Melanie Sarakinis, manager of the enrichment academy Q: What is your role in the Enrichment Academy? A: My job is to ensure successful operations, administration and programming of the TEA program, a new division of the Recreation and Parks Department. Q: How do TEA courses accomplish the goal of bringing stimulating learning opportunities to the community? A: The program is a perfect fit for The Villages lifestyle, offering a variety of enrichment courses that complement the department's existing resident-led lifestyle volunteer and recreation services. We keep it interesting, with ongoing additions of new, innovative course opportunities throughout the year. Q: What is your relationship to course instructors and how have you worked with them to bring their offerings to the community? A: Our first kickoff of classes started in October 2017. We have enjoyed coming together with our instructor team to facilitate and grow the program. Our talented instructors put a lot of work and pride into the curriculum they propose and offer to the community. It's a pleasure expanding relationships and recruiting new instructors, bringing new and innovative talent to the program. Q: What kind of growth has TEA experienced since its inception? A: The program has grown tremendously in a short period of time. We continuously add new course offerings and expand the speaker series. We continue to work with our instructors and team to gain input and feedback, evolving with the growth as we continue to build on the program's early success. Q: What kind of feedback have you received from instructors and course attendees? A: Here are some of the testimonials we have received from residents: "TEA is one of the many avenues here to enhance and improve quality of life." - Village of Buttonwood resident "Having just retired, I'm anxious to try all new types of activities now that there is time." - Village of Virginia Trace resident am © 2018 Villages Center Community Development District. All Rights Reserved. 38 AUGUST 2018 pmhttp://www.districtgov.org