Volunteering at a Rotary Club in The Villages

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The Rotary Clubs of The Villages are the Heartbeat of Volunteering Service and Community Impact

Founded in 1905 by attorney Paul P. Harris in Chicago, Rotary International began as a simple idea: professionals from diverse backgrounds could meet regularly to exchange ideas and form meaningful friendships. The name “Rotary” comes from the fact the weekly meetings would rotate from one member’s office to the next. This allowed members to get to know their peers and what they did for a living.

As time passed and the purpose evolved, Harris envisioned a club where individuals could foster both business connections and a sense of civic duty. What began as a small group of four men quickly grew into a worldwide organization driven by the ideal of “Service Above Self.” Over the decades, Rotary has expanded into more than 200 countries, championing humanitarian causes such as disease prevention, literacy, clean water access, and peace-building initiatives.

Doing Good in the Local Community and Around the World

At its core, Rotary International is built on a foundation of ethical leadership, global fellowship, and a commitment to creating lasting change. The organization’s Four-Way Test, a set of guiding principles for decision-making, encourages Rotarians to act with integrity and compassion in all aspects of life. Today, Rotary boasts more than 1.4 million members worldwide who contribute their time, talent, and resources to advance community development and international understanding.

Rotary’s Four-Way Test is a simple ethical guide used by Rotarians worldwide to evaluate thoughts, words, and actions. It was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor and later adopted by Rotary International in 1943. The test consists of four questions:

The Four-Way Test, of the things we think, say, or do:

  1. Is it the TRUTH?
  2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
  3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
  4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

This test is intended to promote integrity, fairness, and mutual respect in both personal and professional relationships. It’s a cornerstone of Rotary’s values and is often recited at meetings as a reminder of the organization’s ethical standards, while serving as a moral compass for everyday life.

Three Rotary Cubs in The Villages Florida

There are three Rotary Clubs in The Villages, Florida, each offering unique opportunities for community service and fellowship. Given the size of the community, each one meets at a different time, making it convenient for residents to join one at a time that is convenient to their schedule. Here are some details about these Rotary Clubs:

  1. The Rotary Club of The Villages (Morning Club)
    Established in 1996, this is the original Rotary Club in The Villages. Meetings are held on Thursday mornings at the Captiva Recreation Center, with breakfast and social time starting at 7:00 AM, followed by the meeting at 7:30 AM.
  2. The Rotary Club of The Villages Noon
    Founded in 2003, this club meets weekly on Tuesdays at 11:30 AM at the Warfield Auditorium, located at 98 South Warfield Ave, Wildwood, Florida.
  3. The Rotary Club of The Villages – Evening
    Chartered in 2012, the Evening Club convenes on Wednesdays at 5:00 PM at the Lake Miona Recreation Center, 1526 Buena Vista Blvd, The Villages, FL.

Each club is part of Rotary District 6980 and contributes to both local and international service initiatives. They welcome new members interested in community involvement and service. The healthy competition between Rotary Clubs also benefits the community, since they tend to hold events throughout the year to ensure the community is aware of their service projects and volunteering efforts.

Service Projects are at the Heart of Rotary Membership

In The Villages, Florida—one of the fastest-growing retirement communities in the United States—the spirit of Rotary thrives through three active clubs: the Morning Club, the Noon Club, and the Evening Club. These clubs offer residents multiple opportunities to get involved in meaningful service work. Whether it’s organizing fundraisers, supporting local schools, providing meals for families in need, or mentoring young leaders through programs like Interact and RYLA, Rotarians in The Villages are deeply committed to giving back. Their service projects often focus on needs specific to the local community, ensuring their impact is both visible and lasting.

Beyond the projects themselves, volunteering with Rotary fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and purpose. Members form bonds over shared service and are motivated by a collective goal of making their community a better place. Whether planting trees, hosting health fairs, or supporting veterans, the Rotary Clubs of The Villages embody the global mission of Rotary—doing good in the world—while also strengthening the social fabric of their own neighborhood. For residents seeking more than just a place to live, Rotary offers a way to connect, contribute, and lead with heart.

The Villages is a vibrant community and its residents love to give back to help others in need. Whether it is at a Rotary, a local church, or a community center, you can feel fulfilled in your retirement years by contributing with your experience, skills, and time as a local volunteer.

Discover Why The Villages, Florida, is the Perfect Place to Retire

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Florida is known as the Sunshine State, but it is also the perfect place to retire and enjoy the best years of your life

Retirement is the time to slow down, enjoy life, and focus on what truly matters. For many people across the country, The Villages in Florida has become the ideal place to do just that. With beautiful weather, a welcoming community, and countless activities designed for older adults, The Villages offers everything retirees need to live a full and happy life. Whether you’re dreaming of playing golf every day, enjoying fun events, or just relaxing in a peaceful setting, The Villages may be the perfect fit for your next chapter.

The Villages is located in Central Florida, about an hour northwest of Orlando. It spans parts of three counties—Sumter, Lake, and Marion—and is situated between the cities of Ocala and Leesburg. This inland location places it safely away from Florida’s coastal hurricane zones while still offering easy access to major highways like I-75 and the Florida Turnpike. Its central position makes day trips to popular destinations like Tampa, Orlando, and the Gulf or Atlantic coasts convenient for residents and visitors alike.

Florida Has Absolutely Beautiful Weather

One of the biggest reasons people move to Florida is the weather—and The Villages is no exception. Located in Central Florida, The Villages enjoys a warm climate for most of the year. While other parts of the country may be covered in snow during the winter months, residents here are often enjoying sunny days, gentle breezes, and outdoor activities in short sleeves.

According to Weather.com, the area gets around 230 sunny days each year, which means more time to golf, swim, walk, or bike—or do absolutely nothing. Plus, it’s far enough inland to avoid most of the damage caused by coastal hurricanes. Even during the hot summer months, many residents stay comfortable by adjusting their daily routines—doing outdoor activities in the morning and enjoying air-conditioned indoor spaces in the afternoon.

The Villages is a Community Designed for Retirees

The Villages is more than just a neighborhood—it’s an entire retirement community designed with seniors in mind. Everything from the homes to the streets to the local events is built around the needs of people aged 55 and older. With more than 25 years of history as a retirement destination, The Villages has everything you need to feel at home—from shopping centers and healthcare facilities to restaurants and leisurely venues.

This retirement-focused design brings many benefits since it is easier to meet and connect with people who are at the same stage of life. You’ll find neighbors who also want to make new friends, stay active, and enjoy their retirement. There are over 3,000 clubs for all kinds of hobbies—from golf and gardening to dancing and painting.

Entertainment Options for Every Interest

The Villages also has several town squares that offer live music every night, along with shopping, dining, and entertainment. You can travel to most places by golf cart, which is both fun and convenient. And with multiple golf courses, recreation centers, and health clinics, everything you need is close by—and accessible via golf cart, the preferred method of transportation for Villagers.

Safety is another major plus for this community. The Villages is known for having a low crime rate and a strong sense of community. Neighborhoods are well-maintained, and security is taken seriously, giving residents peace of mind. This is often a major reason for many to move to The Villages—particularly people who lived and worked in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the U.S.

Consider Visiting First, Before Making the Big Move

Before making a decision to move, it would be wise to visit The Villages for a “test drive”. This would allow you to explore the area, check out the neighborhoods, and experience daily life. Many people consider short-terms stays, where you can stay in a home, use the amenities, and even attend events—just like a resident.

This hands-on experience can help you decide if the community is a good match for your personality, interests, and budget. You’ll see how the pace of life feels—whether you enjoy the social scene, and what kind of home fits your needs. It is also a great time to meet current residents and ask them what they like most about living in The Villages.

Experience The Villages like a Local Resident

During your visit to The Villages, make sure to tour of the health facilities, grocery stores, and recreation centers. Try a class or two, eat at a local restaurant, and maybe even attend a show. These small things can make a big difference in helping you feel at home—and deciding if you want to stay long-term. Also, if you are a veteran, the Eisenhower Regional Pool & Recreation Center will be a memorable place to visit.

Beyond just The Villages, Florida as a whole continues to be one of the top states for retirement. One major reason is that Florida has no state income tax, which can be a big help when you’re living on a fixed income or collecting Social Security. Property taxes and home insurance may vary, but overall costs can still be lower than in many northern states. Florida is also known for its healthcare access. With a large retiree population, the state has many hospitals, doctors, and clinics that specialize in care for older adults. The Villages itself has a strong medical network that includes specialists, wellness centers, and urgent care.

A Place to Enjoy the Best Years of Life

Transportation is another plus. Major airports like Orlando and Tampa are not too far away, which makes it easier for family to visit—or for you to travel. Whether it’s to visit grandchildren or take a cruise, living in Florida gives you lots of travel options. Finally, the lifestyle here is what draws people in. From fishing and boating to pickleball and golf, Florida gives retirees the chance to stay active, social, and happy.

Choosing where to retire is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. It’s not just about weather or finances—it’s about finding a place where you can feel happy, safe, and fulfilled. The Villages, Florida checks all those boxes. With its sunny location, senior-focused design, and exciting lifestyle, it’s easy to see why thousands of retirees have already made the move.

If you’re dreaming of a retirement filled with fun, friendship, and freedom—The Villages might just be the perfect place for you to call home. Book a short stay with Village Valet and experience firsthand what our version of the Florida Lifestyle is all about!

 

Explore the Amazing History of The Villages Florida

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From its early beginnings as a cattle ranch, this Central Florida community is now known as a national retirement utopia

Nestled in Central Florida’s rolling landscape, The Villages is widely recognized as one of the fastest-growing and most unique retirement communities in the United States. With its bustling town squares, over 50 golf courses, and a community spirit that rivals small American towns of the past, The Villages is more than a neighborhood—it’s a lifestyle. But few know that this vibrant city began with a modest vision rooted in mobile homes and orange groves.

From Humble Beginnings

The story of The Villages begins in the 1960s, when Michigan businessman Harold Schwartz set out to sell pieces of Florida real estate via mail-order ads. His business, Orange Blossom Gardens, was located in an unassuming stretch of land in northwestern Lake County, Florida. Initially marketed as a mobile home park, the area offered small plots for snowbirds and retirees seeking affordable, sunny living.

At the time, the idea was simple: provide inexpensive lots and manufactured homes in a tranquil rural setting. However, what began as a seasonal haven for retirees soon revealed a broader potential. In the 1980s, Schwartz’s son, H. Gary Morse, took the reins and transformed the development model entirely.

Vision and Transformation

Morse recognized that retirees wanted more than just a place to live—they wanted a community filled with activity, connection, and purpose. He began investing heavily in amenities, building golf courses, recreation centers, and social clubs. His vision included master planning every inch of development so that residents could experience convenience, safety, and social engagement without ever needing to leave the area.

By the 1990s, Orange Blossom Gardens had outgrown its humble roots and was rebranded as “The Villages.” Roads were expanded. Town squares were built. Retail, dining, and medical services followed. Every decision was centered around creating a lifestyle that was active, engaging, and self-contained.

The Little City That Could

Although The Villages is technically not an incorporated city, its scale and infrastructure function as one. Spanning parts of Sumter, Lake, and Marion counties, The Villages now covers over 57 square miles. It has its own hospital, law enforcement services, fire department, daily newspaper, and even a TV station.

One of its most iconic features is its three (soon to be four) town squares—Spanish Springs, Lake Sumter Landing, and Brownwood Paddock Square—which mimic the architecture and charm of historic small-town America. Each square hosts nightly live music, shopping, and restaurants, creating a social atmosphere unmatched by traditional retirement communities.

A sophisticated network of golf cart paths allows residents to travel seamlessly without a car. In fact, golf carts are the preferred mode of transportation, reflecting the leisurely lifestyle that defines The Villages. There are more golf carts than registered vehicles in the community, and even the local Walmart has designated parking just for carts.

Growth by Design

The growth of The Villages was no accident. Morse and his family structured the development using Community Development Districts (CDDs), a legal framework under Florida law that allows infrastructure to be funded and maintained through bonds and resident fees. This system enabled large-scale expansion without relying heavily on public funding.

Development has occurred in waves, with new “villages” added regularly. Each village is centered around a recreation center and surrounded by clusters of homes designed to match varying preferences and price points. This planned approach allowed the developer to create a sense of intimacy in a sprawling population, now exceeding 150,000 residents.

Even as The Villages grows, its leadership maintains strict controls on aesthetics, planning, and resident experience. Uniform signage, manicured landscapes, and consistent architectural styles give the community a polished look. Yet, despite its careful curation, residents enjoy a wide range of activities and clubs—from pickleball and ballroom dancing to woodworking and genealogy.

A Lifestyle That Keeps Growing

As The Villages expanded, so did its influence on the surrounding region. Once-rural Sumter County has become one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida, largely driven by the economic engine of The Villages. New shopping centers, restaurants, and businesses have emerged to support the ever-growing population. With ongoing expansion projects such as The Villages of Southern Oaks, the community is expected to continue growing for years to come.

The Villages is no longer just a retirement development—it is a way of life, meticulously designed to cater to the physical, social, and emotional well-being of older adults. The model has inspired similar developments across the country, but none have achieved the same scale or success.

The Future Keeps Looking Brighter

What began as a small trailer park amidst Florida’s orange groves has become one of the most ambitious retirement communities in the world. Thanks to the vision of Harold Schwartz and the business acumen of Gary Morse, The Villages evolved from a simple real estate project into a full-fledged city in function, if not in name.

With its focus on community, activity, and independence, The Villages represents a new chapter in how Americans approach retirement—one where life after 55 is not about slowing down, but living with greater purpose, connection, and joy. As it continues to grow, this community is now a world-class example of master-planned communities—and a perfect place for enjoying life to the fullest.

If you want to get a taste of how The Villages lifestyle can grow on you, book a stay at one of our guest homes and give it a try. And if you really love it, Village Valet can help you find the perfect home to start enjoying your well-deserved retirement.