Happy Monday, Villagers. From a corner of The Villages you may have driven past a hundred times to a brand-new place you’ll want to see soon, today’s issue connects a few interesting dots.

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On this day in 1791, the first ten amendments to the Constitution were ratified. A reminder that big ideas often start as short lists.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Poll of The Week

🛒 Let’s settle another Villages debate: which Club store do you actually love… or do you avoid them altogether?

🍽️ Villages Pulse Dinner Club

Last Wednesday was the very first Villages Pulse Dinner Club meet up. I’m still compiling the feedback, but the overall consensus was people enjoyed it, even with a few hiccups. Once I’ve gone through all the info, I’ll do a writeup about it. If you want to meet new neighbors, share a great meal, and make new friends, the next Dinner Club event is Wednesday, January 14. Don’t miss your seat at the table! 🍽️

Villages History

If you have ever noticed the old farmhouse-looking place by the Buena Vista Blvd and Bonita Blvd roundabout, you are looking at a real piece of local history. The Brinson-Perry House dates back to around 1887 and is considered the oldest home preserved inside The Villages. Built in classic Florida cracker-style, it was originally located near Oxford and was moved to this spot in 2004 to save it from nearby road construction. After a major restoration (including a new metal roof and exterior repairs), it now sits as a rare reminder of what Central Florida looked like long before golf carts and town squares.

🏡 Open House of The Week

📍 8690 SE 173rd Wisteria St, The Villages, FL 32162
🗓 Open House: Thursday, Dec 18 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

If a true Florida pool home has been on your wish list, this one deserves a closer look. Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac, this spacious 3-bedroom, 3-bath home blends comfort, privacy, and serious resort vibes, all with no bond to pay.

✨ Key Highlights

• 🏊‍♂️ 68-foot heated lap pool with screen enclosure and outdoor shower

• 🌞 35 owned solar panels for low electric bills and warm pool water

• 🛏️ Huge second bedroom w/ private patio access, ideal for guests or multi-gen living

• 🍽️ Updated kitchen with granite counters, gas range, and tons of prep space

• 🌳 Lake views, fruit trees, and lush landscaping for privacy and relaxation

This home has been meticulously maintained, recently updated, and priced to turn heads. Pool lovers, snowbird escape artists, and full-time Villagers alike should put this one on their radar.

💰 Guess the price before check it out

🌿 Villages Walk of the Week

Paradise Park Loop (Historic Side)

Quiet, shaded, and full of old-school Villages charm, the Paradise Park Loop is an easy favorite on the “Historic Side”. This relaxed loop winds past mature trees, open green space, water, and peaceful neighborhood views, making it ideal for a low-key morning walk or an after-dinner lap. It’s flat, calm, and rarely crowded.

Expect about 0.5–1 mile depending on how you loop it.
📍 Located near Paradise Recreation Center on the Historic Side.

Simple, peaceful, and familiar — a no-frills walk that feels like home.

Villages Updates

Eastport Comes Alive This Week
The Villages’ newest town square at Eastport kicks off free nightly entertainment starting today, giving residents a fresh destination for music and fun right on Central Lake. Unlike the traditional squares where shows typically run 5–9 p.m., Eastport’s main stage lineup begins a bit later — with artists like September Dogs taking the stage from 6–9 p.m. Monday, and will also feature unique attractions like Live Band Karaoke on Tuesday nights (6 - 10 PM) and other late-evening events beyond the usual square schedule.

Also now open in Eastport is the long-anticipated Olympia Recreation Center, a full-service regional rec hub with everything from indoor and outdoor courts to rock climbing walls and social spaces. Villagers can enjoy new ways to stay active and connect with neighbors right in the heart of the newest town center.

Pulse Travel

Travel Hack of The Week

Reprice your ticket after booking
If your fare drops, many airlines now issue flight credits. Set a Google Flights (I covered this here) alert even after you book.

Cruise Deals - Lisbon To Athens!

Picture yourself sipping wine on the deck, watching the sun slip into the Mediterranean — that’s what this 11-day cruise aboard Oceania Regatta promises. You’ll sail from Lisbon to Athens, stopping in charming cities like Barcelona, Rome, and Amalfi, with gourmet dining, elegant staterooms, and spa-style comfort included. Plus: Villages Pulse readers get a bonus $250 shipboard credit + 3 bottles of wine on us, in addition to 20% discount on select categories.

See the full itinerary & grab your spot → Mediterranean Escape on Oceania 🚢

🩺 Screening Spotlight

Sponsored By Life Line Screening

Villages Pulse Reader Elizabeth shared this with me recently: “I did not see your poll on carotid artery screening but everyone should do it. I did and it saved my life. I had 97% blockage. Just saying it can make all difference. That was in 2013!!!”

Quick Poll Recap

Last week I asked a simple question: If you’ve had a carotid artery screening, did you find any blockages?
Out of 26 responses, 3 readers said yes. That’s over 11% discovering an issue they didn’t know they had. That’s exactly why screenings exist. Quiet problems don’t announce themselves, and catching them early can literally change outcomes.

There was one angry commenter worried about HIPAA laws and asking why anyone would share personal health info… 😄 This was an anonymous, voluntary poll, not a medical chart subpoena. No names. No details. Just neighbors helping neighbors see what’s possible and why preventive care matters.

The takeaway is straightforward: a small poll, a big reminder. Sometimes a simple test finds something important. And sometimes it just sparks a passionate comment section 😨.

Upcoming Events

Want a Featured Event with a poster/image? Reach out.

Lady Lake Farmers Market | Rolling Acres Sports Complex | Dec 16 | 9am

Trivia Tuesday | Sawgrass Grove | Dec 16 | 12 PM | Details

Advanced 4.0+ Pickleball Night | Oxford Downs | Dec 16 | 6 - 9 PM

Dueling Pianos for Adults | Old Mill Playhouse | Dec 16 | Details

VHA Golf Cart Safety Clinic | Colony Cottage Rec | Dec 17 | 9 am

Joaniefit Kickboxing | Sawgrass | Wed Dec 17 | 10 am | Details

Danny B Live Outdoors | Fenny Rec | Dec 17 | 2 PM | Details

Enrichment Academy Speaker: Wild Encounters | Rohan Rec | Dec 18

Outdoor Movie Series: The Wild Robot | Saddlebrook Softball | Dec 18

Kahlua Espresso Martini Night | McCracken’s Pub | Dec 18 | Details

Free Movie for Seniors: Song Sung Blue | Old Mill Playhouse | Jan 6

Nearly Diamond: Neil Diamond Tribute | Whispering Oaks | Jan 15 | Tickets

Have an event you want to announce to 8,300+ local Villagers? Email us the details and a link to [email protected]

Live Music Lowdown

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thanks!

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