It's Thursday! We've got a poll recap with a comment that'll stop you in your tracks, golf courses rising from the dead, an AI tip that makes you a smarter homeowner before you spend a single dollar, duckpin bowling coming to the area, and a weekend full of live music. Everything you need — right here.

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⚖️ On This Day in 1992 — Congress ratified the 27th Amendment, which bars Congress from giving itself a mid-term pay raise. It was first proposed in 1789. Took 203 years to pass. Some things move slow in Washington. 😄

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Monday’s Poll Recap

🗳️ The Villages Effect is real — and 758 of you proved it
758 votes rolled in, and the results tell a story that's hard to argue with.

🟢 Much more social (297 votes) — the runaway winner
🟡 About the same (172) — "I've always been a people person"
🟡 A little more (150) — directionally right, just taking it slow
🔴 Less — and that's okay too (114) — honest, and we respect it
🏕️ "I moved to The Villages — that's cheating" (25) — the self-aware crowd

Nearly 60% say they're more social now than a decade ago. That's not a coincidence — that's a zip code.

👉 Before The Villages, it was just a friendly wave. Now? "Our neighbors are like family and we do everything together."
👉 A group of 20 NJ friends moved here together — and one reader who answered "About the Same" still called it the best decision of their life
👉 Remote work complicates things — one reader said fewer daytime people means nights and weekends become prime social time
👉 One reader voted "Less" quietly and honestly: "I'm a bit older and have lost many friends." No complaint. Just real.

The standout comment of the week:
"Four years ago my life changed. My husband had a stroke and my life was no more. Here I got my life back." That one says everything.

Bottom line: whether you moved here with 20 friends from New Jersey or walked in knowing nobody — The Villages has a way of filling up your calendar, your table, and your life. 🥂

Thanks for voting and keep those poll ideas coming — hit reply if you’ve got a fun one!

🎟️ AI for Everyday Life

Stop Guessing on Home Projects

One of the best uses of AI in everyday life is simple: use it before you spend money.

That’s when it shines — when you’re about to start a home project and want to make sure you’re not guessing your way into a bad decision.

Most people do exactly that. One quote, a little Googling, maybe a neighbor’s opinion… and hope it works out. AI gives you a much better starting point.

Thinking about redoing a bathroom, updating flooring, or adding a screened lanai? Try:

“Estimate the cost range to remodel a small bathroom in Florida. What should be included, and where do people overspend?”

Or: “What questions should I ask a contractor before hiring them for a patio or lanai project?”

You can even ask: “Is this project worth it for resale value in a 55+ community like The Villages?”

And here’s where it gets really practical. Take a photo of your interior, upload to your ai app, and ask:

“Change these walls to Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) and show me how it would look.”

Now you’re not guessing on paint colors — you’re seeing it before you commit.

That’s the advantage. You walk in informed, with better questions and clearer expectations.

AI won’t replace a contractor. But it will help you avoid costly mistakes — and make smarter decisions from the start.

Village News Briefs

🎳 Duckpin Bowling Is Coming to Middleton Woodrow's DuckPin Bowling is heading to downtown Middleton — smaller balls, shorter pins, craft drinks, and a vintage-modern vibe. No firm open date has been announced yet, but it's one of the more unique additions coming to the area. Read more

🛍️ Boutique Shopping Coming to Eastport Mia Sorella — a women's and men's clothing and gifts boutique — is confirmed for Eastport but hasn't opened yet. It'll add some retail variety to a dining-heavy lineup. Read more

📅 Golf Reopening Soon :

• Bacall — reopens Tuesday, May 12

• Yankee Clipper — reopens Tuesday, May 19

• Longleaf — reopens Friday, May 22

• Volusia — reopens Monday, May 25

• Oakleigh — closed since March 30, reopens "in May"

• Hawkes Bay - opening in May?

The Villages Battle of the Bands

First Round Battles of the Bands Continue

Four more bands. Four more battles. Zero wrong answers — unless you pick wrong. 😄 Cast your votes and help crown The Villages' ultimate musical favorites. 🎶

Upcoming Events

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

The Mudds Live | Sunset Island | May 7 | 9 am | Details

🦞 Cousins Maine Lobster | Sparr Building | May 7 | 12 - 8 pm | Details

Hometown Market | Brownwood | May 9 | 9 am - 1 pm | Details

Jazz on the Vineyard Green | Lakeridge Winery | May 9 | Details

Mothers Day Boat Cruise | Lake Sumter | May 10 | Details

🎸 Austin & Zen Live | Everglades Rec | May 9 | 6 pm | Details

🎸 Permanent Vacation | Oxford Downs Tiki Bar | May 9 | 6:30 - 9:30 pm | Details

⛳️ Full Swing Clinic | Lopez Legacy | May 11 | 8:30 am | Details

Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Show | Whispering Oaks | May 21 | Details

On Sale This Week:

Ann Wilson: Voice of Heart | The Sharon | Sept 11 | Details

and more….

If you have an event you want to announce to 9,950+ local Villagers, email us the details at [email protected]

Live Music Lowdown

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Thanks!

That's all for this Thursday! Forward this to someone who still thinks weekends are for sitting on the couch — and go prove them wrong. See you Monday.

P.S. Want to get your business in front of 9,950+ local Villagers? Reach out here.