Saving seats in the town squares

[caseylou5]

Recently I have seen many rows of chairs saved at the Squares by placing either plastic bags, cushions and in one case, a torn chenille bathrobe on them.

I do not see anything wrong with saving a seat or two for your friends if you are already seated there. It is the seats that are not occupied for long periods of time that keeps many other people from having a place to sit and enjoy the music.

[Mudder]

CaseyLou5, this happens all the time, there are several ways to approach it. You can just sit in the chairs and ask the "savers" to prove they are their plastic bags, you can remove the bags and sit there, you can move the chairs somewhere else, etc...It is a never ending situation here at the squares. It really bugs me. I see you might be fairly new here....wait til you see what happens on big parade days! If you have any thought of actually sitting and seeing some parades you have to get down to the square at dawn and claim "your" spot. Some people just feel they are the right to be in the front row every time !

[Shimpy]

Recently I have seen many rows of chairs saved at the Squares by placing either plastic bags, cushions and in one case, a torn chenille bathrobe on them.

I do not see anything wrong with saving a seat or two for your friends if you are already seated there. It is the seats that are not occupied for long periods of time that keeps many other people from having a place to sit and enjoy the music.

One of my pet peeves. I've noticed this especially in Spanish Springs. We will go to breakfast at Katie Bells and when leaving around 10:00 AM notice many chairs being saved for that night. I guess even in TV you will get lazy, inconsiderate people that want to show up late and have reserved seats.
I'm surprised TV allows this.

[obxgal]

The Villages Resident Survey is coming out now.
If they have a spot for suggestions I know I will suggest: SIGNS should be POSTED in the squares as to NO RESERVED SEATS.
The only way to get something done is to band together and note it on the survey.

[Uptown Girl]

I've noticed that they aren't putting the white chairs out quite as early as they usually do.
Hope that is intentional.

[bestmickey]

As I've said before, I don't live in TV (at least not yet). I merely rent for a month or two. However, if I was there, I would not stand for this (pun intended). I would take a chair or more (for my friends who are with me), move them, and park my butt. Saving rows of seats is bu(double hockey sticks)_hit. I do not look for confrontations. However, I do and will stand up for my rights.

[natickdan]

As I've said before, I don't live in TV (at least not yet). I merely rent for a month or two. However, if I was there, I would not stand for this (pun intended). I would take a chair or more (for my friends who are with me), move them, and park my butt. Saving rows of seats is bu(double hockey sticks)_hit. I do not look for confrontations. However, I do and will stand up for my rights.

I agree with you in principal because I don't like to see rows of empty seats labeled as reserved and, yes, I find it frustrating and I don't like it!

However, this is a practice that has been long tolerated by The Villages management. So, to that point, your comments certainly seems confrontational to me...especially when you follow it by "I do and will stand up for my rights". That sounds like High School bravado stuff and, IMHO, it has no place here in TV. Maybe you should reconsider where to spend your month or two.

BTW, you won't catch me at Publix in the speedy checkout line counting the number of items the person in front of me has....life is too short!

[bestmickey]

I agree with you in principal because I don't like to see rows of empty seats labeled as reserved and, yes, I find it frustrating and I don't like it!

However, this is a practice that has been long tolerated by The Villages management. So, to that point, your comments certainly seems confrontational to me...especially when you follow it by "I do and will stand up for my rights". That sounds like High School bravado stuff and, IMHO, it has no place here in TV. Maybe you should reconsider where to spend your month or two.

BTW, you won't catch me at Publix in the speedy checkout line counting the number of items the person in front of me has....life is too short!


Well Dan, you'll be sorry to hear I'm already booked for my two month visit. I guess you allow people to butt ahead in front of you when you're in line at a restaurant or at the bank. I don't butt in front of people ... that's confrontational. However, I won't let anyone butt in front of me. That's my right, and yes. I'll always confront an aggressor.

If I see you standing at the squares, I'll give you a wave. :wave:

[jsw14]

I agree with you in principal because I don't like to see rows of empty seats labeled as reserved and, yes, I find it frustrating and I don't like it!

However, this is a practice that has been long tolerated by The Villages management. So, to that point, your comments certainly seems confrontational to me...especially when you follow it by "I do and will stand up for my rights". That sounds like High School bravado stuff and, IMHO, it has no place here in TV. Maybe you should reconsider where to spend your month or two.

BTW, you won't catch me at Publix in the speedy checkout line counting the number of items the person in front of me has....life is too short!

I agree, But the next time U see seats labeled as reserved, just stick around & watch who sits their. Then go up & ask em> how much did u pay for ur reserved seats? When they say I didn't pay anything, U sit Right in front of them.........:icon_twisted::icon_twisted:

[buggyone]

BestMickey,

Remember this is called "Florida's Friendliest Hometown". I am glad you will not butt in line ahead of someone at the grocery store checkout or at the bank but what would it really hurt if someone did butt in front of you at the bank? It might mean a couple of extra minutes in line. Here in The Villages, we are retired folks and except for that tee time or the beginning of Happy Hour, we do not have to be anywhere real quick anymore.

As for the chairs at the town squares, management can put out as many directives as they want, but I am willing to bet that a "No Saving Chair" sign would be ignored. If you have ever been on a cruise ship, you know the swimming pool chairs are marked with a book or towel when no one is there - and there are signs about that.

If you want to sit in a "saved" chair, do it. No one is going to get physical with you. They may tell you it is their chair but then again, if it was empty, you certainly have as much right to it as anyone.

Save the "I'll confront the aggressor" attitude for when you are not in The Villages. Keep this place as the "Friendliest Hometown".

[jsw14]

Well Dan, you'll be sorry to hear I'm already booked for my two month visit. I guess you allow people to butt ahead in front of you when you're in line at a restaurant or at the bank. I don't butt in front of people ... that's confrontational. However, I won't let anyone butt in front of me. That's my right, and yes. I'll always confront an aggressor.

If I see you standing at the squares, I'll give you a wave. :wave:

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm........

[ssmith]

Seems like it could be announced before an event that if there are reserved chairs and it is 5 mins until start and no one is in them then go ahead and help yourself....at least people would show up and take their seats anyway.

[Sunshine Mary]

jsw14
I agree, But the next time U see seats labeled as reserved, just stick around & watch who sits their. Then go up & ask em> how much did u pay for ur reserved seats? When they say I didn't pay anything, U sit Right in front of them......

I like this jsw14

[gmcneill]

What if the chairs are "saved" but not occupied bc the "owners" are dancing?

I have no answer...just saying.

[Pturner]

As I've said before, I don't live in TV (at least not yet). I merely rent for a month or two. However, if I was there, I would not stand for this (pun intended). I would take a chair or more (for my friends who are with me), move them, and park my butt. Saving rows of seats is bu(double hockey sticks)_hit. I do not look for confrontations. However, I do and will stand up for my rights.

I agree with you in principal because I don't like to see rows of empty seats labeled as reserved and, yes, I find it frustrating and I don't like it!

However, this is a practice that has been long tolerated by The Villages management. So, to that point, your comments certainly seems confrontational to me...especially when you follow it by "I do and will stand up for my rights". That sounds like High School bravado stuff and, IMHO, it has no place here in TV. Maybe you should reconsider where to spend your month or two.

BTW, you won't catch me at Publix in the speedy checkout line counting the number of items the person in front of me has....life is too short!

Why the hostility toward Bestmickey? All she said is that if someone who is not present saved a row of seats, she would exercise her right to sit in the empty space. What's High School bravado about that?

Now, if she had said she would beat the crap out of the offender, that would be High School bravado. :angel:

[CarGuys]

jsw14
I agree, But the next time U see seats labeled as reserved, just stick around & watch who sits their. Then go up & ask em> how much did u pay for ur reserved seats? When they say I didn't pay anything, U sit Right in front of them......

I like this jsw14

Bring your own! Step Ladders that is and just stand above the crowd.:1rotfl:

[Barefoot]

I agree, But the next time U see seats labeled as reserved, just stick around & watch who sits their. Then go up & ask em> how much did u pay for ur reserved seats? When they say I didn't pay anything, U sit Right in front of them.........:icon_twisted::icon_twisted:

I agree that saving chairs with plastic bags is an annoying Village habit. However I try to avoid confrontational people. IMHO, having an altercation with someone about an empty chair would "ruin the mood" far more than not being able to sit in the empty chair.

[gerryann]

It's just rude...very rude! :rant-rave:

[Barefoot]

It's just rude...very rude! :rant-rave:

I agree, it is rude, selfish and inconsiderate. And the same people do it over and over again!

[hedoman]

[QUOTE=buggyone;461767]BestMickey,

Remember this is called "Florida's Friendliest Hometown".

It IS Florida's friendliest HOMETOWN and the hometown is pretty darn friendly some of the people tho....not so much...especially this time of year

[eremite06]

:agree:I agree that saving chairs with plastic bags is an annoying Village habit. However I try to avoid confrontational people. IMHO, having an altercation with someone about an empty chair would "ruin the mood" far more than not being able to sit in the empty chair.

It would ruin my mood for the rest of the evening. Shrug it off and move on.

[starflyte1]

The other night at SS when Scooter was there, ALL seats were "reserved" when we arrived at 4:15. By 5:00, many, if not most, of the chairs were occupied. However, there were 10 seats roped off in the front row that had not been occupied by 6:30.

I wanted to leave a note on each chair telling the people that if they wanted to reserve the chairs, the least they could do was sit in them at 5pm. There were many people with canes and walkers that needed a chair. How inconsiderate. I would be embarrassed to show up and sit in the seats.

IMHO, at 5, all bags, ropes, hoses, electrical cords, etc should be removed and all the seats open for others. There was a large section marked off by bags. Each bag had a knot in it that was slipped through the slits in the chair backs. As the many people arrived, they collected the knotted bags for use the next time. At least they were there at 5.

Last night at LSL, there were plenty of seats, but someone had roped off 1/3 of one of the raised decks.

[graciegirl]

I don't like the practice of saving seats at all.:rant-rave:

But...there appears to be an ever increasing acceptance of the practice by folks I respect on this forum and by old neighbors who I know are not in the least selfish.

Maybe it is something that I need to move over to the "accept" column from the .....pi**ed off column.

[keithwand]

I have an idea.
When this occurs just go back home; do not purchase a drink in the square and do not eat or shop at the restaurants or shops.
The shops and restaurants will then complain about lost revenue and maybe then something wil be done.
Good old fashion boycott by the masses.

[Golfer in Sanibel]

:a20: Whenever I speak out in these situations, I always feel badly, afterwards. Whenever I keep quiet I always feel I should have spoken up. I guess chilling out in retirement is a acquired skill.

[downeaster]

I don't like the practice of saving seats at all.:rant-rave:

But...there appears to be an ever increasing acceptance of the practice by folks I respect on this forum and by old neighbors who I know are not in the least selfish.

Maybe it is something that I need to move over to the "accept" column from the .....pi**ed off column.

I agree, Gracie, and I want to be added to to your pi**ed off column.

I think it is indicative of the type of a lot of people who populate the squares.
That is why I seldom visit there. When I do visit there I do not plan on sitting. I mingle with the "minglers". I like their type better.

[albertehill]

...I think it's fair to mark a seat (or spot) during an intermission (during a show on a ship or if you have to go to the restroom or get a drink), but not hours ahead for a spot for a parade or show. It is a bit discourteous. But if it is the "norm" in The Villages, I will come down with a nicely made sign labeled "Reserved for xxxxxx yyyy" (just joking...I would never be that disrespectful). Whenever my wife and I are in a situation and want to get a good seat, we get there early enough and sit. If one of us has to leave for a break, the other "holds" the seat (i.e. "my husband/wife is sitting there"). We would never leave signs/towels or any other item while we went out to get dinner and then come back expecting to have those seats for ourselves. The only exception to this would be for handicap areas. Again, IMHO.

[kirk1]

As I've said before, I don't live in TV (at least not yet). I merely rent for a month or two. However, if I was there, I would not stand for this (pun intended). I would take a chair or more (for my friends who are with me), move them, and park my butt. Saving rows of seats is bu(double hockey sticks)_hit. I do not look for confrontations. However, I do and will stand up for my rights.


If we had more people like you may be something would be done about these inconsiderate reprehensible reprobates. But instead we just whine and stand.

[Bogie Shooter]

Receivewd my letter about the annual Villages Resident survey.
This would be an ideal place to vent our frustrations about saving seats at the squares........along with your suggestion on how to handle the seating in a better way.
Hey, it may not change anything or maybe it will.

[graciegirl]

Receivewd my letter about the annual Villages Resident survey.
This would be an ideal place to vent our frustrations about saving seats at the squares........along with your suggestion on how to handle the seating in a better way.
Hey, it may not change anything or maybe it will.

Excellent idea!

[RichieLion]

At the Christmas Tree lighting I walked with my wife and sat at a table of some friends of ours and noticed a big gold garland on the ground under the table. I was told that when they came down they saw the garland wrapped around all the chairs at the table, removed it and sat.
I was there about 20 minutes or so when a woman with a confused look on her face asked us if we were sitting at "her table". One of my friends said, "I don't think so, as we've been sitting here almost an hour now", and that was that. (We didn't ask her if she lost a gold garland)

[Bill-n-Brillo]

I wonder if the new type of seating that's coming up at Brownwood will address/resolve any of the seat saving debacle. Brownwood is going to have "grandstand/stadium seating" for the entertainment stage. See the latest/3rd video of the Building of Brownwood, episode 3.

The Villages Vmail - March 2012 - Home (http://www.thevillages.com/newsletter/201203/)

:popcorn:

Bill :)

[Mikeod]

I wonder if the new type of seating that's coming up at Brownwood will address/resolve any of the seat saving debacle. Brownwood is going to have "grandstand/stadium seating" for the entertainment stage. See the latest/3rd video of the Building of Brownwood, episode 3.

The Villages Vmail - March 2012 - Home (http://www.thevillages.com/newsletter/201203/)

:popcorn:

Bill :)
I hope so, but I can see someone doing the same thing (i.e., a garland) around the back of some seats to "save" them. With Brownwood being new, I hope we can, through the survey, convince TV to put up sign prohibiting saving seats in this manner. If a confrontation occurs, the sign can be pointed out. Again, since Brownwood is new, hopefully, the "always done it this way" attitude will be less.

[paulandjean]

We sit in seats like that all the time. Ones with plastic bags, roped off. I just say," no saving seats"What is this 3rd grade.

[Posh 08]

The seating looks nice but was thinking it could be hard for some seniors to be safe on those or access them at all.

[swrinfla]

This "old-timer" (remember, I've been here a little over 7 years) wants to let you all know that this complaint has been going on at least as long as that - even longer than TOTV!

It is, IMHO, reprehensible conduct. And, also IMHO, it is a condition or situation that will never, ever be resolved. Some folks are "just that way!"

"AFHT" (America's Friendliest Home Town) it may be, but there are still a lot of "TRDATM" (The Rules Don't Apply To Me) people about!

SWR
:beer3:

[keithwand]

At the Christmas Tree lighting I walked with my wife and sat at a table of some friends of ours and noticed a big gold garland on the ground under the table. I was told that when they came down they saw the garland wrapped around all the chairs at the table, removed it and sat.
I was there about 20 minutes or so when a woman with a confused look on her face asked us if we were sitting at "her table". One of my friends said, "I don't think so, as we've been sitting here almost an hour now", and that was that. (We didn't ask her if she lost a gold garland)

:agree:

[rubicon]

Perhaps if residents want tables reserved they need to call and have them reserved for a price and the better locations pay higher prices. I mean isn't that what a democracy does when confronted with scare resources. :pepper2:

[Bryan]

Rubicon, at one time the proverbial "they" came up with the same idea as you did. They "sold" reserved tables on New Years Eve (yes - we used to have music until the year changed on that day). The local constabulary saw where it was going and anticipated lots of fights and riots over seating so put the quabash on it. "They" had to refund money to all who paid for a table and cancel entertainment for New Years Eve. From then until now, New Years Eve entertainment on the square ends of 9 PM, just like all other nights.

[jsw14]

We sit in seats like that all the time. Ones with plastic bags, roped off. I just say," no saving seats"What is this 3rd grade.

WTG paulandjean, If more ppl do that (so-called) reserved seats will be History!!!!!!!

Hmmmmm, where did my seat go>>>>>:shrug::laugh::laugh:

[natickdan]

There have been some good suggestions TV can institute to eliminate or, at least minimize, the practice of saving seats. It is obvious that many of us find it frustrating, so my question is what department has the authority to make a change? Does anyone know if they have been requested to address this issue?

I can't believe TV is unaware of this issue and, at some point, this practice could lead to an argument or worse that none of us want to see in either Town Square.

[NotGolfer]

View the video on the V-mail re: the new town square. They will have stadium seating. Wonder how that will work for "saving" seats???

[Pturner]

I disagree with those who say that in the interest of being "Florida's Friendliest Hometown," respectful people who follow the rules should let "reprehensible" conduct, as Swrinfla aptly called it, be countenanced and rewarded.

That "logic" is the root cause of the bad situation having "always been that way".

I agree that being confrontational about it is both undesirable and unsatisfying. Ditto being angry about it.

Simply sitting in long-vacant chairs that are part of a saved lot and that no one is around to either occupy or attend is the most ethical response, in my view, as it protects the integrity of our community and raises the standards of expected behavior.

[swimdawg]

I disagree with those who say that in the interest of being "Florida's Friendliest Hometown," respectful people who follow the rules should let "reprehensible" conduct, as Swrinfla aptly called it, be countenanced and rewarded.

That "logic" is the root cause of the bad situation having "always been that way".

I agree that being confrontational about it is both undesirable and unsatisfying. Ditto being angry about it.

Simply sitting in long-vacant chairs that are part of a saved lot and that no one is around to either occupy or attend is the most ethical response, in my view, as it protects the integrity of our community and raises the standards of expected behavior.

:agree:
Sometimes you make so much sense I can hardly stand it! I may have to give an award for the most common sense post of the day. You'd win....hands down!

[Bettiboop]

The seating looks nice but was thinking it could be hard for some seniors to be safe on those or access them at all.

That is the first thing I thought of too. If it is true grandstand/stadium-like steps and seating I would think that it will be hard for a lot of people to navigate safely for different reasons.

[graciegirl]

I disagree with those who say that in the interest of being "Florida's Friendliest Hometown," respectful people who follow the rules should let "reprehensible" conduct, as Swrinfla aptly called it, be countenanced and rewarded.

That "logic" is the root cause of the bad situation having "always been that way".

I agree that being confrontational about it is both undesirable and unsatisfying. Ditto being angry about it.

Simply sitting in long-vacant chairs that are part of a saved lot and that no one is around to either occupy or attend is the most ethical response, in my view, as it protects the integrity of our community and raises the standards of expected behavior.


You are right, P, always right and even when I think you are wrong you are right. BUT.............

What if some lady comes up to me when I am sitting on that chair and says..."THAT IS MY CHAIR! WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY CHAIR???"

What is going to keep me from instinctively jumping up and saying...
"Oh, I am so sorry!", like we were taught in Ohio????

Gracie, the wuss.

[albertehill]

I disagree with those who say that in the interest of being "Florida's Friendliest Hometown," respectful people who follow the rules should let "reprehensible" conduct, as Swrinfla aptly called it, be countenanced and rewarded.

That "logic" is the root cause of the bad situation having "always been that way".

I agree that being confrontational about it is both undesirable and unsatisfying. Ditto being angry about it.

Simply sitting in long-vacant chairs that are part of a saved lot and that no one is around to either occupy or attend is the most ethical response, in my view, as it protects the integrity of our community and raises the standards of expected behavior.

I agree...and would add that if we see someone in a position like graciegirl described, we support them.