Some Consideration Please !!!

[Gene Babb]

Last night, at the tree lighting ceremony, my wife and I arrived at 4 with our own chairs. We ended setting up about 8 rows back where the line dancers dance. Good view, that why we arrived early.

Throughout the evening people were coming late, standing between chairs completely blocking our view and those behind us. The staff was continually trying to remove all those that came late from standing in the aisle completely blocking all views. Then the late comers that tried to put their chairs in the aisle or expand the sitting area into the dance floor. This was followed by friends of those who came early came over proceeded to spend the rest of the evening standing with their friends completely blocking the views. Then all was lost towards the end of the lighting ceremony and even standing the late comers completely blocked all.

Doesn't anyone care enough to honor those sitting and respect theirs views?

Please some consideration!!!

[graciegirl]

We had never been to a tree lighting here in The Villages but decided to ride over at about six last night to see what was happening.

Place looked swamped from the distance we could see from our golfcart, so we went home and watched the tree being lit at Rockefeller Center. Our granddaughter was present for that. I didn't see her anywhere in the crowd. ;)


But I looked.

[Chatbrat]

These are the same people who go to the Sharon and insist of taking pictures with their phones, lighting up the area and making the show unpleasant- they only think of themselves--very selfish or just plain stupid

[Sandtrap328]

As I said on another thread, Mrs. Trap and I had a very good time at the tree lighting ceremony and the preceding program.

Yes, during the last 15 minutes before the tree was lit, we did have to stand but it was no inconvenience. I would guess most of the audience in our section were standing and it sure seemed everyone was enjoying themselves.

We arrived around 3:30. Driving by at 6, you definitely saw the size of the crowd. There would have been absolutely no empty seat or even a space for a chair at that time!

Been here for 8 years and the Christmas tree on the square remains just as beautiful each year!

[graciegirl]

As I said on another thread, Mrs. Trap and I had a very good time at the tree lighting ceremony and the preceding program.

Yes, during the last 15 minutes before the tree was lit, we did have to stand but it was no inconvenience. I would guess most of the audience in our section were standing and it sure seemed everyone was enjoying themselves.

We arrived around 3:30. Driving by at 6, you definitely saw the size of the crowd. There would have been absolutely no empty seat or even a space for a chair at that time!

Been here for 8 years and the Christmas tree on the square remains just as beautiful each year!

WHERE is the like button. Oh here;

LIKE

[Chi-Town]

Went to the tree lighting once and was surprised at the lack of the crowd decorum considering the nature of the celebration. Then when the tree was turned on the lights were a letdown due to their dimness. They're brighter now than a few years ago but not oohs and aahs. Anyhow, it was a one and done but glad to have seen it.

Sent from my SM-T310 using Tapatalk

[rustyp]

Last night, at the tree lighting ceremony, my wife and I arrived at 4 with our own chairs. We ended setting up about 8 rows back where the line dancers dance. Good view, that why we arrived early.

Throughout the evening people were coming late, standing between chairs completely blocking our view and those behind us. The staff was continually trying to remove all those that came late from standing in the aisle completely blocking all views. Then the late comers that tried to put their chairs in the aisle or expand the sitting area into the dance floor. This was followed by friends of those who came early came over proceeded to spend the rest of the evening standing with their friends completely blocking the views. Then all was lost towards the end of the lighting ceremony and even standing the late comers completely blocked all.

Doesn't anyone care enough to honor those sitting and respect theirs views?

Please some consideration!!!

With growth comes change and not always for the good. My first tree lighting ceremony was 2005 Spanish Springs. First you would go to Church On The Square for The Holiday Countdown. Top shelf entertainment every night of the week during December. Admission was a canned good donation for the local soup kitchens. Hit the square before 7 pm. Most of us knew each other by first names in those days. No announcements about seat saving, your grandchildren or outside beverages. No fighting, no problem seeing, plenty of tables set up in the street, candles and candy canes, plenty of caroling. Always stilt walkers and other forms of entertainment. After the ceremony a stop at Katie Belles for more singing, dancing, and a night cap. If I recall right a mixed drink (double) in the shacks was less than $3 during happy hour which was still 5-7 pm in Spanish Springs even back then. I don't go anymore for the very reasons you observed - oh well that's progress.

[CWGUY]

With growth comes change and not always for the good. My first tree lighting ceremony was 2005 Spanish Springs. First you would go to Church On The Square for The Holiday Countdown. Top shelf entertainment every night of the week during December. Admission was a canned good donation for the local soup kitchens. Hit the square before 7 pm. Most of us knew each other by first names in those days. No announcements about seat saving, your grandchildren or outside beverages. No fighting, no problem seeing, plenty of tables set up in the street, candles and candy canes, plenty of caroling. Always stilt walkers and other forms of entertainment. After the ceremony a stop at Katie Belles for more singing, dancing, and a night cap. If I recall right a mixed drink (double) in the shacks was less than $3 during happy hour which was still 7-9 pm in Spanish Springs even back then. I don't go anymore for the very reasons you observed - oh well that's progress.

Happy Hour - 5pm - 7pm. same as always on Town Square.:wave:

[rustyp]

Happy Hour - 5pm - 7pm. same as always on Town Square.:wave:

Yep fingers faster than the brain.

[retiredguy123]

Last night, at the tree lighting ceremony, my wife and I arrived at 4 with our own chairs. We ended setting up about 8 rows back where the line dancers dance. Good view, that why we arrived early.

Throughout the evening people were coming late, standing between chairs completely blocking our view and those behind us. The staff was continually trying to remove all those that came late from standing in the aisle completely blocking all views. Then the late comers that tried to put their chairs in the aisle or expand the sitting area into the dance floor. This was followed by friends of those who came early came over proceeded to spend the rest of the evening standing with their friends completely blocking the views. Then all was lost towards the end of the lighting ceremony and even standing the late comers completely blocked all.

Doesn't anyone care enough to honor those sitting and respect theirs views?

Please some consideration!!!
Duh. Did you really think that this would not happen? Some people are rude. It is the way some people behave and anytime you go to an event like that it will occur. I agree with your concerns, but, if you attend next year, the same thing will happen. I stopped going to live events long ago.

[SFSkol]

This sez it all!

MARTA bus blocks feed of Georgia Dome implosion at worst possible time - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM7r4GQNecQ)

[rubicon]

Last night, at the tree lighting ceremony, my wife and I arrived at 4 with our own chairs. We ended setting up about 8 rows back where the line dancers dance. Good view, that why we arrived early.

Throughout the evening people were coming late, standing between chairs completely blocking our view and those behind us. The staff was continually trying to remove all those that came late from standing in the aisle completely blocking all views. Then the late comers that tried to put their chairs in the aisle or expand the sitting area into the dance floor. This was followed by friends of those who came early came over proceeded to spend the rest of the evening standing with their friends completely blocking the views. Then all was lost towards the end of the lighting ceremony and even standing the late comers completely blocked all.

Doesn't anyone care enough to honor those sitting and respect theirs views?

Please some consideration!!!

There actually was a time when going to the town square was a pleasant experience. No more. The Villages is way beyond being over built and with the disappointment of Brownwood pressure is placed on Spanish Springs and especially Lake Sumter Landing.

The Villages idyllic settings captured in photos and video's are unfortunately good only for marketing.

[rustyp]

There actually was a time when going to the town square was a pleasant experience. No more. The Villages is way beyond being over built and with the disappointment of Brownwood pressure is placed on Spanish Springs and especially Lake Sumter Landing.

The Villages idyllic settings captured in photos and video's are unfortunately good only for marketing.

I still go often but it's not the same. The small town atmosphere has disappeared. At some point when the place got big enough the knuckleheads realized they could hide in plain site. Boy you and I are going to catch a lecture from you know who. Dilly Dilly.

[Polar Bear]

There actually was a time when going to the town square was a pleasant experience. No more...
How sad for you.

[Sandtrap328]

You sure would not have seen the pessimism expressed on this thread if you had been at Lake Sumter Landing last night. Villagers were having a great time. For such a huge event, people are going to stand in order to see. The standing was for about 15 minutes at the most.

I was having a great time talking to chair neighbors. I saw no drunk people, no angry people, and no political talk!

I plan to be going to Spanish Springs and Lake Sumter Landing for many more years of live music entertainment. Too bad that feeling does not prevail over everyone here. The charm does not wear off everyone.

[Mrs. Robinson]

Last night, at the tree lighting ceremony, my wife and I arrived at 4 with our own chairs. We ended setting up about 8 rows back where the line dancers dance. Good view, that why we arrived early.

Throughout the evening people were coming late, standing between chairs completely blocking our view and those behind us. The staff was continually trying to remove all those that came late from standing in the aisle completely blocking all views. Then the late comers that tried to put their chairs in the aisle or expand the sitting area into the dance floor. This was followed by friends of those who came early came over proceeded to spend the rest of the evening standing with their friends completely blocking the views. Then all was lost towards the end of the lighting ceremony and even standing the late comers completely blocked all.
Doesn't anyone care enough to honor those sitting and respect theirs views?

Please some consideration!!!

These are the same people who go to the Sharon and insist of taking pictures with their phones, lighting up the area and making the show unpleasant- they only think of themselves--very selfish or just plain stupid.

There actually was a time when going to the town square was a pleasant experience. No more. The Villages is way beyond being over built and with the disappointment of Brownwood pressure is placed on Spanish Springs and especially Lake Sumter Landing.

The Villages idyllic settings captured in photos and video's are unfortunately good only for marketing.

I have lived in two foreign countries and many cities with a population much larger than TV.
Never, and I repeat never, have I met and come across more nasty and rude people than I have here.
The phrase that TV is American's friendliest home town is a terrible misnomer!
And regarding marketing . . . well, that's another topic altogether!

I don't know what it is that makes some of these people feel so entitled.
I don't know what it is that makes them so rude as in "me first and screw you." :ohdear:
Where do they come off treating others like this?
No, it isn't because TV has grown so much.
Do you really think growth has made a difference in their behavior?
Absolutely not! Even in New York City, most people are polite.

I think the developer should pay off duty cops (in uniform) to maintain crowd control at these events. Otherwise, if no one is
taking responsibility for making these deadbeats move, these events shouldn't be held.

A couple of years ago I went to an event at the square at Lake Sumter.
My husband didn't want to go so I went with a friend.
There was one empty chair at the end of a row and a husband and wife were sitting next to this chair.
There also was an empty chair next to the wife.
I politely asked if they would move over one seat so my friend and I could sit together.
You would have thought I four-lettered him, insulted his wife and asked him to do something that took a lot of effort!
To boot, after some not very nice words, his remark to me was to stop bothering him; otherwise he would call the police! :rant-rave:
Since that time I have never gone to another event.
It isn't worth getting my dander up because inevitably, someone would exhibit that type of attitude and I can't tolerate the kind of behavior I've mentioned above.

[rubicon]

How sad for you.

Poster our TOTV history has always been if I said red you would say blue. so here we are again. You misunderstand. I don't tie my happiness or sadness to a place. I am a realist, a pragmatist and a survivor. I simply pointed out that this place is overbuilt. and unlike major cities we all have to share limited space on road, cart paths, crowded facilities (ie we are all going to the same places. and to boot sharing most of the same facilities with communities, also exploding, on the fringe of TV

One poster wrote about the rudeness of people here. One explanation may well be that the marketing by the sales department has faded away into the reality of what TV and the surrounding area has become.

This is no longer a 55+ retirement community. It has long since become a vacation destination where investment companies are buying several homes for renting wherein they can ignore the many rules. Like living up north, come winter I make my adjustments as the renters , et al make their appearance

If your definition of paradise is crowded everything empty food shelves and long waits then from October to May you are going to be one happy bloke:D

[Plowboy]

I’m not so sure that rudeness or selfish is the problem. I feel that if you told those standing and blocking the view of others would be apologetic and move immediately. Keep in mind, we are old, many of us over 70; therefore, we have reduced power in the grey matter area. Most want to believe we are as sharp as we were at 40, but we’re not. We all start losing it after 55 or 60. Relax, do your best to be thoughtful and try to understand the limitations we have as we age.

[rustyp]

I have lived in two foreign countries and many cities with a population much larger than TV.
Never, and I repeat never, have I met and come across more nasty and rude people than I have here.
The phrase that TV is American's friendliest home town is a terrible misnomer!
And regarding marketing . . . well, that's another topic altogether!

I don't know what it is that makes some of these people feel so entitled.
I don't know what it is that makes them so rude as in "me first and screw you." :ohdear:
Where do they come off treating others like this?
No, it isn't because TV has grown so much.
Do you really think growth has made a difference in their behavior?
Absolutely not! Even in New York City, most people are polite.

I think the developer should pay off duty cops (in uniform) to maintain crowd control at these events. Otherwise, if no one is
taking responsibility for making these deadbeats move, these events shouldn't be held.

A couple of years ago I went to an event at the square at Lake Sumter.
My husband didn't want to go so I went with a friend.
There was one empty chair at the end of a row and a husband and wife were sitting next to this chair.
There also was an empty chair next to the wife.
I politely asked if they would move over one seat so my friend and I could sit together.
You would have thought I four-lettered him, insulted his wife and asked him to do something that took a lot of effort!
To boot, after some not very nice words, his remark to me was to stop bothering him; otherwise he would call the police! :rant-rave:
Since that time I have never gone to another event.
It isn't worth getting my dander up because inevitably, someone would exhibit that type of attitude and I can't tolerate the kind of behavior I've mentioned above.

Yes beyond a reasonable doubt

[perrjojo]

I have lived in two foreign countries and many cities with a population much larger than TV.
Never, and I repeat never, have I met and come across more nasty and rude people than I have here.
The phrase that TV is American's friendliest home town is a terrible misnomer!
And regarding marketing . . . well, that's another topic altogether!

I don't know what it is that makes some of these people feel so entitled.
I don't know what it is that makes them so rude as in "me first and screw you." :ohdear:
Where do they come off treating others like this?
No, it isn't because TV has grown so much.
Do you really think growth has made a difference in their behavior?
Absolutely not! Even in New York City, most people are polite.

I think the developer should pay off duty cops (in uniform) to maintain crowd control at these events. Otherwise, if no one is
taking responsibility for making these deadbeats move, these events shouldn't be held.

A couple of years ago I went to an event at the square at Lake Sumter.
My husband didn't want to go so I went with a friend.
There was one empty chair at the end of a row and a husband and wife were sitting next to this chair.
There also was an empty chair next to the wife.
I politely asked if they would move over one seat so my friend and I could sit together.
You would have thought I four-lettered him, insulted his wife and asked him to do something that took a lot of effort!
To boot, after some not very nice words, his remark to me was to stop bothering him; otherwise he would call the police! :rant-rave:
Since that time I have never gone to another event.
It isn't worth getting my dander up because inevitably, someone would exhibit that type of attitude and I can't tolerate the kind of behavior I've mentioned above.

Wow! I don’t know what to say. We were at the tree lighting and had no chairs. My husband is wearing a back brace due to recent surgery and someone offered him their chair. There are all kinds of people in this world. I have met both types but I would never let one rude person keep me from enjoying my life.

[fw102807]

In a perfect world.
We went walked around and thought it was fun.

[CFrance]

I went to a tree lighting at Brownwood three years ago with a friend. She had to drag me there, because I'm a crowd claustrophobic. We were jam-packed standing, but everyone was polite about it. It was a very nice time, and I kept my eye on the tree and not the crowds. My only fear was we all were going to set each other on fire with all those candles!

Also, I love having miscellaneous conversations with people I don't know and probably will never see again.

[Allegiance]

I have lived in two foreign countries and many cities with a population much larger than TV.
Never, and I repeat never, have I met and come across more nasty and rude people than I have here.
The phrase that TV is American's friendliest home town is a terrible misnomer!
And regarding marketing . . . well, that's another topic altogether!

I don't know what it is that makes some of these people feel so entitled.
I don't know what it is that makes them so rude as in "me first and screw you." :ohdear:
Where do they come off treating others like this?
No, it isn't because TV has grown so much.
Do you really think growth has made a difference in their behavior?
Absolutely not! Even in New York City, most people are polite.

I think the developer should pay off duty cops (in uniform) to maintain crowd control at these events. Otherwise, if no one is
taking responsibility for making these deadbeats move, these events shouldn't be held.

A couple of years ago I went to an event at the square at Lake Sumter.
My husband didn't want to go so I went with a friend.
There was one empty chair at the end of a row and a husband and wife were sitting next to this chair.
There also was an empty chair next to the wife.
I politely asked if they would move over one seat so my friend and I could sit together.
You would have thought I four-lettered him, insulted his wife and asked him to do something that took a lot of effort!
To boot, after some not very nice words, his remark to me was to stop bothering him; otherwise he would call the police! :rant-rave:
Since that time I have never gone to another event.
It isn't worth getting my dander up because inevitably, someone would exhibit that type of attitude and I can't tolerate the kind of behavior I've mentioned above.Some truth, but you lost credibility at New York City.

The Villages might very well be completely unique, in that so many older people going out and socializing. Truth in the statement that the brain changes.

Elsewhere the sole older person will be given respect and priority by others. In a place where everyone is a senior that can't logically happen. So perhaps ones view, this posters view, is distorted.

[Polar Bear]

Poster our TOTV history has always been if I said red you would say blue. so here we are again. You misunderstand. I don't tie my happiness or sadness to a place. I am a realist, a pragmatist and a survivor. I simply pointed out that this place is overbuilt. and unlike major cities we all have to share limited space on road, cart paths, crowded facilities (ie we are all going to the same places. and to boot sharing most of the same facilities with communities, also exploding, on the fringe of TV

One poster wrote about the rudeness of people here. One explanation may well be that the marketing by the sales department has faded away into the reality of what TV and the surrounding area has become.

This is no longer a 55+ retirement community. It has long since become a vacation destination where investment companies are buying several homes for renting wherein they can ignore the many rules. Like living up north, come winter I make my adjustments as the renters , et al make their appearance

If your definition of paradise is crowded everything empty food shelves and long waits then from October to May you are going to be one happy bloke:D
Again, these are just your takes on these issues, not facts. And I didn't misunderstand. I simply stated I thought it was sad for you. I still do.

And I'm not looking for paradise...at least not yet. :) I'm just looking for a pleasant place to spend my later years. Imo, TV qualifies.

...Never, and I repeat never, have I met and come across more nasty and rude people than I have here...
And you don't think this has anything to do with you?

[fw102807]

Some truth, but you lost credibility at New York City.

The Villages might very well be completely unique, in that so many older people going out and socializing. Truth in the statement that the brain changes.

Elsewhere the sole older person will be given respect and priority by others. In a place where everyone is a senior that can't logically happen. So perhaps ones view, this posters view, is distorted.

I have been to NYC many times and I can say that there were very many rude people there. I have also been to Europe and found they can be very rude as well. This is not a Villages problem, this is a universal problem.

If you so dislike the Villages why do you not move to somewhere you consider more civilized?

[Allegiance]

I have been to NYC many times and I can say that there were very many rude people there. I have also been to Europe and found they can be very rude as well. This is not a Villages problem, this is a universal problem.

If you so dislike the Villages why do you not move to somewhere you consider more civilized?All absolutely true.

[dewilson58]

Wow..............this thread went to hell in less than 30 posts.

An unfortunate event at a Square has really pulled everyone down.

The sun is up, it's a beautiful day and we are all above ground.

:gc:

[Wiotte]

Overcrowding leads people to act in a way they wouldn’t otherwise. All it takes are a few bad apples and the rest will follow the cue.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[fw102807]

Overcrowding leads people to act in a way they wouldn’t otherwise. All it takes are a few bad apples and the rest will follow the cue.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

So does alcohol...

[Wiotte]

So does alcohol...



That too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[graciegirl]

Wow..............this thread went to hell in less than 30 posts.

An unfortunate event at a Square has really pulled everyone down.

The sun is up, it's a beautiful day and we are all above ground.

:gc:

Well said and heeded.

[Sandtrap328]

"An unfortunate event at a square"?

The OP thought he could remain seated in the 8th row back and see everything at the largest attended event of the year? That is ridiculous to think if he was not in the front row.

I was there. No angry people, no drunks, a couple thousand happy Villagers and (obviously) a few grumps.

[Polar Bear]

...Those who think The Villages has lost it's magic can make a good profit on their house and find something else to their liking...
Ohhh...you'll pay for that remark, ST!! :beer3: :a040: