[paulandjean]

RedChariot,Lighten Up, The town squares are for everone, Without the "Townies", many of the stores would close up shop.We enjoy seeing the townies coming into the squares, you see some real interesting people. we love people watching.

[Ragman]

I'm pretty sure the entertainment and amenities are paid by the merchants of the respective squares, so the people who shop the stores pay the freight indirectly.

I agree with the one person-three chair approach. That seems reasonable.

We don't go to the squares often unless we have guests that want the full "Villages" experience.

[jimbo2012]

Maybe we need to start NEW RULES like Bill Mahr

The Rules of Saving Seats

Rule #1 - Refusal
"Hey, man. Can you save me a seat?

The easiest way to not have to save a seat, is to say "no" when someone asks you.
You always have the power in that situation because you are the one that gets to make the decision.
If you are smart, you will not save seats in the first place.

Rule #2 - Appropriateness of Quantity

Realistically, one person can only save two seats: either the seat on the right and/or the left.
So, the basic rule of thumb is to have 1 person for every 3 seats with the seat saver obliged to sit in the middle seat.
Easy enough.

Rule #3 - Presence Indicators
"But it didn't look like anyone was sitting here."

A person should always be present around the seats being saved. But, your presence alone is not enough to save a seat. There has to be some object that gives the impression the seat is occupied but only vacant at that particular moment.
Common objects include:
-Purses
-Sweaters
-Coats
-Hats
Bottom Line: people have to know the seat is saved. Once another person sits in that seat, it is theirs. I would also like to reiterate that a person has to be present with the saved seats at all times. No laying down coats and then going to concession stand.

Rule #4 - Courtesy
"Hi, it's nice to meet you. Oh, and I need a seat saved."

Never ask someone you don't know to save seats for you. This includes asking them through mutual friends. If you're mature enough to get yourself to the square, you are mature enough to find your own seat.
Don't collectively pressure a group just because you know a person or you are late.

Rule #5 - Managing Groups



You need to arrive as a group. This way, everyone is there together (Obvious, I know). And if your early, people in the group will have time to follow the guidelines correctly.


Enjoy

.

[PaPaLarry]

UH OH!!!!!!! We might have to bring boxing gloves shortly to the Square!! Whats going to happen when Spanish Springs closes, and everyone comes to Sumpter??????? I think we need a boxing ring in the middle, to fight each other for chairs and the right to sit in them!!!!!!!! Just Kidd'n!! Don't forget gentlemen, to give your seat to a lady!!! hehehe Have a nice day

[rubicon]

Originally Posted by justjim

Not to worry. After a year or two you will rarely go to the square anyway!

Kool response

[njbchbum]

the EASIEST way to eliminate saving chairs at the square is to NOT ASK A FRIEND TO SAVE ONE FOR YOU!

[Dayzee]

I like the idea of chaining the chairs until about 30 minutes before the scheduled event OR eliminate the chairs all together - Bring Your Own Chairs Only??????

[buggyone]

Now really, folks, how many times have you personally been terribly inconvenienced by not having a chair at either Lake Sumter Landing or Spanish Springs BECAUSE there were lots of chairs being saved for absent people?

When Rocky & The Rollers perform, most folks know to get their early around 4 pm. You will have a chair at that time. Get there at 5 through 7 and you will not because they are very popular. I often bring my own chair to Rocky & The Rollers and set up wherever there is a space. No problem.

Go when someone like Carol Ann is playing and there are 3/4 of the seats available anytime.

At Oktoberfest, Christmas Tree Lighting, and St. Patrick Day are probably the only time you will see lots of seats being saved. Get there early and do not wait until the actual time of the event.

One or two posters said that most Villagers do not go to the entertainment after the novelty wears off. I have been here 3 years and I love going to either square at least once a week and usually more. It is great fun.

The gripers who say they will sit wherever they want - even in a saved seat - are not what we moved to The Villages for. Smile, get along with people and go with the flow.

[Villageshooter]

I am trying to figure out a way to a put my own picnic table on my golf cart and bring it to the sqaure, or get a trailer, then anyone who wants to set down is free to do so, this of course will be in the non smoking area. I really try to make people free to enjoy the show. My wife says I am looking for a girlfriend... I always tell her> at her funeral i will have one eye on the casket, and one eye on the crowd picking out another!

[madrose]

I like Ragman's statement...."I agree with the one person-three chair approach.
I can understand someone saving a couple of chairs, but stacks of them are ridiculous.
I wonder why the announcer on town square doesn't say' it is against the Village rules to save chairs'. They announce that coolers are not allowed, and smoking is not allowed.....why not try and control the chair saving also. The majority of TV people are VERY nice, but a few are controlling and rude. Just sayin.........

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by RedChariot

Would these issues be avoided if the Town Squares were just for those that live in TV? Why are the local people from surrounding areas allowed there?

Local people from surrounding areas are "allowed" in the Town Squares because they keep the Squares financially viable. The Town Squares are NOT the property of the residents of The Villages. We don't own them or pay for them. TV isn't a gated community.

The store owners need the business. The movie theatre needs the business. The restaurants need the business. Many residents don't frequent the Squares on a regular basis. A lot of the vibrancy of the Squares comes from visitors and renters and local people from surrounding areas.

[Shirleevee]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

Local people from surrounding areas are "allowed" in the Town Squares because they keep the Squares financially viable. The Town Squares are NOT the property of the residents of The Villages. We don't own them or pay for them. TV isn't a gated community.

The store owners need the business. The movie theatre needs the business. The restaurants need the business. Many residents don't frequent the Squares on a regular basis. A lot of the vibrancy of the Squares comes from visitors and renters and local people from surrounding areas.

Well said Barefoot! I agree!

[paulandjean]

Townies on the square was explained by me on any early post on page 4 I believe.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Originally Posted by paulandjean

Townies on the square was explained by me on any early post on page 4 I believe.

Page numbering will differ depending on how many posts each user chooses to display per page. This can be modified via User CP/Settings and Options/Edit Options/Thread Display Options/Number of Posts to Show per Page.

Bill

[texasfal]

Actually, the squares are owned by the Community Development Districts. In Spanish Springs, its the VCDD and Lake Sumter is the SLCDD. The Villages has an agreement to "lease" the squares 365 days a year for $25.00 a day. The property surrouinding the squares is owned by The Villages Holding Company or The Villages Operating Company.