Petition Against Seat Roping

[Cedwards38]

I am against the practice of roping off or in any other way holding a section of seats at the various town squares. I think this is rude, selfish, inconsiderate, and wrong and I want to see a policy to bring it to an end. We all pay for those seats and I believe all seats at the squares should be available on a first come, first serve basis, with one seat for one person. This is in no way intended to prohibit a person from saving a seat that has already been taken while that seat occupant is otherwise engaged and away from the seat for a short period of time. I don't care if you're having a class reunion, neighborhood gathering, or the family is in from up north or whatever other reason you feel is justification for inconveniencing the rest of us. Seat holding of large groups when the occupants are not there is wrong and unfair and must end.

Therefore: I petition that The Villages Entertainment Division establish an official policy prohibiting the roping off or in any other way holding or making unavailable to the general public seats for persons who are not currently there to occupy them.

Furthermore, I petition that The Villages Entertainment Division post easily visible signs in multiple locations at each of the town square venues stating this new policy in easily understood language, and that this policy be announced multiple times during each evening at each of the town square venues.

Furthermore I petition that The Villages Entertainment Division employees and/or the applicable sheriff's office enforce this policy each evening.

If you agree with this petition then please post stating that you agree. Any who disagree, please feel free to express your disagreement here as well. Hopefully it will all be reviewed by The Villages Entertainment Division and action will be taken to resolve this issue.

[graciegirl]

I agree. I almost always agree with you. I agree with why you want a petition...But I don't think it would WORK.

I remember when are kids were little and we vacationed in Miami. There was always some mom yelling "Jeffrey, Get outa the wadda" over and over.

She never waded in and dragged him out as far as I knew. My kids got out.
I was a dragger.

If you are gonna tell people not to do something, you are gonna have to make it stick. How is the recreation department going to do that? What consequences or what penalty can be given? I can't think of any.

[Bonnevie]

might be something worth mentioning in the resident survey?

[2BNTV]

I agree. One fanny in seat equals reserved!!!!

[Allegiance]

I am offering one happy hour priced drink as a reward to anyone who cuts said rope into multiple unusable pieces.

[Grandfinch]

I would like to see a reporter ask them to comment for the local paper as to why the see it as OK to save seats. They may have a reason that would be acceptable to the general population. If not, they should then feel embarrassed enough to stop the practice.

[Grandfinch]

I am offering one happy hour priced drink as a reward to anyone who cuts said rope into multiple unusable pieces.

Add one more from me. I rarely go to the square, but if I did, I would be upset with seeing blocked off areas, like I am not good enough for that area.

[Sandtrap328]

I disagree with this petition.

There is no reason to have more and more rules. Everyone knows for the most popular entertainers to arrive very early and take a seat for yourself and your date. If you find no available chairs and there are "roped off" large sections with no one in them, there is nothing to prevent you from taking one or two of those. There will be no confrontation except maybe a "those are saved". Just sit down anyhow or move them. The person may grouse a bit but nothing more. No physical altercation has ever happened as that would be an assault and would be duly noted in the online paper.

Once again, get there early. You cannot expect to come at 5:00 for Rocky and expect to find empty seats

[Grandfinch]

I disagree with this petition.

There is no reason to have more and more rules. Everyone knows for the most popular entertainers to arrive very early and take a seat for yourself and your date. If you find no available chairs and there are "roped off" large sections with no one in them, there is nothing to prevent you from taking one or two of those. There will be no confrontation except maybe a "those are saved". Just sit down anyhow or move them. The person may grouse a bit but nothing more. No physical altercation has ever happened as that would be an assault and would be duly noted in the online paper.

Once again, get there early. You cannot expect to come at 5:00 for Rocky and expect to find empty seats

At my age and physical condition, I would feel very intimidated doing what you say here. I suspect you would witness seat saver rage immediately. Unfortunately, we do need a rule and it must be enforced for thebenifit of those of us that limp into the squares only to find all open seats roped off.

[Sandtrap328]

At my age and physical condition, I would feel very intimidated doing what you say here. I suspect you would witness seat saver rage immediately. Unfortunately, we do need a rule and it must be enforced for thebenifit of those of us that limp into the squares only to find all open seats roped off.

I go to Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter Landing frequently. The seat saving of large blocs of chairs is NOT a big problem. If a person arrives early, there is hardly ever a time you will not get seats. The other choice is to bring your own chair! Whenever we go to the most popular entertainers, we bring our own folding chairs.

There has NEVER been seat saver rage.

I do not know in what context you mean you "limp" in. If you mean a physical limp, arrive early. If you mean, arrive after the show starts, once again, arrive early!

To sum up - arrive early - bring your own chair - enjoy the entertainment!

[Bogie Shooter]

At my age and physical condition, I would feel very intimidated doing what you say here. I suspect you would witness seat saver rage immediately. Unfortunately, we do need a rule and it must be enforced for thebenifit of those of us that limp into the squares only to find all open seats roped off.

But, you so rarely go to the squares?

[Bogie Shooter]

Why would you think The Villages Entertainment Division would review this thread?

[Cedwards38]

I agree. I almost always agree with you. I agree with why you want a petition...But I don't think it would WORK.

I remember when are kids were little and we vacationed in Miami. There was always some mom yelling "Jeffrey, Get outa the wadda" over and over.

She never waded in and dragged him out as far as I knew. My kids got out.
I was a dragger.

If you are gonna tell people not to do something, you are gonna have to make it stick. How is the recreation department going to do that? What consequences or what penalty can be given? I can't think of any.

At my age and physical condition, I would feel very intimidated doing what you say here. I suspect you would witness seat saver rage immediately. Unfortunately, we do need a rule and it must be enforced for thebenifit of those of us that limp into the squares only to find all open seats roped off.

This is to answer a few very legitimate questions raised about this issue.

1. During square performances, The Villages Entertainment Division controls the venue. While they control the venue they may establish policies for the venue, so long as their policies are not arbitrary and apply to everyone equally. If they establish policies, then those policies may be enforced by their privately contracted security employees as nearly every public performance does, or more importantly by the applicable sheriff's office. If someone attempts to resist the sheriff's office or the private security, they may be ejected and/or banned. If they resist vehemently enough, they may be arrested and jailed.

2. I'm sure there would, in the beginning, be incidents of seat saver rage by those who want to continue the banned practice. If the sheriff's office or private security are there to enforce the policy then that rage is more likely to be controlled. There absolutely would be some incident that would get out of hand, and if a violator resists the directives of the sheriff's office or private security, then that could result in ejection, banning, arrest, and incarceration. It absolutely will happen, but when the public realizes that the policy is going to be enforced, and that consequences for violating the policy could be serious, it would only take one or maybe two incidents and the problem would no longer exist.

3. Some are saying that the saving of seats is absolutely not a problem, but I disagree. We see it mentioned in TOTV very often. Some of you don't perceive it as a problem because there is no policy, thus no one says anything to those persons who save the seats. They just walk away from the inconsiderate practice because they have no basis on which to complain. There is a problem or we wouldn't see it listed here so often.

[Average Guy]

A post in an older thread gave this link to the policy:

FAQ - The Villages Entertainment * Special Events * Box Office

In that link, the last FAQ under the topic "Free Nightly Entertainment" addresses saving seats:

"Q: May we rope off a group of chairs prior to an event?

A: No. Roping or taping chairs together inhibits event setup. If you need to hold chairs, at least one person in your party needs to be with your chairs at all times."

So, apparently there already is a policy, but the real issue is enforcement. If it is not enforced, it is useless.

[villagerjack]

Agree

[skip0358]

Why not just a few of your friends get
together and march up to the square and plop your BUTT in the chairs. When you get a complaint remind the people there is NO reserving seats. Same thing happened when the parades would go on, the rec people would walk around IF nobody was sitting at a table with the chairs folded up against the table or roped off tables and cut them down. We used to go up around 6 AM and sit at our table. One person is all it took.

[sunnyatlast]

I petition that they hand out chairs to people coming into the square seating area, starting at 4:30.

They would have to stand in line before 4:30. If they can't act like mature adults with manners, and get mean and nasty standing in line (or having 1 person hold 20 SPACES in line marked with rags on the ground), then they should be booted to the back of the line.

This is worse than bullies and "the popular group" saving seats in the cafeteria or bus in grade school. Grow UP!!

[rubicon]

Does anyone really believe the Villages Entertainment Division is going to get in a fight with offenders over saving seats? Maybe the OP should petition the Division to begin issuing monetary fines to those offenders who violate their no saving seat policy:1rotfl:

This saving seat issue is just hilarious and will never go anywhere .

Nature is as nature does

Suggestion when you go to the square dance a lot, mingle with the people meeting new and old friends and you won't need a seat

[dah1020]

Now take that! Omg some people have to much time on their hands to even dream up this stuff!!

[zonerboy]

I agree.

[Bosoxfan]

I don't believe that saving of seats will ever be stopped. Think about it. If someone come to the square early to save seats there's a good chance they're out and about spending money in the businesses that surround the squares.Although I think it's rude and would have no problem sitting in a "saved" seat myself,I believe the powers to be see it as more money!!

[JoMar]

A post in an older thread gave this link to the policy:

FAQ - The Villages Entertainment * Special Events * Box Office

In that link, the last FAQ under the topic "Free Nightly Entertainment" addresses saving seats:

"Q: May we rope off a group of chairs prior to an event?

A: No. Roping or taping chairs together inhibits event setup. If you need to hold chairs, at least one person in your party needs to be with your chairs at all times."

So, apparently there already is a policy, but the real issue is enforcement. If it is not enforced, it is useless.

That sounds like you can save 30 chairs and only need one person with the chairs to comply.......and I think that is what's happening. If it doesn't inhibit even setup no foul.

[sunnyatlast]

I don't believe that saving of seats will ever be stopped. Think about it. If someone come to the square early to save seats there's a good chance they're out and about spending money in the businesses that surround the squares. Although I think it's rude and would have no problem sitting in a "saved" seat myself,I believe the powers to be see it as more money!!

Many people no longer come to the squares because they can't get a seat and cannot get a restaurant or bar table without waiting an hour or more. That is business lost, not gained.

I still think the chairs should be handed to people as they come in, no earlier than 4:30, and the square interior should be roped off till then. Otherwise people will bring in their own chairs and hog the space that way.

[kcrazorbackfan]

I totally agree; it is a very childish act that should be prohibited; will it ever be? Probably not, but it is good to let voices be heard.

[coffeebean]

A post in an older thread gave this link to the policy:

FAQ - The Villages Entertainment * Special Events * Box Office

In that link, the last FAQ under the topic "Free Nightly Entertainment" addresses saving seats:

"Q: May we rope off a group of chairs prior to an event?

A: No. Roping or taping chairs together inhibits event setup. If you need to hold chairs, at least one person in your party needs to be with your chairs at all times."

So, apparently there already is a policy, but the real issue is enforcement. If it is not enforced, it is useless.

According to the policy, chairs can be saved as long as someone stays with the saved chairs. I was under the impression, a block of chairs could not be saved.

[springfield]

saving seats is rude

[DigitalGranny]

It's just like the folks on a cruise ship who come and put a towel on a chair before breakfast in order to use it at lunchtime! The difference is, there is a bin there to put their towels in when you sit down in "their" chair. It's rude, inconsiderate, and I don't think there's anything wrong with just sitting down in " their" chair!

[NYGUY]

I am against the practice of roping off or in any other way holding a section of seats at the various town squares. I think this is rude, selfish, inconsiderate, and wrong and I want to see a policy to bring it to an end. We all pay for those seats and I believe all seats at the squares should be available on a first come, first serve basis, with one seat for one person. This is in no way intended to prohibit a person from saving a seat that has already been taken while that seat occupant is otherwise engaged and away from the seat for a short period of time. I don't care if you're having a class reunion, neighborhood gathering, or the family is in from up north or whatever other reason you feel is justification for inconveniencing the rest of us. Seat holding of large groups when the occupants are not there is wrong and unfair and must end.

Therefore: I petition that The Villages Entertainment Division establish an official policy prohibiting the roping off or in any other way holding or making unavailable to the general public seats for persons who are not currently there to occupy them.

Furthermore, I petition that The Villages Entertainment Division post easily visible signs in multiple locations at each of the town square venues stating this new policy in easily understood language, and that this policy be announced multiple times during each evening at each of the town square venues.

Furthermore I petition that The Villages Entertainment Division employees and/or the applicable sheriff's office enforce this policy each evening.

If you agree with this petition then please post stating that you agree. Any who disagree, please feel free to express your disagreement here as well. Hopefully it will all be reviewed by The Villages Entertainment Division and action will be taken to resolve this issue.

:agree::agree::BigApplause:

[BobnBev]

I agree 100%, but maybe they shouldn't provide ANY chairs....problem solved.
However, I just bring my own chairs.

[Cedwards38]

No policy is worth the paper it's written on unless it includes some method to enforce it. As to whether the Villages Entertainment Division monitors this site, I'm betting they do. If, however, they don't, we can call them and ask them to give it a look. I like the idea of just ignoring the roping and sitting in the seats too, but clearly not enough people are willing to do that and face the argument with the ropers. The VED should enforce and we need to tell them that.

[Cedwards38]

Does anyone really believe the Villages Entertainment Division is going to get in a fight with offenders over saving seats? Maybe the OP should petition the Division to begin issuing monetary fines to those offenders who violate their no saving seat policy:1rotfl:

This saving seat issue is just hilarious and will never go anywhere .

Nature is as nature does

Suggestion when you go to the square dance a lot, mingle with the people meeting new and old friends and you won't need a seat


That's fine if that's what you want to do. But if you want to go sit and listen to the music, or are not physically able to dance and mingle, then the availability of chairs is critical to you having a good time. They wouldn't sit out chairs if they didn't encourage sitting in them. As for monetary fines, I don't think anyone is suggesting that, but someone to enforce would be nice. Direct the ropers to take down the ropes or leave because they are violating policy is all that is being asked.

[Lpierleo]

I agree

[snowbird22154]

I am offering one happy hour priced drink as a reward to anyone who cuts said rope into multiple unusable pieces.

:crap2:

[Bonanza]

I disagree with this petition.

There is no reason to have more and more rules. Everyone knows for the most popular entertainers to arrive very early and take a seat for yourself and your date. If you find no available chairs and there are "roped off" large sections with no one in them, there is nothing to prevent you from taking one or two of those. There will be no confrontation except maybe a "those are saved". Just sit down anyhow or move them. The person may grouse a bit but nothing more. No physical altercation has ever happened as that would be an assault and would be duly noted in the online paper.

Once again, get there early. You cannot expect to come at 5:00 for Rocky and expect to find empty seats

Sorry, but you are talking out of both sides of your mouth. No matter how you look at roping off seats, it is wrong!

[Barefoot]

.... it is a very childish act that should be prohibited; will it ever be? Probably not, but it is good to let voices be heard.

Complaining on TOTV is a waste of time.
The only way voices will be heard is if a significant number of residents mention this as a concern on the Annual Survey.

[Bonanza]

I agree that roping off seats is wrong and I will back you up.

[Bonanza]

Complaining on TOTV is a waste of time.
The only way voices will be heard is if residents mention the subject on their Annual Survey.

Making people aware of something on this forum is a way to make people aware and is a great starting point.

[VT2TV]

I certainly support not saving chairs anywhere. I don't know if they will be even aware of this thread unless you call someone, and even then I don't know if it will do any good. I think if you want to do a survey for the management, the best way would be to go person to person and collect names the old fashioned way. Even if it does no good, I commend you for at least trying to address the situation, that's more than anyone else has done, including myself. Good luck. I personally no longer go to the squares because of overcrowding, and chair saving.

For what it is worth, I would rather just have everyone bring their own seats, and have a limited supply that maybe volunteers could collect a dollar deposit for those people who cannot bring their own chairs. Then when you no longer need the chair, return for your dollar back.

[Sandtrap328]

One last time, people!

Arrive early! The earlier, the better for the most popular entertainers in the snowbird season! Bring your own chairs early. Set them up and sit down.

You cannot expect to arrive at 4:45 for a Rocky or Scooter show and think a seat will be waiting for you. Arrive early!

[Polar Bear]

One last time, people!

Arrive early! The earlier, the better for the most popular entertainers in the snowbird season! Bring your own chairs early. Set them up and sit down.

You cannot expect to arrive at 4:45 for a Rocky or Scooter show and think a seat will be waiting for you. Arrive early!
All true. But IMO it has little to do with roping off large sections of seats.

[Cedwards38]

One last time, people!

Arrive early! The earlier, the better for the most popular entertainers in the snowbird season! Bring your own chairs early. Set them up and sit down.

You cannot expect to arrive at 4:45 for a Rocky or Scooter show and think a seat will be waiting for you. Arrive early!

I think we all understand that, and agree with it. For popular entertainers you have to get there early. But that's not the issue. The issue is someone attempting to rope off and save a block of seats, thus not giving anyone the chance to sit in them even if they arrive early. That's wrong and needs to be stopped. It should be one seat for one person, first come, first served. Under those conditions you're completely right, get there early if you want one, and that includes the gang that hopes to sit in the roped seats.

[The Shadow]

One last time, people!

Arrive early! The earlier, the better for the most popular entertainers in the snowbird season! Bring your own chairs early. Set them up and sit down.

You cannot expect to arrive at 4:45 for a Rocky or Scooter show and think a seat will be waiting for you. Arrive early!
I find it is more convenient to carry a pocket knife to cut the rope to sit in the chair I pay for rather than carrying a chair from the parking lot. Plus my chair would be placed in the back of the crowd and the roped seat would be in the first couple of rows.

[justjim]

I think we all understand that, and agree with it. For popular entertainers you have to get there early. But that's not the issue. The issue is someone attempting to rope off and save a block of seats, thus not giving anyone the chance to sit in them even if they arrive early. That's wrong and needs to be stopped. It should be one seat for one person, first come, first served. Under those conditions you're completely right, get there early if you want one, and that includes the gang that hopes to sit in the roped seats.

Cedwards38 I agree with you "roping" is for cowboys---not Villagers. Actually, this would be fairly easy to enforce. All you need is a staff person at the Square early and let people know in a nice way that "roping" is not allowed. 99% will comply and the other 1% you call security. Problem solved.

[tuccillo]

I agree with you but there is no upside for the Villages Entertainment to do this as it potentially puts their employees in a confrontational position with a customer. Roping off seats does not impact revenue or safety and does not violate any laws. I have only seen them enforce "no chairs is the aisles" as this is a safety issue. It is obnoxious behavior but I don't think you will see any changes being made. We always bring our own chairs and get there early if it a group we want to see. In a another month it won't be as much of a problem.


Cedwards38 I agree with you "roping" is for cowboys---not Villagers. Actually, this would be fairly easy to enforce. All you need is a staff person at the Square early and let people know in a nice way that "roping" is not allowed. 99% will comply and the other 1% you call security. Problem solved.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I disagree with this petition.

There is no reason to have more and more rules. Everyone knows for the most popular entertainers to arrive very early and take a seat for yourself and your date. If you find no available chairs and there are "roped off" large sections with no one in them, there is nothing to prevent you from taking one or two of those. There will be no confrontation except maybe a "those are saved". Just sit down anyhow or move them. The person may grouse a bit but nothing more. No physical altercation has ever happened as that would be an assault and would be duly noted in the online paper.

Once again, get there early. You cannot expect to come at 5:00 for Rocky and expect to find empty seats

So we're supposed to get there at 10:00 am on Market Night with the Real Deal in order to have a seat? Some people are roping off seats as early as 10:00 am.
Do you really think that people should spend all day at the square in order to watch the entertainment?

I think that in this instance a rule, and enforcement of that rule, is very necessary.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I am against the practice of roping off or in any other way holding a section of seats at the various town squares. I think this is rude, selfish, inconsiderate, and wrong and I want to see a policy to bring it to an end. We all pay for those seats and I believe all seats at the squares should be available on a first come, first serve basis, with one seat for one person. This is in no way intended to prohibit a person from saving a seat that has already been taken while that seat occupant is otherwise engaged and away from the seat for a short period of time. I don't care if you're having a class reunion, neighborhood gathering, or the family is in from up north or whatever other reason you feel is justification for inconveniencing the rest of us. Seat holding of large groups when the occupants are not there is wrong and unfair and must end.

Therefore: I petition that The Villages Entertainment Division establish an official policy prohibiting the roping off or in any other way holding or making unavailable to the general public seats for persons who are not currently there to occupy them.

Furthermore, I petition that The Villages Entertainment Division post easily visible signs in multiple locations at each of the town square venues stating this new policy in easily understood language, and that this policy be announced multiple times during each evening at each of the town square venues.

Furthermore I petition that The Villages Entertainment Division employees and/or the applicable sheriff's office enforce this policy each evening.

If you agree with this petition then please post stating that you agree. Any who disagree, please feel free to express your disagreement here as well. Hopefully it will all be reviewed by The Villages Entertainment Division and action will be taken to resolve this issue.

I love the petition. I might change a bit of the wording, but the overall idea is right. The problem is that just posting on here will not be enough. I think that we need to create an online petition that people can sign into with their names and addresses. I don't know how that's done, but I'm sure there must be an internet tech savvy TOTV member that could set it up for us. Then we'd need to get the word out to all of our neighbors. We'd have to bring it up to every club that we belong to and at every activity we participate in. I don't think that there are enough TOTV members alone to get the attention of the entertainment dept. We need to get 100,000 people involved.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I agree with you but there is no upside for the Villages Entertainment to do this as it potentially puts their employees in a confrontational position with a customer. Roping off seats does not impact revenue or safety and does not violate any laws. I have only seen them enforce "no chairs is the aisles" as this is a safety issue. It is obnoxious behavior but I don't think you will see any changes being made. We always bring our own chairs and get there early if it a group we want to see. In a another month it won't be as much of a problem.

The upside for the entertainment department is to prevent confrontations between residents or other audience members in the squares. Eventually a physical confrontation is going to break out between people who rope off the seats and someone who removes the ropes. Add a few people in the area who have had a few adult beverages and it could possibly escalate into something bigger.

I doubt that the entertainment department or the The Villages or the merchants surrounding the squares would want the negative publicity that would go along with such and incident.

Remember ho the sex on the square incident made the national and international news? Imagine what fun the press would have with a bunch of seniors rioting while Scooter the DJ played on.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Cedwards38 I agree with you "roping" is for cowboys---not Villagers. Actually, this would be fairly easy to enforce. All you need is a staff person at the Square early and let people know in a nice way that "roping" is not allowed. 99% will comply and the other 1% you call security. Problem solved.

I agree. 1% may argue, but people will tend to be much less confrontational with a person in authority than with just another audience member.

Has anyone ever wondered if some of these people who are roping off seats are from outside The Villages? I know the squares are open to everyone, but I wonder if people are coming from another development, since many believe that they have the right to all of the same amenities as Villagers and roping off the seats.

[Boudicca]

Agree with the idea to stop roping. I too have gone to the square late afternoon thinking I'd find a seat in which to enjoy Scooter, only to find "the best" seats, roped off. If people only used the chairs, it wouldnt irritate so much, but often the roped seats sit vacant for a good part of the entertainment. I suppose the "ropees" went to supper, first.

[Cedwards38]

I love the petition. I might change a bit of the wording, but the overall idea is right. The problem is that just posting on here will not be enough. I think that we need to create an online petition that people can sign into with their names and addresses. I don't know how that's done, but I'm sure there must be an internet tech savvy TOTV member that could set it up for us. Then we'd need to get the word out to all of our neighbors. We'd have to bring it up to every club that we belong to and at every activity we participate in. I don't think that there are enough TOTV members alone to get the attention of the entertainment dept. We need to get 100,000 people involved.

Dr. Boogie is probably correct. I did a Google on "online petitions" and found no less than ten sites where one can be created for free, so if enough support is demonstrated on this thread, I'll try my best to set one up and include a link.

Maybe it will work and maybe it won't, but it certainly won't work unless we try.

[tuccillo]

A confrontation that made national news might actually force the Villages Entertainment to act. At that point it becomes a safety issue and might be viewed as possibly impacting home sales. I don't believe most organizations are proactive enough to act before an incident happens.

The upside for the entertainment department is to prevent confrontations between residents or other audience members in the squares. Eventually a physical confrontation is going to break out between people who rope off the seats and someone who removes the ropes. Add a few people in the area who have had a few adult beverages and it could possibly escalate into something bigger.

I doubt that the entertainment department or the The Villages or the merchants surrounding the squares would want the negative publicity that would go along with such and incident.

Remember ho the sex on the square incident made the national and international news? Imagine what fun the press would have with a bunch of seniors rioting while Scooter the DJ played on.

[tuccillo]

In my opinion, a better approach is to form an ad-hoc committee to produce a presentation to the Villages Entertainment. This presentation would include pictures/video of roped off seats and a clear demonstration of how the existing policy isn't be enforced. It would also include specific language changes, if there are any, to the existing policy. If the Villages Entertainment fails to act then I would try the petition route. I say this because I feel you need to give the Villages Entertainment a chance to act once a coherent presentation is made (instead of a few phone calls). Call me naive but I would try this approach first. And, no, I am not volunteering to do this.


Dr. Boogie is probably correct. I did a Google on "online petitions" and found no less than ten sites where one can be created for free, so if enough support is demonstrated on this thread, I'll try my best to set one up and include a link.

Maybe it will work and maybe it won't, but it certainly won't work unless we try.

[otherbruddaDarrell]

Don't provide chairs and bring your own.

[Cedwards38]

In my opinion, a better approach is to form an ad-hoc committee to produce a presentation to the Villages Entertainment. This presentation would include pictures/video of roped off seats and a clear demonstration of how the existing policy isn't be enforced. It would also include specific language changes, if there are any, to the existing policy. If the Villages Entertainment fails to act then I would try the petition route. I say this because I feel you need to give the Villages Entertainment a chance to act once a coherent presentation is made (instead of a few phone calls). Call me naive but I would try this approach first. And, no, I am not volunteering to do this.

That is a very wise and measured approach to solving the problem and I thank you sincerely for the suggestion, however, this is not a new issue. It's been going on for years and I'm sure that The Villages Entertainment group is fully aware of the problem. I'm told they actually have a policy that prohibits "roping" and all its other iterations, but they do nothing to enforce it. Maybe this petition is really more for the various sheriff's departments as they would also be involved in enforcement, but I'm sure they will not get involved unless specifically requested to do so by The Villages Entertainment.

[tuccillo]

Implicit in my suggestion is the opportunity for several people (the committee) to essentially question, in person, the Villages Entertainment as to why the existing policy is not being enforced. At that time, the committee could also ask about the escalation path. Some things are best done in person and the issue here is accountability - there is apparently a rule on "the books" that someone is choosing not to enforce. It isn't clear to me why the Sheriff's department would be involved as it isn't a law enforcement issue.

That is a very wise and measured approach to solving the problem and I thank you sincerely for the suggestion, however, this is not a new issue. It's been going on for years and I'm sure that The Villages Entertainment group is fully aware of the problem. I'm told they actually have a policy that prohibits "roping" and all its other iterations, but they do nothing to enforce it. Maybe this petition is really more for the various sheriff's departments as they would also be involved in enforcement, but I'm sure they will not get involved unless specifically requested to do so by The Villages Entertainment.

[sunnyatlast]

Agree with the idea to stop roping. I too have gone to the square late afternoon thinking I'd find a seat in which to enjoy Scooter, only to find "the best" seats, roped off. If people only used the chairs, it wouldnt irritate so much, but often the roped seats sit vacant for a good part of the entertainment. I suppose the "ropees" went to supper, first.

I think the whole interior dance and seating space of the square should be roped off until 4:30, when a chair could be handed to people as they walk in. They'd have to stand in line starting a half hour before, at 4:00, and if they cannot behave in line, they get booted to the back of the line.

Yes, event staff would have to be there to monitor the line and send the bullies to the back of the line, like babysitters. Babysitters are needed for bratty kids who can't behave on their own.

I think also that the entertainment dept. should charge $1 to everyone as they get a chair, and then at 7:00, have a drawing for half the amount collected, and put the other half toward the musicians' pay. Make a rule that the drawing winner must be present and seated in his/her chair.

People abuse what is free of charge! Watch a company like T&D Pools or Florida Lotto toss free t-shirts from the bandstand into the crowd, and you'll see 70-year-old CHILDREN grabbing a t-shirt out of the hands of another person who caught it and is holding it with both hands. It's appalling!!

[ditka41]

I agree with the need for the petition. If it's already a "rule" then enforce it. Why invite problems and confrontations? Implement something to stop the selfish, rude, maybe not even residents, from being so boorish. If you want a seat, be there first. Good suggestion about having to bring your own chairs and save the village the expense. The people who try to block out seats are also probably too lazy to carry very many chairs.

[Walt.]

If everyone has to bring their own chair, what does this do for the people on Life Style visits? What about the couple that has out-of-town guests... do they need to keep a half-dozen chairs around just in case?

[Sandtrap328]

Folks - There is NO major problem!

Rarely do you see large blocs of chairs roped together.

Can anyone say he saw a large group of chairs roped together with no one in them and they could not find a seat? Get there before 4:30 and there are plenty of chairs.

OR

Bring your own folding chair!

You have good entertainment. It is FREE. Enjoy it.

[Polar Bear]

Folks - There is NO major problem!

Rarely do you see large blocs of chairs roped together...
Doesn't have to be a "major problem" to be an issue. And I'm not sure what you would call "large blocs of chairs", but any more than just a couple with nobody present is enough to be an issue.

...Can anyone say he saw a large group of chairs roped together with no one in them and they could not find a seat? Get there before 4:30 and there are plenty of chairs...
Are you talking about a seat behind the band or on the side or way in the back? Maybe. If I get there at 4:30 and all the seats are occupied, so be it. But who wants to be there that early so they can get a less-than-quality seat and stare at an empty roped off section of seats until (or after) the show starts.

...OR

Bring your own folding chair!
Tell that to the more senior or physically challenged of our community.

...You have good entertainment. It is FREE. Enjoy it.
At least we agree on something.

[Bogie Shooter]

I think the whole interior dance and seating space of the square should be roped off until 4:30, when a chair could be handed to people as they walk in. They'd have to stand in line starting a half hour before, at 4:00, and if they cannot behave in line, they get booted to the back of the line.

Yes, event staff would have to be there to monitor the line and send the bullies to the back of the line, like babysitters. Babysitters are needed for bratty kids who can't behave on their own.

I think also that the entertainment dept. should charge $1 to everyone as they get a chair, and then at 7:00, have a drawing for half the amount collected, and put the other half toward the musicians' pay. Make a rule that the drawing winner must be present and seated in his/her chair.

People abuse what is free of charge! Watch a company like T&D Pools or Florida Lotto toss free t-shirts from the bandstand into the crowd, and you'll see 70-year-old CHILDREN grabbing a t-shirt out of the hands of another person who caught it and is holding it with both hands. It's appalling!!

Sounds like the addition of a lot of unnecessary steps.

[cmj1210]

I agree

[kstew43]

A confrontation that made national news might actually force the Villages Entertainment to act. At that point it becomes a safety issue and might be viewed as possibly impacting home sales. I don't believe most organizations are proactive enough to act before an incident happens.

awful thing to say but......"even bad publicity .. is still publicity"......

[MrGolf]

Couldn't agree more.

[TheVillageChicken]

Maybe if they relocated some offensive signage from Fish Hawk Rec to the squares, the attendance would diminish enough to solve the problem.

[Bogie Shooter]

Maybe if they relocated some offensive signage from Fish Hawk Rec to the squares, the attendance would diminish enough to solve the problem.

There you go again............thinking.:wave:

[looneycat]

I am against the practice of roping off or in any other way holding a section of seats at the various town squares. I think this is rude, selfish, inconsiderate, and wrong and I want to see a policy to bring it to an end. We all pay for those seats and I believe all seats at the squares should be available on a first come, first serve basis, with one seat for one person. This is in no way intended to prohibit a person from saving a seat that has already been taken while that seat occupant is otherwise engaged and away from the seat for a short period of time. I don't care if you're having a class reunion, neighborhood gathering, or the family is in from up north or whatever other reason you feel is justification for inconveniencing the rest of us. Seat holding of large groups when the occupants are not there is wrong and unfair and must end.

Therefore: I petition that The Villages Entertainment Division establish an official policy prohibiting the roping off or in any other way holding or making unavailable to the general public seats for persons who are not currently there to occupy them.

Furthermore, I petition that The Villages Entertainment Division post easily visible signs in multiple locations at each of the town square venues stating this new policy in easily understood language, and that this policy be announced multiple times during each evening at each of the town square venues.

Furthermore I petition that The Villages Entertainment Division employees and/or the applicable sheriff's office enforce this policy each evening.

If you agree with this petition then please post stating that you agree. Any who disagree, please feel free to express your disagreement here as well. Hopefully it will all be reviewed by The Villages Entertainment Division and action will be taken to resolve this issue.

a pair of scissors works too :wave:

[VT2TV]

Might be good to have a group of volunteers go to the squares and get signatures of the people there who are against seat hoarding.

[Coal Miner]

I agree and after last night I can speak for 4 other couples. WE ALL AGREE!!!!

[Cedwards38]

Implicit in my suggestion is the opportunity for several people (the committee) to essentially question, in person, the Villages Entertainment as to why the existing policy is not being enforced. At that time, the committee could also ask about the escalation path. Some things are best done in person and the issue here is accountability - there is apparently a rule on "the books" that someone is choosing not to enforce. It isn't clear to me why the Sheriff's department would be involved as it isn't a law enforcement issue.

It's a good question. I'm no law enforcement expert but my thinking was that the The Villages Entertainment Division sponsors this event and may establish policies to govern the event. If someone willfully violates those policies then a law enforcement agency would have the authority to intercede to maintain order, thus enforcing the policy. Whether, in extreme cases, they could arrest someone for disturbing the peace or some other statutory infraction, I'm not sure. For example, if the Orlando Magic prohibits the display of offensive signs, or any signs for that matter, would or could their private security at the Amway Center, or on duty law officers at the game enforce the rule? I think they can, but if someone has legal or law enforcement experience, I'd welcome some advice on this issue. Please advise us, and tell us about your expertise.

[Sandtrap328]

I have lived here full time for five years. There is NO major problem. I go to the squares frequently. I have never seen altercations over seats. People do take roped off chairs when no one shows up at 5. No yelling, no shoving, no fights.

No need for a security force or deputies. Just arrive early for a show, put your chairs down and enjoy people watching, beautiful weather, and meet new people.

Get there late and you may not have a seat until the next set.

Isn't it great that saved seats are the biggest problem that we have down here?

[Miles42]

You will never stop the jerks roping off seats with out a ban on it and strict enforcement.

[Cedwards38]

Looks like a lot of support for stopping this unfair practice of roping seats, but not really enough to call this a petition, or to create an online petition. How about we just let our feeling be known on the annual survey. If you disagree with this, let me know right here. Thanks everyone.

[Bogie Shooter]

Looks like a lot of support for stopping this unfair practice of roping seats, but not really enough to call this a petition, or to create an online petition. How about we just let our feeling be known on the annual survey. If you disagree with this, let me know right here. Thanks everyone.

Have you talked to anyone at the Entertainment Division?

[Barefoot]

Post # 35 - The only way voices will be heard is if a significant number of residents mention this as a concern on the Annual Survey.


How about we just let our feeling be known on the annual survey.

:agree: The Annual Survey is the way to make our feelings known. If large numbers of people write in the same concern, it will be heard by Management.

[Cedwards38]

Have you talked to anyone at the Entertainment Division?

Only through the annual survey. I'm not sure how much clout one person making one call will have, but I may give it a try. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Cedwards38]

:agree: The Annual Survey is the way to make our feelings known. If large numbers of people write in the same concern, it will be heard by Management.

I believe you are correct, and that's my next step. Thanks and I hope everyone who opposes this selfish practice will make their feelings known in the survey. I sure did. :wave:

[wisbad1]

not a very friendly hometown today!!!

[Bogie Shooter]

Only through the annual survey. I'm not sure how much clout one person making one call will have, but I may give it a try. Thanks for the suggestion.

Seems like that would have been the first step, before, drawing up a petition.......

[sunnyatlast]

Seems like that would have been the first step, before, drawing up a petition.......

Phone calls are a total waste of time, because the person answering the call can easily write down nothing about the call, and the response to phone complaints is too often: "Well you're the only person who seems to have a problem with this." Calls to congressional offices are often met with ARGUMENTS by office aides!

Complaint phone calls, if recorded on a written phone message pad at all, are often interpreted, summarized and minimized by the person taking the call.

A petition shows the names and numbers of people in favor of it. It can't be ignored as phone calls can. And the wording of the petition in print cannot be mischaracterized to those who make the decisions.

[JohnN]

I agree , no blocking off of seats should be allowed.

[ALR5ALR]

I'll tell you what I told Sunnyatlast on page 1 . Take your petition or call Janet Tutt at the VCCD,they claim to be " complaint driven ", Ms. Tutt will then go to work for you to resolve this issue,she over see's the Rec. dept. and she has the final word. p.s. I bet u 25% of the folks are outsiders......

[graciegirl]

I'll tell you what I told Sunnyatlast on page 1 . Take your petition or call Janet Tutt at the VCCD,they claim to be " complaint driven ", Ms. Tutt will then go to work for you to resolve this issue,she over see's the Rec. dept. and she has the final word. p.s. I bet u 25% of the folks are outsiders......

Most of the crowding will be better in a couple of weeks. The seat savers don't care what Janet Tutt thinks or what Queen Elizabeth thinks or what the governor or president think. If they wanna save seats, they are gonna do it.

AND there is nothing any of us can do. Period and AMEN...or any of the event staff or the "security" staff (there isn't any) can do. It is NOT a law. Wait until some bouncer bounces someone who belongs to the south American Frinkle association and they say their civil rights were violated. Or someone from New Burnswith, Antartica....You hide and watch. The nasties have the power over the nice folks in this world today.

[ditka41]

I agree fully with a petition to eliminate "seat saving"! Show the rude folks that we are tired of their ridiculous attitudes.

[graciegirl]

I agree fully with a petition to eliminate "seat saving"! Show the rude folks that we are tired of their ridiculous attitudes.

AND THEN WHAT???? WHO is going to enforce it and HOW?????

YOU can't fine people who don't live here and own property here. You can't arrest them. They aren't breaking any laws. You can't tell them they can't come back to a public place, and how would you enforce THAT???

People can petition until the cows come home. You can't make them not do it. THe only thing is to hand out chairs, BUT WHEN???????????

[VT2TV]

Looks like a lot of support for stopping this unfair practice of roping seats, but not really enough to call this a petition, or to create an online petition. How about we just let our feeling be known on the annual survey. If you disagree with this, let me know right here. Thanks everyone.



I don't intend this to sound mean, but I have never seen any indication that anyone actually reads the surveys, much less do anything about what is written or suggested. If anyone knows otherwise, please let me know.

[hulahips]

Agree. Should be no roping off. First come first serve so if u want to arrive at 4pm and sit in your seat till 5 fine but no saving of seats

[sharoni]

AGREE! We paid for our home here too and that entitles us to the same privledges as everyone else...This has gotten so out of control, we seldom go anymore. Too much rudeness and entitlement!

[Bogie Shooter]

I don't intend this to sound mean, but I have never seen any indication that anyone actually reads the surveys, much less do anything about what is written or suggested. If anyone knows otherwise, please let me know.

In the past there have been follow-up articles by department in The DailySun.

[wisbad1]

not to friendly,bring your own chair .

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

AND THEN WHAT???? WHO is going to enforce it and HOW?????

YOU can't fine people who don't live here and own property here. You can't arrest them. They aren't breaking any laws. You can't tell them they can't come back to a public place, and how would you enforce THAT???

People can petition until the cows come home. You can't make them not do it. THe only thing is to hand out chairs, BUT WHEN???????????

I have to respectfully disagree, Gracie. As you know, I agree with you most of the time. I believe that the rule, if one actually exists can be enforced. The entertainment staff would be the ones to enforce it. If people refuse to comply, then it would be time to get the police involved. I think that the police would have the power to arrest or at least threaten to arrest on grounds of not complying with an officer or public drunkeness.

I really don't think there would be very many instances where the police would get involved. In 99% of the cases, people would comply with the staff member.

I think that the police have the authority to assist in enforcing rules. They certainly get involved with crowds at sporting events and concerts when people are being unruly. Often, these people are not breaking a specific law, but are violating the rules of the venue.

Most people would comply when told that their not allowed to save seats by the staff. For the very few instances of people who refuse, most of them are not going to argue with an officer of the law. That leaves very, very few people who will become a problem. And for those very few, the police can take action. Having a few people arrested would stop the problem in a hurry.

[MnGirl]

I remember the last time there was a big ruckus about seating in town square. It was for New Years Eve. Yes, we used to have New Years Eve parties, and they had to reserve seating. I don't recall exactly what happened, but the Villagers complained like crazy. So..... The Villages cancelled the whole thing, never to have a New Years party again!!! They claimed it was a security issue. Careful what you complain about, if we all can't just get along, privileges could be taken away.

[Sandtrap328]

I have to respectfully disagree, Gracie. As you know, I agree with you most of the time. I believe that the rule, if one actually exists can be enforced. The entertainment staff would be the ones to enforce it. If people refuse to comply, then it would be time to get the police involved. I think that the police would have the power to arrest or at least threaten to arrest on grounds of not complying with an officer or public drunkeness.

I really don't think there would be very many instances where the police would get involved. In 99% of the cases, people would comply with the staff member.

I think that the police have the authority to assist in enforcing rules. They certainly get involved with crowds at sporting events and concerts when people are being unruly. Often, these people are not breaking a specific law, but are violating the rules of the venue.

Most people would comply when told that their not allowed to save seats by the staff. For the very few instances of people who refuse, most of them are not going to argue with an officer of the law. That leaves very, very few people who will become a problem. And for those very few, the police can take action. Having a few people arrested would stop the problem in a hurry.

Jim,
There is NO real problem with seats. You have been to Lake Sumter Landing and know if a person arrives earlier than showtime, there will usually be seats available. People leave at the end of the first set and more chairs are available.

People do take roped off chairs when no other seating is available. Once again, no major arguements have occurred.

Police are not going to arrest Villagers for saving a couple of seats for friends. I do not believe anyone should try to save a large block of seats. If no one is in those seats, take them. If half are occupied, they are already taken.

In another month, this entire issue can be put on hold until next year.

[Polar Bear]

...There is NO real problem with seats...
You've finally said it enough. It's finally true!! Thank you!! Thank you!!

[Cedwards38]

OK, let's see how much interest we have in a petition. Please know that this onlline petition is not intended to be disrespectful to any person or entity, nor is a criticism of The Villages or the lifestyle of The Villages.

This is the American way of letting governmental entities know the feelings of groups of citizens. It's as American as apple pie, and healthy to the governmental process.

In the United States the right to petition is guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which specifically prohibits Congress from abridging "the right of the people...to petition the Government for a redress of grievances".

If enough sign on to the petition, then it will be directed to the Ms. Tutt at the VCDD and Ms. Vesco at the Entertainment Division.

I'm simply acting as the secretary here, trying to reflect what I perceive to be a problem that is significant in the minds of many Villagers. You may access the petition at:

Stop the Saving of Blocks of Seats in The Villages Squares - PetitionBuzz (http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/stop-the-saving-of-blocks-of-seats-in-the-villages-squares)

[Villager Dude]

Maybe the solution is to move the rope take away the chairs you need and move to another area so the chair savers cannot find them or you. When they come back after the show has been going on for an hour then the rope would be on the ground.

I have seen chairs saved at 2PM awaiting for a 5 PM show but sometimes they do not show up till 7PM.

[dbussone]

Maybe the solution is to move the rope take away the chairs you need and move to another area so the chair savers cannot find them or you. When they come back after the show has been going on for an hour then the rope would be on the ground.

I have seen chairs saved at 2PM awaiting for a 5 PM show but sometimes they do not show up till 7PM.

Aha! The ultimate solution is STEALTH chairs!

[Jaguarj4]

I would also like to see the dance area indicated in some way. There are also many rude people who think it is ok to show up late and line up their chairs right in front of those who came early to get good seats! You want good seats get there early!

[sunnyatlast]

I would also like to see the dance area indicated in some way. There are also many rude people who think it is ok to show up late and line up their chairs right in front of those who came early to get good seats! You want good seats get there early!

How "early" should we get there? At 6:30 a.m. as they started roping off seats inside the Spanish Springs nightly entertainment area on St. Patty's celebration day??

If an "event" like the nightly entertainment starts at 5pm, there is no need to get there before 4pm. And if you're getting there "early"--before 4pm-- to get the good seats in the front, that means you're roping them off and hogging them all afternoon and possibly morning, keeping them from people who might not even have arrived in TV yet for their visit, preview stay, or home-buying stay.

Having entire rows and sections of chairs roped off like that, hours before the entertainment even starts, gives a REALLY bad impression of Villagers to newcomers and visitors and would-be home buyers! It tells them that seating is not for them, but for some "select few" here. YUCK!!!!

Some of us want this to continue to be known as "Florida's friendliest hometown"!!

.

[MikeV]

OK, let's see how much interest we have in a petition. Please know that this onlline petition is not intended to be disrespectful to any person or entity, nor is a criticism of The Villages or the lifestyle of The Villages.

This is the American way of letting governmental entities know the feelings of groups of citizens. It's as American as apple pie, and healthy to the governmental process.

In the United States the right to petition is guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which specifically prohibits Congress from abridging "the right of the people...to petition the Government for a redress of grievances".

If enough sign on to the petition, then it will be directed to the Ms. Tutt at the VCDD and Ms. Vesco at the Entertainment Division.

I'm simply acting as the secretary here, trying to reflect what I perceive to be a problem that is significant in the minds of many Villagers. You may access the petition at:

Stop the Saving of Blocks of Seats in The Villages Squares - PetitionBuzz (http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/stop-the-saving-of-blocks-of-seats-in-the-villages-squares)


Signed

[dbussone]

Signed

Signed

[Sandtrap328]

How "early" should we get there? At 6:30 a.m. as they started roping off seats inside the Spanish Springs nightly entertainment area on St. Patty's celebration day??

If an "event" like the nightly entertainment starts at 5pm, there is no need to get there before 4pm. And if you're getting there "early"--before 4pm-- to get the good seats in the front, that means you're roping them off and hogging them all afternoon and possibly morning, keeping them from people who might not even have arrived in TV yet for their visit, preview stay, or home-buying stay.

Having entire rows and sections of chairs roped off like that, hours before the entertainment even starts, gives a REALLY bad impression of Villagers to newcomers and visitors and would-be home buyers! It tells them that seating is not for them, but for some "select few" here. YUCK!!!!

Some of us want this to continue to be knownv as "Florida's friendliest hometown"!!

.

When is the last time YOU actually went to the nightly entertainment and found entire rows and sections roped off - hours before the entertainment starts?

With the exception of Rocky, this does NOT happen. Rocky and the Rollers are exceptional entertainers. Get to the square by 4 pm, plop yourself in a chair for you and one for your date and ENJOY!!

[Polar Bear]

When is the last time YOU actually went to the nightly entertainment and found entire rows and sections roped off - hours before the entertainment starts?

With the exception of Rocky, this does NOT happen. Rocky and the Rollers are exceptional entertainers. Get to the square by 4 pm, plop yourself in a chair for you and one for your date and ENJOY!!

Friday. But why does it have to be "hours before the entertainment starts" for it to be an issue?

You go at 4:00 or earlier if you want to. Why are you so insistent that everybody should do it?

[ROCKETMAN]

While I don't agree with roping off sections of seats, I think a petition is overkill. It only is a problem on very few nights of the year and when you have been here a while you know bring your own chair or get there early. My biggest gripe is what happened last Tuesday, we got there early and saved 6 chairs in the shade for people coming between 5 and 5 15. At shortly after 5 there were 100 empty chairs and 2 people complained that we were saving chairs. Just too lazy to get their own and find shade. Enforcement of this petition would be a nightmare and I don't think the cops could get involved.

[tomwed]

While I don't agree with roping off sections of seats, I think a petition is overkill. It only is a problem on very few nights of the year and when you have been here a while you know bring your own chair or get there early. My biggest gripe is what happened last Tuesday, we got there early and saved 6 chairs in the shade for people coming between 5 and 5 15. At shortly after 5 there were 100 empty chairs and 2 people complained that we were saving chairs. Just too lazy to get their own and find shade. Enforcement of this petition would be a nightmare and I don't think the cops could get involved.

I think I'm missing something.
You got there early and saved chairs in the shade until your guests arrived and a petition against saving chairs is a bad idea.
Is that right?

[MnGirl]

My opinion, too overkill, for a relativity small problem. This survey for a petition is checking with about 5000 -10000 people when we are a community of 100,000. Think about it.

[tomwed]

My opinion, too overkill, for a relativity small problem. This survey for a petition is checking with about 5000 -10000 people when we are a community of 100,000. Think about it.
Is that true? 5 to 10,000
Is that the TOTV membership? Or the number of visits per day?
I often wondered how many people participate. Does anybody know?

[stroglass]

I disagree I have seen many seats roped off @Spanish springs and why should We have to arrive hours early just to get a seat or lugging our own when seats are available if we all take only what we are using
So we can all enjoy this place we call home

[John_W]

Other than holidays, I've really only seen this happening at Spanish Springs. However, it's not just Rocky, we try to catch Uncle Bob's Rock Shop every chance we can, and have been to Spanish Spring about 3 times this year to see them. I remember the last two times the place was saturated with people and even at 4:30 we had a hard time finding a chair. There were a few chairs still stacked up and we grabbed a couple and put them out adjacent to the beer stand on the movie theater side by the sidewalk. There were good seats right in front of the stage under the trees with nobody in them, but they had plastic and other items marking the seats.

[Sandtrap328]

I disagree I have seen many seats roped off @Spanish springs and why should We have to arrive hours early just to get a seat or lugging our own when seats are available if we all take only what we are using
So we can all enjoy this place we call home

First, are you stating that there were NO chairs available at Spanish Springs for you to use? Or are you stating you have seen many seats roped off BUT there were available seats for you?

IF there were no seats available and no one was in the roped off seats, just untie them and sit down. No one is going to toss you out.

IF there were seats available even with roped off seats, no problem. Sit down.

It really is no trouble for most people to carry a folding chair to the square, either.

[tommy steam]

I was at S Springs several days ago ...around 2ish I saw around a dozen chairs all tied together. I passed by around half an hr later and there were more tied together. Rockey and the rollers were not there that night. I think it will never change . What rec events guy is going to get into an argument with someone over saved chairs. My solution ,no chairs, bring your own chair.

[CFrance]

I was at S Springs several days ago ...around 2ish I saw around a dozen chairs all tied together. I passed by around half an hr later and there were more tied together. Rockey and the rollers were not there that night. I think it will never change . What rec events guy is going to get into an argument with someone over saved chairs. My solution ,no chairs, bring your own chair.
Again, what good will that do? People will just bring their own chairs early and rope them off.

[Coal Miner]

Ive seen seats roped off at all 3 squares. Its rude , ridiculous, and should be stopped.

[Cedwards38]

7 signatures as of this morning. I'll leave it available for a couple of weeks and see if it gets more.


http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/stop-the-saving-of-blocks-of-seats-in-the-villages-squares

[striveforhealth]

I can't figure out how to attach the picture, but was at Brownwood today and at 11:45 saw some guy tying together 3 of his own chairs (no problem with him setting up his own chairs) to 4 Villages chairs then he walked away. I was by myself so chose not to confront him. Rude and selfish!

[sunnyatlast]

7 signatures as of this morning. I'll leave it available for a couple of weeks and see if it gets more.


Stop the Saving of Blocks of Seats in The Villages Squares - PetitionBuzz (http://www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/stop-the-saving-of-blocks-of-seats-in-the-villages-squares)

There would be more signatures if it didn't require people's names out in the open on internet.

[Sandtrap328]

I can't figure out how to attach the picture, but was at Brownwood today and at 11:45 saw some guy tying together 3 of his own chairs (no problem with him setting up his own chairs) to 4 Villages chairs then he walked away. I was by myself so chose not to confront him. Rude and selfish!


You did not have to confront him. If it REALLY bothered you, you could have untied the Villages chairs after he left and restacked them. Of course, if you were not planning to go to the entertainment this evening, why let it bother you?

As I used to tell my daughter, if someone's action is not going to affect you, it is better to leave it alone.

[Sandtrap328]

There would be more signatures if it didn't require people's names out in the open on internet.

You are absolutely right. Just look at the outlandish posts on the Political Forum. Everyone is logged in as GUEST and no names are given. If someone had to be personally identified with those outrageous comments, they would have large empty spaces with no comments.

In the case of signing a petition, I feel people should be identified.

[sunnyatlast]

I can't figure out how to attach the picture, but was at Brownwood today and at 11:45 saw some guy tying together 3 of his own chairs (no problem with him setting up his own chairs) to 4 Villages chairs then he walked away. I was by myself so chose not to confront him. Rude and selfish!

I looked at the TV Webcam of Brownwood this morning (maybe 11 a.m. or so), and was surprised to see the folding chairs all out and set up in rows and sections. I don't know why they put them out that early in the day when music doesn't start till 5pm.

To me it asks for the rude seat savers to mark them off early in the day, which tells other people "don't bother coming tonight if you want to sit down". At least Brownwood has the grandstand/bleacher seating to provide more seats.

[aln]

I've said it once and I'll say it again... it is what it is!

And, if anyone wants to see a great example of 'roping' go to Spanish Springs Friday March 27. Scooter the DJ is scheduled and it's March and it's close to Easter. I can't imagine the stars lining up any better for such an event.

[CFrance]

I've said it once and I'll say it again... it is what it is!

And, if anyone wants to see a great example of 'roping' go to Spanish Springs Friday March 27. Scooter the DJ is scheduled and it's March and it's close to Easter. I can't imagine the stars lining up any better for such an event.
Are you one of the seat ropers?:boxing2:

[dbussone]

There would be more signatures if it didn't require people's names out in the open on internet.


Our names are all over the Internet anyway. That shouldn't stop us.

[cromlich]

I wasn't going to get in this fight , however, last night a friend and I went to Paddock Sq to see Scooter. Brought our own chairs. Community watch was there and was very particular about where we sat our chairs. We were there are 4pm. We went to grab a bite to eat and were back about 4:45. Our chairs had been moved by some others who had their own chairs into the spot where CW did not want us sitting. The people who moved our chairs were wanting to sit next to a large two rows that had baggies tied around each chair with no one in them. That was to the left of us. Then to the right of us and back one row there was another set of chairs with bags tied around them. Those chairs sat empty till after 5:45 while others were standing. The lady in front of us told us that CW told them that they could move any chair that was roped off or had bags tied to them anywhere they wanted to. The policy is no saving of chairs. She said if you justed wanted to cut the bags off that was ok, also. A lot of tension going on down there last nite. We left early and went to Sumter and had a great time. There was more than this that went on but to save time and space I won't get into all of it. I see things progressing to some very heated episodes in the future.

[K.C.Boyd]

I totally agree that there should be NO roping off of chairs. I go to the squares alot alone and enjoy meeting new people while enjoying the music. We are the friendliest home town so this practice of saving chairs sure is a bit friendly

[Barefoot]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Write it on your Survey.
The annual Survey is used to monitor the satisfaction level of Residents.
If you're dissatisfied about something, use the tool provided by Villages Management.

[aln]

I'm not dissatisfied. . I say deal with it. I wouldn't change anything about the squares except maybe extend the happy hour at Sumter & Brownwood to 7pm.

[janmcn]

I've said it once and I'll say it again... it is what it is!

And, if anyone wants to see a great example of 'roping' go to Spanish Springs Friday March 27. Scooter the DJ is scheduled and it's March and it's close to Easter. I can't imagine the stars lining up any better for such an event.


The best way to get the developer's attention in TV is bad publicity, so if someone could get an Orlando newspaper or TV station to cover the chair saving situation, it would be solved in a heartbeat. Where is Lauren Ritchie when you need her?

[joldnol]

I'm not dissatisfied. . I say deal with it. I wouldn't change anything about the squares except maybe extend the happy hour at Sumter & Brownwood to 7pm.

amen, why is it two hours at ss and not elsewhere. Is it a county thing?

[Beechie]

The best way to get the developer's attention in TV is bad publicity, so if someone could get an Orlando newspaper or TV station to cover the chair saving situation, it would be solved in a heartbeat. Where is Lauren Ritchie when you need her?

The worst thing to do is to air out our laundry outside of TV. All it will settle is the suspicion that TV has far more children than we'd like to think. I really can't see how the developer should shoulder any of the responsibilty for the goings on at the squares.

[RedChariot]

I wasn't going to get in this fight , however, last night a friend and I went to Paddock Sq to see Scooter. Brought our own chairs. Community watch was there and was very particular about where we sat our chairs. We were there are 4pm. We went to grab a bite to eat and were back about 4:45. Our chairs had been moved by some others who had their own chairs into the spot where CW did not want us sitting. The people who moved our chairs were wanting to sit next to a large two rows that had baggies tied around each chair with no one in them. That was to the left of us. Then to the right of us and back one row there was another set of chairs with bags tied around them. Those chairs sat empty till after 5:45 while others were standing. The lady in front of us told us that CW told them that they could move any chair that was roped off or had bags tied to them anywhere they wanted to. The policy is no saving of chairs. She said if you justed wanted to cut the bags off that was ok, also. A lot of tension going on down there last nite. We left early and went to Sumter and had a great time. There was more than this that went on but to save time and space I won't get into all of it. I see things progressing to some very heated episodes in the future.

So did anyone cut the ropes on the tied chairs?

[Barefoot]

The worst thing to do is to air out our laundry outside of TV.

Exactly. :agree:

[dillywho]

I was at S Springs several days ago ...around 2ish I saw around a dozen chairs all tied together. I passed by around half an hr later and there were more tied together. Rockey and the rollers were not there that night. I think it will never change . What rec events guy is going to get into an argument with someone over saved chairs. My solution ,no chairs, bring your own chair.

How can visitors bring their own? Preview visitors comes to mind.

[Polar Bear]

How can visitors bring their own? Preview visitors comes to mind.
One of many good reasons the must-bring-your-own-chairs "solution" is never going to happen.

[sunnyatlast]

How can visitors bring their own? Preview visitors comes to mind.

One of many good reasons the must-bring-your-own-chairs "solution" is never going to happen.

From the many posts about the "seat savers", it seems that they think the entertainment in the squares at night is only for residents. That is not the case.

The general public is welcome to patronize all the businesses, and Preview Stay and people here on a home-buying stay are people we want to feel WELCOME at the squares.

The day that used home sales die here, that's the day TV starts dying, and we certainly don't want that. We want all kinds of people to keep coming here and enjoying the activities in the squares.

[perrjojo]

How can visitors bring their own? Preview visitors comes to mind.
Most rentals and preview homes are equipped with two chairs. I have experienced this before moving here.

[Loudoll]

49315

[Loudoll]

I can't figure out how to attach the picture, but was at Brownwood today and at 11:45 saw some guy tying together 3 of his own chairs (no problem with him setting up his own chairs) to 4 Villages chairs then he walked away. I was by myself so chose not to confront him. Rude and selfish!

Choose "go advanced" and then chose the paper clip at the top in the menu. Click on choose file from the window that pops up and upload your picture.

[Sandtrap328]

Yep, Villagers do love Scooter. He always draws a huge crowd - just like Rocky and Uncle Bob.

However, if you go to Brownwood or Lake Sumter on a summer night and they have Carol Ann or some other performer of her caliber performing, you will have almost the entire square to yourself.

[tommy steam]

How can visitors bring their own? Preview visitors comes to mind.

Maybe they should hand out folding chairs, which are locked up till around a half hr before the show. Don't they use folding chairs at Brownwood? I am not saying saving chairs is the right thing to do, but no matter where you go , squares, socials, club meetings you will see this. Recently I went to a club event. Four of us walked in a half hour before it started, at least 40 % of the tables ,which seat around 20, had seats saved. We went to two tables and were told ,these seats were saved. At that second table I said sorry you can't save seats and sat down. They weren't happy but who cares.

[aln]

Are you one of the seat ropers?:boxing2:

Sorry to disappoint but 'no'. . . never have... never will.

I usually sit outside the square

If I feel it's going to be too crowded for me to be comfortable, I do not attend!

[cromlich]

so did anyone cut the ropes on the tied chairs?

nope

[ditka41]

I still like the "honey concept" that was presented earlier. Would be easy to do with just a little squeeze bottle and leave an impression with the rude and selfish "ropers".

[MnGirl]

It doesn't happen that often. If you think roping is rude, you really must look at how you plan to react. Wow!

[Polar Bear]

It doesn't happen that often...
Very subjective statement.

[Sandtrap328]

Very subjective statement.

No, it really is not a very subjective statement. I wonder about the mentality of someone who really would carry a squeeze bottle of honey with them to the squares just in order to search out chairs roped together - especially when there were other seats available.

For MOST performances, there are plenty of seats available. Yes, for Rocky, Scooter, Uncle Bob, and maybe Cactus Jack, you would have to rely on bringing your own folding camp chair.

[Sandtrap328]

Very subjective statement.

No, it really is not a very subjective statement. I wonder about the mentality of someone who really would carry a squeeze bottle of honey with them to the squares just in order to search out chairs roped together - especially when there were other seats available.

For MOST performances, there are plenty of seats available. Yes, for Rocky, Scooter, Uncle Bob, and maybe Cactus Jack, you would have to rely on bringing your own folding camp chair.

However, even in high snowbird season, for MOST performers, no problem. There will be seats tied together at the squares BUT there will still be plenty of seats available for you. Don't let some seats tied together bother you. Bring a folding camp chair from home and place it ANYWHERE you want. You can have the front row seat if you want.

[Polar Bear]

No, it really is not a very subjective statement...
From the Oxford Dictionary: subjective - Based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.

Now tell me how "It doesn't happen that often" does not fit that definition as it relates to this topic.

[Cedwards38]

As my follow up on this issue, I report that the online petition does not have enough signatures to make it significant in expressing an opinion, therefore I intend to dismiss it and take it down from the online site. I do think this is still a significant problem. I have to be honest and state that for me it is more significant that it is such a selfish and inconsiderate practice, even more than the fact that it is wrong. I don't like the practice of those who only consider the welfare of themselves and not the good of the whole. Nevertheless, thanks for reading this thread and including your comments, regardless of your position on the issue. :024::wave:

[CFrance]

As my follow up on this issue, I report that the online petition does not have enough signatures to make it significant in expressing an opinion, therefore I intend to dismiss it and take it down from the online site. I do think this is still a significant problem. I have to be honest and state that for me it is more significant that it is such a selfish and inconsiderate practice, even more than the fact that it is wrong. I don't like the practice of those who only consider the welfare of themselves and not the good of the whole. Nevertheless, thanks for reading this thread and including your comments, regardless of your position on the issue. :024::wave:
Thanks, Cedwards, for being one of the ones who wants to make the effort to effect change rather than lie down and accept the norm even while the behavior flies in the face of the "rules." One can only try.:BigApplause:

[Bogie Shooter]

I guess now we know that it is "not that big of a deal".........based on the lack of signers of the petition.

[Figuringitout]

I go to Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter Landing frequently. The seat saving of large blocs of chairs is NOT a big problem. If a person arrives early, there is hardly ever a time you will not get seats. The other choice is to bring your own chair! Whenever we go to the most popular entertainers, we bring our own folding chairs.

There has NEVER been seat saver rage.

I do not know in what context you mean you "limp" in. If you mean a physical limp, arrive early. If you mean, arrive after the show starts, once again, arrive early!

To sum up - arrive early - bring your own chair - enjoy the entertainment!

I disagree, I have witnessed seat saver rage. I understand people wanting to guarantee a seat but there are no guarantees here for anything only that you may or may not get a spot at any of the events. We were at Spanish Springs one night last week, and a man that was with the line dancers was racing around tying plastic bags on chairs, two chairs in front of us was empty the whole time we were there. That is so rude and selfish, many people that come up to the square need a place to sit due to their health issues and I think it is awful that chairs are held and not even used. If people want guarantees they need to go to the square early just like you have to for everything else here. I do not get out raged about it but it is a selfish move. Many people here feel they are special.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

No, it really is not a very subjective statement. I wonder about the mentality of someone who really would carry a squeeze bottle of honey with them to the squares just in order to search out chairs roped together - especially when there were other seats available.

For MOST performances, there are plenty of seats available. Yes, for Rocky, Scooter, Uncle Bob, and maybe Cactus Jack, you would have to rely on bringing your own folding camp chair.

I agree. Honey is expensive. The same thing could be accomplished with Elmer's Glue or rubber cement.

[CFrance]

I agree. Honey is expensive. The same thing could be accomplished with Elmer's Glue or rubber cement.
That's funny!

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Jenny and I just went down to the Dunkin Donuts at SS for a cup of tea. I noticed that it's market night and Rocky and the Rollers are playing. We took a walk over with the thought that maybe we could sit there with our tea and wait for the show to start. It was 3:30 and I couldn't find a place to sit. Every chair had something tied on it.

This has to be stopped.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I disagree, I have witnessed seat saver rage. I understand people wanting to guarantee a seat but there are no guarantees here for anything only that you may or may not get a spot at any of the events. We were at Spanish Springs one night last week, and a man that was with the line dancers was racing around tying plastic bags on chairs, two chairs in front of us was empty the whole time we were there. That is so rude and selfish, many people that come up to the square need a place to sit due to their health issues and I think it is awful that chairs are held and not even used. If people want guarantees they need to go to the square early just like you have to for everything else here. I do not get out raged about it but it is a selfish move. Many people here feel they are special.

What's to stop someone from tying off all the chairs and thereby taking control over who gets one or not?

[DonH57]

Jenny and I just went down to the Dunkin Donuts at SS for a cup of tea. I noticed that it's market night and Rocky and the Rollers are playing. We took a walk over with the thought that maybe we could sit there with our tea and wait for the show to start. It was 3:30 and I couldn't find a place to sit. Every chair had something tied on it.

This has to be stopped.

Untie them. Set the chairs free. let them go to their rightful spot. Whoever's back side flops in first !:crap2:

[onslowe]

I agree with the petition completely. Multiple seat savers are mutliple seat thieves. They rob the rest of a potential audience from a reasonable chance for an evening's entertainment.

I was very disturbed by a recent post stating that a recreation and entertainment employee had discontinued the elimination of these saved seats according to someone's orders. Very high handed. This literal theft of avaible seats is a violent act against others who seek seating. Violence begets more violence. Please read and consider and react favorably to the petition o powers that be.

[Walt.]

The problem seems to be mainly when there is a very popular act like Rocky and Rollers, Scooter, Uncle Bob or Cactus Jack. These usually play at each town square once a month. Most of the other performers get maybe medium to almost non-existent crowdsand seating isn't any kind of problem.
So here's a solution to the seat hogging problem. When booking one of the "big" acts make it a point to book one of the other big acts at another square. When you have Rocky playing at Brownwood and LSL has Freddy Smith and His Flugelhorn everybody goes to Brownwood. But... if Scooter was at LSL the crowd gets leveled out. Both would draw a good crowd but not the mess we get now. Now we get two acts playing to almost nobody and a mob scene at the other.
You could still see each big act at least once a month.
You would decide "Who should I see? Rocky or Scooter?" Either one! You'll still get to see the other one next time.
LSL should always have one of the two acts because they would draw some from wherever the other bid act is performing as well as from more distant areas.
No, this is not an impossible solution.

[Polar Bear]

...here's a solution to the seat hogging problem. When booking one of the "big" acts make it a point to book one of the other big acts at another square. When you have Rocky playing at Brownwood and LSL has Freddy Smith and His Flugelhorn everybody goes to Brownwood. But... if Scooter was at LSL the crowd gets leveled out...

I wouldn't hold your breath for this 'solution'. Merchants and the acts themselves are not going to want to do anything that intentionally reduces crowds. And management knows this.

[MnGirl]

It's Rocky and the Rollers, Market Night, the Villages is incredible busy, and it's a half hour before they started, you should have brought two chairs. I went to a restaurant a half hour before I wanted to eat and all the seats were saved or taken there too. What is this world coming to? I guess what I like to go and do so does everyone else.

[Walt.]

I wouldn't hold your breath for this 'solution'. Merchants and the acts themselves are not going to want to do anything that intentionally reduces crowds. And management knows this.

Maybe I'm missing something. How exactly does a huge overflow crowd at Brownwood help the merchants at Lake Sumter Landing and Spanish Springs? Maybe those merchants don't count? Are the merchants at LSL thrilled at the loads of customers over at Brownwood? If the "overflow" at Brownwood just gives up and goes home because the place is packed how does this help anyone anywhere? As for the performers; they will both draw large crowds anyway... just not the overflow mobs they do now. If you have a place that holds 500 people, what is the benefit of having 800 show up?
Come to think of it... it might be interesting to see how Rocky does "competing" with "Bob's Rock Shop" for a crowd.

[Polar Bear]

Maybe I'm missing something. How exactly does a huge overflow crowd at Brownwood help the merchants at Lake Sumter Landing and Spanish Springs?...

Because it will be Lake Sumter Landing's and Spanish Spring's turns next to have the huge overflow crowds. If you schedule the big acts on the same night, nobody gets the big overflow crowds...which we appear to agree on. But I don't think the merchants view the overflow crowds in the same way that patrons looking for a seat do.

[Laurie2]

The problem seems to be mainly when there is a very popular act like Rocky and Rollers, Scooter, Uncle Bob or Cactus Jack. These usually play at each town square once a month. Most of the other performers get maybe medium to almost non-existent crowdsand seating isn't any kind of problem.
So here's a solution to the seat hogging problem. When booking one of the "big" acts make it a point to book one of the other big acts at another square. When you have Rocky playing at Brownwood and LSL has Freddy Smith and His Flugelhorn everybody goes to Brownwood. But... if Scooter was at LSL the crowd gets leveled out. Both would draw a good crowd but not the mess we get now. Now we get two acts playing to almost nobody and a mob scene at the other.
You could still see each big act at least once a month.
You would decide "Who should I see? Rocky or Scooter?" Either one! You'll still get to see the other one next time.
LSL should always have one of the two acts because they would draw some from wherever the other bid act is performing as well as from more distant areas.
No, this is not an impossible solution.


Hmmmmm. . .this is interesting. And doesn't Walt's proposal come under that Law of Physics that says something about how two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time. . .I am wondering if perhaps Walt just might be a bloomin' genius. :) Seriously. Logistics.

(That was not sarcasm from me. -- have to be careful around geniuses because sometimes they don't get what is or is not sarcasm. So I just want to be clear.)

Anyway, I like the thinking behind Walt's idea. -- But it probably makes way too much sense. (Sigh) Oh well, we are off to see MPire -- never saw them before. I need to get there early so I can help them spell their name correctly.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

It's Rocky and the Rollers, Market Night, the Villages is incredible busy, and it's a half hour before they started, you should have brought two chairs. I went to a restaurant a half hour before I wanted to eat and all the seats were saved or taken there too. What is this world coming to? I guess what I like to go and do so does everyone else.

Sorry, but it was an hour and a half before they started. Read my post. We went over at 3:30. Are people supposed to go there at 3:00 and sit for two hours in order to get a seat?

And all of the restaurant's seats were not being saved. They probably had a someone in them. If not people called and made reservations. It's a different ball game with a for profit business that decides to accept reservations and free entertainment at the squares where seat saving is prohibited under the rules.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

There's an article in the letters to the editor section of today's online newspaper. You can reply and let you'r thoughts be known. Check it out.

[MnGirl]

Sorry about the mistake about the time Boogie, but I just can't figure out when villagers know it's going to be crowded, people don't bring a camp style chair. Not trying to be mean, but if there was a body in every chair would that make you feel better. When I go to the square, and I know there is going to be a large crowd I bring my own chair, set it where I want and then check out the venders. That may not suit everyone either, but I'm not using a Village property chair. I did like the idea to have two well liked bands on the same night.

[Polar Bear]

...if there was a body in every chair would that make you feel better...
I can't speak for Boogie, but yes, it would certainly make me feel better. The bodies in the chairs would be playing by the rules and showing respect for their fellow Villagers. I could deal with that.

[Villages PL]

I am against the practice of roping off or in any other way holding a section of seats at the various town squares. I think this is rude, selfish, inconsiderate, and wrong and I want to see a policy to bring it to an end. We all pay for those seats and I believe all seats at the squares should be available on a first come, first serve basis, with one seat for one person. This is in no way intended to prohibit a person from saving a seat that has already been taken while that seat occupant is otherwise engaged and away from the seat for a short period of time.


How do you define a short period of time? 5min.? 10min.? 15min? 20min.? More?


I don't care if you're having a class reunion, neighborhood gathering, or the family is in from up north or whatever other reason you feel is justification for inconveniencing the rest of us. Seat holding of large groups when the occupants are not there is wrong and unfair and must end.

Large groups? How large is large? What if the group consists of several members of a disability club, like Parkinson's, COPD, or other disability? Some disabilities are not always obvious by looking at the person.

If you agree with this petition then please post stating that you agree. Any who disagree, please feel free to express your disagreement here as well. Hopefully it will all be reviewed by The Villages Entertainment Division and action will be taken to resolve this issue.

This being "America's Friendliest Hometown" I would give people the benefit of the doubt. The group may be Alzheimer's patients with their caregivers. There are so many disabilities these day you never know what the situation might be. If there are handicapped parking spaces around the square, I assume there may be handicapped people coming to the square for entertainment.

If you can still stand up for a long period of time, consider yourself lucky. Standing is better for your health and you will be better off physically and mentally for having done so.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Sorry about the mistake about the time Boogie, but I just can't figure out when villagers know it's going to be crowded, people don't bring a camp style chair. Not trying to be mean, but if there was a body in every chair would that make you feel better. When I go to the square, and I know there is going to be a large crowd I bring my own chair, set it where I want and then check out the venders. That may not suit everyone either, but I'm not using a Village property chair. I did like the idea to have two well liked bands on the same night.

Yes, it would absolutely make me feel better if there was a body in every chair. If someone wants to sit there for two or three hours to make sure that they have a seat, that fine. But people are going there at 2:30 or 3:00 in the afternoon, tying off their seats and then going to dinner or going about their day. If I arrive before them the seat should be available. Not only that but one person is going over as soon as the chairs are set up and tying off multiple chairs. sometimes they might tie up 25-30 chairs for people who just show up at 5:00 or later. Why should those people be entitled to a seat before someone that is there before them?

[Grandfinch]

Seat savers are selfish and think they are entitled. A since they put their oun self above all others, anything enflicted on them is just and will be supported by the majority.

[MnGirl]

No inflection is supported by any majority. So, now you need to stop.

[Sandtrap328]

No inflection is supported by any majority. So, now you need to stop.

11 names are not a majority, are they?

Go to the squares and you see the majority - having fun and enjoying themselves and not kvetching about some chairs tied together.

Good to hear a similar voice.

[looneycat]

Sorry about the mistake about the time Boogie, but I just can't figure out when villagers know it's going to be crowded, people don't bring a camp style chair. Not trying to be mean, but if there was a body in every chair would that make you feel better. When I go to the square, and I know there is going to be a large crowd I bring my own chair, set it where I want and then check out the venders. That may not suit everyone either, but I'm not using a Village property chair. I did like the idea to have two well liked bands on the same night.

ok ,so I'll go to the supermarket, put my cart in the checkout lane and then go shop, that's OK right? After all, it's my shopping cart, right?

[looneycat]

I have lived here full time for five years. There is NO major problem. I go to the squares frequently. I have never seen altercations over seats. People do take roped off chairs when no one shows up at 5. No yelling, no shoving, no fights.

No need for a security force or deputies. Just arrive early for a show, put your chairs down and enjoy people watching, beautiful weather, and meet new people.

Get there late and you may not have a seat until the next set.

Isn't it great that saved seats are the biggest problem that we have down here?

:BigApplause:

[janmcn]

ok ,so I'll go to the supermarket, put my cart in the checkout lane and then go shop, that's OK right? After all, it's my shopping cart, right?

You could do that, but your cart won't be where you left it when you come back, guaranteed.

[looneycat]

You could do that, but your cart won't be where you left it when you come back, guaranteed.

Huh??

[CFrance]

You could do that, but your cart won't be where you left it when you come back, guaranteed.

Huh??
What he/she is saying is that if people expect to hold their place in the square by placing a provided chair there but not staying with it, then maybe he/she could do that at a grocery store with the carts they provide.

I could see this being a good idea in, say, a Pathmark in New Jersey! (Unless you value your life...):throwtomatoes: