[ Department ] Articles
REFLECTIONS
ON THE COVER It’s time to “spring” out those gardening tools, and get planting! April is National Gardening Month. This cover is “blooming” with new plants planted by residents in our own Solivita Community Garden.
APRIL 2021 VOLUME 21 ISSUE 4
CONTACT LIST VILLAGE CENTER HOURS Administration: 863-427-7100 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm K&M Drugs: 863-496-7930 Monday-Friday 9am-6pm Saturday 9am-1pm and Sunday Closed Marketplace Bistro: 863-427-7150, ext. 4724 Daily 8am-7pm, Breakfast: 8am-11am
Community Manager (Association) - Rudy Bautista: 863-701-2969 or rbautista@evergreen-LM.com Club Manager - Sheri Wollschlager: 863-427-7129 or swollschlager@evergreen-LM.com Director of Safety & Security - Madalyn Colon: 863-440-7572 or madalync@vitalsecurity.com Communications Director - Doug Gilbert: 863-427-7137 or solivitacommunications@evergreen-LM.com Evergreen Lifestyles Management (For ALL Club & HOA Matters) 24/7: 855-490-1804 or customerservice@evergreen-LM.com
Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: 863-427-7130 Monday-Thursday 6:30am-9pm Friday 6:30am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm
Taylor Morrison Customer Care: 800-858-5933 or OrlandoCustomerCare@taylormorrison.com. Warranty Request: taylormorrison.com/warranty/request
Riviera Spa Massage: 407-914-9168 Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm Friday 8am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-6pm
Activities: 863-427-7125 or SolivitaActivities@evergreen-LM.com
Solivita Club Facilities After Hours Emergency Phone Number: 863-286-8779 Weekdays 5pm-8pm and Weekends 12pm-5pm Starlite Ballroom Daily 8am-11pm Stonegate Pro Shop: 863-427-7150, ext. 4710 Daily 7am-5pm The Grille at Stonegate: 863-427-7167 Daily 11am-8pm Breakfast Wednesday through Sunday, 8am-11am Happy Hour Daily 3pm-7pm and All Day on Sundays The Palms: 863-496-1530 Amenity Center Monday-Sunday 8am-9pm Kids Pool Hours Monday-Friday 12pm-4pm Saturday & Sunday 9am-9pm Fitness Center Monday-Thursday 6:30am -9pm Friday 6:30am-7pm Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm Waterfront Galleries Daily 8am-11pm Welcome Center or Model Park: 863-427-7000 Monday-Saturday 9:30am -5:30pm Sunday 11am -5:30pm
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Architectural Review: 863-427-7022 or compliance@solivitahoa.com Catering & Banquets (Stonegate Golf Club): 863-427-7150, ext. 4720 Concierge: 863-427-7100 or Fax: 863-496-4456 Floralawn: 863-225-9565 or floralawn.com (Submit a Work Order) Floralawn Irrigation Emergency After Hours: 863-225-9565 (Starting at 5pm all calls get routed directly to the on-call manager) K&M Drugs: 863-496-7930 or Fax: 863-496-7931 Membership: 863-427-7143 or solivitamembership@evergreen-LM.com Mosaics Restaurant: 863-427-7150, ext. 4720 or option #5 Resident to Resident Resource Center: 863-236-9973 or SolivitaR2R@gmail.com Riviera Spa Massage: 407-914-9168 or info@rivieraspamassage.com Security Gatehouses Supervisor: 407-989-2417 Bella Viana Gate: 407-603-2422 Main Gate: 407-603-2399 Parkway Gate: 863-286-0329 South Gate (Marigold): 863-496-1473 Venezia Gate: 407-603-2397 West Gate (San Clemente): 863-496-1453 Solivita Sales: 863-427-7000 Stonegate Golf Club Directory: 863-427-7150 The Palms Amenity Center: 863-496-1530 or Fax: 863-496-0914 Violations & Compliance: 863-427-7151, 863-256-2897 or compliance@solivitahoa.com Visitor/Vendor Gate Access Voice Server: 863-313-1314
[ Solivita Information] APRIL TABLE OF CONTENTS Newsletter Submission & Advertising Info ............................ Page 3 Department Articles .............................................................. Pages 4-20 Solivita University ................................................................. Pages 12-13 Community Events .............................................................. Pages 20-22 Mosaics Special Nights ........................................................... Page 21 Wellness Events ......................................................................... Page 22 A Touch of Class ................................................................... Pages 23-26 Club & Support Group Meeting Lists ............................ Pages 27-31 Club News ............................................................................... Pages 32-43 Neighborhood News .................................................................. Pages 44 Resident Kudos .............................................................................. Page 44 Advertisements ..................................................................... Pages 44-80 Activities Events (back of calendar) ................ Insert Pages E1-E3 Movies on Channel 732 ................................................. Insert Page E1 Events You Do Not Want to Miss .............................. Insert Page E2 Future Events ..................................................................... Insert Page E3 Monthly Calendar (back of Activities Events) ........................ Insert
Flags Over
Solivita
The Veterans Club established this project to display a U.S. Flag in front of every home in Solivita to recognize and celebrate selected holidays throughout the year. The club assigns a representative to place a 3’ x 5’ U.S. Flag in front of their home, in a designated location, throughout the year (Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day through 9/11, and Veterans Day). Applications are available and can be printed from SolivitaHOA.com (under Veterans Club), on www. veteransclubofsolivita.com, or you may pick up a copy at the Concierge Desk. Applications, along with your $25 check (made out to VCS), can be mailed to Veterans Club of Solivita, P.O. Box 581770, Poinciana, FL 34758. If you would like to volunteer or you have any questions, email flagsoversolivita@gmail.com or call 863-512-3655.
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NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS Email submissions to reflections@evergreen-LM.com
MAY SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Thursday, April 1st. Club insert copies for May are due by Monday, April 26th. All inserts must be approved by Club Manager, Sheri Wollschlager (email to swollschlager@ evergreen-LM.com) or Communications Director, Doug Gilbert (email to solivitacommunications@evergreen-LM. com) before they are copied.
JUNE SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Friday, April 30th.
ADVERTISING INFO
Solivita reserves the right to refuse advertisement and does not guarantee any work or claims made by advertisers. Advertisement in Reflections does not constitute an endorsement or approval of goods or services by Solivita. For more information, visit SolivitaAdvertising. com or contact Amanda Wright at 813-501-7220 or SolivitaAdvertising@Evergreen-LM.com.
PHOTO RELEASE AGREEMENT As a reminder, attending any event or class advertised in this publication grants Taylor Morrison, Evergreen Lifestyles Management and Solivita, permission and unconditional rights to use, print, publish or allow to be published, any photographic or videographic image and/or likeness for promotional and/or advertising purposes without compensation, consent, restrictions or limitations whatsoever.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? Do you have a suggestion for Reflections, Channel 732, or SolivitaHOA.com? Email inquiries or comments to Doug Gilbert at SolivitaCommunications@Evergreen-LM.com.
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[ Solivita Information ] Living with Alligators
Committee Roundup
There’s an old Florida saying: “If You Have Water — You’re Likely to Have Alligators.” Solivita is part of the Florida Wetlands, so it is only natural that we have alligators. While alligators are dangerous wild creatures to be respected and avoided, there is no need to unreasonably fear them. Alligators are opportunistic feeders. Their diets include prey species that are abundant and easily accessible. Juvenile alligators primarily eat insects, amphibians, small fish, and invertebrates. Adult alligators eat fish, snakes, turtles, small mammals, and birds. Solivita would have more pests were it not for the alligators. Living with alligators, and all wildlife, requires a healthy, common-sense outlook. Incursions in Solivita are rare and no human has ever been harmed.
Solivita Club Committee (SCC)
Here Are a Few Simple Practices That Will Keep You and Your Pets Safe: • NEVER FEED AN ALLIGATOR! Feeding promotes curiosity and invites disaster. • KEEP YOUR DISTANCE. Alligators are surprisingly fast on their feet and can climb fences. Avoid danger by staying at least 30 feet away and being alert and attentive. • STAY ALERT WHEN FISHING OR WALKING AT THE EDGE OF A POND. Alligators are stealthy and hunt at the waters edge. Polk County requires pets to be leashed at all times. Always keep your pets clear of ponds. • KEEP CHILDREN AWAY FROM PONDS—ALWAYS. Alligators are both quick and dangerous. • DON’T FEAR AN ALLIGATOR THAT’S IN OR NEAR THE WATER. Alligators require sun to warm themselves. This is natural and benign behavior. Stay clear, and keep your pets safe inside your home. • GATORS ARE ACTIVE DURING MATING SEASON. Springtime is when you are most likely to experience a wayward gator in your yard or driveway. Males seek females, and females search for a nesting area. Don’t panic. Remain calm. Stay clear and safe in your home or auto. They will typically retreat. Alligators that are reported are trapped and killed. Please, help with conservation efforts by reporting only legitimately aggressive and dangerous behavior.
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We’d like to introduce the Solivita Club Committee (SCC). The committee was formed to act in an advisory capacity for Evergreen Lifestyles Management (ELM) regarding the Club facilities and programming. The SCC is comprised of five homeowners (Irene Stecher, Lucille Hadley, Denise Tierney, Kaith Eaton and Doug Hellebuyck - pictured below), the Club Manager (Sheri Wollschlager), and Club Manager’s Assistant (Peggy Biwer). The Club Program includes Activities, Fitness, Recreation, Maintenance, Housekeeping, all of the pools and all amenity rooms in the Village and The Palms, along with resident clubs. The SCC will be a liaison between ELM and the community. The SCC will serve to make recommendations and/or provide key information and materials to ELM by representing the opinions of the community at large. ELM will implement these recommendations or present them to Taylor Morrison for approval. The SCC had their first official meeting via Zoom on January 19th. During the meeting, the SCC developed their Committee Guidelines. The guidelines and minutes can be viewed on SolivitaHOA.com > Lifestyles > Solivita Club Committee. If you would like to contact the SCC, please email them at SCC@ SolivitaHOA.com.
Irene Stecher
Lucille Hadley
Keith Eaton
Denise Tierney
Doug Hellebuyck
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Trivia
Karaoke
Thursday Night Movies
SPECIAL NIGHTS
SPECIAL NIGHTS
Select Mondays at 4pm & 7pm $5 Beverage Ticket Admission
Select Tuesdays from 6pm-9pm Complimentary Entrance
Spring Egg Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, April 3rd
Lineup on Ballroom side road. RSVP required starting at 9:30am. Complimentary and To Go Lunch Included Guests of all ages welcome
Battle of the DJs
Phoneography 101
Mondays April 5th - May 10th 3pm » Zoom » $30 iPhone camera and photo tips and tricks course
Community aces sold vendor sp
Friday, April 9th
Freedom Park Parking Lot in Reserved Areas from 7pm-10pm $30 for 2; $45 for 3; or $60 for 4
out
Saturday, April 17th Freedom Park Parking Lot 8am-11am $5 for vendor space Guests of all ages welcome
every Wednesday 11am-1pm Freedom Park Parking Lot
Beginners Conversational Spanish Tues, April 6th-27th & Thurs, April 8th-29th 1:30pm Gator Room $40
7pm on ch. 732 movie listing is on the back of the calendar insert
The Righteous Among the Nations Film and Lecture
Wednesday, April 7th 7pm » Ch. 732 Non-Jews who took great risks to save Jews during the Holocaust
Things To Do Thursday Things to Do Thursday
Thursday, April 22nd Email Blast
from the activities department
READ MORE INFORMATION AND WHO IS PERMITTED TO ATTEND THESE EVENTS ON THE BACK OF THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER CALENDAR OR GO TO SOLIVITAHOA.COM HOME PAGE AND CLICK ON THE RSVP OR PURCHASE TICKETED EVENTS BANNER. IT WILL GO TO THE ACTIVITIES EVENTS AND SOLIVITA UNIVERSITY CLASSES CALENDAR. THERE YOU GO TO THE DATE OF THE EVENT OR CLASS. FOR QUESTIONS, EMAIL OR CALL ACTIVITIES DEPARTMENT AT SOLIVITAACTIVITIES@EVERGREEN-LM.COM OR 863-427-7125.
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[ Department ] Articles
Opposite April Fool’s Day By Jana Malik Director of Activities
In Activities, we love the holidays! We enjoy decorating and celebrating each of their individual themes and colors. We brainstorm and use our creativity to make each one more unique for Solivita residents. However, April Fool’s Day is one holiday that I don’t enjoy celebrating. I don’t like to prank or fool someone and then see their faces turn upside down or they get upset. I don’t see the “fun” in that. Instead, I do this weird thing that I call “talking in opposite,” which is basically saying the opposite of what I actually mean. I know it’s not the same thing as April Fool’s Day, but I’m letting you know in case you are ever in the Activities office and you hear me talking “in opposite,” I don’t want you to get “fooled.” Let me explain. For some reason (and this ALWAYS happens to me) if I get excited about something, whether in my personal or work life, and I may say “I can’t wait for this weekend to go to an event” or “the weather is looking so good for our upcoming event,” 100% of the time, I get jinxed and get really disappointed. What ends up happening is that we can’t go to the event because somebody backs out or the weather turns to rain. So, ever since I was in my 20’s, I talk in “opposite” so that I don’t get jinxed and 100% of the time, it WORKS! Now, for real, not opposite, let’s get down to what’s going on in our little world.
Online Ticket Sales We have a lot of new residents at Solivita and residents who are new to this new system. We would like to take this opportunity to explain and clarify some policies.
tickets for the event to be held on May 20, 2021, will open for ticket sales at 9am on Thursday, April 1st. We have not changed this policy since the beginning of Solivita and it is mainly for event planning purposes. • In order to sell events to Residents Only, the purchase of tickets is through SolivitaHOA.com. Make sure you have created an account to log in. If you need help, email Communications or the Membership office. • The ticket sales link for each event is located by going to the SolivitaHOA.com Home Page and clicking on the RSVP or Purchase Tickets scrolling banner. It will take you to the Activities Events and Solivita University calendar. There you go to the event date and click on the event name. • All events are NOT created the same. Make sure to read the entire event promo to know what to expect and who is permitted to attend. • Refunds are given up to FIVE (5) BUSINESS DAYS prior to an event and you will need to email or call Activities for a refund request. This is due to planning and costs we have to pay in advance. If we have a wait list, we try our best to assist. • Refunds are NOT given once a Zoom link has been sent for a Solivita University class. • You can pay with cash or check using the Pay Later payment option and your ticket/space will be reserved. Bring the cash or check to the Activities office before the event date in order to receive your E-ticket. As usual, we are here to help, guide and assist. Contact Activities by phone at 863-427-7125 or email at SolivitaActivities@ Evergreen-LM.com Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.
Room Capacity Changes • At 9am on the first business day of every month, online Ticket Sales through SolivitaHOA.com will open for events being held the following month. For example,
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At the time of writing this article (early March), the indoor club facilities have increased room capacity to 75% with a maximum of 100 and up to four (4) guests per household are permitted with a guest pass. Outdoor facilities and pools are now at 100% capacity with a maximum of 100 people and up to four (4)
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[ Department] Articles
Jana’s article continued from page 6
guests per household are welcome with a guest pass. Select Activities events will welcome Solivita resident guests, so check the event promo or email blasts for more information. Face coverings are still required, and food is not permitted in all indoor facilities, except if it is being catered. At the outdoor venues, food is permitted to be brought whether individually, catered or potluck.
Spring is Here!
By Rudy Bautista, LCAM Solivita Community Association Manager Solivita is welcoming back Spring and if you are like me, eagerly looking forward to this season. Spring brings a renewed start to the year, especially after a cold winter. It gives us a burst of new color, flowers in our landscape and warmer weather, so that we can enjoy the outdoors more.
April Events Welcome Guests You will find more information, including whether tickets or RSVP are required, on the back of this month’s calendar insert. • April 3rd: Spring Egg Scavenger Hunt – Resident guests of all ages are welcome and four (4) people per cart are now allowed. RSVP is required as we need an attendee count. This will be a fun event for adults or with grandkids. • April 9th: Battle of the DJs – Remains for Residents Only. • April 17th: Community Yard Sale – Resident guests of all ages (4 per household) are welcome. This event is CLOSED to the public.
Save the Date for a Roaring Good Time Mark Saturday, October 9, 2021 for Solivita’s 21st Birthday Party that spans inside and outside of the whole Village Center. It will be themed as a Roaring 20’s prohibition style party and it will be an event you won’t want to miss! There will be entertainment EVERYWHERE.
Activity Competitions and Picture This Trivia at 2pm on Channel 732 Due to low participation trends, Activity Competitions and Picture This Trivia will be discontinued as monthly events. These events were created during the days of quarantine and it has always been the intention that these events would not remain permanently. Not talking opposite and I’m not fooling you ... let’s Keep The Party Going!!! Jana Malik 863-427-7125 jmalik@evergreen-LM.com
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We also get to enjoy the Solivita wildlife as well. It gives us a chance to see the Sandhill cranes more, as April is when they usually start to lay their eggs. You will see their courtship dances as well as their very loud calls. Alligators begin their courtship in April, so you may see them crossing a street to get over to the next waterway. We ask that you please use caution when near these amazing animals, and to please appreciate them from afar. The grass will be growing very quickly and the Floralawn team is already mowing weekly in all stated areas. Your shrubs are scheduled to be pruned every four weeks and your home is scheduled to be weeded every two weeks. So, in all reality, spring brings us so much more activity all across this great community. My Team here is looking forward to helping you with any need that may arise. As you approach every new day, remember to share the light that illuminates who you are, that will light the paths for all to see. May you have a wonderful start to your spring and enjoy what our wonderful community offers to us all. Rudy Bautista 863-701-2969 rbautista@evergreen-LM.com
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[ Department ] Articles
Registration Systems
By Vickie Kellogg Membership Coordinator Happy Spring Everyone! This month, I wanted to share a few reminders on how some of our systems work.
Visitor Access There are two ways to add visitors or vendors in the gate system. Either method will place the visitor information on the home’s record that every gate has access to. Security CANNOT add visitors on your records and CANNOT update your records. If you call a gate to add a visitor to your list, they will keep the information at that gate, but NO other gate will have the visitor information. If the visitor enters at a different gate, that gate will not know about your visitor.
Adding Visitors on the Gate Website Every resident has a personal website to add visitors. Visitors can be added for one day access, a specific time frame, or permanently. Visitor passes will be printed, for the timeframe specified, at the gate upon the arrival of the visitor. Residents that do not have their website access code, please contact Membership and we will be happy to provide the username and password or assist with the registration process for anyone having issues. Visitors added to the gate website will be processed through the gates quicker as it eliminates the need for the gates to call the resident for confirmation to allow the visitor access. It also makes it easier for visitors to get Visitor Passes to the Amenities. The Palms and Riviera Spa and Fitness Center use this system to verify visitors prior to issuing passes. If they are NOT on your gate website, residents must be present with their Solivita ID’s and their visitors to purchase passes. This is important now that the facilities are open to visitors.
Adding Visitors by Phone - Voicemail Number: 863-313-1314 The Gate Voicemail System will identify callers by the phone number recorded in the Membership Gate System. Don’t forget to notify Membership when your phone numbers change. If you call the voicemail and get the message, “Your telephone number is not registered with us,” it means that Membership does not have that number in the system. The system will ask the caller to press 1 through 7. Seven days is the maximum number of
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days allowed to “call in” a visitor. The system starts counting the number of days on the day the call is placed. Example: If you are placing the call today for a guest visiting tomorrow, press 2. Today is day 1, tomorrow is day 2. After a number is selected, the system will ask for the name of the visitor. Speak clearly and wait for the system to thank you and disconnect the call. All of the gates will have access to your voicemail within about 5-10 minutes. They are able to play your voicemail when visitors arrive at the gate.
Golf Cart Registration All golf carts need to be registered in Solivita even if they were purchased from another resident. Effective immediately, transfer of golf cart registration numbers will not be allowed. When a golf cart is sold, the sticker should be removed, and Membership should be notified that you no longer own that golf cart. The new owner must register the golf cart and provide the name of the previous owner with the Concierge or Membership Office.
LPR Gate Access System (License Plate Recognition) Cars registered in the system must belong to Owners, Tenants, or Occupants that have proven residency in Solivita. Plate or car changes or additions can be done in person through the Concierge or Membership office. They can also be submitted by email including a car form and copy of the state registration for the vehicle, or by using the Resident Gate Website. The Gate Website will allow both documents to be uploaded and sent directly to Membership. When driving up to the resident lane, please allow any cars in front of you to go through the gate. Please wait to drive past the camera until the gate arm is down or going down, to avoid the arm hitting your vehicle. The cameras will read the plate; however, they will not keep the gate arm in the up position. When experiencing issues with the gate reading the plate, please make a note of the day, time, and gate and report this to Membership. Membership can be reached at 863-866-8690, 863-427-7143 or SolivitaMembership@Evergreen-LM.com. Vickie Kellogg 863-427-7143 vkellogg@evergreen-LM.com
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Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen here at Solivita! This was a state-run vaccine event coordinated through Governor DeSantis’s office. Julien Brugos from Emergency Services was here on the ground coordinating the National Guard and Nurses responsible for logistics and administering the vaccines. We couldn’t have done it without the help of over 100 Solivita Volunteers! A special thank you goes out to the following groups: » » » » »
Citizen’s Assisted Patrol (CAP) Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Neighborhood Captains R2R Resource Center Volunteers Retired Nurses Volunteers
And, of course ... a thank you to the over 2,500 residents who came out in support and got their vaccine at Solivita. There aren’t many places where you could drive your golf cart up and get your vaccine in the community where you live. To see more pictures from the event, please go to SolivitaHOA. com > Lifestyles > Thank You Vaccine Volunteers. Solivita is truly a great place to live.
R2R RESOURCE CENTER Volunteers Kathy Biondi Flo Filak Char Fullerton Jo Hinrichs Jennifer Pecora Sue Perry Phyllis Schnell Mary Beth Steckel Linda Taylor Burt Thomas Ralph Whalen Ann Whittle Patty Whittle
CAP Volunteers
Jack Blanco Joe Boasi Leon Buffkin Evelyn Buffkin Jim Caramore Leila Dergan Dave Dillon Jim Dionne Joyce Dionne Herb Griffith Joe Hare Angela Hare Steven Harrison Stacy Harrison Maneck Master Barbara Maynard John McNeal Steve Mizel David Moore Lynn Scherr Barbara Scherr Susan Slevin Karen Veasley Stephen Wisely Diana Zysk Art Zysk
CERT Volunteers
Lou Borgese Janet Bremer Wayne Bremer Robin Burkett CJ Chiappone Stewart Cohen Arlene Fortsch Philip Fortsch Dan Gillespie Marilyn Glaser Nancy Gore Bill Gross Jan Gross Terry Guay Frank Gutworth Cath Larson Eric Larson Ellen Millar Carmen Moreno Bryan Olson Bruce Passer Dianne Passer Jose Perez Cuenca Donna Powers Andy Regalmuto Nas Rivera Dan Russell Wayne Schoeffel Kathy Souza Mark Souza Irene Stecher Jim Stecher Burt Thomas Margo Thomas Michael Urban Michael Vaughn Olga Velazquez Michael Weitz
RETIRED NURSE Volunteers
Linda Allocco Marilyn Beaman Judith Blacklidge Donna Brown Teresa Buccanero Vicky Buck Karen Cahill Delores Coleman Marcie Coulis Susan Crocker Cindi Davis Teresa de Vries Ann Degraff Donna Guilmartin Dorothy Harkins Rene Irwin Penny Kromm Kathy Laffee Alice Marks Audrey Paisley Nancy Picarello Louise Poulin Marcie Richards Dorothy Schwartz Deidre Smith Jone Widman
[ Solivita University ]
Co-Sponsored by the Solivita University Committee and Activities Classes below are being offered either in person or virtually for residents only via Ch. 732 or Zoom.us (registration links are sent via email blast and may be recorded upon entering for possible future broadcast through Solivita communications sources). No studying, tests or exams are given, just enlightening topics to keep your mind energized. All classes are 90 minutes long unless otherwise noted. Solivita University class calendar and faculty biographies can be found on SolivitaHOA.com under Get Connected. April 2021 classes and the GD books are on sale now. Go to SolivitaHOA.com Home Page and click on the RSVP or Purchase Ticketed Events banner which leads to the Activities Events and Solivita University Calendar. There, you select the class date to register and pay. The 2021 GD Book purchase link will be on the December 1, 2020 date. For more information, stop in, call the Activities Office at 863-427-7125 or email SolivitaActivities@Evergreen-LM.com.
2021 Great Decisions (GD) Discussions Annual Pass and Book Each year the Foreign Policy Association produces a study guide with eight of the most critical global issues facing America. Eight months a year we have a Wednesday afternoon session at The Palms and a ZOOM session on a Tuesday morning. Cost is $41 ($46 if two share one book). Great Decisions discussions are moderated in person by Thomas Gallagher Ph.D and virtually by Mary Ellen Roberts and Len Trushkosky. April Discussion: The Coldest War: Over the Melting Arctic » Tuesday, April 6th at 11am over Zoom » Wednesday, April 7th at 4pm in The Palms
Phoneography 101 Mondays, April 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th, May 3rd and 10th 3pm on Zoom Tuition: $30 per student Instructor: Linda Dombchik Course Description: This course covers everything you need to know about using your iPhone to take extraordinary photos. (Androids welcome but the focus is on iPhones). Topics will cover the features in the phone’s camera, how to improve the
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quality of your photos, as well as basic editing. There will be opportunities to share photos and look at ways to improve them.
Beginners Conversational Spanish -
Beginners Conversational Spanish LIMITED SEATS Tuesdays, April 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th and Thursdays, April 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th 1:30pm in the Gator Room Tuition: $40 per student Instructor: Carmen Boos Course Description: Learn the two verbs “To & Be = Ser & Estar” and the rules which govern the use of each Carmen Boos through dialogue. These verbs and the interrogatives will also be learned. Assorted vocabulary lists will be provided. Students will be able to request phrases to use for
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[ Solivita University] a working vocabulary that will help when speaking to Spanish speakers.
FRIENDS WHO HAVE LEFT US, BUT ARE NOT FORGOTTEN
Vita Carella
Ione L. Mendoza
Thomas H. Palk
Mary Redmond
Rodney Rosen
Ignacio Santiago, Jr.
The Righteous Among the Nations Film and Lecture Wednesday, April 7th 7pm on Ch. 732 Tuition: Complimentary Professor: Richard Goldsmith, Ph.D Course Description: The Righteous Among the Nations, honored by the Yad Vashem Museum in Israel, are non-Jews who took Dr. Richard great risks to save Jews during the Holocaust. Goldsmith Rescue took many forms and the Righteous came from different nations, religions and walks of life. What they had in common was that they protected their Jewish neighbors at a time when hostility and indifference prevailed.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the residents who recently passed away.
Editorial credit: Wiola Wiaderek / Shutterstock.com
List of heroes saving Jews during World War II in the Garden of the Righteous Among Nations at the Yad Vashem Museum in Israel.
Upcoming Classes in Summer 2021 • Introduction to Facebook Social Media: 4-week course starting on Thursday, July 15th at 4pm
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT R2R! If you are interested in helping out your neighbors and have a few hours a week you can spare volunteering in the office, please contact the Resource Center at 863-236-9973 or SolivitaR2R@gmail.com. The Resource Center is located above the Marketplace Bistro and is open Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm.
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[ Department ] Articles
New Team Member & ARC Applications By Yolanda Santiago Community Standards Manager
Zayriliann Lorenzo-Bruno Please help me welcome our New Compliance Inspector, Zayriliann Lorenzo. Her primary function will be to serve as compliance inspector. She is excited to be part of the Evergreen Team and looking forward to working with all our residents. Her name is Zayriliann, but she goes by “Zay” for short. She was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and her family is primarily all still located there. Zay has a Bachelor’s degree in Pre-clinical Health Sciences from the University of Central Florida. When she is not at work, she is usually spending time bowling, working on cars or watching movies. Some of Zay’s interesting talents include singing and dance, but she also works on cars. Zay can be reached at 863-256-2897 or zlorenzo@evergreen-LM.com. Feel free to stop in and say hi to our new member!
Steps to Submit ARC Online • Log in to your SolivitaHOA.com account. • Click on the HOA Icon located on the top right side of the website. • Scroll down and click on the Compliance Icon. • Scroll down the page until you see the fillable Application for Architectural Review Committee. Proceed to fill out the online form, digitally sign by clicking the left mouse button, attach the required documentation (pictures, survey, proposals from the vendor, etc.) and click the Submit button when completed. • Once we receive the online Architectural Review Application you will receive a confirmation via an email that you cannot reply to (Do Not Reply email).
Yolanda Santiago 863-427-7032 ysantiago@evergreen-LM.com
Yard of the Month April is upon us! This is a perfect time to add color and plants to the landscape that will enhance your “curb appeal” and the beauty of your yard. Our judges toured the Mira Vista neighborhood and found our latest winner at 602 Presido Park Place. Congratulations to Joanne and Joseph Calvacca on their well-maintained Yard of the Month. Who will be our next winners?
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Reflections | April 2021 |
Get Hopping!
[ Department] Articles
By Shelley Destefano Community Concierge Hop around with your favorite peeps and spring into the moment! It’s Springtime after all, and if you want to get out of your rabbit hole, you can enjoy the special dates and things going on in the area this month.
April 18th. The daily admission fee is $40, or $170 for the week, however they do offer discounts for Florida residents. For more information, please visit flysnf.org.
April Fool’s Day April Fool’s Day is Thursday, April 1st. Watch out for pranksters on the loose!
Easter Easter Sunday is on April 4th. Run, jump and hop to celebrate this special day!
Cinderella The Russian Ballet of Orlando will present Cinderella at the Polk Theatre located at 121 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801 on April 3rd at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets are available for $27, $37 and $47. The “VIP Meet and Greet” with Cinderella and the Prince will be an additional $25. To purchase tickets and for more information, please visit www.polktheatre.org/ russianballetoforlandocinderella or call 863-682-7553.
Swan Derby On April 23rd from 5:30pm-9:30pm, enjoy the thrill of the race at the Lakeland Swan Derby on Lake Mirror. At this free event, watch the hand-crafted swan paddle boats race to the finish line, enjoy food vendors, listen to live music and also a fireworks display! Visit www.lvim.net/swan-derby for more information.
Mount Dora Blueberry Festival
Spring Fiesta in the Park Enjoy the 32nd Annual Spring Fiesta in the Park on April 3rd and 4th, located at 195 N. Rosalind Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801. If you like arts and crafts, live entertainment and food, then you will have a great time at this free event! Please visit www. fiestainthepark.com for more information.
On April 24th and 25th from 9am-5pm, explore the Mount Dora Blueberry Festival located at Elizabeth Evans Park, 100 N. Donnelly Street, Mount Dora, FL 32757. You will feel like Willy Wonka’s OompaLoompa’s in no time, eating, drinking and viewing blueberries, but you can also enjoy live music and vendors. Please visit mountdorablueberryfestival.com, or call Janet Gamache at 352-217-8390 for more information about this free event. Show your peeps that they are as blessed to be around you, as you are to be around them. Hop around in a glorious way so everyone can appreciate the moments you left behind!
Sun ‘N Fun Aerospace Expo The 47th Annual Sun ‘N Fun Aerospace Expo, located at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, will be going on from April 13th through
Reflections | April 2021 |
Community Concierge 863-427-7100 sdestefano@evergreen-LM.com
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[ Department ] Articles
The R2R Resource Center is Here for You! Workshop: Getting to Know Florida Wildlife Thursday, April 15th • 10am • Ballroom Do you want to get to know more about the wildlife around you? Come meet Kim from Swamp Girl Adventures and Ryan from Florida Fish and Wildlife. Kim will be bringing a few reptiles for you to see firsthand and they will be talking about: • Snakes, snakes, snakes – venomous and protected snakes • Tortoises and turtles • Efforts to rehabilitate reptiles and save their lives • Alligator biology and the importance they play in the ecosystem • Alligator safety and information about SNAP (Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program)
All Workshops are free to Solivita residents, but advance registration is requested. Call 863-236-9973 or email SolivitaR2R@gmail. com to reserve your spot (limited capacity).
Meet More Volunteers from the Resource Center! Phyllis Schnell Phyllis worked as an RN in Toledo, Ohio and retired here in 2009. Her two favorite jobs were working in a Catherization lab and running a Vascular lab after furthering her education at Wake Forest University. Phyllis enjoys tennis, pickleball, bridge and the book circle. The Resource Center is a great fit for Phyllis, she believes in the concept of residents helping residents.
Ann Whittle
COVID-19 guidelines are utilized at the workshop. Seating is six feet apart with limited occupancy, masks are required, with social distancing at check-in. Recording Availability • View the presentation on Wednesday, April 21st at 2pm on Local Channel 732. • A link will also be available to view the recording; contact the Resource Center for the link.
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Ann, a girl from Philadelphia, worked for the Police Department for over 30 years as a police officer then a detective. Ann was one of this first 100 female officers to work the streets of Philadelphia. She and her husband decided to run away from all the snow and moved to Florida where she worked for Haines City Police Department for 12 years before retiring. Ann is a valuable volunteer at the Resource Center and enjoys making clay sculptures, and quilting.
Kids’ Corner Dr. Seuss has arrived at the Children’s Library in the Resource Center. Stop by and take a look and borrow a book or two for your grandchildren. R2R Resource Center 863-236-9973 SolivitaR2R@gmail.com
Reflections | April 2021 |
[ Department] Articles
April Has Arrived!
By Brad Thompson Branch Manager, Floralawn Winter is pretty much over, and our days are starting to heat up. Summer isn’t far away!
Here’s What Floralawn Crews Were up to in February and March Our crews completed the first 2021 weed control and fertilizer application, as planned and on schedule. We used products that targeted the specific weeds that emerge in early spring, and we used fertilizers to replenish the soil and feed the grass after our slow-growth winter.
Plant and Sod Replacement Floralawn team members are working on the installation of plant and sod replacements. Periodically through any given calendar year, we conduct a plant and sod audit, noting where stress or damage has occurred, or grass and plants have died. Then we go through and systematically replace damaged or dead grass and plants.
Pruning I mentioned in last month’s article that we were continuing to prune the Crape Myrtles in Solivita. That two-month project has been completed, and the Crapes are finished being pruned until next year. Floralawn crews also completed the native grass pruning and the rejuvenation pruning. The latter is what we carry out on plants that have gotten long and leggy. Leggy plants have growth at their tops but are bare or sparse at the bottom. They don’t look lush or vibrant anymore. Plants around Solivita that get leggy and need rejuvenation pruning include Gold Mound, Arboricola, Viburnum, Tibouchina, and Downy Jasmine. Sometimes we will remove as much as half of the plant to take it down to a fuller area. This kind of trimming spurs new and thicker growth and the plants fill in nicely.
What’s Ahead in April? This month we return to weekly mowing of residential lawns as well as weekly mowing of the turf around all ponds.
Adding New Team Members We have geared up for the summer and the increased growing activity of lawns, shrubs, trees, and landscaping plants. To keep up with the work, we have purchased additional equipment and we’ve augmented our staff by bringing on additional team members. We search out the best, putting potential employees through a thorough screening/vetting process. We have our new team complete, with multiple fully functioning maintenance crews and detail crews. These hard-working team members will ensure that Solivita residential areas and common areas are kept looking their best. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 863225-9569.
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[ Department ] Articles
Why Don’t We Have Tornado Sirens? Submitted by Solivita CERT
This question is often asked, especially by immigrants from midwestern states. It reflects a real concern here in Florida. Did you know Florida is third behind Texas and Kansas in the number of tornados over the course of a year? But, contrasting with the ‘tornado alley’ image of powerful storms traveling for miles across the plains and multiple states, here in Florida tornados often are localized occurrences in our very typical (almost daily) summer thunderstorms. While the strength measurement for tornados is the Enhanced Fujita scale that ranges from (E)F0 to (E)F5, our local tornados are usually F0 or F1. F0 ranges from 40-72 mph F1 ranges from 73-112 mph F5 ranges from 261 – 318 mph! This chart sums up the damage probability. F0
F1 Weak
F2
F3
F4
Strong
F5 Violent
Significant Intense
With Florida tornados accompanying thunderstorms and sometimes hurricanes, they are very short-lived. Local TV meteorologists often point to circular indications in thunderstorms and they don’t materialize on the ground. And if
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they do “touch down,” they often are “on the ground” for only a mile or so. Of course, there are always exceptions. Sirens were originally installed to warn those outdoors to go inside because of approaching severe weather. This is good for rural towns, but in built-up areas (including residential here in Florida) sirens are usually not heard while indoors (home, office, school, store) because we keep our windows closed. When we are outdoors in Solivita, we usually have our cell phones around and can get warnings that way. To receive a storm warning the National Weather Service recommends that you have a weather radio that can also warn of other kinds of dangers. These work in your home, business and schools. • Weather radios allow you to subscribe to a local weather station. Set the Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) with both county names, Osceola and Polk (or codes 12097 and 12105). • In Polk County we can also subscribe to AlertPolk to receive such warning and others too. Access the website at www.polk-county.net/emergency-management, then in the left column select AlertPolk Sign Up and follow instructions. These alerts can be location/neighborhood specific. • Most TV news shows also offer weather notifications that you can get with your cell phone. Other weather apps are available as well. This information was provided by Solivita CERT; find more on the CERT club webpage on SolivitaHOA.com.
Reflections | April 2021 |
[ Department] Articles
Spa Talk: Turn Stress into Resilience
By Rita Milios Psychotherapist and Holistic Wellness Coach, Riviera Spa Massage Stress Awareness Month is here. Held every April since 1992, this campaign is dedicated to raising awareness about stress, its causes and ways to reduce its impact in our lives–a laudable intention. However, there is another side of stress that receives less attention, and that now, more than ever, deserves attention.
2. Tap into wisdom and compassion. It was found that exhibiting pro-social behaviors, such as empathy and compassion, and engaging in self-reflection and acceptance of uncertainty, resulted in enhanced resilience and decreased loneliness. Such behaviors include the many community service projects that Solivita residents and clubs have actively engaged in, in even greater capacity, during the past year.
News in the blog The Psychology of Aging (psychologytoday. com) about a recent CDC study brings a breath of fresh air and an optimistic focus to the topic of stress, especially as it relates to the 55+ population. The bottom line is that even though this group may be more physically vulnerable to the effects of the COVID-19 virus, older adults, by and large, have proven to be more psychologically resilient to it.
3. Maintain regular schedules and habits. Schedules help us maintain a sense of normalcy, security and predictability during uncertain times. Exercise, relaxation and personal wellness practices reduce stress and support resilience. We have great options for these available at our amenity centers and at Riviera Spa Massage. 4. Practice mindfulness. Staying focused in the present moment and accepting reality without judgment (as much as possible) helps one cope with stress and anxiety and may even help slow the progression of memory loss. 5. Access mental health care and support when needed. No one need to go it alone when experiencing mental or emotional stress. Our community proactively seeks to assist residents with both physical and psychological needs. The Residentto-Resident Resource Center is a good entry point to access information and support.
One reason given for this is the concept of “crisis competence.” Simply stated, crisis competence is described as the idea that because one has been able to handle challenges in the past, they have learned from experience that every crisis eventually comes to an end, and life does get better. So, the ability to experience resilience, rather than defeatism, is stronger in this population.
Study Researchers Identified Five Strategies that Lead to Such Resilience: 1. Focus on the quality vs. the quantity of relationships. It was discovered that having fewer, smaller, but more meaningful and closer relationships, vs. a larger quantity of more superficial relationships, proved to be more psychologically protective from stress. Even with limits on club and social activities, here in Solivita we have had more opportunities than most to maintain the kinds of social interactions that support resilience.
Reflections | April 2021 |
By keeping our focus and intentions on resilience, rather than stress, we can emerge together from this difficult pandemic experience with hope and confidence for a better future. Riviera Spa Massage 407-914-9168 info@rivieraspamassage.com
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[ Department ] Articles
April Specials
By Manny Quiros Bar Manager, Stonegate Golf Club
Manny’s Cocktail of the Month For the month of April, I have selected the Cherry Blossom as the Cocktail of the Month! This delicious drink can be made with 1 1/4 ounces Silver Tequila, 1 ounce lime juice, 1 ounce grapefruit juice, and 1/4 ounce grenadine. Pour all ingredients into shaker and shake well. Strain into a salt rimmed martini glass or serve over ice. Garnish with a grapefruit slice or cherry.
April Cocktail Class Join us in the Ballroom on April 22nd for my next Cocktail Class at 2pm, 4pm and 6pm. I will teach the class how to make two cocktails. The cost is $20, which includes appetizers. We will also raffle off some giveaways. Manny Quiros 863-427-7150, ext. 4719 mquiros@stonegategolf.com
COMMUNITY EVENTS VICTORY CASINO CRUISE RETURNS Wednesday, April 14th • 8:30am Sponsored by Playing for Life Relay Team. It has been a while since we last ran an event due to COVID. The bus leaves Freedom Park at 8:30am sharp and arrives at Port Canaveral at approximately 10am. The ship sails at 11am and returns at approximately 4pm. We return to Solivita around 6:15pm. The cost is $38 per person, which includes transportation, boarding pass, lunch, free drinks while gaming, and $20 FREEPLAY. VICTORY is fully compliant with all CDC requirements and has been sailing for over two months without incident. All proceeds go to the American Society. For more information and tickets, call Rudi at 201213-7251.
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ANNUAL SPRING ART & JEWELRY SHOW
Saturday, April 10th & Sunday, April 11th • 9am-6pm The show must go on! The Solivita Artisan Guild is happy to invite you to our Spring Show, featuring both artists and jewelry designers arranged in the Art and Ceramics Galleries in a socially distanced manner. This is your chance to enjoy some of the wonderful talent that exists here in Solivita. The exact daily hours (with possible evening hours to be announced) and schedule of participants will be posted on our SolivitaHOA.com club webpage and on our blog solivitaartisanguild.club. Free and open to all Solivita residents and their guests.
Reflections | April 2021 |
[ Solivita Information]
COMMUNITY EVENTS THE ADDAMS FAMILY: QUARANTINED CONCERT VERSION
SPECIAL NIGHTS Hosted by Stonegate Golf Club These events are open to Residents Only. Bring your Solivita Resident ID badge for admission to these special events. Face coverings are required at all times. Food is not permitted to be brought in from home nor the Solivita restaurants. A cash bar will be available. TRIVIA MONDAYS April 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th 4pm-6pm OR 7pm-9pm Test out your all-around trivia knowledge in teams up to eight people. Doors will open 30 minutes before the game starts. A professional trivia host is present and prizes are given to the top 3 teams! Participants are limited to attend one Trivia game per advertised day. Coming in to pre-purchase tickets or reserving seats or tables is not permitted. A $5 cash only non-refundable beverage ticket will be sold at the door. KARAOKE TUESDAYS April 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th • 6pm-9pm Sing and dance to your favorite songs hosted by Mr. Breezz.
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, April 10th-12th at 7pm in the Ballroom • Virtually in Your Home: Friday and Saturday, April 23rd and 24th at 7pm Presented by the Solivita Starliters. Based on the 1960’s television characters created by Charles Addams, The Addams Family was adapted for the Broadway stage in 2009. The Addams Family: Quarantined Concert Version with Book by MARSHALL BRICKMAN and RICK ELICE and Music and Lyrics by ANDREW LIPPA was licensed through Theatrical Rights World to perform live on April 10th, 11th, and 12th and virtually on April 23rd and 24th. Our rental agreement is based on the number of tickets we sell, whether for Ballroom viewing or for virtual viewing in your home. Because SPAC, Inc. is bound by this licensing contract, we are unable to broadcast this on Channel 732 at any time, nor will we be able to duplicate DVDs for cast members, family, and friends. This SPAC, Inc. production will be performed by nineteen Solivita Starliters to a socially separated, limited audience with all seats reserved. If you prefer to view this at home, virtual tickets may be purchased until April 24th. Instructions for online ticket purchases can be found at the SPAC, Inc. website: spacinc.com. If you do not have a computer or need assistance purchasing tickets online, you may call 863-289-5740. You do not want to miss this performance!
MOSAICS DINING Fridays & Saturdays, April 2nd-30th (excluding the 9th) Enjoy a full menu of seafood, steaks, pasta and more. There will be live music from 5pm-7pm. Bar service will be open from 4pm-8pm. For reservations to any of our dinners, please call 863-4277150, option 2 or email at MBell@hampton.golf.
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[ Solivita Information ]
COMMUNITY EVENTS
UPCOMING WELLNESS EVENTS DATE
ACTIVITY
Wednesday, April 7th 2pm • RSF2 Virtual Presentation
Estate Planning: Henderson Sachs, P.A. Attorney Dan Henderson will explain the purpose of Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney as well as the probate process in Florida. Legal issues regarding Healthcare Surrogates and end of life choices will also be discussed. The presentation will be followed by a question and answers session. To attend, you must register in advance for this meeting by going to the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvdOqppzouHtIRl_6TP_yX2KEIsDliZ21B. RSVP to Henderson Sachs at 407-850-2500.
Wednesday, April 14th 10am • RSF2
Identifying Potentially Harmful Skin Lesions: Poinciana Medical Center, Dr. Owen Kieran, General Surgeon. Join us for this presentation as Dr. Kieran discusses how to identify potentially harmful skin lesions. Spacing is limited due to social distance measures and RSVP’s are required. Please call 1-888-253-8117 to RSVP. You can also join us on LIVE on our Facebook page by searching for “Poinciana Medical Center” on Facebook.
Wednesday, April 14th 2pm • RSF2
Physical Therapy for Solivita: Riviera Spa Massage, Matthew Parrillo. Injuries and surgeries are common with advanced aging within an active community. No matter the reason, physical therapy plays a key role in the road to recovery. Join us as we teach you how manual therapy, core strengthening and stability exercises, postural awareness and education can help alleviate pain and restore mobility and flexibility to keep you active. Bring a friend and RSVP to Riviera Spa Massage at 407-914-9168, ext. 2, info@rivieraspamassage.com or www.rivieraspamassage.com.
Wednesday, April 21st 10am • RSF2
Sciatica Pain Explained: Core Rehabilitation, Joseph P. Koloc PT. This interactive workshop will cover the 3 main causes of sciatica. This workshop will discuss an easy to understand anatomy of the low back, causes of back pain as well as ways of improving back pain. It includes a print out of the Top 10 Burning Questions about Sciatica for attendees. The end of the workshop has a Q&A session where everyone is encouraged to ask Joe questions about back pain and ways of treating it.
Wednesday, April 21st 1pm-4pm • RSF2
Skin Cancer Screenings: Daystar Skin and Cancer
Wednesday, April 28th 2pm • RSF2
Identify Your Dream. Build On It. Protect It: New York Life Insurance, Matthew P. Pisera. A financial strategy that includes a plan for extended care may help you realize your goals while helping minimize the impact a need for care may have on you and your loved ones. Come learn about ways you can prepare for the future with long-term care funding options offered by New York Life.
Wednesday, May 5th 10am • RSF2
First Aid For Pets: Bellalago Veterinary Hospital. Basic first aid for our furry family members. Dr. Young will show the basics for dealing with choking, breathing issues, lack of heartbeat, poisoning, seizures, snake bites, burns, bleeding, heatstroke, and other common injuries. Attendees will receive a Quick Reference Guide and a list of items for their pet’s first aid kit.
Wednesday, May 5th 2pm • RSF2
3 Solutions to Pain From Arthritis: Advanced Physical Medicine, Dr. Esther Pichardo. Learn about the causes of the most common type arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis) and most importantly what type of daily activities can make it worse or better. Examples of proper nutrition, exercises and physical care will be discussed to help audience relief pain from arthritis.
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Reflections | April 2021 |