Valet service for The Sharon

[gerryann]

Went to see Frankie Avalon last night. It was a great show!!

Noticed quite a few folks having such difficulty getting around....a few blind, a few having to stop along the way to rest, many who's legs just don't work well anymore. We took the chance that we would possibly get a somewhat close parking spot if we got there quite early......we ended up still at least 4 blocks away which made it very difficult getting there.( No, it doesn't work for me to drop him off ....it has to do with pride)

Since the valet service has been discontinued, why not a shuttle service for those that have difficulty? A shuttle similar to the hospitals service? Maybe only when there is an event at The Sharon? I can imagine there are quite a few people who are unable to attend events now because they are unable to walk very far.

The complainers regarding the valet service only thought of themselves.....not the ones that need it.

[outlaw]

When did they discontinue the valet service?

[gerryann]

A week or two ago.

[Sable99]

Yikes, I've been looking forward to going to The Sharon but my 91 year old mother couldn't walk that far! Well, maybe she would for Daniel O'Donnell!

[Taltarzac725]

I have not see it at the Old Mill Playhouse either. What they need is someone to shuttle them from the golf carts like you see at some hospitals in the Tampa Bay area.

[gerryann]

I guess you'd be able to drop her off and find a parking spot.......it could just be so helpful to have a shuttle or two. The hospital does it and it works so well.

[Mleeja]

Went to see Frankie Avalon last night. It was a great show!!

Noticed quite a few folks having such difficulty getting around....a few blind, a few having to stop along the way to rest, many who's legs just don't work well anymore. We took the chance that we would possibly get a somewhat close parking spot if we got there quite early......we ended up still at least 4 blocks away which made it very difficult getting there.( No, it doesn't work for me to drop him off ....it has to do with pride)

Since the valet service has been discontinued, why not a shuttle service for those that have difficulty? A shuttle similar to the hospitals service? Maybe only when there is an event at The Sharon? I can imagine there are quite a few people who are unable to attend events now because they are unable to walk very far.

The complainers regarding the valet service only thought of themselves.....not the ones that need it.

We seem to have a lot of this in The Villages. However in this case I believe it was a case of economics, not enough people utilized the service to make it a going concern.

[tomwed]

We seem to have a lot of this in The Villages. However in this case I believe it was a case of economics, not enough people utilized the service to make it a going concern.
Are you guessing?
Couldn't they just have reduced the staff?

[Mleeja]

Are you guessing?
Couldn't they just have reduced the staff?

I seem to recall a short article in the DS about the service being discontinued. Low usage was cited as the reason.

[goodtimesintv]

That was one of the features I liked about The Sharon. We can walk, but there at the square, available parking would be quite far out and behind the other side of the square.

Maybe the venue itself could run the multi-seat golf car shuttles (like the hospital does) to take people to/from their vehicles, and add a small, optional parking add-on charge with the tickets when bought.

[tomwed]

That was one of the features I liked about The Sharon. We can walk, but there at the square, available parking would be quite far out and behind the other side of the square.

Maybe the venue itself could run the multi-seat golf car shuttles (like the hospital does) to take people to/from their vehicles, and add a small, optional parking add-on charge with the tickets when bought.
Sure, why not. Their motto could be "Money talks, nobody walks".

[gerryann]

That was one of the features I liked about The Sharon. We can walk, but there at the square, available parking would be quite far out and behind the other side of the square.

Maybe the venue itself could run the multi-seat golf car shuttles (like the hospital does) to take people to/from their vehicles, and add a small, optional parking add-on charge with the tickets when bought.

That's exactly my thinking. As it is now, a good percentage of people who want to see a performance are unable. This is a retirement community after all and a lot of folks have disabilities.

[goodtimesintv]

Sure, why not. Their motto could be "Money talks, nobody walks".

"Nobody walks"??

If it's raining or 95 degrees with 85% humidity, who wants to get soaked walking from the far-away lots and then sitting thru a concert with soaked clothing, like a wet dog?

A $1 or $2 optional charge for a parking shuttle ride would be well worth it, especially for people who CANNOT walk far!

[Mleeja]

You would be surprised by the comments if there was a shuttle with a $1.00 service charge! It would make you think the sky was falling or the "Developers" were out to screw all us poor old folks...

[tomwed]

"Nobody walks"??

If it's raining or 95 degrees with 85% humidity, who wants to get soaked walking from the far-away lots and then sitting thru a concert with soaked clothing, like a wet dog?

A $1 or $2 optional charge for a parking shuttle ride would be well worth it, especially for people who CANNOT walk far!
You lost me. I'm in favor of providing any kind of service at any price to make the event enjoyable for everyone. I think you are barking up the wrong tree. Past practice is that the young men in my family drop off the women and deal with the weather. I'm still seeing myself as a young man. When the OP brings up pride, I get it.

[JoMar]

Proven again, you can please some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all of the time.

[The Buckeyes]

Whether they cost out the price for a shuttle in the ticket price or some other way, a shuttle is needed and maybe two of them. Let's face it sometimes the mind is willing but the body isn't. Bottom line....if it too far to park from the venue, then try to walk to it and from it after the show....people will not buy tickets!

[outlaw]

Whether they cost out the price for a shuttle in the ticket price or some other way, a shuttle is needed and maybe two of them. Let's face it sometimes the mind is willing but the body isn't. Bottom line....if it too far to park from the venue, then try to walk to it and from it after the show....people will not buy tickets!

Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded.

[outlaw]

If enough people would have used the valet service, as many posters had predicted, the service would most likely still be there. It, apparently, was not a viable business model. For those who are so impaired that they cannot walk a couple of blocks, they should be able to get a prescription/doctor's order/whatever, to get a handicap placard for their golf cart/car. Otherwise, why not have an able person drop off the impaired person at the door, then go park the vehicle? Residents could even put together a volunteer group to coordinate pairing handicap with able people for this. It would be a good way to help your fellow residents, and take care of the problem.

[tomwed]

Maybe it wasn't viable because they set it up incorrectly. Suppose when you ordered a ticket you also placed an order for car pick up and delivery, $10. And when you get your ticket it says when your appointed arrival time is, like a tee off time. Software can do that.

If only 10 people sign up, you don't need to pay 5 kids for 3 hours.

This is just speculation. I don't know how they ran it.

[Taltarzac725]

Maybe it wasn't viable because they set it up incorrectly. Suppose when you ordered a ticket you also placed an order for car pick up and delivery, $10. And when you get your ticket it says when your appointed arrival time is, like a tee off time. Software can do that.

If only 10 people sign up, you don't need to pay 5 kids for 3 hours.

This is just speculation. I don't know how they ran it.

I would see them standing out at the Old Mill Playhouse starting around 4 PM each and every day I got out of a movie or was coming to a movie around then.

Volunteers to do this sounds like a great idea especially if the Villages supplied a shuttle. There would be liability issues for accidents though if they did that.

[gerryann]

Why volunteers? The Villages can certainly afford to buy two shuttle golf carts and pay two drivers. I'm sure most riders would also tip the drivers. It's simply a service that should be provided for the aging population.

To the poster that said all you need is a handicap placard. Seriously? There are so many with the placard and certainly not enough spaces. Even at a place like Publix or Walmart we're going around and around for 15/20 minutes waiting for a spot to open.

[gerryann]

I'm only suggesting the shuttles for The Sharon performances....not all the time.

[tomwed]

Why volunteers? The Villages can certainly afford to buy two shuttle golf carts and pay two drivers. I'm sure most riders would also tip the drivers. It's simply a service that should be provided for the aging population.

To the poster that said all you need is a handicap placard. Seriously? There are so many with the placard and certainly not enough spaces. Even at a place like Publix or Walmart we're going around and around for 15/20 minutes waiting for a spot to open.
I agree, great idea.
The Villages Golf Cars could provide the long carts and advertise with a big sign on the roof. The good will may help sales. Another sign saying "We work for tips" would help keep the labor cost down.

[outlaw]

Well, if enough people used the valet service, it would still be there. Apparently, there is not enough demand to make the business model viable. For those that don't want to walk long distances, why not go early and have an early leisurely dinner before the show. Then relax in the square. That way, the few that need this service would get the closer parking spaces. Just make a day of it.

[tomwed]

Well, if enough people used the valet service, it would still be there. Apparently, there is not enough demand to make the business model viable. For those that don't want to walk long distances, why not go early and have an early leisurely dinner before the show. Then relax in the square. That way, the few that need this service would get the closer parking spaces. Just make a day of it.
I think what some are proposing is not a car delivery service but a shuttle to the parking lot.

[KathieI]

I'm so sorry to hear there isn't valet service any longer. A few months ago when I was using a walker because of back issues, I used the valet service at Lake Sumter and was extremely pleased with this service and very willing to pay the money because walking even a short distance wasn't an option.

However, I felt so bad because when I went to pick up my car, I think I was the ONLY one who used the service that evening. It didn't take much to realize this wasn't going to last.

I haven't been to the Sharon yet but was looking forward to going but now without that service, I'm not sure I can go. We always knew there would be a very bad parking problem when the Sharon was being built but this is now going to make it impossible for me to enjoy events there. I think a shuttle service, as suggested, for Sharon events would be a fantastic idea. Wonder how we could get this across to village management?

[tomwed]

I'm so sorry to hear there isn't valet service any longer. A few months ago when I was using a walker because of back issues, I used the valet service at Lake Sumter and was extremely pleased with this service and very willing to pay the money because walking even a short distance wasn't an option.

However, I felt so bad because when I went to pick up my car, I think I was the ONLY one who used the service that evening. It didn't take much to realize this wasn't going to last.

I haven't been to the Sharon yet but was looking forward to going but now without that service, I'm not sure I can go. We always knew there would be a very bad parking problem when the Sharon was being built but this is now going to make it impossible for me to enjoy events there. I think a shuttle service, as suggested, for Sharon events would be a fantastic idea. Wonder how we could get this across to village management?
Write a letter to Villages Golf Cart and see if they would loan a long cart out. If they say yes, we can build on that idea. I'll help with fundraisers. Maybe have "The Friends of Sharon" campaign. The purpose would be to pay for insurance and provide drivers for Patrons of the Art's special needs.

[outlaw]

Write a letter to Villages Golf Cart and see if they would loan a long cart out. If they say yes, we can build on that idea. I'll help with fundraisers. Maybe have "The Friends of Sharon" campaign. The purpose would be to pay for insurance and provide drivers for Patrons of the Art's special needs.

Way to go! If you can raise enough money, you could buy a used long cart pretty cheap. Maybe get TV to let you store/park it in the back of the sharon when not in use. Keep us informed. Good luck.

[tomwed]

Keep us informed.
Us?

[outlaw]

Us?

Those of "us" interested, of course.

[newguyintv]

Went to see Frankie Avalon last night. It was a great show!!

Noticed quite a few folks having such difficulty getting around....a few blind, a few having to stop along the way to rest, many who's legs just don't work well anymore. We took the chance that we would possibly get a somewhat close parking spot if we got there quite early......we ended up still at least 4 blocks away which made it very difficult getting there.( No, it doesn't work for me to drop him off ....it has to do with pride)

Since the valet service has been discontinued, why not a shuttle service for those that have difficulty? A shuttle similar to the hospitals service? Maybe only when there is an event at The Sharon? I can imagine there are quite a few people who are unable to attend events now because they are unable to walk very far.

The complainers regarding the valet service only thought of themselves.....not the ones that need it.

If enough people had thought it was a valuable service and used it a $10 a pop it wouldn't have gone away!

[tomwed]

Those of "us" interested, of course.
Interested in volunteering to help?

[gerryann]

If enough people had thought it was a valuable service and used it a $10 a pop it wouldn't have gone away!

It didn't work for a variety of reasons.

#1---They had it EVERY day. Didn't need it every day.....only on Sharon performance days.

#2---They took up too many valuable parking spaces.

#3---They charged too much.

A shuttle is completely different.

[outlaw]

Interested in volunteering to help?

I'm pretty busy right now.

[tomwed]

It didn't work for a variety of reasons.

#1---They had it EVERY day. Didn't need it every day.....only on Sharon performance days.

agree


#2---They took up too many valuable parking spaces.

agree

#3---They charged too much.

$5/person seems fair to me. $10/car


A shuttle is completely different.

[outlaw]

Looks like a used 6 or 8 person cart can be purchased for around $5-$7 thousand. You would only need 700 people @ $10 donation to get one. With all the interest in The Sharon, that shouldn't be too hard to do. Doesn't The Sharon hold 1000+?

[tomwed]

I agree, great idea.
The Villages Golf Cars could provide the long carts and advertise with a big sign on the roof. The good will may help sales. Another sign saying "We work for tips" would help keep the labor cost down.
I was hoping that The Villages Golf Carts would loan their vehicles out. Without a free cart[s] the idea falls apart.

[outlaw]

I was hoping that The Villages Golf Carts would loan their vehicles out. Without a free cart[s] the idea falls apart.

Why is that? that's what fundraisers are for.

[newguyintv]

I was hoping that The Villages Golf Carts would loan their vehicles out. Without a free cart[s] the idea falls apart.

Let a sleeping dog lie!

[justjim]

If you had a shuttle cart, you could have a designated parking area for shuttle service only. Perhaps the "Sharon" has already thought of this idea and it is a work in progress. If enough people would write The Sharon regarding the shuttle, perhaps it would speed up the work on getting implementation. Let it happen.

[tomwed]

Why is that? that's what fundraisers are for.
You're right. And if you raise enough money the shows would be free too. I like the way you think. I was just trying to help a few handicapped people see a show. I didn't see the big picture.

[tomwed]

If you had a shuttle cart, you could have a designated parking area for shuttle service only. Perhaps the "Sharon" has already thought of this idea and it is a work in progress. If enough people would write The Sharon regarding the shuttle, perhaps it would speed up the work on getting implementation. Let it happen.
You may be right. Whenever I identified a problem for my boss, I always had a solution in my back pocket.
Did someone else suggest having 1 show that was more favorable to the handicapped or elderly? Maybe it's always the early show.
The idea being that an accommodating service would only be needed for 1 performance. That alone makes a big dent in overhead.

[Buffalo Jim]

You would be surprised by the comments if there was a shuttle with a $1.00 service charge! It would make you think the sky was falling or the "Developers" were out to screw all us poor old folks...

And the majority of the people who would be shouting the loudest would not be patrons of the Sharon !
They would be that group of " hardliners " that feel everything should be free and that no one who provides goods and services to the Villages including the Developer should ever make a nickel !

Frankly , the Valet Service was great and yes I was a frequent patron and why I would utilize it is no ones business . Yet the yelling and screaming about the Valet Service and its patrons who utilized it was most sophomoric and boring .
Their basic premise was " I would never pay $5 or $10 for Valet Parking and therefore no one else should either ".
So once again something good has been beaten back and now the masses are demanding something similar to it for free !
It just never ends . I shudder to think about what life here will become once the Developer has turned everything over to the general population to manage .
I can just see it now ---- shut off the fountains , fill in the flower beds with stone , only mow the common grounds every 6 weeks et al .

[gerryann]

Let a sleeping dog lie!

Why? It's a needed service.

I'm gonna make a few calls, send a few letters/emails

[Buffalo Jim]

You're right. And if you raise enough money the shows would be free too. I like the way you think. I was just trying to help a few handicapped people see a show. I didn't see the big picture.

The Valet Service was a needed service ! But it was " framed " by many loud writers on this site as " Elitest ".

So now the operators of the Sharon should jump to offer something more liking to the self-appointed Proletariat ! IE " Free" .

[tomwed]

I heard the builder is moving to another 2 locations in Florida to start the next retirement community because the land around here has gone up too much in value.

I worry about the handover too. I sure do like how he runs things. I've met thousands down here and hardly ever run into any knuckleheads. I'm meeting up with my neighbors in 10 minutes to play games for the rest of the afternoon. I could never make that happen at home.

Lot's of rumors. I know.

[Bogie Shooter]

I heard the builder is moving to another 2 locations in Florida to start the next retirement community because the land around here has gone up too much in value.

I worry about the handover too. I sure do like how he runs things. I've met thousands down here and hardly ever run into any knuckleheads. I'm meeting up with my neighbors in 10 minutes to play games for the rest of the afternoon. I could never make that happen at home.

Lot's of rumors. I know.

You are right lots of rumors.......being repeated !
Why worry? What does that do for you?

[Boudicca]

Good idea

[tomwed]

You are right lots of rumors.......being repeated !
Why worry? What does that do for you?
Perhaps worry was the wrong word. It's more like I winder what will happen.

[outlaw]

The Valet Service was a needed service ! But it was " framed " by many loud writers on this site as " Elitest ".

So now the operators of the Sharon should jump to offer something more liking to the self-appointed Proletariat ! IE " Free" .

So what are you saying? That the valet service was discontinued because people complained it was elitist? Are you kidding?! If enough people used the service to make it profitable, it would still be there.

[Challenger]

IMHO there is no way a valet or shuttle service can be sustained in the Villages without significant ssubsidy.

I do believe that a group (not for profir) similar to a theatre guild could br formed to provide either of these services , at least for The Sharon.

Sounds like a great way for a VHS student group to fuffill community service!!!