The Villages Homeowners Association (VHA) held it’s annual awards event Wednesday evening at Lake Miona Regional Recreation Center. The mood was upbeat and celebratory, as individuals who made noteworthy contributions to the greater Villages community were recognized for their service.
The Villages vice president of community relations, Dr. Gary Lester, said area folks have a choice. “You can be part of those who would tear things down or you can join with those who build things up and get things done,” Lester began. “We may not have had a Villages Hospital if it weren’t for the VHA and its early leaders — like Don Burgess and Sandy Mott. And no matter how libertarian you are — no matter how you see the role of law enforcement — a basic function of government we all agree on is protecting people from harm and preventing people from taking our stuff. This is freedom,” Lester asserted. “Law enforcement protects our freedoms.”
“When we were ready to build Brownwood, we didn’t know what to expect,” Lester continued. “It’s on a major roadway and extended into a new area. We proceeded humbly and we learned a lot. We are delighted with the Wildwood police department and the quality of life they help maintain at Brownwood Paddock Square and in the Wildwood area of The Villages.”
Captain Paul Valentino accepted a Lucite plaque from VHA president Fred Briggs, on behalf of the Wildwood police chief, Mayor Ed Wolf, and city manager, Bill Cannon. “Thank you for this recognition. Thank you for working with us, and helping us to grow and improve,” Valentino said. He invited everyone to come down to enjoy the shops and entertainment at Brownwood.
Chief Chris McKinstry also accepted a plaque from Briggs on behalf of the Lady Lake Police Department. He was reluctant to follow Dr. Lester’s eloquent speech, and feigned leaving his speech notes in his car. He thanked the VHA for the award, and in turn credited the cooperation and good will of people in the community. “We couldn’t do the jobs we do without the help and support of community residents,” McKinstry said.
Villages District Manager, Janet Tutt, voiced her appreciation to the VHA for the ir close two-way working relationship — oting how important it is to have partners to be successful . ” We have about 105,000 residents, 77 elected district officials, the Amenities Authority Committee members and district staff employees who work very hard.”
Tutt cited The Villages District Property Management Department’s accomplishments. “The work they do is mind boggling,” Tutt said. “If you look up at their office window s at night, the lights are always on. They work very long hours. ”
“When you go to the airport, to Ocala or Orlando, or anywhere,” she continued, there is something unique about when you drive back into The Villages that makes you say ‘Ahhh…. I’m home.’ The environment created here is due to the vision of the Morse family, and the continuing responsibility and stewardship of the district staff — doing the appropriate work in the appropriate places — to allow all this to continue.”
Bill Gottschalk recognized Sam Wartinbee, Director of The Villages Property Management Department, with a gleaming red plaque, and Sam in turn asked three of his staff: John Mills, Dave Burgess and Chloe Mitchell, to stand for applause.
Cleverly putting forth creative statistics, Tutt continued: “Not counting the wetlands and retention ponds, the square footage of landscaping maintained by District Property Management equals three and one half times that of New York’s Empire State building. Putting that in perspective, that’s equal to 771 football fields. The roads they are responsible for (not counting the County roads) would stretch from here to Jacksonville — and the multi-modal paths they maintain would extend to Ocala and back. They manage and supervise more than 180 contracts with a 29-person supervisory staff — not including two part timers.” Tutt thanked the elected District Boards of Supervisors for their collaboration and cooperation, and praised Wartinbee for stretching the $33.8 million annual operating budget. Alluding to Sam’s frugality, Tutt quipped: “Sam never found a penny he didn’t love, and he’s worked here for 21 years.”
Former VHA president Don Hahnfeldt, who currently is chairman of the Sumter County Board of Commissioners and board chairman of The Villages Regional Hospital, talked about the continuing growth of The Villages, and the greater Metropolitan Statistical Area of which it is a part.
“It is unique that no one here is a native,” Hahnfeldt remarked. “We were all attracted by the community’s incredible amenities and lifestyle. We all moved here from places we lived before and most of us liked — and not all of us here are retired. Many keep busy with important volunteer work, for the VHA, for the hospital, and in many other areas. The contributions of our Foundation Auxiliary volunteers make our community unique, and make the quality of life for our hospital patients and visitors what it is today.”
Mimicking the popular TV commercial, Hahnfeldt quipped: “One million volunteer hours since our hospital opened; one million dollars in charitable contributions for hospital equipment. The quality of our volunteers — priceless!” VHA president Fred Briggs presented an award to Don Lemmon , who accepted on behalf of all The Villages Regional Hospital Foundation Auxiliary volunteers — which number more than 830 . “We thank our volunteers for the contribution of their time and caring,” Lemmon said. “We are looking for new volunteers to join us — our goal is to have 1,000. We will need more help as our new wing opens.”
Additionally, special commendations were given to Judy Bonn for two years’ service as VHA secretary and to Bill Gottschalk, who served as VHA president from 2012-2014. The happy evening ended with refreshments and friendly camaraderie.