Will someone please explain to me......

[Peggy D]

What the job is of the guy who patrol the Squares.

Last night at Spanish Springs, along with the seat saving, people were placing their chairs practally in the area where the Twirlers would be performing. Now, as just about everyone knows, when the Twirlers perform they do a number with fire. In this intense heat there are sweaty palms and there may be an accidental bad throw/catch. Someone may get hurt--Fire or no fire

There were two guys patrolling the Square--or should I say holding up a lamp post--worthless! As a team member I went up to them and pointed out that this was a safety issue. They reluctantly asked people to move. What is wrong with these guys? Why does this have to pointed out to them?
What exactly is their job on the Squares?

Same with seat saving. If it is prohibited then enforce it !
What a waste!

[RickeyD]

What the job is of the guy who patrol the Squares.



Last night at Spanish Springs, along with the seat saving, people were placing their chairs practally in the area where the Twirlers would be performing. Now, as just about everyone knows, when the Twirlers perform they do a number with fire. In this intense heat there are sweaty palms and there may be an accidental bad throw/catch. Someone may get hurt--Fire or no fire



There were two guys patrolling the Square--or should I say holding up a lamp post--worthless! As a team member I went up to them and pointed out that this was a safety issue. They reluctantly asked people to move. What is wrong with these guys? Why does this have to pointed out to them?

What exactly is their job on the Squares?



Same with seat saving. If it is prohibited then enforce it !

What a waste!



Their making minimum wage and it's hot. Or in the working man's parlance, " good enough for government work " [emoji15]

[goodtimesintv]

Their making minimum wage and it's hot. Or in the working man's parlance, "good enough for government work " [emoji15]

And good enough for $15/hr minimum wage.

That's the goal, isn't it?

:faint:

[rubicon]

never starting with my job as a paper boy did I ever concern myself with my pay scale. I focused on providing the services I agreed to provide. Its called pride in my work.

As to the employees assigned to patrol the squares, I will give them the benefit of doubt. Perhaps they are advised to lay low unless or until there is a real concern for safety, etc as are the ambassadors on executive courses . If problems escalate on the square they contact the police. they are just an extra pair of eyes also like community Watch

[Miles42]

There has never been any one that I am aware off that addresses the issue of seat saving. You are never going to convince the self centered people that the rules are for them as well as others. They where that way before they moved here and will be until the day they leave and make the world a better place by a small margin.

[mixsonci]

Their making minimum wage and it's hot. Or in the working man's parlance, " good enough for government work " [emoji15]

They wanted/needed a job, knew what they would be making when they took the job. So no surprises there. They should do the job they are being paid for and accepted knowing what they were getting. Nobody's forcing them to be out there.

[Bonny]

They don't confront anyone unless it truly is a safety concern.

[TVMayor]

There were two guys patrolling the Square--or should I say holding up a lamp post--worthless! As a team member I went up to them and pointed out that this was a safety issue. They reluctantly asked people to move. What is wrong with these guys? Why does this have to pointed out to them?
What exactly is their job on the Squares?

You answered your own question, have you ever seen a lamp post fall down in the square?

[ColdNoMore]

Their making minimum wage and it's hot. Or in the working man's parlance, " good enough for government work " [emoji15]

:thumbup:

[ColdNoMore]

You answered your own question, have you ever seen a lamp post fall down in the square?

:clap2:.......:clap2:

[Peggy D]

RickeyD--

LOL. I expected that answer from a Millennial ! Seems to be the mindset these days!

Tell me about hot when you're out there performing. Want to take a guess what we Twirlers get paid!

[RickeyD]

RickeyD--

LOL. I expected that answer from a Millennial ! Seems to be the mindset these days!

Tell me about hot when you're out there performing. Want to take a guess what we Twirlers get paid!



Million dollar smiles my dear [emoji6]

[Peggy D]

They don't confront anyone unless it truly is a safety concern.

A fire baton flying through the air isn't considered a safety issue?
Humm.
But as I saw, some people lack common sense, so they must be told to keep a safe distance.

These girls are elite twirlers, but anything can happen.

[Peggy D]

:mademyday:Million dollar smiles my dear [emoji6]

:mademyday:

[TVMayor]

I wonder if the issue of saving seats at the square would be an issue the POA could have a positive influence on. POA next meeting is this coming Tuesday July 19, @ 7:00pm at Laurel Manor. We still have time to make some signs.

[Jima64]

And good enough for $15/hr minimum wage.

That's the goal, isn't it?

:faint:

Is the minimum wage that high in Florida?

[Bogie Shooter]

There is no minimum.

[mobruce]

There is no minimum.

Minimum wage in Florida $ 8:05

[784caroline]

Their job is to be a Village Ambassador to assist people looking for directions or places to eat. They are not there to "Police " the squares or to be Chair monitors.

[Polar Bear]

Their job is to be a Village Ambassador to assist people looking for directions or places to eat. They are not there to "Police " the squares or to be Chair monitors.

Pretty well sums it up.

[graciegirl]

What the job is of the guy who patrol the Squares.

Last night at Spanish Springs, along with the seat saving, people were placing their chairs practally in the area where the Twirlers would be performing. Now, as just about everyone knows, when the Twirlers perform they do a number with fire. In this intense heat there are sweaty palms and there may be an accidental bad throw/catch. Someone may get hurt--Fire or no fire

There were two guys patrolling the Square--or should I say holding up a lamp post--worthless! As a team member I went up to them and pointed out that this was a safety issue. They reluctantly asked people to move. What is wrong with these guys? Why does this have to pointed out to them?
What exactly is their job on the Squares?

Same with seat saving. If it is prohibited then enforce it !
What a waste!

Who would those two guys be? Police officers? It isn't a law, so they can't enforce it. It is a rule of conduct, expected but not enforceable. You can't arrest someone for their selfish and impolite and uncaring behavior. The company that is in charge is the Entertainment Company. The squares belong to The Villages who seem to have an unspoken attitude that we are all adults and should act like adults.

I think....that there is no one who is going to try to move someone's stuff off the seats. I think that is a reality. I think we need to find something else to **** us off that we can do something about.

[Bonny]

I'm thinking if I got a job to help out around the squares, the last thing I'm going to do is go confront someone and tell them they can't save those chairs or that they have to move.
People keep talking like these things are laws. They aren't.

[biker1]

I have seen them ask people to move their chairs so as to keep aisles open.

Their job is to be a Village Ambassador to assist people looking for directions or places to eat. They are not there to "Police " the squares or to be Chair monitors.

[kstew43]

Who would those two guys be? Police officers? It isn't a law, so they can't enforce it. It is a rule of conduct, expected but not enforceable. You can't arrest someone for their selfish and impolite and uncaring behavior. The company that is in charge is the Entertainment Company. The squares belong to The Villages who seem to have an unspoken attitude that we are all adults and should act like adults.

I think....that there is no one who is going to try to move someone's stuff off the seats. I think that is a reality. I think we need to find something else to **** us off that we can do something about.

you are absolutly correct.....the watchers can do nothing but watch. Until it gets violent....then they call the police...who can do something. Not a good plan..in my opinion.

I have come up with what might be a better idea...? what if they replaced the chairs with unmovable benches? like brownwood? and all those of us who bring our own chairs would set them up behind the benches.

It might not be easy to remove someone belongings off a independent chair...but...who says you can't SLIDE there saved stuff down and put your keyster in its place. Then let the savers try to move you when there saved area is now not worth the real estate it once was......

I think that could work.... what do you all think.....

I mean how much could it cost? Enough to save the squares "Villages" reputation...I would think... Priceless...

[Bonny]

you are absolutly correct.....the watchers can do nothing but watch. Until it gets violent....then they call the police...who can do something. Not a good plan..in my opinion.

I have come up with what might be a better idea...? what if they replaced the chairs with unmovable benches? like brownwood? and all those of us who bring our own chairs would set them up behind the benches.

It might not be easy to remove someone belongings off a independent chair...but...who says you can't SLIDE there saved stuff down and put your keyster in its place. Then let the savers try to move you when there saved area is now not worth the real estate it once was......

I think that could work.... what do you all think.....

I mean how much could it cost? Enough to save the Villages reputation...I would think... Priceless...
I certainly wouldn't want to be pushed down those bleacher steps if I decide to touch somebody's stuff and move it. :eek:

[kstew43]

I certainly wouldn't want to be pushed down those bleacher steps if I decide to touch somebody's stuff and move it. :eek:

Not BLEACHERS......BENCHES....

[Bonny]

Not BLEACHERS......BENCHES....
Oh. okay. When I read the part in your post, "unmovable benches like brownwood", I was thinking the bleachers. I never saw benches there.

[MikeyBoo54]

Not to open the old wound, but why not just stop providing chairs? Lots of people go to the squares and take their own.

[graciegirl]

Not to open the old wound, but why not just stop providing chairs? Lots of people go to the squares and take their own.

As people age they find them difficult to carry. This is a 55 or better community and some of us are better.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

There has never been any one that I am aware off that addresses the issue of seat saving. You are never going to convince the self centered people that the rules are for them as well as others. They where that way before they moved here and will be until the day they leave and make the world a better place by a small margin.

The response to the numerous complaints about seat saving is the pre-recorded announcement that is made prior to every show. Now we need to complain that no one listens to the announcement or they listen and ignore it.

[skip0358]

Seat saving isn't going to stop period. Even IF it was a law it would be broken. As for the minimum wage workers at the squares, they answer questions and give directions period. Here's a question for all those doubting them. Would you confront someone who was saving seats and probably consuming beverages of choice ? Probably not. If you think the rules or enforcement should change then attend the welcome Wednesday meeting or call the District offices to complain. The workers are NOT supposed to get involved period. If there was a serious event they would call the PD.

[outlaw]

Their making minimum wage and it's hot. Or in the working man's parlance, " good enough for government work " [emoji15]

And yet, it sounds like they are overpaid.

[kstew43]

The response to the numerous complaints about seat saving is the pre-recorded announcement that is made prior to every show. Now we need to complain that no one listens to the announcement or they listen and ignore it.

as a frequent spectator at all 3 squares....I can tell you...that the answer to that statement is "NO".

Sometimes the spectators will not even stop there loud conversations when the performers are entertaining.

So unless they make a recording extending the "happy hour" no one is really listening. Sad but true....

[outlaw]

Seat saving isn't going to stop period. Even IF it was a law it would be broken. As for the minimum wage workers at the squares, they answer questions and give directions period. Here's a question for all those doubting them. Would you confront someone who was saving seats and probably consuming beverages of choice ? Probably not. If you think the rules or enforcement should change then attend the welcome Wednesday meeting or call the District offices to complain. The workers are NOT supposed to get involved period. If there was a serious event they would call the PD.

If the developer authorized me to enforce the no seat saving policy, I would gladly confront anyone saving seats. I'm willing to take one for the team. I would work a shift for free! But I would have to have the developer's blessing.

[Bonny]

If the developer authorized me to enforce the no seat saving policy, I would gladly confront anyone saving seats. I'm willing to take one for the team. I would work a shift for free! But I would have to have the developer's blessing.
Thank goodness that will never happen. Don't need vigilantes at the square and watch everything turn into a brawl. :22yikes:

[Barefoot]

Not to open the old wound, but why not just stop providing chairs.
I've never been able to understand that line of reasoning.
It's a retirement community.
Not everyone is able bodied enough to tote chairs from the parking lot.

[outlaw]

Who would those two guys be? Police officers? It isn't a law, so they can't enforce it. It is a rule of conduct, expected but not enforceable. You can't arrest someone for their selfish and impolite and uncaring behavior. The company that is in charge is the Entertainment Company. The squares belong to The Villages who seem to have an unspoken attitude that we are all adults and should act like adults.

I think....that there is no one who is going to try to move someone's stuff off the seats. I think that is a reality. I think we need to find something else to **** us off that we can do something about.

Actually, the seats and, I think, the squares are owned by the developer. Thus, the policy can be enforced.

[outlaw]

Thank goodness that will never happen. Don't need vigilantes at the square and watch everything turn into a brawl. :22yikes:

How would working for the developer to enforce his policies on his private property constitute vigilantism?

[Bonny]

How would working for the developer to enforce his policies on his private property constitute vigilantism?
It just scares me in this day and age when someone says "I would gladly confront anyone" and I would do it for free.
Can't imagine anything good would come out of that scenario

[outlaw]

It just scares me in this day and age when someone says "I would gladly confront anyone" and I would do it for free.
Can't imagine anything good would come out of that scenario

Likely, after two or three challenges to these seat savers, and, if necessary, subsequent arrests by police for assault against the authorized "ambassador", and subsequent trespass notification to the seat saver by the developer, the seat saving would all but disappear. I bet if you were being bullied/attacked in a parking lot, you would hope someone would "gladly confront" that person on your behalf. I think you would be surprised how different these bullies would respond to someone with authority (a simple "The Villages Staff" polo shirt)...and maybe some mace for backup (teehee).

[Bonny]

It just scares me in this day and age when someone says "I would gladly confront anyone" and I would do it for free.
Can't imagine anything good would come out of that scenario

Likely, after two or three challenges to these seat savers, and, if necessary, subsequent arrests by police for assault against the authorized "ambassador", and subsequent trespass notification to the seat saver by the developer, the seat saving would all but disappear. I bet if you were being bullied/attacked in a parking lot, you would hope someone would "gladly confront" that person on your behalf. I think you would be surprised how different these bullies would respond to someone with authority (a simple "The Villages Staff" polo shirt)...and maybe some mace for backup (teehee).
Attacked in a parking lot is just slightly different than someone saving a seat for a friend.

[Peggy D]

As I said in my first post, if seat saving is prohibited, then enforce it. Otherwise quit the announcement. Too many times--and I know many have seen it too, that seats are saved and no one sits in them all night. At a certain time if no one is there these guys should remove
Cushions, ribbons, etc--but they don't ! As far as calling the police, l too have a cell phone and can call them if a ruckus breaks out.
Problem is, they do nothing that I can see including the safety of spectators or performers. Shameful.

[Walt.]

Every time this subject comes up it veers into the "what if..." world with lots of reasons for the no seat saving rule not be be enforced.
By this logic nobody should ever stop shoplifters. What if they have a gun? What if they have a starving baby at home? What if they accidentally put the item in their pocket and aren't really stealing?

Personally, I have no problem with 2-cushion savers. It's the whole roped off 6-12 seat sections that get me.
Anyway... after announcement one half-hour before show time just have the on-site staff (who are already there) gather up ropes and tapes. Do this a few times and it will stop.

[Miles42]

Pretty simple really the ones opposed are seat savers. End of story.

[Polar Bear]

...the no seat saving rule not be be enforced.
By this logic nobody should ever stop shoplifters...

I also tire of this topic, but your logic is the logic that fails...

One is against the law. The other is not.

[ColdNoMore]

Pretty simple really the ones opposed are seat savers. End of story.

I can't help but wonder the same thing. :shrug:

[Peggy D]

Pretty simple really the ones opposed are seat savers. End of story.

WRONG !

If the worthless monitors on the Square did something about it, as someone said, it would stop.

Again, don't announce seat saving is prohibited if you aren't going to enforce this rule. Simple.

[biker1]

There is no upside, and lots of downside, to asking the shirted Villages folks to confront people saving seats. I have seen them enforce safety issues such as having people move seats to keep aisles open. Bring your own chairs -end of story. Although I guess we could get to the point where people will whine about people saving "ground" ;-)

WRONG !

If the worthless monitors on the Square did something about it, as someone said, it would stop.

Again, don't announce seat saving is prohibited if you aren't going to enforce this rule. Simple.

[CFrance]

There is no upside, and lots of downside, to asking the shirted Villages folks to confront people saving seats. I have seen them enforce safety issues such as having people move seats to keep aisles open. Bring your own chairs -end of story. Although I guess we could get to the point where people will whine about people saving "ground" ;-)
I think that you have hit the nail on the head--if people are made to bring their own chairs, they will simply bring them to the squares early instead of lining up the square's chairs.

Somebody needs to take the responsibility of enforcing the rule. Or abolish the rule and let everyone fend for themselves.

[Walt.]

I also tire of this topic, but your logic is the logic that fails...

One is against the law. The other is not.

Actually, the logic does not fail.
The point was the EXCUSES people make for bad behavior.

Bad behavior is bad behavior... legal or not.

[Polar Bear]

Actually, the logic does not fail.

The point was the EXCUSES people make for bad behavior.

Bad behavior is bad behavior... legal or not.

Yes it does fail.

If you want your "logic" to hold up, compare two activities that are either legal or illegal, not one of each.

You're actually trying to convince us that legal bad behavior equals illegal bad behavior?? Good luck, but I wouldn't hold your breath.

[biker1]

The basic problem is a lot or people can't/won't bring their own chairs and it is unreasonable to expect the "shirted" people to confront seat savers. So, we are where we are and there is no reasonable expectation of change. For us, it is not really an issue. We always have our own chairs when we go to the squares. If we don't need them they go back in the golf cart. Pragmatically, there are only a few entertainers where this really matters.

I think that you have hit the nail on the head--if people are made to bring their own chairs, they will simply bring them to the squares early instead of lining up the square's chairs.

Somebody needs to take the responsibility of enforcing the rule. Or abolish the rule and let everyone fend for themselves.

[Cedwards38]

It's a shame, but we need privately employed "bouncers" in the squares.

[Stdole]

Please fellow Villagers.... we deserve better from our Security Staff... we all know they are being directed by Management to take no action..
just be there and hardly seen.... but lets be honest this staff should be directed to be pro-active (at least 50%) that would be 100% improvement!
This is good for us as residents and good for The Villages to violators within and out of our community.

I would make an educated guess these threads are read by Management... I will make a request at this time PLEASE! HELP us be safer, enjoy
our days and nights knowingly rules will be enforced. I know what I was told by my initial visit with Sales on purchasing properties here.

Violations are not only occurs daily at many locations within The Villages from recreation centers to squares to neighborhoods... Please do not
let the reputation of violation of our rules continue on a downward path.. (especially doing our tense times).. You must admit we are living on
our past history.. Management Please again serves us better.

Residents please take a few minutes out of your day to call Management Office and voice your concerns. When I attended the very good
Village Residents Academy several months ago.. I was told "we do not look for problems or violators here in The Villages, we will look into
complaints if they are brought to our attention" so follow their orders complain,bring things to their attention since these are the new
rules... That goes for your neighborhoods, the streets, the rec centers, the squares... lets keep The Villages what you moved here for..
Your peaceful final years!!! It is getting away from us as it stands now daily...

Thanks

[Barefoot]

Likely, after two or three challenges to these seat savers, and, if necessary, subsequent arrests by police for assault against the authorized "ambassador", and subsequent trespass notification to the seat saver by the developer, the seat saving would all but disappear. I think you would be surprised how differently these bullies would respond to someone with authority (a simple "The Villages Staff" polo shirt)...and maybe some mace for backup (teehee).
Is that two or three challenges per Square? I'm not sure mace would be effective against CCW. I don't think most Residents want ugliness, violence and confrontation at the Squares over a few nights where seats are saved.

Pragmatically, there are only a few entertainers where this really matters.I agree. It's annoying, but I think it's primarily limited to popular groups like Rocky.

[Walt.]

Yes it does fail.

If you want your "logic" to hold up, compare two activities that are either legal or illegal, not one of each.

You're actually trying to convince us that legal bad behavior equals illegal bad behavior?? Good luck, but I wouldn't hold your breath.

Actually I'm not trying to convince you of anything of the sort.
If a guy steals your car it's bad behavior... talking on a cell phone during a movie is also bad behavior. Only one is illegal.
By your logic a cow and a giraffe can't both be animals. We won't even go into the platypus!

Now... listen up. A guy is watching "Quincy" on TV and a dragon jumps through his window. The dragon grabs him by the head, runs down the street, and goes into Publix. Dragon buys a six-pack, releases the guy's head, they get drunk and tell war stories.
Pay attention here. The subject is NOT "Quincy."

The point is that people keep making excuses for bad behavior and "reasons" why nothing can be done about it.

Mehh. I know you didn't mean anything by it. Just having a little fun...at your expense.
Say... what the heck does "Mehh" mean anyway?

[graciegirl]

It is bad behavior.

It is not illegal.

People want other people to confront a selfish person who has had a few drinks and tell them that they can't do what they are doing.

People want free entertainment, but adding personnel to stop people who are not breaking any laws is gonna cost some money, somewhere. And in the end there is no teeth to the rule.

It is a rule of conduct, not a rule of law. People who don't give a **** about other people are going to say "So What???". And there is NOTHING anyone can do to stop them from acting that way.

People who don't like to see selfish people intimidating nice people are going to stop going to the square so eventually only the selfish, uncaring bullies will be there sitting in the seats.

We haven't even gotten to the part where a BUNCH of people are ignoring the laws about stealing, and hitting people with their cars and leaving them lying there and forget about stop when the police say stop.

It ain't lookin' good folks.

[biker1]

Maybe. It depends on who owns the Squares. If the Developer owns the Squares then they can ask anyone to leave because of seat saving and if they refuse then it is trespassing and you call the police. I am not suggesting this will ever happen (it won't) but it is more than bad behavior if the Developer owns the Squares.


It is bad behavior.

It is not illegal.

People want other people to confront a selfish person who has had a few drinks and tell them that they can't do what they are doing.

People want free entertainment, but adding personnel to stop people who are not breaking any laws is gonna cost some money, somewhere. And in the end there is no teeth to the rule.

It is a rule of conduct, not a rule of law. People who don't give a **** about other people are going to say "So What???". And there is NOTHING anyone can do to stop them from acting that way.

People who don't like to see selfish people intimidating nice people are going to stop going to the square so eventually only the selfish, uncaring bullies will be there sitting in the seats.

We haven't even gotten to the part where a BUNCH of people are ignoring the laws about stealing, and hitting people with their cars and leaving them lying there and forget about stop when the police say stop.

It ain't lookin' good folks.

[skyking]

There are several forms of seat saving, but having someone at each each square making a sweep at 4pm to remove ropes, tapes, etc. would quickly stop the seat saving at 11am. They would stop wasting their time and get a life.

[graciegirl]

Please fellow Villagers.... we deserve better from our Security Staff... we all know they are being directed by Management to take no action..
just be there and hardly seen.... but lets be honest this staff should be directed to be pro-active (at least 50%) that would be 100% improvement!
This is good for us as residents and good for The Villages to violators within and out of our community.

I would make an educated guess these threads are read by Management... I will make a request at this time PLEASE! HELP us be safer, enjoy
our days and nights knowingly rules will be enforced. I know what I was told by my initial visit with Sales on purchasing properties here.

Violations are not only occurs daily at many locations within The Villages from recreation centers to squares to neighborhoods... Please do not
let the reputation of violation of our rules continue on a downward path.. (especially doing our tense times).. You must admit we are living on
our past history.. Management Please again serves us better.

Residents please take a few minutes out of your day to call Management Office and voice your concerns. When I attended the very good
Village Residents Academy several months ago.. I was told "we do not look for problems or violators here in The Villages, we will look into
complaints if they are brought to our attention" so follow their orders complain,bring things to their attention since these are the new
rules... That goes for your neighborhoods, the streets, the rec centers, the squares... lets keep The Villages what you moved here for..
Your peaceful final years!!! It is getting away from us as it stands now daily...

Thanks

This post is proceeding from an incorrect premise.

There is NO security staff at the squares. There are people working for the entertainment business and the entertainment business (NO longer owned by the developer) is paid by the businesses around the square. The Villages Watch are NOT empowered to protect but to WATCH and report a problem to law enforcement.

So. Call the entertainment business. If they have to pay for security, than the money is going to come from somewhere and the quality of entertainment may be changed. NOTHING is FREE.

AND you can't arrest someone for seat saving. As for law enforcement removing people reported for saving seats....I don't know if that is a feasible plan or a wise one.

[ColdNoMore]

There are several forms of seat saving, but having some at each each square making a sweep at 4pm to remove ropes, tapes, etc. would quickly stop the seat saving at 11am. They would stop wasting their time and get a life.

I agree.

Why have 'rules' if you're not going to bother to try and enforce them?

Either enforce the rule (preferable) or just eliminate it and make it a 'suggestion.'

At least it would eliminate exhibiting such obvious impotence. :shrug:

[outlaw]

Is that two or three challenges per Square? I'm not sure mace would be effective against CCW. I don't think most Residents want ugliness, violence and confrontation at the Squares over a few nights where seats are saved.
I agree. It's annoying, but I think it's primarily limited to popular groups like Rocky.

I was being a little cheeky regarding the mace. I seriously doubt a seat saver is going to pull a gun on a TV staffer that is enforcing the rules. Does anyone think that the recreation dept staff would allow an habitual line breaker to continue to bully their way to the front of the water volleyball line or the pickleball line? Of course not. If the person refused to straighten up, the person would be trespassed. End of problem.

[outlaw]

[QUOTE=outlaw;1256229]
Attacked in a parking lot is just slightly different than someone saving a seat for a friend.

We're not talking about saving a seat for A friend. We're talking about hogging a whole string of saved chairs for groups. I don't think anyone would begrudge someone saving a seat for one friend.

[graciegirl]

I was being a little cheeky regarding the mace. I seriously doubt a seat saver is going to pull a gun on a TV staffer that is enforcing the rules. Does anyone think that the recreation dept staff would allow an habitual line breaker to continue to bully their way to the front of the water volleyball line or the pickleball line? Of course not. If the person refused to straighten up, the person would be trespassed. End of problem.

The funds supporting the Villages Pools are different than the funds supporting the entertainment at the squares. Amenity fees support the pools. The merchants at the squares pay for entertainment. The entertainment department is no longer owned by the developer. The recreation department (pools) is run by the CDD. With CDD monies.

Follow the money. Economics is fascinating.

OR in the event that is too complicated, do as many do on this forum, blame it on the greed of certain entities. I always wonder if those folks tell their kids, grow up but for heavens sake don't leave our home and become a financial success by going into business. Don't come runnin' to me if you become a CEO of something and make a lot of money. Do something simple. Be a drug dealer or work for the government but don't make a lot of money. People will call you greedy. You will bring shame to our family.

[outlaw]

There is no upside, and lots of downside, to asking the shirted Villages folks to confront people saving seats. I have seen them enforce safety issues such as having people move seats to keep aisles open. Bring your own chairs -end of story. Although I guess we could get to the point where people will whine about people saving "ground" ;-)

The upside is the policy would be adhered to. The downside risk is minimal in my opinion. Do you see water volleyball participants cut the line to get in, or pickleball players cutting the line. No. Why not? They know they couldn't get away with it. If the staff can enforce safety issues without violence, why assume they can't enforce other developer policies without violence? It's illogical.

[biker1]

Confronting people who may have been drinking only has downside. Creating a ruckus that might encourage bystanders to go elsewhere to spend money only has downside. Seat saving is only an issue with a few popular groups. Regardless of what you think, there is little chance of any change as the "shirted" people are not going to confront people over seat saving. People aren't going to argue when approached about safety issues - whole different issue - and there are cops around if people refuse to comply with safety issues.

The upside is the policy would be adhered to. The downside risk is minimal in my opinion. Do you see water volleyball participants cut the line to get in, or pickleball players cutting the line. No. Why not? They know they couldn't get away with it. If the staff can enforce safety issues without violence, why assume they can't enforce other developer policies without violence? It's illogical.

[Bonny]

[QUOTE=Bonny;1256262]

We're not talking about saving a seat for A friend. We're talking about hogging a whole string of saved chairs for groups. I don't think anyone would begrudge someone saving a seat for one friend.
Okay, so being attacked in a parking lot is slightly different than someone saving a row of seats. :D
The quote is a little mixed up. This was not my post even though it has my name on it. LOL

[looneycat]

Not to open the old wound, but why not just stop providing chairs? Lots of people go to the squares and take their own.

visitors have no chairs to bring. the squares are a sales tool

[Barefoot]

The funds supporting the Villages Pools are different than the funds supporting the entertainment at the squares. Amenity fees support the pools. The merchants at the squares pay for entertainment. The entertainment department is no longer owned by the developer.

Confronting people who may have been drinking only has downside. Creating a ruckus that might encourage bystanders to go elsewhere to spend money only has downside. Seat saving is only an issue with a few popular groups. I totally agree with Biker's post; and Graciegirl has also made some valid comments.
Since The Developer no longer owns The Entertainment Department, demands that The Developer should fix this problem are similar to barking up the wrong tree - the squirrel has moved on.

[bbbbbb]

There is new trend in place today, all over, not just in the villages.

People go to work to get a paycheck.
People go to work to visit with friends.
People go to work to exchange ideas on ball games and TV shows.
People do not necessarily go to work in order to work.

[Walt.]

Once again people are pretending that you have to hire someone to remove ropes and tape. How much effort and time would it take to remove rope and tape at 4:30? There is staff there.

As for confronting a drunk who saved the seats? If somebody is drunk and starting a problem... don't they get removed already? The point of removing the ropes and tapes is that someone tied the seats off.. AND LEFT. There's actually nobody there to confront anybody.

This thread is getting old. We need to punch it up a bit...

Hmmm.... we haven't discussed coyotes lately...

Here goes... I saw three drunken coyotes roping off about a dozen seats at the last Rocky & The Rollers show. I asked them not to do that but they just howled.

[outlaw]

[QUOTE=outlaw;1256805]
Okay, so being attacked in a parking lot is slightly different than someone saving a row of seats. :D
The quote is a little mixed up. This was not my post even though it has my name on it. LOL

This looks like post saving to me! Now it's getting out of hand.

[outlaw]

The funds supporting the Villages Pools are different than the funds supporting the entertainment at the squares. Amenity fees support the pools. The merchants at the squares pay for entertainment. The entertainment department is no longer owned by the developer. The recreation department (pools) is run by the CDD. With CDD monies.

Follow the money. Economics is fascinating.

OR in the event that is too complicated, do as many do on this forum, blame it on the greed of certain entities. I always wonder if those folks tell their kids, grow up but for heavens sake don't leave our home and become a financial success by going into business. Don't come runnin' to me if you become a CEO of something and make a lot of money. Do something simple. Be a drug dealer or work for the government but don't make a lot of money. People will call you greedy. You will bring shame to our family.

I was using the rec dept as an example of an entity enforcing rules/policy. The entertainment dept could do the same thing. At any rate, I think the developer does own the square property, which is where the issue occurs. I think the billionaire can do/enforce what ever he/she wants in the square. Follow the money.

[NoMoSno]

Doesn't Brownwood put out the chairs, just before the show?
Why not do the same in SS?
It's ridiculous we have these issues in a "55"plus community...

[Carl in Tampa]

I don't have much of a dog in this fight since I bring my own (wheel) chair and it's no hardship to also bring a folding chair for Barbara on the golf cart.

Having said that, here is a thought. Legitimize saving seats...... but only beginning an hour before the entertainment starts.

WHY? Because allowing saving seats rewards people who show up early, just as people who are early to the movie theater are first in line. But there is no reason that a person who shows up early and obtains a seat should be obligated to be confined to that seat until the entertainment starts. Allow the person who obtained the seat to save the seat while going to purchase something to drink or an ice cream cone just as the person who gets a choice seat in the movie theater can get up and go get popcorn without losing the seat.

HOW? Simply keep the chairs locked up until an hour before the entertainment starts. Don't task employees with setting up the chairs. People get them, first come, first served when they are unlocked. Employees are only tasked with keeping exit paths clear.

Paint exit path outlines on the concrete. Employees would only be tasked with pointing out to the public that they must keep the paths clear.

RESULT? If you show up "fashionably late" you risk not getting a seat, unless an early comer has decided to leave or there are still chairs available in the unlocked supply.

Face it. The population of The Villages has grown to the point that the town squares are often unable to accommodate the number of people who would like to attend a free entertainment event. We no longer live in The Villages of the past.