The John Rohan Recreation Center

[Warren Kiefer]

I am shocked to see that the new rec center will be named after John Rohan. Why would those who make such decisions rank Rohan up there with Bogart, Bacall, Roosevelt, Truman, and Sharon Morse. I just don't get it with this decision. At the very least, it should have been named the Gary Morse Rec Center before ever considering naming it after a staff member. Couldn't they have found some more important to honor.:loco::loco:

[graciegirl]

I am shocked to see that the new rec center will be named after John Rohan. Why would those who make such decisions rank Rohan up there with Bogart, Bacall, Roosevelt, Truman, and Sharon Morse. I just don't get it with this decision. At the very least, it should have been named the Gary Morse Rec Center before ever considering naming it after a staff member. Couldn't they have found some more important to honor.:loco::loco:


There isn't a thing wrong with John Rohan. Did you ever give thought that he might read this? I am sure that he has been there for a long time, and those who know him well believe he deserves this honor.

It is THEIR rec center to name what they want .

[Topspinmo]

I was going to ask who is John Rohan? Now I don't!

[graciegirl]

I was going to ask who is John Rohan? Now I don't!


He is director of recreation. I have emailed him a few times and he always responded immediately, intelligently and most of all, warmly.

The recreation opportunities here are a wonderful thing. Why shouldn't he be honored???

[aln]

I agree with Gracie and keep in mind, John Rohan is the driving force of the recreation department. I see no reason to object to this!

[TheVillageChicken]

I am shocked to see that the new rec center will be named after John Rohan. Why would those who make such decisions rank Rohan up there with Bogart, Bacall, Roosevelt, Truman, and Sharon Morse. I just don't get it with this decision. At the very least, it should have been named the Gary Morse Rec Center before ever considering naming it after a staff member. Couldn't they have found some more important to honor.:loco::loco:

Yeah! And who the hell is Mulberry Grove?

[kcrazorbackfan]

I am shocked to see that the new rec center will be named after John Rohan. Why would those who make such decisions rank Rohan up there with Bogart, Bacall, Roosevelt, Truman, and Sharon Morse. I just don't get it with this decision. At the very least, it should have been named the Gary Morse Rec Center before ever considering naming it after a staff member. Couldn't they have found some more important to honor.:loco::loco:

Out of curiosity, how much did you donate to the building of this Rec. Center? Nothing? Bust out that checkbook and scratch out a check for a couple of million and I'm sure they would name it for whom you ever want

[Mikeod]

Perhaps the new performing arts center will become the Gary and Sharon Morse Performing Arts Center.

[kansasr]

I have absolutely no problem honoring someone who has dedicated so many years to recreation at The Villages. One only has to look at what's available for residents in the weekly Rec News to know that something is being done right. Since we usually blame the person at the top when things go bad, it's only right to acknowledge when things are going well!

[skip0358]

I've never seen so many complaints about what's going on here. We don't own this place. We own our little piece of it. I could care less what name they put on anything. If the owners decide to name a Building, Road , Bridge or whatever after someone so be it they're paying for it. Enjoy what
they've built and made available for all to enjoy. I for one am very grateful to the family and to the fact that we found this great place to spend as much time as we have left on this good earth. We have great neighbors and tons of friends. What more could you want. JMO

[Sanibel7]

John has done a great service to us for over the last 20 plus years. You would not have any of the recreation facilities or clubs that we have now if not for his vision in the begining of this Villages venture.. If you are worried about names of things.. wow just think. All of the streets in Antrem Dells are named after sales people

[lafoto]

Well said skip0358! Its truly cruel to attack someone who is being given an honor, especially when it is no business of yours.

[OldManTime]

Why not name buildings after employees that have dedicated there lives to make this place #1 development in the world. in retrospect, how about Pete Wahl, or even Mike Tucker, who's dedication made us what we are today.

[TVMayor]

We have a recreation center called "Manatee", what did Mr. Manatee ever do for The Villages? It is just a name.

[mickey100]

I'm shocked at the nasty posts in response to Warren. He was just voicing his opinion that mr. Rohan doesn't rank up there with former Presidents. He didn't attack Rohan or say he wasn't important. He said he thought there were other people that were more important. Why such vitriol? Great way to start 2015 on TOTV. Friendly Villagers, hmmmm.

[villagerjack]

It was rude

[yabbadu]

I am shocked to see that the new rec center will be named after John Rohan. Why would those who make such decisions rank Rohan up there with Bogart, Bacall, Roosevelt, Truman, and Sharon Morse. I just don't get it with this decision. At the very least, it should have been named the Gary Morse Rec Center before ever considering naming it after a staff member. Couldn't they have found some more important to honor.:loco::loco:

A VERY SAD Post!

[Bogie Shooter]

I'm shocked at the nasty posts in response to Warren. He was just voicing his opinion that mr. Rohan doesn't rank up there with former Presidents. He didn't attack Rohan or say he wasn't important. He said he thought there were other people that were more important. Why such vitriol? Great way to start 2015 on TOTV. Friendly Villagers, hmmmm.

Perhaps a reread of the OP is in order...........................

[yabbadu]

Perhaps a reread of the OP is in order...........................

I did re-read it over and still find it mean spirited to start the New Year!

[graciegirl]

I did re-read it over and still find it mean spirited to start the New Year!

I agree Yabbadu, but Bogie was responding to m. Bogie agrees with you too..

I feel, I don't know, that Gary Morse would NOT want any honors or buildings. He never tried to get attention. But I think it is really nice that John Rohan is being honored. AND he well could be as fine a person as any president. He and the bunch of people that grew this place through their careful plans and hard work deserve all of the credit they can get.

They created something never seen on this earth before; a wonderful place to grow young.

[Birdie Dreamer]

I'm shocked at the nasty posts in response to Warren. He was just voicing his opinion that mr. Rohan doesn't rank up there with former Presidents. He didn't attack Rohan or say he wasn't important. He said he thought there were other people that were more important. Why such vitriol? Great way to start 2015 on TOTV. Friendly Villagers, hmmmm.

The OP was rude and clearly intended to disparage Mr Rohan. There is no Roosevelt, Sharon Morse or Bogart Rec center. His examples are not factual and undoubtedly intended to bolster his personal opinion. Probably why a lot of posters are taking exception to his post.

[golf2140]

I'm shocked at the nasty posts in response to Warren. He was just voicing his opinion that mr. Rohan doesn't rank up there with former Presidents. He didn't attack Rohan or say he wasn't important. He said he thought there were other people that were more important. Why such vitriol? Great way to start 2015 on TOTV. Friendly Villagers, hmmmm.

Maybe because the posts are always negative !!!!!!!!

[applesoffh]

Calm down! It's a rec center, not a national monument. The powers that be can name it anything they want.

[Cisco Kid]

Well this is such a Happy New Year Thread.

I feel the need to be the 1st one this year to say,,,,,,

IF YOU DON"T LIKE IT ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

But I won't

:pepper2: :pepper2: :pepper2: :pepper2:

[Jack&Pam]

I am for the name. There is no other named Rec Center in the villages that so many of us can really feel a personal positive emotion to. He should be honored.

[NotGolfer]

Calm down! It's a rec center, not a national monument. The powers that be can name it anything they want.

Agree with this statement! It's a tribute to a man (whom most of us don't personally know) who must garner respect from his bosses for a job well done. I say "good for Mr. Rohan!"

[TVMayor]

I agree Yabbadu, but Bogie was responding to m. Bogie agrees with you too..

I feel, I don't know, that Gary Morse would NOT want any honors or buildings. He never tried to get attention. But I think it is really nice that John Rohan is being honored. AND he well could be as fine a person as any president. He and the bunch of people that grew this place through their careful plans and hard work deserve all of the credit they can get.

They created something never seen on this earth before; a wonderful place to grow young.
I was wrong when I said gas prices were going to continue to rise but I know I am right when I say the Morse memorial will be a one of a kind breath taking building. As far as Morse not wanting attention, the people/relatives that loved and admired him are in charge now.

[Dynsol]

I agree Yabbadu, but Bogie was responding to m. Bogie agrees with you too..

I feel, I don't know, that Gary Morse would NOT want any honors or buildings. He never tried to get attention. But I think it is really nice that John Rohan is being honored. AND he well could be as fine a person as any president. He and the bunch of people that grew this place through their careful plans and hard work deserve all of the credit they can get.

They created something never seen on this earth before; a wonderful place to grow young.

Well said!

[Bonny]

John Rohan is an awesome guy who has worked many years for the Villages.
I think it's great that they named it after him !!
Congrats to John !!

[kcrazorbackfan]

I'm shocked at the nasty posts in response to Warren. He was just voicing his opinion that mr. Rohan doesn't rank up there with former Presidents. He didn't attack Rohan or say he wasn't important. He said he thought there were other people that were more important. Why such vitriol? Great way to start 2015 on TOTV. Friendly Villagers, hmmmm.

It was rude

Actually, he didn't have to say that Mr. Rohan wasn't important, his implication that his name shouldn't be on there was enough. Wouldn't this be a dull place if no one could speak their mind if they don't like something? chilout

[dotti105]

I've never seen so many complaints about what's going on here. We don't own this place. We own our little piece of it. I could care less what name they put on anything. If the owners decide to name a Building, Road , Bridge or whatever after someone so be it they're paying for it. Enjoy what
they've built and made available for all to enjoy. I for one am very grateful to the family and to the fact that we found this great place to spend as much time as we have left on this good earth. We have great neighbors and tons of friends. What more could you want. JMO

Agreed, Skip! Well said! The name of the new rec center is not our decision. Neither is the placement of all the fantastic amenities provided. Not our choice. We just benefit from it. The developer has the right to name their properties anything they wish, and honor anyone they choose.

Our congrats to Mr Rohan for this awesome recognition!!

[Warren Kiefer]

There isn't a thing wrong with John Rohan. Did you ever give thought that he might read this? I am sure that he has been there for a long time, and those who know him well believe he deserves this honor.

It is THEIR rec center to name what they want .

I didn't say there was anything wrong with John Rohan. I was shocked to see that he would be honored by naming a rec center after him. What has he done to deserve such an honor. And I would express my opinion to John himself. There are hundreds in Florida who have left their mark on improving mankind. Being a Villages employee for 18 years isn't an accomplishment, I worked for the same employer for 38 years.

[Bonny]

I didn't say there was anything wrong with John Rohan. I was shocked to see that he would be honored by naming a rec center after him. What has he done to deserve such an honor. And I would express my opinion to John himself. There are hundreds in Florida who have left their mark on improving mankind. Being a Villages employee for 18 years isn't an accomplishment, I worked for the same employer for 38 years.
Obviously they feel John was a very valued employee !! He did a wonderful job for the awesome recreation program we have in the Villages.
Thank you John Rohan !! Cheers ! :beer3:

[Warren Kiefer]

John has done a great service to us for over the last 20 plus years. You would not have any of the recreation facilities or clubs that we have now if not for his vision in the begining of this Villages venture.. If you are worried about names of things.. wow just think. All of the streets in Antrem Dells are named after sales people

You're kidding right ??? John is responsible for all of the rec centers and clubs ??? I was with a group of Villagers last evening and this issue came up. Of the 20 people present only 3 knew anything about John Rohan. How about a Harold Schwartz Rec Center ??? He and his son Gary were the visionaries, not John Rohan.

[Warren Kiefer]

We have a recreation center called "Manatee", what did Mr. Manatee ever do for The Villages? It is just a name.

Not relevant in any way to the post. I don't think Bacall, Bogart, Truman, Eisenhower or Sharon Morse would ever be considered just a name. Other than those I mentioned, I cannot come up with a name on any other Rec center named after a person.

[Warren Kiefer]

I'm shocked at the nasty posts in response to Warren. He was just voicing his opinion that mr. Rohan doesn't rank up there with former Presidents. He didn't attack Rohan or say he wasn't important. He said he thought there were other people that were more important. Why such vitriol? Great way to start 2015 on TOTV. Friendly Villagers, hmmmm.

Many times I make a promise to myself that I would never post another comment on TOTV, because of the attacks that always occur. at least someone seems to be one who understood the meaning of my post.

[kstew43]

if or when the developer sells the rec centers...the homeowners can vote to change the names......

[Beechie]

I didn't say there was anything wrong with John Rohan. I was shocked to see that he would be honored by naming a rec center after him. What has he done to deserve such an honor. And I would express my opinion to John himself. There are hundreds in Florida who have left their mark on improving mankind. Being a Villages employee for 18 years isn't an accomplishment, I worked for the same employer for 38 years.

Really!! you would express your opinion to John himself? I know what my response would be. If The Villages feels that this man should be honored for his role in it's development over the past 20 years, so be it. Thanks John Rohan.

[JoMar]

Actually, he didn't have to say that Mr. Rohan wasn't important, his implication that his name shouldn't be on there was enough. Wouldn't this be a dull place if no one could speak their mind if they don't like something? chilout

Definitely not a dull place!:pepper2:

[Mikeod]

You're kidding right ??? John is responsible for all of the rec centers and clubs ??? I was with a group of Villagers last evening and this issue came up. Of the 20 people present only 3 knew anything about John Rohan. How about a Harold Schwartz Rec Center ??? He and his son Gary were the visionaries, not John Rohan.
Perhaps it would be nice for you to do a little research contemplate before making such comments. The primary thing that sets TV apart from most retirement communities is the wealth of recreational opportunities. This creates the demand that has made the Morse family so successful. As head of recreation all these years, John Rohan has played a major role in planning and executing the recreation facilities and activities that ensured the continued expansion of opportunities and therefore the success of TV. I think it's actually to his credit that so few of the people you spoke to knew much about him. His efforts have been behind the scenes without the need for publicity. His vision was sufficiently instrumental in their success that the Morse family deemed it an appropriate expression of their appreciation to name the center for him.

[Bonny]

Perhaps it would be nice for you to do a little research contemplate before making such comments. The primary thing that sets TV apart from most retirement communities is the wealth of recreational opportunities. This creates the demand that has made the Morse family so successful. As head of recreation all these years, John Rohan has played a major role in planning and executing the recreation facilities and activities that ensured the continued expansion of opportunities and therefore the success of TV. I think it's actually to his credit that so few of the people you spoke to knew much about him. His efforts have been behind the scenes without the need for publicity. His vision was sufficiently instrumental in their success that the Morse family deemed it an appropriate expression of their appreciation to name the center for him.
:agree: Awesome !! Couldn't have said it any better !!

[Buffalo Jim]

I am shocked to see that the new rec center will be named after John Rohan. Why would those who make such decisions rank Rohan up there with Bogart, Bacall, Roosevelt, Truman, and Sharon Morse. I just don't get it with this decision. At the very least, it should have been named the Gary Morse Rec Center before ever considering naming it after a staff member. Couldn't they have found some more important to honor.:loco::loco:

The new Rec Center in question is built with PRIVATE not " Public/ Tax Payer " money .
Thus the " Golden Rule " applies meaning , " He who has the gold rules ".
The people who are putting their money out to build the new Center can name it after Donald Duck if they wish or their best friend . It`s all their call .
Frankly , it`s none of our business . :beer3:

[skip0358]

Originally Posted by Warren Kiefer View Post

You're kidding right ??? John is responsible for all of the rec centers and clubs ??? I was with a group of Villagers last evening and this issue came up. Of the 20 people present only 3 knew anything about John Rohan. How about a Harold Schwartz Rec Center ??? He and his son Gary were the visionaries, not John Rohan.

There are a lot of people that live here that don't know a lot about the people who have been involved in the Development of TV over the years. Look online at the names that have been the movers and shakers in TV. Look whose been involved in The Villages Charter Schools, Public Safety, Recreation etc. A lot of the same names come up. There are people here that don't care who did or does what. Then there are others who watch what's going on and read about whose done what to make TV what it is today. I've met John, been to his meetings he's been very much involved.
If the FAMILY made the decision to name the Rec. Center after him who are we to question it PERIOD.

[yabbadu]

I am shocked to see that the new rec center will be named after John Rohan. Why would those who make such decisions rank Rohan up there with Bogart, Bacall, Roosevelt, Truman, and Sharon Morse. I just don't get it with this decision. At the very least, it should have been named the Gary Morse Rec Center before ever considering naming it after a staff member. Couldn't they have found some more important to honor.:loco::loco:

When you become owner of The Villages you can name whatever you want and whoever you want. If you do not wish to honor someone who has worked for you ..then don't. In the meantime it is a great honor to Mr. Rohan and its a shame you have started the New Year by dishonoring him and the great organization that has made The Villages what it is!