By Akers Editorial
Hot In The Villages
The hottest place to live has the hottest people, places and trends! Catch ‘em here!
STORY: Theresa Campbell+ Michelle Clark+ Leigh Neely PHOTOS: Fred Lopez
Hot Topics!
Hot Rides
If you want to get around in The Villages, you’re out of step without a golf cart. Many couples have two carts and a car. It just makes sense because couples are usually going in different directions.
While many of these little carts chug along on a golf course daily, some of them are redesigned to look like a favorite classic or tricked-out hot rod. Mike Simpson of Streetrod Productions says they probably sell more of the LE320 than any other designed. These look like an antique Ford. “It’s a two-passenger, rear-seat convertible.”
At The Villages Golf Cart Man, Susan Ambroziak says more of their customers like the ’34 Roadster style.
Gordon’s Garage is one of three golf cart service centers in The Villages. Going from a village in Marion County to visit friends in friends who are Villages residents in Fruitland Park doesn’t mean you have to take the car. The garage has the special blend of gas needed for carts and also does quick repairs, provides loaner carts, and has rentals available for those visiting The Villages.
An indication of just how popular these golf carts are is the Streetrod Club, which has around 900 members. You’ll see carts that look like fire engines, police cars, muscle cars, and Hummers. There are more than 90 miles of golf cart paths in The Villages, so going for a scenic drive is no problem!
The Hot Spot for Retirement
Earlier this year, it seemed you couldn’t read the news without hearing The Villages was the “fastest-growing metro area” in the United States. According to estimates from the United States Census Bureau, the population growth has increased more than 25 percent, and The Villages has the highest proportion of 65+ residents of any metropolitan area.
The latest site for more growth is The Village of Fenney, located along County Road 468, southeast of the intersection with U.S. Highway 301. It is named for nearby Fenney Creek, which figures prominently into the design of the development and home. A buffer will protect the spring, and open space dots the proposed plans. There will be boardwalks and bridges to complement the “original” Florida design. Golf courses, recreation centers, and commercial centers are included. However, golf cart paths will not be connected to those snaking throughout The Villages now.
Revitalization continues on the historic side of The Villages in Orange Blossom Gardens, and more new stores, including Boot Barn, will be coming into the area where Steinmart and Ulta are now. Brownwood Town Square will soon have popular retailers Izod, Van Heusen, Warner, and Talbot’s.
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5 Best Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
1. Moisturize!
The key to looking flawless at any age is great skin, but as you age moisturizing becomes vital. Katie Hoyt-Natera, stylist and makeup artist at Michael’s Couture Salon in Leesburg, says, “Always start with your skin: cleanse, tone, and moisturize. You have to start from the inside out.” She says do this daily, taking time at night to apply treatments and night creams. In the morning, apply a moisturizer with an SPF to protect your skin during the day.
2. Concealer Is Your Friend
Many older ladies are self-conscious of bags under their eyes and dread always looking tired. After putting in place a moistening skin regimen, make friends with a good concealer. “One or two shades lighter than your foundation,” says Katie. “It makes for a brighter, more youthful look.”
3. Build Beautiful Brows
Eyebrows are often neglected, but are oh so important to a balanced face. They frame the eye and make a difference in how your features stand out. Many older women are iffy on the subject because they don’t want eyebrows to look drastic or painted on. Katie says to avoid harsh looks, take a soft powder and apply it to the brow line.
4. Say No to Shimmer
There are products women over 50 should avoid. Instead of worrying about ridding yourself of wrinkles, learn to avoid what increase their visibility. Katie says, “With more mature skin, you want to stay away from shimmer products on the eye. Choose a matte shadow.” The shimmer only highlights the look of wrinkles.
5. Commit
Katie says to choose carefully what you do. Either accentuate with a bold eye or dramatic lips, but never both. “Both is too much, you don’t want to look theatrical,” she says, “If playing up one feature makes you feel great, do that.” It’s all about confidence![/column]
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DID YOU KNOW?
Hot Stars
The Sharon ’s second season will feature The Beach Boys, Johnny Mathis, Howie Mandel, Kenny G, and The Spinners!
Hot Revitalization
The Historic Part of The Villages Developer recently bought back Unit 1, Lot 1
Hot New Feature in Villages’ Homes
A shower for dogs
Hot Place to Grind Your Teeth
The Villages ranked third in most stressed out cities in the United States
(source: American Psychological Association)
[/column] [/row]Hot Fashion!
Proud To Be An American
Patriotic-inspired clothing and accessories honoring Old Glory and the United States are fashionably “hot” in The Villages and around the country, and it’s not unusual to see Villagers decked out in red, white, and blue on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, important military anniversaries, and in showing proud support for Team USA competing in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which runs Aug. 5-21.
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Sally Palmer
Village of Belvedere
Sally loves wearing red, white, and blue to show her patriotic pride. “Every male in my family has served in the military,” she says.
Doug & Marie Ousdigian
Village of Dunedin
Newcomers to The Villages from Minnesota, Doug served 23 years in the U.S. Army, and his wife also adores showing her pride with patriotic-themed sunglasses.
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Rick and Diane Nellie
Village of Briar Meadow
Noting that they are “very proud to be Americans,” the pair met eight years ago on the square at Lake Sumter Landing. They will celebrate their second wedding anniversary on Oct. 18.
George & Nancy Manisco
Visiting The Villages from St. Charles, Illinois
“We’re proud to be Americans; more people need to be,” George says while visiting The Villages, which may become the couple’s future home.[/column]
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Mimi & Chuck Freedman
Village of Santiago
Villages residents for 15 years, the Freedmans enjoy wearing red, white, and blue to many Villages activities, and it’s also the couple’s way to honor Chuck’s grandfather, uncle, and father, who were in the military and inspired him to join, too.
Ruth Page
Village of Sabal Chase
Ruth says she was inspired to buy her American Flag T-shirt for two reasons: “It’s 100-percent cotton and made in the U.S.A.”[/column] [/row]
Move It Or Lose It
Aging is inevitable—there’s no stopping it unless you die. However, losing flexibility and movement doesn’t have to be a part of that process. Even if you don’t have a regular exercise routine, you can do simple stretching to keep muscles moving and prevent the muscle tightness and shortening that comes with lack of use. There are a number of ways to keep your body flexible, even if you have limited mobility. “Sit and Be Fit” was a program on PBS stations by Mary Ann Wilson, RN. You can get more information at www.sitandbefit.org, which features her nonprofit organization. Some of her videos are available on YouTube. The point is you’ve got to keep moving and take an active role in keeping your body flexible. Move it or lose it is not just a pithy saying—it’s the truth. Flexibility prevents accidents, especially falls, and helps you feel better physically and mentally. Anytime you stimulate the body, you do well for the brain, but if you need some fitness up there, try brain games to keep that organ working well, too.
By the numbers
65,000+ Golf Carts
Villagers like to putter around town!
The Sharon Performing Arts Center
125
performances in 1st season
61
sold-out performances
Signed or renewed Retail Space leases last year
96
40
square miles of The Villages
11
PGA-rated Championship Golf Courses
Reiki Is Hot At TVLLC
Three levels of Reiki are among the popular classes taught at The Villages Lifelong Learning College by Dr. Carole Sfekas, a Reiki master for nearly 20 years and holistic health practitioner.
“Reiki is becoming more mainstream in society and it’s practiced in every country in the world,” Carole says of the Japanese hands-on technique that promotes healing, relaxation, and reduces stress.
“Most people come to the classes because they are seeking healing,” she says. “They have relied on Western medicine for a long time and it’s not enough. They want something complementary that can enhance their emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being.”
She also teaches crystal healing, angel healing, and the psychology of dreams at TVLLC.
Back To The Classroom!
“No test, grades, or pressure. Just fun!” That’s the motto of The Villages Lifelong Learning College, where 70 percent of Villagers and nonresident students say they love the chance to socialize and stimulate the brain by learning something new.
TVLLC offers a plethora of classes, everything from scuba diving, crafts, current affairs, ballroom dancing, clowning, massage therapy, genealogy, foreign languages, real estate, parapsychology, technology, spirituality, and world affairs, just to name a few.
“What we have found in the world of psychology is that social networking and community spirit increases longevity,” says Dr. Maryanne Horne, a former university professor, counselor, and a Villages resident, who teaches at TVLLC.
“The motivation here is self-improvement,” she says. “The students are self-motivated. Their eyes are sparkling and they’re hanging onto every word.”
As an educator, Maryanne loves that she doesn’t have to mess with tests or grades. “It’s much more relaxing. I’m enjoying it, too.”
