Combined Newsletter
Hello, this is Rita Labarbara on behalf of VIP chair Melinda Zeman, leader of the Bridgeport meeting and Donna Evans leader of the Ezell meeting.
Attention!
Next month we will be working on cleaning up our email list. Watch for a special email asking you to respond if you want to continue to receive emails from the VIPs. If you don’t respond, you may be dropped from the email distribution list. Also, we will be combining the Bridgeport and Ezell newsletters from now on so you will only be getting one newsletter per month.
We need your input!!
Every quarter at the Bridgeport meeting we have had a luncheon with entertainment. We would like to know if it’s time to change things up! Therefore, I’m going to give you three suggestions to think about and let me know at our next 2 meetings we will take a vote.
1. Keep the same which is a $10 or more luncheon provided by the Lions group every 3 months.
2. Do a dessert table at a cost of approximately $ 3-5 a person with entertainment
3. Cancel the quarterly luncheons and replace with guest speakers.
(EXCEPT FOR THE HOLIDAY LUNCHEON)
If you are unable to attend our next 2 meetings and would like to reach out to me regarding this matter you may call me at 386-867-0284
BRIDGEPORT NEWS
June’s meeting is our luncheon. You have until May 28th to get your $10 check mailed to request a meal ticket to Jean Hatten at 17725 S. E. 84th Sheldon Terrace The Villages 32162.
You may also bring a packed lunch of your choice and join us to socialize and listen to our entertainment.
A big thank you to Tasha and Brian from the ADI in Orlando. They came and educated us on the wonderful benefits of having audio descriptive in Live Events and how to go ahead and be an ambassador for the cause.
EZELL NEWS
This month’s guest speaker will be caring Neighbors with fresh ideas and updates on all the new Villages that they are involved with.
Don’t forget to use our VIP website at www.villagesvip.org
For all the latest and information .
I want to remind everyone that we have two meetings every month that you can attend, the first Thursday of every month is at Bridgeport Recreation Center at 1:00 p.m. and then the third Monday of every month at 1:00 p.m. at the Ezell Regional Recreation Center, please feel free to attend either one or both.
Calendar of Events
June 4th
General meeting at Bridgeport Recreation Center 1:00 p.m.
June 15th
General meeting at Ezell Regional Recreation Center 1:00 p.m.
June 24th
VIP bowling 3:00 p.m. at Fiesta Bowl
DID YOU KNOW?
Our bright orange VIP t-shirts are available for sale for $10 each as well as our magnetic VIP pins for $2 a piece at every meeting . Show your support by wearing them to all our events.
I encourage you all to check out the Be My Eyes website for the latest in innovation for the low vision and blind. They have some wonderful exciting articles that are worth listening to. You can reach them at bemyeyes.com.
Transportation news
Transportation assistance; Sumter County residents needing rides in and around Sumter County as well as transportation to the New Vision for Independence office in Leesburg is available if you qualify. Call 352-568-6683 for information and an application.
Caring Neighbors in The Villages.
If you need a ride to our meetings, the doctors, the grocery store etc. and you live in a participating Village these volunteers will take you. Go to their website at the villagescaring neighbors.com to view participating Villages along with phone numbers.
St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.
You must be a registered member of the church to participate. Volunteers will provide transportation to meet your needs in our area. Call Terry with questions at 352-399-2894
Attention all golfers!
The Lake Sumter Lions have a program that meets on the second Saturday of every month at El Santiago Golf Course at 1:00 p.m.
If you are interested please reach out to Bill Sheehan his phone is 630-632-3682 and his email is w.sheahan@icloud.com. Interested golfers can phone, text or email him. They should know that this is for previous golfers who have subsequently had vision problems. They don’t have the expertise to train new golfers or to provide equipment.
New Vision for Independence offers training in all areas for independent living as well as the opportunity to exercise with them over the phone or play games.
Lisa will be coming to our meetings every month and is glad to assist us with any questions we may have. You can also reach her by calling the New Vision for Independence at 352 607-7607.
FYI, New Vision has many used donated pieces of visual equipment that they are looking to rehome. If you are looking for a particular item, please reach out to them.
I would like to take this time to thank all of you who supported our group by playing the 50/50 at our meetings. Those contributions help support our yearly Christmas luncheon as well as supply drinks for our meetings each month.
A big Thank you goes out to all that bring a healthy snack to our general meetings.
Melinda Zeman
VIP chairperson and leader of the Bridgeport meeting.
386-867-0284
Zemanzoo@gmail.com
Donna Evans
Leader of the Ezell meeting
352-391-4586
Evansdj01@gmail.com