It takes a Village to win a contest. Congratulations to the all-female crew of Village People who won the World Golf Village “My Neighbor is the Best!” Photo Contest. We love them for their chutzpah, creativity and cuteness.  And apparently so does everyone else.

The winners are neighbors in the Jacksonville golf course community and have become great friends. The photo is from Halloween last year when they showed 10-year-olds everywhere how trick-or-treating is really done.  The ladies will share World Golf Village Fun Packs and a $50 gift certificate to Caddyshack where we hope they will toast macho men and women alike.  Ladies, our hats are off to you, that includes hard hats, cowboy hats, camo caps, bandanas and feather warbonnets.

When you look at a map of the greater World Golf Village area, ever wonder what all those curvaceous creeks are like?  Well, it is simple to channel that wonder into an easy exploration, for most of the larger creeks in our area are beautifully serene and old-Florida wild.
 
Two of the best creeks for a paddle excursion are right at the doorstep to the World Golf Village.  One of them, Six Mile Creek, forms the western boundary of the King & Bear and Heritage Landing neighborhoods.  Six Mile Creek, along with its sister, Trout Creek, flow into the St. Johns River at their confluence with Palmo Cove.  In the 1800’s both creeks enabled loggers to gain access to harvest prime timber and raft it out to the broad St. Johns River, eventually delivering it to the mills in Jacksonville.  Today, the creeks offer a pristine glimpse into the flora and fauna that so intrigued the Bartram’s during their discoveries in the late 1700’s.
 
For starters, I suggest a half-day of boating that will reveal the unique character and quality of both Six Mile Creek and Trout Creek, while providing a window to the St. Johns River’s majesty.
 
There are two ways to do my suggested trip.  For an out-and-back trip, try putting in at the St. Johns County Trout Creek boat ramp on SR 16 / SR 13 – paddling out from there and returning to the same location.  Optionally, you can set up a shuttle with one car at the Outback Crab Shack on CR 13 – that way you can put in at Trout Creek and take out at the Crab Shack (after your lunch or dinner – just tell Ms. Margaret, Joe or David that you are leaving your car, before you depart).

In July, we will be opening the gates of our one-of-a-kind Jacksonville golf course community! July’s Sneak Peek Saturdays will feature Jacksonville golf course homes in the King & Bear. Tour the homes and be sure to check out our Swim and Tennis Center where all our social happenings take place. Fall in love with our resort-style amenities; a Junior Olympic-sized adult pool, kiddies’ pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, a clubhouse where tons of events take place, and more!

In World Golf Village, we like to celebrate the 4th of July all weekend long. Join us on Friday, July 2nd for the World Golf Village Community Fireworks Show. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and relax around the Walk of Champions before the big event. Then, join us for Sneak Peek Saturdays on July 3rd from 1-4 pm and you may be lucky enough to win a beach basket full of summer fun. If that just isn’t enough for you, make sure to book a tee time at the Slammer & Squire or King & Bear course for the 4th!

There’s a neighborhood for everyone in the King & Bear, so come out and find your perfect fit. For more information on the Community Fireworks Show call (904) 940-4123 and for more information on Sneak Peek Saturdays call (904) 940-5000. We look forward to showing you around our home!

Todd Oakes lives with his wife of 40 years, Cathy, in the Cascades at World Golf Village. They were among the first residents when they moved to the St. Augustine golf community in 2006. Although Todd’s favorite quote is, “It is better to keep your mouth shut and be thought stupid than to open your mouth and remove all doubt,” he has graciously agreed to be our featured resident this month! Meet Todd…

1. If you could have front row seats to any concert who would you like to see?

I don’t know if you would call it a concert, but the Blue Collar Comedy Tour. I love to laugh.

2. If you could be brilliant in one subject, which would you choose?

Marital respect. We’ve made it 40 years and have been doing pretty good, but there is always room to improve.

3. Which is more important, the respect of your children or your parents? 

I don’t think you can separate the two.  If I did not have the respect of my parents, I don’t know how you would think your kids would respect you.

4. Should the individual or society be of primary importance? 

Since I am a lifelong conservative, this one is easy. It has to be the individual.