Good morning, Villagers. New poll. New history series. A great open house. A peaceful walk. And a final call for Dinner Club. If you’ve got five minutes and a cup of coffee, you’re in the right place.

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📅 On this day in 1955: Sam Phillips recorded a young truck driver named Elvis Presley for the first time at Sun Records. That session helped kick off rock ’n’ roll — and changed American music forever.

— Kevin Rogers, Publisher

Poll of The Week

🛺 🧾 Golf Cart Insurance — What Do You Pay?

Last week’s poll showed most are insured. For those who do carry golf cart insurance, the next big question is cost. Let’s compare notes. I always feel like I should shop around but don’t. I’m paying $155 with Foremost.

💬 Who’s your insurer? Drop it in the poll comments.

Villages History

🛣️ The Roads That Changed Everything

Part 1: When Buena Vista Was the Edge of Town

There was a time when Buena Vista Boulevard didn’t feel like a spine — it felt like a boundary.

Early on, Buena Vista marked the practical edge of daily Villages life. South of it? Sparse development. Fewer reasons to go there. Trips were intentional, not casual.

As new villages emerged, Buena Vista quietly became one of the most important arteries in the community. It didn’t just connect neighborhoods — it stitched together lifestyles. Shopping, recreation, dining, and healthcare all became easier to reach without thinking twice.

At the same time, Morse Boulevard was evolving into a true north–south workhorse. What began as a simple connector from Spanish Springs to Lake Sumter, slowly turned into one of the most relied-upon routes in The Villages.

These roads did something subtle but powerful: they shortened mental distance. When places feel closer, people use them more. And once that happened, growth accelerated.

The Villages didn’t sprawl outward randomly. It followed roads like these.

🏡 Open House of The Week

$430,000 | 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,894 sq ft
📍 Polo Ridge • BOND PAID

🗓 Thursday, Jan 15 | 10:00–12:00
This Grand Ficus is the real deal: $50K+ in upgrades, block & stucco, open-concept layout, and move-in ready. Big-ticket items already done — 2020 roof, 2015 HVAC & water heater. Renovated kitchen and baths with granite, luxury vinyl plank floors, private lanai with no kissing lanais, and a quiet cul-de-sac location close to Lake Sumter Landing.

If you want updated, low-stress, and well-located — this one’s worth seeing in person.

🌿 Villages Walk of the Week

🌳 Sugar Cane Park 🚶‍♀️ 

This shady, easy walk is all about winding paths under big Florida oaks and peaceful green space — perfect for a relaxed loop, chatting with a friend, or just clearing your head. You’ll find benches, a gentle trail, and spots to bring your pup or pause for a breather.

Where is it?
Just off Fenney Way near Sugar Cane Recreation Center.

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Non Couples Dinner Club

⏰ Last Call — Dinner Club Closes Today

This is your final reminder: Villages Pulse Dinner Club registration for January 14 closes today at 5:30 PM.

If you’ve been meaning to sign up, this is it. Once tables close, that’s it — no late adds. Take the quick quiz, get matched with fellow Villagers, and come enjoy a relaxed night of good food and easy conversation.

🩺 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!!!”

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A simple blood test that tells a big health story

The CBC is one of the most common — and most useful — blood tests around. It measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, giving doctors a quick snapshot of your overall health. Abnormal results can flag anemia, hidden infections, inflammation, immune issues, or certain blood disorders long before symptoms show up.

✅ Who should consider it: Adults 55+, anyone feeling fatigued, weak, frequently sick, or monitoring chronic conditions — and honestly, it’s a smart baseline test for everyone.

👉 Where/Who/Prescription: Ordered by primary care providers; quick lab blood draw.

💡 Takeaway: A low-cost, routine test that often catches problems early — and helps guide what to look at next, instead of guessing.

Pulse Travel

A Villages Group Viking Christmas on the Rhine — December 2026

Join fellow Villagers for a magical Viking Christmas on the Rhine River Cruise, hosted by Villages resident Michelle Iglehart and planned by her daughter, travel advisor Ashley Ridgeway.

This festive group journey sails Basel to Amsterdam, stopping in Europe’s most charming Christmas market towns like Strasbourg, Cologne, and Amsterdam — all glowing with lights, music, mulled wine, and holiday tradition.

As part of the Villagers group, you’ll enjoy exclusive group pricing, added perks, and hosted support, plus Viking’s adults-only, all-inclusive experience with included shore excursions, regional cuisine, and wine and beer with meals.

These Christmas market sailings are extremely popular and stateroom availability can disappear quickly, so it’s smart to take a look sooner rather than later.

If Europe’s Christmas markets are on your bucket list, this is a special way to experience them together with fellow Villagers, at a great price.

Upcoming Events

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

💎 Estates Roadshow | Waterfront Inn | Jan 12 - 16 | Details

VHA Bingo | Colony Cottage Rec | Jan 12 | 6:30 - 8:30 PM | Details

⛳️ New To Golf School | Central Lake Academy | Jan 13 | 4 PM | Details

VHA Residents Info Night | Ezell Rec | Jan 13 | 5:30 pm | Details

🎷 Dan Jordan Quartet Jazz | Laurel Manor Rec | Jan 13 | 6 PM | Details

Lady Lake Farmers Market | Rolling Acres Sports Complex | Jan 13 | 9 am

Joaniefit Kickboxing | Sawgrass | Wed Jan 14 | 10 am | Details

🏌️‍♀️ Ladies Basics of Golf Clinic | Palmer | Jan 14 | 1:30 PM | Details

D.K. Harrell Blues Performance | Rohan Rec | Jan 14 | 6 - 8:30 PM | Details

🏌️ Full Swing Clinic | Palmer | Jan 15 | 1 PM | Details

😆 Comedy Night with Myke Herlihy | Francesco’s | Jan 15 | 5:30 PM | Details

👨‍🍳 Firefighter Charity Chili Cook Off | Leesburg | Jan 17 | Details

Bad Company/Foreigner Tribute | Whispering Oaks | Feb 5 | Tickets

Have an event you want to announce to 8,600+ local Villagers? Email us the details and a link to [email protected]

Live Music Lowdown

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thanks!

Thanks for reading! If this email helped or entertained you, share it with someone who always gets the best insurance rate. See you Thursday!

P.S. Want to get your business in front of 8,600+ local Villagers? Reach out here.