To the Editor:
My husband and I enjoy walking on the multi-use paths in the Villages. We retired here because of the opportunity to walk, cycle and play! On Monday, we were walking along Hillsborough Trail on our way to Brownwood. While I was musing, as one does while walking, an orange golf cart with lime green trim passed us. There was music blaring from the golf cart and as it sped by, the passenger waved his hands in my face (yes, it was that close!) and screamed. Obviously, the young folks thought that this was a delightful prank. My first thought was that I should have punched him in the face – yes, he was that close. I am writing this letter for residents who entertain guests, the younger ones in particular. There are many residents of The Villages who are veterans or who have worked in the service of this country and have moved to this community because it is advertised as a retirement community. They, myself included, are looking to get away from the realities of their previous lives and communities to peace and quiet. We have earned the right to a peaceful retirement. However, guests of the villages should be made aware that use of facilities is a privilege not a right! I know that school’s out and that buzzing The Villages in a golf cart is fun – I live here! I have a zero tolerance for hooliganism, especially where it’s not expected. If it means that my death certificate doesn’t read “Death by Hooliganism,” I am happy to support a zero tolerance for this behavior in the Villages and lifetime bans for guests who behave otherwise. Residents, please teach your guests respect for residents before guest privileges are revoked – period.
Maria Szilagyi
Village of Tamarind Grove
