COURTESY : Daily Commercial

By AMANDA KOONCE
Published December 16, 2004 

THE VILLAGES — Community leaders with the nerve to stand firm in the face of adversity were honored during Wednesday’s meeting of he Property Owners’ Association of The Villages.

Five POA activists became the first members inducted into the POA’s Hall of Fame during the club’s annual holiday party.

Russell Day

POA president Joe Gorman announced the Hall of Fame selection of the late Russell Day, longtime POA leadership adviser and Community Development District No. 1 supervisor.

He received the honor of being the first person ever selected to the Hall of Fame.

A POA member for more than 10 years, Day was credited with recruiting new members from Villages subdivisions on the west side of U.S. Highway 27/441 and for leading residents to the first meetings of the Village Center Community Development District.

Day’s death was recent. Gorman said the Hall of Fame Award was presented to his family during a funeral service.

Day was known for advising POA leaders on aspects of community development district law and the workings of Sumter County government.

Eva Hawkins

Eva Hawkins was among inductees recognized for standing up for Villages residents’ rights.

“Eva was one of the giants as far as POA members in her time period,” Gorman said.

She received credit for successfully leading the POA in legal action against the developer’s attempt to impose fees for benefits previously given to residents for free.

William Rich Jr.

Former POA president William Rich Jr. was selected to the club’s Hall of Fame for his efforts in recruiting new members and leading the group during turbulent times when rival residents’ group The Villages Homeowners Association was growing with great speed.

“It’s great to be remembered,” Rich told the group. “The POA will always be in my heart.”

Glenn Swindler

Like Hawkins, former POA President Glenn Swindler was named to the Hall of Fame for standing firm in debates with the influential developer.

“You often heard the comment that if people had a problem, Glenn was the man to go to,” Gorman said.

Swindler addressed the audience and emphasized that he’s still dedicated to the work of the POA.

“I’ll do whatever I can anytime I can,” he said.

Jean Tuttle

Former member of the POA’s board of directors and past chairman of its by-laws committee, Jean Tuttle, was honored as longtime editor of the POA Bulletin and author of a book telling the history of the POA.

She was visibly humbled to be back among members and recognized for her work.

“I see a lot of old friends here,” she said.

The POA was founded in 1975 and has a membership of 1,700.