You would have to live under a rock to not know about the “Twilight” mania that is going on in pop culture right now. The series of books by Stephanie Meyer’s were wildly popular, even before they were transformed into movies. As the third movie in the Twilight sage, “Eclipse”, hit theaters the furor hit an all time high! You can enjoy the romantic thriller in its full glory for a limited time at the World Golf IMAX movie theater with a six-story high screen! This makes it the largest IMAX screen in Northeast Florida and a great way to watch all of the action…

For those of you who don’t know, Twilight is a story about an ordinary teenage girl, Bella, who falls in love with an exotic vampire, Edward. Of course, this creates some unique challenges for their relationship. Their love is further complicated by the fact Bella also is in love with Jacob – who is a werewolf! (It should be noted she loves Edward the most though!)

This love triangle has created a rivalry between fans of the movies: Team Edward vs. Team Jacob. After watching Eclipse, I must admit I am on Team Jacob. Personally, I think he is cuter than the skinny and pale Edward. (I have to wonder if I am going to get nasty comments on this blog post now!) But I mostly side with Jacob because he is honest with Bella. Edward tends to “protect” her too much and this leads to controlling behaviour on his part…that is simply unattractive to me. Doesn’t this bother anyone else? And there is the small fact he is eventually going to take her soul away! Although I don’t think the movie will ever be nominated for an Oscar, it is a great way to escape for two hours or so!

Now, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how wonderful it was to simply ride our bikes to see this IMAX movie! When you live in The Neighborhoods of World Golf Village, the theater is practically in your own backyard. For more information about living in the best Jacksonville golf course community, visit Davidson Realty.

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.

I am no stranger to Sherwin Williams. Truth is, I am practically a regular.  There are approximately nine paint swatches on my kitchen and breakfast area walls at this very moment.  All Sherwin Williams.  It’s hard to choose when they are each so lovely and the selection process is my favorite part.  Oh, the possibilities! 

Point is, I am so familiar with our local Sherwin Williams that I was surprised to hear that a lot of World Golf Village, Murabella, Kensington, Palencia and other nearby neighbors don’t know SW is right in our backyard.  Granted, its location is a little hidden – they are tucked just off International Golf Parkway behind Roots ‘n Wing Preschool in the office park near the Shell station.  It sure beats hauling to one of the huge big box retailers and I always get immediate and attentive service.  I figured out a while ago that their paint is better quality than any I had tried from the big stores. But hands down the best reason to use Sherwin Williams is for their fastidious electronic record keeping.  Store Manager Tore Isacsson said himself, “I’m a little fanatical about records!”  Thank goodness Tore can look up the last gallon I purchased and match it exactly.  It means one less thing to remember and we could all use that.

New Photo Contest Coming Soon to Your Hood

One of the best things about living in World Golf Village is the great neighbors.  We share laughs, trade stories, watch out for each others’ kids and look after each others’ pets.  That’s why we’re celebrating our neighbors.  Starting June 1st, send us a photo of you and your neighbor – make sure they know you’re snapping it for the contest:)  Show us why your neighbor is the best. Maybe he’s a master BBQ chef who grills steaks to order, or perhaps she has a crazy gardening get-up that makes you smile every Saturday, or maybe your kids have become fast friends.  We’re celebrating the wonderful neighbors of World Golf Village.  Watch for the official contest start on June 1st.  We’ll accept your photos from June 1st to 15th.  Voting is from June 15th to 30th so get your friends and family queued up to vote and you could win our grand prize: World Golf Village Fun Packs for 4 and a $50 gift card to Caddyshack so you can treat your neighbors.  The WGV Fun Packs offer a single day admission to the museum, one round on the putting course and admission to one IMAX film. Get ready to send your photos to Peyton Davidson starting June 1st at pdavidson@davidsonrealtyinc.com.

GroveWood can be described in many ways – a beautiful single family neighborhood engulfed by nature, a family-oriented community full of activities, or a collection of 122 unique homesites inside The Village. But, I am here to tell you what you won’t read on a website; the inside scoop about living in the community I call home.

You know you live in GroveWood if:

You see a golf cart pass by every 30 minutes & you always want to hop on!

There’s a block party every night & all neighbors are invited

You land boat on Boat Landing

You go through a box of Capri Suns everyday

Your golf cart has as many miles as your car

Your neighbors discipline your kids

Breaking ground this Summer at Mill Creek Elementary School will be a new two-story building housing 16 new classrooms.  The state-of-the-art facility will feature the latest in classroom technology and a flexible design plan that allows for functional breakout spaces.  The building is slated for completion in Spring 2011.

The expansion comes just in time.  Enrollment at A-rated Mill Creek Elementary now tops 1,000 students. The school grew faster than any other in the St. Johns County School District this past school year.  Explains Mill Creek Elementary Principal Mary Ford, “Parents seek out St. Johns County for its top-rated schools and that includes Mill Creek. We expect growth to continue in the North St. Johns County area and we’re planning accordingly.”