The Property Owners’ Association of The Villages presented its first-ever Distinguished Service Award to outgoing board member Elaine Dreidame at their monthly meeting Tuesday night at Laurel Manor Recreation Center. During her tenure with the POA she led the Outsource Legal Action Team, served as vice-president for two years and President and simultaneously Editor of the monthly POA publication, The Bulletin, for five years.
During her leadership of the Outsource Legal Action team a class action lawsuit against the Developer was filed and won resulting in the resident-elected Amenity Authority Committee. “I enjoy it all,” said Dreidame, “Whether it is winning a $45 million lawsuit or something as small as getting AT&T to sell phone enhancers at a reduced price.”
Dreidame has always been an advocate. As a college professor she was active in women’s rights and now that she is stepping down from the board, she is turning her talents to becoming a long-term care ombudsman.
“There are so many facilities being built, I just feel there is a real need there,” she said.
When Dreidame moved to The Villages she said she had concerns about the covenants, and wanted to challenge some things.
“I realized maybe the POA is an organization I need to be affiliated with,” said Dreidame, “And it was and is. The Villages wouldn’t be the Villages we love without the POA.”
Dreidame plans to remain active in the POA as a member, in fact she is going to be the speaker at the first POA meeting south of County Road 466A on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at the Eisenhower Recreation Center. She will be talking about the 45-year history of The Villages and the POA’s involvement since its formation in 1975.
“I knew it was the right time to step away from the POA,” said Dreidame. “We have such a talented board and I knew Cliff Wiener would do a great job as president and he has.”
At Wiener’s request Dreidame remained on the board as past-president for two years. When presenting the dedication plaque to Dreidame, Wiener read the plaque which reads in part “Thank you for your dedicated service and superb leadership.” He thanked her for her two years of guidance, saying, “I couldn’t have done it without you.” Dreidame responded “I have enjoyed every little bit of it.”
For more information on the POA go to www.poa4us.org.