[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

As luck would have it, my 2023 Gas Yahama Cart without warning, completely shut off while coming out of a tunnel under Meggison, just south of the Brownwood bridge. Has a full tank of gas. A kind lady was behind me and assisted me in pushing it away from the tunnel entrance, and near the ramp of the path. I called Villages Golf Carts, who advised me I was still under warranty, and called my cart tow insurer (American Golf Cart Association), who were very punctual, sending out a tow about 25 minutes after my call.

While waiting for the tow, I thought it would be interesting to track how many cart drivers would check-in with me or offer assistance while I was broken down at the entrance to the tunnel. Almost 100 carts passed me during this waiting time. About two-thirds of the carts either stopped or asked if I needed help as they passed me. Several offered me water. Several were willing to wait with me until the tow came. One offered to meet me at Villages Golf Carts and drive me back to my home.

Of the remaining third, half of that group did smile and wave at me, but kept on driving. The other half of that third did not make eye contact with me and kept driving past me.

Overall, I was very impressed with the friendliness and willingness of the vast majority of those who came upon me while I was waiting for a tow. This is truly an extremely friendly and caring community. I don’t think you’d have that many good samaritans stop in other places in this country. I’m very grateful to those who stopped and offered their encouraging words, and I am so blessed to be here in The Villages. It truly is America’s Friendliest hometown!

I had the same experience several years ago when our almost brand new 2015 Club Car’s starter/generator belt snapped on the Multi Modal path running parallel to 466 and Palmer. I was amazed at how many people stopped to offer help. I also fondly remember when we first rented in the Villages many many years ago. We were learning our way around via golf cart and every time we pulled over to look at a map we couldn’t even get the map open before people driving by would stop and ask if they could help us with directions. Those were the good old days, before everyone had an app on their phone telling them where to go and still used a map. It’s wonderful being in a retirement community, where the residents are generally very friendly and are not time constrained and stressed out working full time jobs and raising a family.