Good morning, Villagers. A little history, a little fun, a little health, and a whole lot happening. Today’s newsletter features the last chance to join the first Dinner Club night, a new grocery poll, Chapter 5 of our Katie Belle's series, live music schedules, events, and more.

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On this day in 1941 — America enters WWII. One day after Pearl Harbor was attacked, the U.S. declared war on Japan. Flags flew across the country, enlistment surged, and an entire generation stepped forward. A powerful reminder of courage when a nation is tested.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Poll of The Week

🛒Let’s settle this once and for all: What’s The Villages favorite grocery store?

🍽️ Villages Pulse Dinner Club

Today is the LAST day to sign up for the very first Villages Pulse Dinner Club. If you want to meet new neighbors, share a great meal, and be part of the kickoff night this Wednesday, December 10, make sure you’re registered before 5:30 PM today. Don’t miss your seat at the table! 🍽️

Villages History

Katie Belle’s

Chapter 5: The Legacy Lives On

Katie Belle’s is gone, but its legend lingers in every conversation that starts with “Remember when…”. The Villages is still growing with new squares, new restaurants, and new residents, but nothing has quite filled the void of that two-story dance hall in Spanish Springs.

Some locals dream aloud of a revival, a place where live music, dancing, and dinner share the same floor again. Others say Katie Belle’s belonged to its time, and that maybe the best way to honor it is to keep the stories alive.

So, this series does just that. For five weeks, we’re remembering what Katie Belle’s meant, and why those nights mattered.

Because sometimes, the past isn’t just history, it’s the heartbeat that built the present.

🏡 Open House of The Week

Tuesday, Dec 9 — 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
1345 Harley Cir, The Villages, FL 32162
Price: $1,899,000

This premier Sanibel is the kind of home that turns heads — nearly 4,000 sq ft of upgraded elegance with a heated saltwater pool, spa, and sweeping water + golf course views. Expanded, updated, and built for indoor/outdoor living just minutes from Lake Sumter Landing.

🔑 Highlights

• 🌊 Water + golf course views from your private backyard oasis

• 🏊 Heated saltwater pool with waterfall + above-ground spa

• 🍳 Summer kitchen + huge pavered lanai birdcage

• 🛁 Luxury primary suite: Roman shower + soaking tub + custom walk-ins

• 🚗 2-car + tandem golf cart garage with electric screen door

• 📍 Prestigious Bridgeport at Lake Sumter — minutes to the square

Ready to move WAY up?

🌿 Villages Walk of the Week

Wilkerson Creek Trail (Lake Sumter Landing)

If you love a walk with water views and boardwalk charm, Wilkerson Creek Trail is an easy win. This short path near Lake Sumter Landing winds along the creek with shaded stretches, birds drifting through the trees, and quiet spots to sit and take in the view. It’s flat, paved, and perfect for a gentle morning stroll or an after-dinner lap without straying far from the square. Expect roughly 0.5–1 mile depending on how far you loop.

📍 Just south of Old Camp Rd and west of Canal St.

Close, scenic, and effortless — a relaxing little nature break right next to the action.

Pulse Travel

🎭 Day Trip Idea: Orlando Shakes Theater

If you’re itching for a classy night out beyond the bubble, Orlando Shakes Theater in Loch Haven Park is a solid pick. I recently saw their A Christmas Carol performance and loved it — amazing actors, warm atmosphere, and the intimate size of the theater makes every seat a winner. Fun Villages tie-in: there’s a Morse family member (Whitney) in the cast, and at least two Morse family members are listed as donors supporting the theater program.

Parking is a breeze — there’s a lot right in front of the entrance, just a short walk to the doors.
A Christmas Carol runs Nov 26 – Dec 24, so there’s still time to catch it. Festive, cozy, and highly recommended.

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 🚢

🩺 Life Line Screening is Coming to The Villages. Do Not Miss It

My partner and I had our Life Line Screenings in September. It was painless, fast, and a huge relief to find out we both had zero blockages or issues. Peace of mind like that is priceless.

Full Disclosure: Life Line Screening is a Sponsor of Villages Pulse

The best news: Life Line is coming right here to The Villages area early 2026.

📍 Hampton Inn Villages - February 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th
📍 Comfort Suites - near Spanish Springs January 31

If you are 40 plus, this is one of the smartest health moves you can make. These screenings can catch early signs of stroke risk, heart disease, plaque, and circulation issues long before symptoms appear. The last time I wrote about Life Line Screenings, several readers told me they had caught severe blockages they didn’t know they had!

• ✔ Quick appointment

• ✔ Non invasive

• ✔ Affordable

• ✔ Results online

Spots fill quickly when they come to town.
Give yourself peace of mind and reserve your screening while openings are available.

👉 Book your scan. Your future self will thank you. Questions? Call them: 833.970.4070

I’m curious:

Upcoming Events

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

Shirley’s Senior No Limit Holdem’ | Oxford Downs | Dec 8 | 11:15 am

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

Trivia Tuesday | Sawgrass Grove | Dec 9 | 12 PM | Details

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

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

🎸 Ally Venable Live | Rohan Rec | Dec 10 | 6 - 8:30 PM | Details

Villages Christmas Parade | Polo Fields | Dec 11 | 12 PM | Details

Small Group Lessons | Manatee Rec | Dec 12 | 8 - 10 am | Details

🎨 🍷 Paint & Sip | Legacy | Dec 15 | 12 pm | Register 🔥 

Have an event you want to announce to 8,200+ local Villagers? Email us the details and a link to [email protected]

Live Music Lowdown

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thanks!

Appreciate you being here. If you enjoyed today’s issue, share it with a neighbor who loves The Villages.

P.S. Want to get your business in front of 8,200+ local Villagers? Reach out here.