The Villages - October 2016 - 2

CHECKING IN By KATHRyN DEEN a time to be passionate The month of October stirs all sorts of passion in Villagers. Residents are rallying for breast cancer awareness. They're excited to be in the heart of fall polo season. They're getting pumped up for fall festivities. Because if you live in The Villages, you're likely a passionate person. You care about important causes. You are a fanatic about your favorite sports. And you go all out when you celebrate life's holidays together. You take serious issues seriously - and fun times seriously, too. Let's start with Pink-tober. This month, the community erupts in pink power! Resident clubs and sports teams host programs to raise funds and awareness, from card and bingo games to dances and socials. Businesses sell specialty items and donate to breast cancer research, like Panera Bread with its delicious cherry vanilla ribbon bagels. Public safety organizations and The Villages Charter School get involved, too. All year long, a variety of breast cancer support groups offer help and healing. One special resident group, the Dragon Sisters, is a dragon boat team with several thriving breast cancer survivors you can read all about in this issue of The Villages Magazine. In another feature, a variety of breast cancer survivors share the most symbolic gifts of love and hope they received during their journeys. Lindy Adams tells her touching story about her neighbors, who filled a hat rack with colorful options for her after she lost her hair from chemotherapy. October also means fall polo season is in its full-fledged glory. Players come in from around the world to enjoy the first-class facilities at The Villages Polo Club, and more than a thousand Villagers are packing the stands as usual every Friday and Sunday to cheer with all their heart. If you've ever wondered what it takes behind the scenes to run the "sport of kings" in The Villages, you won't want to miss part 1 of a series spotlighting people passionate for polo, including Paige McCabe, director of operations and a talented player, to boot. Of course, we can't forget another biggie this month - fall festivals and celebrations, especially Halloween. Get ready to crack up when you meet Pat Egan and her Halloween hound, Dracula, an adorable Jack Russell-Chihuahua mix with the costume to match. They're ready for their favorite holiday and they're a darling example of how much Villagers love and adore their pets. Plus, don't miss the major events calendar for all the other ways you can enjoy this month's happenings with your neighbors and families. It's time for Oktoberfest, the Spanish Springs Merchants Association Halloween Bash and the Brownwood Sleepy Holloween Town Event. The last two offer trick-ortreating options for your grandkids! Explore this magazine to learn about many other residents' passions. And if you haven't found a passion to pour yourself into lately, we hope this issue offers you some inspiration.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Villages - October 2016