Future Wildwood

[kittygilchrist]

I love that little agricultural town ripped to shreds by major highways. and that ugly industrial stuff and Amtrak, and us.
Really, 301 isn't small and zoom, there goes I-75 and the turnpike.
thoughts? commercial ideas? preservation notions?
I wish I knew what folks there think, hafta find out.

[chachacha]

about 1993 my husband and i took a wrong turn looking for inverness and ended up in wildwood...it was such a cute little town then, charming. we eventually bought a home in inverness and my husband would be happy that i am now living near wildwood! i hope the income into sumter county from our taxes will prove beneficial to restore the town a bit.

[kittygilchrist]

hello cha! happy to see you.

[USSGompers]

Hi Kitty,

Like you, I grew up in Florida. From age 12, my family have lived here. From Lakeland, Miami, Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Chipley, Cottondale, Orlando-

To name a few. I adore Florida and in the 12 yrs I spent in the US Navy- I Always requested to be stationed here.

Now to respond about Wildwood. I remember so many times on my way to Lake City to see Aunt Mary- we would get off the Turnpike and get on I-75. That was the ONLY reason coming to Wildwood.

I live here now (since 1999) and I have not seen Wildwood change much. In fact, truth be told, it is not moving forward. Yes, a few new restaurants here and there BUT-

Hubby and I have always had ideas for Wildwood for years. One is to bring the Amtrak Auto-Train to Wildwood. Can you believe how many Village residents would use it?? Now it's in Sanford, I believe.

[kittygilchrist]

Hi Kitty,

Like you, I grew up in Florida. From age 12, my family have lived here. From Lakeland, Miami, Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Chipley, Cottondale, Orlando-

To name a few. I adore Florida and in the 12 yrs I spent in the US Navy- I Always requested to be stationed here.

Now to respond about Wildwood. I remember so many times on my way to Lake City to see Aunt Mary- we would get off the Turnpike and get on I-75. That was the ONLY reason coming to Wildwood.

I live here now (since 1999) and I have not seen Wildwood change much. In fact, truth be told, it is not moving forward. Yes, a few
new restaurants here and there BUT-

Hubby and I have always had ideas for Wildwood for years. One is to bring the Amtrak Auto-Train to Wildwood. Can you believe how many Village residents would use it?? Now it's in Sanford, I believe.

don't know, but let's meet soon, like next week, lunch and I'll buy and you give me a tour?. so happy to hear from you.
Kitty aka kittygilchrist@gmail.com

[USSGompers]

I would love to meet you. I forgot that I also lived in Jacksonville and Clearwater. I know, I know- crazy- right? Daddy was a hotel/ motel mgr.Sheraton, HoJo's, Day's Inn.

I have great story of The Ormond Hotel. I used to live there when I was 15. Daddy got a job there as the Mgr and we lived in a big room with a reefer. Room and board was included. Mom and Dad were 43 and my sis was 3 yrs old. She was a pain in the butt for the residents there cause she would RUN in front of them and almost trip people. It was considered an 'Old Folks Home' and we had to eat in the main dining room 3 x a day. mostly- creamed eggs on toast. YUCK.

I'll PM you Kitty. :)

[jblum315]

I remember when Wildwood was a major train station. That was before Amtrak. I think it was the Baltimore and Ohio RR. Anyone remember?

[jblum315]

No, I looked it up. It was the Seaboard Air Line RR and the train from up north to Tampa and St. Pete was the Silver Star. It was a mighty nice train.

[manaboutown]

Don't think this song had anything to do with the town although the Orange Blossom Special, the subject of another song, did pass through there. Wildwood Flower - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildwood_Flower)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_Blossom_Special_(song)

In any case that town has a lot of history to it.

[shcisamax]

I would love to see Wildwood become an area of boutiques. It would be a great addition to this area. It is positioned to draw from both north and south and I can imagine stores with crafts, jewelry, FOOD - specialty items, art, decorating, beauty, clothes, home items, dog/cat services/stuff, etc. Who is the mayor there? Chamber of Commerce. Surely there is enough business and creative talent in TV that we could put together a strategic plan to attract change? It can only help the area and TV in general.

[kittygilchrist]

I would love to see Wildwood become an area of boutiques. It would be a great addition to this area. It is positioned to draw from both north and south and I can imagine stores with crafts, jewelry, FOOD - specialty items, art, decorating, beauty, clothes, home items, dog/cat services/stuff, etc. Who is the mayor there? Chamber of Commerce. Surely there is enough business and creative talent in TV that we could put together a strategic plan to attract change? It can only help the area and TV in general.

YES! I have visions too. Strategic plan is exactly right.
I'd love to hear more ideas from everybody..
Kitty

[tommy steam]

Hi Kitty,

Like you, I grew up in Florida. From age 12, my family have lived here. From Lakeland, Miami, Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Chipley, Cottondale, Orlando-

To name a few. I adore Florida and in the 12 yrs I spent in the US Navy- I Always requested to be stationed here.

Now to respond about Wildwood. I remember so many times on my way to Lake City to see Aunt Mary- we would get off the Turnpike and get on I-75. That was the ONLY reason coming to Wildwood.

I live here now (since 1999) and I have not seen Wildwood change much. In fact, truth be told, it is not moving forward. Yes, a few new restaurants here and there BUT-

Hubby and I have always had ideas for Wildwood for years. One is to bring the Amtrak Auto-Train to Wildwood. Can you believe how many Village residents would use it?? Now it's in Sanford, I believe.

I would like to think with all the new people moving to south of 466 a and all the way to 44,that business will spring up and good things will happen to wildwood. I hope so.

[DougB]

When did Wildwood ever ask our opinion of them or ask for any help changing?

[kittygilchrist]

Sumter County, FL - Official Website - History of Sumter County (http://sumtercountyfl.gov/index.aspx?NID=235)

First Wildwood City Hall, 1908
Don't I wish this building had been preserved..

[Mamaderby]

When did Wildwood ever ask our opinion of them or ask for any help changing?

I agree......in order to have successful change and community development, the people who live there need to want it and embrace it. You absolutely need their buy-in.

[kittygilchrist]

of course. unkh.

[kittygilchrist]

that was grunt by the way, possibly Cherokee in origin.

[marianne237]

When we first came to the area to visit friends who had moved to TV, we came through Wildwood and there were small shops and craft stores. Being a tole painter at the time, I was truly interested to see this small little Florida town having something inviting since at the time we didn't realize TV would have all that it has now. The town leaders just have to have some input of ideas and clean up some of the rough places. I don't understand either why there is no train stop in Wildwood. If I remember, the Amtrak stops in Gainesville and then someplace south and you have to ride a bus back to Wildwood in order to get off here. A car train would certainly bring some interest IMHO.

[kittygilchrist]

When we first came to the area to visit friends who had moved to TV, we came through Wildwood and there were small shops and craft stores. Being a tole painter at the time, I was truly interested to see this small little Florida town having something inviting since at the time we didn't realize TV would have all that it has now. The town leaders just have to have some input of ideas and clean up some of the rough places. I don't understand either why there is no train stop in Wildwood. If I remember, the Amtrak stops in Gainesville and then someplace south and you have to ride a bus back to Wildwood in order to get off here. A car train would certainly bring some interest IMHO.

goes without saying that local collaboration is everything. that's why it was not mentioned as it does go without saying.
I love the train. agree. I go over and watch it.

[kittygilchrist]

why make a post about wildwood? it will develop bc of TV, inevitably.
I grew up rural florida, where nothing ever happened, but tv happened to wildwood.
the op,who is me, was fishing to see who cares in TV besides me and who might have energy to work to help the community.

sorry if this was misunderstood as an effort to command local direction. backlash is understandable, but misplaced.

[Bogie Shooter]

I bet Wildwood is not so backward that they don't already have an economic development plan.........

[kittygilchrist]

Like this 2010 plan for the county you mean? only one I can find...
It appears from the language and references to TV that Sumter's economic plan welcomes tourism and new business.
Wildwood is said to be "aggressively expanding."
"The Villages has become Sumter County’s
prime public relations and economic engine...
.. the positive economic impact of The Villages impacts every Sumter resident and enterprise"
http://www.sumterbusiness.com/.html/main/docs/StrategicPlan_122711.pdf...

[kittygilchrist]

I bet Wildwood is not so backward that they don't already have an economic development plan.........

I've been everywhere on the city website. I don't see anything for economic development planning, but maybe I'm missing it.

[shcisamax]

When did Wildwood ever ask our opinion of them or ask for any help changing?

They probably didn't ever ask our opinion of what they should do to bring a vibrant economic recovery from the continued decline. But it isn't a stretch to see the area could use a face lift which would benefit those who live in the community. Most people are enthusiastic about bettering their environment and reaping the benefit of a thriving town. It would be nice to try to help the local communities with the considerable talent that is living next door.

[pappy1]

Interesting.... I hadn't seen this before:

From Sumter County Economic Plan 2010

Industrial Parks
Sumter County has a limited number of industrial
parks across the county. Future plans involve Wildwood housing a 4 million sq. ft. industrial warehouse park development of regional impact
(DRI). The industrial park would be at the Morse Boulevard interchange along the Florida Turnpike.

[kittygilchrist]

hm, not sure why the above post reposted itself..

[Grannynance]

to kittygilchrist
I don't believe wildwood really needs your help maybe you can find something in TV that you could devote your time to and maybe your helpers could assist you. Your post tend to struss that wildwood is in bad need of help from the villages do you know wildwood was here a long time before the build up of the villages. And there were many shops that have left when the villages began to expand.
Please don't push an agenda where it is not wanted the libaray was located in town across from the school where the kids could use it now look where it is not very accessible for the kids.
There also was a craftt store, clothing, store, serveral restaurants, a gas station in the middle of town,jewelry store, an iga, and others. So most of the blame goes to the mayor who thinks the villages
Will handle everything. And for the trains several years ago the rail system was changed freight on the west and passenger on the east that includes auto train. Help TV wildwood is OK.

[kittygilchrist]

Several posters have said that Wildwood is fine and doesn't want any collaboration from TV. I'm curious if anyone from Wildwood is posting that? My impression from websites for Sumter county is that the governance is entirely grateful for revenue from The Villages and hired a TV located company to assist in developing an economic plan.

The Sumter co. economic dev plan of 2010 calls TV the economic engine of the county and is replete with language inviting collaborative efforts to promote tourism, health care, education and entrepreneurism.

I intend to learn to my own satisfaction what Wildwood officials think of "help" from TV in economic development. Frankly, I'm not sure why anyone in TV without Wildwood connections would presume to speak for them.

[gmcneill]

The following is not exactly on-point but is offered for information purposes.

Brownwood/Paddock Square is located within Wildwood city limits. Consequently, Wildwood derives revenue through fees, permits, licenses, taxes related to that enterprise.

I haven't researched what Wildwood's actual city limits are. I am, however, assuming that the commercial construction project at 466a and Powell and the residential construction parallel with Powell Road and along the north side of 44 might also fall within Wildwood city limits. Again, more revenue generation.

The city could use that revenue for a variety of purposes, including community development and economic development initiatives and creative public-private partnerships. That type of activity could attract a variety of investors and developers.

[kittygilchrist]

Thank you..helpful and informative post, I had been trying to figure out "where's Wildwood".
This is where Wildwood is. I am not making this up...
http://www.wildwood-fl.gov/vertical/Sites/%7B2B1FDA13-2F94-4097-8D07-352D07554D9B%7D/uploads/Official_Zoning_Map_11x17.pdf

[gmcneill]

That map (Thanks for posting!) shows that the City of Wildwood is fairly geographically large and rather disjointed.

Who knew?!

[gmcneill]

I don't know if this will work. It is a link to a Wildwood P&Z (planning and zoning) Agenda that includes a basic boundary map at the end.

http://www.wildwood-fl.gov/vertical/sites/%7B2B1FDA13-2F94-4097-8D07-352D07554D9B%7D/uploads/%7B142D008A-9758-4E71-BF17-246D2EA77FF4%7D.PDF

[kittygilchrist]

it works, great document as well. best yet. Worthy of note is that the Planning and Zoning Board was given Special Magistrate to act as Local Planning Agent.
I think that means they did not have a planning agency, and none is listed currently on the city website that I find.

[shcisamax]

to kittygilchrist
I don't believe wildwood really needs your help maybe you can find something in TV that you could devote your time to and maybe your helpers could assist you. Your post tend to struss that wildwood is in bad need of help from the villages do you know wildwood was here a long time before the build up of the villages. And there were many shops that have left when the villages began to expand.

There also was a craftt store, clothing, store, serveral restaurants, a gas station in the middle of town,jewelry store, an iga, and others.

Help TV wildwood is OK.


I think that is precisely the point. TV development with its extensive resources, economic capital as well as human capital, is in many cases the reason Wildwood has lost so many of its little stores like the craft store, clothing, restaurants, jewelry etc. TV took the business. Wildwood couldn't compete.

If Wildwood wants to continue with the town the way it is, that's fine. But I have yet to meet anyone in Wildwood or who works in Wildwood that thinks it has a future on its current track. I have spoken to people in five or six establishments there, a couple people who live nearby, none of whom
show the least excitement about the future of Wildwood to put it mildly.

Every time I go down 301, I look at what could be a really charming area. There are small inklings with Cotillion, Decades, a Butcher shop, etc. But most of the businesses are not thriving. Most are hanging on. Wouldn't it be nice for the people who live in Wildwood to feel proud that their town is successful as
is TV instead of watching it slowly decay because TV sucks all the business their way? They need to become a destination not the road to get to the Turnpike.

Having said this, I will be signing off from this thread because it has become
contentious and there is no point. Those that want to help will find a way to do so and those view the spirit of volunteering to help their neighbor a bad idea don't need to do anything.

[memason]

Do you think that golf cart accessibility would help in revitalizing Wildwood?

[bkcunningham1]

This may be of interest.
http://www.wildwood-fl.gov/vertical/Sites/%7B2B1FDA13-2F94-4097-8D07-352D07554D9B%7D/uploads/City_of_Wildwood_2035_Comprehensive_Plan_March_11_ 2013.pdf
and

http://wildwood-fl.gov/vertical/Sites/%7B2B1FDA13-2F94-4097-8D07-352D07554D9B%7D/uploads/ANNUAL_STATUS_REPORT_%282010-2011%29.pdf

You may reach the Wildwood Development Services Department at 352.330.1330 ext. 118

Or contact one of the Wildwood Citizens Advisory Task Force members. You can get their contact number by calling the above number:
Gwen Lewis-Brown
Cynthia Brunette
Kenneth Chase

My suggestion would be to join the Wildwood Area Historical Association, attend their meetings and educate yourself. Their mission statement is: The WAHA is a group of volunteers from Wildwood and surrounding areas, interested in the history and future of our community. We are funded through our membership fees and fundraisers. Anyone can be a member. Yearly membership dues are $10.00 for an individual and $100 for a business. Please JOIN US in our mission to preserve the priceless history of our town & outlying areas. We will be accepting donations of historical artifacts & documents, as well as written or recorded testimonies & memories of long time area residents. Membership will be an option, as well as opportunities for service & fun.

http://www.wildwood-fl.gov/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={75A7B449-93F9-454E-97D9-CB69D532EA94}

[nkrifats]

Do you think that golf accessibility would help in revitalizing Wildwood?

Yes

[bkcunningham1]

Do you mean golf cart accessibility?

[buggyone]

When I first visited The Villages on a Lifestyle Visit in 2006, I got off the Turnpike and drove through Wildwood on 301 to 466. I had never been to The Villages before and never had imagined that such a dilapidated town such as Wildwood would be so close.

Those posters who believe that Wildwood is a charming rural community should go there and volunteer with the Wildwood Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry. It is an eye-opener to see all this poverty within a few miles of our beautiful community. They are always in need of volunteers.

I like to go walking either at night here in The Villages or early in the morning. No way I would consider that in Wildwood in the dark.

I saw a posting on this forum about a new bakery that is going to open in Wildwood and the excitement posted about the need for a good bakery. I am a realist. Unfortunately, most restaurants and bakeries close within a year of opening. If you really are excited about this new bakery, make it a success by going to it a few times a week and buying more than a bagel or a couple of cinnamon rolls. Businesses need a lot of repeat customers buying good quantities in order to survive when there are easier ways such as going to Winn-Dixie or Publix.

[kittygilchrist]

This may be of interest.
http://www.wildwood-fl.gov/vertical/Sites/%7B2B1FDA13-2F94-4097-8D07-352D07554D9B%7D/uploads/City_of_Wildwood_2035_Comprehensive_Plan_March_11_ 2013.pdf
and

http://wildwood-fl.gov/vertical/Sites/%7B2B1FDA13-2F94-4097-8D07-352D07554D9B%7D/uploads/ANNUAL_STATUS_REPORT_%282010-2011%29.pdf

You may reach the Wildwood Development Services Department at 352.330.1330 ext. 118

Or contact one of the Wildwood Citizens Advisory Task Force members. You can get their contact number by calling the above number:
Gwen Lewis-Brown
Cynthia Brunette
Kenneth Chase

My suggestion would be to join the Wildwood Area Historical Association, attend their meetings and educate yourself. Their mission statement is: The WAHA is a group of volunteers from Wildwood and surrounding areas, interested in the history and future of our community. We are funded through our membership fees and fundraisers. Anyone can be a member. Yearly membership dues are $10.00 for an individual and $100 for a business. Please JOIN US in our mission to preserve the priceless history of our town & outlying areas. We will be accepting donations of historical artifacts & documents, as well as written or recorded testimonies & memories of long time area residents. Membership will be an option, as well as opportunities for service & fun.

http://www.wildwood-fl.gov/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={75A7B449-93F9-454E-97D9-CB69D532EA94}

BK, I love you. :kiss:

[kittygilchrist]

Yes

I don't think so with what is there in Wildwood. I would go watch and listen to trains but then what?
IMO WWD needs a major tourist attraction that will draw traffic from TV, I-75, 44 east/west, and FTP.

[bkcunningham1]

Not to draw traffic off the interstate, but to add local support to the community and to enjoy yourself, here are a few things to do and see in Wildwood and surrounding area:

Wildwood Family Food Truck Night, August 12, next to city hall on Main Street.

Chinsegut Conservation Center (http://myfwc.com/education/outdoor-skills/chinsegut/)

Dade Battlefield Society (http://www.dadebattlefield.com/index.html)

Traditions Antique Mall
3107 East State Rd 44, Wildwood, FL

Ribbon Cutting at Blue Moon Ranch Wildwood, Florida - YouTube

Miona Lake Golf (http://www.mionalakegolfclub.com/)

Cotillion Southern Cafe (http://www.cafecotillion.com/)

Home (http://www.hollywoodcafewildwood.com/)

[skip0358]

By looking at the map the new bowling alley and the hotel on Rt.44 will be in Wildwood. When the shopping center w/o Brownwood on 44 builds that will be Wildwood but very little is planned for downtown that I've read except for the Bakery. The used car dealer opened on 301 s/o 44 and Poppa Johns on Rt. 44 and 301. Supposedly 48hr blinds left but that may have been due to the proposed widening of 466a.

[Grannynance]

Buggyone
So you drove north on 301 in 2006 and that is where you decided that the town was dilapidated and now your at the soup kitchen and things are really bad. Afraid to walk the streets. I bet the people in wildwood ready welcome you with open arms. Have you ever driven around the town, talked to some o the people that have live here for years or all their lives? I think you are making judements about thing you do not know. Who do you think ran the soup kitchen before or do you think it just came about after the building of the villages. In all you must drive from your beautiful home straight to the soup kitchen. Well you know how to tell things you have made a lot friend in wildwood I am sure
You should of been here in 1990's maybe you feel safe in the villages that is where should say
After all wildwood has made it may years.

[graciegirl]

to kittygilchrist
I don't believe wildwood really needs your help maybe you can find something in TV that you could devote your time to and maybe your helpers could assist you. Your post tend to struss that wildwood is in bad need of help from the villages do you know wildwood was here a long time before the build up of the villages. And there were many shops that have left when the villages began to expand.
Please don't push an agenda where it is not wanted the libaray was located in town across from the school where the kids could use it now look where it is not very accessible for the kids.
There also was a craftt store, clothing, store, serveral restaurants, a gas station in the middle of town,jewelry store, an iga, and others. So most of the blame goes to the mayor who thinks the villages
Will handle everything. And for the trains several years ago the rail system was changed freight on the west and passenger on the east that includes auto train. Help TV wildwood is OK.

Grannynance

I just took the time to read all of your posts and many have great wisdom in them. I have always wondered if you live in The Villages or in Wildwood.

In all of your posts you get straight to the point and say just how you feel and many times you have made me think differently.

I am only two years younger than you but hope to be as smart someday.

I think any town improves when valid business is there. I think that the business drawn to the constantly growing Villages will in time also support and grow Wildwood. You have to have some NEEDED or POPULAR or DESIRED product or service to sell to people in order for it to be successful and then successful business encourages and draws more business that feeds the tax base that makes things all fancy and pretty.. I think the fact that Wildwood is so close to a large populated area will eventually cause Wildwood to draw a lot business to it.

You can have a plan, but you also have to have a need for that particular business and people who want to take the financial risk. Mount Dora has a lot of boutique-y things that cause people to come visit once or twice, but the lake and the restaurants and perhaps the well funded Civic theatre bring them back.

You can do blueprints and nice layouts but that in itself isn't "gonna cut the mustard" as me and Grannynance might say.

Grannynance? You from Ohio?

[kittygilchrist]

His pen and he were thing to flout,
they drew a circle that shut me out.
But love and I had the wit to win,
we drew a circle that took him in.

[buggyone]

Buggyone
So you drove north on 301 in 2006 and that is where you decided that the town was dilapidated and now your at the soup kitchen and things are really bad. Afraid to walk the streets. I bet the people in wildwood ready welcome you with open arms. Have you ever driven around the town, talked to some o the people that have live here for years or all their lives? I think you are making judements about thing you do not know. Who do you think ran the soup kitchen before or do you think it just came about after the building of the villages. In all you must drive from your beautiful home straight to the soup kitchen. Well you know how to tell things you have made a lot friend in wildwood I am sure
You should of been here in 1990's maybe you feel safe in the villages that is where should say
After all wildwood has made it may years.

Wildwood may have been around for many years and I am sure it does have plenty of good people. It also has a fairly high crime rate and large area of poverty. It is not a place that tourists would ever make a destination.

[ndominesey]

Wildwood city fathers are discussing making Wildwood a GAS LIGHT DISTRICT with golf cart access. They want some of the Villages revenue. Cannot blame them but do we want a golf cart path that comes into and connects with ours.

[bkcunningham1]

Wildwood city fathers are discussing making Wildwood a GAS LIGHT DISTRICT with golf cart access. They want some of the Villages revenue. Cannot blame them but do we want a golf cart path that comes into and connects with ours.

When you say, "ours," are you a resident of Wildwood or The Villages?

[skip0358]

Wildwood city fathers are discussing making Wildwood a GAS LIGHT DISTRICT with golf cart access. They want some of the Villages revenue. Cannot blame them but do we want a golf cart path that comes into and connects with ours.

Sumter County once already said no to a request for GC trail along 466A to Wildwood. It was an older thread on here.

[kittygilchrist]

If they build it, we will come...:-)

[graciegirl]

If they built it, we will come...:-)

Really smart folks who have something to sell to everyone ...say McDonalds will be looking at Wildwood and soon other big chains will too because people who work in the villages need a place closeby to live and grow their families, Wildwood will be growing soon too..

Sweetie likes the Hardware store in Wildwood and I love the Cotillian Restaurant. We stole the Farmers Market from Wildwood but those folks seem to be selling more of their stuff in our squares so that is a good thing.

I think our being closeby and a huge consumer base will attract the demographers who want to open chains and franchises who are proven winners. We may want this or that but the proven winners will come first. Not a bad thing.

Grannynance. Do you live in The Villages or in Wildwood? Nosy me wants to know.

[kittygilchrist]

Really smart folks who have something to sell to everyone ...say McDonalds will be looking at Wildwood and soon other big chains will too because people who work in the villages need a place closeby to live and grow their families, Wildwood will be growing soon too..

Sweetie likes the Hardware store in Wildwood and I love the Cotillian Restaurant. We stole the Farmers Market from Wildwood but those folks seem to be selling more of their stuff in our squares so that is a good thing.

I think our being closeby and a huge consumer base will attract the demographers who want to open chains and franchises who are proven winners. We may want this or that but the proven winners will come first. Not a bad thing.

Grannynance. Do you live in The Villages or in Wildwood? Nosy me wants to know.

the hardware thing is Ace Hardware, chain started by my neighbor in Alachua (n of Gainesville), which was a lot like wildwood when I moved there in 1980 but is now a thriving little town with all the retail charm folks attribute to their dream Wildwood.

[Villages PL]

I love that little agricultural town ripped to shreds by major highways. and that ugly industrial stuff and Amtrak, and us.
Really, 301 isn't small and zoom, there goes I-75 and the turnpike.
thoughts? commercial ideas? preservation notions?
I wish I knew what folks there think, hafta find out.

Before I came to The Villages, I lived in a small agricultural town in central FL. I actually lived on property fronting four lane hwy 301. And 301 went through the center of town. The county courthouse in the center of town was totally restored and looked nice. Over a period of time, many of the stores were made to look nice. Many were either turned into antique shops or restaurants.

You want to know what folks there think? They think, duh, this is a boring town. :)

[Grannynance]

Kittygilchist
Did you move to the villages for the life style or to rework that area. Did you ever think some people just might be OK the way thing are

[kittygilchrist]

Before I came to The Villages, I lived in a small agricultural town in central FL. I actually lived on property fronting four lane hwy 301. And 301 went through the center of town. The county courthouse in the center of town was totally restored and looked nice. Over a period of time, many of the stores were made to look nice. Many were either turned into antique shops or restaurants.

You want to know what folks there think? They think, duh, this is a boring town. :)

I know. Some of us are pming ideas. hoping for an economic development consortium btw TVers and Wildwood officials and residents....trying to contact city mgr.

[kittygilchrist]

Really smart folks who have something to sell to everyone ...say McDonalds will be looking at Wildwood and soon other big chains will too because people who work in the villages need a place closeby to live and grow their families, Wildwood will be growing soon too..

Sweetie likes the Hardware store in Wildwood and I love the Cotillian Restaurant. We stole the Farmers Market from Wildwood but those folks seem to be selling more of their stuff in our squares so that is a good thing.

I think our being closeby and a huge consumer base will attract the demographers who want to open chains and franchises who are proven winners. We may want this or that but the proven winners will come first. Not a bad thing.

Grannynance. Do you live in The Villages or in Wildwood? Nosy me wants to know.

gracie, agree franchisers will move in. but few in the big pix of TV or elsewhere will drive to Wildwood for a big mac., I could go over for coffee..lg coffee 4 creams is how my brilliant brother orders it, for a dollar or so?

[graciegirl]

gracie, agree franchisers will move in. but few in the big pix of TV or elsewhere will drive to Wildwood for a big mac., I could go over for coffee..lg coffee 4 creams is how my brilliant brother orders it, for a dollar or so?

I think that my point is that people who work in The Villages will soon seek homes in the towns around it, Wildwood being one of them and those people will be looking for a big mac and McDonalds and other such businesses and those businesses will build there and provide a tax base to build nice municipal buildings and gussy things up on the main drag. Also the people who will begin to move there will feed money into the area and before long the nice restaurants will come and we in the Villages will be going over there more and more and spending our money. And the tax base will grow. I watched a similar thing happen in the old town of Hamilton, Ohio. I saw it revive after the suburbs of West Chester and Fairfield grew near to it. They now call themselves Hamilton! Ohio. Note the exclamation point.http://www.hamilton-city.org/

Kitty...how do you see a plan to make Wildwood a better place faster than waiting for the growth that I think is bound to happen?

I am not debating your good ideas. I trust your fine judgment.

[kittygilchrist]

I think that my point is that people who work in The Villages will soon seek homes in the towns around it, Wildwood being one of them and those people will be looking for a big mac and McDonalds and other such businesses and those businesses will build there and provide a tax base to build nice municipal buildings and gussy things up on the main drag. Also the people who will begin to move there will feed money into the area and before long the nice restaurants will come and we in the Villages will be going over there more and more and spending our money. And the tax base will grow. I watched a similar thing happen in the old town of Hamilton, Ohio. I saw it revive after the suburbs of West Chester and Fairfield grew near to it. They now call themselves Hamilton! Ohio. Note the exclamation point.City of Hamilton, OH : Home (http://www.hamilton-city.org/)

Kitty...how do you see a plan to make Wildwood a better place faster than waiting for the growth that I think is bound to happen?

I am not debating your good ideas. I trust your fine judgment.

as always, eyes open when I read your posts.
I'd like to see proactive collaboration between TV and Wildwood govt and residents through a local govt endorsed and named entity.

[jimbo2012]

A biz that wants to open is going to check the car count on the road.

What do think those numbers might be on 301 say vs 441?

I would look for a spot on 441 even if the rent was $30 a sq ft vs $5

So the question is how do you attract a biz to open?

Or can you

[kittygilchrist]

Wait a minute, this was a thread about questions. it still is.
I don't know.

[DianeM]

Call me crazy but I kinda think that the growth of Wildwood is up to the residents of Wildwood and what they want (or don't want) to do about their community. If they're contented, why should we stick our noses into their lifestyle just because it may not mesh with what we think should be there.

[Grannynance]

Dianem
You are right on. I just thing Ms kitty has an axe to grind. Maybe she should go down to brown wood and shake it out.
Graciegirl wildwood has a McDonald's on 44. As for being like mt dora they have a great draw from the cities to the south I have been there many many time and to me it isn't that great.
You have ask many times where I live well I am here and have been since 1996 I have see a lot of changes in serveal places I remember when they were just building the wall around Morse 466 was two lane, nothing south of 466 just cows 466a had a few houses and of late many post on how things should change people that don't know what they are talking about. If you purchased in the villages that is what your concern should be, let the other town be you really don't have a voice and it just leads to hard feelings. There is enough I'll feeling people who say they are afraid to walk the streets well stay where you feel safe. Other say they would not like wildwood people driving on the golf cart trails well maybe the folks in wildwood would not like the village folk driving on their streets.
Everyone has picked where they want to live so enjoy. One on the big rubs is how the village folks like to take over ask around don't be shy and don't be so smart talking about all the thing you have done for the area. Wildwood has been here a long time and I don't see the people lining the streets asking for help. The villages has there problems if you are so minded to help lend your hand maybe you could carry water to the people planting the flowers . Get off the towns backs

[jimbo2012]

Dianem
You are right on. I just thing Ms kitty has an axe to grind.

Wow Granny !!!chilout

Who has an axe?

[DianeM]

Granny I don't think Kitty has an axe to grind. Why would she? I just believe in "live and let live".

[buggyone]

I doubt if Granny speaks for all of the citizens of Wildwood but she is expressing her opinion. Nothing wrong with that.

I would suggest that the best way to help Wildwood is to lend a helping hand where it is needed - and that is at the Wildwood Soup Kitchen and Pantry. That town is so poverty stricken and Villagers help out on every shift of the Soup Kitchen and Pantry - but more volunteer are always needed.

There is also the Christian Food Pantry in Lady Lake that provides groceries to over 400 families in the Lady Lake, The Villages, Summerfield, and Belleview areas.

Kitty's hopes are for a future for the town of Wildwood. Volunteer at the Wildwood Soup Kitchen and Pantry and help someone NOW! The future is now! Pitch in now.

[buggyone]

Granny posted, "Wildwood has been here a long time and I don't see the people lining the streets asking for help."

I can see that Granny does not visit the Wildwood Soup Kitchen and Pantry. There are people lined up every day asking for help.

[Bogie Shooter]

Do you think that golf cart accessibility would help in revitalizing Wildwood?

Careful what you wish for.....golf carts go both ways.

[DianeM]

I just don't believe in being hurtful especially in a public forum like this.

[jbdlfan]

I doubt if Granny speaks for all of the citizens of Wildwood but she is expressing her opinion. Nothing wrong with that.

I would suggest that the best way to help Wildwood is to lend a helping hand where it is needed - and that is at the Wildwood Soup Kitchen and Pantry. That town is so poverty stricken and Villagers help out on every shift of the Soup Kitchen and Pantry - but more volunteer are always needed.

There is also the Christian Food Pantry in Lady Lake that provides groceries to over 400 families in the Lady Lake, The Villages, Summerfield, and Belleview areas.

Kitty's hopes are for a future for the town of Wildwood. Volunteer at the Wildwood Soup Kitchen and Pantry and help someone NOW! The future is now! Pitch in now.
You hit the nail on the head. I truly believe that MOST people living in TV have absolutely no idea of the poverty that surrounds us. I have students that sleep in tents, backs of pickup trucks or even in aluminum sheds in back yards. These children are less than 5 minutes from our borders. Help is needed throughout the area. Pick a side:north, south, east or west!

[kittygilchrist]

I am nonplussed.
grannynance says Wildwood is just fine and instead of focusing on their economy I should help TV instead, then admits Wildwood has extreme poverty and tells me I should go work in their soup kitchen.
It's just nuts. I'm shaking my head in disbelief.
I've asked for the thread to be closed due to relentless attacks on my character, integrity and heart.

[Skybo]

You hit the nail on the head. I truly believe that MOST people living in TV have absolutely no idea of the poverty that surrounds us. I have students that sleep in tents, backs of pickup trucks or even in aluminum sheds in back yards. These children are less than 5 minutes from our borders. Help is needed throughout the area. Pick a side:north, south, east or west!

How can we help the kids?

[buggyone]

I think that instead of trying to make revitalizing Wildwood the top priority, Villagers should first concentrate on the very poor citizens of Wildwood, The Villages, Lady Lake, and Fruitland Park.

Once the citizens are taken care of with daily essentials of life, then start working on a long term plan.

Those posters who said they are long term Floridians should know the extreme poverty that is so prevalent in the rural communities that encircle The Villages.

[jblum315]

Thousands of homeless children in the counties around The Villages. I don't think they will benefit from boutiques in Wildwood.

[Bogie Shooter]

Thousands of homeless children in the counties around The Villages. I don't think they will benefit from boutiques in Wildwood.

thousands of homeless children???

[jblum315]

Yes. Thousands.

[graciegirl]

I didn't think anyone attacked your character Kitty. Grannynance was just being herself and I was being the devils advocate.

Don't be hurt. Your intentions were as always, very kind and very good..

I somehow failed to get the concept of how a group from the Villages could help Wildwood with growth in the right direction.

I applaud your intentions and don't have a clue what you or me is talking about on this subject.

Start over and define your purpose .

[bkcunningham1]

One thing to keep in mind is the fact that there are many transients who live in Florida and seek out the warmer weather and the pipe dream of paradise. Many times young children get caught up in the poverty by no fault of their own.


Homeless students increase: Number of homeless Central Florida school children on the rise for fifth year - Orlando Sentinel (http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-11-25/features/os-homeless-students-increase-20121125_1_homeless-students-christina-savino-adequate-nighttime-residence)

Christian Care Center (http://www.christiancarecenter.org/home/)

The Refuge at Jumper Creek (http://therefugejumpercreek.org/)

Kids Ministry (http://184.154.122.108/~fbcbushn/food-bank.php)

New Beginnings (http://newbeginningslake.org/)

Mission in Citrus Homeless Shelters (http://www.missionincitrus.com/homepage0.aspx)

[Grannynance]

Kittygilchrist
Thanks for the E-mail I don't get many I did not tell you to go work in the soup kitchen
I said there was poor people living everywhere
What you said about me is OK just like water on a ducks back just rolls off

[Grannynance]

graciegirl
I was not attacking anyone. I just can't understand people move someplace and then want to change the area to what they believe it should be
There are small towns all over the U. S. That have declined and that is the way life is time moves on
My thought is this you moved here to enjoy your iife in your senior years or did you move here to reconstruct the area. Live and let live I think the powers to be will take care of their towns
And if i am a mean person so be it

[Grannynance]

And now I must stop its time to get ready for church maybe the best thing I could do is keep my
Thought and words to myself and stay off this site

[tucson]

Google, " Ocala Nat.Forest homeless " people live their and hundreds of children as well, I met a young girl just a couple of wks ago, standing outside a convenience store near the outskirts of Ocala Forest she was very thin, matted hair, had very dirty clothes on & crying. I was pumping gas in my car and was watching to see if anyone would help or come to her aid, she just broke my heart, so I yelled, are you ok? Can I help you? She told me her boyfriend beat her up and left her there, she told me that she lived in "the forest" meaning Ocala Forest. We had a conversation & prayed and she told me she'd be ok. It's very true there are alot of desperate people that live around us.God have mercy...

[CFrance]

And now I must stop its time to get ready for church maybe the best thing I could do is keep my
Thought and words to myself and stay off this site

I think your thoughts are worth listening to, Grannynance, but perhaps you could put them in nicer words. Maybe not be so blunt or so direct. Your thoughts are lost on a lot of people due to the manner in which they're written.

[kittygilchrist]

A biz that wants to open is going to check the car count on the road.

What do think those numbers might be on 301 say vs 441?

I would look for a spot on 441 even if the rent was $30 a sq ft vs $5

So the question is how do you attract a biz to open?

Or can you

301 traffic needs to be slowed down....

[mrfixit]

thousands of homeless children???

YES.....
............thousands of homeless Children
....................in the Counties Surronding The Villages.
I see them with my own eyes.

Please join us Villagers who are attempting to make
a difference for these children.

Please, consider getting involved in helping the Children.
Some of the Parents can not be helped.
........But.....we CAN make a difference with the Children.

[kittygilchrist]

graciegirl
I was not attacking anyone. I just can't understand people move someplace and then want to change the area to what they believe it should be
There are small towns all over the U. S. That have declined and that is the way life is time moves on
My thought is this you moved here to enjoy your iife in your senior years or did you move here to reconstruct the area. Live and let live I think the powers to be will take care of their towns
And if i am a mean person so be it

Your effort to dictate how I should spend my time is domineering.
If you believe in live and let live, why do you repeatedly object to my making decisions what to do with my life?

[perrjojo]

thousands of homeless children???

Yes, unfortunately it is true that there are thousands in our tricounty area. It is hard to believe that there are so many with so little. I think one good way to "help" Wildwood is by supporting their businesses. Has anyone been to the monthly food truck night in Wildwood? I hear it is a great and fun concept that is growing in popularity in cities all over the US. We have wanted to go but have had a conflict the past few times. We plan to go next month and hopefully the rain will cooperate.

[KathieI]

If we'd like to help the children of Wildwood, why not attend this event.

[perrjojo]

If we'd like to help the children of Wildwood, why not attend this event.

Great idea! :bowdown:

[kittygilchrist]

Yes, unfortunately it is true that there are thousands in our tricounty area. It is hard to believe that there are so many with so little. I think one good way to "help" Wildwood is by supporting their businesses. Has anyone been to the monthly food truck night in Wildwood? I hear it is a great and fun concept that is growing in popularity in cities all over the US. We have wanted to go but have had a conflict the past few times. We plan to go next month and hopefully the rain will cooperate.

Perrjojo, FINALLY!:bowdown:
Someone understands the relationship between healthy business and poverty. Helping children is great, soup kitchens too, food truck, yes.
That is all giving someone a fish.

I would like to see:
Collaboration between Wildwood residents and Villagers with the objective of raising Wildwood's standard of living AND providing Villagers with a charming town to explore, take grandchildren, eat, and shop. And don't forget train watching.

We have money to spend and want places to spend it. They have touches of quaint Florida, trains, and vacant commercial properties. We have successful business people with time on their hands. They have many people who have started businesses and not been successful.

TV and Wildwood basically merge. Would it not be advantageous to collaboratively and proactively manage that process?

[DianeM]

I'm appalled to hear that the authorities permit people to squat on public property in the woods. That should not be permitted. Sadly there are people who suffer grinding poverty but that's absurd to allow. Public assistance can't be provided to people that are not identifiable in the woods.

[Buffalo Jim]

Kitty : Thank you for "putting yourself out there " and initiating this post about Wildwood . It does seem to have gotten " off track " and to have elicited some surprisingly negative comments .
As someone who spent a 35 year career in finance and regional banking I took an immediate note of the seemingly paradox of the economy in this interesting little town upon discovering it shortly after I moved to the Villages now 2 years ago .
I began to patronize some of the businesses such as the dry cleaners , the hardware store , the computer repair store , a convenience store and the Radio Shack . I have met the owners of each of these businesses and through them have gained some insight into their hopes for the town .
One business owner shared that the majority of the store fronts on " Main Street " are owned by a gentleman who inherited the properties from his father but who shows limited interest in reinvestment . This owner shared that the landlord seems to be waiting / hoping that the Developer of the Villages will eventually buy him out .
Also several have shared with me their hope that the main business district will become golf cart accessible with the recent expansion of the Villages [ Brownwood ].
For what it is worth I have found the folks at the Post Office to be genuinely very helpful and happy to handle my many mailings of packages . I once remarked that I was surprised at the number of postal boxes which they had and they shared that at the time the Post Office was built that there was more activity in Wildwood .
I have taken notice of all that you have Kitty . In the meantime I believe that we all can help by patronizing the local businesses which may deserve our dollars .

[perrjojo]

I'm appalled to hear that the authorities permit people to squat on public property in the woods. That should not be permitted. Sadly there are people who suffer grinding poverty but that's absurd to allow. Public assistance can't be provided to people that are not identifiable in the woods.

If they are homeless, where would you have them live?

[Microcodeboy]

Buffalo Jim - I agree, well put. Thanks for the insight.
Kitty - Do not get discouraged. We need more people who think like you - get involved. God bless you and those who think like you.
dave

[perrjojo]

People in TV live here for many reasons. Some want to be near grandchildren in nearby Florida cities; some for the weather and most for the lifestyle. A poster asked, did you move here for the life style or to change things? Just because someone enjoys the lifestyle does not mean that they are totally content to go to clubs and play golf all day. Most Villagers have many resources, not just of the monetary kind. Many have been teachers, nurses, business owners on so on. Why would Villagers not want to share their resources with others?

It was also stated that Wildwood was not unique and many small towns were dying. Why are the towns dying? Mostly because young people must move away to earn a living. Wouldn't it be nice if we could keep our small towns vibrant and our young people didn't have to move away?

I have stated a lot of what if's but without dreams there is no progress. Sometimes progress is not comfortable for everyone.

[buggyone]

I really have no use for Wildwood. Mt. Dora has interesting restaurants and shops just like Cocoa Village does. Those places helped themselves.

If a young person goes to college and wants to make a decent salary, that is not going to happen in Wildwood. Only smart to do is to move to a city and preferably out of Florida to get a good career.

[Villageshooter]

I think that is precisely the point. TV development with its extensive resources, economic capital as well as human capital, is in many cases the reason Wildwood has lost so many of its little stores like the craft store, clothing, restaurants, jewelry etc. TV took the business. Wildwood couldn't compete.

If Wildwood wants to continue with the town the way it is, that's fine. But I have yet to meet anyone in Wildwood or who works in Wildwood that thinks it has a future on its current track. I have spoken to people in five or six establishments there, a couple people who live nearby, none of whom
show the least excitement about the future of Wildwood to put it mildly.

Every time I go down 301, I look at what could be a really charming area. There are small inklings with Cotillion, Decades, a Butcher shop, etc. But most of the businesses are not thriving. Most are hanging on. Wouldn't it be nice for the people who live in Wildwood to feel proud that their town is successful as
is TV instead of watching it slowly decay because TV sucks all the business their way? They need to become a destination not the road to get to the Turnpike.

Having said this, I will be signing off from this thread because it has become
contentious and there is no point. Those that want to help will find a way to do so and those view the spirit of volunteering to help their neighbor a bad idea don't need to do anything.
The developer has people on all the boards and elected officials that they have supported and that the developer will decide when and what happens to Wildwood and other communities around, There are yes-men planted all over

[DianeM]

If they are homeless, where would you have them live?

Good question but certainly the woods isn't a great place for these folks to live.

[bkcunningham1]

I just got back home from Walmart on 441. We took the golf cart and went along the path from Paradise Drive to Lowe's and then along behind Aldi's to Walmart. My husband and I noticed balloons tied in the bushes along the path. Before we could finish guessing why there were balloons, we were greeted by a beautiful smiling face of a young boy I'd guess is about 9 or 10 years old. He said, "Hello."

He shifted from one foot to the other on legs sporting a pair of too small pants that had been cut off just below the knees. He was watching us and smiling while his eyes lit up the dark wooded corner near the Walmart parking lot near the transformer station where the homeless person was found dead last year. As we were taking it all in, we saw a man shoveling sand like there was no tomorrow just feet from the boy. The boy pointed to a plastic jug that said donations were welcome for filling in the holes along the path. The words were misspelled, but their meaning was pretty clear.

My husband got some money from his pocket and asked the kid if he was working to fix the path. He said, "Yes sir." My husband told him good work and to thanked him. He took the money and the man shoveling sand never stopped.

It tore at my heart. On the way back, the man was gone and there was a woman there with the same young boy. She wasn't shoveling, but we saw an old pickup truck on the parking lot yards from them with a blue tarp pitched on the back. I can just about guarantee that they are living out of that truck.

It reminded me of a sermon I heard once called, In the Shadow of the Steeple. It was about the widows, homeless, poor, sick and struggling people who lived within the shadow of the church but were overlooked. I think most of us are guilty of this. It was a Life Lesson for me today and I just wanted to share it with you.

[tucson]

I just got back home from Walmart on 441. We took the golf cart and went along the path from Paradise Drive to Lowe's and then along behind Aldi's to Walmart. My husband and I noticed balloons tied in the bushes along the path. Before we could finish guessing why there were balloons, we were greeted by a beautiful smiling face of a young boy I'd guess is about 9 or 10 years old. He said, "Hello."

He shifted from one foot to the other on legs sporting a pair of too small pants that had been cut off just below the knees. He was watching us and smiling while his eyes lit up the dark wooded corner near the Walmart parking lot near the transformer station where the homeless person was found dead last year. As we were taking it all in, we saw a man shoveling sand like there was no tomorrow just feet from the boy. The boy pointed to a plastic jug that said donations were welcome for filling in the holes along the path. The words were misspelled, but their meaning was pretty clear.

My husband got some money from his pocket and asked the kid if he was working to fix the path. He said, "Yes sir." My husband told him good work and to thanked him. He took the money and the man shoveling sand never stopped.

It tore at my heart. On the way back, the man was gone and there was a woman there with the same young boy. She wasn't shoveling, but we saw an old pickup truck on the parking lot yards from them with a blue tarp pitched on the back. I can just about guarantee that they are living out of that truck.

It reminded me of a sermon I heard once called, In the Shadow of the Steeple. It was about the widows, homeless, poor, sick and struggling people who lived within the shadow of the church but were overlooked. I think most of us are guilty of this. It was a Life Lesson for me today and I just wanted to share it with you.

Thanks for sharing,Jesus said, the poor will be with us always. I was told by a native to this area once that Sumter Co. was the poorest County in Florida.

[Buffalo Jim]

Nice Post . Thank you

[Barefoot]

I've been reading this thread with a great deal of interest. i applaud Kitty's enthusiasm and desire to get involved and improve the quality of life for people living in Wildwood. I also agree with some of Grannynance' comments.

I have no experience at all with Wildwood, but I do have a lot of experience with people and town councils and Mayors of small towns. And the one thing I know is that no Locals anywhere ever want "people from away" telling them how to run their lives. I think this is one of GrannyNance' areas of discomfort.


Helping children is great, soup kitchens too, food truck, yes.
That is all giving someone a fish.

I would like to see:
Collaboration between Wildwood residents and Villagers with the objective of raising Wildwood's standard of living AND providing Villagers with a charming town to explore, take grandchildren, eat, and shop. And don't forget train watching. TV and Wildwood basically merge. Would it not be advantageous to collaboratively and proactively manage that process?

My thought is that you have to crawl before you can walk, and then run. People "from away" have to be careful to start small, get to know people and personalities, prove their good intentions by helping solve current problems, gain credibility by working in the trenches, etc., before they start proposing managing a process to merge The Villages and Wildwood.

I think getting involved with the Foodbanks in surrounding communities is a great first step to getting to know local people and building relationships that will help effect change without seeming presumptuous.

And I apologize if I've misconstrued anyone's feelings or comments. I have nothing but admiration for Kitty and her passionate zest to get involved and make a difference.

[Villageshooter]

We shouldremember there are more of us then there are them and if we got our act together Just a small percentage of us could help a huge portion of them God knows we have the resources to drastically change many lives in this area for the betterment as opposed to buying a new golf cart putting up Huge lanai with a pool in it! Just remember one thing Matthew 7:12 says it all!

[janmcn]

Another good place to start would be by calling Habitat for Humanity. People need housing and food to live, not shops. Some whole neighborhoods have been built entirely by women.

Wildwood will be getting more stores in Oct when the new Sweetbay, Walgreen's, Subway, etc opens than they have seen in 20 to 30 years. They have movie theaters in Brownwood that they haven't had for several years. They now have a town square at Brownwood with free entertainment, thanks to TV's developer.

[DianeM]

The folks in Wildwood were here long before I ever even heard of The Villages. I believe - but could be wrong in the phrase - but doesn't "manifest destiny" apply here? I didn't create the problem - why do I have to fix it when the residents don't? I'm sorry if that's offensive to some but geesh, I earned whatever has come my way. I went to college on student loans and yes, I paid them all back. I worked "forever" and paid my bills and my mortgage. I read all the religious overtones that have come onto this thread and what comes to mind for me is "God helps those that help themselves".

[buggyone]

I read all the religious overtones that have come onto this thread and what comes to mind for me is "God helps those that help themselves".

The phrase "God helps those who help themselves" is a popular motto that emphasizes the importance of self-initiative.
The phrase originated in ancient Greece and may originally have been proverbial. It is illustrated by two of Aesop's Fables and a similar sentiment is found in ancient Greek drama. Although it has been commonly attributed to Benjamin Franklin, the modern English wording appears earlier in Algernon Sidney's work.

The phrase is often mistaken as scriptural, but it appears nowhere in the Bible. Some Christians have criticized the expression as being contrary to the Bible's message of God's grace.

[kittygilchrist]

If we'd like to help the children of Wildwood, why not attend this event.

Kathie, that is a great idea! Do you think we (you?) should make a separate post to attract Villagers to the event. Donations of school supplies is a great cause.

[SoccerCoach]

I just got back home from Walmart on 441. We took the golf cart and went along the path from Paradise Drive to Lowe's and then along behind Aldi's to Walmart. My husband and I noticed balloons tied in the bushes along the path. Before we could finish guessing why there were balloons, we were greeted by a beautiful smiling face of a young boy I'd guess is about 9 or 10 years old. He said, "Hello."

He shifted from one foot to the other on legs sporting a pair of too small pants that had been cut off just below the knees. He was watching us and smiling while his eyes lit up the dark wooded corner near the Walmart parking lot near the transformer station where the homeless person was found dead last year. As we were taking it all in, we saw a man shoveling sand like there was no tomorrow just feet from the boy. The boy pointed to a plastic jug that said donations were welcome for filling in the holes along the path. The words were misspelled, but their meaning was pretty clear.

My husband got some money from his pocket and asked the kid if he was working to fix the path. He said, "Yes sir." My husband told him good work and to thanked him. He took the money and the man shoveling sand never stopped.

It tore at my heart. On the way back, the man was gone and there was a woman there with the same young boy. She wasn't shoveling, but we saw an old pickup truck on the parking lot yards from them with a blue tarp pitched on the back. I can just about guarantee that they are living out of that truck.

It reminded me of a sermon I heard once called, In the Shadow of the Steeple. It was about the widows, homeless, poor, sick and struggling people who lived within the shadow of the church but were overlooked. I think most of us are guilty of this. It was a Life Lesson for me today and I just wanted to share it with you.

I thank you for sharing this post. Your words to this young man of 9 - 10 years may have been the only kind words he heard today. Your husband's contribution was most appreciated, I'm sure. Makes one think how many "Samaritans" simply sped by giving only a brief glance and perhaps a comment uttered to themselves. I mentor youth and all too often see a look in their eyes that seems to say "just treat me with kindness". So, again, for your kindness, I thank you both.

[perrjojo]

The folks in Wildwood were here long before I ever even heard of The Villages. I believe - but could be wrong in the phrase - but doesn't "manifest destiny" apply here? I didn't create the problem - why do I have to fix it when the residents don't? I'm sorry if that's offensive to some but geesh, I earned whatever has come my way. I went to college on student loans and yes, I paid them all back. I worked "forever" and paid my bills and my mortgage. I read all the religious overtones that have come onto this thread and what comes to mind for me is "God helps those that help themselves".


There is another slogan Christians often use: there but for the Grace of God, go I.
When presenting a problem, it is always good to offer a solution.

[kittygilchrist]

I've been reading this thread with a great deal of interest. i applaud Kitty's enthusiasm and desire to get involved and improve the quality of life for people living in Wildwood. I also agree with some of Grannynance' comments.

I have no experience at all with Wildwood, but I do have a lot of experience with people and town councils and Mayors of small towns. And the one thing I know is that no Locals anywhere ever want "people from away" telling them how to run their lives. I think this is one of GrannyNance' areas of discomfort.



My thought is that you have to crawl before you can walk, and then run. People "from away" have to be careful to start small, get to know people and personalities, prove their good intentions by helping solve current problems, gain credibility by working in the trenches, etc., before they start proposing managing a process to merge The Villages and Wildwood.

I think getting involved with the Foodbanks in surrounding communities is a great first step to getting to know local people and building relationships that will help effect change without seeming presumptuous.

And I apologize if I've misconstrued anyone's feelings or comments. I have nothing but admiration for Kitty and her passionate zest to get involved and make a difference.

Well said, barefoot.
I think it's more respectful of the community to focus on a collaboration to improve economics than to primarily approach them with pity as saviors to the helpless. I'm NOT saying helping the down and out is a bad thing.

I am saying that if someone wanted to help me, I'd gain more self-respect if they said, "You have strengths. Is there a way I can assist you in gaining more independence." vs "You are obviously in need. Let me give you a donation."

[kittygilchrist]

The developer has people on all the boards and elected officials that they have supported and that the developer will decide when and what happens to Wildwood and other communities around, There are yes-men planted all over

Wow, didn't know that. do they attend city commission meetings? or what?

[CFrance]

Another good place to start would be by calling Habitat for Humanity. People need housing and food to live, not shops. Some whole neighborhoods have been built entirely by women.

Wildwood will be getting more stores in Oct when the new Sweetbay, Walgreen's, Subway, etc opens than they have seen in 20 to 30 years. They have movie theaters in Brownwood that they haven't had for several years. They now have a town square at Brownwood with free entertainment, thanks to TV's developer.


But will any of this help their tax base, as it's all on Villages property?

I agree with Bare about starting small and getting to know people before wading in with large ideas that might not be welcomed at first. It does kind of give the impression that Big Brother Will Fix All, Just You Listen.

I also applaud those that worked their way through college and paid their debts and "helped themselves," but many of these homeless people are mentally ill, or came from broken, dysfunctional homes without good parenting, etc. etc. You can't just paint unfortunate folks with a broad brushstroke and insinuate they might be where they are due to their own unwillingness to work/educate themselves/apply for help/ you name it. Each person's situation is different.

And if they weren't living in the woods but instead were living in the streets, some would be upset about that too. The country doesn't have the financial resources to house all the homeless. They long ago closed the mental hospitals, claiming folks could heal better at home. Many of those people ended up on the streets. Many fail to qualify for aid. Where are they supposed to go? It's sad.:sad:

Off my soap box.

[kittygilchrist]

[/B]

But will any of this help their tax base, as it's all on Villages property?

I agree with Bare about starting small and getting to know people before wading in with large ideas that might not be welcomed at first. It does kind of give the impression that Big Brother Will Fix All, Just You Listen.

I also applaud those that worked their way through college and paid their debts and "helped themselves," but many of these homeless people are mentally ill, or came from broken, dysfunctional homes without good parenting, etc. etc. You can't just paint unfortunate folks with a broad brushstroke and insinuate they might be where they are due to their own unwillingness to work/educate themselves/apply for help/ you name it. Each person's situation is different.

And if they weren't living in the woods but instead were living in the streets, some would be upset about that too. The country doesn't have the financial resources to house all the homeless. They long ago closed the mental hospitals, claiming folks could heal better at home. Many of those people ended up on the streets. Many fail to qualify for aid. Where are they supposed to go? It's sad.:sad:

Off my soap box.

Cfrance, I'll bet a lot of them would qualify for SSDI or SSI if they had a physical address and were stable long enough.
re how to start, feeling out governance is key.
Kitty

[kittygilchrist]

http://www.youtu.be.com/watch?v=sVC3E-8_fiw&feature=share&list=PL4BE178D23CDFE509
can't get this to show as link..story of 6 blind men and elephant. you can locate at youtube by entering the alphanumeric string starting with PL...ending in 9.

I'm happy to see so many perspectives and pockets of expertise and energy. So many of us are giving thought to how and what we mind do to work with Wildwood!

I so agree with and encourage those who want to pitch in at the grassroots level. The site above is an inspirational story about how we all have different perspectives and may be seeing different parts of the whole. I know that if everyone takes some action on what they think is needed, the outcome will be beneficial.

The story implies that everyone is right and each is wrong if they think that only their perspective counts. And that includes people who aren't inclined to adopt WWD.

[janmcn]

[/B]

But will any of this help their tax base, as it's all on Villages property?

I agree with Bare about starting small and getting to know people before wading in with large ideas that might not be welcomed at first. It does kind of give the impression that Big Brother Will Fix All, Just You Listen.

I also applaud those that worked their way through college and paid their debts and "helped themselves," but many of these homeless people are mentally ill, or came from broken, dysfunctional homes without good parenting, etc. etc. You can't just paint unfortunate folks with a broad brushstroke and insinuate they might be where they are due to their own unwillingness to work/educate themselves/apply for help/ you name it. Each person's situation is different.

And if they weren't living in the woods but instead were living in the streets, some would be upset about that too. The country doesn't have the financial resources to house all the homeless. They long ago closed the mental hospitals, claiming folks could heal better at home. Many of those people ended up on the streets. Many fail to qualify for aid. Where are they supposed to go? It's sad.:sad:

Off my soap box.

It was reported in an earlier post that Brownwood is inside the city limits of Wildwood...don't know about the new strip mall where SweetBay will be located. That is why Wildwood police have the authority to patrol Paddock Square.

It was also reported that the new bowling alley and hotel are in Wildwood.

[perrjojo]

I'm appalled to hear that the authorities permit people to squat on public property in the woods. That should not be permitted. Sadly there are people who suffer grinding poverty but that's absurd to allow. Public assistance can't be provided to people that are not identifiable in the woods.

The folks in Wildwood were here long before I ever even heard of The Villages. I believe - but could be wrong in the phrase - but doesn't "manifest destiny" apply here? I didn't create the problem - why do I have to fix it when the residents don't? I'm sorry if that's offensive to some but geesh, I earned whatever has come my way. I went to college on student loans and yes, I paid them all back. I worked "forever" and paid my bills and my mortgage. I read all the religious overtones that have come onto this thread and what comes to mind for me is "God helps those that help themselves".

So, let them eat cake?

[DianeM]

Whatever you folks feel is the best route for you, so be it. Personally I'm getting out of this discussion. Have fun.

[dsned]

A much closer ,mt Dora

[gmcneill]

During my 33 years of employment in a fairly reponsible position with Florida city, I attended my share of strategic planning, community development and economic development meetings, P&Z sessions, neighborhood improvement meetings, resident outreach presentations, and the like. I certainly understand and do appreciate the position of those who believe that their Wildwood has been and continues to be fine just the way that it is and who resent the unsolicited discussions by non-Wildwoodians to effect change in their city. I truly get that.

Setting aside the reasons why municipal adminstrators generally support community development and economic development intitiatives for their agency community, I will list a few very, very simple reasons why Wildwood's economic environment matters.

Commercial and business development in Wildwood:
1. Provides Villages residents with more shopping options for groceries, clothing, dining, entertainment, home furnishings, and so on and on and on....u
2. Provides tens of thousands of Villages residents with the convenience of shopping closer to home.
3. Results in increased assessed value of existing commercial properties.
4. Results in the purchase and development of unimproved commercial properties.
5. Increases the population (people seeking employment in the new businesses) of the city and, more importantly for Villagers, Sumter County.

The Points:
Items 1. and 2. above combine to create a demand for services, goods, and products. That demand creates business opportunities, which create employment opportunites for Wildwood residents and increases the revenue stream for the city. You can imagine for yourself the resulting innumerable tangible and intangible benefits to the residents and to the city.

Items 3. through 5. above increase the county tax base, thus resulting in increased tax revenues. Increased revenues enable the county administration to leave the millage rate status quo or to lower the millage rate (which lowers my tax obligation) without reducing levels of service provided to or made available for all of us.

Items 4. and 5. above increase the number of county tax payers. The greater the number of us who share the tax burden collectively, the lower the amount we pay individually, generally speaking.

Again, the above is a partial list of very basic reasons why Wildwood matters.

[angiefox10]

“An idealist believes that the short run doesn’t count. A cynic believes the long run doesn’t matter. A realist believes that what is done or left undone in the short run determines the long run.” – Sidney J. Harris



“A vision without a task is but a dream, a task without a vision is drudgery, a vision and a task is the hope of the world.” – From a church in Sussex, England, ca. 1730

[kittygilchrist]

Angie goes on my list of people whose every post I will read..
yum, those are good.
Kitty

[kittygilchrist]

GCM,
I thought there must people like you around the corner here with experience in city management...thank you for taking the time to give us a nutshell of why it makes sense to promote economic development. Many of us retirees are reluctant to use our energy to compose a cogent succinct page of text.


City Commission meetings are Mondays at 7 pm
July 22 agenda http://www.wildwood-fl.gov/vertical/Sites/%7B2B1FDA13-2F94-4097-8D07-352D07554D9B%7D/uploads/July_22_2013_Agenda_Cover_-_4_pgs.pdf

[kittygilchrist]

This may be of interest.
http://www.wildwood-fl.gov/vertical/Sites/%7B2B1FDA13-2F94-4097-8D07-352D07554D9B%7D/uploads/City_of_Wildwood_2035_Comprehensive_Plan_March_11_ 2013.pdf
and

http://wildwood-fl.gov/vertical/Sites/%7B2B1FDA13-2F94-4097-8D07-352D07554D9B%7D/uploads/ANNUAL_STATUS_REPORT_%282010-2011%29.pdf

You may reach the Wildwood Development Services Department at 352.330.1330 ext. 118

Or contact one of the Wildwood Citizens Advisory Task Force members. You can get their contact number by calling the above number:
Gwen Lewis-Brown
Cynthia Brunette
Kenneth Chase

My suggestion would be to join the Wildwood Area Historical Association, attend their meetings and educate yourself. Their mission statement is: The WAHA is a group of volunteers from Wildwood and surrounding areas, interested in the history and future of our community. We are funded through our membership fees and fundraisers. Anyone can be a member. Yearly membership dues are $10.00 for an individual and $100 for a business. Please JOIN US in our mission to preserve the priceless history of our town & outlying areas. We will be accepting donations of historical artifacts & documents, as well as written or recorded testimonies & memories of long time area residents. Membership will be an option, as well as opportunities for service & fun.

http://www.wildwood-fl.gov/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={75A7B449-93F9-454E-97D9-CB69D532EA94}

schisamax, I wanted to get out of this post too due to contention. the moderator wisely ignored my request to close it. I'm pming you to see if you will change your mind. I think the major detractors have had their say. Asking you to come back to the thread, your ideas are needed. City Commission mtg tonight at 7.

[gmcneill]

bk is on the right track for those who wish to effect change in this matter: Obtain knowledge.

One needs to learn about what efforts have been implemented successfully and more importantly, unsuccessfully; what is currently underway in either planning or operational stages; and what is on the drawing table.

Consequently, attending a city commission meeting is not the most effective first step, for a variety of reasons, some of which are illogical. Please believe me on that! :)

One would be better served by reading the minutes from at least the most recent 18-24months of meetings of the P&Z, Econ Development, and related committees and also at least from the last two annual budget workshops and public budget hearings.

(For example: the link that I provided previously in this string was of minutes from the March 2011 P&Z/Special Magistrate/Local Planning Meeting. A cursory review of those minutes shows, among other things, what Wildwood's future population growth is projected to be, mentions three housing developments, and references the annexation of the area in/around Brownwood.)

By reviewing those minutes one will have obtained knowledge, a feel for the direction where the city is heading, and a sense of who the players are and what their individual agendas might be.

Then, the next most effective step one would take would be to attend the meetings of the above-mentioned groups/committees. One would be able to put a face and personality to each name that one has seen in print and see the intra-group dynamics.

At this point, presuming that one's desire to continue involvement in the cause has not dissipated, one would be in position to begin establishing the personal interactions and making the connections necessary to gain entry into the decision-suggestion or decision-making circle.

For what it's worth, the foregoing is the course of action I would undertake.

[kittygilchrist]

thanks again..will do.


bk is on the right track for those who wish to effect change in this matter: Obtain knowledge.

One needs to learn about what efforts have been implemented successfully and more importantly, unsuccessfully; what is currently underway in either planning or operational stages; and what is on the drawing table.

Consequently, attending a city commission meeting is not the most effective first step, for a variety of reasons, some of which are illogical. Please believe me on that! :)

One would be better served by reading the minutes from at least the most recent 18-24months of meetings of the P&Z, Econ Development, and related committees and also at least from the last two annual budget workshops and public budget hearings.

(For example: the link that I provided previously in this string was of minutes from the March 2011 P&Z/Special Magistrate/Local Planning Meeting. A cursory review of those minutes shows, among other things, what Wildwood's future population growth is projected to be, mentions three housing developments, and references the annexation of the area in/around Brownwood.)

By reviewing those minutes one will have obtained knowledge, a feel for the direction where the city is heading, and a sense of who the players are and what their individual agendas might be.

Then, the next most effective step one would take would be to attend the meetings of the above-mentioned groups/committees. One would be able to put a face and personality to each name that one has seen in print and see the intra-group dynamics.

At this point, presuming that one's desire to continue involvement in the cause has not dissipated, one would be in position to begin establishing the personal interactions and making the connections necessary to gain entry into the decision-suggestion or decision-making circle.

For what it's worth, the foregoing is the course of action I would undertake.

[Grannynance]

thanks again..will do.


Oh kitty are we on for the meeting tonight 7pm you enter thru the north east doors

[kittygilchrist]

Oh kitty are we on for the meeting tonight 7pm you enter thru the north east doors

I'd like to come but I'll be following GMC's advice rather than bumble around making mistakes I've been advised against. I'll make them, but not ones I've been told about in advance.
K.

[Grannynance]

Well I did not want to think that I was picking on you or for you to feel I am an angry old person
And l don't plan to tell you what to do with your time. If you look at all the posting with the views everyone had the idea that wildwood was so bad off. I have lived here many years and there have been many people that have caused a lot of problems enjecting ideas. Wildwood has been kind of a laid back town and that is what people liked in the winter it was a snow bird heaven because it was just off 75 and if you wanted shopping it was a short drive to leesburg or ocala. It is close to the gulf and ocean. And one of the big draws rent was low both for rvs and others. So along comes the villages at first ok, but then later and larger so some folk feel push out. A big rub the village has their pools club houses and ect these are for there life style, but now the village can also go into the towns and use all their thing ( get the idea I have mind but I will use your too) so I guess change isn,'t always good. I don't want to upset anyone that is no my make up. Guess at my age maybe back off on thing and enjoy what I have left. If you feel you can make a difference jump right in there but remember when you jump there are pit falls. Good luck hope to talk to you on lighter subjects

[kittygilchrist]

Thanks for your post. Your thoughts are valuable and I continue to read them with interest. I'm a small town florida girl who spent most of her life with my nose to the candy store window, so I know how it feels to be one of them.
I think we ought to spread some love and money around Wildwood.

A post earlier by KathieI caught my eye and I hope to help with a project to collect school supplies for children.
45.7% of Wildwood's children live below poverty level. 80% qualify for free/reduced lunch.
Be well,
Kitty

[gmcneill]

Grannynance:

I presume that you read my previous post (No. 119 in this thread), so I trust that you realize that I fully understand your position, opinions, and observations. I certainly respect what you have said and will say about this matter.

Candidly, I feel as you do about Johnny-come-lately folks; it is a normal reaction. Truthfully, you can search topics and threads on TOTV where even villages folks have sometimes demonstrated a Johnny-come-lately response to new posters/residents.

You and I live in different cities but we both live in the same county. And as I very briefly pointed out, what happens in Wildwood- or any other city in Sumter county- does, in fact, affect you, me, all of us county residents.

The challenge for the City of Wildwood senior administration is daunting and on-going: they must continuously find ways to fund the services they provide to its residents.

It is clear that many Wildwood residents love and enjoy their city just the way it is and has been. They want to maintain the status quo.

Unfortunately, for the Wildwood administration charged with providing what residents want, there is no status-quo when it comes to funding. The cost to provide what the residents have loved does not remain status-quo from year to year; the costs just to maintain status quo services increase.

Very simply stated: the cost to a city to maintain status quo services today is greater than it was yesterday.

The cost to a city to maintain today's status quo services tomorrow will be greater than it is today.

Clearly, in order just to maintain the status quo, a city must proactively strive to change and progress.

The additional challenge is that a city must not only identify, develop, and implement change and progress but also balance or blend it with the status quo its residents may want.

If a city fails to meet that challenge, it will regress instead of maintain; and those involved- residents, business owners, and city administrators- will have lost what they individually and collectively have held dear for so long. And, that would be a tragedy.

[shcisamax]

Very very nice post GMCNEILL

[jbdlfan]

thousands of homeless children???

Yes!!! Over 1300 in my school district alone! Not counting the ones living in the sheds behind the house because mom's boyfriend won't let them in the house. Or the one's living with grandma, grandpa aunt, uncle and child in a popup camper with three dogs. Or the 13 year old girl that has to go to the neighbor's house every couple of days to shower. Or the kid who's dad went into jail the same day mom got out. Or the kid living in the bed of a pickup truck with meth addicts laying on the ground around. These are just the students I had last year. My school has 1300 students and is 3 miles from The Villages border. This is just scratching the surface, I could go on for a while with what we see there every day. We give free breakfast and lunch because that's all these kids would get. It's not their fault. Their parents will not change. We must change the kids. We must change their belief in a better world or we are screwed folks. I don't have the answers, but I can sure tell you where the problem is!

[kittygilchrist]

Which school, fan? I've lived and worked in rural Florida. I hear your dismay...been there doing social work.
I'm about to launch a backpack and school supplies drive for the Wildwood area. Wonder if we could quickly get word out for all the counties to donate.
Kitty
by the way, you've got guts and heart and soul. I'm tipping my hat to a hero.

[DougB]

Kitty, it's much more widespread than you may be aware. It is not just the rural areas. jbd's description fits many of my students as well. Hard for other counties to help, they have their own homeless to take care of. But good luck, you are doing a good thing and I know your heart is in the right place.

[kittygilchrist]

Kitty, it's much more widespread than you may be aware. It is not just the rural areas. jbd's description fits many of my students as well. Hard for other counties to help, they have their own homeless to take care of. But good luck, you are doing a good thing and I know your heart is in the right place.

thanks Doug, where do you work? As a social worker in GNV I found far better resources near urban centers than rural ones to intervene in social situations. My heart never listens to me, anybody can get hold of it.
At least we aren't tilting at windmills...

[gmcneill]

shcisamax: Thank you for your kind words!

jdblfan: I echo Kitty's compliments to you. My heart hurt when I read your post. What can those who wish to help "your kids" do?

Kitty: Helping with organizers of a back pack/lunch program for Wildwood school children? You talk it, then you walk it! Awesome! Once a sincere, well-intentioned, warm-hearted, and caring person....

[bkcunningham1]

If we'd like to help the children of Wildwood, why not attend this event.

I'll repost Kathie's post.

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-non-villages-discussion-93/future-wildwood-82776/index9.html#post712037

[bkcunningham1]

There was a nice article in today's Daily Sun about the Wildwood Historical Association's Baker House project and the back-to-school fundraising project KathieI mentioned earlier.

[DougB]

Kitty,
All public school students in my county are provided free breakfast and 80% of those in my school are on free/reduced lunch. I run a program at my school that provides backpacks of food to our neediest students. Each week about 100 students and their families participate. Volunteers from a local church fill backpacks and drop them off on Fridays so we know the students have food over the weekend. We use backpacks so they just blend in with all the other students taking their backpacks home. This is something you may be interested in doing either as a club at The Villages or through a church group.

[kittygilchrist]

The event at the Baker House with school supply donations was suggested by the Development Svc Director (zoning) in WWD. She invited me to visit her office at city hall and to commission meetings. Good advice from GCM to start with networking and research.

WWD also has 80% on the govt lunch program.
Doug, great work you're doing. btw...Do you have a wholesaler for backpacks?
NY Warehouse (http://www.wholesale-backpacks.com/Category/NY-Warehouse_27.htm)
K.
ps thanks for the repost, BK. I was trying to do that, but only you knew how.

[bkcunningham1]

Also, to keep it fair and balanced: http://www.sumter.k12.fl.us/PDF/Press-Releases/2013-WMHS-Dollars-Scholars.pdf

If you read the press release, it will give you the names of some potential contact people and clubs who are already helping the Wildwood area children.

[kittygilchrist]

Also, to keep it fair and balanced: http://www.sumter.k12.fl.us/PDF/Press-Releases/2013-WMHS-Dollars-Scholars.pdf

If you read the press release, it will give you the names of some potential contact people and clubs who are already helping the Wildwood area children.

the Parrot Heads did a lot! I'm joining up...love Buffett anyway, esp. song Fruitcakes.
Jimmy Buffett - Fruitcakes - YouTube (http://youtu.be/wneCa_yIuzg)

[rodie]

the Parrot Heads did a lot! I'm joining up...love Buffett anyway, esp. song Fruitcakes.
Jimmy Buffett - Fruitcakes - YouTube (http://youtu.be/wneCa_yIuzg)

I would also like to join that club. Do you have info as to where to sign up?

[createquilts]

Lots of great suggestions here.

Kitty I heard there is a school supply drive for foster kids in Lake and Sumter county in the regional rec centers. Not sure of the details so give one of them a call if you are interested in helping.

lots of great input in this thread. It always helps to remember that while it's great for people to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, first they have to have boots! Supporting the schools around us is certainly a great way to do that.

[Barefoot]

The event at the Baker House with school supply donations was suggested by the Development Svc Director (zoning) in WWD. She invited me to visit her office at city hall and to commission meetings. Good advice from GCM to start with networking and research.

WWD also has 80% on the govt lunch program.
Doug, great work you're doing. btw...Do you have a wholesaler for backpacks?
NY Warehouse (http://www.wholesale-backpacks.com/Category/NY-Warehouse_27.htm)
K.
ps thanks for the repost, BK. I was trying to do that, but only you knew how.

Kitty, your energy and enthusiasm come sizzling through the computer. Good work, girl.

[gmcneill]

I so agree, barefoot.

Over 7300 views and counting...raising villager resident awareness of the difficulties faced by too many of our fellow county family, old and young.

[bkcunningham1]

http://www.thevillagesparrotheads.com/activities/2013/OperationBackpack2013.gif

The Villages Parrotheads' application for membership: Membership (http://thevillagesparrotheads.com/membership.html)

[kittygilchrist]

Lots of great suggestions here.

Kitty I heard there is a school supply drive for foster kids in Lake and Sumter county in the regional rec centers. Not sure of the details so give one of them a call if you are interested in helping.

lots of great input in this thread. It always helps to remember that while it's great for people to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, first they have to have boots! Supporting the schools around us is certainly a great way to do that.

YES, IT'S TRUE. Donations of school supplies can be made to Regional Centers for the county in which it is located! tuvm for that info...
Kitty