Priority Pool Memberships Extended?

[BeetleBailey]

I just talked to the Tee Time/Membership office that handles the priority pool memberships. I ask her if there had been a decision made on extending our priority pool memberships because of Covid19 shutting down the pools, & she said no. She then told me to go to the website Golf The Villages (http://www.golfthevillages.com) to let them know how I felt. She said they do read our comments. I just sent in a email that the pool memberships should be extended, & why. Now the pools are open, but not the hot tubs which is what I used regularly because of having 2 back surgeries. This shouldn’t be a difficult decision if they expect me to continue buying a yearly membership.

[Medtrans]

Maybe I’m the only one who feels this way but I don’t feel that I’m owed an extension on my membership. If everything was closed due to a hurricane or some other disaster, we wouldn’t expect that would we? It would be different if they were at fault and the pools were closed, but they’re not. I feel it’s part of this whole process that affects us all in different ways.

[timinthevillages]

Although I'm guessing even with the closure they may have had maintenance cost. Just my position but I can afford my gym membership and can easily absorb a couple months.

No principle here. Something happened out of everyone's control. Stuff happens. Live goes on. Let's try and put this behind us and get on with life in paradise as best as we can

[JoMar]

Agree with the responses.....it's not inexpensive to live here and we all seem to be able to afford it. Why do some believe it necessary that they get refunds or compensation when something happens outside of the control of the service providers? Villager greed?

[MrGolf]

Not going to happen. By virtue of the pools reopening with no word of a refund or extension, I believe you have received an answer. As someone mentioned they incurred costs during the shutdown. We re-upped for another 12.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I just talked to the Tee Time/Membership office that handles the priority pool memberships. I ask her if there had been a decision made on extending our priority pool memberships because of Covid19 shutting down the pools, & she said no. She then told me to go to the website Golf The Villages (http://www.golfthevillages.com) to let them know how I felt. She said they do read our comments. I just sent in a email that the pool memberships should be extended, & why. Now the pools are open, but not the hot tubs which is what I used regularly because of having 2 back surgeries. This shouldn’t be a difficult decision if they expect me to continue buying a yearly membership.

If you have a medical need for a hot tub you probably should install one at your property, so you don't EVER have to rely on 1) a hot tub being open when you want to use it, and 2) an open hot tub having room for YOU when you happen to show up wanting to use it.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

It would be GREAT if all our paid dues/memberships for clubs and other things were extended for three months. I mean it'd be stellar, honestly. But I don't expect it, and I don't feel like we need to be demanding it. If it's that big a deal to you, you can just cancel your priority membership and buy your own tub have your own pool installed, or arrange for the bridge club to meet at your house instead of the rec center, or buy some land nearby and build your own archery range, etc. etc. etc.

[Girlcopper]

Although I'm guessing even with the closure they may have had maintenance cost. Just my position but I can afford my gym membership and can easily absorb a couple months.

No principle here. Something happened out of everyone's control. Stuff happens. Live goes on. Let's try and put this behind us and get on with life in paradise as best as we can

Exactly!

[Russp]

So if the MVP gym closes and did not give a refund or extension that would be ok? I don’t think so. The priority pool is a extra expense that we pay for with the expectation of getting a service. And this service was not provided. If it was a building that burned down everyone would want something from them.

[Dgizzi]

I just talked to the Tee Time/Membership office that handles the priority pool memberships. I ask her if there had been a decision made on extending our priority pool memberships because of Covid19 shutting down the pools, & she said no. She then told me to go to the website Golf The Villages (http://www.golfthevillages.com) to let them know how I felt. She said they do read our comments. I just sent in a email that the pool memberships should be extended, & why. Now the pools are open, but not the hot tubs which is what I used regularly because of having 2 back surgeries. This shouldn’t be a difficult decision if they expect me to continue buying a yearly membership.
I just moved here in March what is this priority pool membership? I was never told about it? Thanks in advance for any help! Diana G

[Bill Harlan]

Why didn’t you put ?hold on your membership when everything closed

[Mikee1]

Agree with the responses.....it's not inexpensive to live here and we all seem to be able to afford it. Why do some believe it necessary that they get refunds or compensation when something happens outside of the control of the service providers? Villager greed?

I believe you may have hit the nail on the head. Some folks move here without doing a budget. Once here they spend beyond their means and then work to reduce all and any costs. If you cannot afford an activity, either do not do it or figure out a way to pay for it. But do not expect to be given special treatment due to your budget. This behavior is witnessed in a lot of circumstances.

[jbrown132]

Maybe I’m the only one who feels this way but I don’t feel that I’m owed an extension on my membership. If everything was closed due to a hurricane or some other disaster, we wouldn’t expect that would we? It would be different if they were at fault and the pools were closed, but they’re not. I feel it’s part of this whole process that affects us all in different ways.
When I first came to The Villages 10 years ago, I can guarantee you they would have done something. It was just smart business. That no longer exists with the kids running the business. It’s all about money. How much is enough.

[Bill Harlan]

It is called an act of God !

[theruizs]

So if the MVP gym closes and did not give a refund or extension that would be ok? I don’t think so. The priority pool is a extra expense that we pay for with the expectation of getting a service. And this service was not provided. If it was a building that burned down everyone would want something from them.

And if the gym goes out of business as a result who does that benefit? Businesses have been hit pretty hard. There are people behind these businesses who have expenses whether they are open or not, have employees to pay, have personal bills, have to eat, etc. They did not choose to close, they were ordered to. Maybe the Morse family are in a better financial position but they shouldn’t be expected to just absorb all these losses just because of it. If they choose to, great. Should they have to? I don’t think so.

[timinthevillages]

When I first came to The Villages 10 years ago, I can guarantee you they would have done something. It was just smart business. That no longer exists with the kids running the business. It’s all about money. How much is enough.
You may be right but times have changed. I remember my dad talking about how things were different in the old days (good and bad). We can talk about how it use to be and still live in the past or adapt and enjoy today and leave yesterday behind.

[christine w]

We just bought our place in March and were never told about a priority membership either. What is it and how does it work?

[timinthevillages]

So if the MVP gym closes and did not give a refund or extension that would be ok? I don’t think so. The priority pool is a extra expense that we pay for with the expectation of getting a service. And this service was not provided. If it was a building that burned down everyone would want something from them.
For me, if MVP closed down, went out of business or burn down I would not expect any compensation. As I stated earlier, stuff happens. But of course that's just me.

[biker1]

MVP suspended credit card charges for membership while they are closed because of COVID-19.

For me, if MVP closed down, went out of business or burn down I would not expect any compensation. As I stated earlier, stuff happens. But of course that's just me.

[coffeebean]

Hubby and I pay for The Villages fitness center membership. It would be a nice gesture for all members who pay for this membership to have our memberships extended for one month. It has been over two months that we have not been able to use the facilities so I'm just asking for the Morse family to split the difference with the members. A nice gesture on their part will go a long way.

[Dilligas]

We just bought our place in March and were never told about a priority membership either. What is it and how does it work?
Go online to Golf The Villages (http://www.golfthevillages.com), select the tab 'golfing in the villages', then select 'Priority Memberships' in the drop down. All is explained. If you want to play Championship courses and can do approximately 2-3 rounds per week (per couple membership) it pays for itself. You will need it to play many golf groups on Championship courses.

[doodles]

The pools still had to be maintained during the shutdown so no you shouldn’t get an extension

[coffeebean]

The pools still had to be maintained during the shutdown so no you shouldn’t get an extension

The fitness centers just sat idle during the time they were closed unless a little dusting was done.

[Doug_from_Hershey]

Your not the only one who feels that was. Life dealt us this hand as a group not selected few.

[newgirl]

Not everyone who lives here is financially secure or wealthy, many are living on social security .

[davem4616]

When I first came to The Villages 10 years ago, I can guarantee you they would have done something. It was just smart business. That no longer exists with the kids running the business. It’s all about money. How much is enough.


My sense is that "the kids" (as jbrown refers to them) are actually doing a fabulous job "running the business" I don't consider them to be 'rookies' by any stretch...they grew up in this business and I applaud them for the work, the vision, the commitment and the values that they have.

These are different times and different times require different actions...any hypothetical guarantee about what would, or would not have happened 10 years ago is pure BS

We homeowners have little or no insight into what "the kids" are doing to help the area small businesses, and the hundreds of family's who's jobs and livelihood are dependent upon these "kids"

I doubt that anyone living in TV really needs a refund for a couple month's membership fee to a gym or a private pool that at best would amount to 'chump change' to make ends meet

Finally to answer the question of 'how much money is enough/'...it takes a lot of working capital to run a business....those businesses that don't have enough will be joining 'Pier 1' and the other companies that are going out of business because they were poorly managed

Our worse nightmare would be finding out that "the kids" hadn't been good custodians of the business and couldn't make the tough decisions when they needed to be made...and the whole thing is collapsing.... I doubt that that would ever happen, they're very good at what they do

[davem4616]

Not everyone who lives here is financially secure or wealthy, many are living on social security .

Understood...however it's highly unlikely that those folks are shelling out money that they can't afford for private gym fees or private pool fees

[MSchad]

When I first came to The Villages 10 years ago, I can guarantee you they would have done something. It was just smart business. That no longer exists with the kids running the business. It’s all about money. How much is enough.
Personally I’m thankful the kids are still running the business. If it really is “all about money”, they probably would have sold out. Then where would we be?

[davem4616]

Personally I’m thankful the kids are still running the business. If it really is “all about money”, they probably would have sold out. Then where would we be?


in a pickle for sure

[timinthevillages]

The fitness centers just sat idle during the time they were closed unless a little dusting was done.

Do you know that for a fact or is it possible they paid for a professional sanitizer company.

[timinthevillages]

Removed post someone beat me to the same response.

[DeafDeaf]

Same issue with monthly amenity fees - if we cannot postpone for a couple of months, this is a moot. However, with the financial report from the District Government shows the surplus, I anticipate that the fees next year will be reduced accordingly. However, with the private Golf administration, we have no control. Sigh!

[Garwood1]

I want to contract all you folks that don’t have a care whether you receive what you pay for or not , I will charge you $ to do your yards , your landscaping and then not show up but will keep getting paid , it’s not unreasonable to expect to get reimbursed for what you didn’t receive and bet your backside they laid off employees to get through this time so expenses were minimal , can’t believe the sheep that just roll their eyes and say oh well no big deal . I expect to receive services that I pay for , not just forget it .

[Barborv]

I'm a little torn. It would show good faith if they did extend the membership for a month or two if someone should call. That would be the nice thing to do. I have several flights that I cancelled in April, May and one in July. Planes are flying, I just wont go on them now. The airlines extended my travel to up to 2 years. So even though the Villages don't have to extend, maybe they can show a courtesy to the people who might call and ask. Probably most wouldn't think to call anyway.

[jarodrig]

Same issue with monthly amenity fees - if we cannot postpone for a couple of months, this is a moot. However, with the financial report from the District Government shows the surplus, I anticipate that the fees next year will be reduced accordingly. However, with the private Golf administration, we have no control. Sigh!

You honestly don’t believe that you’ll get a reduction in your fees next year do you ???

If you do , boy do I got some stuff to sell you !!! LOL !

[Timothyimitchell]

What is the priority membership? And how much does it cost? Is it in addition to the amenity fees?

[jarodrig]

What is the priority membership? And how much does it cost? Is it in addition to the amenity fees?

Question already answered. See post # 21

[Marathon Man]

I want to contract all you folks that don’t have a care whether you receive what you pay for or not , I will charge you $ to do your yards , your landscaping and then not show up but will keep getting paid , it’s not unreasonable to expect to get reimbursed for what you didn’t receive and bet your backside they laid off employees to get through this time so expenses were minimal , can’t believe the sheep that just roll their eyes and say oh well no big deal . I expect to receive services that I pay for , not just forget it .

But you did get services that you paid for. Everything was properly maintained so that they would be available for use when the time comes.

And, Mr. bet-your-backside, employees were paid during the shutdown.

[timinthevillages]

I want to contract all you folks that don’t have a care whether you receive what you pay for or not , I will charge you $ to do your yards , your landscaping and then not show up but will keep getting paid , it’s not unreasonable to expect to get reimbursed for what you didn’t receive and bet your backside they laid off employees to get through this time so expenses were minimal , can’t believe the sheep that just roll their eyes and say oh well no big deal . I expect to receive services that I pay for , not just forget it .
For me and me only I'm just not going to upset over a couple 100 bucks. May or may not be a sheep but I'm differently saying oh well. And I'm letting it go.

[coffeebean]

Do you know that for a fact or is it possible they paid for a professional sanitizer company.

I honestly don't think sanitizing is necessary after all this time has passed. By now if there was any virus in the fitness centers, it would surely be neutralized (inactive) on its own. The virus doesn't live on surfaces for more than a couple of weeks.

[coffeebean]

For me and me only I'm just not going to upset over a couple 100 bucks. May or may not be a sheep but I'm differently saying oh well. And I'm letting it go.

It isn't the money.....it is the principle.

[graciegirl]

It isn't the money.....it is the principle.

Meanwhile the air conditioning still ran in all the rec centers...maybe turned down. Meanwhile the grass was still cut in the common areas. Meanwhile they still painted and maintained. I noticed it at several Villages gate areas. Meanwhile they did continue to pay their help. Meanwhile hamburger is two dollars a pound. Things are gonna cost more because of this interruption.

About sanitizing? People without symptoms are still actively carrying Covid-19 and walking around touching things. There were 940 new cases of this virus in Florida reported this week. It has waned but still continuing and the people over 65 are still at greatest risk. We lost a friend in Ohio this past week to Covid-19.

[biker1]

I would be surprised if the amenities fee was reduced because of any surplus. The amenities fee is adjusted each year, on the anniversary of when your house was bought, by the CPI. I would expect that the CDDs will continue with that obligation. Perhaps GoldWingNut, if he sees this thread, can comment as he is on the CDD10 board.

Same issue with monthly amenity fees - if we cannot postpone for a couple of months, this is a moot. However, with the financial report from the District Government shows the surplus, I anticipate that the fees next year will be reduced accordingly. However, with the private Golf administration, we have no control. Sigh!

[timinthevillages]

It isn't the money.....it is the principle.
And that's where we differ. I can't find any principle. So we just agree to disagree.

[coffeebean]

And that's where we differ. I can't find any principle. So we just agree to disagree.

Maybe you misunderstood what I meant when I used the term "principle". I'm referring to "what is right". I have always been a highly principled person. It is just the way I was brought up.