The Villages has a way of making strangers into neighbors before you even unpack the boxes. This week we're asking how that happened for YOU — plus a nearly-new DeLuna home with a lanai that might just sell itself, a hidden Old Florida trail worth the short drive, and your full live music lineup.

📨 If this email was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.

📅 Today in 1970 — Apollo 13 astronauts reported an oxygen tank explosion 200,000 miles from Earth, kicking off one of NASA's most dramatic rescues. "Okay, Houston, we've had a problem here" became one of the most famous understatements in history.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Poll of The Week

One of the best things about living in The Villages? You can't stay a stranger for long even if you try.

Between the squares, the clubs, the golf courses, and the neighbor who just showed up with a casserole — this place has a way of pulling people together. But everyone has their thing. I already have a pretty good hunch which one wins around here… but I'm not saying a word. 🤐👇.

🏡 Open House of The Week

🏡 Nearly new in DeLuna — designer touches, modern finishes, and a screened lanai that seriously delivers.

💲 $349,900 📆 Open House: Saturday, April 18 | ⏰ 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 3389 Luty Ln, Village of DeLuna | 📐 1,547 sq ft

Why it stands out:

🏗️ Built in 2022 — modern construction with no old-house baggage
🍳 White cabinetry, gas cooking, stainless appliances, and high-definition countertops
🌴 Oversized 21x12 screened lanai — standout outdoor living at this price point
🛋️ Furniture and décor available separately — possible turnkey setup
🏘️ Located in DeLuna, one of the newer Villages with nearby trails, bridges, and fresh amenities

This Anchor Cottage gives you the feel of new construction without paying new construction pricing. The vaulted ceilings and open layout make it live larger than the square footage suggests, and the lanai is the kind of feature that sells the house all by itself.

At $349,900, this is a very compelling buy in one of the newer, southern areas of The Villages.

🌿 Villages Walk of the Week

Pear Park - Leesburg

📍 26701 U.S. Hwy 27, Leesburg
📏 ~3+ miles (main river trail)

If you want to get out of The Villages bubble without driving far, this is an easy win.

PEAR Park is more Old Florida woods and wetlands than “river walk” — think shaded dirt trails, wooden bridges, and quiet stretches where you’ll barely see another person. The Palatlakaha (say that 5 times fast!) system runs through here, but it’s mostly tucked into the landscape, not wide open water. It’s flat, peaceful, and just wild enough to feel like a reset.

Why it stands out:
🌿 Shaded, natural trails (huge in the heat)
🌉 Boardwalks + small bridges through wetlands
🦅 Solid birdwatching and wildlife
🚶 Easy, flat, and uncrowded

Short drive, totally different vibe — and exactly what most Villagers are looking for when they say they want “real nature.”

Bonus: There are also many pickleball courts at Pear Park, and they are segregated by beginner, intermediate, and advanced, plus one challenge court. Courts are to your right as you enter off highway.

🌴 Pulse Villager Lifestyle

Presented By Life Line Screening - Catch silent risks before they become serious problems — Life Line Screening gives you quick, non-invasive health screenings that can spot issues early, when they’re easiest to treat and most likely to save your life.

The 10-Second Test That Predicts Your Independence

This might be the simplest — and most telling — thing you do all week.

👉 Sit in a chair.
👉 Stand up without using your hands.

If that feels difficult or unstable, it’s often an early sign that strength and mobility are slipping.

Why it matters:

• 💪 Leg strength = independence

• ⚠️ Strong link to fall risk

• 📉 Predicts future mobility

Try it:

• ⏱️ Set a 10-second timer

• 🪑 Count your sit-to-stands

• 🚫 No hands if possible

▶️ Watch: Sit-to-Stand Test (Senior Fitness Test demo)
🔗 Research: Chair Stand Test is a validated measure of lower body strength in older adults

Pulse Travel

🌎 This one's a bucket list trip — and you can learn all about it over light refreshments.

Join National Geographic's Brent Centlivre at Panera Bread in Lake Sumter Landing on Tuesday, April 21 at 2:30pm — and get the inside scoop on 8 days exploring the Galápagos by land and sea, encountering giant tortoises, penguins, and sea lions aboard a National Geographic expedition ship. Book by May 31, save 5%, and pocket a $750 onboard credit — tap the image to RSVP! 👇

Upcoming Events

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

Martini Mondays | Wolfgang Puck | Apr 13 | 3 - 6 pm | Details

🏌️ Full Swing Clinic | Central Lake | Apr 13 | 1 PM | Details

Patriotic Trail Walk | Olympia Rec | Apr 14 | 9 am | Details

Joaniefit Kickboxing | Sawgrass | Wed Apr 15 | 10 am | Details

Sandra & Alex LeKid | Fenney Rec Outdoors | Apr 15 | 2 pm | Details

High Maintenance Live | Back Porch Mulberry | Apr 15 | Details

⛳️ Low Chip Shots Clinic | Lopez Legacy | Apr 15 | 11 am | Details

Comedy Miguel Colon Jr. | Francesco’s | Apr 16 | 5:30 pm | Details

Arts, Crafts, Decor & More Show | Colony Cottage Rec | Apr 18 | Details

Tribute to Rolling Stones | Whispering Oaks | Apr 23 | Details

Win a $10,000 Seat at the WSOP! | Oxford Downs | May 24 | 11:15 am | Details

Have an event you want to announce to 9,950+ local Villagers? Email us the details and a link to [email protected]

Live Music Lowdown

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thanks!

That's a wrap for this week! If you enjoyed it, share it with a fellow Villager. Think of it as your good deed for the day — and way easier than bringing a casserole. 🍲

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