The Villages - December 2017 - 2

CheCking in

By Rica Lewis

On Tinsel, Trains and Traditions
Here comes Santa Claus ... and Christmas ... and Hanukkah, and a whole lot
of seasonal fun. Whatever you celebrate, we hope this month brings you joy. As
Village of Gilchrist residents Arlene and David Multz reminded us, traditions are
the ties that bind us. They bring together families from thousands of miles apart
and they keep us connected to the past, to our history and to the things that
matter most.
Decorating dynamo Linda McBroom opened her home to us, sharing her
incredible collection of holiday furnishings - 40 years worth of rosy-cheeked
Santas, gold-dusted ornaments, ribbon-wrapped wreaths and more. Her
collection features items from around the world, including precious souvenirs
from the Philippines and other interesting travels. Grab a mug of hot cocoa and
take a tour inside her festive home via this issue.
But there's more holiday magic headed your way. In mid-December, it
comes rumbling down the tracks and makes its way through tiny tunnels and
charming streets - thanks to The Villages Model Railroad Club and its annual
Christmas model train show. Club leader Alan Goldberg said around 140 train
enthusiasts make up the group, and all have worked hard to construct their
intricate displays. Around 7,000 people attended the Christmas event last year,
and this year it is slated to be bigger and better - with a 37-by-23-foot layout
featuring roller coasters, log flumes and plenty of action. The club's Wildwood
Project is a detailed replica of the city, circa 1959, which was built from city
documents and eyewitness accounts. And its Thomas the Train display is ready
to roll, with buttons and interactive features for kids (and adults) to enjoy.
So we know that family traditions, seasonal décor and Christmas trains bring
smiles. Now let's talk about another holiday highlight - dessert! The Villages
Busy Bakers bring their talents to the kitchen for a good cause. In this issue, we
spotlight the group of avid bakers who tell us how sweet it is to make delectable
treats for guests of the Wildwood Soup Kitchen. Members also share some of
their favorite recipes - yum!
Dashing through De La Vista, you'll see a group of jolly Villagers packed into
golf carts and ready to belt out some songs. It's the season for giving, and they
have found the perfect gift to give their neighbors - holiday cheer. Read about
the caroling group Carole Thompson forged with the intent to ignite a special
memory - her own childhood experience with neighborhood carolers on a cold
Pennsylvania evening in 1954.
We're so pleased to share this issue with you at a time when candles are lit,
carolers assemble and the whole community is bustling with holiday spirit.
We wish you a very merry month.

2

DECEMBER 2017



Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Villages - December 2017

Contents
The Villages - December 2017 - Cover1
The Villages - December 2017 - Contents
The Villages - December 2017 - 1
The Villages - December 2017 - 2
The Villages - December 2017 - 3
The Villages - December 2017 - 4
The Villages - December 2017 - 5
The Villages - December 2017 - 6
The Villages - December 2017 - 7
The Villages - December 2017 - 8
The Villages - December 2017 - 9
The Villages - December 2017 - 10
The Villages - December 2017 - 11
The Villages - December 2017 - 12
The Villages - December 2017 - 13
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The Villages - December 2017 - Cover4
https://www.nxtbook.com/thevillages/TheVillages/ContinuingTheDream_Vol6
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https://www.nxtbook.com/thevillages/TheVillages/DreamALittleDream-RRO
https://www.nxtbook.com/thevillages/TheVillages/ContinuingTheDream_Vol3
https://www.nxtbook.com/thevillages/TheVillages/ContinuingTheDream_Vol2
https://www.nxtbook.com/thevillages/TheVillages/ContinuingTheDream
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