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

September Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

While most residents here at the Villages of Citrus Hills don't have to worry about back to school shopping, the end of summer does represent a return to our normal routine here throughout the community. Many of our friends that head north during the warmer months will be returning soon, and the activities calendar is overflowing with fun ideas to keep all of us busy in the coming month of September.

Whether you are looking for social events to interact with friends, arts and education activities that are sure to stimulate your mind, exercise through golf and tennis, or just a great meal to enjoy, the September calendar has a lot for you to explore. Let's take a closer look at some of the activities and events happening around the community this month!

Social Events

The first big event of September will be the Summer Bazaar & Ice Cream Social at the Activity Center from 1 pm to 5 pm on Friday, September 8. DJ Benny Cruz will be playing music poolside, and there will also be several local vendors selling products inside…not to mention plenty of homemade ice cream!

Another poolside event that you won't want to miss will be the Flicks & Floats night on Friday, September 15. This month, the movie is Sully. As usual, there will be plenty of refreshments available, including buttery popcorn. Just make sure that you remember to bring your favorite float!

This month's Trivia Challenge will be held on Tuesday, September 19 in the Hampton Room. In addition to the thrilling battle of the minds, there will also be a dinner that includes Roast Pork with Cinnamon Apple Glaze and Beef Stroganoff.

On Thursday, September 28, the entire community will be on hand for the White Party Summer Social. This will be the unofficial end of the summer here at the Villages of Citrus Hills, and everyone is encouraged to come wearing all white and enjoy music and drinks by the pool.

If you are looking to attend some sporting events, the Activity Center is planning a trip to see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the New York Giants on Sunday, October 1. You can also reserve your tickets for the trips the Vacationers Club is planning to see the Tampa Bay Lightning on December 7 and March 6. 

Arts & Education

The Citrus Hills Vacationers Club will be sponsoring a trip to Clearwater to see Mama Won't Fly on Saturday, September 16. Tickets for this event are $85 per person, and that includes round-trip transportation, lunch before the show, and a ticket to the performance.

Guest speaker Steven K. Davis will be speaking about how we can attract wildlife to our gardens for this month's Lunch & Learn event, which will be held in the Garden Room on Tuesday, September 26. Lunch for this event will include a Harvest Chicken Salad and Cheesecake with Melba Sauce for dessert.

The Citrus Hills Vacationers Club will be having their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, September 27 at 4:30 pm in the Activity Center Auditorium. Davis Holmwood from Amadeus River Cruises will be speaking about some amazing cruises along the Black Sea in Europe.

Golf & Tennis

September is typically a month where the best golfers in our community spend their time getting ready for all the big tournaments and events scheduled for the month of October. One great way to get your game ready for those events is to participate in a free clinic with Golf Pro Wayne Larsen. This month, Wayne will be holding beginner clinics on September 4, 5, and 6 and then intermediate clinics on September 12, 19, and 26.

And if watching the US Open has you itching to get out on the tennis court, one of the best ways to start is to attend the Free Beginner Tennis Clinic at the Skyview Tennis Center on September 12 at 11 am.  The only thing required to participate is a pair of tennis shoes!

Dinner Specials

Both Skyview Restaurant and The Grille will be putting together special meals to celebrate Labor Day on Monday, September 4. Skyview Restaurant will be serving a BBQ menu that features St. Louis Style Ribs and Flame-Grilled London Broil, while out at The Grille you can find a buffet of Flank Steak, Spicy Lemon Shrimp, and Split Roasted Chicken.

Skyview Restaurant is also planning a Wine Tasting event for September 12 and a Hawaiian Luau for September 26. Then there will be an Irish Night event at The Grille on September 14 and an End of Summer Cookout at the Tiki Bar on September 21.

We are also right around the corner from a brand-new NFL season, and football fans will want to be sure they make it to the Tiki Bar for drink, appetizer, and food specials on every football Sunday.

With all the activities and events happening this month, you might have a hard time finding any time for yourself. But if you’re able to, take advantage of the Chocolate Almond Spa Pedicure special that BellaVita Spa is running all month long!

Enjoy Your September!

June Activities and Events at the Villages of Citrus Hills

Memorial Day weekend has come and gone and we are heading straight into the heart of summer here at the Villages of Citrus Hills. This is typically the time of year where things slow down a bit for us, but you will be happy to learn that there are still a lot of great things planned for the month of June.

On top of all the fun activities and events happening, there is also going to be some construction activity over at BellaVita as the entire fitness facility is scheduled to get a major upgrade. The construction is expected to last about two weeks, and the facility will look brand new when everything is finished.

Let's take a closer look at some of the exciting events and activities that the Activity Center staff has planned for the month of June!

Social Events

We're going to be starting off the month of June on a festive note with the Bella Notte Italiana Dinner Show on Thursday, June 1 in the Hampton Room. The menu for this event will feature Chicken Parmesan, Baked Lasagna, and Sausage and Peppers. There will also be classic Italian music entertainment from Duo Romantico following dinner.

Mentalist Eric Anderson will be performing in the Hampton Room on Tuesday, June 6. Members attending this event will be treated to a unique blend of magic, comedy, and mind tricks that will include some amazing sleight of hand tricks and fire eating. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show starts at 7 pm!

This month's installment of Flicks & Floats is scheduled for Friday, June 16. Members and guests will be gathering around the pool to watch the hysterical Central Intelligence on the big screen. This show starts at 8:30 pm.

The Brain Trust were the big winners at last month's Trivia Challenge, but that title will be up for grabs again this month on Tuesday, June 20. If you think you have what it takes to take the trivia title, get your team together and we'll see you at the challenge!

The Tiki Bar is hosting a Singles Social Happy Hour for all of the singles in our community from 4-6 pm on Tuesday, June 27. If you are looking to meet other singles, this is a perfect opportunity to have some fun and do just that!

Golf & Tennis

June isn't typically a busy month on our golf courses, but there are three big tournaments that you definitely want to participate in this month.

The action starts with the Summer Open Tournament on the Citrus Hills course on June 3. Then the Skyview course will be hosting the two-day Men's Pinehurst Major Championship Event on June 12-13 and the U.S. Impossible Tournament on Saturday, June 17.

If you are looking to make some improvements to your game this month, golf pro Wayne Larsen will be hosting free clinics for beginners on June 5, 6, and 7. Then he will be back to work with intermediate golfers on June 13, 20, and 27.

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

Dinner Specials

The Belmont Stakes is scheduled for June 10 this year, and The Grille is celebrating the race by hosting a "Belmont Steaks" viewing party. They will have choice cut grilled New York Strip Steaks with Rosemary and Parmesan on special for $15.

Both Skyview Restaurant and The Grille will be hosting Father's Day specials on Sunday, June 18. Skyview will be having a traditional brunch buffet, and The Grille will be serving steak and seafood dinners from 5-8 pm.

Tuesday, June 20 is going to be New Orleans night at Skyview Restaurant. Entrees for this special night will include Cornish Game Hens, Roasted Red Snapper, Chicken Clemenceau, and Filet Medallions.

The Tiki Bar will be having a Taste of the Islands special on Tuesday, June 29 that will feature Jerk Chicken, Fried Red Snapper, and Bahama-Momma Pork, along with live entertainment courtesy of Island Girl Bickley Rivera.

If you should happen to find any extra time to pamper yourself during the month of June, you will definitely want to take advantage of specials like the Aromatic Rose and Jasmine Facial and the Refreshing Citrus Massage that will be available all month long.

Make sure you take a few minutes to write all of the events and activities that interest you on your calendar and have a great month of June!

Spring Fitness: 7 BellaVita Classes You Should Try This Spring

Spring has officially arrived here at the Villages of Citrus Hills, and that means it’s the perfect time of year to be thinking about fitness and exercise. If you are looking to ramp up your workout schedule in the coming months, the BellaVita Spa & Fitness Center has a class schedule that can fit just about anyone’s exercise style and schedule.

All of the classes at BellaVita are absolutely free for members to attend, but are restricted to members only. They are usually about an hour long, and most don’t require you to bring anything other than a pair of shoes and a positive attitude…and there are even some where you won’t need the shoes!

If you would like to expand your exercise horizons this spring, we have picked out seven interesting classes that you might want to consider!

Aquacise

If joint pain has prevented you from doing any type of aerobic exercise in the past, you absolutely have to try aquacise. This is a shallow water exercise class that takes place in the pool to limit the impact and stress on your joints. All fitness levels are welcome for this one, and all you need to bring is a bathing suit.

Group Circuit Training

For some people, the social aspect of exercising is just as important as the physical aspect. If you happen to be one of those people, you will fit right in at the Group Circuit Training class. Members participating in this class enjoy the upbeat music pulsing in the background as they make their way through a series of strength training and cardiovascular machines that are designed to provide a full body workout.

Line Dancing

Not all exercise has to feel like exercise. One of the exciting classes you will find at BellaVita are the line dancing sessions, which are available for beginners, intermediate, and advanced dancers. It doesn’t matter if you have two left feet or have been dancing for years, instructor Pam Hall will be sure to get the absolute best out of you once you are out on her dance floor!

Spinning

Riding a stationary bike was never very much fun back in the day. Most of us had one in our basement that just sat around collecting dust. But since the concept of spinning has injected new life into those bikes, everyone loves participating in this great cardio workout. Make sure you bring a towel for this one, because you are definitely going to work up a sweat!

Tai Chi

This ancient Chinese practice uses rhythmic exercises to tone and strengthen muscles. As a tremendous side benefit, Tai Chi does an amazing job at reducing stress. It is also known for increasing flexibility, energy, and relaxation, so what’s not to like, right?

Yoga

Speaking of stretching and relaxation, there are multiple types of yoga classes happening at BellaVita throughout the week. Members can participate in Gentle & Healing Yoga, Restorative Yoga, or Classic Yoga for beginners. No matter what stage you are at in your practice, there are plenty of ways to enjoy yoga at BellaVita.

Zumba

If you are looking for a more upbeat form of aerobic exercise, it doesn’t get any better than Zumba. These high-energy classes feature motivating music and unique dance moves that let you get a workout in while having a blast. This is also a fun way to get to know some of your neighbors in a positive environment.

BellaVita Spa & Fitness Center offers an astounding number of different exercise classes that take place throughout the week. For the most updated schedule of classes, check out their page on the Club Happenings website, or just swing by BellaVita in person and pick up a copy. Have fun!