Welcome everyone to the Association Board of Directors August 2026 monthly meeting.
Today is a very sad day for me. I don’t think this is a surprise to anyone since The Villages grapevine has been running full tilt for a few weeks now. Today is my last day as President of the Association and as a member of this outstanding Board of Directors.
My resignation will take effect immediately following the adjournment of this meeting. My wife and I, for family reasons, will be moving out of The Villages shortly. We have purchased a house an hour and a half away at Trilogy Rio Vista, near Fairfield and near the Sacramento River. No, we are not getting divorced and have to sell the house. No, there is not some massive special assessment coming down the line that only I know about. The rumor mill is out of control. Family comes first and I have seen it many times in our years here in The Villages when other residents have moved with or for their children. Life requires flexibility.
I told myself when I retired that I was not going to do anything but golf for the first year after I retired. Unfortunately, or fortunately, six months into my retirement David Cook and Diana Hallock approached me about accepting a one-year appointment to the Board to fill an open position. Reluctantly I said yes. It turns out, I really enjoyed being on the Board. Meeting all the Villagers and handling interesting and sometimes difficult issues was fun and hopefully I helped. Some people probably question my definition of fun. I also get frequently told why would you want such a thankless job. Frankly, many Villagers thank me on a weekly basis for volunteering to do what I do. I take a lot of satisfaction from those comments from people who understand what is involved in this position.
Serving on this Board for four years with just over two years as President has truly been an honor. I am grateful for the Board members whom I have worked with and who have worked with me throughout the years. I am grateful for Patrick, David, David and Deb who I personally asked to serve on the Board and run for a director position and they said yes. I did not know Steve and Pat before we were elected together but I now know how dedicated and hardworking they are and am happy I now know them better. I wish you all the very best and thank you for stepping up to serve your community. I wish all Villagers good luck in the coming years and I believe Pat Reardon will do a wonderful job leading you for the next 2-1/2 years.
I wish to thank Theresa, Blake, Ryan, John, Julia, Maria and Liz and the rest of the staff who are always trying to do their best to help the Board serve the community. Yes, it is their job but they do it with heart and soul and really serve this community by giving their all. I have special thanks for Maria who knew when to say “Michael, you can’t do that.”
We have lived here just short of 12 years. The changes in The Villages over this time have been amazing, particularly in the last four years. I am very happy to have been part of this change. Those who know me know the saying that I have used, I would rather be the driver than the passenger. I want to know where my money is going and how it is being spent. I want to have a say in what is happening. I have had that opportunity to be the driver for two years and I thank you. I do want to apologize to everyone. If I had known this was going to happen, I would not have run for re-election. I am sure the Board will pick the right person to replace me. I understand there are three excellent candidates ready to step up and take the next nine months of my term until there can be a regular election.
I believe the goal of the Board is to serve the people and do what is best for the community. My approach is the same as when I practiced law. Be reasonable, be fair, use common sense and look for solutions to resolve problems or disputes. I believe we have accomplished that goal. There are a very few people who believe the Association is out to get them. To those people I say move out, you probably should not be living in this type of community. To the rest, I say please continue to enjoy this great place to live. So many great people and so many great things to do, I hope I find the same atmosphere where I am going.
And now I say, for Board purposes, please forget my phone number and my email. It is someone else’s turn. For personal purposes, call, email or stop by any time. Thank you all.
—Michael Schwerin, Villages Association President