First Thursday Bridgeport Group
Newsletter Audio file (usually top item)
Hello this is Rita LaBarbara on behalf of VIP CHAIRPERSON Melinda Zeman.
Hello Everyone!
I hope to see all of you at our April 3rd meeting at 1:00pm at our Bridgeport Rec Center location. This month’s guest speaker is from TLC which stands for Transition Life Consultants. It consists of many different professional counselors that provide one-to-one cost free support in many different areas of life.
Dr. Rosier formerly of True Ear Audiology Inc. wanted to let us know that as of March the 14th 2025 she will now be on her own with a mobile unit that will come directly to your house to give you comprehensive testing. She will also be at our April meeting to answer any questions you may have. Her new phone number is: 352-234-4645
We are sorry to say goodbye to our dear friend, Charlie Holzchuch, president of the Eastport Lions Club who is moving away in April. Charlie has been our champion in all things VIP. We shall miss him dearly!
The Eastport Lions will continue to support the Ezell VIP monthly meetings. Last month they hosted a bingo which was a lot of fun!
Don’t forget our website Villagesvip.org which enables you to listen to any speakers we’ve had in the past. It’s easy! Go to Villagesvip.org then under Villages VIP Group click the audio link. You’ll see our list of speakers. They are:
Brittney from the Community Resource Dept. at Sumter Landing talking about all the ways their department can assist you with any questions or needs you may have.
Dr. Kellie Bassion from Ocala Eye speaking on glaucoma
Vision Awareness Day speakers talking about cornea and retinal diseases
A representative from Seniors vs. Crime
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April 3rd: Monthly meeting at Bridgeport Rec. Center 1:00pm
April 10th: Game Day at Laurel Manor 1:00pm
April 21st: Monthly meeting at Ezell Rec.1:00pm
April 23rd: Fun Bowling at Fiesta Bowl 3:00pm
For information on the spousal support group please call Joyce at 941-661-4108.
Lake Sumter Lions Club is collecting aluminum cans and old eyeglasses. If you have any that you would like to donate please bring them to our meetings.
Did you know that we partner with New Vision for Independence and all of the resources that are available to us as visually impaired persons? They offer training in all areas for independent living as well as the opportunity to exercise with them or play games over the phone. Lisa from New Vision will be coming to our meetings every month and is glad to assist us with any questions we may have. You can also reach her by calling the New Vision office at 352-607-7607.
Don’t forget to reach out to Caring Neighbors to find out if a ride to our meetings is available in your village. You can call Ann Bosler at
352-674-9022. Their website is Thevillagescaringneighbors.com
I would like to take this time to thank all of you who have supported our group by playing the 50/50 at our meetings. Those contributions help support our yearly Christmas luncheon as well as supply drinks for our meetings each month.
Melinda Zeman
VIP Chairperson and leader of the Bridgeport meeting
386-867-0284
Melinda Zeman
Third Monday Ezell Group
Newsletter Audio file (usually top item)
March Newsletter
At our meeting this month we will have representatives from The Villages Community Resources. There are a number of different levels of alternative senior living options available in The Villages and Community Resources is there to help you with every step: Planning, Connecting, and Moving. Find out just what they can do to help you if, or when, you are looking to make a change.
The 2025 Vision Day Awareness Expo on February 22nd was a great success with about 500 attendees. If you missed it, or would like to relisten to the guest speakers, please go to our website and under audio you will find the Vision Expo audio link.
We want to remind you about all of the programs offered by New Visions for Independence. They are our go-to local agency for support. You can reach them at 352-607-7607. Or check out their website at www.newvisionfl.org
Caring Neighbors has added additional Villages to their list of neighborhood groups that can help residents within those neighborhoods. Check out their website at www.thevillagescaringneighbors.com
Charlie from the Eastport Lions wants to remind you that he will have VIP t-Shirts the day of the meeting. They are $10.
The VIP Support Group provides the drinks at our meetings. If you are able, please bring a snack to share with your friends.
We appreciate your participation in the 50/50 drawings at both our Ezell and Bridgeport meetings. We do not charge dues and those contributions help support our VIP Support Group!
In addition to the two monthly VIP meetings, there are a number of other activities that you may be interested in.
VIP Game day is the second Thursday of each month at Laurel Manor 1pm. to 3pm.
VIP Bowling is the 4th Wednesday of each month at Fiesta Bowl in Spanish Springs from 3 to 5pm. There’s always a plan to get together for dinner afterward. Contact Al Sessa: 908-812-6523 for more information.
Golf for VIPs with the Lake Sumter Lions. For more information call John Thomson: 352-259-6104.
Hope to see you at the Ezell Monday March 17th meeting.
Donna Evans, leader of the VIP Ezell meeting
Call or text: 352-391-4586