Yankee Trails

01 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7 The Villages ® Community yankeetrails.com | 352.633.4643 native of Wilton, New York, Jan grew up only a stone's throw away from the Great- er Links Golf Course. An educator by trade, she enjoyed a success- ful 38-year teaching career with a focus on English and Language Arts before moving to The Villages three years ago. While this loca- tion change surely offered an up- grade in weather during the winter months, Jan was determined not to lose her connection to where she was from, and joined the Saratoga County Club shortly after arriving in Florida. "I've always enjoyed being in- volved in club activities, and love a good leadership challenge," Jan explained. "Last year I served as co-president of the club, and this year I will continue on my own as President." At its core, the Saratoga County Club is a social group, promoting active interaction and fostering new friendships between mem- bers. At the opening of each Club meeting, there is a designated time for new members to introduce themselves. Jan has seen this lead to some incredible results. "I've met some lovely people through this club," she explained. "I've seen members reunite with old high school friends, or coworkers they haven't seen in years. It's pretty amazing to see the connections." Jan's favorite duty as President of the Saratoga County Club is inter- acting with the entertainers the group hires for its events. In addi- tion to Bingo Nights and musical acts, the group focuses on bringing in more unusual forms of enter- tainment. Recently, the Saratoga County Club hosted magicians, co- medians and a performer named Homer Noodleman, whose impres- sions had club members in stitch- es. "I try to hire performers from Upstate New York for these events whenever I can," she said. "Many of them work on cruise ships. It's fascinating to talk with them about their experiences and learn about them as people." In addition to the fun and games, the Saratoga County Club's mem- bers are active participants in sev- eral charitable endeavors. Mem- bers bring donations for the local food pantry at every meeting. The club also worked with the Girl Scouts in support of their Books and PJ Program, an initiative that collects pajamas and reading ma- terials for disadvantaged children. "We've had a great response to our group's philanthropic efforts," Jan said, proudly. "These efforts have proven to be a fun and worthwhile way to make a difference for some great causes." Jan encourages anyone who is in- terested in becoming a part of the Saratoga County Club to stop in for a visit. With the exception of June, July and August, the group meets every second Thursday of the month, and offers its members, especially New Yorkers used to the cold Northeast, the chance to stay active and outdoors through- out the winter months. "We are a growing group with limited dues, quality entertainment and friendly, welcoming members," Jan said. "Ev- eryone is welcome to come join in the fun." A We at Yankee Trails continue to be amazed by the incredible number of fun, creative clubs and organizations within The Villag- es community. This month, we had the chance to sit down with Jan Butler, the President of the Saratoga County Club, New York. Club of the Month: Saratoga County Club, New York If you'd like your group to be considered for a future article, contact Mike Rogers at mrogers@yankeetrails.com

• Cover