Solivita Reflections | April 2023 (Limited Version)

REFLECTIONS

VILLAGE CENTER HOURS

Administration: 863-427-7100

Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

C3 Wellness Spa: 407-914-9168

Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm

Friday 8am-7pm

K&M Drugs: 863-496-7930

Monday-Friday 9am-6pm

Saturday 9am-1pm and Sunday Closed

Marketplace Bistro: 863-427-7157

Daily 8am-7pm, Breakfast 8am-11am

Mosaics Restaurant

Call 863-427-7150, option 2 for hours

Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: 863-427-7130

Monday-Thursday 6:30am-9pm

Friday 6:30am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm

Solivita Club Facilities After Hours Emergency

Phone Number: 863-286-8779 (Calls Only/No Texts)

Weekdays 5pm-8pm and Weekends 12pm-5pm

Starlite Ballroom

Daily 8am-11pm

Stonegate Pro Shop: 863-427-7150, option 1

Daily 7am-5pm

The Grille at Stonegate: 863-427-7167

Daily 11am-8pm

Breakfast: Wednesday-Sunday, 8am-11am

Happy Hour: Monday-Thursday 2pm-5pm

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: 863-427-7000

Monday-Tuesday & Thursday-Saturday 10am -6pm

Wednesday 1pm-6pm, Sunday 12pm -6pm

ON THE COVER

Come One! Come All! Step Right Up and Join the Fun! The Carnival is Back in Town! On Saturday, April 8th, hop on over to the games, prizes, food, face painting, magic show and of course, the Easter Bunny and eggs! The parade starts at 9am down the Village Center and ends in Freedom Park where you can enjoy the Carnival until 1pm. The Egg Hunts start at 10am by the Softball Field. See you and the kiddos there!

CONTACT LIST

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 Security & Safety - Paul Mears: 863-440-7572 or PaulM@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

Taylor Morrison Customer Care: 321-397-7247 or OrlandoCustomerCare@TaylorMorrison.com. Warranty Request: taylormorrison.com/warranty/request

Activities: 863-427-7125 or SolivitaActivities@Evergreen-LM.com

Architectural Review: 863-427-7022 or Compliance@SolivitaHOA.com

Catering & Banquets (Stonegate Golf Club): 863-427-7150, option 5

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

Resident to Resident Resource Center: 863-236-9973 or SolivitaR2R@gmail.com

Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: 863-427-7130

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 Mail: 863-313-1314

APRIL TABLE OF CONTENTS

Newsletter Submission & Advertising Info

Department Articles

Solivita HOA

Community Events

NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS

Page 3

Pages 4-13

Pages 6-7

Pages 14-17

Mosaics Special Nights ...........................................................

Wellness Events ...............................................................

A Touch of Class

Club & Support Group Meeting Lists

Club News

Neighborhood Captains News

Advertisements ....................................................................

Activities Events (back of calendar)

Page 14

Pages 16-17

Pages 17-21

Pages 21-26

Pages 26-53

Page 54

Pages 55-92

Insert Pages E1-E3

Monthly Calendar (back of Activities Events) Insert

Weekly Fitness Schedule

Calendar Insert

PHOTO RELEASE AGREEMENT

Evergreen Lifestyles Management reserves the right to use any photograph/video taken at any event sponsored by ELM and the respective community the event is happening in, without expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. ELM may use the photograph/video in publications or other media material produced, used or contracted by ELM including but not limited to: brochures, invitations, books, newspapers, magazines, television, websites, etc. To ensure the privacy of individuals and children, images will not be identified using full names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed subject, parent or legal guardian.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

» SolivitaHOA.com: SolivitaCommunications@ Evergreen-LM.com

» Reflections: Reflections@Evergreen-LM.com

» Channel 732: CommunityChannel@Evergreen-LM.com

» Advertising: SolivitaAdvertising@Evergreen-LM.com

Email submissions to Reflections@Evergreen-LM.com

MAY SUBMISSIONS

Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Friday, March 31st. Club insert copies are due by Thursday, April 20th, but must be approved by the Club Manager, Sheri Wollschlager (SWollschlager@ Evergreen-LM.com) or the Communications Director, Doug Gilbert (SolivitaCommunications@EvergreenLM.com) before they are copied.

JUNE SUBMISSIONS

Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Monday, May 1st

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 Info: Visit the advertising website at SolivitaAdvertising.com, call 863-440-0377, or email SolivitaAdvertising@Evergreen-LM.com

REFLECTIONS DELIVERY

If you are leaving Solivita or returning to the community and want to change the status of the Reflections delivery to your home, you can do this on the Gate Website. Log on to the website at websites. vertilinc.com/solivitahoa and click the Reflections button or tab. Change delivery status to YES or NO. Contact Membership for log on information at SolivitaMembership@Evergreen-LM.com.

SOLIVITA ID CARDS

If you’ve lost your ID card, notify Membership at 863427-7143 or SolivitaMembership@Evergreen-LM.com. It will be deactivated until you get a replacement ID.

The Solivita Olympics is Coming Back!

BY JAMAR EDGE DIRECTOR OF FITNESS & WELLNESS

After a brief hiatus, the Solivita Olympics will return in 2024. Now is the time to “brush up” on your skills and prepare to compete. This community event is co-sponsored by AHCC, Solivita Activities, and Solivita FitWell Teams.

Save the Date and Help Us Coordinate!

The games will take place February 1-7, 2024, and Participant Registration will start in fall 2023, so make sure you keep an eye on future editions of Reflections, the FitWell Newsletter, and blasts.

Any Club interested in helping coordinate the Olympic games may contact the following residents:

» Keith Eaton: 609-472-4826, keitheaton522@gmail.com

Yard of the Month

» Ellie Graham: 863-496-1616, elanograh@gmail.com

» Bobby Vance: 845-988-6388, rvbvlocks125@gmail.com

The proceeds of the Solivita Olympics will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Polk County, so come on out and participate, for not only bragging rights, but for a good cause as well!

See you at the Games!!!

Jamar Edge 863-496-3522 JEdge@Evergreen-LM.com

Rainbow Lakes is where you will find our latest Yard of the Month winner. Arlene Biles, who lives at 296 Lake Cassidy, is a long-time resident of Solivita and takes great pride in her yard and the lovely flowering plants that give her landscape that special color year-round. Congratulations Arlene. It is that time of the year to “spruce up for spring” before the heat and humidity become too much to bear.

Solivita HOA President’s Report

BY LARRY ANSON PRESIDENT, SOLIVITA HOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our residents have a great range of expertise and experience. Successful operation of a resident-controlled HOA relies heavily on those residents using their knowledge to benefit our community.

Much of the strength of our now resident-controlled HOA comes in the form of volunteers serving on committees. Our community is truly fortunate to have residents with a wide and excellent range of expertise and experience. Their strengths are the foundation of our committee system.

We have restructured two committees to address what I feel are two extremely important functions. One is the Elections Committee. The other is the Governing Documents Committee.

Electronic voting makes it easier for us to vote in HOA elections. It also means that careful and strong oversight is required. Solivita residents need to have confidence that our elections are both fair and based on accurate and up-to-date information on current qualified residents.

So far, I have received one application for the Elections Committee. We need several more.

The Governing Documents Committee will be charged with reviewing both our By-Laws and Articles of Incorporation. Since our HOA is now resident controlled, there are several additional changes that need to be made to remove out-of-date provisions.

We have already made a start on this process. Former HOA President Brenda Taylor began a review process that identified certain sections of both documents that badly needed updating. The HOA Board and owners have approved the first set of changes, but there were several more that need to be identified and updated. This committee would lead this process.

Once that task has been completed the committee would likely turn its attention to the Declarations. This is the primary document that is attached to your deed as a deed restriction. It identifies “rules and restrictions” that govern much of our community and your property. Cleaning up these documents could take the committee as long as a year.

One person has spoken to me about being a member of this committee. Again, we need several more.

Another important committee that needs volunteer support is the one that oversees our Neighborhood Captains Program. This program is already strong and active pursuing its mission to improve communication and bring residents closer together through social events and a master Gmail system. As they continue to grow, they will need more volunteer support.

I believe these committees will do work that will stand for a long time as a credit to our community and volunteers. Application forms are available on SolivitaHOA.com. Please consider putting your training and experience to work for your fellow residents.

VILLAGE DRIVE & FREEDOM PARK CLOSINGS

See more information about these events on the back of the calendar insert.

Saturday, April 8th: Spring Parade & Carnival - Event is 9am-1pm

» VILLAGE DRIVE FROM THE BALLROOM TO THE PRO SHOP ROUNDABOUT IS CLOSED TO VEHICLES FROM 8:30AM-9:30AM FOR THE PARADE.

» ALL RECREATION EVENTS ARE CANCELLED UNTIL 2PM.

Saturday, April 22nd: Community Yard Sale - Event is 8am-11am

» ALL RECREATION EVENTS ARE CANCELLED UNTIL 12PM.

» VILLAGE DRIVE EXPERIENCES HEAVY TRAFFIC FROM 5:30AM-12PM.

HOA CONTACT INFORMATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

» President - Larry Anson: SolivitaHOAPresident@SolivitaHOA.com

» Vice President - Marie Sepe: SolivitaVicePresident@SolivitaHOA.com

» Secretary - Jim Edge: SolivitaSecretary@SolivitaHOA.com

» Treasurer - Glenn Larson: SolivitaTreasurer@SolivitaHOA.com

» Director - Mike Luddy: SolivitaDirector@SolivitaHOA.com

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

» Architectural Review Committee - Yolanda Santiago: Compliance@SolivitaHOA.com

» Communications/IT - Bob Monica: CommunicationsChair@SolivitaHOA.com

» Conservation & Wildlife - Bob Monica: WildLifeChair@SolivitaHOA.com

» Finance - George Muller: FinanceChair@SolivitaHOA.com

» Infrastructure - Jon Cameron: InfrastructureChair@SolivitaHOA.com

» Maintenance - Carl Warren: MaintenanceChair@SolivitaHOA.com

» Landscape - Hank Stuart: LandscapeChair@SolivitaHOA.com

» Neighborhood Captains - Janet Nolan: CaptainProgam.Solivita@gmail.com

» Safety & Security - Clark Zen: SafetySecurityChair@SolivitaHOA.com

» Violations - Grace Chirco: Compliance@SolivitaHOA.com

SPEED ENFORCEMENT

The HOA, Security, and Polk County Sheriff’s Office receive multiple complaints of speeding each week from residents. The Sheriff’s Office has been asked for their assistance in speed enforcement. Receiving a speeding ticket is not only financially costly, but can lead to much more serious results.

Committee Roundup SOLIVITA CONSERVATION & WILDLIFE COMMITTEE

Most of us moved to Solivita for the sunshine, as well as easy access to beaches and Disney World. Our home in Central Florida is a humid, tropical weather zone with Solivita located at the apex of the Florida Watershed System flowing to the Okeechobee River and the Everglades. What does this mean to us?

Solivita is a natural habitat for a more exotic array of wildlife than what we left behind. As a conservation friendly community, we embrace this difference, making required adjustments, balancing resident safety with wildlife protection.

Alligators are part of the natural balance in our tropical community. Their presence plays an important role in our ecological system. However, they are also dangerous predators. So, your HOA Board of Directors advises extreme caution in dealing with them.

The months of April, May and June are Alligator Mating Season. Males move from pond to pond to wetlands, in search of a mate. Female travels are similar, searching for an appropriate nesting area. This is a time for all of us to remain alert and cautious pertaining to the potential presence of alligators.

This natural phenomenon is not a reason for panic. Remain alert and calm, giving any gator you may encounter at least thirty feet of space to guarantee your safety. Remember to keep your garage and lanai doors closed when not in use. An open door is an invitation for an unwanted visitor.

Always remember that it is dangerous and unlawful to feed an alligator. Feeding will cause alligators to consider humans as a source of food. This leads to aggressive behavior. Please, NEVER FEED AN ALLIGATOR Have a happy and safe Spring Season!

Co-Sponsored by the Solivita University Committee and Activities

All annual passes are on sale now on the SolivitaHOA.com Home Page by clicking on the Purchase Ticket or Class HERE or from the Online Merchandise Store icon. 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. Adult guests welcome. For more information, call the Activities Office at 863-427-7125 or email SolivitaActivities@Evergreen-LM.com.

2023 Great Decision (GD) Discussions Annual Pass

This is an annual pass for the Foreign Policy Association who produces a study guide (which comes included in the pass) with eight of the most critical global issues facing America. Great Decisions discussions are moderated on select days as advertised. The 2023 GD Annual Pass is $42 (or $47 for two sharing a book). Go to the SolivitaHOA.com Home Page, click on the Online Merchandise Store to purchase this pass or scan the QR Code.

Upcoming discussion topics include: Politics in Latin America, Global Famine, Iran at a Crossroads and Climate Migration.

April Discussion Topic : Economic Warfare

» Tuesday, April 11th at 11am over Zoom

» Wednesday, April 19th at 4pm in the Magnolia Room

2023 Art Lecture Pass

This pass will allow residents admittance to any of approximately seven Art Lectures for $20 per person. Art classes, presented by Art Historian Jan Clanton, are on Tuesdays as scheduled at 1pm in the Ballroom. Lectures will be advertised under the Solivita University article in Reflections. If you choose not to purchase an Annual Pass and want to attend a lecture, admission is $5 per lecture at the door. Art Lecture Passes are for Art Lectures only and are non-refundable.

Art Lecture – South of France

Tuesday, April 4th

Ballroom at 1pm

Tuition: 2023 Art and Literary Lecture Pass or $5 at the door Lecturer : Jan Clanton, Art Historian Class Description: Before we leave France we must visit its Southern delights: Aix-en-Provence, Cannes, Nice and more. Students will bask in the joys of the South of France, as we explore the works of Cezanne, Matisse and Picasso.

Next Lecture: October 24th - Gustav Klimt

April’s Glory!

BY SHELLEY DESTEFANO COMMUNITY CONCIERGE

As you start the month, try not to be too gullible; keep in mind that it’s April Fool’s Day on the 1st! After that, we can set all the jokes aside and enjoy Easter Sunday on April 9th. Finally, yet importantly, we had better make sure we meet Uncle Sam’s tax deadline on Tuesday, April 18th. Now it is time to enjoy this glorious month.

Megacon Orlando

Megacon Orlando will be running from March 30th through April 2nd (located at 9800 International Drive in Orlando). If you enjoy celebrities, cosplay, comics, anime and gaming, then you will most likely enjoy this event. Visit megaconorlando.com for more information.

has their International Flower and Garden Festival from now through July 5th. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit disneyworld.disney.go.com.

SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo

The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo will be running from March 28th to April 2nd (located at 4175 Medulla Road in Lakeland). If you like planes, you will not want to miss the largest airshow in Florida. Adult admission is $45 and there is a parking fee of $10 a day. Visit flysnf.org for more information.

Exotic Car Show

Celebration will have their Exotic Car Show March 31st through April 2nd (located at 600 Market Street in Celebration). Admission is free. If you are there on Sunday, check out their weekly farmer’s market. Visit celebrationtowncenter.com for more information.

International Flower and Garden Festival

Epcot (located at 200 Epcot Center Drive in Lake Buena Vista)

Crave & Copper Brewery

You can head to Crave & Copper Brewery on April 29th, located at 117 E. Lake Avenue in Auburndale. Enjoy live music by Smokepoint, playing classic and modern rock, as well as drinks and food. Visit craveandcopper.com or call 863-968-2971 for more information. If you like beer and music then this is the event for you.

Please visit the Concierge webpage on SolivitaHOA.com to find more things to do in the area.

Now, if we can only continue to find glory in every month.

Community Concierge 863-427-7100

SDestefano@Evergreen-LM.com

Photo Credit: ©Disney

The R2R Resource Center is Here for You!

Your Mind Body Connection

Wednesday, April 12th • 10am • Ballroom

Want more health, harmony, abundance, and joy in your life? Learn everything you need to know to enjoy the best life possible. Rita Milios, The Mind Mentor, is a Solivita resident, psychotherapist, and holistic wellness coach. She will give you instructions on how to align and harness your energy and walk you through an interactive exercise to manifest your best life. Register by calling the Resource Center at 863236-9973 or email SolivitaR2R@gmail.com.

Community Shred Day

Thursday, April 13th • 10am-2pm • Freedom Park

Clean out all the paperwork clutter in your office and home. Bring your old bills, papers, old check books, and sensitive documents to shred.

Monster Food Drive

Thursday, April 20th • 10am-2pm • Freedom Park

Most Needed Items:

» Canned vegetables, fruit, meat, juices, and pasta sauce

» Rice, beans, pasta and macaroni & cheese

» Peanut butter and cereal

» Diapers

Cash Donations - Make Checks Payable to Either or Both:

» St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church: Food Pantry

» St. Ann’s Catholic Church: St. Vincent de Paul Society

New Dimension Students Help Answer Your Technology Questions

Saturday, April 22nd • 10am-12pm • RSF2

The students are coming back to Solivita to work with residents who have questions or problems with their devices - cell phones, tablets, laptops, smart watches - any device small enough to be carried.

» Registration required; limited number of time slots available. Register by calling the Resource Center at 863-236-9973 or email SolivitaR2R@gmail.com.

» Provide a brief description of the device and what you need help with.

» A “Tip Jar” will be provided for residents who wish to contribute to New Dimensions students fundraising efforts.

Disaster Preparedness

Thursday, April 28th • 10am • The Palms

Hurricane season begins on June 1st and runs through November 30th. Now is the time to learn about preparing for a disaster whether you are a full-time resident or a snowbird. In the presentation we will cover:

Polk County Fire and Rescue

» Advance preparations

» Necessary supplies

» Protecting your house

» Protecting your pets

» Shelters available

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

» Specific information pertaining to Solivita

Note: Hurricane information is located on SolivitaHOA.com (click the “Get Connected” icon to access the “Clubs” link to CERT’s webpage, and click on Disaster Preparedness link). Register by calling the Resource Center at 863-236-9973 or email SolivitaR2R@gmail.com.

R2R Resource Center 863-236-9973

SolivitaR2R@gmail.com

FRIENDS WHO HAVE LEFT US, BUT ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

Solivita Flags Over

The Veterans Club of Solivita has a project to display the U.S. flag in front of your home within Solivita to recognize and celebrate five selected national holidays throughout the year. For a $30 yearly contribution, the club will place a 3’ x 5’ U.S. flag in front of resident homes, on designated holidays in designated locations. Applications are available and can be printed from SolivitaHOA.com (under Veterans Club), on veteransclubofsolivita.com, or you may pick up a copy at the Concierge Desk. Applications along with your $30 check (made out to VCS) can be mailed to: Veterans Club of Solivita, P.O. Box 581770, Poinciana, FL 34758. You can also put your check and application in the drop box located in Freedom Park. Credit card payments are now available on verteransclubofsolivita.com for an electronic form or scan the QR code. If you would like to volunteer or have any questions, email flagsoversolivita@gmail. com or call 863-512-3655.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the residents who recently passed away.

Angel M. Cardona Roscoe Howard Adolfo Moreno

Cardona Moreno

Howard

Are You Ready?

BY BILL GROSS TEAM LEADER OF SOLIVITA CERT

Once again, hurricane season is quickly approaching. NOW is the time to begin planning for this year’s storms. Last year we experienced two hurricanes crossing our area. Luckily, there was very little damage as compared to the other parts of the state. However, we cannot rely on luck for that to continue.

Although the Tropical Storm Risk website (tropicalstormrisk. com) predicts that the number of storms will be about 15% lower than average for the last 30 years, we cannot and should not miss this chance to be prepared for the worst.

What Can You Do Today to Begin Preparing?

» Have a 30-day supply of medications on hand all season long. Don’t wait until the storm is approaching as for most of us, mail-order medications could take a week or more to arrive.

» DO THIS NOW: Sign-up for “Special Needs” shelters.

• Here in Solivita, the consensus is to “shelter in place” during a storm. Even though our electricity is very reliable here, spot outages can occur.

• If you need electricity for life-saving equipment, or you need help for day-to-day living, contact Polk County Emergency Management ( polk-county.net/ emergency-management/special-needs) or call at 863-298-7027.

Spring in Solivita

» Start building up you supply of bottled water. You will need approximately one gallon of water per person in the house, per day. That’s is the rough equivalent of four of the half-liter bottles per person, per day.

Attend the Hurricane Preparedness Seminar

Another thing to help you is to attend the Hurricane Preparedness seminar put on by Polk County and sponsored by the Solivita Resident-to-Resident Resource Center. This year the seminar will be held on April 28th in the Starlite Ballroom. Please contact the R2R office to sign up.

What We are Doing with CERT to Prepare

April is traditionally the month where we conduct our fullscale drill. The date for this year’s drill is April 10th. We plan on starting early in the morning and ending mid-afternoon. I don’t want to give out the details of the drill, because we prepare for anything! On April 10th, or anytime, if you see folks around wearing their green CERT shirts, hard hats, reflective vests, etc. please give them the space they need to conduct the drill.

As always, if you want further information about CERT, please come to our meetings (the 2nd Monday of the month at 1pm in the Ballroom) or contact the Membership Chair, Jan Gross at SolivitaFL.CERT@gmail.com or 719339-6813.

BY BRAD THOMPSON BRANCH MANAGER, FLORALAWN

April brings the first full month of spring, with days warming up as we look toward summer. Here’s what Floralawn crews have been up to in February and March.

Preemergence Herbicides & Fertilizer Applications

The first of 2023’s weed control and fertilizer applications has been put down on schedule. Preemergence herbicides are products that stop weed seed germination, preventing weeds from maturing. Fertilizer helps to nourish the ground so that turfgrass has the nutrients it needs for robust spring growth.

Trimming & Pruning

Floralawn crews finished up trimming the crape myrtle trees that grow throughout Solivita. This task takes a full two months because of the sheer number of crapes. Native grass pruning was also completed, as you will note if you look in the center medians on Solivita Boulevard. The Fakahatchee mounds have been pruned way back to get them ready for spring growth.

Our crews attended to rejuvenation pruning as well. This kind of pruning is where thin or leggy plants get pruned back,

Floralawn’s article continued from page 12

encouraging new, full growth from the plant bases. Plants that tend to get leggy and need rejuvenation pruning include Viburnum, Tibouchina, Gold Mound, Arboricola, and Downy Jasmine. Don’t be surprised if you see these shrubs trimmed down to half their size. Within a few months, they will be full and robust again. What’s ahead for April?

Weekly Mowing Returns

You’ll see our landscaping crews every week now, mowing, trimming, edging, and blowing. The weekly mowing will continue into October.

Hiring New Crew Members

April is when we start ramping up for the vigorous growing season and all that it entails. To make sure our crews are

complete, we augment our staff by hiring new team members. Their work is demanding, so we work hard to find the best of the best to keep Solivita always looking beautiful. This month we’ll also be purchasing additional equipment and making sure existing equipment is ready for heavy use.

Got questions? Visit our webpage on SolivitaHOA.com, call us at 863-225-9565, or drop by our office in the Admin building.

April Coffee Talk

Please join me at 9am on April 28th in Mosaics for my next Coffee Talk. This is an hour where I provide Floralawn service updates and answer questions from residents.

Acupuncture: Its Life Changing Benefits and Why Its Popular

BY DR. ANDERSON GONCALVES, D.O.M, D.AC. LICENSED ACUPUNCTURE PHYSICIAN, C3 WELLNESS SPA

Acupuncture is a form of complementary medicine that originated from China thousands of years ago. It involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities.

In recent years, acupuncture has gained acceptance as an evidence-based complementary therapy by the Western medical community due to its proven effectiveness in treating a variety of health conditions. Based on recent research there is considerable evidence showing that opioid peptides are released during acupuncture, which may partially explain the analgesic effects of acupuncture.

Acupuncture stimulation may also activate the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. Studies have documented that acupuncture is associated with alterations in the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones and changes in blood flow. Evidence also indicates that acupuncture affects immune function. During an acupuncture treatment, the practitioner or acupuncture doctor will begin by taking a detailed medical history and conducting a physical examination. They will then insert the needles into specific points on the body, which can vary depending on the condition being treated. The needles are hair thin, so most patients only feel a slight sensation.

The patient will typically rest for 20-30 minutes while the needles stimulate the body’s natural healing response. During this time, many patients experience a sense of deep relaxation and often fall asleep. Research explains this relaxation feeling being cortisol levels dropping. Cortisol is also known as stress hormones produced by the adrenal glands.

One reason acupuncture is covered by many major medical insurance providers, including Medicare, is that it has been proven effective in multiple clinical trials. Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for chronic pain, migraines, osteoarthritis, digestive disorders and many other health conditions. In addition, acupuncture is often seen as a safer alternative to other medical interventions, such as prescription painkillers, which can have serious side effects and risks.

Acupuncture is a low-risk, non-invasive, safe and effective treatment that can be used in conjunction with other Western medical treatments to support overall health and well-being. As always, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for your needs.

Floralawn 863-225-9565 floralawn.com