[beady]

Yesterday we (husband and I) went to spend a few hours at the Chatham Pool. Had a lovely relaxing time. When we were leaving we decided to check out the Rec center. All I wanted to do was look at the rooms and familiarize myself with the facilities. The lady at the front desk asked to see our cards. My husband handed her his card as I was getting mine out of my wallet. She picked up a little scanning devise and we both asked why she was scannng the card. She responded it was a method of counting use of the facilities. We requested she not scan the card, we were , after all residents just looking at the center. She insisted she had to scan the card or her numbers would be off. I suggested she just make a note of ouring being there and add it to the numbers at the end of the day. Absolutely not, she needed to scan the card. We didn't press the point as she was getting very upset and officious. We left, not having had the opportunity to look at Chatham Rec.

Let me explain. I do not want my card scanned everytime I use a facility. I know they say it is just for head counts but I'm skeptical. There is a lot of information available on those cards and I do not feel it is necessary to feed my identity into a count every time I use a center or pool or any amenity. Don't remember being told that was required to take advantage of the amenities. Use it to prove I " belong" by looking at it ,no problem, feed it into a computer for counts (I think profile) no thanks.

I hate to sound paranoid but keeping your privacy these days is getting very difficult, this head count, if that is it's actual function, could be done without scanning.

Just my opinion, anyone else been scanned and how did you handle it. : :

[villages07]

Beady....I get scanned all the time...doesn't bother me; if it helps TV know level of usage of facilities, it helps them plan hours and staffing better. I doubt they use this data to profile anyone or create marketing opportunities. The other advantage of the card scanner is that it is matching your card to a current, master database to ensure you and the card are still active residents. Just looking at a card won't tell you that.

Sorry, topic cop, :cop: whereever you are...but, that brings up a related question...when someone leaves the Villages (through death or house sale), is there a process for reclaiming their Villages ID? If not, they (or someone) could use it forever.

[villager99]

scanning cards is a way to verify you are a current resident. if you no longer pay amenities for any reason your card will no longer be accepted by the scanner.
it's a procedure that was put in place a few years ago to assure our rec facilities are used by residents and their guests only.

[Hope2b]

Scanning all cards is a good thing. It is true that you can have a card that is no longer valid. We really don't want people here who are not paying. By scanning I cannot see where your privacy is being invaded. It is checking that you are allowed there not recording all your info.

[lm01]

I understand your feelings but sorry I am in agreement........Please show your pass....have it scanned and just smile like you really like the idea.

So many people complain about outsiders are using the facilities well this is a way to check if you are a current resident. Sorry

[lm01]

Hi I read that the villages wanted to scan both the husband and her IDs......I thought Beedy wanted to show the ID without the scan. I think that was the situation.

[redwitch]

I kind of agree with Beady -- showing an ID is one thing, having it scanned is another. I really can't see the need and it does smack of Big Brotherhood.

That being said, I resigned myself long before moving to TV that my privacy was long gone, so another scan of my ID is pretty irrelevant. Unless I always pay cash, my shopping habits are known. The government always knows where to find me so long as I use anything that records my social security number. And so on and so forth. At least the scanning is innocuous.

[JerryM]

Beady

You're being silly. Shame on you. How are you at airports.

JM

[Villages Kahuna]

Coincidentally, I attended the Residents Advisory Council meeting last week. One of the items on the agenda was the use of recreation facilities by non-residents. Some of the examples related by the head of the Recreation Department and Janet Tutt, the head of the central Villages District were amazing and disturbing.

It was pretty clear that the primary source of unauthorized use of facilities are Villages residents themselves. They are the source of the issuance of unauthorized guest passes; they sponsor large parties of non-residents at our pools; there is even a "ring" of talented residents who are now counterfeiting resident ID cards.

I think the bottom line is that each resident of TV moved here to enjoy the lifestyle and the recreation facilities that are provided. We each pay an amenities fee each month to fund the operation of the facilities. The Recreation Department is trying all kinds of economical measures to assure that the facilities that we all pay for are used by residents only. It seems to me that the requirement that our ID cards be scanned is a simple and effective way of assuring the use of facilities by residents only. If everyone took the same position that you're taking, how would the Recreation Department provide the security that we all desire? How long would it take before unidentifiable non-residents would displace some fee-paying residents from the use of "our" recreation facilities?

[Hope2b]

Good post Kahuna.
Get over that Big Brother foolishness. Those scanning could care less about anything other then that you are authorized to be there.

[The Great Fumar]

Did I hear someone say a little common sense goes a long way????
Well It certainly does and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that all cards have to be scanned to see who belongs and who doesn't .....It sounds much nicer to say we need it for a head count than to say"WE WANT TO SEE IF YOU'VE PAID YOUR DUES" Frankly I think if you refuse to have your card scanned you should be escorted off the premises...there is nothing on your card info but your name , address, telephone and status of your membership ............This might sound a little harsh but by your rules Charles Manson could have a fake card made and go everywhere in TV.........
a very surprised Fumar

[beady]

Well, you all make a good argument for keeping the Village amenities for Villagers. I am really surprised that there are counterfit cards being distributed

I still think that just having a look at the facilities did not require a scan. And it would have skewed the daily count. As I said the lady at the desk was getting very agressive and my intention was not to cause a scene, just express my concern, so I left.

I still disagree with the practice. In the future I will put my annoyance aside and follow the rules, as distasteful as that will be to me.

As for my feelings about airports, which someone questioned....... Well, that is comparing apples to oranges. I want every passenger carefully scrutinized and willingly participate. We are not talking about intensive security that is targeted to save lives, in regard to the village use of scanning.

[Hope2b]

Beady, glad you have decided to follow the rules. welcome to TV. I am sure you will find more--much more good here then bad.

[Talk Host]

Beady has the right to question this practice without people calling her "silly". She should not be "ashamed" to question ANY practice. She should never get over the "Big Brother Foolishness." Her question does not mean she "was not following the rules."

If others wish to accept whatever is handed to them without question, 'SHAME ON THEM."

The Villages is still part of the United States. Being retired from your job does not mean you are retired from being a responsible citizen. We are not a bunch of sheep.

"Authoritarianism describes a form of social control characterized by strict obedience to the authority of a state or organization, often maintaining and enforcing control. In an authoritarian form of government, citizens are subject to state authority in many aspects of their lives, including many matters that other political philosophies would see as erosion of civil liberties and freedom." All in favor of this, raise your hand.

[rjrex]

Talk Host...I think you are wrong...The sky is NOT falling.

Having cards scan seems like the only way to insure our facilities are preserved for residents.

Just because we are paranoid doesn't mean they are after us.