First Thursday Bridgeport Group
Newsletter Audio file (usually top item)
Hello, this is Rita LaBarbara on behalf of VIP chairperson Melinda Zeman.
As I start my second year as your VIP chair, I’m asking for a member to think about joining me in a vice chair position. The only requirement would be that you are visually impaired as well and you would like to help me serve our members. If you are interested please reach out to me at 386-867-0284 or you may email me at Zemanzoo@gmail.com.
Hello everyone!
I hope to see all of you at our March 6th meeting, 1:00pm at our Bridgeport location. This month I’m starting a new program called “lunch with a doctor series”. March’s guest speaker will be
Dr. Kellie Bassion from Ocala Eye.
Dr. Bassion is a glaucoma specialist. Please feel free to join us just for the speaker if you do not wish to eat lunch.
There is still time for you to mail in your check for $7 per person for our hot dog luncheon. Please mail the check made out to VIPs to:
Jean Hatten
17725 Southeast 84th Sheldon Terrace
The Villages, Fl. 32162
The 2025 Vision Expo held at Eisenhower Regional Recreation Center was a huge success! We had vendors, blind service organizations, doctors, and vision equipment vendors as well as wonderful speakers from the Vision Department at the University of Florida.
In the event that you missed the Expo or would like to relisten to the guest speakers, please go on our website which is villagesvip.org and under audio you will see the Vision Expo audio link.
The Lake Sumter Lions are having their annual fundraiser on March 30th at 5:30 at Lake Miona Regional Rec Center. If you are interested in supporting them tickets are $20 each which includes a hamburger dinner and raffle tickets to put in their Chinese auction baskets. John Hannah will be at our March 6th luncheon if you would like to purchase tickets in person or you may reach out to him at 352-502-5966.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
March 6th: Monthly meeting at Bridgeport Rec Center 1:00pm
March 13th: Game Day at Laurel Manor Rec Center 1:00pm
March 17th: Monthly meeting at Ezel Regional Rec Center1:00pm
March 26th: Fun bowling at Fiesta Bowl 3:00pm
March 30th: Lake Sumter Lions Fundraise Lake Miona Regional Rec
Center 5:30pm
Eastport Lions continue to support the VIPs at our monthly meeting at Ezell Rec Center. Last month they hosted bingo which was a lot of fun!
Lion Charlie has t-shirts with our VIP logo on the front for sale at both monthly meetings. The cost is $10.
The Lions collect old eyeglasses and aluminum cans. If you have any that you would like to donate you can bring them to our meetings.
For information on the spousal support group please call Joyce at 941-661-4108.
Did you know that we partner with New Vision for Independence and all of the resources that are available to us as visually impaired persons? They offer training in all areas for independent living as well as the opportunity to exercise with them over the phone or play games.
Lisa from New Vision will be coming to our meetings and is glad to assist us with any questions we may have. You can also reach her by calling the New Vision office at 352-607-7607.
Don’t forget to reach out to Caring Neighbors for a ride to our meetings. You can call Ann Bosler at 352-674-9022 to find out if a ride is available in your village. You can also go their website at:
I would like to thank all of you that have supported our group by purchasing the 50/50 raffle tickets. We do not charge dues and those contributions help support our yearly Christmas party, the beverages and paper products at our monthly meeting and various other necessities. Thanks again!
Melinda Zeman
VIP Chairperson and leader of the Bridgeport meeting
386-867-0284
Third Monday Ezell Group
Newsletter Audio file (usually top item)
March Newsletter
At our meeting this month we will have representatives from The Villages Community Resources. There are a number of different levels of alternative senior living options available in The Villages and Community Resources is there to help you with every step: Planning, Connecting, and Moving. Find out just what they can do to help you if, or when, you are looking to make a change.
The 2025 Vision Day Awareness Expo on February 22nd was a great success with about 500 attendees. If you missed it, or would like to relisten to the guest speakers, please go to our website and under audio you will find the Vision Expo audio link.
We want to remind you about all of the programs offered by New Visions for Independence. They are our go-to local agency for support. You can reach them at 352-607-7607. Or check out their website at www.newvisionfl.org
Caring Neighbors has added additional Villages to their list of neighborhood groups that can help residents within those neighborhoods. Check out their website at www.thevillagescaringneighbors.com
Charlie from the Eastport Lions wants to remind you that he will have VIP t-Shirts the day of the meeting. They are $10.
The VIP Support Group provides the drinks at our meetings. If you are able, please bring a snack to share with your friends.
We appreciate your participation in the 50/50 drawings at both our Ezell and Bridgeport meetings. We do not charge dues and those contributions help support our VIP Support Group!
In addition to the two monthly VIP meetings, there are a number of other activities that you may be interested in.
VIP Game day is the second Thursday of each month at Laurel Manor 1pm. to 3pm.
VIP Bowling is the 4th Wednesday of each month at Fiesta Bowl in Spanish Springs from 3 to 5pm. There’s always a plan to get together for dinner afterward. Contact Al Sessa: 908-812-6523 for more information.
Golf for VIPs with the Lake Sumter Lions. For more information call John Thomson: 352-259-6104.
Hope to see you at the Ezell Monday March 17th meeting.
Donna Evans, leader of the VIP Ezell meeting
Call or text: 352-391-4586