[billethkid]

present what it would like us residents to believe and accept (or accept and believe). Whether it was the reporter or the chairpersons of the Moffit Center committee or both, presenting a position contrasting the needs of The American Cancer Society (referred to as the "global" cause) VS the Moffit Center (the "local" entity) and stating the local need supercedes the global need is a very narrow minded, prejudiced, slanted, self serving perspective.

The article continues to try to coerce the reader into accepting their premise by presenting statistics about the "global" administration needs. OK so it is truetheir is an administration requirement. What about the other 96% of the "global" donations that go for all the various researches and benefits that organizations like Moffit would and could not exist without.

As for the story of not having to drive another half hour for treatment...here again a valid position. However, it is not a reason to put the local entity above the "global".

The article and the committee would have the residents and readers believe that once the Moffit Center is open that the cancer treatment needs of TV residents will be taken care of by the new "local" entity. Not true.
What percent of cancer patients would or could be accommodated by the new center? Certainly not 100% and I am not saying they intimate to the contrary. Just that the new center will in fact be more convenient for those whose treatment needs match up to what is provided by the new "local" facility.

Of course in a promotional piece they certainly are not going to present the other aspects of reality. The following is a pure guess on my part: there will still be a majority of residents with needs for cancer treatment that will continue to have to go else where for treatment as they do today. There is just no way the new cancer center will be the answer to all TV residents needs. Hence it's blatant, arbitrarily assigned priority should not profess being the priority for us residents.

To present an attitude that the residents of TV can not accomplish the needs of The Relay for Life and the Moffit Center is a very selfish, inconsiderate and extremely biased position to present.

The heat generated for me by this subject is the arbitrary abandoning of a cherished, emotional event and in the course of trying to sell a more favored event (Moffit) the committee, the developer and it's entities (the newspaper et al) attempts to reduce the former stature as a subordinate need.

A political style mugging with word smithing and mirrors in the spirit of Washington politics.

We will follow the Relay for Life where ever it winds up. We will also make a contribution to the new Moffit Center. However, the Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society is our priority and the donations allocated appropriately.

I personally believe the committee and the developer and who ever else approved or supported the "cancer goes local" needs to appologize to TV residents and The American Cancer Society for their arrogant and biased presentation.

btk
I wonder if the committee expects any support from the subordinate organization, The American Cancer Society?

[KathieI]

There is sooo much "emotional'ism" going on here and I accept that it is very valid but let's look at a bigger picture because as we are all after the same goal...that of treating and beating the big C.... what IF we negotiate that the "global" entity (ACS/Relay for Life) donate "x" % of the proceeds to the "local" entity, Moffitt Center????


For instance, my last employer, an extremely large top 10 corporations, "encouraged" all of us employees to give to the United Way a yearly donation.... Rather than stir the pot, I developed a way where my contributions would be directed to the City of Hope which made me feel it was going where I wanted it to go.... I know it got there because I received annual letter from COH thanking me for my donation....

This seems like a fair compromise and perhaps would work...

The other thing is there is a Relay for Life event at the Rolling Acres Sports Complex - wherever that is... a we could tie in with them a make it a win-win program..???? I always prefer to not get angry, but to take positive actions to get what I want>>>> what do you think??

[homeball]

Originally Posted by KathieI

There is sooo much "emotional'ism" going on here and I accept that it is very valid but let's look at a bigger picture because as we are all after the same goal...that of treating and beating the big C.... what IF we negotiate that the "global" entity (ACS/Relay for Life) donate "x" % of the proceeds to the "local" entity, Moffitt Center????


For instance, my last employer, an extremely large top 10 corporations, "encouraged" all of us employees to give to the United Way a yearly donation.... Rather than stir the pot, I developed a way where my contributions would be directed to the City of Hope which made me feel it was going where I wanted it to go.... I know it got there because I received annual letter from COH thanking me for my donation....

This seems like a fair compromise and perhaps would work...

The other thing is there is a Relay for Life event at the Rolling Acres Sports Complex - wherever that is... a we could tie in with them a make it a win-win program..???? I always prefer to not get angry, but to take positive actions to get what I want>>>> what do you think??

From what I've been told, that ship has sailed. Reportedly The Villages approached the ACS regarding sharing donations. The ACS response was that splitting or sharing donations with another entity was against their policy and they just don't do it no matter how worthy the cause. If they did it for one, then they would in all liklihood be expected to do it again and again and they choose not to deal with it.

[Judec]

Originally Posted by sandybill2

I am upset about this decision. I have participated in The Village Relay for Life since our move here in 2007. I am a survivor like so many here and also have had lost family and friends to this dreadful disease. Being able to donate and have luminaires with my loved one's names on them meant so much to me--honoring their life that way. The survivor walk -I have been told--is the largest one in the United States. I think we should let the "decision makers" know how we feel about this.

I am a survivor to and felt so privilged to walk around the field with the support of the attendees and to see the luminaries lit up at night for those who have lost their battle was so moving. I cannot believe the friendliest home town would do this to stop fund raising for the RFL and deny Villagers this important recognition. For money for equipment instead is an outrage. We have all been touched by cancer thru ourselves, family, friends, neighbors and should be up in arms to complain. Our taxes support the very school they say we no longer have access to. Our Villagers volunteer at the same school and we support the students...what is going on...the Villages is no longer a democracy but a dictatorship, what happened to Our Friendliest Hometown, seems more like the greedy hometown to their own focus to me.
Yvonne Collins

[billethkid]

doesn't measure up to traffic circles and gazing balls in the front yard!!!!
This kind of participation is exactly what organizations that do arbitrary things count on. Little to almost none, hence they continue on their merry way....just like the dolts in Washington count on full speed ahead the sheeple will fall in line.

I do understand that the 1500 survivors for the Relay for Life is a drop in the bucket out of TV 80,000.
It does not mean it is right or acceptable.

TV sets the drum beat and the masses follow...they know it and expect their boat will not be rocked.

Let's just wait and see what the direction is when they do not realize the $6 + million they need for equipment.

Some of us look forward to the day when TV developers build out and the residents become the ruling entity. Participation from the masses will still be as low. However, they will at least then be afforded a voice... today they are not. And at least then, at least the direction will be set by residents...not the power and the $$$$.

Those of us willing to be front and center on an issue will always be the minority vote...how very sad.

btk

[homeball]

Originally Posted by billethkid

doesn't measure up to traffic circles and gazing balls in the front yard!!!!
This kind of participation is exactly what organizations that do arbitrary things count on. Little to almost none, hence they continue on their merry way....just like the dolts in Washington count on full speed ahead the sheeple will fall in line.

I do understand that the 1500 survivors for the Relay for Life is a drop in the bucket out of TV 80,000.
It does not mean it is right or acceptable.

TV sets the drum beat and the masses follow...they know it and expect their boat will not be rocked.

Let's just wait and see what the direction is when they do not realize the $6 + million they need for equipment.

Some of us look forward to the day when TV developers build out and the residents become the ruling entity. Participation from the masses will still be as low. However, they will at least then be afforded a voice... today they are not. And at least then, at least the direction will be set by residents...not the power and the $$$$.

Those of us willing to be front and center on an issue will always be the minority vote...how very sad.

btk

EXCELLENT POST.

[beartrack]

Originally Posted by billethkid

present what it would like us residents to believe and accept (or accept and believe). Whether it was the reporter or the chairpersons of the Moffit Center committee or both, presenting a position contrasting the needs of The American Cancer Society (referred to as the "global" cause) VS the Moffit Center (the "local" entity) and stating the local need supercedes the global need is a very narrow minded, prejudiced, slanted, self serving perspective.

The article continues to try to coerce the reader into accepting their premise by presenting statistics about the "global" administration needs. OK so it is truetheir is an administration requirement. What about the other 96% of the "global" donations that go for all the various researches and benefits that organizations like Moffit would and could not exist without.

As for the story of not having to drive another half hour for treatment...here again a valid position. However, it is not a reason to put the local entity above the "global".

The article and the committee would have the residents and readers believe that once the Moffit Center is open that the cancer treatment needs of TV residents will be taken care of by the new "local" entity. Not true.
What percent of cancer patients would or could be accommodated by the new center? Certainly not 100% and I am not saying they intimate to the contrary. Just that the new center will in fact be more convenient for those whose treatment needs match up to what is provided by the new "local" facility.

Of course in a promotional piece they certainly are not going to present the other aspects of reality. The following is a pure guess on my part: there will still be a majority of residents with needs for cancer treatment that will continue to have to go else where for treatment as they do today. There is just no way the new cancer center will be the answer to all TV residents needs. Hence it's blatant, arbitrarily assigned priority should not profess being the priority for us residents.

To present an attitude that the residents of TV can not accomplish the needs of The Relay for Life and the Moffit Center is a very selfish, inconsiderate and extremely biased position to present.

The heat generated for me by this subject is the arbitrary abandoning of a cherished, emotional event and in the course of trying to sell a more favored event (Moffit) the committee, the developer and it's entities (the newspaper et al) attempts to reduce the former stature as a subordinate need.

A political style mugging with word smithing and mirrors in the spirit of Washington politics.

We will follow the Relay for Life where ever it winds up. We will also make a contribution to the new Moffit Center. However, the Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society is our priority and the donations allocated appropriately.

I personally believe the committee and the developer and who ever else approved or supported the "cancer goes local" needs to appologize to TV residents and The American Cancer Society for their arrogant and biased presentation.

btk
I wonder if the committee expects any support from the subordinate organization, The American Cancer Society?

Bravo BTK, well said. One point that seems to be overlooked here is the convenience of having the Moffitt center here instead of having to go to Tampa. Well, no one need go further then Orlando. It has recently come to my attention that there is not only one but, two world renowned cancer satellite centers there. Sloan-Kettering and M D Anderson, so I have been told, have both built cancer centers there, and to the best of my knowledge, without any contributions from anyone. World Class facilitys with no strings attached. I will also make my contribution to our Moffitt center but, the bulk of my contribution and my heart, will always be with " The Relay For Life "

[LuvItHere]

As a survivor and one around whom a Relay team of families formed, to buoy up my spirits and raise money during my battle with a fast-spreading cancer a few years ago, I want to say that this "all or nothing" approach/attitude is unnecessarily divisive.

It saddens me to see a line drawn between two potentially "warring" factions, as glad-handing politicians now so often pit the "haves" against the "have nots"--US, pitted against our own people in the same boat.

I don't think it should be "All Moffitt" or "All ACS-RFL". We're all in this boat together--I cannot think of anyone who's not had a loved one stricken with cancer. And I know there are many, many gifted researchers out there who would welcome funding from ANY of these efforts, to work passionately for the CURE!

The Moffitt fundraising doesn't need to be the "enemy" of ACS - RFL fundraising. I'm sure that researchers and therapists will welcome funding and equipment from BOTH efforts' monies.

I agree it doesn't seem very "nice" for TV to not allow the Relay in any of its properties in order to focus on the Moffit fundraising goals. But if I set a goal for myself and the bar is set high, I'm going to do everything I can, with God's mighty hands holding me up, to make sure I run that race like I'm Lance Armstrong and not let anything take my focus off that prize.

We comment a lot that when The Villages builds something, they do it right, with high quality and class. I give them credit for not only doing this project, but doing it with FOCUS and determination. That same focus and determination for a dream is what made this the beautiful place that it is!

RFL is well established and respected, and another fundraiser in town (that amounts to only $69 per person if every resident donated) is not going to stifle RFL. Let's unite, not divide.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by LuvItHere

As a survivor and one around whom a Relay team of families formed, to buoy up my spirits and raise money during my battle with a fast-spreading cancer a few years ago, I want to say that this "all or nothing" approach/attitude is unnecessarily divisive.

It saddens me to see a line drawn between two potentially "warring" factions, as glad-handing politicians now so often pit the "haves" against the "have nots"--US, pitted against our own people in the same boat.

I don't think it should be "All Moffitt" or "All ACS-RFL". We're all in this boat together--I cannot think of anyone who's not had a loved one stricken with cancer. And I know there are many, many gifted researchers out there who would welcome funding from ANY of these efforts, to work passionately for the CURE!

The Moffitt fundraising doesn't need to be the "enemy" of ACS - RFL fundraising. I'm sure that researchers and therapists will welcome funding and equipment from BOTH efforts' monies.

I agree it doesn't seem very "nice" for TV to not allow the Relay in any of its properties in order to focus on the Moffit fundraising goals. But if I set a goal for myself and the bar is set high, I'm going to do everything I can, with God's mighty hands holding me up, to make sure I run that race like I'm Lance Armstrong and not let anything take my focus off that prize.

We comment a lot that when The Villages builds something, they do it right, with high quality and class. I give them credit for not only doing this project, but doing it with FOCUS and determination. That same focus and determination for a dream is what made this the beautiful place that it is!

RFL is well established and respected, and another fundraiser in town (that amounts to only $69 per person if every resident donated) is not going to stifle RFL. Let's unite, not divide.

Well said. Clear and from the heart. Bravo

[barb1191]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I agree BTK that sometimes the lack of democracy here in TV does chafe.

There is a very long article in the paper this morning and I truly can't understand it.

The best I can make of it, it appears that the Villagers? (it gave the names of a man and a woman) that ran the Relay for Life fundraiser have thrown their support toward the Moffitt center fundraiser. Now who knows if that is the case, if they were waterboarded to change their allegiance, but that is what I get out of it.

Seems inhospitable that THE VILLAGES, ie THE MORSE ORGANIZATION would just not let the Relay for Life continue at the High School track knowing all the stink it would bring. (It looks like the fundraiser group abandoned it....?) But WHY? Were they directed to change, or what?

it really doesn't make a huge difference other than people can't get to it by golf cart...if you want to see the bottom line. The survivors will walk, but just not here in TV which was kinda cozy and nice.

Can anyone give a better understanding of this morning's lengthy newspaper article??

AND it was lengthy. Methinks they protest too much.

Why can't the walkers walk the public streets in TV? The streets are public, yes? I'm so confused, as well as even more disenchanted about the "developer greed" that seems to be increasing at a real fast pace as the community grows.

Does one need a permit to "walk" in TV? Doesn't necessarily have to be at TV school grounds, but could one apply for a permit (or whatever is necessary) from say, Sumter County Sherrif's office to walk the public properties?

The "Moffit" debaucle was pretty disgusting when the developer took control of the donations, but this one really takes the cake in showing the greed in not allowing this long-standing "walk for cancer." GRRRR

Please do not advise me to move; I like it here and this is my choice to live here and I also have the choice to speak out when there's questionable happenings within the community. This is "our" community and we have the POA to balance the scales for our residents, thank goodness.

[Pturner]

I am trying hard to not feel utter disgust.

I was so baffled reading the other thread in which people expressed animosity about the fund-raising for the Moffitt Center. I just could not understand it. I hate to say this, but I might get it, at least a little, on some level.

I think BTK is right about the conflict of interest, right about the political-style mugging, right that this is just wrong. The attitude seems to be, "if anybody is going to raise money around here, it's going to be me. If my corporate interest doesn't get a slice of it, no one else will either. Not on my property, not on my watch."

Ok, maybe it's not as bad as that. Maybe I'm just... speechless. Maybe I'll regain my perspective. Maybe I'll come to see this situation more "charitably".

Or maybe... Yes, the streets of TV are public, aren't they? Maybe we should organize a protest march.

I'm trying so hard to not feel disgust; and dammit it's not working.

[Boomer]

I know I am not supposed to have an opinion on this because we do not yet own here in TV. But we see so many things to like about this place that we are seriously considering buying. We have been looking at houses.

And I can no longer stay silent on this one. (I sometimes wonder, when I read some of the stuff here on TOTV, if I can make my way in TV as an independent thinker. But I have always managed to find my people somehow. So I am betting that I can.) Whoops. I digress….. so anyway, back to the topic that’s got me all riled up……

I was appalled by what I had been reading in this thread. But then I read that article in today’s newspaper and now I need a new word -- something stronger than appalled. Can’t seem to think of the perfect word right now…..well… at least not a ladylike word.

Thank you, BTK, for your comments on the article and also for your comments on this situation in general. You are telling it like it is.

I saw that newspaper article as quite a piece of writing that boiled down to saying that a small, powerful group made a decision to pull the rug out from under the biggest Relay for Life in the country. I can only imagine the influence that must have been brought to bear in that one. (shudder)

As I looked at the writer’s style, it sure looked to me like a version of the assumptive close. Invoking the assumptive principle, the writer presents the issue with absolute and complete confidence, as if it is all so very obvious, so purely right. When a decision is presented in such a manner, people who say the decision is wrong can find themselves cast in a bad light by those who will call them (gasp) negative and, in some cases, worse. And so it goes……

I have learned a lot about TV from TOTV. I have learned that the streets are public and the squares are public. I also know that charter schools are funded with public money.

The Relay for Life is always inspiring and beautiful. I think it would be wonderful to see the Villagers’ Relay for Life pour out, in those huge numbers, into the streets and the squares of TV. Not to be denied. And I would plan to be right there with them.

I can dream, can’t I?

Norma Rae Boomer

[njbchbum]

Originally Posted by Pturner

I am trying hard to not feel utter disgust.

I was so baffled reading the other thread in which people expressed animosity about the fund-raising for the Moffitt Center. I just could not understand it. I hate to say this, but I might get it, at least a little, on some level.

I think BTK is right about the conflict of interest, right about the political-style mugging, right that this is just wrong. The attitude seems to be, "if anybody is going to raise money around here, it's going to be me. If my corporate interest doesn't get a slice of it, no one else will either. Not on my property, not on my watch."

Ok, maybe it's not as bad as that. Maybe I'm just... speechless. Maybe I'll regain my perspective. Maybe I'll come to see this situation more "charitably".

Or maybe... Yes, the streets of TV are public, aren't they? Maybe we should organize a protest march.

I'm trying so hard to not feel disgust; and dammit it's not working.

Pt -
this thread has given me so much to ponder! at one point i wondered if i ever need the services of the moffitt ctr and they find i didn't contribute to its fund - would i be treated there! and then there are these visions of villagers in procession thru the streets of our neighborhoods, along cart paths with our individual candles/luminaries and just happening to converge at the polo fields at the same time! - sorta like your protest march - but the neighborhood captains could collect our donations for relay for life and/or the center.

[Halle]

Originally Posted by Boomer

I know I am not supposed to have an opinion on this because we do not yet own here in TV. But we see so many things to like about this place that we are seriously considering buying. We have been looking at houses.

And I can no longer stay silent on this one. (I sometimes wonder, when I read some of the stuff here on TOTV, if an independent thinker like me can make my way in TV. But I always manage to find my people somehow. So I am betting that I can.) Whoops. I digress….. so anyway, back to the topic that’s got me all riled up……

I was appalled by what I had been reading in this thread. But then I read that article in today’s newspaper and now I need a new word -- something stronger than appalled. Can’t seem to think of the perfect word right now…..well… at least not a ladylike word.

Thank you, BTK, for your comments on the article and also for your comments on this situation in general. You are telling it like it is.

I saw that newspaper article as quite a piece of writing that boiled down to saying that a small, powerful group made a decision to pull the rug out from under the biggest Relay for Life in the country. I can only imagine the influence that must have been brought to bear in that one. (shudder)

As I looked at the writer’s style, it sure looked to me like a version of the assumptive close. Invoking the assumptive principle, the writer presents the issue with absolute and complete confidence, as if it is all so very obvious, so purely right. When a decision is presented in such a manner, people who say the decision is wrong can find themselves cast in a bad light by those who will call them (gasp) negative and, in some cases, worse. And so it goes……

I have learned a lot about TV from TOTV. I have learned that the streets are public and the squares are public. I also know that charter schools are funded with public money.

The Relay for Life is always inspiring and beautiful. I think it would be wonderful to see the Villagers’ Relay for Life pour out, in those huge numbers, into the streets and the squares of TV. Not to be denied. And I would plan to be right there with them.

I can dream, can’t I?

Norma Rae Boomer

Thank you!

[Whalen]

Originally Posted by Pturner

I am trying hard to not feel utter disgust.

I was so baffled reading the other thread in which people expressed animosity about the fund-raising for the Moffitt Center. I just could not understand it. I hate to say this, but I might get it, at least a little, on some level.

I think BTK is right about the conflict of interest, right about the political-style mugging, right that this is just wrong. The attitude seems to be, "if anybody is going to raise money around here, it's going to be me. If my corporate interest doesn't get a slice of it, no one else will either. Not on my property, not on my watch."

Ok, maybe it's not as bad as that. Maybe I'm just... speechless. Maybe I'll regain my perspective. Maybe I'll come to see this situation more "charitably".

Or maybe... Yes, the streets of TV are public, aren't they? Maybe we should organize a protest march.

I'm trying so hard to not feel disgust; and dammit it's not working.

PT

I have been trying to find a word beyond disgust to describe how I felt Wednesday evening when I went to what I thought was a kick off for this year's Relay for Life season only to find out that it was not to be.

At this meeting we were told that TV will longer support Relay and the annual Survivors' Walk will not be allowed to take place on Village property! All future Villages fundraising will be focused on the Moffit Center. If our team wants to continue we will either join with them and desert Relay or align our team with a neighboring community. I left feeling manipulated and in need of a bath.

I still feel that way.