This is now absurd.............

:popcorn:

I am new to this and just have a few post. We own a home but have it rented until next year. I do have a comment after reading about this topic and hope some will fine it revelant to the topic.
Last Aug. we were staying in my sister/brother-in-law's home. We were at one of the pools and I was leaning against the fence next to the mail area ( I was being nosey and looking at an awesome golf cart). I over hear loud voices coming from the back of the mail room. At first I thought it was just two employees talking but soon could hear the fear in the woman's voice. To make this story short it was a man shouting at the woman postal worker over and over about his mail. She kept saying it wasn't her fault and it wasn't her route. He just wouldn't let up on her so I walked over to the back room and ask if she needed help. She was crying and said he wouldn't leave her alone. I told him he needed to leave and I steped in front of him and shut the door between them. ( Smart me--I had closed the door and left him outside with me!!) At that point he never looked at me but left on his golf cart.
I went back a few minutes later to see if she was O.K and gave her my name and number if she needed it. It wasn't an hour later that I got a call from the police department. They wanted a phone statement from me and wanted to have a personal statement from me the next day. They were going to come to where I was staying but the next morning they called to tell me they had spoken with the man and his wife and he has a brain tumor which they said explained his behavior. They were going to keep an eye on him and would keep my number if they needed it.
After posting all of this which was to be short-- I guess I just want to say I was happy with the quick follow up from Sumter County about this and to say that "things happen". Senior moments (yeal, I've gone into the men's room as well as my husband ending up in the ladies once or twice)not to mention other things that happen to us as we age. I'm not saying yes or no on the locker room issue but if you have an issue take the time to leave your name and number with someone .
By the way, I'm a really bad speller and all that but I'm fun and can't wait to be at TV. Be gentle on me------------------------

Welcome to you Mrs. Bike.

I love that you have taken the time to tell us about this. It was very brave and kind that you closed that door. Will you be in Hadley again this season? The three of us G's live there. Please stop by!

I believe that we residents will be looking out for each other, just the way you did. We are not working, most of us anyway, and are old enough to know that bad things happen.

I hope that you will enjoy your time in The Villages.

Kindest wishes,
Gracie

P.S. I don't think anyone cares how anyone spells. That silly Russ Boston has a thing about Sumter and Sumpter, but he is just kidding around.

This whole thread really reminds me that we have virtually no security in The Villages. Anybody can come through those gates and go anywhere anytime. It pays to be vigilent. I use the sport pools 3 times per week and have never once been asked for ID. To me, as nice as The Villages is, security is something that we need to work on.

The exercise class people at the sports pools have their IDs checked according to a family member who also uses these pools a few times a week. Security is an issue for the sports pools and unlike the roads in the Villages they are private property.

I am very happy to see someone step up and take it upon himself to try and resolve a bad situation. Many people would have said you should call the local police (who get paid) or a retired policeman (who does not get paid) but do not involved yourself. There is a lot of advice -- who you should call and what you should do--everything except get involved yourself. I am very happy to see a breath of fresh air. You are a great addition to TV

Is there anybody who really believes that TV is anymore secure than any other
 

comparable community without the "traffic" gates?

How did we all survive coming from communities without gates?

If one has ever lived in a true gated community it is so obvious that TV is no more gated than downtown Orlando!

And for those who never lived in a gated community it is oh so obvious this is not a gated, secured facility.

The checking of cards is to protect our investment in TV amenities program from those who are not residents.

We are just very lucky to live in a place, like many others in the USA, that have low to no crime. As easy a target as seniors might be, we are trully blessed there is no more than there is today.

btk

Even if we had working security gates, with 75,000 residents, there is bound to be some trouble with that large population.

One of the Dell Webb's near the Villages has security gates, the other one probably too, and I have heard from a resident there that they still have problems with burglaries and the like.

Their population is no where near the Villages.

Key card readers to enter locker room out front
 

"The checking of cards is to protect our investment in TV amenities program from those who are not residents."

This, AND safety of women showering and dressing in the sport pool locker rooms when nobody else is around is why there ought to be Key Card Readers on the front doors to the locker rooms (like the ones that unlock a hotel room door). . . swipe our resident ID card to enter the locker room.

Of the 50 or so times I've used the sport pools to work out between 5 p.m. and dusk/closing, I have been asked for my ID card only once. This is neither safe in the locker rooms nor protective of our investment in TV amenities program.

I also thought the key card readers would be a good idea. I take a water aerobics class 2 nights a week at Seabreeze and have only been asked twice for my card. As a matter of fact last night someone even asked the question of the man who was checking last night, why on some days cards are checked and on others they aren't.

My experience with the sport pools and exercise classes is limited. In June we were down for a week and there was no one to check ID at the class my wife went to.
In September I went to 2 classes and my ID was checked once. So 33% ID checking.
No doubt that one of the “It’s always sunnier in the villages” posters will say that this is not typical.

Before one of the "developer is the devil" posters gets the wrong idea we voted with our checkbook bought a house with a pool in August and love it.

I love your post Snowbirdtobe. AND in my own defense, when we arrived here they were choosing teams and I got called by the sunny team. I can do devil just as well, but I am a team player.

AND....Since I am generally here during the winter season, being a snowbird (who wants to be a frog.) I am guessing that when the droves of people return they may check more often. They always come in with their bird call thingy at my art classes. But artists really need to be checked on.

I am the Village Resident who was showering alone at Lake Miona after pickleball. This is what happened. I draped my towel and clothing over the top of the shower rod. Someone flicked the shower lights on and off. I said, "Hello" to let the individual know I was in the shower. When there was no response, I turned to view the shower curtain. On the side of the shower entrance, opposite where the light switch is located, I saw a hand slowly moving the shower curtain, I assumed to look into the shower area. I was naked and vulnerable but I quickly grabbed the shower curtain and stuck my head out to see a man who appeared to be in his 20s, with olive skin, about 5'9", medium build, wearing what appeared to be a uniform. I believe the slacks were gray with an open-collar, short-sleeved, button shirt. He was heading toward the exit when I said, "Don't look in here." He said, "I thought it was the men's room." He did not exit but turned left into the women's restroom.

I reported the incident to the monitor who was entering the pool.

I told my pickleball buddies of my experience. Yesterday, 9/30/10, one of my pball buddies told me to check-out Talk of The Villages to see that someone else had a similar experience. I wondered if it were my experiece, somewhat embellished.

Today, 10/1/10, I returned to Lake Miona Recreation Center to learn what, if anything, had been done regarding the incident. The gal at the front desk took me to the manager's office. The manager said that a police report was made. I gave the manager my name and phone number. She said she would give it to the police.

I am waiting for the police to contact me.

I'm very sorry that this happened to you.

In your heart do you feel that is was a mistake or something more?

No such thing as a minor incident, no mater it's intent, when it happens to you.

Welcome to TOTV and stay with us.

Thank you Gracie and Nighthawk for making me feel welcome. I don't think I will be as intimated next time I want to make a post. I want to learn the "ins and outs" of this site.

We will be coming down in August of 2011 to furnish our home. It's hard to contain our excitement.

thank you for clarifying the details of your very frightening experience. It is a good reminded to always be vigilant and proactive in vulnerable situations. In that regard, it is not a good idea for you (or anyone else) to use your full name and put your address and telephone number on a public forum. I have been a member for a couple of years and never indicate where I live or what my full name is. Sad isn't it, but in today's world we need to protect ourselves. Unfortunately I had to learn this lesson the hard way. Thank you again for the very important reminder that there are sick people everywhere. Kudos to Mr. or Mrs. Bike for their bravery in getting involved.

Sorry this happened to you.
 

Good that you removed your phone and address,. I too learned the hard way not to do this and still have problems because of something I e-mailed to a different site almost a decade ago.

Hopefully, the Villages' sports pool management will improve things for shower users with respect to safety and security.

Thank you. It is so appreciated that you told us what happened. I am sure it was very frightening.

I too hope that you will continue to post here.

Wow...TOTV found you or vice versa. Im sure we are all glad to hear your story.

I am certain this experience was freightening at first and it is very unfortunate it even happened. Your story appears to agree with the response we received from the Director of Recreation...it is a very level headed account and description of what happened....and certainly glad it was not more serious than what you described.

What raised the ire/concern of some of us on the board was the Original poster, used terms like "grabbing, grouping, screamimg, and the best one was attacked"...yet if all this happened as then described, there was no first hand account. Everyone who lives in TV is concerned about the safety and welfare of others and we all expect a safe environment. What we dont want are exaggerated half truths or "rumors" that can scare the TV population for no reason. Your post cleared the air on that acount.

It is good that you met with management at the rec center pool and will talk to the police. Not certain there is anything they can do about your particular incident but it will create an offical record of what can happen. TV then needs to decide based on cumulative facts, if more security is in fact needed and what type. At this point we really dont know (and probably never know) if it was a person simply lost, or was that an excuse and he just moved on.

Thanks again for sharing your story.!

duffysmom--I am the Mrs Bike.( Mr Bike was floating in the pool when all that happened and didn't hear a thing) Thank you for your response. Isn't it to bad we have say thanks for doing what we think is the "right thing" to do.

crad reade issues
 

Card reader sounds good, but remember the perpertrator could also be a Villager who has access too. I use the sports pools at least three times a week and have never been asked for card, but then again how do you ask someone who is in the pool. To check everyone someone would have to be stationed outside the doors. I have often thought what I would do if no one else was around when I wanted to swim. Firstly I would never swim alone anyway and secondly you can not tell a perpertrator from anyone else. In a population such as ours don't you think we have all types of people here?
I live no where near Miona or Seabreeze but like those pools and so go there often. I have always taken a shower after swimming and am usually the only one in locker room or shower, I'll be a little more aware now.

....thanks for coming on here and providing a factual account of what happened. It is much appreciated. I agree with all the points 784Caroline made in his most recent post. It was no doubt a disturbing incident with who knows what being the guy's intent. Was he lost, was he a voyeur, was he casing the locker room for valuables? Who knows. It sounds like you handled it all very responsibly.

I was surprised at the design of the sports pool locker room/showers. I would have expected and certainly preferred individual showers with stalls for privacy. That type of design could have prevented an incident like this.

....thank you so much for taking the time to share the elusive facts surrounding your encounter at Miona. It set the record straight and stopped the effervescent rumor mill cold while giving us the incentive to be aware of our surroundings wherever we go. Hopefully, the management will review your account and include it in considering enhancements to safety considerations at the pools. I hope you continue to post on TOTV and perhaps offer some security perspectives at the pools based on your own experience and observations.

Thanks.

Yes, security should be an issue, but as others have just posted, the checking of ID's is not happening on a regular basis. I think the Rec folks do a pretty good job checking ID's at specific classes, but there are many open times when there are no classes scheduled that people do pool walking and swim laps, etc., that the ID's are not being checked.

Did we learn anything?
 

I too am glad that the facts were flushed out. It goes to show how things happen. Each of us will have learned something from all of this ...like...it's good to be careful even in TV...rumors and facts can be confused etc. I just wonder...you all know that I still am just a wannabe....if the newspaper was more honest about incidents there... if it would help people to feel more informed and put to rest some of the rumors...all tho, I think this one has now been put to bed...hopefully. Welcome to all you new posters.

I made this point about there not being IDs checked in various other posts on this thread. They do as you say though do a good job at checking when exercise classes are going on as far as I know but seem to do a terrible one when classes are not in session.

I keep checking the Villages Daily Sun for this story about lax security at the sports pools to show up but think that this is as about as likely as a foot of snow showing up around Seabreeze Rec Center.

Is the security at the sports pool any different that the family or neighborhood pools??? I dont think so!! Even if they are checking IDs at the sports pool, its normally done inside the pool area not before you get into the shower or lockerooms. IDs are checked routinely when i attend water volleyball at Colony Cottage...but I know it is hit or miss at all the pools. As someone earlier stated, an ID check is a start but a false sense of security for we may have bad "people" among us.

Not certain what story you are expecting in the Village Sun especially based upon this latest incident. We know something happened but whats the story line?

How about......

You should worry because we are not telling you the whole story because if we do you will tell your friends and they won't come down here and buy a house? We are too cheap to pay for armed guards and too afraid to employ the villagers who carry, but we care for you, especially when you give us your money, you old fa..ts. And further, we try to employ people who don't give a ......care...as well. Go away. you are bothering us.:wave:

(I am testing my new persona.):angel:

DAMN! That's hot, Gracie! :clap2:

From gladfly to gadfly. Love it graciegirl.
 

I know gladfly is not a word. It is something that buzzes around with the joy of being around and welcoming people.

The new "I'll-kick-your-butt"/rough-and-tumble graciegirl. You go, gurlfrieeeeeend!!! :boxing2:

Bill

Let's be real
 

Those who mocked, saying in essence, "Tough luck if you want to actually USE the shower and dressing facilities we pay for" should be ASHAMED.

I've been reading here for awhile. There are some Mr. Know-It-Alls who ought to back off and allow others to report something that should be of concern to everyone.

I don't believe it was a mistake for the following reason:

The light switch to the shower is on the R side as you face the entrance to the shower area. There was a flick (on & off) of the light. I resonded in my female voice. About 15 seconds later, his hand appeared on the L side of the shower curtain, very slowly moving the shower curtain to the right.

That is when I immediately grabbed the shower curtain and responded.

Regarding posting here. I find it interesting to read what others are saying about my incident. I hope I don't get addicted to this site.

Yup, sounds like a TOTV addiction is taking root. :welcome:

You are the best. Nobody could cut through the b******t quicker and in such a great way. When I grow up I want to be just like you:a040:

Interesting -- guess the story I was told from the guy at Lake Miona either was talking about a different incident and cleaning up a very unsavory incident. Ya know, I really don't expect security at the pools -- don't get them at public pools/showers/locker rooms in any place that I know of, so why should we here? IDs are checked to keep people who aren't authorized from using the amenities, not to prevent crimes or incidents. I do believe there is a limit as to what TV can or should do for its residents. We're adults and need to be responsible for ourselves.

Kirk, I'm so glad nothing else happened to you. Although you handled it well, it must have been frightening and uncomfortable for you. Wish they would find the guy so that we could at least discover the motive for his actions.

And, Gracie, I think we'd all miss the gladfly if you became this new persona. TV's not perfect, but it is the best version of paradise most of us have found. It's okay to have our eyes open and see the flaws, as long as we love the good stuff. So, keep things in your perspective and keep on enjoying this little piece of paradise.

The incident took place MON, 9/27. I returned FRI, 10/1, to speak to the Lk Miona Rec Ctr manager about the status of the incident.

I'm a little surprised that I haven't received a phone call from the police officer who made the report.