March Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

Between St. Patrick's Day, Lent Fridays, and Major League Baseball's Spring Training, there’s already an overwhelming amount of activity happening all around the Villages of Citrus Hills in the month of March. And thanks to the dedication of the Activity Center staff, there are also quite a few activities and events happening right here in our community.

If you are looking to fill up your calendar with fun and exciting things to do this month, we have hand-picked all of the very best things to look forward to in March!

Social Events

The biggest social events of the month always start out with the Show Series, and the month of March is not an exception.  The Orlando Jazz Orchestra will be performing "A Tribute to the Big Band Era" on Tuesday, March 13, and Johnny Contardo, Johnny Tillotson, & Ron Dante on Thursday, March 22.

There will be plenty of fun in the Hampton Room on Thursday, March 8 with The Not-So-Newlywed Game Show and Dinner scheduled to start with dinner at 6:30 pm followed by the game show at 7:30 pm. Four lucky couples will be selected from a hat to participate.

The Garden Room will be hosting a Seder Dinner on Friday, March 30. This meal will feature a menu of chicken matzo ball soup, beef brisket or roasted chicken, tsimis, kugel, green beans, and sponge cake.

The Easter Bunny will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch in the Hampton Room on Saturday, March 31, and all of your favorite little ones are invited to attend!

 Arts & Education

The Citrus Hills Vacationers Club has been planning all kinds of trips to local and international destinations over the past few years. If you have been thinking about getting more involved with the club, the first step is attending one of their quarterly meetings, and the next one will take place on Thursday, March 15 at 10 am in the Activity Center.

The Activity Center Auditorium will be hosting guest speakers from The Greener Side of Heaven, Inc. to discuss their work at local animal shelters on Monday, March 19. This will be a very informative discussion for anyone who loves animals.

Golf & Tennis

For the more competitive golfers, the Citrus Hills Couples Championship on March 16 and 17 is coming up.  But, if you aren't quite ready to compete in one of our major events, you might want to think about attending one of the free golf clinics. This month, PGA/LPGA teaching pro Mary Slinkard will be working with beginners on March 5, 6, and 7. Then she will be back to work with intermediate golfers on March 13, 20, and 27.

The Skyview Tennis Center will be hosting a Spring Break Mixed Doubles Round Robin on Sunday, March 11 from 1-3 pm. The tournament will be followed by dinner and live music, so this is one that you won't want to miss!

There will also be a Free Beginner Tennis Clinic on Tuesday, March 13 at 11 am.

Dinner Specials

Saturday, March 17 is St. Patrick's Day, and that is definitely a night that you are going to want to think about going out to dinner. Skyview will be serving a special menu featuring Irish Soda Bread, Corned Beef and Cabbage, and Irish Bangers and Mash.

The Grille will be offering a similar menu of a la carte items.

In addition to feeling a bit Irish on St. Patrick's Day, you might also be interested in checking out the Asian Family Feast at The Grille on March 11.

BellaVita Spa

And please find time for yourself this month.  Make an appointment at BellaVita Spa. Lemon is the theme this month as they will be doing Lemongrass Hand and Arm Retexturizing Treatments and Lemon Dream Spa Pedicures all month long.

Have a great month full of activities and events, and we will see you at the Activity Center!

February Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

It feels like every month flies by as we enjoy life here at the Villages of Citrus Hills, and the month of February is the shortest one of them all. So, if you thought that January came and went quickly this year, don't blink or you might miss February altogether.

Despite that, the great people at the Activity Center still have lots of exciting activities and events planned for us. Let's take a quick look at some of the ones that you are going to want to make sure to put on your calendar.

Social Events

The 2018 Show Series is in full swing this month. You can catch a comedy performance from Lucas Bohn on Tuesday, February 6 and a spectacular concert from Lou Christie on Thursday, February 8.

Then, later in the month, you can catch Bertie Higgins on Tuesday, February 13 and The Grass Roots on Thursday, February 22.

The regular Shabbat Dinner will be held in the Garden Room on Friday, February 23. This month, the menu will feature Baked Haddock or Chicken Piccata paired with a Tossed Salad, Glazed Baby Carrots, Oven-Roasted Potatoes, and Challah Bread.

The big party that everyone is going to be talking about is the Sock Hop scheduled to happen at the end of the month on Wednesday, February 28 in the Hampton Room. Rocky & the Rollers will be performing live music for a night of fun and dancing, and anyone heading to the party can get 10% off of a dinner entree at The Grille that evening.

Hockey fans looking to plan ahead will want to take note that The Vacationers Club is planning a trip to see the Tampa Bay Lightning host the Florida Panthers on Tuesday, March 6. You can get more information and purchase tickets at the Activity Center.

Art & Education

Anyone wanting to learn more about all of the different clubs that exist throughout our community is encouraged to attend the Activity Club Showcase in the Activity Center Auditorium on Sunday, February 11 from 1-4 pm. There will be more than 50 of our clubs represented at the event, which makes it the perfect opportunity for you to get more information about the ones you have been thinking about joining!

Lunch & Learn is back on Monday, February 26 with a fascinating guest in Lisa Didier, who will be discussing "The History of Forensic Science." In addition to a great speaker, this event will also feature Harvest Chicken Salads for lunch.

Golf & Tennis

The Oaks course will be celebrating the month of February in the right way with a Valentine's Mixer event scheduled for Saturday, February 3.

That event will be the perfect warm-up for the Men's Senior, Super Senior, Legends, and Super Legends Club Championship at Skyview on February 5 and 6. And that major golf event will be followed by the 2018 Citrus Hills Men's Club Championship on February 15 and 16.

If you are looking for a more casual golfing environment, you might want to check out the "Newbie" Nine-Hole Golf League. This crew meets on The Meadows course every Thursday afternoon at 3 pm, and golfers of all skill levels are welcome.

In addition to practicing your game in the "Newbie" Nine-Hole Golf League, you can also participate in the Free Golf Clinics with Mary Slinkard. She will be helping beginners on February 5, 6, and 7. Then she will be back to work with intermediate golfers on February 13, 20, and 27.

There will be a Free Beginner Tennis Clinic at the Skyview Tennis Center on February 13 at 11 am. This could be a great time to get into tennis because there is a big Spring Break Round Robin planned for early March.

Dinner Specials

Valentine's Day is the biggest holiday of the month, and Skyview will be celebrating with a romantic meal for two on Wednesday, February 14. There will also be a delicious a la carte menu for those wanting to celebrate Valentine's Day at The Grille.

The other big day this month is the Super Bowl, which is happening on Sunday, February 4. The Tiki Bar is definitely the place to be for the big game, and they are going to be having all kinds of fun along with a fantastic tailgate menu.

In addition to all of the big holiday meals, Skyview will be hosting a Shrimp Fest Buffet on Tuesday, February 6. Then they will be bringing us a Taste of New Orleans on Tuesday, February 20 and a Turkey Buffet on Thursday, February 22.

BellaVita Spa

And don’t forget to save time for yourself at BellaVita Spa this month.

Take advantage of the February specials like the Rose Petal Facial and the Exotic Mango Ultimate Spa Pedicure.

Just make sure you don't put it off too long because this month is going to go fast!

January Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

Happy New Year! We have officially closed the door on 2017 and opened a new one with endless possibilities in 2018. There is no telling what the coming year will hold for each of us, but one thing that we do know for sure is that the good folks at the Activity Center are going to have the calendar packed with great events and activities each month.

We're starting the year off right with a January calendar that is filled with everything from classic rock concerts to CPR certification classes. Let's take a look into the calendar and highlight some of the events and activities that you won't want to miss.

Show Series Lineup

The Activity Center is going to kick off the year by hosting Free Fallin: A Tribute to Tom Petty for a live concert on Saturday, January 6. Then, another amazing concert featuring Hollywood Nights: The Ultimate Tribute to Bob Seger on Thursday, January 11.

The Comedy Cabaret Series will bring comedian George Casey to the Hampton Room on Tuesday, January 9, and Franc D'Ambrosio will be singing Broadway hits in the Activity Center Auditorium on Thursday, January 18 as part of the Special Performances Series.

Social Events

Tasty Trivia Tuesday will be back in the Hampton Room on Tuesday, January 16 for an exciting night of dinner and trivia. This month, there will also be a special raffle where one member will receive a season pass to the 2018-2019 Big Show Series.

The Garden Room will be hosting another Shabbat Dinner on Friday, January 19. This month, the meal will feature Broiled Salmon with Sherry Shallot Cream Sauce or Sliced Sirloin with Mushroom Sauce.

And at the end of the month we will have the Woodstock Revival Party happening in the Hampton Room on Wednesday, January 31. There will be a cash bar and light appetizers at 6:30 pm followed by a live performance from Petrina & the Flashback Band starting at 7 pm.

Arts & Education

Lunch & Learn will be back on Monday, January 8 with a Healthy Cooking Demonstration from The Grove Health & Rehabilitation. The lunch menu will feature a beet salad with goat cheese and orange vinaigrette, as well as turkey sausage spaghetti with zucchini noodles.

Professional artists from Paint the Town Citrus will be hosting the Craftea Art Workshop in the Activity Center on Monday, January 22. There will be a great selection of coffees and teas, and everyone attending will be supplied with everything they need to create their own masterpiece.

The Activity Center will also be hosting a Free CPR Certification Class on Wednesday, January 24 at 6 pm and an AARP Smart Driver Course on Saturday, January 27 at 9 am.

Golf & Tennis

A brand-new year of golf will kick off on Saturday, January 6 with the New Year's Cross Country Open. If you've never played one of these exciting cross-country events, make 2018 the year that you start!

There will also be some more serious golf tournaments happening later in the month with the Men's Ringer Tournament Major Event on Monday, January 8 and Tuesday, January 9, the Ladies' Winter Invitational on Friday, January 12, and the Ladies' Citrus Cup Championship on Friday, January 19.

If you are looking to improve your game before making the leap to serious competition, you might want to think about attending one of the Free Golf Clinics scheduled for the month of January. PGA Teaching Pro Mary Slinkard will be helping beginners on January 8, 9, and 10. Then she will be back to teach intermediate golfers on January 16, 23, and 30.

And if one of your New Year's Resolutions is to hit the tennis court, you can start with the Free Beginner Tennis Clinic on Tuesday, January 9 at 11 am.

Dinner Specials

Skyview Restaurant will be right back at it with amazing dinner specials for the new year starting with Asian Night on Thursday, January 4. They will also be having Lobster Night on Thursday, January 11 and a delicious Turkey Buffet on Tuesday, January 23.

Over at The Grille, January is going to be a month full of free extras on Sundays! Anyone who purchases two entrees there will receive a free appetizer on January 7, a free dessert on January 14, a free bottle of wine on January 21, and a free appetizer on January 28.

The Tiki Bar will be hosting a block party for the Hamptons POA neighborhood on Tuesday, January 30.

And you must pamper yourself in between all the excitement this month.  BellaVita Spa is offering a Winter Mint Massage and a Vanilla Almond Spa Pedicure that will be the key to starting your new year off on the right foot.

Happy New Year

November Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

The first ten months of 2017 have flown right by us and we are now heading into the holiday season here at the Villages of Citrus Hills. November is typically a month where the activities calendar lightens up a bit, but that is simply not the case this year.

Between all of the social events, arts and education activities, golf and tennis tournaments, and dinner specials, there is something for residents to get excited about just about every single day throughout the month. Let's take a closer look at some of the exiting activities and events you won't want to miss.

Social Events

Fans of the monthly Trivia Challenge will want to check out the brand new Extreme Jukebox event happening in the Hampton Room on Thursday, November 9. There will be a live host leading a game that combines elements of bingo, karaoke, and "Name That Tune."

We will be celebrating Veterans Day with a Veterans Day Dance in the Hampton Room on Saturday, November 11. There will be a dinner featuring Bourbon Salmon and Sliced Prime Rib followed by live music from Lisa Beck of Solid Rock.

Our Second Annual Car & Truck Show will be taking place in the Activity Center Parking Lot on Sunday, November 12 from 9 am to 3 pm. This will be a great chance for everyone to get out and enjoy the fall weather while appreciating some of the coolest rides you will find here at the Villages of Citrus Hills.

Anyone who enjoys the Extreme Jukebox event will also want to attend this month's Trivia Challenge on Tuesday, November 21 in the Hampton Room. Dinner this month will feature Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breast.

If you would like to join a group of people in getting away for Thanksgiving Day, the Citrus Hills Vacationers Club is planning a Thanksgiving Dinner Cruise for Thursday, November 23. We will be heading east to Sanford to board a classic paddleboat for lunch and live entertainment.

Arts & Education

Dr. Joe Coffey will be leading a weekly lecture series on the relationship between the United States and China starting on Wednesday, November 1 and running through Wednesday, December 13. Each of the lectures will take place in the Activity Center Card Room from 4:30 pm to 6 pm.

Local author Linda Tillis will be hosting a Book Reading and Q&A Session at the Coffee Shop on Friday, November 3 from 12:30 pm to 2 pm. Guests at this event can take advantage of a great coffee and croissant special as well!

The Lunch & Learn series will be back on Monday, November 6 with U.S. Air Force Veteran Joe Romiti speaking about patriotism, the history of our country's flag, and the importance of the Pledge of Allegiance. Lunch for this event will include an Open-Faced Hot Turkey Sandwich with Mashed Potatoes and Cranberry Sauce.  This event will be taking place in the Garden Room.

More than 50 local craft vendors will be setting up in the Hampton Room on Tuesday, November 28 for the 13th Annual Holiday Boutique. There will be all kinds of great gift ideas to choose from, which makes this the perfect time to start your Christmas shopping for the year!

Golf & Tennis

Competitive golfers will be lining up to have some fun participating in the Veterans Day Scramble at Skyview on Saturday, November 11. They will also be heading over to The Oaks course for the Pro Shop Open on Saturday, November 18.

If you are new to golf, you might want to join the Newbie Nine Hole League that plays on The Meadows course every Thursday at 3 pm. And you can also get plenty of advice on your golf game at one of Mary Slinkard's Free Golf Clinics scheduled throughout the month.

The Skyview Tennis Center will be a busy place this month with their Burger Bash Tennis Social scheduled for Sunday, November 5, a Free Beginner Tennis Clinic on Tuesday, November 14, and a Tennis Taco Fest right around the corner on December 3.

Dinner Specials

Skyview Restaurant and The Grille will both be having Thanksgiving Dinner Specials on Thursday, November 23. Skyview will be serving entrees like a Roast Turkey Platter and New York Strip Steak, and The Grille will be having a traditional Thanksgiving Buffet. Both restaurants will be serving from 12 pm to 5 pm and reservations will be required.

In addition to their Thanksgiving Dinner Special, Skyview Restaurant will also be hosting a Wine for the Holidays Tasting on Tuesday, November 7, and a European Pub Night on Tuesday, November 21.

Over at The Grille, there will be a Fall Harvest Dinner on Thursday, November 2, a Family Feast of Comfort Food on Sunday, November 12, and a Taste of the Southwest on Thursday, November 16.

BellaVita Spa & Fitness

If you manage to find some time for yourself during the month of November, you might want to head over to BellaVita Spa to take advantage of their Cranberry Orange Massage and Pumpkin Enzyme Facial specials.

And, as if all of that still wasn't enough, start marking your December calendars for the Holiday Tree Lighting on December 5 and make your reservations for the New Year’s Eve Party in the Hampton Room!

For a complete listing of all the events and activities for the month of November, click below.

http://www.citrushillsgolfandcountryclub.com/userfiles/file/November%202017%20Connections%20ONLINE.pdf

Getting Ready for the 2017-2018 Big Show Series

As we wind down the end of the summer months and make our way into the fall and winter seasons, it is important to remember that the Big Show Series is right around the corner. Starting in November and running through the end of March, there will be nine outstanding performances to look forward to during the 2017-2018 Big Show Series at the Villages of Citrus Hills.

As with all of the outstanding Big Show Series performances, these events will take place in the Activity Center Auditorium with show times at 6 pm and 8:15 pm on the night of each show! Make sure that you get your tickets well in advance because the acts that are coming to visit the Villages of Citrus Hills this year are surely going to pack the house!

Let's take a quick look at each of the nine performances that will comprise the 2017-2018 Big Show Series.

7 Bridges - The Ultimate Eagles Experience

Eagles fans will not want to miss their chance to see this outstanding tribute band on Tuesday, November 14. They are based in Nashville, Tennessee, but will be making the trip down to Florida to perform classic Eagles hits like "Heartache Tonight," "Life in the Fast Lane," and "Hotel California."

  Willy, Waylon, and Johnny Cash as The Highwaymen

Another popular tribute band that will be performing at the Villages of Citrus Hills this year is a take on the country music and southern rock supergroup known as The Highwaymen that originally included Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson. This version of the band features individual tributes to Willie, Waylon, and Johnny that will have you singing their southern classics all night long on Thursday, November 30.

The Buckinghams

Formed all the way back in 1966, The Buckinghams have seen just about everything the music business has to offer through six different decades. Original founding members Carl Giammarese and Nick Fortuna are still delivering passionate performances around the country, and they will be performing their hits like "Kind of a Drag" and "Don't You Care" at the Activity Center Auditorium on Thursday, December 14.

 

Hollywood Nights - The Ultimate Tribute to Bob Seger

On Thursday, January 11, true rock and roll fans at the Villages of Citrus Hills will be delighted by one of the most authentic tribute bands touring today, Hollywood Nights. Featuring Rick Murphy as Bob Seger and backed by his own version of The Silver Bullet Band, this performance will be filled with all of the classic Bob Seger hits.

Jeff Cook & The Allstar Goodtime Band

After the legendary country band Alabama retired from rocking arenas around the country, lead guitar Jeff Cook decided to continue his career performing with The Allstar Goodtime Band. On Thursday, January 25, they will be bringing their edgy mix of country, rock, and soul to the Villages of Citrus Hills.

Lou Christie

Lou Christie is another musician who has been making hits since the 1960s. He is still performing around the country and will be coming to Citrus Hills on Thursday, February 8. In addition to watching Lou perform some of his classic hits like "Lightnin' Strikes," "Two Faces Have I," and "I'm Gonna Make You Mine," this event will also feature an opening performance from Rocky and the Rollers.

The Grass Roots

Famous for hits like "Midnight Confessions," "Let's Live for Today," and "Sooner or Later," The Grass Roots is another legendary band that has been making music for the past six decades. They will be performing at the Activity Center Auditorium on Thursday, February 22.

The Flamingos featuring Terry Johnson

On Thursday, March 8 we will be hosting The Flamingos featuring Terry Johnson. This hall of fame doo-wop group is originally from Chicago, and they are responsible for hits like "I Only Have Eyes for You," "Lovers Never Say Goodbye," and "Rio Amore."

Johnny Contardo, Johnny Tillotson, & Ron Dante

This unique combination of oldies and rock and roll will take the stage in the Activity Center Auditorium on Thursday, March 22 and delight the audience with performances of a wide range of hits from "Poetry in Motion" to "Sugar, Sugar." There will also be an opening performance from Rocky and the Rollers!