VHA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
I have heard many of our visitors to Florida asking “Where is the sunshine”? We do normally have plenty, but this winter has been colder than normal and without any sunshine at times. We had to admit there could be a freeze, and there was, damaging many plants. Despite the chilly weather, we have been busy planning for our upcoming events.
On March 9th at 7:00 p.m. at the Lake Miona Regional Recreation Center, The VHA will be hosting our Annual Volunteer Awards Night to honor individuals and groups whom we have chosen for special recognition of their service to The Villages community. Honorees include:
- William Gottshalk, Past President of Helping Hands: The Don Hahnfeldt Memorial Service Award
- The Villages Public Safety Department: The VHA Partner Award
- Our Moment Café: The VHA Volunteer Award
In addition to the award presentations, the evening will feature humorist and storyteller Mike Burke with his comedy routine titled “I Love My Wife, The Villages, and The VHA.” VHA Members and all Villages residents are welcome to attend this fun event. More details are available in this issue of the Voice.
At our General Meeting on April 19th at the Rohan Regional Recreation Center, our speaker will be Daniel Webster, the U.S. Representative from Florida’s 11th Congressional District which includes The Villages. Representative Webster will share insights into what is happening in Congress and what to expect in the future.
The application for The Villages Public Safety Department to become an Independent Fire District has been submitted to the Florida Legislature for approval. The VHA is in support of the Villages Fire Safety Department and the efficient care of our residents that will continue once the application has been approved. When passed in the legislature, and after the Governor signs the measure, voting by Sumter County residents will take place in the November 2022 election.
Our many volunteers in the VHA have been organizing their effort to bring important events and programs to you in 2022. Watch the Voice for details or go to the VHA Website “thevha.net”. We have a number of positions listed on Page of this edition of The Voice that offers you an opportunity to be part of an organization on the move that informs residents about “Keeping the Dream alive”.
Phil Walker, VHA President
P.S. We look forward to Daylight Saving Time soon, and are hoping that our warmer Florida weather returns.