[PaPaLarry]

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

[rustyp]

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

[Ragman]

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

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

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

[DougB]

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

[2BNTV]

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

[gingersnap]

Originally Posted by rustyp

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

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

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

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

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by gingersnap

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OUCH!!!

[gingersnap]

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

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by gingersnap

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

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

[mulligan]

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

[2BNTV]

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

[archerlc]

I agree...No saving seats.

[fred boswell]

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

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

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by fred boswell

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

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

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

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

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

Bogie!

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

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


JUST KIDDING.

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