Saving seats at town squares

[katsudden]

UPDATE: I want to thank everyone for their posts. I have to admit that if people are going to be abusing the amount of time that they are leaving the saved seats empty while others could be sitting there, it would be very frustrating to others. I imagine that the villages will continue to have this problem as long as it is allowed and inconsistently controlled. People on both sides of the fence are not happy with how it is being handled. New owners and renters are joining this community every day. I believe that people are willing to follow any rules put to them. We must all be patient with each other. No one is meaning to be rude, just to find a way to enjoy.



I have mobility issues and therefore prefer to save seats at the square so I am assured of being able to sit. My husband and I saved two seats about 3:30pm at Mardi Gras at Lake Sumpter. We went to get a bite to eat and returned to find our "seat savers" under the bushes and two other people in our seats. We were told that a Village Personnel man took our "seat-savers" off of the chairs. We spoke to the supervisor about it. He admitted to doing it. Basically it came down to "what right do we have to save "village-owned seats."

So...what do you all think about this? Our thoughts are......

We couldn't "save" seats, but....

1. Others seem to have the right to be able to bring their own chairs and save an optimal space on the "village-owned property" that others could put "village owned" chairs upon. They have that right according to the supervisor.
2. Others have the right to come early and just sit and wait in "village-owned" chairs. Why does my physical rear-end have to be in the chair vs. my "seat saver" other than to protect our chairs from the supervisor?
3. What if we want to save our seats and get up to shop the vendors around the square? One would have to be sitting there to save the other seat according to the supervisor as he was still going around checking seats as entertainment was going on.
4. What if we want to save our seats and get up to dance? One would have to be sitting there to save the other seat to be safe from the supervisor.

What right do we have to "save our seats?" We have the same right that anyone else has to come down early and save seats. First come first serve. That is our "right." We are not taking away anyone else's right to do this.

What "right" does anyone have to disrespect our "right" to be there first?

(Sarcastically) Why don't they just gate everything off with policemen and make everyone go in at the same time? Oops! People would be upset because somehow someone got closer to the gate then they did. Or....let's just make the rule that no one can leave their house until 30 minutes before an event. Oops! Some people live closer and that's just not fair! Perhaps the villages should just eliminate all "reservations" at restaurants or buying tickets in advance.

Do you think that this is micro-managing just a bit too much? After all…we are adults. There are always going to be "childish" adults who cause problems. Let the villages focus on them and leave the rest of us alone.

What do YOU think?:rant-rave:

[graciegirl]

I agree with the person who removed your seat saver.

See below threads about this problem.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/hats-off-event-staff-65185/
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/save-me-seat-62614/

[quirky3]

:popcorn:

[Posh 08]

Why doesn't the whole group come at the same time, early? No need to "save seats" like the high school basketball game. :confused:

[Cisco Kid]

:popcorn::popcorn::)

[perrjojo]

Saving seats has become a HUGE problem! Sorry, no sympathy here. People have been begging for this problem to be solved for years. I really doubt you will get any sympathy on this forum!

[DAWN MARIE]

I also agree with the one who took the seat savers except I wouldn't be happy if I got up to dance or got a drink to come back and find my seat gone. So to do it an hour or so before events happen is one thing but once the events are underway they should stop.

[Barefoot]

What "right" does anyone have to disrespect our "right" to be there first?


No-one is disrepecting your right to get there first. If you sit in your chair, you will secure it, no problem. If you choose to go shopping, your chair is up for grabs.

[Mr. Grampi II]

I mean no disrespect to the OP but I think if you absolutely must have a seat you should consider bringing your own chair.

I have a Mom who also as mobility problems, when we take her to square on a night when there is an event or it real busy we take her wheel chair or a folding chair of our own. This ensure she has a seat and we look for one for ourselves when available.

[coffeebean]

Saving seats at the squares hours before an event sounds like chair hogs on a cruise ship to me. Cruisers have gone as far as saying cruise ship chair hogs should be made to walk the plank. (It's an ongoing problem)

Hubby and I have always said, "The Villages is like a cruise ship on land".

[cquick]

we never leave our chairs completely empty. One of us stays with the chairs. That's fine for us, but what about people who like to dance? Then both are up at the same time, I think their chairs should still be there when they come back.....

[Bogie Shooter]

No-one is disrepecting your right to get there first. If you sit in your chair, you will secure it, no problem. If you choose to go shopping, your chair is up for grabs.

Have to agree.
Glad to see some one is looking at "seat saving"....clean them up Dano.

[Posh 08]

Saving seats at the squares hours before an event sounds like chair hogs on a cruise ship to me. Cruisers have gone as far as saying cruise ship chair hogs should be made to walk the plank. (It's an ongoing problem)

Hubby and I have always said, "The Villages is like a cruise ship on land".

Bingo :D

[9eileen9]

...My husband and I saved two seats about 3:30pm at Mardi Gras at Lake Sumpter. We went to get a bite to eat and returned to find our "seat savers" under the bushes and two other people in our seats. We were told that a Village Personnel man took our "seat-savers" off of the chairs. We spoke to the supervisor about it. He admitted to doing it.

What "right" does anyone have to disrespect our "right" to be there first?

What do YOU think?:rant-rave:
Well done by the Supervisor!!! You have a right to reserve seats? Give me a break! We watched a lady "rope" off with ribbons 9 seats at Spanish Springs about 3 hours before the music began. We went back there at 5:45pm and saw that MOST of the seats were still "roped" off but no one sitting in them. That group finally arrived at 6pm and were annoyed that ALL 9 of the seats were not there waiting for them.
NO SAVING OF SEATS is a great idea. Again, well done by the Supervisor.

[JoeC1947]

It's about time The Villages took a stand by un-saving seats.

[quirky3]

If you bring your own chairs, that should avoid the rest of the problems.

[Uptown Girl]

If you bring your own chairs, that should avoid the rest of the problems.

Absolutely. So simple.

[cab1948]

Funny someone mentioned cruise ships. We just got back from a cruise on Princess lines . They also are cracking down on seat savers. They had one deck attendant check on the empty "saved" lounges. They would ask people near the lounges if they were being used. If the answer was no they left a note stating the time and saying they would remove any personal property in 30 minutes and it could be retrieved in lost and found. Halleluja!!! I don't know why people think they can reserve seats in a public place. It's inconsiderate.

[coffeebean]

My impression from the OP is she was referring to seat saving a few hours before the start of the event. Once the event starts, I would hope when folks get up from their chairs to dance, their chairs will still be available for them when they go back to them.

[ronat1]

As far as mobility problems, I sympathize with you but almost half the people living in TV has some sort of mobility issue. Just look around everywhere you go, and especially at all of the RAT tags attached to golf carts on the golf courses. I don't feel anyone should be allowed to save seats and why would someone think it is their "right" to do so?

[cquick]

Well done by the Supervisor!!! You have a right to reserve seats? Give me a break! We watched a lady "rope" off with ribbons 9 seats at Spanish Springs about 3 hours before the music began. We went back there at 5:45pm and saw that MOST of the seats were still "roped" off but no one sitting in them. That group finally arrived at 6pm and were annoyed that ALL 9 of the seats were not there waiting for them.
NO SAVING OF SEATS is a great idea. Again, well done by the Supervisor.

It seems like they save seats at Spanish Springs more often. I don't get it. How do they get away with it?

[George Bieniaszek]

My wife and I went to Panera this morning for breakfast and took a walk around LSL around 9AM. We observed the "privilaged" out there roping off seats at that time. We came back around 3:45 with our bag chairs cause we knew that LSL would be crowded. One of the 2 sets of "reserved chairs" of 6 seats were empty till at least 4:30 when the staff came by to remove the ropes and seat savers so that others could use them.

HATS OFF TO THE STAFF AT LSL that removed the seat savers. If you want to get there early and get good seats, your butts should be in the seats. If you need special accommodations because of mobility issues or other issues, BRING YOUR OWN CHAIRS!!!

Sorry to the OP but no sympathy from me either.

[scrapperonce]

Hooray for the Event staff! I believe it is about time that a STOP is put to saving seats. Not too long ago, my husband and I were at LSL for an event for which seats were at a premium...A whole row of people sitting "up front" got up, left jackets, water bottles and other paraphernalia to "save the seats" and left the area...My husband and I stood for a while and then went to the Lighthouse to eat...and who do you suppose were all sitting at the restaurant, eating???? Yep...That whole row of people! So...while people were being forced to stand, that whole row of chairs was left empty by this selfish group preventing folks from being able to sit and enjoy the entertainment...so I say...Good for the Villages for starting to address this problem.....None of us is "entitled" and it would be a good thing in my opinion if folks stopped being selfish and started thinking beyond themselves....

[NotGolfer]

We've lived here going on 4 years and this has been a HUGE problem that needed to be addressed! Saving seats anywhere is rude and disrespectful in my opinion. We've attended a church where folks will "save" a whole row for their friends/family who might get there late. Don't get it! "IF" someone wants to be sure to have a seat, then I agree that their body should be occupying that seat/chair.

IF you need to go and eat...then by all means do so but bring your own chairs down, scope out the area that best suits you and you're set without a fuss.

KUDOS to The Villages staff for taking a pro-active part in taking care of this issue!!!!

Sorry no sympathies here....and I too have mobility issues!!

[gingersnap]

Well I must confess that we too had our seat pads removed from our seats this evening. My husband put them on the chairs about 3:45. I got delayed at the beauty shop so I was meeting him @ the square @ 4:00. He went to get a drink, stopped for a couple minutes to talk to someone and when he got back to the chairs our pads had been tossed in the bushes. We are new here at TV and did not know this was an issue. This is the very first time we have ever even used seat pads @ the square. I understand what everyone here is saying about saving seats, we did not feel we were being disrespectful. However, how can we patronize the Bait Shacks, etc. or even dance if our seats are going to be gone when we come back to them. Some of the line dancing goes on for many songs without dancers leaving the floor to go back to their seats. I have never seen their seat pads removed. It's a difficult problem to address. Maybe TV needs to make a public announcement regarding saving seats, and by all means, get the info out to newcomers as we did not know this had been addressed before. It all turned out OK...I ran home, got a couple of chairs and put them up. It was a great night...until the rain came down!
Thanks to the entertainers!

[villagerjack]

After all…we are adults. There are always going to be "childish" adults who cause problems:[/QUOTE]

Ironic

[Bryan]

Hats off to the Event Staff who remove the 'seat savers'. I know several posted about losing seats while dancing ( "However, how can we patronize the Bait Shacks, etc. or even dance if our seats are going to be gone when we come back to them. Some of the line dancing goes on for many songs without dancers leaving the floor to go back to their seats. I have never seen their seat pads removed.") but not one single post said anyone actually lost a seat while dancing. All put their 'seat savers' out before the event started (3:45 PM and the bands typically start at 5 PM). If you go early to get a good spot, that is your choice and maybe a good idea - stay in that spot, occupy it - don't try to 'save' it. Once the dancing starts, yes there will be empty chairs while peeps dance but no Event Staff are taking away 'seat savers' once the music starts either.

[graciegirl]

Well said Bryan.

[Golfingnut]

It is inconvenient, but we go down at 3:30 to get the best seating left at that time. When I see roped off seats it is wrong, but when they are still roped and empty hours later, that is disgusting and it can only be viewed as they think they are better than the rest of us. I praise the staff for stopping this practice.

[2 Oldcrabs]

We have not been to the squares since last St Patty's day because of the chair saving. Stopped going to the resturants also. If TV is stopping the "chair saving" we will return.:BigApplause:

[PaPaLarry]

Saving chairs has been a big issue for years here at The Villages. I, like most everyone, feel its so unfair to see people put clothes, boxes, and other material on chairs (and tables too) early in morning, only to come back at late afternoon to have it saved for them. We bring our own chairs (when we go to square) and sit our little (?) buns down to watch entertainment etc. Sometimes feel bad for people who are standing, when there are chairs there to sit on, but reserved for later!!!! There used to be another issue, with parking carts on grass,( by the outside bathrooms at Lake Sumpter, by the water). People would just ride up on sidewalk,and park their carts there. Then The Villages got wise to that, and had to rope it all off. If we all could only respect our neighbor friends, we could keep having this lovely place to live at and enjoy each other. Still love it here, love the people!!

[rustyp]

So far about 30 replies - not one in favor of saving seats. I also do not like this practice. However I do not go for the idea that an event person can selectively single out someone doing this. Something does not add up on the original story. Did the event person clear out all saved seats? Did the event person throw the cushions in the bushes (hard to believe)? I would hope that if this practice is a new standard that we would at least be informed of the new situation - like the "no coolers, etc speach before each set starts). FYI - If I go to the square and there are no seats and some are being saved with no one in attendance I sit in it until the party comes back and politely give it back - why should it go unused.

[Ragman]

Why not put up signs stating " all seat savers will be removed at (pick a Time)" and then have the staff remove them at the appointed time.

Have the staff randomly observe and "Time Out" seats after 1/2 hr.

Seems to only be a problem in high season and special events.

:wave:

[DougB]

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign. Blocking out the scenery, breakin' my mind.

[2BNTV]

One fanny in chair equals reserved. I am glad they are finally doing something about unused reserved seats. It is not polite and totally unnecessary. If a person gets up to dance, their seat should be there when they get back to it.
Reserving seats and then going to dinner Argggggggggggggggggg!!!!!!
Nuff said..........

:popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:

[gingersnap]

So far about 30 replies - not one in favor of saving seats. I also do not like this practice. However I do not go for the idea that an event person can selectively single out someone doing this. Something does not add up on the original story. Did the event person clear out all saved seats? Did the event person throw the cushions in the bushes (hard to believe)? I would hope that if this practice is a new standard that we would at least be informed of the new situation - like the "no coolers, etc speach before each set starts). FYI - If I go to the square and there are no seats and some are being saved with no one in attendance I sit in it until the party comes back and politely give it back - why should it go unused.

I can't speak for the original thread starter, but in our case, the people in the area where my husband found our cushions said that they saw one of the guys in the "blue shirts" throw the cushions in the bushes...better than just taking them to lost & found I guess. We do have 2 folding chairs which we will take to the square in the future. We just never felt that we had to do that because the use of the chairs at the square probably fall under the amenities fee that we pay. Did the event staff also go around and put down all the chairs that were standing/leaning against the round tables to reserve them? I agree with the statement made above, if this is a new practice/standard then we all should be informed of that. Maybe they could add it to the announcement regarding coolers and grandchildren on the square. If attendees here the announcement a couple of times they will know it is not allowed and will probably then refrain from doing it.

We come from rural PA where you can put your chairs/blankets out the night before the big community parade and it has never been an issue. Rest assured that we will not use the cushions again...there is a butt for every seat and from now on my will be in my own chair!

As newbies here at TV, we are certainly sorry if we offended anyone as that was certainly not our intent.

[graciegirl]

I can't speak for the original thread starter, but in our case, the people in the area where my husband found our cushions said that they saw one of the guys in the "blue shirts" throw the cushions in the bushes...better than just taking them to lost & found I guess. We do have 2 folding chairs which we will take to the square in the future. We just never felt that we had to do that because the use of the chairs at the square probably fall under the amenities fee that we pay. Did the event staff also go around and put down all the chairs that were standing/leaning against the round tables to reserve them? I agree with the statement made above, if this is a new practice/standard then we all should be informed of that. Maybe they could add it to the announcement regarding coolers and grandchildren on the square. If attendees here the announcement a couple of times they will know it is not allowed and will probably then refrain from doing it.

We come from rural PA where you can put your chairs/blankets out the night before the big community parade and it has never been an issue. Rest assured that we will not use the cushions again...there is a butt for every seat and from now on my will be in my own chair!

As newbies here at TV, we are certainly sorry if we offended anyone as that was certainly not our intent.

Did you find your cushions in the bushes? I find it hard to imagine that anyone working as an event planner would do that. I know that I have felt like it at times. Perhaps some villager did it.

I guess we bring with us to this big melting pot the traditions and attitudes and accepted practices that we are used to.

No one that I can remember got in front of me in line in Ohio or went early to save a chair at unpaid events.

There have been many discussions here on this forum about this issue and a few have suggested that signs about no seat saving would work, but many others were sceptical.

I hope you know Gingersnap that there are many, kind and caring people here in this very large and diverse place, and there are those who don't care about anyone but themselves. Moving here isn't going to change them and I think that the policy setters were patient for too long this time in their efforts to see if we would all behave like adults.

I am very glad that they are doing something about it, which I hope ISN'T pillow-tossing-into-the bushes.

I have seen with my own eyes, groups of chairs at LSL with a chain and a padlock. It made me want to bite.

I wouldn't want to be an event planner trying to calmly explain this new practice to people who think they deserve to run things the way they want.

OUCH!!!

[gingersnap]

Yes Graciegirl we found the cushions in the bushes and two people told my husband that an event guy in the blue shirt had put them there. I hope you will add me to your long list of kind and caring people here in this very large and diverse place known as The Friendliest Town...... Please know that I do care about others. We will not do it again...My case is closed.

[graciegirl]

Yes Graciegirl we found the cushions in the bushes and two people told my husband that an event guy in the blue shirt had put them there. I hope you will add me to your long list of kind and caring people here in this very large and diverse place known as The Friendliest Town...... Please know that I do care about others. We will not do it again...My case is closed.

Then Gingersnap, I will go over to LSL and find that event guy and beat him up. :) That wasn't nice and is no better than seat saving.

[mulligan]

Just for the record, there is no amenity fee money spent for entertainment at the squares. Commercial districts, and grant money support those activities.And Gracie.....has there been a training session for the posse recently ?

[2BNTV]

Time for the girls posse to break out their squirt guns. :jester:

[archerlc]

I agree...No saving seats.

[fred boswell]

As bizarre as this might sound, I was considering not moving to the villages because I read previous threads about this practice. Seat Savers should be publicly flogged. It is rude and ignorant to go and place objects to save seats hours before a public event in the squares. I have a condo at the Jersey shore and people go over early in the am and place towels and other personal items on chairs by the pool. jack asses, each and every one.

I for one am so glad that this issue is being addressed.

[Bogie Shooter]

As bizarre as this might sound, I was considering not moving to the villages because I read previous threads about this practice. Seat Savers should be publicly flogged. It is rude and ignorant to go and place objects to save seats hours before a public event in the squares. I have a condo at the Jersey shore and people go over early in the am and place towels and other personal items on chairs by the pool. jack asses, each and every one.

I for one am so glad that this issue is being addressed.

Yes, bizarre.
Glad to hear that there are jack asses someplace other than TV. Some posters only believe it happens here.

[graciegirl]

Yes, bizarre.
Glad to hear that there are jack asses someplace other than TV. Some posters only believe it happens here.


Bogie!

I have been looking and looking at Wallwords for a quote to put up in our great room.

What you just posted..... JUST may be the one I pick. ...Just the first sentence.


JUST KIDDING.

Well, it might look good in a gothic script in turquoise.............;)

[PaPaLarry]

Did you find your cushions in the bushes? I find it hard to imagine that anyone working as an event planner would do that. I know that I have felt like it at times. Perhaps some villager did it.

I guess we bring with us to this big melting pot the traditions and attitudes and accepted practices that we are used to.

No one that I can remember got in front of me in line in Ohio or went early to save a chair at unpaid events.

There have been many discussions here on this forum about this issue and a few have suggested that signs about no seat saving would work, but many others were sceptical.

I hope you know Gingersnap that there are many, kind and caring people here in this very large and diverse place, and there are those who don't care about anyone but themselves. Moving here isn't going to change them and I think that the policy setters were patient for too long this time in their efforts to see if we would all behave like adults.

I am very glad that they are doing something about it, which I hope ISN'T pillow-tossing-into-the bushes.

I have seen with my own eyes, groups of chairs at LSL with a chain and a padlock. It made me want to bite.

I wouldn't want to be an event planner trying to calmly explain this new practice to people who think they deserve to run things the way they want.

OUCH!!!
You couldn't have said it any nicier Gracie!!!!! Chain and Locks????? Wow!!!! hehehehe

[ronat1]

As bizarre as this might sound, I was considering not moving to the villages because I read previous threads about this practice. Seat Savers should be publicly flogged. It is rude and ignorant to go and place objects to save seats hours before a public event in the squares. I have a condo at the Jersey shore and people go over early in the am and place towels and other personal items on chairs by the pool. jack asses, each and every one.

I for one am so glad that this issue is being addressed.

Did I read correctly, you actually considered not moving to The Villages because you read on TOTV about "seat saving" at the squares?????

[Madelaine Amee]

I have a condo at the Jersey shore and people go over early in the am and place towels and other personal items on chairs by the pool. jack asses, each and every one.

This is a problem that is universal. You cannot go on a cruise any more without people getting up at sunrise and putting "their" towels on chairs around the pool, and that towel stays there all day. I lived on a golf course with a pool area and if you left a towel on a chair you'd come back and find it in the water and someone in your chair!

Surely, it is up to us to stop it. If there is a group of chairs roped together with no one on them, pull the chairs out of the way and way to the back - pull the end one the rest will follow making a hell of a noise and causing WW3, but you've made your point. If someone is dancing I think they have the right to expect to come back to a chair, but if you go off to eat you're done, and if you leave something on the chair it should be removed carefully and placed on the wall out of harms way. BUT, IT TAKES GUTS TO DO THIS.

[Bogie Shooter]

This is a problem that is universal. You cannot go on a cruise any more without people getting up at sunrise and putting "their" towels on chairs around the pool, and that towel stays there all day. I lived on a golf course with a pool area and if you left a towel on a chair you'd come back and find it in the water and someone in your chair!

Surely, it is up to us to stop it. If there is a group of chairs roped together with no one on them, pull the chairs out of the way and way to the back - pull the end one the rest will follow making a hell of a noise and causing WW3, but you've made your point. If someone is dancing I think they have the right to expect to come back to a chair, but if you go off to eat you're done, and if you leave something on the chair it should be removed carefully and placed on the wall out of harms way. BUT, IT TAKES GUTS TO DO THIS.

Lot of people packing heat on them squares.:duck:

[Madelaine Amee]

Lot of people packing heat on them squares.:duck:

Oooops - never thought of that. I'm used to living in a civilized world! Thanks for the heads up.

[Kateb1]

Unfortuately, nothing in life is fair or equal, and that's just the way it is. It's a new time, a new day, a new mindset. Even in The Villages there are things that aren't so perfect.




I have mobility issues and therefore prefer to save seats at the square so I am assured of being able to sit. My husband and I saved two seats about 3:30pm at Mardi Gras at Lake Sumpter. We went to get a bite to eat and returned to find our "seat savers" under the bushes and two other people in our seats. We were told that a Village Personnel man took our "seat-savers" off of the chairs. We spoke to the supervisor about it. He admitted to doing it. Basically it came down to "what right do we have to save "village-owned seats."

So...what do you all think about this? Our thoughts are......

We couldn't "save" seats, but....

1. Others seem to have the right to be able to bring their own chairs and save an optimal space on the "village-owned property" that others could put "village owned" chairs upon. They have that right according to the supervisor.
2. Others have the right to come early and just sit and wait in "village-owned" chairs. Why does my physical rear-end have to be in the chair vs. my "seat saver" other than to protect our chairs from the supervisor?
3. What if we want to save our seats and get up to shop the vendors around the square? One would have to be sitting there to save the other seat according to the supervisor as he was still going around checking seats as entertainment was going on.
4. What if we want to save our seats and get up to dance? One would have to be sitting there to save the other seat to be safe from the supervisor.

What right do we have to "save our seats?" We have the same right that anyone else has to come down early and save seats. First come first serve. That is our "right." We are not taking away anyone else's right to do this.

What "right" does anyone have to disrespect our "right" to be there first?

(Sarcastically) Why don't they just gate everything off with policemen and make everyone go in at the same time? Oops! People would be upset because somehow someone got closer to the gate then they did. Or....let's just make the rule that no one can leave their house until 30 minutes before an event. Oops! Some people live closer and that's just not fair! Perhaps the villages should just eliminate all "reservations" at restaurants or buying tickets in advance.

Do you think that this is micro-managing just a bit too much? After all…we are adults. There are always going to be "childish" adults who cause problems. Let the villages focus on them and leave the rest of us alone.

What do YOU think?:rant-rave:

[tommy steam]

:popcorn:

lol!

[tommy steam]

:BigApplause:I mean no disrespect to the OP but I think if you absolutely must have a seat you should consider bringing your own chair.

I have a Mom who also as mobility problems, when we take her to square on a night when there is an event or it real busy we take her wheel chair or a folding chair of our own. This ensure she has a seat and we look for one for ourselves when available.

:BigApplause:

[ilovetv]

".....3. What if we want to save our seats and get up to shop the vendors around the square? One would have to be sitting there to save the other seat according to the supervisor as he was still going around checking seats as entertainment was going on.
4. What if we want to save our seats and get up to dance? One would have to be sitting there to save the other seat to be safe from the supervisor...."

Bring two chairs of your own. We wished we had brought ours last night. Past threads here have gone on and on and on about people at these festivals who save seats all day and night and never use them. Now that that rudeness is being curbed there are other problems.

We all have to figure out how to best deal with our limitations.......along with our WANTS.

Can't have your cake and eat it too.

[buzzy]

I think there must be places in this country that exist in an alternative universe. It's hard for me to imagine that so many people can arrive at The Villages without ever encountering rude people before.

[buggyone]

I understand this Wednesday had a standing room only crowd of around 4,000 people around Spanish Springs to hear Rocky & The Rollers and for Market Night. Rocky gave that estimate, by the way.

Naturally, with all those people, saved seats are not going to be allowed. Removing saving material when it has been vacant for some time is reasonable and should be done. No one is going to swoop in and toss out a saving seat pillow or hat when the people are dancing.

The crowds will thin out beginning in April and be back to normal in May. This is a good time for that 21 day cruise.

[sralph99]

I arrived at Spanish Springs Wednesday at 4:15 - glad we brought our chairs. Every chair in the square was already taken, many were roped off or tied together.

[sueandskip]

People get carried away with the word right ! What right was violated? Constitutional ? The Bill of Rights ? Which was it ? How about a legal right...
I agree with the rules that be....Set there to save it or bring your own....

[Roaddog53]

I too obviously agree with no saving seats...period. The sign idea would at least "warn" people if they try to save seats. We go dancing at the squares and many times our seats are still there. Usually due to some one replying to a person who asks if the seats are saved and they say the people are up dancing so they leave them alone.
Now, the caveat to "bringing your own chair". I can now see everyone going out and buying their own chairs and taking them to the squares early to save a spot in front. Next thing we know there will BE NO SPOTS AVAILABLE! Than all will complain about spots. Than they will reserve spots for personal seats in an area. Than no room room for that area. And on and on.. :ohdear:
Probably just opened up a new can. Maybe should be of whoop a**. :)

[graciegirl]

I think there must be places in this country that exist in an alternative universe. It's hard for me to imagine that so many people can arrive at The Villages without ever encountering rude people before.

You are correct. BUT some folks seem to have lived in surroundings that encouraged LESS restraint on their speech and actions.

Not everyone in Ohio is polite. We have had a lot of people move there from OTHER areas. ;)

I am JUST kidding, Well sorta.

I stopped in Toojays to pick up some cookies at the Deli part yesterday.

The ticket taker thingy that allows you to take numbers wasn't working and there was a little crowd there. I laughingly said, "It's o.k. I'm from Ohio, I'll go to the back of the line" which made several people laugh and say that they too were from Ohio and they understood.

Being polite is acting kind even if you're not.

[JoeC1947]

I would love to be part of The Villages crew that goes around removing items from saved chairs. I'm sure that The Villages would have no trouble enlisting as many volunteers as necessary to get the job done and, when there is no event going on these same people could monitor the rabs with cameras and post pics like the gate crashes.

[CSB1228]

I wonder why you live here. You don't sound like you're enjoying yourself. No one will take a seat after the entertainment starts if something is left on it to show someone is sitting there.

[buggyone]

I would love to be part of The Villages crew that goes around removing items from saved chairs. I'm sure that The Villages would have no trouble enlisting as many volunteers as necessary to get the job done and, when there is no event going on these same people could monitor the rabs with cameras and post pics like the gate crashes.

What is monitoring "the rabs with cameras"?

If you do go to one of the town squares and see seats tied together after the show has started, feel free to remove the ties and sit yourself down. Some folks use plastic bags to tie chairs together. Just toss that in the trash and sit on down. No one is going to fight you for the chairs. They may question you but just say they were not tied together and that they must be mistaken which chairs they had.

[Uptown Girl]

We haven't seen a second post from the OP katsudden.

I was hoping she would understand or at least acknowledge our alternate point of view.
Perhaps she was only posting to have someone validate hers...(sigh!)

Will you save seats upon your next visit to the square, katsudden?
Does the consensus matter to you?
I am truly curious.

[JoeC1947]

What is monitoring "the rabs with cameras"?

.

That part was kind of a joke.

[katsudden]

We've lived here going on 4 years and this has been a HUGE problem that needed to be addressed! Saving seats anywhere is rude and disrespectful in my opinion. We've attended a church where folks will "save" a whole row for their friends/family who might get there late. Don't get it! "IF" someone wants to be sure to have a seat, then I agree that their body should be occupying that seat/chair.

IF you need to go and eat...then by all means do so but bring your own chairs down, scope out the area that best suits you and you're set without a fuss.

KUDOS to The Villages staff for taking a pro-active part in taking care of this issue!!!!

Sorry no sympathies here....and I too have mobility issues!!



So...what is the difference between saving seats by bringing my own chair and saving seats by using "village" chairs? I'm still saving a space.

[graciegirl]

So...what is the difference between saving seats by bringing my own chair and saving seats by using "village" chairs? I'm still saving a space.

You were thinking to bring a chair and leave it unattended?

[katsudden]

We haven't seen a second post from the OP katsudden.

I was hoping she would understand or at least acknowledge our alternate point of view.
Perhaps she was only posting to have someone validate hers...(sigh!)

Will you save seats upon your next visit to the square, katsudden?
Does the consensus matter to you?
I am truly curious.

We were at Spanish Springs for Scooter last night. There were many seats saved there and so we saved once again also. There were no problems. No one seemed to mind and no one came and took the seat savers off. Everyone had a great time. I guess I still don't see why others see us as "entitled". Everyone has the same right to do as we did. Just because we make the extra effort to go early and "save" we are in the wrong? What makes it so right to come late or at the last minute and rip off our seat savers and sit there? Please explain that.

[katsudden]

It seems like they save seats at Spanish Springs more often. I don't get it. How do they get away with it?


I believe they get away with it because they realize that if they wanted to save seats themselves, they can choose to do so or not. It is a choice.

[graciegirl]

We were at Spanish Springs for Scooter last night. There were many seats saved there and so we saved once again also. There were no problems. No one seemed to mind and no one came and took the seat savers off. Everyone had a great time. I guess I still don't see why others see us as "entitled". Everyone has the same right to do as we did. Just because we make the extra effort to go early and "save" we are in the wrong? What makes it so right to come late or at the last minute and rip off our seat savers and sit there? Please explain that.

It seems that it has been explained pretty well.

I couldn't enjoy myself doing something that makes so many others annoyed. I could NOT personally ever take a seat cover off. But it makes me SO upset when I see people saving seats with cushions and ropes and chains and tilting chairs.. If a person is sitting in the seat to save it then that is another story.

I hope that the event staff will begin monitoring and stopping seats saved without a bottom in them at Spanish Springs SOON.

[katsudden]

Hooray for the Event staff! I believe it is about time that a STOP is put to saving seats. Not too long ago, my husband and I were at LSL for an event for which seats were at a premium...A whole row of people sitting "up front" got up, left jackets, water bottles and other paraphernalia to "save the seats" and left the area...My husband and I stood for a while and then went to the Lighthouse to eat...and who do you suppose were all sitting at the restaurant, eating???? Yep...That whole row of people! So...while people were being forced to stand, that whole row of chairs was left empty by this selfish group preventing folks from being able to sit and enjoy the entertainment...so I say...Good for the Villages for starting to address this problem.....None of us is "entitled" and it would be a good thing in my opinion if folks stopped being selfish and started thinking beyond themselves....

Why do you think it is "selfish" and "entitled" to save seats? You can bring your own chairs or go early and save chairs also. Just because you don't think ahead to do so, you look down on those who do? So who is feeling "entitled" here? Seems that you are because you are feeling "entitled" to the seats that someone else has saved!

[sueandskip]

Well I must confess that we too had our seat pads removed from our seats this evening. My husband put them on the chairs about 3:45. I got delayed at the beauty shop so I was meeting him @ the square @ 4:00. He went to get a drink, stopped for a couple minutes to talk to someone and when he got back to the chairs our pads had been tossed in the bushes. We are new here at TV and did not know this was an issue. This is the very first time we have ever even used seat pads @ the square. I understand what everyone here is saying about saving seats, we did not feel we were being disrespectful. However, how can we patronize the Bait Shacks, etc. or even dance if our seats are going to be gone when we come back to them. Some of the line dancing goes on for many songs without dancers leaving the floor to go back to their seats. I have never seen their seat pads removed. It's a difficult problem to address. Maybe TV needs to make a public announcement regarding saving seats, and by all means, get the info out to newcomers as we did not know this had been addressed before. It all turned out OK...I ran home, got a couple of chairs and put them up. It was a great night...until the rain came down!
Thanks to the entertainers!
During a big event it is best to have one person stay with the chairs , but no one will steal your chairs while dancing...

[katsudden]

It seems that it has been explained pretty well.

I couldn't enjoy myself doing something that makes so many others annoyed. I could NOT personally ever take a seat cover off. But it makes me SO upset when I see people saving seats with cushions and ropes and chains and tilting chairs.. If a person is sitting in the seat to save it then that is another story.

I hope that the event staff will begin monitoring and stopping seats saved without a bottom in them at Spanish Springs SOON.

GracieGirl...I don't think it annoys as many people as you think it does. But those who are annoyed are going to ruin it for people who are "organizers" and think ahead so they will not be in the same boat as you who feel "entitled" to sit in the saved seats because you weren't smart enough to think of it first. Obviously you are among those who get annoyed at the "littlest" things. So bring YOUR OWN chair and quite complaining about not having a "village" chair to sit on. By the way....our seat savers were "cut" off and thrown into the bushes by a guy in blue who admitted to doing it. Very friendly!

[katsudden]

During a big event it is best to have one person stay with the chairs , but no one will steal your chairs while dancing...

How do you know that? Someone might think you are at a restaurant.

[katsudden]

I wonder why you live here. You don't sound like you're enjoying yourself. No one will take a seat after the entertainment starts if something is left on it to show someone is sitting there.

I enjoy it here just fine when people are respectful. By the way...I have witnessed people taking off seat savers after the entertainment has started. When the original people come back to their seats, the new "sitters" simply say that there were no cushions on the seats when they arrived. No one says anything because they don't want to start a fight.

[katsudden]

You were thinking to bring a chair and leave it unattended?

What did you think I meant?

[Golfingnut]

GracieGirl...I don't think it annoys as many people as you think it does. But those who are annoyed are going to ruin it for people who are "organizers" and think ahead so they will not be in the same boat as you who feel "entitled" to sit in the saved seats because you weren't smart enough to think of it first. Obviously you are among those who get annoyed at the "littlest" things. So bring YOUR OWN chair and quite complaining about not having a "village" chair to sit on. By the way....our seat savers were "cut" off and thrown into the bushes by a guy in blue who admitted to doing it. Very friendly!

You are obviously wrong and there are a great many people that are very annoyed by the saving of seats. Read this string of annoyed people. If it was allowed or considered OK by the majority, there would not be a chair not roped off by 9 AM on any event day. What a darn mess that would be. So if you are considerate of others, make it a first come and do not try to save a seat.

[katsudden]

I too obviously agree with no saving seats...period. The sign idea would at least "warn" people if they try to save seats. We go dancing at the squares and many times our seats are still there. Usually due to some one replying to a person who asks if the seats are saved and they say the people are up dancing so they leave them alone.
Now, the caveat to "bringing your own chair". I can now see everyone going out and buying their own chairs and taking them to the squares early to save a spot in front. Next thing we know there will BE NO SPOTS AVAILABLE! Than all will complain about spots. Than they will reserve spots for personal seats in an area. Than no room room for that area. And on and on.. :ohdear:
Probably just opened up a new can. Maybe should be of whoop a**. :)

That is my point about what is the difference between "saving" a village seat and bringing my own chair. I'm still "saving" a spot using my own chair. When will this complaining end? If people want to get there early and "save", let them. I see no difference between a "village" chair and my own chair.

[katsudden]

You are obviously wrong and there are a great many people that are very annoyed by the saving of seats. Read this string of annoyed people. If it was allowed or considered OK by the majority, there would not be a chair not roped off by 9 AM on any event day. What a darn mess that would be. So if you are considerate of others, make it a first come and do not try to save a seat.

The complainers are always more vocal than the non-complainers. You just think you are in the majority.

[Mikeod]

That is my point about what is the difference between "saving" a village seat and bringing my own chair. I'm still "saving" a spot using my own chair. When will this complaining end? If people want to get there early and "save", let them. I see no difference between a "village" chair and my own chair.

The difference is that the village chair belongs to everyone. Your chair belongs to only you. I don't understand the logic that people have the "right" to take ownership of a community chair from early in the day until they decide it can be returned to general use. If that is allowed, it won't be long before chairs and locations are reserved permanently and no one but the "privileged" will be allowed to the use of community property.

[katsudden]

So far about 30 replies - not one in favor of saving seats. I also do not like this practice. However I do not go for the idea that an event person can selectively single out someone doing this. Something does not add up on the original story. Did the event person clear out all saved seats? Did the event person throw the cushions in the bushes (hard to believe)? I would hope that if this practice is a new standard that we would at least be informed of the new situation - like the "no coolers, etc speach before each set starts). FYI - If I go to the square and there are no seats and some are being saved with no one in attendance I sit in it until the party comes back and politely give it back - why should it go unused.

Well it's common that those that are heard from are going to be the "complainers."

Yes, the event person admitted to going around and getting rid of all the "saved" items, cutting the ropes, untying the bags, etc. And yes, he did throw things in the bushes. Ours included. The event person who did this was the supervisor, the guy in blue with the yellow hat. And, yes, he was still doing so when we spoke to him after the event had started. He phrased it to those sitting next to us "Are you with the people saving the chairs?" They answered "no" and he got rid of the "chair savers."

If you want to sit in my chair until I get there, you are welcome to do so. If you want to bring your own chair, you are welcome to do so. If you want to go early and put a "saver" on a chair for later, you are welcome to do so. No one is hurting anyone here. If you come late and there aren't any chairs, you learn to bring a chair the next time. So big deal. We learned by coming late to events to get there early and save a chair. Did we complain? No. Did we throw the "savers" in the bushes? No. Did we start a fight? No.

[graciegirl]

...JUST KIDDING NOW......

http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100709124929/phineasandferb/images/7/7b/FiresideGirlsSquirtGuns.jpg

[paulandjean]

Fight! Fight! Fight!

[Uptown Girl]

Why do you think it is "selfish" and "entitled" to save seats? You can bring your own chairs or go early and save chairs also. Just because you don't think ahead to do so, you look down on those who do? So who is feeling "entitled" here? Seems that you are because you are feeling "entitled" to the seats that someone else has saved!

Basically, it is like this: Community chairs are first come, first served. They are not meant to be 'reserved' for future use when it is convenient to finally sit in them, but to be occupied when you take them.

Most reasonable situations, like using the bathroom or getting up to dance are perfectly acceptable times to place a sweater or such on a chair. People around are observant.... if they see you get up to dance, they will casually sort of guard that chair for you if someone new comes along.

Most people aren't sitting alone, and usually one stays with the chairs, while the other gets a beverage or uses the bathroom. If one IS alone, they can tell the person in the chair next to them that they are going to the bathroom and will be right back.

MOST people will ask if vacant chairs are being used, as often when people leave to go home, the chairs stay where they have been placed.

But when people stand through a performance, because all the chairs are spoken for..... and they see 'reserved chairs' that sit there without an occupant long after the music starts.... they get ANNOYED. It's considered HOGGING and that is distasteful to encounter FROM OTHER ADULTS when you are anticipating a pleasant evening.

Many people will ask someone standing if they would like their chairs when they are ready to leave, or let someone nearby know the chairs are available.
It's just common courtesy.

That's why bringing your own chairs makes so much sense for those who believe as you do.
It not only eliminates the problem of HOGGING, you can mark it with your stuff and nobody will bother it..... unless you place it in the line of the dancers. If it is empty and a hazard to the dancers, it will be moved, but certainly not tossed into the bushes.

HOGGING goes further sometimes, and only adds to the ire. For example, we have seen multiple parking spaces 'reserved' WAY ahead of time using ridiculous ribbons, rope, etc. when there is a popular event going on. Of course, those who are regular folk again get ANNOYED, driving around and around looking for someplace to park, to discover much later that the 'reservists' haven't yet graced us with their presence.... but expect those spaces be available to them anyway, even hours later.
Parking spaces are not reservable either.
This hogging behavior tends to creatively morph into every activity available, unless people get called on it.

I do believe that people who operate in this way count on everyone else to be 'politically correct', non confrontational, and let them have their way. If we don't, they get HIGHLY offended. If we DO give in, their low opinion of others is validated, and their behavior gets worse.
Doesn't make for happy campers when you must co-exist with (fill in the blank) when you just want to enjoy.
See?

[bargee]

I do not get upset when I see seats being saved per se.Its when I am at an affair that has been in progress for an hour and the people who cordoned off a group of chairs are still not there and I observe some of our older neighbors having to stand that upsets me.

[rustyp]

Well it's common that those that are heard from are going to be the "complainers."

Yes, the event person admitted to going around and getting rid of all the "saved" items, cutting the ropes, untying the bags, etc. And yes, he did throw things in the bushes. Ours included. The event person who did this was the supervisor, the guy in blue with the yellow hat. And, yes, he was still doing so when we spoke to him after the event had started. He phrased it to those sitting next to us "Are you with the people saving the chairs?" They answered "no" and he got rid of the "chair savers."

If you want to sit in my chair until I get there, you are welcome to do so. If you want to bring your own chair, you are welcome to do so. If you want to go early and put a "saver" on a chair for later, you are welcome to do so. No one is hurting anyone here. If you come late and there aren't any chairs, you learn to bring a chair the next time. So big deal. We learned by coming late to events to get there early and save a chair. Did we complain? No. Did we throw the "savers" in the bushes? No. Did we start a fight? No.

I would estimate at least 50% of the people at the town square have phones with cameras. Did anyone capture a picture of all this stuff thrown in the bushes. If so I would think the entertainment departmant would be interested in a copy. This could be a good way to call to their attention that a policy (wherther it be save or not save chairs) may be worth a review before the fisticuffs start to fly. This time their employee is involved not just villager vs villager. This subject has been beat to death here and nothing happens until the admin cuts it off when it gets nasty - that's not solving the problem.

[mulligan]

Hopefully, they will start treating LSL and SS just like brownwood. Anyone who wants a chair is handed one as he arrives....problem solved.

[buggyone]

GracieGirl...I don't think it annoys as many people as you think it does. But those who are annoyed are going to ruin it for people who are "organizers" and think ahead so they will not be in the same boat as you who feel "entitled" to sit in the saved seats because you weren't smart enough to think of it first. Obviously you are among those who get annoyed at the "littlest" things. So bring YOUR OWN chair and quite complaining about not having a "village" chair to sit on. By the way....our seat savers were "cut" off and thrown into the bushes by a guy in blue who admitted to doing it. Very friendly!

What type of seat savers did you have on your chair that were cut off? Was it a plastic bag or a nylon rope or what?

As far as the person that suggested (with a smiley face) that lots of people are "packing heat" so we should be careful about saved seats. IF anyone shows their concealed pistol in an aggressive or intimidating manner, they will be arrested for Assault With A Deadly Weapon and face some serious jail time. That has happened at least twice I know of in The Villages and dealt both times with parking spaces. Just call 911 if it happens to you - I know I will!!

[sandybill2]

We always bring our own chairs to the Square when there is a popular band and especially this time of year. We also have gotten up to dance and came back to find people sitting in our folding "bag" chairs. Now that was a surprise!

[Warren Kiefer]

Basically, it is like this: Community chairs are first come, first served. They are not meant to be 'reserved' for future use when it is convenient to finally sit in them, but to be occupied when you take them.

Most reasonable situations, like using the bathroom or getting up to dance are perfectly acceptable times to place a sweater or such on a chair. People around are observant.... if they see you get up to dance, they will casually sort of guard that chair for you if someone new comes along.

Most people aren't sitting alone, and usually one stays with the chairs, while the other gets a beverage or uses the bathroom. If one IS alone, they can tell the person in the chair next to them that they are going to the bathroom and will be right back.

MOST people will ask if vacant chairs are being used, as often when people leave to go home, the chairs stay where they have been placed.

But when people stand through a performance, because all the chairs are spoken for..... and they see 'reserved chairs' that sit there without an occupant long after the music starts.... they get ANNOYED. It's considered HOGGING and that is distasteful to encounter FROM OTHER ADULTS when you are anticipating a pleasant evening.

Many people will ask someone standing if they would like their chairs when they are ready to leave, or let someone nearby know the chairs are available.
It's just common courtesy.

That's why bringing your own chairs makes so much sense for those who believe as you do.
It not only eliminates the problem of HOGGING, you can mark it with your stuff and nobody will bother it..... unless you place it in the line of the dancers. If it is empty and a hazard to the dancers, it will be moved, but certainly not tossed into the bushes.

HOGGING goes further sometimes, and only adds to the ire. For example, we have seen multiple parking spaces 'reserved' WAY ahead of time using ridiculous ribbons, rope, etc. when there is a popular event going on. Of course, those who are regular folk again get ANNOYED, driving around and around looking for someplace to park, to discover much later that the 'reservists' haven't yet graced us with their presence.... but expect those spaces be available to them anyway, even hours later.
Parking spaces are not reservable either.
This hogging behavior tends to creatively morph into every activity available, unless people get called on it.

I do believe that people who operate in this way count on everyone else to be 'politically correct', non confrontational, and let them have their way. If we don't, they get HIGHLY offended. If we DO give in, their low opinion of others is validated, and their behavior gets worse.
Doesn't make for happy campers when you must co-exist with (fill in the blank) when you just want to enjoy.
See?

Very well stated and right on the mark...

[Indydealmaker]

I have heard that if the "seat saving" does not stop, the entertainment department is going to start charging for seats.

[Barefoot]

The event person admitted to going around and getting rid of all the "saved" items, cutting the ropes, untying the bags, etc. And yes, he did throw things in the bushes. Ours included. The event person who did this was the supervisor, the guy in blue with the yellow hat. And, yes, he was still doing so when we spoke to him after the event had started. He phrased it to those sitting next to us "Are you with the people saving the chairs?" They answered "no" and he got rid of the "chair savers."


I think the Event Person deserves a promotion. Over 70 posts on this topic, almost all in favour of eliminating seat saving. It doesn't make someone smart to get to a Town Square early, put a sweater on a chair, and go shopping or out to dinner. It just makes them inconsiderate.

[grandma-annie]

This is so refreshing - that someone is finally bringing this problem to a head...
Going to Rocky and the Rollers and finding all the front rows two or three deep tied off is so depressing you just want to go home.... Sometimes people don't show up until 6:00 for those tied off chairs. No one is going to lose their chair by dancing... everyone around you knows that you are present....

[ilovetv]

MINE!!! MINE!!! MINE!!!! MINE!!!!!!

It sounds like two-year-olds at the toy box on their first day of preschool.

The chairs supplied by TV for the entertainment are for community use, first come, first served. But if you're going to take chairs and not USE them for HOURS, then that is just plain selfish and arrogant. Other people who need to sit down end up standing while some selfish seat-saver is off shopping or something that is not watching the entertainment.

The best approach of all is what they do at Brownwood: You're handed a chair as you enter. If you go there ahead of the time, before chairs are distributed, then TOO BAD!! Bring your own!!

Lastly: I am grateful that we even HAVE live music every night!!! There's no place else like this, where there is live music and dancing WITHOUT A COVER CHARGE......every night times 3....free entertainment at 3 squares!

The ingratitude here from a few is appalling and embarrassing.

[DougB]

Not too sure about "live music" every night. I don't consider these one man or even duet private karaoke performances live music. But I do agree with the rest of your post.

[njbchbum]

gracie - great 'photo' of the posse! have resized it to avatar size.

all members should feel free to save to your photos and use as necessary! ;)

9775

[ilovetv]

Not too sure about "live music" every night. I don't consider these one man or even duet private karaoke performances live music. But I do agree with the rest of your post.

They are "live" singers who are hired and paid (union musicians) to be there and to entertain residents and newcomers for free.

In other places, not even a jukebox is available and if there is one, it is not free.

We ought to be grateful for what we have here.

[villagerjack]

they are "live" singers who are hired and paid (union musicians) to be there and to entertain residents and newcomers for free.

In other places, not even a jukebox is available and if there is one, it is not free.

We ought to be grateful for what we have here.

i agree. Wholeheartedly!!!!

[JoeC1947]

What type of seat savers did you have on your chair that were cut off? Was it a plastic bag or a nylon rope or what?

As far as the person that suggested (with a smiley face) that lots of people are "packing heat" so we should be careful about saved seats. IF anyone shows their concealed pistol in an aggressive or intimidating manner, they will be arrested for Assault With A Deadly Weapon and face some serious jail time. That has happened at least twice I know of in The Villages and dealt both times with parking spaces. Just call 911 if it happens to you - I know I will!!

You can't really believe that someone is going to pull a gun on you to get a chair?

[redwitch]

I don't have a dog in this fight -- I really cannot tolerate crowds and stay away from the squares for this reason. However, that being said, I totally understand the frustration of saving a seat but not being in the seat.

I liken it to the people who get in lines early for tickets. If they leave and no one is willing to save their spot (even to go to the bathroom), they lose their spot. They don't save a spot for a group of their friends. (I've seen serious arguments over a single friend joining the one in line.) Plain and simple. You want to get there early to save a seat, great. More power to ya! But stay in that seat. Don't go off to dinner or back home for a nap. Don't save seats for folks who aren't there. If you want a seat, you need to get your rear in said seats. Period. There's no excuse for that seat being empty for more than 30 minutes prior to an event (and if there are two or more of you, one person leaves at a time -- get your food to go -- the rest stay with the chairs).

As to bringing your chairs to save a spot, sorry I think the same basic attitude should apply -- you bring the seat, you put your rear in it. Otherwise, the chairs should be folded up and removed to a "lost and found" spot. For some events in the past people were bringing card tables and chairs and setting them up the night before. I believe this practice has been banned.

However, there is no excuse for staff members (or anyone else) throwing items into the bushes. That's called littering and can damage the bushes and hurt the birds and other critters that might try to eat one of the items. I think they should gather up whatever the seat saver item is and throw it away if valueless and make a pile in one area where people can find things of value. To toss them into the bushes is just as wrong.

[Golfingnut]

Does anyone know an entertainment department person. It would be a wonderful Idea to print the link to this thread and provide it to them. If they are in anyway considering making saved seats a true NO NO, this would help in their decision.

[paulandjean]

"Seat Savers" Thats why I like to sit in my cart,drink a few beers,and away from that madness.Have one on me.

[buggyone]

"Seat Savers" Thats why I like to sit in my cart,drink a few beers,and away from that madness.Have one on me.

Did you realize that the police can (and do) cite people for sitting in their golf cart on a public road (and the streets around the squares are public) for the open container law? Last year the Daily Sun carried an extensive article on the citings. It does carry a hefty fine.

[buggyone]

You can't really believe that someone is going to pull a gun on you to get a chair?

I can fully believe that some of the people who do carry a gun on a regular basis while in The Villages would pull their jacket open or raise their shirt to show their gun if you took their chair and refused to vacate it. This same scenario has happened over a parking space a couple of times in The Villages. Since it has happened over a parking space - I think some hothead would do that same thing over a chair that they thought was theirs.

[JoeC1947]

I can fully believe that some of the people who do carry a gun on a regular basis while in The Villages would pull their jacket open or raise their shirt to show their gun if you took their chair and refused to vacate it. This same scenario has happened over a parking space a couple of times in The Villages. Since it has happened over a parking space - I think some hothead would do that same thing over a chair that they thought was theirs.

Your beliefs are your beliefs and it's your right to believe that you could be threatened with a firearm over a seat at the square. If you believe that, do you also believe that there are other situations in The Villages where that might happen? Personally, I would not want to live in a place where that might happen and if I really did believe that that could happen and I couldn't or didn't want to relocate then I would carry a firearm at all times when I went to the squares or, just not go at all or, not mess with saved chairs and sit in my cart and have a beer right along side paulandjean. I'd rather take my chances with the police.

[katsudden]

The difference is that the village chair belongs to everyone. Your chair belongs to only you. I don't understand the logic that people have the "right" to take ownership of a community chair from early in the day until they decide it can be returned to general use. If that is allowed, it won't be long before chairs and locations are reserved permanently and no one but the "privileged" will be allowed to the use of community property.

So...as soon as you get up to dance, or get a drink, or go to the bathroom, that chair then is up for grabs. Anyone at any time can take off a "seat saver" and sit in it because it was unoccupied. OK...so remember that everyone when we come and take off someone's seat saver. We won't worry about coming late anymore because we have the right now to sit anywhere we want whether or not there is a seat saver and you all will back us up and consider that to be the new "respectful" thing to do.

[graciegirl]

So...as soon as you get up to dance, or get a drink, or go to the bathroom, that chair then is up for grabs. Anyone at any time can take off a "seat saver" and sit in it because it was unoccupied. OK...so remember that everyone when we come and take off someone's seat saver. We won't worry about coming late anymore because we have the right now to sit anywhere we want whether or not there is a seat saver and you all will back us up and consider that to be the new "respectful" thing to do.

Deep Breaths Gracie.

Someone posted a nice post on this very subject, above. When you get up to dance, you may have chatted with folks sitting around you, most of us do,one of the reasons to go to the square, to meet others. Those people will generally tell others you are dancing.

But... you can do it your way.

MY goal when I moved here was to make friends and enjoy life interconnected, not to just ....well, you know.

Try this thought. Try to treat others the way someone who loves you would treat you.

[Golfingnut]

So...as soon as you get up to dance, or get a drink, or go to the bathroom, that chair then is up for grabs. Anyone at any time can take off a "seat saver" and sit in it because it was unoccupied. OK...so remember that everyone when we come and take off someone's seat saver. We won't worry about coming late anymore because we have the right now to sit anywhere we want whether or not there is a seat saver and you all will back us up and consider that to be the new "respectful" thing to do.

:ohdear:

[t fields]

yeah for removing the seat saver, excuse me but there are a lot of people here and saving a seat is unaceptable !!!! and to hold it while you went to dinner ????

[2BNTV]

I guess that if everyone had the same set of values and conderation of other people, this conversation would not had to surface again.

I am sorry this coversation is going around for the upteenth time.

I certainly don't want to deal with misplaced anger by someone who feels this was "their seats".

It would be nice if the powers that be would institute a standard policy so there is no ambiguity regarding saving a seat.

[coffeebean]

So...as soon as you get up to dance, or get a drink, or go to the bathroom, that chair then is up for grabs. ...

From reading this thread, this is not the impression I'm getting from just about everyone who has posted their thoughts. Looks to me like the general consensus agrees chairs that are saved before the event or entertainment begins are up for grabs. These are the chairs that folks put their seat savers on and rope off hours before an event or entertainment begins. Once the event or entertainment begins, the seats are NOT up for grabs. Folks can get up to dance or go to the restroom and should be assured their seat is there when they come back. Going to a restaurant for dinner is another thing altogether. The seats really shouldn't be saved if the people are going to be gone for a long period of time.

Do I have that right?

[Uptown Girl]

I guess that if everyone had the same set of values and conderation of other people, this conversation would not had to surface again.

I am sorry this coversation is going around for the upteenth time.


It would be nice if the powers that be would institute a standard policy so there is no ambiguity regarding saving a seat.

Yes it would be nice to have an official policy. They could post a big sign, even. But unless people have the DESIRE to be considerate and the mindset to agree to the rules, that sign wouldn't make a diddly-squat of a difference.
They would still need someone to make sure people followed the policy. I'm sure the powers that be have reasoned this already.

That's why, in my opinion, the 'brownwood' chairs are dispensed the way they are, one at a time. People can't grab a stack and reserve them. (That may also be why they are bulkier chairs)
This change happened to coincide with our resident survey results.
I believe they ARE aware, listening and trying to help.

I have also noticed that they are hanging back on placing the chairs out at the other squares. Not as early as they used to.

Makes you just want to slap yourself in the head sometimes, that people are the way they are. I am just grateful they are not related to me or live next door.:faint:
I still love it here.

[Barefoot]

So...as soon as you get up to dance, or get a drink, or go to the bathroom, that chair then is up for grabs. Anyone at any time can take off a "seat saver" and sit in it because it was unoccupied. OK...so remember that everyone when we come and take off someone's seat saver. We won't worry about coming late anymore because we have the right now to sit anywhere we want whether or not there is a seat saver and you all will back us up and consider that to be the new "respectful" thing to do.


After the entertainment begins, if you get up to dance or whatever, the people surrounding your chairs will inform others that the chairs are occupied.

This is waaaaaaaaaay different that "saving" chairs prior to the event so you can leave and go shopping or to dinner.

[ssmith]

...at times I am afraid you may have felt picked on....the truth is you would do yourself a favor by reading the other threads Gracie gave you the link to .....there is a very, very long history on this subject.

You see, although this may not be you, there are many times when chairs are saved and the savers do not show up for a long time. This would leave hours of people having to stand....while the savers were not there. The savers did not even have to stand a bit so their legs were not tired. You see it as posiibly being smart to have played the seat saving game well but in this community...it have become very boorish. Remember there are many with mobility issues that could sit while others are not there.

We are regular visitors at The Villages, we rent and cannot bring our own chairs....we like to enjoy the entertainment at the squares and or bring our guests to the squares but you can imagine how they view it when they see all those roped off seats not occupied while they are at the entertainment for the entire evening standing!!!!

Redwitch expressed it well....there is a long history that used to include bringing tables to special events and them mostly being empty for periods of time. You see if you have ...say a neighborhood event and they know someone has saved a seat ...people would be in no hurry to get there and occupy the seat or table and many others could not even enjoy the event at all. With all of this in mind, many have long anticipated with hope the day when the seat saving issue would be stopped by the "Powers that Be".

Keep posting. BTW there are several 'hot topic' posts that get addressed over and over. Just thought I would mention it in case you notice some strong opinions on certain matters.

[Pturner]

It could be that entertainment personnel "placed" rather than "threw" seat-saver items in the bushes so that they would be out of everyone's way and no one would trip over them. Works for me.

As for claiming public property as one's own while not even using it, no, that does not make one the smartest guy in the room, just makes him/her among the least considerate and welcomed. Think about it.

[buggyone]

"We are regular visitors at The Villages, we rent and cannot bring our own chairs....we like to enjoy the entertainment at the squares and or bring our guests to the squares but you can imagine how they view it when they see all those roped off seats not occupied while they are at the entertainment for the entire evening standing!!!! "

I do not see that renters would have a problem with bringing their own chairs to the entertainment at the squares. I have the "bag chairs" that I bought for around $8 and they fit easily in the golf cart or car.

[ssmith]

Agree,,,we like bag chairs but.....since we are only there a week at a time....they do not do well on the plane....so we have not purchased them....besides to buy them for us and guests would be costly and then have to rebuy them the next year when we come....not do-able.

[katsudden]

...JUST KIDDING NOW......

http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100709124929/phineasandferb/images/7/7b/FiresideGirlsSquirtGuns.jpg

Love it! :)

[katsudden]

After the entertainment begins, if you get up to dance or whatever, the people surrounding your chairs will inform others that the chairs are occupied.

This is waaaaaaaaaay different that "saving" chairs prior to the event so you can leave and go shopping or to dinner.

You are putting a lot of responsibility on others around you to be available to pass on that information. What if THEY need to leave to go home before you return? It's not their responsibility to hold your chairs until you return. That happened to us once. The people didn't have seat savers and they asked us to save their seats while they got drinks. Well....they were gone for over 1/2 hr. and we had to leave. So I have no idea what happened after we left.

[Roaddog53]

Lol.. You are missing the point again with your statement and everyone has been trying to explain it. IF someone dances, gets a drink, etc, they are not gone 1/2 hour+ at a time. IF they are than they shouldn't have been saved anyway. Amazing how things get twisted. And.. No you do not have any responsibility to save a seat but do it out of common courtesy if you will be sitting there.

[ilovetv]

You are putting a lot of responsibility on others around you to be available to pass on that information. What if THEY need to leave to go home before you return? It's not their responsibility to hold your chairs until you return. That happened to us once. The people didn't have seat savers and they asked us to save their seats while they got drinks. Well....they were gone for over 1/2 hr. and we had to leave. So I have no idea what happened after we left.

A "lot of responsibility"?????? To say to a person looking at the chair, "Somebody is using it"?????

Hope no famine, drought, pestilence or war come.

[redwitch]

kat, I don't think you get it. Imagine you have been standing in a line for dinner for at least an hour. Just when you are two or three tables from being seated, a couple comes in and jumps to the front of the line, claiming they left their umbrella to hold their place while they went next door to have a drink. Don't know about you, but I'd be seriously angry.

Or how about you've been in line for hours or even overnight to get tickets to a concert (2 tickets per person max). Just when you're ready to purchase your ticket, the gentleman in front of you has 8 other people join him and they get the last tickets. Doubt if you'd be too happy.

Now, in either of those scenarios, if the people had stayed in line, there would be no issue. They were there first, plain and simple. But, if they leave, or have one person save for a group, that's just not right. It is rude, obnoxious and inconsiderate.

Once an event has started, there really shouldn't be an issue of people leaving their seats, especially if they leave something in it (like a bottle of water or a sweater) to let others know the seat is being used. Asking those seated around you to protect your seat should not be an issue. Most will tell you if they plan to leave shortly. No big deal.

You've been flogging a dead horse trying to justify what most would consider very rude behavior (not just here, but pretty much in most spots of the USA). There's no issue of coming early and sitting in a seat. There's a huge issue of coming early and saving a seat but not being present. You want to come early, fine; come, grab a good book, something to drink, a snack or two and wile away the afternoon waiting for the event to start. But don't expect people to like that you're tying something to a chair or leaving something in the seat and then going off to do your thing means that chair is yours for the duration. Few will say anything because they don't want a confrontation. Not being confronted about something doesn't make it right.

[Uptown Girl]

Last night, Katsudden edited her original post to add an "update".
Her addition is at the top of post #1.


I intend to have a beautiful day. I wish the same for all the great neighbors out there. You know who you are.:)

[coffeebean]

kat, ....

You've been flogging a dead horse trying to justify what most would consider very rude behavior (not just here, but pretty much in most spots of the USA). ....

As I said up-thread....also is a big problem on cruise ships on the pool deck and at land resorts pools for that matter.

[graciegirl]

As I said up-thread....also is a big problem on cruise ships on the pool deck and at land resorts pools for that matter.

One of my friends here in TV told us Friday that one of the neighborhood pools was closed for a few days for renovation and someone came to the pool they frequent and put down 16 towels on chairs early in the day.

I stopped going to an art class at Colony Cottage. I was the first one there on my first day to attend and sat down in a seat and began to work. A woman came in and said that was her place and she needed both places at the (front)table for her art supplies. I moved and was told by others that she did that every week. I watched this happen for several weeks and it made me so.........upset. That was a couple of years ago, I don't know if it is still going on.

I began going to another art class in another rec center.

[2BNTV]

One of my friends here in TV told us Friday that one of the neighborhood pools was closed for a few days for renovation and someone came to the pool they frequent and put down 16 towels on chairs early in the day.

I stopped going to an art class at Colony Cottage. I was the first one there on my first day to attend and sat down in a seat and began to work. A woman came in and said that was her place and she needed both places at the (front)table for her art supplies. I moved and was told by others that she did that every week. I watched this happen for several weeks and it made me so.........upset. That was a couple of years ago, I don't know if it is still going on.

I began going to another art class in another rec center.

Gracie:

I know this is not you or me in terms that I would have said, "Is your name on this chair?" It just easier to move to another spot as you did.

This would have aggravated me too in terms of this person feels a sense of entitlement. Argggggggggggggggggggggggg!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ewstanley]

This is off subject but I went to a Walk Away The Pounds class held at the local rec center and one woman told me I was in her spot. I came early and I am a full time resident. I just laughed and moved.

[buzzy]

I guess you just can't reason with a truly selfish person.

[Madelaine Amee]

I stopped going to an art class at Colony Cottage. I was the first one there on my first day to attend and sat down in a seat and began to work. A woman came in and said that was her place and she needed both places at the (front)table for her art supplies. I moved and was told by others that she did that every week. I watched this happen for several weeks and it made me so.........upset. That was a couple of years ago, I don't know if it is still going on.

I began going to another art class in another rec center.

My sister lives in another retirement area. She was invited to attend a meeting, walked in with the friend who had invited her, went to lower her rear end into a seat when she felt something odd - looked around and an elderly lady using a cane with a crooked handle had put her cane through the chair and pulled it out from under my sister saying "I always sit there". So it's not just here, it's universal I'm afraid.

'ain't nothing nastier than a nasty old person!

[Bogie Shooter]

UPDATE: I want to thank everyone for their posts. I have to admit that if people are going to be abusing the amount of time that they are leaving the saved seats empty while others could be sitting there, it would be very frustrating to others. I imagine that the villages will continue to have this problem as long as it is allowed and inconsistently controlled. People on both sides of the fence are not happy with how it is being handled. New owners and renters are joining this community every day. I believe that people are willing to follow any rules put to them. We must all be patient with each other. No one is meaning to be rude, just to find a way to enjoy.



:
Sorry.....common sense still rules. And that would be you do not claim a seat and not be there.

[paulandjean]

With the seat saving at the squares, Lots of"rude" people there.

[ilovetv]

[QUOTE=katsudden;622388]UPDATE: I want to thank everyone for their posts. I have to admit that if people are going to be abusing the amount of time that they are leaving the saved seats empty while others could be sitting there, it would be very frustrating to others. I imagine that the villages will continue to have this problem as long as it is allowed and inconsistently controlled. People on both sides of the fence are not happy with how it is being handled. New owners and renters are joining this community every day. I believe that people are willing to follow any rules put to them. We must all be patient with each other. No one is meaning to be rude, just to find a way to enjoy.

This is not a problem that "The Villages" (management) has. This is a problem created by inconsiderate people who abuse the privilege of being LOANED a chair that belongs to the community.

When people abuse a privilege, it often gets taken away. Keep it up, and soon the privilege of being loaned community property will be replaced with a charge for chair use for the night, or they'll just say "Forget it" and offer no chairs for free....or there will be a cover charge to watch the entertainment.

I hope most people can cooperate to keep the privileges we have.

[Barefoot]

I went to a Walk Away The Pounds class held at the local rec center and one woman told me I was in her spot. I just laughed and moved.

I've experienced exactly the same thing at a Yoga class. How on earth can you "reserve" a piece of floor? It's ridiculous. But I just politely moved. After all, Yoga is meant for relaxation and enjoyment. Life is too short to get into confrontations.

[jbdlfan]

MINE!!! MINE!!! MINE!!!! MINE!!!!!!

It sounds like two-year-olds at the toy box on their first day of preschool.

The chairs supplied by TV for the entertainment are for community use, first come, first served. But if you're going to take chairs and not USE them for HOURS, then that is just plain selfish and arrogant. Other people who need to sit down end up standing while some selfish seat-saver is off shopping or something that is not watching the entertainment.

The best approach of all is what they do at Brownwood: You're handed a chair as you enter. If you go there ahead of the time, before chairs are distributed, then TOO BAD!! Bring your own!!

Lastly: I am grateful that we even HAVE live music every night!!! There's no place else like this, where there is live music and dancing WITHOUT A COVER CHARGE......every night times 3....free entertainment at 3 squares!

The ingratitude here from a few is appalling and embarrassing.

This the type of mentality that I brought up in another post regarding a sense of entitlement, that was assured did not exist.....Not everyone, but by golly just enough.....

[CSB1228]

I enjoy it here just fine when people are respectful. By the way...I have witnessed people taking off seat savers after the entertainment has started. When the original people come back to their seats, the new "sitters" simply say that there were no cushions on the seats when they arrived. No one says anything because they don't want to start a fight.
in 5 years, I've never had such a thing happen.

[ewstanley]

I've experienced exactly the same thing at a Yoga class. How on earth can you "reserve" a piece of floor? It's ridiculous. But I just politely moved. After all, Yoga is meant for relaxation and enjoyment. Life is too short to get into confrontations.

Namaste
:o

[2BNTV]

I had to look it up:

namaste
A greeting/saying in hindi which translates to: I honor the place in you where the entire universe resides, I honor the place in you where the ENTIRE universe resides, I honor the place in you of light, of love, of truth, of peace, I honor the place in you where if you and I are in that place then there is only one of us?

[ewstanley]

I had to look it up:

namaste
A greeting/saying in hindi which translates to: I honor the place in you where the entire universe resides, I honor the place in you where the ENTIRE universe resides, I honor the place in you of light, of love, of truth, of peace, I honor the place in you where if you and I are in that place then there is only one of us?

We used to close each of our Yoga classes with Namaste. I thought about that when Barefoot mentioned her experience in Yoga class. My mother had a different translation - peace be with you. I don't know if they say Namaste at the end of Yoga classes down here. I have taken many Yoga classes up north and at the end of each class we would always close by saying Namaste.

Namaste y'all.

[tommy steam]

kat, I don't think you get it. Imagine you have been standing in a line for dinner for at least an hour. Just when you are two or three tables from being seated, a couple comes in and jumps to the front of the line, claiming they left their umbrella to hold their place while they went next door to have a drink. Don't know about you, but I'd be seriously angry.

Or how about you've been in line for hours or even overnight to get tickets to a concert (2 tickets per person max). Just when you're ready to purchase your ticket, the gentleman in front of you has 8 other people join him and they get the last tickets. Doubt if you'd be too happy.

Now, in either of those scenarios, if the people had stayed in line, there would be no issue. They were there first, plain and simple. But, if they leave, or have one person save for a group, that's just not right. It is rude, obnoxious and inconsiderate.



Once an event has started, there really shouldn't be an issue of people leaving their seats, especially if they leave something in it (like a bottle of water or a sweater) to let others know the seat is being used. Asking those seated around you to protect your seat should not be an issue. Most will tell you if they plan to leave shortly. No big deal.


You've been flogging a dead horse trying to justify what most would consider very rude behavior (not just here, but pretty much in most spots of the USA). There's no issue of coming early and sitting in a seat. There's a huge issue of coming early and saving a seat but not being present. You want to come early, fine; come, grab a good book, something to drink, a snack or two and wile away the afternoon waiting for the event to start. But don't expect people to like that you're tying something to a chair or leaving something in the seat and then going off to do your thing means that chair is yours for the duration. Few will say anything because they don't want a confrontation. Not being confronted about something doesn't make it right.

Off the squares a bit. Wife and I were standing in line at Tojays for a Sunday breakfast , woman in front of us was holding a spot for five others. Hostess sat them with out saying a word. To make thing a bit clear, they should have signs posted so people get the idea. Very simple solution to a problem here.

[LndLocked]

In just a couple of days this thread has gotten almost 7000 views and almost 140 replies. This is simply amazing and more than a little sad to me.

I wonder if a thread about cancer being cured would receive this much attention?

[graciegirl]

In just a couple of days this thread has gotten almost 7000 views and almost 140 replies. This is simply amazing and more than a little sad to me.

I wonder if a thread about cancer being cured would receive this much attention?

I get your point, and I know you were trying to make a point about how some things just aren't that important.

But I am sure that such a thread would have been read and we would have silently celebrated and maybe not commented, or probably not commented on twice or three times... because it wouldn't have been controversial. I am sure that it would have affected us all since not a one of us hasn't had cancer or had someone we loved have cancer.

This is something that is challenging to most of us, meeting people here is this diverse place for the first time so terribly different than we are used to. For the chair holders who are used to doing what they do and to the gentle souls who just walk away.

[LndLocked]

I get your point, and I know you were trying to make a point about how some things just aren't that important.

But I am sure that such a thread would have been read and we would have silently celebrated and maybe not commented, or probably not commented on twice or three times... because it wouldn't have been controversial. I am sure that it would have affected us all since not a one of us hasn't had cancer or had someone we loved have cancer.

This is something that is challenging to most of us, meeting people here is this diverse place for the first time so terribly different than we are used to. For the chair holders who are used to doing what they do and to the gentle souls who just walk away.


Perhaps so .... but it sure seems to me that the threads that generate the most responses (as a general rule) are much ado about nothing. Cyclists not stopping at stop signs, dogs pooping .... oooohhhh the humanity and horror!!

BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR!! They are way more comfortable and the entire "problem" is solved!!

namaste :icon_wink:

[Golfingnut]

Hopefully this thread will have given the understanding to chair savers to reconsider what they do to so many folks that are so displeased with their selfish actions. I know just having a voice in this matter has made me feel better and I will not hesitate to remove a rope or plastic bag from a row of saved chairs for my wife and I at the squares. So please entertainment staff, step up your help in eliminating this childish Chair Saving silliness.

[Bogie Shooter]

Perhaps so .... but it sure seems to me that the threads that generate the most responses (as a general rule) are much ado about nothing. Cyclists not stopping at stop signs, dogs pooping .... oooohhhh the humanity and horror!!

BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR!! They are way more comfortable and the entire "problem" is solved!!

namaste :icon_wink:

Don't forget the roundabouts!!!!!!!!

[Mudder]

Yes, we do say Namaste at the end of Yoga classes here.
I am SO happy that this topic has been discussed here again and happy to know that now I no longer have to feel guilty when sitting in a roped off chair !

[redwitch]

Off the squares a bit. Wife and I were standing in line at Tojays for a Sunday breakfast , woman in front of us was holding a spot for five others. Hostess sat them with out saying a word. To make thing a bit clear, they should have signs posted so people get the idea. Very simple solution to a problem here.

This one I can understand. Whether all 6 are in line or not, they're going to be sitting at a table for 6 and TooJay's can be brutal on those with infirmities. Standing in line for long periods is hard and there's not a lot seating inside. I liken only person standing in line to getting a pager at other restaurants. You have no clue how many are in front of you but the reality is no one is taking anything away from you -- their table size stays the same regardless of who is in line.

[DougB]

Darn, now we are going to have people roping off chairs in the restaurants while they watch the entertainment in the squares for an hour or so.

[coffeebean]

Hopefully, they will start treating LSL and SS just like brownwood. Anyone who wants a chair is handed one as he arrives....problem solved.
Has there been seat saving in the bleachers at Brownwood?

[coffeebean]

I have heard that if the "seat saving" does not stop, the entertainment department is going to start charging for seats.
If there is any truth to that statement, that should prove to the OP that seat saving is wrong on every level. Period.

[coffeebean]

So...as soon as you get up to dance, or get a drink, or go to the bathroom, that chair then is up for grabs. Anyone at any time can take off a "seat saver" and sit in it because it was unoccupied. OK...so remember that everyone when we come and take off someone's seat saver. We won't worry about coming late anymore because we have the right now to sit anywhere we want whether or not there is a seat saver and you all will back us up and consider that to be the new "respectful" thing to do.

Looks like you haven't been paying attention!!!

[katsudden]

[QUOTE=redwitch;624251]kat, I don't think you get it. Imagine you have been standing in a line for dinner for at least an hour. Just when you are two or three tables from being seated, a couple comes in and jumps to the front of the line, claiming they left their umbrella to hold their place while they went next door to have a drink. Don't know about you, but I'd be seriously angry.

Tommy...imagine you have been standing in line for dinner for an hour and others are let in before you because they thought ahead to make reservations.
To the people saving seats, they are simply "making reservations" because there is no other way to do so.

I guess I don't understand why everyone feels entitled to a chair when they arrive late. If you go early, you will get a chair. People lay "claim" to a chair for the evening. If they get up every five minutes to dance, or dance for an hour, so what? If they get there early to "claim" a chair, so be it. When they are done with it, it is up for grabs. Obviously you all see this as being rude. Obviously a lot of others don't as there are a lot doing it.

I do get that you don't want to see people saving seats and not sitting in them. I understand that it frustrates you. I understand that you envision someone else sitting there so the chair does not go unused. But it is being used even if no one is in it for the time being. It's just not the way you want to see it being used.

In my home town, on the 4th of July, we spread blankets at a park to "claim" our spots. No one has a problem with that. If someone puts a blanket or chairs on a curb to save a spot for a parade, no one has a problem with that.
Some people save a pew at church for their family at Midnight mass. They got there early. So be it.

[graciegirl]

Some of us seniors are very tenacious.

Tenacious | Define Tenacious at Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/tenacious?s=t)

[DougB]

Yeah, and stubborn also.

[The Great Fumar]

I for one have no problem with saving chairs, I've been doing it for over a year, I now have 13 in my garage .....I'm thinking about setting up a booth at Marion Market.....

chairman Fumar ,,:jester:

[Barefoot]

I do get that you don't want to see people saving seats and not sitting in them. I understand that it frustrates you. I understand that you envision someone else sitting there so the chair does not go unused. But it is being used even if no one is in it for the time being. It's just not the way you want to see it being used. So be it.

After 150 posts on this topic, :Screen_of_Death:

[mulligan]

Good to see FUMAR back in the fray.

[coffeebean]

On the Cruise Critic board, chair hogging is an extremely popular topic as most everyone wants to throw those towels and books overboard. Every single post on those threads (which, BTW, can run many more pages than this one is) is AGAINST saving chairs on the pool deck. Funny, none of those chair hogs ever post on those threads to defend their behavior . I have to give the OP credit for coming here and attempting to defend her point of view.

[graciegirl]

On the Cruise Critic board, chair hogging is an extremely popular topic as most everyone wants to throw those towels and books overboard. Every single post on those threads (which, BTW, can run many more pages than this one is) is AGAINST saving chairs on the pool deck. Funny, none of those chair hogs ever post on those threads to defend their behavior . I have to give the OP credit for coming here and attempting to defend her point of view.

You are right. I think that Kat is new here and possibly a seasonal resident and probably think we are so unfriendly. As I said before, we bring the ways and attitudes and policies of the place where we lived.

But when in Rome, don't put your sweater on a chair and go off to the forum.

Or something lame like that. ;)

[Bogie Shooter]

[QUOTE=redwitch;624251]kat, I don't think you get it. Imagine you have been standing in a line for dinner for at least an hour. Just when you are two or three tables from being seated, a couple comes in and jumps to the front of the line, claiming they left their umbrella to hold their place while they went next door to have a drink. Don't know about you, but I'd be seriously angry.

Tommy...imagine you have been standing in line for dinner for an hour and others are let in before you because they thought ahead to make reservations.
To the people saving seats, they are simply "making reservations" because there is no other way to do so.

I guess I don't understand why everyone feels entitled to a chair when they arrive late. If you go early, you will get a chair. People lay "claim" to a chair for the evening. If they get up every five minutes to dance, or dance for an hour, so what? If they get there early to "claim" a chair, so be it. When they are done with it, it is up for grabs. Obviously you all see this as being rude. Obviously a lot of others don't as there are a lot doing it.

I do get that you don't want to see people saving seats and not sitting in them. I understand that it frustrates you. I understand that you envision someone else sitting there so the chair does not go unused. But it is being used even if no one is in it for the time being. It's just not the way you want to see it being used.

In my home town, on the 4th of July, we spread blankets at a park to "claim" our spots. No one has a problem with that. If someone puts a blanket or chairs on a curb to save a spot for a parade, no one has a problem with that.
Some people save a pew at church for their family at Midnight mass. They got there early. So be it.

Perhaps all 150 posts would be worth reading.

[buggyone]

Thursday is Valentine's Day and will be a real great night at Lake Sumter Landing with Rocky and the Rollers. I will be arriving early and am looking forward to another great rock and roll show. It will be interesting to see how the events staff and the outspoken posters will handle the chair savers at this show. Who knows - maybe the "pre-game show" will be as entertaining as the main event?

[ssmith]

...seems to me since you amended your original post....that although you may not agree with everyone that you do see some valid points on both sides of the opininion....love that when one does that. Just know that this thread will likely carry on for while.....since it is a hot topic....it may not be directed at you and then some will direct comments to you even when they have not read the latest you have had to say....Keep posting....there are some really great and funny peeps on this forum....also meet team at TOTV luncheon.... I think you will enjoy it. Mind this though we are Wannabes....have not been able to come to Crispers. :-(

[CFrance]

The OP is right about what happens elsewhere with seat saving, and while I don't agree it should happen at the squares, I am struggling to figure out why I think it's okay to do this for, say, the Coast Guard Festival parade in Grand Haven, MI, the Irish Festival or Summer Celebration in Muskegon, MI, or the Fourth of July parade in Frankfort, MI, but not here in TV. I haven't come up with what my reasoning is.

Maybe it's because this is a winter tourist destination? Or because it happens nightly? I don't know.

[Bogie Shooter]

The OP is right about what happens elsewhere with seat saving, and while I don't agree it should happen at the squares, I am struggling to figure out why I think it's okay to do this for, say, the Coast Guard Festival parade in Grand Haven, MI, the Irish Festival or Summer Celebration in Muskegon, MI, or the Fourth of July parade in Frankfort, MI, but not here in TV. I haven't come up with what my reasoning is.

Maybe it's because this is a winter tourist destination? Or because it happens nightly? I don't know.

Could it be that those venues are larger??

[katsudden]

Today is Mardi Gras at Spanish Springs. It's 10am. Lots of chairs already saved, although we are not among them.

[Indydealmaker]

The OP is right about what happens elsewhere with seat saving, and while I don't agree it should happen at the squares, I am struggling to figure out why I think it's okay to do this for, say, the Coast Guard Festival parade in Grand Haven, MI, the Irish Festival or Summer Celebration in Muskegon, MI, or the Fourth of July parade in Frankfort, MI, but not here in TV. I haven't come up with what my reasoning is.

Maybe it's because this is a winter tourist destination? Or because it happens nightly? I don't know.

Maybe it is because those people actually remember to show up and sit in the "saved" seats.

[Barefoot]

[QUOTE=katsudden;625051]
Today is Mardi Gras at Spanish Springs. It's 10am. Lots of chairs already saved. [QUOTE]

Are they saved with plastic bags, or are people actually sitting in the chairs? If the're being saved with seat savers, I hope the Chair Police "unsave" the chairs. :ohdear:

[CFrance]

Maybe it is because those people actually remember to show up and sit in the "saved" seats.

Well, you are right about that. Everyone shows up to occupy their saved seats. And these events only happen once a year, and they are huge.

Plus Midwesterners have been doing this since I was a kid a hundred years ago, so I'm wondering if the practice started back when there was enough room for everyone anyway (smaller population), and people put their seats there early because later on they needed to haul picnic baskets, baby buggies, etc., to the venue. Families tended to be larger, and they all wanted to sit together.

Dunno.

[2BNTV]

The guy in Washington has been labeled as a "aisle hog" because he makes it his business to save an aisle seat. He gets there at 10 AM for the President's speech fo 8 or 9 PM.

He is allowed bathroom breaks and a break for lunch. His lunch break is covered by an underling. (I am not sure). That's a good 10 to 11 hour wait in his seat just to be able to be seen shaking hands with the President. He passes time by "necessary" reading but his fanny is in his seat.

Please don't make this political as he has done this for several Presidents.

[Roaddog53]

You are right. I think that Kat is new here and possibly a seasonal resident and probably think we are so unfriendly. As I said before, we bring the ways and attitudes and policies of the place where we lived.

But when in Rome, don't put your sweater on a chair and go off to the forum.

Or something lame like that. ;)

That would be my guess also. Kat's "answers" that where she comes from it is perfectly fine to save lawn spots, pews, or whatever explains her philosophy when she is here too. As you say GG, everyone comes from somewhere where it is it different and the has to try and adjust here. Some just don't want to. :icon_wink:

[BentBoy]

I say if you want to save your seat, bring your own. Besides, there are always other seats around on the square. Take one of those.

[tommy steam]

Bring your own chairs, and you will never have to worry about not having your seat. Those fabric folding ones cost around 10 or 15 bucks. It will be less stressful that way.

[scarecrow1]

I concur with tommy. I feel they should get rid of the chairs all together,and everyone bring their own. End of problem and this stupid thread.

[DonH57]

Having those folding chairs are great for attending lots of events. We've taken them everywhere and never had to worry about finding a place to sit.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

We only go to the squares occasionally and were not aware of this practice of roping off seats. I had seen the discussion on this forum, but I thought that people were talking about saving seats when they got up to dance which I thought was perfectly reasonably. If people are going to the squares early and roping off seats, then I would think that it's the job of the staff let them know that that is not allowed.

[buggyone]

The saving of seats at Lake Sumter Landing is not a problem at all. Sure, there are some saved seats but it does not cause a problem.

I cannot understand how some of the posters say they do not come to the squares for the entertainment. It is a wonderful way to spend some time in the evening. I have lived in The Villages for a bit over 3 years and really enjoy the entertainment. My wife and I are at Lake Sumter Landing usually at least one evening each week.

[katsudden]

We haven't seen a second post from the OP katsudden.

I was hoping she would understand or at least acknowledge our alternate point of view.
Perhaps she was only posting to have someone validate hers...(sigh!)

Will you save seats upon your next visit to the square, katsudden?
Does the consensus matter to you?
I am truly curious.



Well, we are back again for Jan-March 2014. We brought our own fold up chairs this year. I did see a post after mine of someone complaining that they had gotten up to dance, came back, and the guy sitting next to them said that their chairs were now reserved because the two dancers had not "told him" that they were returning. Pretty soon, people will just sit in our personal fold-up chairs or even take them home. If your butt isn't in it...it isn't yours. Isn't that what you all say?

[Barefoot]

There are lots of available chairs tonight at all the town squares. :laugh: The entertainment is invisible tho.

[CFrance]

There are lots of available chairs tonight at all the town squares. :laugh: The entertainment is invisible tho.

There are, however, NO seats in the bars and resturants. Better bring your own!:beer3:

[Bogie Shooter]

The above two posts are the right way to treat this subject......in a light hearted, humerous way. Ya gotta believe it will never be solved on this little ole blog.:thumbup: