[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by biker1

Exactly. My wife runs a class at the rec centers that has a minimal annual fee to cover the expenses of running the classes. She allows people to attend a few times to see if they want to join. After that, if you don't pay you cannot attend. She has never had a problem and she encourages new people to join.

Actually. I don't think volunteers here in TV can deny membership to anyone because of fees. Or seek reimbursement for their time in any way. I could be wrong. They can and do sell supplies and sometimes at a profit. I am sure that I am like most and very much appreciate our teaching volunteers. We try to gather a cash gift a couple of times a year for anyone who wishes to anonymously contribute to a couple of wonderful women who impart knowledge and humor to us weekly.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by asianthree

Have been to a few yoga classes (open) always informed this is an advanced group, there may not be room for your mat. I do smile when those who make you feel un welcome have much difficulty with poses, and after class i comment "bless your heart" you must be off your practice today.

So... unfriendliness begets unfriendliness?

I have found in those kind of classes, to just persevere and remain open to any friendliness. After a while people start talking to you. It happened in a very popular weight training class I joined when new to TV, and again in an aerobics class. But these types of exercise classes seem to be more open to newcomers than card/game groups that have been going on forever.

[biker1]

Actually she can. It is the same thing as events that charge a fee such as some of the weekly trivia contests - if you don't pay, you can't play. She incurres expenses to run the classes. If she was seeking reimbursement for her time she would be teaching at the Lifelong Learning College instead of volunteering at the Rec Centers.

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Actually. I don't think volunteers here in TV can deny membership to anyone because of fees. Or seek reimbursement for their time in any way. I could be wrong. They can and do sell supplies and sometimes at a profit. I am sure that I am like most and very much appreciate our teaching volunteers. We try to gather a cash gift a couple of times a year for anyone who wishes to anonymously contribute to a couple of wonderful women who impart knowledge and humor to us weekly.

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by asianthree

Have been to a few yoga classes (open) always informed this is an advanced group, there may not be room for your mat. I do smile when those who make you feel un welcome have much difficulty with poses, and after class i comment "bless your heart" you must be off your practice today.

Well with Yoga classes you are talking a whole 'nother ball game. Yoga classes bring out Yoga Terrorists, even the classes you pay for! For instance ........ "Don't put your mat there, my friend goes there" or "this area is reserved for OUR GROUP" ............ "I'm saving this space". "I always put my mat in the front row".

When it comes right down to it - are you there for Yoga or are you there to chat ........... you are there for Yoga so what does it matter where you put your mat .....

We are getting very off topic ..........

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Actually. I don't think volunteers here in TV can deny membership to anyone because of fees. Or seek reimbursement for their time in any way. I could be wrong. They can and do sell supplies and sometimes at a profit. I am sure that I am like most and very much appreciate our teaching volunteers. We try to gather a cash gift a couple of times a year for anyone who wishes to anonymously contribute to a couple of wonderful women who impart knowledge and humor to us weekly.

Actually, Gracie, I believe that exact opposite it true. A fee may be charge for any of the Lifestyle Clubs, but the club leaders are not allowed to profit in any way. Any fees must be used to cover club expenses or donated to a charity. Some clubs such as trivia clubs give cash prizes. If I understand the rules correctly, (and it is very difficult to get a precise answer from the rec department) a club leader who is profiting by selling supplies etc is in violation of the rules.

The members of my club do occasionally give me small gifts but I don't profit in any other way.

[Bonny]

I belong to clubs that you have to pay. It's used for entertainment, sometimes food and decorations, supplies, etc. If you don't pay, then you can't come in and reap the benefits paid by the people who pay.

[OhioBuckeye]

Well they probably won't change anything because it's not an on going problem! But it never hurts to address it.

[robinsdw2]

This happens all the time and has happened to my wife and I on numerous occasions so we just stop trying. Very clickish here for sure.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

Actually, Gracie, I believe that exact opposite it true. A fee may be charge for any of the Lifestyle Clubs, but the club leaders are not allowed to profit in any way. Any fees must be used to cover club expenses or donated to a charity. Some clubs such as trivia clubs give cash prizes. If I understand the rules correctly, (and it is very difficult to get a precise answer from the rec department) a club leader who is profiting by selling supplies etc is in violation of the rules.

The members of my club do occasionally give me small gifts but I don't profit in any other way.

You are absolutely right, and Biker, I meant no criticism.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by robinsdw2

This happens all the time and has happened to my wife and I on numerous occasions so we just stop trying. Very clickish here for sure.

We are all hurt by coolness, lack of welcome and just plain meanness. It never is right. I don't know if I would call it cliqueishness (sp?) (apparently that is not a word) but more like selfishness. I say "Self, you don't need this. Move on".

[RickeyD]

Originally Posted by robinsdw2

This happens all the time and has happened to my wife and I on numerous occasions so we just stop trying. Very clickish here for sure.

Relish in the fact you're not welcomed by mean and nasty (by way of actions) people. Being excluded by such people is a good thing for you, because you're not like THEM.

[cynjim]

I thought we were the friendliest home town in florida. People need to lighten up and be welcoming. #BeKindToOneAnother. I don't care if it is a group, people need to welcome newcomers, or do it in your home. when it says Open it means Open. We are know for being kind and friendly....lets not change that due to a few...

[Chasam75]

Originally Posted by JoelJohnson

If a person goes to a club that is supposed to be open, but the people there refuse to accommodate them, when they could, doesn't that mean it's a closed club. If so shouldn't that club be made to pay for the room at the rec center?

This happened to my wife and the the director in charge of the rec center refused to intervene. She called John Rohan's office and they referred it back to the director. The director did call my wife back, it sounds like nothing is going to change.

I refrained from pointing out the club and the rec center, but will if I get enough interest, or, if she goes back there and nothing has changed.

Personally, I would have no desire to join a club that I did not feel welcome. With all of the various clubs and activities within The Villages one should certainly be able to find one to join that has members that they would enjoy socializing with and feel at home.

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by CFrance

So... unfriendliness begets unfriendliness?

I have found in those kind of classes, to just persevere and remain open to any friendliness. After a while people start talking to you. It happened in a very popular weight training class I joined when new to TV, and again in an aerobics class. But these types of exercise classes seem to be more open to newcomers than card/game groups that have been going on forever.

Not unfriendly comment, years of practice 7 days a week from a guru of India, there are days that you are off your practice. Sometimes it's concentration, multi tasking, or pose is just not obtainable at that moment. In a tight class it can be detrimental to the person next to you if you are off your practice that day. Falling on the person next to you can have lasting results for both of you.

[jnieman]

What I have done when joining a new club is to call the president of the club and ask how the club works first instead of showing up. That way they know to expect you, you have a contact person when you get there and if you need to bring other players to round out your foursome they would probably let you know at that time. I just joined a club and did exactly that. They were expecting me when I got there and introduced me around to others.