Dancing With A Conductor's Baton at Spanish Springs

[Lottoguy]

Spanish Springs is a great place for people watching!

The Villages - The Conductor Invades Spanish Springs - YouTube (https://youtube.com/shorts/o2D1CZpRUYE?feature=share)

[BrianL99]

Spanish Springs is a great place for people watching!

The Villages - The Conductor Invades Spanish Springs - YouTube (https://youtube.com/shorts/o2D1CZpRUYE?feature=share)

The "Conductor" has either seriously aged since I went back to New England a few months ago or there's another one?

Could the singing possibly be any worse? The quality of the band at the Squares is just abysmal.

[PugMom]

The "Conductor" has either seriously aged since I went back to New England a few months ago or there's another one?

Could the singing possibly be any worse? The quality of the band at the Squares is just abysmal.

he did age, & put on a couple pounds, but looks ok.

[I'm Popeye!]

It would be an excellent promotional Village video that tells the outside world, Come on Down! :D

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Spanish Springs is a great place for people watching!

The Villages - The Conductor Invades Spanish Springs - YouTube (https://youtube.com/shorts/o2D1CZpRUYE?feature=share)

That's Mark. He's awesome. Takes care of his mom in one of the attached villas (townhouses) next to the square. Whoever shot the video, probably would've seen him being much more energetic if they'd waited for a different song. The conductor's wand was given to him as a gift from another regular there. Mark is very intelligent, doesn't drink alcohol. He's high-functioning on the autism spectrum. A nice guy, full of energy and love, gives kick-ass hugs, and smells like patchouli.

[MrFlorida]

Cute, until somebody gets poked with his stick.

[shut the front door]

Cute, until somebody gets poked with his stick.

So true! OMG, in fact, we probably shouldn't go outside today in case a golf cart hits us, or lightning strikes us, or a tree falls on us..... :ohdear:

[Flyers999]

Mark is a SS icon. A legend.

[justjim]

“A bad day is one when you don’t smile”. Anonymous

[margaretmattson]

The "Conductor" has either seriously aged since I went back to New England a few months ago or there's another one?

Could the singing possibly be any worse? The quality of the band at the Squares is just abysmal. Yes, quality of the bands is lacking. I've been listening to the same bands for 20+ years,
with some playing the same songs for that long of a time period. Only go there when we have guests. Even they are starting to recognize the same ol' same ol'. I am not a musician and appreciate what they bring to the stage night after night, but please learn new songs to change it up a bit.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Cute, until somebody gets poked with his stick.

Except - that doesn't happen. Unlike many people, Mark has very astute situational awareness. He watches constantly, and is much more considerate of the space around him than the average fungus-toed, cigar-smoking, drink-spilling, loudmouth buffoon who stumbles into you on the square perimeter.

(seriously, fungus-toed guy, whoever you are - put some socks on those hushpuppies, that's DISGUSTING. And lower your voice, and stop using your hands to animate your conversations while holding your drink, and blow that cigar smoke away from the rest of humanity, please and thank you.)

[fdpaq0580]

Yes, quality of the bands is lacking. I've been listening to the same bands for 20+ years,
with some playing the same songs for that long of a time period. Only go there when we have guests. Even they are starting to recognize the same ol' same ol'. I am not a musician and appreciate what they bring to the stage night after night, but please learn new songs to change it up a bit.

Some like to "change it up", while others like hearing the songs they enjoy and are familiar with. Different strokes for, well, you know.

[I'm Popeye!]

Mark is a SS icon. A legend.
:eek: An "Icon" & "Legend." Really? :loco:

[Whitley]

Cute, until somebody gets poked with his stick.

You are talking about the baton, aren't you?

[Whitley]

Mark is a SS icon. A legend.



SS?

[Bill14564]

:eek: An "Icon" & "Legend." Really? :loco:

Cute picture but Merriam-Webster seems to agree with Flyers999.

[I'm Popeye!]

Except - that doesn't happen. Unlike many people, Mark has very astute situational awareness. He watches constantly, and is much more considerate of the space around him than the average fungus-toed, cigar-smoking, drink-spilling, loudmouth buffoon who stumbles into you on the square perimeter.
(seriously, fungus-toed guy, whoever you are - put some socks on those hushpuppies, that's DISGUSTING. And lower your voice, and stop using your hands to animate your conversations while holding your drink, and blow that cigar smoke away from the rest of humanity[/B], please and thank you.)


:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl: Keep on typing OrangeBlossomLady, Your Keyboard protects you... :024: . . . . . . .:boxing2:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

SS?

SS: Spanish Springs.

And yes, he is a Spanish Springs legend and icon. So is "Bob," and so are the couple who wear cowboy hats and matching outfits.

[BrianL99]

Except - that doesn't happen. Unlike many people, Mark has very astute situational awareness. He watches constantly, and is much more considerate of the space around him

That's a gross misstatement of the facts.


The 4 or 5 times I've seen him, he was completely in a daze and unaware of anyone around him.

[JMintzer]

Another reason I rarely make the trip up to SS...

I'll go for the occasional show at the Sharon and dinner at Costa del Mar...

[JMintzer]

That's Mark. He's awesome. Takes care of his mom in one of the attached villas (townhouses) next to the square. Whoever shot the video, probably would've seen him being much more energetic if they'd waited for a different song. The conductor's wand was given to him as a gift from another regular there. Mark is very intelligent, doesn't drink alcohol. He's high-functioning on the autism spectrum. A nice guy, full of energy and love, gives kick-ass hugs, and smells like patchouli.

Yuck!

[JMintzer]

Except - that doesn't happen. Unlike many people, Mark has very astute situational awareness. He watches constantly, and is much more considerate of the space around him than the average fungus-toed, cigar-smoking, drink-spilling, loudmouth buffoon who stumbles into you on the square perimeter.

(seriously, fungus-toed guy, whoever you are - put some socks on those hushpuppies, that's DISGUSTING. And lower your voice, and stop using your hands to animate your conversations while holding your drink, and blow that cigar smoke away from the rest of humanity, please and thank you.)



So, mocking someone's medical condition is now cool?

[PugMom]

Mark is a SS icon. A legend.

i have seen him @ Brownwood on a few occasions, & i think he had drum sticks then

[PugMom]

So, mocking someone's medical condition is now cool?

I admit it!! it's ME!!!! she sold me out!! :1rotfl::1rotfl:

[coffeebean]

You are talking about the baton, aren't you?

OMG......too funny!

[EdFNJ]

Some like to "change it up", while others like hearing the songs they enjoy and are familiar with. Different strokes for, well, you know. True, but they should at least change the order they play them in! Let's see, if I go to the square when Rocky and the Elders are playing at 8:53:22 PM they will be playing the same song they played 6 years ago when we first heard them that night at 8:53:22 (+- 47 seconds) !! :a040: :D :D

[BrianL99]

True, but they should at least change the order they play them in! Let's see, if I go to the square when Rocky and the Elders are playing at 8:53:22 PM they will be playing the same song they played 6 years ago when we first heard them that night at 8:53:22 (+- 47 seconds) !! :a040: :D :D


The whole Rocky thing, baffles me. They're awful.

[Tommyc6]

Marks a nice guy leave him alone.

[Davonu]

I’m sure he’s a nice guy, but if he ever lets out one of his blood curdling screams unexpectedly right near you, you may not think his antics are so cute.

[Lynnesail]

I’m sure he’s a nice guy, but if he ever lets out one of his blood curdling screams unexpectedly right near you, you may not think his antics are so cute.

He may be a nice guy, but I prefer the paid entertainment.

[Aviator1211]

I’m sure he’s a nice guy, but if he ever lets out one of his blood curdling screams unexpectedly right near you, you may not think his antics are so cute.

Yes. An individual with a supposed medical condition (no blood curdling screams off the square or at Walmart) is welcomed at the square and even celebrated, but someone with PTSD who is sensitive to sudden unexpected blood curdling screams has to go elsewhere. If you feel this is wrong, please say something to the security guards.

[Marmaduke]

Except - that doesn't happen. Unlike many people, Mark has very astute situational awareness. He watches constantly, and is much more considerate of the space around him than the average fungus-toed, cigar-smoking, drink-spilling, loudmouth buffoon who stumbles into you on the square perimeter.

(seriously, fungus-toed guy, whoever you are - put some socks on those hushpuppies, that's DISGUSTING. And lower your voice, and stop using your hands to animate your conversations while holding your drink, and blow that cigar smoke away from the rest of humanity, please and thank you.)


Me thinks thou doth protest too much.

[Iowagirl2]

That's a gross misstatement of the facts.


The 4 or 5 times I've seen him, he was completely in a daze and unaware of anyone around him.

I see him in the grocery store every once in a while and I say hello to him. His reply is thank you my friend. He is a very nice gentleman and like they said he takes care of his mother. Try saying hi to him sometime.

[kendi]

Just looks like a guy enjoying TV like the rest of us. Don’t know why some have to be so cruel.

[Whitley]

Just looks like a guy enjoying TV like the rest of us. Don’t know why some have to be so cruel.

He is different than most. In my mind, it is upon me (the one who would be considered "normal" for this purpose) to be considerate and make adjustments for him. I am not saying others should agree, or I am right, just my opinion. We are all in this together. Most of us know life can be cruel and hard. Try and make it better for each other. When I was in my 30's with two little children I got st3 c. I was angry at how unfair it was, then one day I wandered into the pediatric section of Sloan.

[joshgun]

Agree.

[Escape Artist]

That's Mark. He's awesome. Takes care of his mom in one of the attached villas (townhouses) next to the square. Whoever shot the video, probably would've seen him being much more energetic if they'd waited for a different song. The conductor's wand was given to him as a gift from another regular there. Mark is very intelligent, doesn't drink alcohol. He's high-functioning on the autism spectrum. A nice guy, full of energy and love, gives kick-ass hugs, and smells like patchouli.

I’ve ever seen him there. Does he go there often? Or maybe I wasn’t paying close attention to my surroundings which happens!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I’ve ever seen him there. Does he go there often? Or maybe I wasn’t paying close attention to my surroundings which happens!

He seems to prefer the earlier sets, shows up some time after 6pm and is usually gone by 8. He used to come every single night, but then he was away for awhile. I think his mom had taken a turn for the worse and he needed to stay home with her. She's in a wheelchair, but he doesn't bring her out when he comes to dance. We don't go to the squares regularly at night but when we have, in the past couple of months, he's shown up.

Mark is definitely a "regular" and has been a fixture of Spanish Springs Town Square for a long time. All the other regulars know him, the employees in the tiki huts and the Community Watch folks know him. Everyone who's ever spoken with him is on friendly terms. He doesn't seem capable of making enemies. The only people who have a problem with him, are people who don't understand.

And for those who say "oh he stands next to me with blood-curdling screams" - they're not screams. They're shrieks. They're very loud, sharp, short-lived, and they come in sets of three. When he finishes, he walks away. He is responding to the music. Which is very loud, can be sharp, with each note short-lived. Most of the time he's shrieking out the beat count.

Situational awareness might be useful in this situation, for people who aren't used to him. Look at every one else's expressions. "Read the room" in other words. Most people are either smiling at him or completely un-phased by him.

He walks from somewhere past the Marriott hotel; he doesn't drive (so no idea how anyone could've seen him at Brownwood).

[Chi-Town]

Went to see Paisley Craze, and the baton guy kept circling the stage occasionally screaming something out. I figured he was crazy as a loon, but no matter what he is a distraction from the entertainment.

[fdpaq0580]

Went to see Paisley Craze, and the baton guy kept circling the stage occasionally screaming something out. I figured he was crazy as a loon, but no matter what he is a distraction from the entertainment.

He is (supposedly) a very nice, gentle, good to his mother, guy, that, due to his medical condition, cannot control his actions in certain settings. But you are correct in stating that he is a distraction from the professional entertainment, to the extent that some (me) choose other venues as we choose not to be subjected to his uncontrollable behavior when out for an evenings entertainment. Not his fault, so I will leave. Let him have his fun. I have other options.

[Davonu]

…And for those who say "oh he stands next to me with blood-curdling screams" - they're not screams. They're shrieks…
Pretty fine distinction.

And if he lets either go right near you when you’re not expecting it, it can be very annoying, or worse…regardless of how nice a guy he is.

[fdpaq0580]

Pretty fine distinction.

And if he lets either go right near you when you’re not expecting it, it can be very annoying, or worse…regardless of how nice a guy he is.

Which is more startling? A scream, or a shriek? I vote "shriek". Startle someone enough that they loose their balance. Well, it's all fun until someone falls and breaks a hip.

[margaretmattson]

I’m sure he’s a nice guy, but if he ever lets out one of his blood curdling screams unexpectedly right near you, you may not think his antics are so cute.Not antics. The man has autism. Autistic people sometimes shriek. Big difference.

[BrianL99]

Not antics. The man has autism. Autistic people sometimes shriek. Big difference.

Concern, accommodation and acceptance of someone's quirks, disability or craziness, ends at the edges of my personal space. All this talk of him being fairly inconspicuous and innocuous, is nonsense.

The guy is a menace and if he can't control himself and behave in a civilized manner, he should be tossed out of the Squares.

[mraines]

That's Mark. He's awesome. Takes care of his mom in one of the attached villas (townhouses) next to the square. Whoever shot the video, probably would've seen him being much more energetic if they'd waited for a different song. The conductor's wand was given to him as a gift from another regular there. Mark is very intelligent, doesn't drink alcohol. He's high-functioning on the autism spectrum. A nice guy, full of energy and love, gives kick-ass hugs, and smells like patchouli.
I can usually smell Mark before I see him due to the patchouli. One night someone who rarely comes to the square complained about him. Gladly, the staffer did nothing. Mark is an interesting character and very friendly.

[mraines]

Concern, accommodation and acceptance of someone's quirks, disability or craziness, ends at the edges of my personal space. All this talk of him being fairly inconspicuous and innocuous, is nonsense.

The guy is a menace and if he can't control himself and behave in a civilized manner, he should be tossed out of the Squares.
So sorry for you that you have no tolerance for those that are different from you. He harms no one.

[mraines]

Yes, quality of the bands is lacking. I've been listening to the same bands for 20+ years,
with some playing the same songs for that long of a time period. Only go there when we have guests. Even they are starting to recognize the same ol' same ol'. I am not a musician and appreciate what they bring to the stage night after night, but please learn new songs to change it up a bit.
There are new bands and some are quite good. Maybe you should check out some of the newer ones.

[margaretmattson]

Concern, accommodation and acceptance of someone's quirks, disability or craziness, ends at the edges of my personal space. All this talk of him being fairly inconspicuous and innocuous, is nonsense.

The guy is a menace and if he can't control himself and behave in a civilized manner, he should be tossed out of the Squares. You do know autism is a verified medical condition, don't you? Their brains dysfunction and they are unable to control behavioral impulses. Acting out and shrieking are common with people suffering from autism. Hopefully, if you become ill with a terrible disease, others will treat you with the respect and dignity you deserve. (As we all know, our days are coming. Not many of us are going to be lucky enough to die peacefully in our sleep)

[Gpsma]

You do know autism is a verified medical condition, don't you? Their brains misfunction and they are unable to control behavioral impulses. Acting out and shrieking are common with people suffering from autism. Hopefully, if you become ill with a terrible disease, others will treat you with the respect and dignity you deserve. (As we all know, our days are coming. Not many of us are going to be lucky enough to die peacefully in our sleep)

But what if his screaming and shreiking get my dog upset?

[margaretmattson]

But what if his screaming and shreiking get my dog upset? Too funny. The bigger question should be why are dogs (and their self-entitled owners) allowed in the squares? Not some unfortunate guy who suffers from a severe medical condition.

But then again, I would pay to see a dog dancing with a baton. (Mark probably would like it too!)

Sidenote: If you can't stand to be around others suffering from mental illnesses or those who want to spend the last of their days doing what makes them happy, then you probably should not be living in the world's largest 55+ community. Just saying...

[I'm Popeye!]

Sidenote: If you can't stand to be around others suffering from mental illnesses or those who want to spend the last of their days doing what makes them happy, then you probably should not be living in the world's largest 55+ community. Just saying...

Shouldn't that be the other way around? A person with a mental illness should be in a mental hospital being taken care of, not disrupting others in a 55+ community... Just saying...

[BrianL99]

Too funny. The bigger question should be why are dogs (and their self-entitled owners) allowed in the squares? Not some unfortunate guy who suffers from a severe medical condition.

But then again, I would pay to see a dog dancing with a baton. (Mark probably would like it too!)

Sidenote: If you can't stand to be around others suffering from mental illnesses or those who want to spend the last of their days doing what makes them happy, then you probably should not be living in a 55+ community. Just saying..


There's a reason that there aren't many Network Newscasters, with Asperger's Syndrome.

There's a reason Marlee Matlin hasn't had as successful career as Meryl Streep and it's not for lacking of acting talent.

We're all reasonably entitled to be what we want or what we are, until it interferes with someone else's right to pursue happiness. The fact that he may or may not have a medical condition may be a reason for his behavior, but it's not an excuse. Effected individuals or society in general, has no obligation to alter their behavior or compromise their preferences, to accommodate the aberrant behavior of others.

It's sort of like getting accidentally getting hit with a baseball bat. It may be an accident, but it hurts just the same. If the person wielding the baseball bat can't control themselves, the bat has to be taken away from him/her.

[manaboutown]

Maybe signs should be put up in the squares reading "No Smoking, No Spitting, No Shrieking, No Snarling

It really is a matter of being considerate of others. If an autistic individual knows that when he is exposed to extreme sensory stimulation by loud music, flashing lights and the like that he waves his arms, shrieks, jumps up and down or whatever, he should recognize or be informed that his behavior is disruptive and unacceptable, that it negatively affects the rights of others to enjoy the performance and that if he cannot conduct (pardon the pun) himself properly he should not attend the show.

[margaretmattson]

I see everyone's point that his behavior affects those surrounding him. But, my heart goes out to him. He is trying to live as good a life as he can. He is not that big of an annoyance; compassion is all that is needed. Like others have said, if you talk to him, he is an extremely nice and likable guy.

I am pretty certain some of you would be on my "Dont Call" list if I needed medical attention. My wish for you is that others will treat you better when your time comes. No one deserves to be tossed aside like yesterday's trash.

[margaretmattson]

Shouldn't that be the other way around? A person with a mental illness should be in a mental hospital being taken care of, not disrupting others in a 55+ community... Just saying... I Was referring to the odds of meeting a person with a mental condition in the world's largest 55+ community. One shouldn't be surprised or annoyed when they find one. Statistically going to happen, over and over. Just like ambulance sirens, broken bones, loss of control of motor vehicles, etc. etc. We are living in the largest population of elderly humans. Deal with the medical issues that come with it. Just saying....

[margaretmattson]

Maybe signs should be put up in the squares reading "No Smoking, No Spitting, No Shrieking, No Snarling

It really is a matter of being considerate of others. If an autistic individual knows that when he is exposed to extreme sensory stimulation by loud music, flashing lights and the like that he waves his arms, shrieks, jumps up and down or whatever, he should recognize or be informed that his behavior is disruptive and unacceptable, that it negatively affects the rights of others to enjoy the performance and that if he cannot conduct (pardon the pun) himself properly he should not attend the show. What sign do you want posted when you become inflicted with something that naturally comes with aging/disease? Pretty sure many people on this forum are not going to want you in the squares, either. Hope you have medical insurance that covers being institutionalized.

Or, maybe, if your lucky, someone will take the signs down because they realize the absurdity. We are ALL going to age and a good number are going to have a mental disease. Don't place nails in your own coffin!

[fdpaq0580]

Concern, accommodation and acceptance of someone's quirks, disability or craziness, ends at the edges of my personal space. All this talk of him being fairly inconspicuous and innocuous, is nonsense.

The guy is a menace and if he can't control himself and behave in a civilized manner, he should be tossed out of the Squares.

A Menace? I think that is a bit over stating it. But, anything or anyone unable to control their behavior has the potential to pose a danger to themselves and others without meaning to.

[I'm Popeye!]

I Was referring to the odds of meeting a person with a mental condition in the world's largest 55+ community. Just saying....

Now you're changing your words around, you did NOT say anything like that in your post. Just Saying...

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

First of all - Mark doesn't have a "severe" medical or mental condition. I don't know if he's autistic or not, I just know he's on the spectrum somewhere, and he's high functioning.

Second - his shrieks are not random. He does it to the beat of the music at certain intervals, and only during certain songs, in certain spots of the songs. Usually it's not a shriek, it's a count: "THREE TWO ONE!".

Third - He is intelligent, able to hold his own in a conversation, waxes poetic on occasion, is a spiritual person, gentle and seems to be incapable of expressing anger toward anyone. I haven't tested that but I've watched a few people play the passive-aggressive "Oh look Marge, it's THAT GUY AGAIN" game in close proximity to him and he just accepts it with a gracious smile. There are some people here who would take those quips as challenges and become confrontational about it but he never takes the bait, so far as I've experienced.

Fourth - he's not inconspicuous, I don't know why BrianL99 came up with that claim that anyone here was saying he is inconspicuous. He's clearly conspicuous - he's a tall pale bald white guy wearing a long-sleeved Henley shirt, who smells like a Deadhead, sweating like a dyslexic on Countdown, wielding a conductor's baton and poking it up into the sky or spinning and dancing around the dance area.

He's only not innocuous to people who are easily offended by anyone who isn't perfect.

[Tommyc6]

When Mark is not there we miss him and pray he and his mom are ok.

[margaretmattson]

Now you're changing your words around, you did NOT say anything like that in your post. Just Saying... That is the crazy thing about texting, social media, and things like this forum. Hard to detect what someone is feeling. But, that is what I was meant when I typed those words. I wouldn't change my opinion based on what you typed afterwards. Your point was valid. Because of what you typed, I am going to put up a stronger guard. People with mental problems can be extremely dangerous to others and thank you for reminding me. It's just not what I meant.

[margaretmattson]

First of all - Mark doesn't have a "severe" medical or mental condition. I don't know if he's autistic or not, I just know he's on the spectrum somewhere, and he's high functioning.

Second - his shrieks are not random. He does it to the beat of the music at certain intervals, and only during certain songs, in certain spots of the songs. Usually it's not a shriek, it's a count: "THREE TWO ONE!".

Third - He is intelligent, able to hold his own in a conversation, waxes poetic on occasion, is a spiritual person, gentle and seems to be incapable of expressing anger toward anyone. I haven't tested that but I've watched a few people play the passive-aggressive "Oh look Marge, it's THAT GUY AGAIN" game in close proximity to him and he just accepts it with a gracious smile. There are some people here who would take those quips as challenges and become confrontational about it but he never takes the bait, so far as I've experienced.

Fourth - he's not inconspicuous, I don't know why BrianL99 came up with that claim that anyone here was saying he is inconspicuous. He's clearly conspicuous - he's a tall pale bald white guy wearing a long-sleeved Henley shirt, who smells like a Deadhead, sweating like a dyslexic on Countdown, wielding a conductor's baton and poking it up into the sky or spinning and dancing around the dance area.

He's only not innocuous to people who are easily offended by anyone who isn't perfect.
Years ago, I was told he had autism by a woman serving drinks in one of the huts. She gave me quite a long story about how long she has known him and had witnessed outbursts and unusual repetitive behavior. (usually associated with unexpected loud noises and music) Other than noise, she said he is harmless. If that information is incorrect, I stand corrected. Did not seem like the woman was someone who liked to gossip. Came off as someone who was concerned for another.

Autistic people are extremely intelligent and able to function. They repeat a behavior over and over because they cannot get it out of their head. You said it yourself in your post. People try to get him to stop but he just smiles at them. That is the nature of the disease. He is unable to control his behavior impulse. And, can not recognize that his behavior is odd or extreme. Music and/or noise sets his brain off. A normal person would stop the behavior when hundreds of people have asked him to do so.

This was the point of my post. Don't just discard someone and make requests to have them banned from the square without knowing about them first. I used the words severe mental problems because that is how it was relayed to me. She used the words severe autism.

[Davonu]

…He's only not innocuous to people who are easily offended by anyone who isn't perfect.
Ridiculous.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Years ago, I was told he had autism by a woman serving drinks in one of the huts. She gave me quite a long story about how long she has known him and had witnessed outbursts and unusual repetitive behavior. (usually associated with unexpected loud noises and music) Other than noise, she said he is harmless. If that information is incorrect, I stand corrected. Did not seem like the woman was someone who liked to gossip. Came off as someone who was concerned for another.

Autistic people are extremely intelligent and able to function. They repeat a behavior over and over because they cannot get it out of their head. You said it yourself in your post. People try to get him to stop but he just smiles at them. That is the nature of the disease. He is unable to control his behavior impulse. And, can not recognize that his behavior is odd or extreme. Music and/or noise sets his brain off. A normal person would stop the behavior when hundreds of people have asked him to do so.

This was the point of my post. Don't just discard someone and make requests to have them banned from the square without knowing about them first. I used the words severe mental problems because that is how it was relayed to me. She used the words severe autism.

No they're not trying to "get him to stop." They're shaming him and making nasty remarks, INSTEAD of trying to get him to stop. He CAN control himself. This is his method of expression. He can step away from it, or sit down, or not show up, or listen to the music in his own house instead. But this is his expression of joy. Just like my expression is to jump out of my seat and dance, without making noise, his is to dance and make noise. He does not have severe autism. Severe autism would be an inability to connect with other people at all, make eye contact, or have physical touch between themselves and other people, and is usually accompanied by being non-verbal, and the LOUD noise and crowds of the squares would be a total overload for someone who is severely autistic. They wouldn't be capable of existing in such an environment. Mark seeks it out and comes here on his own, on purpose, because he enjoys the music, and the crowds, and connecting with other people.

I think maybe you've never actually had a conversation with Mark. I really hope you are able to catch him walking to Publix some day, and invite him for a short chitchat at the table outside, and get to know him. He'll lighten your day. He is a very precious soul.

[margaretmattson]

No they're not trying to "get him to stop." They're shaming him and making nasty remarks, INSTEAD of trying to get him to stop. He CAN control himself. This is his method of expression. He can step away from it, or sit down, or not show up, or listen to the music in his own house instead. But this is his expression of joy. Just like my expression is to jump out of my seat and dance, without making noise, his is to dance and make noise. He does not have severe autism. Severe autism would be an inability to connect with other people at all, make eye contact, or have physical touch between themselves and other people, and is usually accompanied by being non-verbal, and the LOUD noise and crowds of the squares would be a total overload for someone who is severely autistic. They wouldn't be capable of existing in such an environment. Mark seeks it out and comes here on his own, on purpose, because he enjoys the music, and the crowds, and connecting with other people.

I think maybe you've never actually had a conversation with Mark. I really hope you are able to catch him walking to Publix some day, and invite him for a short chitchat at the table outside, and get to know him. He'll lighten your day. He is a very precious soul. Like I said, I stand corrected if what I was told was wrong. I have had several conversations with him and talked about it in on this thread. To repeat, I said he was a nice and likeable guy if you take the time to talk to him. I am not condemning him. I am condemning those who want him banned from the square.

But, at the same time I understand what others have responded. One person stated, if someone hits you with a bat, you take take the bat away. So what is the solution? I have no idea. One thing is for certain, we all know he is not going to voluntarily stop using the baton... no matter how many people he nearly strikes or the inconvenience of others having to manuever away.

[manaboutown]

Like I said, I stand corrected if what I was told was wrong. I have had several conversations with him and talked about it in on this thread. To repeat, I said he was a nice and likeable guy if you take the time to talk to him. I am not condemning him. I am condemning those who want him banned from the square. I happen to think such a request is absurd. Who is going to be the next person to be banned?

How many like him would you accept, 2, 10, 100? Then what? Looks to me from the video he frightened at least one child who was maybe 10 years old. The way he looks and acts would certainly frighten me if I was a nearby child.

The big question is where do his rights to behave disruptively, infringing the rights of literally everyone else to enjoy the music at the squares, end?

[margaretmattson]

How many like him would you accept, 2, 10, 100? Then what? Looks to me from the video he frightened at least one child who was maybe 10 years old. The way he looks and acts would certainly frighten me if I was a nearby child.

The big question is where do his rights to behave disruptively, infringing the rights of literally everyone else to enjoy the music at the squares, end? I guess I am more of a numbers person than you. We live in the worlds largest 55+ community. If you get rid of him, another will take his place. I have been here for 20+ years, believe me, there have been many. From what I have experienced , many more will come.

I no longer am surprised, annoyed, or want to do anything harsh like getting rid of them. Everyone in this community ages and some will get mental disorders. It is just something I believe you have to deal with if you continue to live in this community. You can get rid of 100 and 100 will soon follow. None of us are going to escape aging and/or disease.

Beware. Next thing I am going to say is harsh. If you are concerned that a 10 yr old becomes frightened in a square with aging adults, maybe you should have a conversation with his/her parents. I have seen heart attacks, people collapsing, uncontrollable drunks, loss of bodily fluids, sex acts, and one time I witnessed a woman getting her head severed off. (A man was driving a golf cart, had a medical emergency, lost control of the vehicle, and drove straight into the crowd). A person should be aware of what can and does happen in a 55+ community. Maybe, a person should think twice before bringing a ten year old into this kind of environment. I know it is harsh, but it is the reality. Again, I ask. Who will you ban next? Mark is small peanuts compared to some of the stuff I've seen.

[manaboutown]

I guess I am more of a numbers person than you. We live in the worlds largest 55+ community. If you get rid of him, another will take his place. I have been here for 20+ years, believe me, there have been many. From what I have experienced , many more will come.

I no longer am surprised, annoyed, or want to do anything harsh like getting rid of them. Everyone in this community ages and some will get mental disorders. It is just something I believe you have to deal with if you continue to live in this community. You can get rid of 100 and 100 will soon follow. None of us are going to escape aging and/or disease.

OK. So what if he was not a resident of The Villages? What if he was 35 years old? What if he was a teenager? Would you apply the same analysis and come to the same conclusion?

[margaretmattson]

OK. So what if he was not a resident of The Villages? What if he was 35 years old? What if he was a teenager? Would you apply the same analysis and come to the same conclusion?
I just added more information to my last post. Please refer to that.

[fdpaq0580]

Years ago, I was told he had autism by a woman serving drinks in one of the huts. She gave me quite a long story about how long she has known him and had witnessed outbursts and unusual repetitive behavior. (usually associated with unexpected loud noises and music) Other than noise, she said he is harmless. If that information is incorrect, I stand corrected. Did not seem like the woman was someone who liked to gossip. Came off as someone who was concerned for another.

Autistic people are extremely intelligent and able to function. They repeat a behavior over and over because they cannot get it out of their head. You said it yourself in your post. People try to get him to stop but he just smiles at them. That is the nature of the disease. He is unable to control his behavior impulse. And, can not recognize that his behavior is odd or extreme. Music and/or noise sets his brain off. A normal person would stop the behavior when hundreds of people have asked him to do so.

This was the point of my post. Don't just discard someone and make requests to have them banned from the square without knowing about them first. I used the words severe mental problems because that is how it was relayed to me. She used the words severe autism.

Ever have a song stuck in your head that just won't go away? Or a name or thought that keeps taunting you? Imagine if those mental loops were also physical, uncontrollable. Sadly, that's kind of how it is for some otherwise really nice folks.

[Chi-Town]

Ever since seeing It's A Small World at the New York World's Fair in 1964.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Like I said, I stand corrected if what I was told was wrong. I have had several conversations with him and talked about it in on this thread. To repeat, I said he was a nice and likeable guy if you take the time to talk to him. I am not condemning him. I am condemning those who want him banned from the square.

But, at the same time I understand what others have responded. One person stated, if someone hits you with a bat, you take take the bat away. So what is the solution? I have no idea. One thing is for certain, we all know he is not going to voluntarily stop using the baton... no matter how many people he nearly strikes or the inconvenience of others having to manuever away.

He's not hitting anyone with a bat. He's not doing anything TO anyone. There is no "other side" here. There is no justifying, or excusing, or explaining. Mark comes to the square regularly, he's been coming since before most of the people complaining. He's known, he's not a troublemaker, he doesn't get drunk (he doesn't drink alcohol), he doesn't confront anyone. He makes rhythmic noise to certain beats of certain songs, and dances. That's it. That's all he's doing. Anyone who has a problem with noise at an electronically-amplified musical performance should re-visit their own defects.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Ever have a song stuck in your head that just won't go away? Or a name or thought that keeps taunting you? Imagine if those mental loops were also physical, uncontrollable. Sadly, that's kind of how it is for some otherwise really nice folks.

That has nothing to do with this thread or its topic. Mark CAN control his spinning. He likes spinning, it feels good. I asked him about it when I gave him a ride one night when I saw him a couple of blocks away from the square, we were both headed in that direction. He spins because he LIKES it, not because he's compelled to do it.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

How many like him would you accept, 2, 10, 100? Then what? Looks to me from the video he frightened at least one child who was maybe 10 years old. The way he looks and acts would certainly frighten me if I was a nearby child.

The big question is where do his rights to behave disruptively, infringing the rights of literally everyone else to enjoy the music at the squares, end?

The guy with the half-inch-thick spongey green crust on his toes scares me too. He doesn't even try to cover that nasty with a sock. Should we make all people with toenail fungus and toejam stay out of the squares?

[Davonu]

The guy with the half-inch-thick spongey green crust on his toes scares me too. He doesn't even try to cover that nasty with a sock. Should we make all people with toenail fungus and toejam stay out of the squares?
You can avoid the toenail fungus, not the sudden unexpected screaming.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

You can avoid the toenail fungus, not the sudden unexpected screaming.

If you have a problem with noise, at an amplified musical performance, then don't go to amplified musical performances.

[fdpaq0580]

That has nothing to do with this thread or its topic. Mark CAN control his spinning. He likes spinning, it feels good. I asked him about it when I gave him a ride one night when I saw him a couple of blocks away from the square, we were both headed in that direction. He spins because he LIKES it, not because he's compelled to do it.

Can he also control his shrieks? Really want to know. I don't know Mark. You, apparently, do.

[Davonu]

If you have a problem with noise, at an amplified musical performance, then don't go to amplified musical performances.
You equate so many things ridiculously. Now it’s amplified music on stage equals sudden, unexpected blood curdling screams from an audience member.

[Bill14564]

You equate so many things ridiculously. Now it’s amplified music on stage equals sudden, unexpected blood curdling screams.

Blood curdling screams??? (I guess my blood is made of stouter stuff)

[Davonu]

Blood curdling screams??? (I guess my blood is made of stouter stuff)
Maybe. But I doubt you’ve been standing right beside or in front of him when he let one go.

[Bill14564]

Maybe. But I doubt you’ve been standing right beside or in front of him when he let one go.

Very few have - that isn't what he does. Judging from the way he carries himself he is very aware of his surroundings and considerate of others. That's more than can be said of some of the dancers, a few of the dogs (and owners), and most of the drunks.

[I'm Popeye!]

If you have a problem with noise, at an amplified musical performance, then don't go to amplified musical performances.
I went to a baseball game just last month:
. . . . . . . The guy two seats behind me every 5 minutes or so kept yelling from the top of his lungs, "Kill the Umpire!"
Mark is everywhere! :eek:

[Funkman]

Someone enjoying himself at a concert?!

We'll have none of that around here.





Personally, I love seeing people enjoying themselves at the squares and Mark does just that.

[fdpaq0580]

If you have a problem with noise, at an amplified musical performance, then don't go to amplified musical performances.

Obviously, there is no problem with the amplified music performances! The concern is the unexpected loud screams/shrieks. You get it, but you, apparently, don't want to acknowledge that can be annoying and startling. Since you like or feel sorry for Mark, you are willing to make allowances for him that others don't feel they should have to. Especially since you told us he is in control his movements. And, I'm still waiting for the answer to my question on whether he is also in control of his screams/shrieks. Or, are the vocalizations uncontrollable, like someone with Tourettes syndrome

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Obviously, there is no problem with the amplified music performances! The concern is the unexpected loud screams/shrieks. You get it, but you, apparently, don't want to acknowledge that can be annoying and startling. Since you like or feel sorry for Mark, you are willing to make allowances for him that others don't feel they should have to. Especially since you told us he is in control his movements. And, I'm still waiting for the answer to my question on whether he is also in control of his screams/shrieks. Or, are the vocalizations uncontrollable, like someone with Tourettes syndrome

They are CONTROLLED. Not just controllable. They are intentional. He is getting into the music, and expressing himself to the beat of it, at certain spots of the song, always in sets of three, usually with an actual verbal count. In words. Three, two, one (or maybe it's one, two, three - I haven't been to the square in a few weeks).

Seriously - there's only a small handful of people who have an actual "problem" with the guy. If everyone else is okay with it, or (dare we dare?) tolerant...

then maybe the problem is you, and not him.

[fdpaq0580]

They are CONTROLLED. Not just controllable. They are intentional. He is getting into the music, and expressing himself to the beat of it, at certain spots of the song, always in sets of three, usually with an actual verbal count. In words. Three, two, one (or maybe it's one, two, three - I haven't been to the square in a few weeks).

Seriously - there's only a small handful of people who have an actual "problem" with the guy. If everyone else is okay with it, or (dare we dare?) tolerant...

then maybe the problem is you, and not him.

Possibly so. There are always those who are different. Likewise, there are aways those who find certain others less tolerable. Human nature ensures that there will always be a certain amount of friction.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Possibly so. There are always those who are different. Likewise, there are aways those who find certain others less tolerable. Human nature ensures that there will always be a certain amount of friction.

I find people having full conversations, loudly, while sitting directly behind or in front of me at a musical performance to be intolerable. I find it rude and disrespectful to the audience and the musicians. I get the occasional comment like "oh yeah check out that bass riff!" or "hey Stymie's here, let's call him over" or whatever. But complete, full, in-depth conversations - not acceptable. You can enjoy conversation at the dinner table, in the car, at each others' houses, at the bowling alley, at a wedding, at a driveway party - so many places you can have conversations.

It's even worse when they're in front of you and they push their chair back when they sit down to give themselves more room in front of them, making it difficult for you to leave and go somewhere else. Then you can triple the fun when one lights a cigarette.

And then you have to be "that woman" who asks her to a) put the cigarette out, b) push her chair back where she found it, and c) be aware of the fact that you're at a musical performance and you can either dance or listen, you can talk between songs, or when they go on break. I don't want to hear about your cousin Murray's gall bladder operation.

[I'm Popeye!]

I'm beginning to like you OrangeBlossomLady.... Two "likes" in a row from me! :coolsmiley:

[manaboutown]

From the video the baton man moves like Lurch or Herman Munster.

[margaretmattson]

I find people having full conversations, loudly, while sitting directly behind or in front of me at a musical performance to be intolerable. I find it rude and disrespectful to the audience and the musicians. I get the occasional comment like "oh yeah check out that bass riff!" or "hey Stymie's here, let's call him over" or whatever. But complete, full, in-depth conversations - not acceptable. You can enjoy conversation at the dinner table, in the car, at each others' houses, at the bowling alley, at a wedding, at a driveway party - so many places you can have conversations.

It's even worse when they're in front of you and they push their chair back when they sit down to give themselves more room in front of them, making it difficult for you to leave and go somewhere else. Then you can triple the fun when one lights a cigarette.

And then you have to be "that woman" who asks her to a) put the cigarette out, b) push her chair back where she found it, and c) be aware of the fact that you're at a musical performance and you can either dance or listen, you can talk between songs, or when they go on break. I don't want to hear about your cousin Murray's gall bladder operation. You forgot to mention the chair hogs and stealers. Pillows and blankets on nine chairs for an hour with owners nowhere in sight. Get up from your seat for one brief moment, your chair has disappeared. Ask others around if they saw where it went, no one saw anything.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

From the video the baton man moves like Lurch or Herman Munster.

Only sometimes. Depends on the song and his mood. When he's spinning, it's pretty amazing to watch. He never bumps into anyone, and I've never seen him get dizzy doing it. I've seen him spin -on his way- to the square. Never saw him doing it when he's grocery shopping though so again, I think it's just the music that inspires him to move.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

You forgot to mention the chair hogs and stealers. Pillows and blankets on nine chairs for an hour with owners nowhere in sight. Get up from your seat for one brief moment, your chair has disappeared. Ask others around if they saw where it went, no one saw anything.

We bring our own fold-up rocking chairs with cup holders. We splurged.

[C. C. Rider]

Years ago, I was told he had autism by a woman serving drinks in one of the huts. She gave me quite a long story about how long she has known him and had witnessed outbursts and unusual repetitive behavior. (usually associated with unexpected loud noises and music) Other than noise, she said he is harmless. If that information is incorrect, I stand corrected. Did not seem like the woman was someone who liked to gossip. Came off as someone who was concerned for another.

Autistic people are extremely intelligent and able to function. They repeat a behavior over and over because they cannot get it out of their head. You said it yourself in your post. People try to get him to stop but he just smiles at them. That is the nature of the disease. He is unable to control his behavior impulse. And, can not recognize that his behavior is odd or extreme. Music and/or noise sets his brain off. A normal person would stop the behavior when hundreds of people have asked him to do so.

This was the point of my post. Don't just discard someone and make requests to have them banned from the square without knowing about them first. I used the words severe mental problems because that is how it was relayed to me. She used the words severe autism.

Suppose that some guy had a similar problem in that whenever he heard certain music, he would not be able to resist grabbing the nearest woman by the A$$. If you were grabbed thusly, would you excuse it by saying, "Oh, never mind. He couldn't help it"?

If so, let me know when you're going to be on the Square and what you look like and we'll test the truthfulness of your answer.

[margaretmattson]

Suppose that some guy had a similar problem in that whenever he heard certain music, he would not be able to resist grabbing the nearest woman by the A$$. If you were grabbed thusly, would you excuse it by saying, "Oh, never mind. He couldn't help it"?

If so, let me know when you're going to be on the Square and what you look like and we'll test the truthfulness of your answer. We have been down this road with other posters. I thanked them for reminding me of the side I wasn't seeing. And, thank you for reminding me as well.

[margaretmattson]

We bring our own fold-up rocking chairs with cup holders. We splurged. Guess I should do the same. My luck, they'll take the cups in the. holder. Free Beer, everyone!

[pauld315]

Spanish Springs is a great place for people watching!

The Villages - The Conductor Invades Spanish Springs - YouTube (https://youtube.com/shorts/o2D1CZpRUYE?feature=share)

Is that the same guy who used ot stand on the wall ?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Is that the same guy who used ot stand on the wall ?

Yes. He used to dance while standing on the wall. I believe they asked him to step down because of the risk of slipping and falling. Not sure about the "why" of it but that seems the most sensible reason.

[Chi-Town]

He should stick to the wall. He was less of a nuisance.

[BrianL99]

Suppose that some guy had a similar problem in that whenever he heard certain music, he would not be able to resist grabbing the nearest woman by the A$$. If you were grabbed thusly, would you excuse it by saying, "Oh, never mind. He couldn't help it"?

If so, let me know when you're going to be on the Square and what you look like and we'll test the truthfulness of your answer.

Great post!

[BrianL99]

You forgot to mention the chair hogs and stealers. Pillows and blankets on nine chairs for an hour with owners nowhere in sight.

That's BS. Just move the stuff and take the seat you want.

It's one thing if it's the middle of a show and the folks are out dancing, but if the show hasn't started yet and I saw a group of seat covered with nonsense, I'd just move it and take a seat.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

That's BS. Just move the stuff and take the seat you want.

It's one thing if it's the middle of a show and the folks are out dancing, but if the show hasn't started yet and I saw a group of seat covered with nonsense, I'd just move it and take a seat.

I've done that in the past (when we didn't have our own chairs, or when we don't bring them that night). I always check with whoever is seated closest with the vacant seats and ask how long the seats have been unoccupied. If it's more than 20 minutes, I sit down and tell them when their friends return, I'll get up.

[Whitley]

We have been down this road with other posters. I thanked them for reminding me of the side I wasn't seeing. And, thank you for reminding me as well.

You were just being polite, right? You didn't see a comparison in that did you? Someone with autism letting out shrieks to music is not comparable to someone grabbing another persons ass. Calling him names is really a way to dehumanize him. I'm waiting for someone to suggest chaining him to a radiator in the attic so he is not a nuisance to the normal folks. I am so disappointed.

[Battlebasset]

All this thread has done is reinforce my decision to never go to Spanish Springs, unless the Hooligans or Spazmatics are playing. And from the looks of things, they don't schedule them there anymore.

[asianthree]

Suppose that some guy had a similar problem in that whenever he heard certain music, he would not be able to resist grabbing the nearest woman by the A$$. If you were grabbed thusly, would you excuse it by saying, "Oh, never mind. He couldn't help it"?

If so, let me know when you're going to be on the Square and what you look like and we'll test the truthfulness of your answer.

A autistic person..does not like to be touched, or touch anyone else. If one has spent anytime with autistic children, it’s one of the parents heartbreaking moments. Hugs, or affectionate move’s or even eye contact, cause them to withdraw, and can take hours or days to return to what is their normal life, no where near what your life is. Or what you are suggesting.

How do I know this one of our sons is a behavioral psychologist, dedicated his time to autistic children. I have watched him with low and high functioning children. It rips your heart at what the parents endure for their much loved child, yet can never express what many of us take for granted. Yes my son has experienced Mark, had conversations, and in no way felt threatened by Mark.

So many have their views about Mark, yet I am betting not one who thinks they know Marks behavior, has any knowledge of his behavior and what to expect.

Just a side note the most undiagnosed age group for autism is 70s to 90s. Those in that age group were never diagnosed, on the spectrum..just born too early for testing.