the eligibility clerk
at the local VA Medical Center where they obtain
treatment. After verification, the eligibility clerk
will submit a request to National Card Management
Directory (NCMD) System for a new card to be
issued to the veteran.
Once a veteran has his/her picture taken for the
new card at the VA medical facility, the card will be
mailed to the veteran at the address that has been
provided. To ensure that a veteran receives the new
VIC card, the veteran should please verify that VA
has the correct address on file. If the U.S. Postal
Service cannot deliver the card, it will be returned to
the facility at which the card was requested. The card
will then be held in a secure location at the facility
for 90 days. If the card is not picked up within the
90-day period, the card will be destroyed.
With regard to the use of veteran ID cards for store
discounts, please note: The VA identification card,
once available, will allow Veterans to demonstrate
proof of service for discounts at private restaurants
and businesses.
It should be noted that the identification card (VIC)
is different from a Veteran Health Identification
(VHI) card or a DoD Uniformed Services or retiree
ID card. As such, the VA identification cards cannot
be used as proof of eligibility to any federal benefits
and does not grant access to military installations.
When available, Veterans will be able to request
an ID card from VA for a fee. VA is currently making
plans to implement the new law in the most efficient
and cost-effective way possible while protecting
Veterans’ personal information. We estimate that VA
will be able implement the program in 2017. The
cost of each card has not yet been determined.
Any questions, please contact Sumter County
Veteran Services at (352) 689-4450.
Neal Yarosz, Manager
Sumter County Veteran Services
Notes From The Chief | Are You Ready For Hurricane Season
T
hose who have not learned from history are doomed to repeat it.
That is especially true with hurricanes. Even though forecasting
methods and tools are improving year after year, people are still
at great risk if they are not prepared.
Experience has taught us that the best thing to do
before a hurricane is prepare, so you can be confident
during a storm that you’ve done everything you can
to keep your family safe. As your Chief of Police,
I want you to know that during a hurricane, you
can depend on the resilience and resourcefulness
of the men and women of the Lady Lake Police
Department.
As a local law enforcement agency, we work
year-round with our local, county, state and federal
partners to improve our response, cooperation and
communication during hurricanes. Just as we at
the police department plan for unexpected weather
emergencies, there is plenty you can do to make
yourselves, your families and your homes ready for
hurricane season. Don’t wait for a storm to threaten.
First, create a disaster supply kit that will last your
family three to seven days. Ask yourself what you
would need if you couldn’t get to a grocery store,
pharmacy, bank or gas station for several days. Your
kit should include a gallon per person per day of
water, non-perishable food, a can opener, blankets
and pillows, rain gear and sturdy shoes, first aid
items, prescription drugs, toiletries, a flashlight and
batteries, a battery-operated radio, a fully-charged
cell phone as well as a non-cordless phone. Pack any
special food, medicines or supplies you might need
for an infant, an elderly person or a pet. Make sure
you have credit cards and cash on hand and gas in
your vehicle. Put all of your important documents
such as insurance and medical records, bank account
numbers and your social security card in a waterproof
container or waterproof plastic bag.
Talk to your family about which place in your
home would be the safest during a storm and at what
point you would move to a shelter. Plan what to do
with your pets if you have to evacuate and designate
an out-of-state relative or friend to be a point of
contact for each family member after a storm. Make
sure children know when and how to call 911. But
always remember that if a storm gets severe enough
there may be limited or no emergency responders to
assist until after the storm passes.
The Lady Lake Police Department is prepared to
help you and your family in any emergency, but I
encourage you to create a disaster supply kit and talk
to your family about an emergency plan. On behalf
of the men and women at the Lady Lake Police
Department, I wish you and your family the safest
possible hurricane season.
Chief McKinstry
Lady Lake Police Dept.
AMAC Foundation Expands Social Security Advisory Services
D
uring the past two months, three AMAC Foundation representatives have earned certification as National Social Security
Advisors, qualifying them to counsel retirees and pre-retirees on
questions and issues pertaining to Social Security. The training preceding the qualification exam equips these Advisors to provide guidance
to clients on the many Social Security options available, and enables
them to provide a trusted service to the public. Certification is accredited through the Ohio-based National Social Security Association (NSSA).
These three individuals—Eileen Cook, Sharon
Kleczka, and Gerry Hafer—are available to handle
questions submitted to the Foundation, either
by telephone (352-750-2622), by email (info@
AmacFoundation.com), or in person by appointment
at the Foundation’s Lady Lake office (312 Teague
Trail). “The certification of our staff members is
critical to our mission of supporting and educating
America’s seniors,” reports AMAC President Dan
Weber, “and we believe that by providing credible,
unbiased information to people in, or aging into,
Social Security is an important part of what the
Foundation does. And, since the Foundation
is a tax-exempt organization relying solely on
contributions from the public to operate, there is no
charge for this valuable service.”
Along with the Social Security Advisory program’s
launch, the Foundation has scheduled a free public
seminar on key Social Security issues, especially
geared toward individuals dealing with decisions
that can have a substantial impact on their lives. The
program will cover the manner in which benefits
are computed, the question of early vs. deferred
claiming of benefits, spousal and surviving spouse
benefits, taxation of benefits, special rules for public
employees, and many other key topics of importance
to seniors. NSSA faculty will conduct the program,
scheduled for 10:00 am to Noon on Thursday, August
4, 2016 at the Lady Lake Library, 225 W Guava
Street.
To register for this seminar online, visit
the Foundation registration page at www.
AmacFoundation.com/seminar, or contact the
Foundation directly at:
AMAC Foundation, Inc.
312 Teague Trail
Lady Lake, FL 32159
1-888-750-2622
Email – info@AmacFoundation.com
Helping others—and America’s seniors in
particular—is what the AMAC Foundation is about.
Take a look at our 2014/2015 Annual Report to
learn more about us and the work we’ve done so
far in our first two years of operation. The Annual
Report can be downloaded from our website, www.
AMACFoundation.com.
A
H
V
Friday, July 1st
T
6:00 - 8:00pm
U
O
D Ctr
Colony Regional
LRec
O
S
$8.00Eper
NTticket for 2 Cards
V
E Cards are $1.00 each
Extra
Friday, July 22nd
6:00 - 8:00pm
LaHacienda Regonal Rec Ctr
$8.00 per ticket for 2 Cards
Extra Cards are $1.00 each
VHA Community Foundation is excited to host a North & South
Bingo Nights to raise money for their Helping Hands Program.
Night!!
CALL FOR TICKETS
JOYCE : 352-259-0441
JOAN : 352-430-2110
Join us for 2 fun nights, win some cash and help the
FOUNDATION keep our “HELPING HANDS program running
smoothly”.
Water & Coffee
available B.Y.O.B.
Items available for resident use from the Helping Hands:
Wheelchairs, various styled walkers, canes, knee walkers, bed
rails & many more items.
HELPING HANDS
NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
GOLF CART SAFETY CLINIC
YOU ARE INVITED
WEDNESDAY
JULY 20 • 9 AM
Colony Cottage Rec Center
ALL VILLAGERS WELCOME
• VIEW THE NEW VHA GOLF CAR
SAFETY VIDEO • SAFETY TIPS
• CART MAINTENANCE • INSURANCE INFORMATION
COME JOIN US FOR COFFEE AND GOLF CART DRIVING TIPS
Homebaked goodies
to buy!!
A VHA Community Service Program
ITEMS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR USE
OR ACCEPTED AS DONATIONS
urrently providing over 500 pieces of
donated durable medical equipment
RAMP
to Villages Families; Helping Hands has BED RAIL
SHOWER CHAIR
a number of Electric Power Wheelchairs & CANE
SHOWER BENCH
CANE QUAD
Electric Scooters on hand.
C
The equipment needs and
availability vary from day to day. If
you are in need of any of the items
listed, or wish to donate items, please
contact John “Skip” McDonald,
Program Coordinator.
John “Skip” McDonald
Phone:352-973-2284
SHOWER STOOL
COMMODE CHAIR LARGE
COMMODE RAISER
CRUTCHES
IV POLE
POWER SCOOTER/
CHAIR
TUB TRANSFER BENCH
TRANSPORT CHAIR
WALKER
WALKER KNEE
WALKER W/SEAT
WALKER W/SEAT XL
GRABBER/PICKUP TOOL
WHEELCHAIR

A Message from VHA President Fred Briggs Championship Golf

Transcription

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