AUGUST 2019 VOLUME 19 ISSUE 8
[ Department ] Articles
REFLECTIONS
ON THE COVER It’s time for the annual Golf Cart Rally on August 17th! Gather your friends and neighbors for the ultimate community clue search! Who will be this year’s Rally Masters? See page E2 for all the details.
AUGUST 2019 VOLUME 19 ISSUE 8
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-8pm, Breakfast: 8am-11am Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: 863-427-7130 Monday-Thursday 6:30am-9pm Friday 6:30am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm
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 Safety & Security - Madalyn Colon: 863-440-7572 or madalync@vitalsecurity.com Communications - 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 Massage: 407-914-9168 Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm Friday 8am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-6pm
Taylor Morrison Customer Care: 800-858-5933 or www.taylormorrison.com/warranty/request
Solivita Club After Hours Emergency Phone Number: 863-286-8779 Weekdays 5pm-8pm and Weekends 12pm-5pm
Architectural Review: 863-427-7022 or compliance@solivitahoa.com
Starlite Ballroom Daily 8am-11pm Stonegate Pro Shop: 863-427-7150, ext. 4710 Daily 7am-5pm The Grille at Stonegate: 863-427-7167 Daily 8am-9pm (Breakfast: 8am-11am, Lunch: 11am-4pm and Dinner: 4pm-9pm) Bar: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm (Happy Hour 2pm-5pm) and Sun 11am-9pm (Happy Hour All Day) 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
|2|
Activities: 863-427-7125 or SolivitaActivities@evergreen-LM.com
Catering & Banquets (Stonegate Golf Club): 863-427-7150, ext. 4720 Concierge: 863-427-7100 or Fax: 863-496-4456 Floralawn (Admin Building): 863-225-9565 or floralawn.com (Submit a Work Order) 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 Riviera Spa Massage: 407-914-9168 or info@rivieraspamassage.com Security Gatehouses Supervisor: 407-989-2417 Bella Viana Gate: 863-427-1268 Main Gate: 863-427-4238 Parkway Gate: 863-286-0329 South Gate (Marigold): 863-496-1473 Venezia Gate: 863-427-2338 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: 863-427-7032 Visitor/Vendor Gate Access Voice Server: 863-313-1314
[ Solivita Information] AUGUST TABLE OF CONTENTS Newsletter Submission & Advertising Info ............................ Page 3 Department Articles .............................................................. Pages 4-15 Solivita University ................................................................. Pages 10-11 August Fitness Calendar .................................................... Pages 16-17 Community Events ............................................................... Pages 17-21 Relay For Life Events ........................................................ Pages 17-18 Mosaics Special Nights ........................................................... Page 19 Wellness Events ....................................................................... Pages 21 A Touch of Class ................................................................... Pages 21-25 Club & Support Group Meeting Lists ........................... Pages 25-30 Club News ............................................................................... Pages 30-51 Neighborhood News .................................................................... Page 52 Advertisements ..................................................................... Pages 53-84 Activities Events (back of calendar) ................ Insert Pages E1-E3 A Night at the Movies ..................................................... Insert Page E1 Activities Ticket Sale Info .............................................. 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. There is still time to be part of the Flags Over Solivita Program for 2019. There are two remaining holidays this year (Labor Day 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.
Reflections | August 2019 |
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
Email submissions to newsletter@avcommunities.com
SEPTEMBER SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Thursday, August 1st. Club insert copies are due by Friday, August 23rd. 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.
OCTOBER SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Friday, August 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. Residents receive 50% off the 1/8 page ad at the one-month rate ($115). The resident rate is $57.50 for the 1/8 page ad only. As a reminder, only one discount is issued per household. To download the contract and make payment, please visit SolivitaAdvertising.com. For more information on advertising your business in Reflections, please contact the Advertising Administrator, Amanda Wright, at 813501-7220, SolivitaAdvertising@Evergreen-LM.com, or visit the website at SolivitaAdvertising.com.
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 or stop by the Communications Office.
|3|
[ Department ] Articles
Architectural Process & Home Exterior Painting By Madelaina Smith HOA Compliance Coordinator
My name is Madelaina Smith, and I have had the privilege of working in Solivita since October 2018. I have met some of you in the Compliance/Architectural Office and in the field. My new role since coming on board with Evergreen Lifestyles Management is HOA Compliance Coordinator. With that being said, I would like to answer some questions and clarify the ARC process, as well as home exterior painting that is required every seven years.
Architectural Review Committee Applications
According to the Solivita Architectural Review Requirements (Page 6, Section 5.6), the HOA has up to 30 days to process an application. Subsequently, because of the large volume of ARC applications submitted, the committee meets twice a month. Please keep this in mind when turning in an application for approval and wanting to know the outcome of such. It’s understandable that many homeowners want to know the outcome the same day that the meeting takes place, but unfortunately there is a process to follow. ARC’s are recorded in the system, then letters are generated and mailed to the address on file. Many homeowners inquire about what kind of documents or what additional information is needed to submit with their application. Although each ARC is unique, let me go over the most common ARC’s we receive and what you will need to provide. The most common ARC’s are landscape, screen enclosures, fence, yard art, wall art, and extending of the walkway, just to name a few.
Please provide the following, if applicable to your project: • Property survey (fence, pool, extending screen enclosure, new landscape beds, curbing, extending walkways) • Picture showing color, dimensions, location, types of plants, flowers, yard art, etc. • Proposal with specifications from the vendor completing the work
Home Exterior Painting
Home exterior painting is required every seven years or sooner, if needed. Please be aware that even when painting the home the same colors, an ARC application must be filled out as it is with any exterior modifications to your home. When filling out the application (either bring it to our office or send it back to us), please indicate if you’re keeping the same colors and confirm that they are the correct colors. This can be done by stopping in our office to look at the books or via email. When painting the home the same color, this is considered an Express Approval and can be started once we receive the application. When changing the home exterior colors, approval must be obtained before the home is painted. We appreciate your patience in this process! Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Madelaina Smith 863-427-7151 msmith@evergreen-LM.com
Committee Roundup Fitness, Wellness & Recreation Committee
At the last meeting, Jamar Edge and Sheri Wollschlager worked with the committee on the new procedures for Recreation Clubs requesting funds for items/improvements for their respective recreation sport. Forms have been mailed to the Recreation Club Presidents and Vice Presidents to better understand the needs and wants of our Recreation Club Facilities. New water coolers have been installed. Refillable water bottles are on sale at The Palms and Riviera Spa & Fitness Center. They come in four colors and will be sold for $6 (limited time price). The aerobic studio floor at The Palms will be repaired and resurfaced beginning Monday, August 5th. A new large chess set near The Grille has been approved by Taylor Morrison. Work on the October 23rd Health Fair is progressing. Contact the committee at WellnessCommittee@SolivitaHOA.com.
|4|
Reflections | August 2019 |
Reflections |  August 2019 |
|5|
[ Department ] Articles
License Plate Recognition Tips & Guest Passes By Vickie Kellogg Membership Coordinator When driving up to the gates, you will soon see a white line across the roadway. It is important to wait behind the line if there is a vehicle in front of you.
The gate arm can only open for one car at-a-time. Once the first car has passed, the gate arm will start to descend. If the camera has already read your plate and if you are following closely behind another car, the arm will not go back up until the vehicle is reversed so the camera can read the plate again.
Gate Protocol
1. Proceed past the white line only if the arm is down, or descending when you approach the gate. 2. If there is a vehicle in front of you, wait at the white line for the arm to start to descend before proceeding.
The best way to make sure the gate will open is to wait behind the white line if there is a car in front of you. Once the arm starts to descend, you may proceed. No need to wait for the arm to be completely down. Your vehicle is also at risk of damage if the arm comes down on top of your car because you didn’t wait your turn. We have replicated this problem several times with the camera techs following a security vehicle. After the test, I looked at the cameras and found that cars following closely behind others will cause this issue making it seem like the camera did not read the plate. It actually does read the plate, but unless the arm is descending it will not go up – or stay up. Another issue we seem to be having are cars speeding up to the gates. The cameras work best when the car isn’t speeding past the camera. Please slow down a little and give the camera time to read the plate.
Changes to the Procedure to Purchase Visitor Passes
We have some great news! We have a new computer program in place for Visitor Passes that will make this process much easier. On the Membership Gate website, register -- ALL -- of your visitors (including children 18 years and under) and there will be no need to be with your visitors when they purchase
|6|
passes. This includes residents not in Solivita when there are visitors in your home!
New Procedure
1. Add all visitors, including minors, to your access list on the Membership Gate website. This will authorize the purchase of Visitor Passes without the owner/resident being present. 2. Visitors will continue to purchase passes at either The Palms or Riviera Spa & Fitness Center (RSF). 3. A FitWell team member will assist with registering the visitor(s) using an iPad. 4. The last name or address of the owner/resident will be used to search for the registered visitor. 5. If the visitor is on the access list, they will be able to complete the Informed Consent form directly on the iPad. 6. Adults obtaining Visitor Passes will sign the form on the iPad for themselves. Any minors that are purchasing passes with them, will be added to their record. Once signed, the form is automatically filed in the owner/resident’s record.
7. It isn’t necessary for the entire party to be present when purchasing Visitor Passes, but all ADULT visitors must sign the Informed Consent form to be issued a pass. Additionally, EVERYONE in the party, including minors (three years and older), must have a pass in their possession when using Club facilities. 8. Visitors NOT on the Membership Gate website will be required to have an owner/resident present to purchase Visitor Passes. Please contact Solivita Membership if you have not registered on the Gate website by emailing us at SolivitaMembership@ Evergreen-LM.com or call 863-866-8690.
Vickie Kellogg 863-427-7143 vkellogg@evergreen-LM.com
Reflections | August 2019 |
[ Department] Articles
Save the Dates November 7th-11th
More Information in September’s Reflections
Thursday, October 31st & Thursday, November 7th 7pm: Veteran Movie TBD
Sunday, November 10th 7pm: Young Guns Show 5pm: Dinner & Young Guns Show
Saturday, November 9th at 8:30am Golf Tournament at Stonegate Golf Club
Monday, November 11th at 9am Veterans Day Ceremony & Breakfast
All proceeds will benefit Fairways For Warriors
The Community Garden is ready to accept applications for the Fall 2019 growing season (September through February). Applications and Community Garden Rules are located either on SolivitaHOA.com under the Lifestyles Icon or at the Activities Office. A $50 fee for a 4’x6’ garden plot (24” height along with limited 32” height) is collected. $25 will be returned at the end of the gardening season upon satisfactory cleanup of the garden plot and return of the gate key. Applications and payment must be received by August 14th through cash, check or credit card. Due to the limited number of plots available, gardeners and plots will be selected randomly by lottery and will be notified by August 23rd. Spring plot renters, if you do not wish to renew for Fall 2019, please cleanup your garden plot (including removal of plants and roots), return your gate key by August 14th to the Activities Office and then your $25 deposit will be mailed. If you plan to renew, keep your garden as is, fill out page 2 of your Community Garden application form and submit $25 payment for the maintenance fee by August 14th. We will notify you if your plot was not selected in the lottery. Contact Activities for any questions at 863-427-7125.
Reflections | August 2019 |
|7|
[ Department ] Articles
Useful Information from the Concierge Desk By Shelley Destefano Community Concierge
Solivita is 4,300 acres, so you can imagine all the questions that are asked throughout the year. Although I couldn’t possibly go over all the questions, I will go over some of the frequently asked questions asked at the Concierge Desk.
Frequent Information Requests
• For pond issues, please call Governmental Management Services at 407-841-5524. • Having a problem with midges? If so, you may call Midge Control at 800-443-2034. • Sometimes you need to report a suspicious phone call or a situation that does not require you calling 9-1-1. In this situation, you may want to call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at 863-298-6200. • Floralawn (863-225-9565) takes care of your irrigation and landscaping in Solivita. To add or remove plants, you will need approval from the HOA (863-427-7032). You may find the ARC form on SolivitaHOA.com by going to DOCS & INFO > Architectural Review Information > Solivita ARC Application. • Having a gator problem? Call 866-392-4286 to report a nuisance gator. If you decide to do so, the gator will be captured and put down. • If you have any questions about your Club or Association fees you may contact Evergreen Customer Service at 855-490-1804. They take care of just about everything regarding your dues.
• You can call Polk County Waste & Recycling at 863-2844319 to pick up a bulk item, get your waste bin repaired or request a recycling bin. Don’t forget to call our Compliance Office at 863-427-7032 to let them know if you have trash by the curb waiting to be picked up by the waste company. In Solivita, yard waste and recycling is collected on Tuesdays and the regular garbage is collected on Wednesdays. • To renew your driver’s license, you must call 863-5344700 and make an appointment.
Helpful Things at the Concierge Desk
There are many things you can get help with at the Concierge Desk, including scan and email documents, send faxes, make copies, purchase stamps, set up autopay for your Club and Association dues using a check, register your golf cart, and get lists of services as well as brochures and magazines of things to do in Florida. You may also register your license plate for the LPR system at the Concierge Desk. To do so, please make sure you bring your vehicle registration and a form of ID. If you do not know whom you need to contact in Administration for certain things, the Concierge Desk is a great place to start. A lot of information can be sent via email as well, so please feel free to contact me at sdestefano@evergreen-LM.com and you can always call me at 863-427-7100 anytime from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday (except for certain holidays). Now for some fun things to do in the area this month!
Movie Going
With the AMC Stubs A*List you can watch up to three movies a week in any format for $21.95 a month, plus tax. Of course, you will only be able to use the pass at AMC Movie Theaters. The
• You may add guests on SolivitaHOA.com by clicking on MY INFO > GateHouse Access or by going to SolivitaHOA. vertilinc.com. • For Spectrum issues you may call 855-222-0102 or the Bulk Call Center at 833-697-7328 (make sure they are aware that you are under the Solivita bulk agreement). Our Solivita Channel is 732. Continued on page 9
|8|
Reflections | August 2019 |
[ Department] Articles
Continued from page 8
closest AMC Theater is at Disney Springs located at 1500 East Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830. The nice thing is that you can reserve your seats and the movie you want to see in advance. Please call 407-827-1308 or visit amctheatres.com for more information.
Magical Dining
Orlando’s Magical Dining Month starts August 23rd and ends on September 30th. Visit OrlandoMagicalDining. com to view more than 100 participating restaurants in the Orlando area. They will all have magical dining menus that will feature three course dinner menus to choose from for only $35. The price does not include tax and gratuity.
25th Annual Harvest Grape Stomp
You may enjoy complimentary wine tours, listen to live music, purchase food, and of course, stomp on grapes at the 25th Annual Harvest Grape Stomp. This will take place on August 17th from 10am-5pm and August 18th from 11am-5pm. It is located at the Lakeridge Winery (19239 U.S. 27, North Clermont, FL 34715). Admission is $10 per adult and children (12 and under) are free. Grape stomping is included with entry fees. A portion of those fees will go to the Alzheimer’s Family Organization. Please visit www.lakeridgewinery.com for more information.
Do You Have a Vial of Life? Submitted by the Solivita CERT Team
When first responders encounter a victim, they can be much more effective if they know a little about the person they are treating. A Vial of Life serves that purpose by providing a form for you to record your current medications and dosages, emergency contacts, preferred hospital, insurance information and otherwise hidden medical conditions. These factors can help determine the best immediate treatment for the victim. In the excitement of a medical crisis all the details may be difficult to recall. If the victim is unconscious it is even more important for safe treatment. The Vial of Life speaks for you when you can’t. The form that CERT uses is made to be cut lengthwise into two pieces. One half is for your information and the other is for your spouse. Once you have filled in the form, place it/them in a waterproof container (old medicine bottle or zipper storage bag) on the top shelf of your refrigerator. EMTs will look there. Better yet, put an indicator/note on your refrigerator noting that a Vial of Life container is inside. Of course, it is up to you to keep this information up to date. Vial of Life forms can be obtained by downloading them from the documents section of CERT’s club webpage on SolivitaHOA. com > Clubs > CERT > Documents. You can also pick up a form from the Concierge Desk or in the Resident to Resident (R2R) Resource Center above the Bistro. R2R usually has the medicine bottles as well.
Until next time, I wish everyone a delightful August! Community Concierge 863-427-7100 sdestefano@evergreen-LM.com
Reflections | August 2019 |
Get this form today and fill it out. If you already have one, review it for any needed updates or revisions. This recommendation was provided by the Solivita Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
|9|
[ Solivita University ]
Co-Sponsored by the Solivita University Committee and Activities No studying, tests or exams are given, just enlightening topics to keep your mind energized. All classes are 90 minutes long and require pre-registration, unless otherwise noted. Solivita University classes are also listed in a calendar on SolivitaHOA.com under the Club, Class, Group Directory and then click on Class Directory located on the left. The August course is available now while September courses will open for registration starting on Thursday, August 1st. For more information or to register by cash, check or credit card, please visit the Activities Office or call 863-427-7125.
2019 Art and Literary Lecture Annual Pass - Reduced Price
This pass will allow residents admittance to any of the 4 Art and Literary Lectures scheduled in 2019 for $10 per person. If you choose not to purchase an Annual Pass and want to attend a lecture, admission is $5 per lecture at the door. Art and Literary passes are for Art and Literary Lectures only and are non-refundable. Next Art Lectures: October 22nd and November 12th Next Literary Lectures: October 28th and November 18th
2019 Great Decision Discussions Annual Pass
Great Decisions (GD) is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. The 2019 GD Annual Pass is $35 (or $40 for two sharing a book). If you choose not to purchase an Annual Pass and want to attend a discussion, admission is $5 per discussion at the door, no book included. Next Discussion: Cyber Conflicts and Geopolitics Tuesday, September 10th at 11am in the Gator Room and Wednesday, September 25th at 4pm in The Palms
History of Comedy Through Film
Dr. Richard Goldsmith
| 10 |
Thursdays, August 8th, 15th and 22nd The Palms • 1pm Tuition: $20 per student Professor: Solivita resident Dr. Richard Goldsmith was an award-winning teacher as well as a high school administrator for over 40 years. During his career, he taught AP United States
History, AP European History, Cambridge University Sociology, and AP Capstone (critical thinking and college research paper writing). His passion and knowledge of history will substantially add to this course. Course Description: From the physical comedy of Charles Lloyd, Buster Keaton, and Charlie Chaplin to situation comedies like All in the Family, to the stand-up comics like Lenny Bruce and Henny Youngman; laughter has evolved into a coveted part of life! The course will explore why we laugh, and what we laugh at, through an examination of film from the early twentieth century to the present.
Ethical Dilemmas: Is There a Right Way to do the Wrong Thing?
Tuesdays, September 10th, 17th and 24th Gator Room • 1pm Tuition: $20 per student Professors: Susan Kossak, a Solivita resident, is a retired tenured professor of social work, psychotherapist, and trainer with extensive experience in a variety of venues. Dr. Kossak holds a BA in psychology, magna cum laude, a Master of Social Work degree and a Ph.D. Susan Gibbs, also a Solivita resident, was a designated master teacher of physical education and health education, as well as a Coordinator of Student Assistance for a large urban school district. Additionally, Susan taught Critical Issues and Values in Contemporary Health as an adjunct professor at Kean University for over a decade. She holds a BA and an MA in Educational Administration. Course Description: Many people want there to be a single right answer to an ethical question or dilemma. They find moral ambiguity hard to live with because they genuinely want to do
Reflections | August 2019 |
[ Solivita University] the “right” thing, and even if they can’t work out what that right thing is, they like the idea that “somewhere” there is one right answer. But often there isn’t one right answer – there may be several answers, or just some least worst answers – and the individual must choose between them.
This course deals with some of the issues we have to face today, either with our own personal dilemmas or with societal dilemmas. Join us as we explore how we might eliminate some of the confusion based on a set of principles that will help us possibly see clearer conclusions and make “better” choices.
Word 101
Mondays, September 16th, 23rd, 30th and October 7th Gator Room • 3:30pm Tuition: $25 per student Instructor: Catherine Larson, a Solivita resident, has taught word processing, spreadsheets and database programs for over 20 years. She has taught in public school, adult education, corporate training and private lessons. She makes learning fun, useful and relatively stress-free! Course Requirement: Students need to bring their own laptop (Mac or Windows) to participate as they learn. Word from Office 365 will be used to demonstrate; however, all concepts and tools are available on older versions 2007 and higher. Word on Tablets and iPads are acceptable, but not all features available on computers is available for tablets. Course Description: Have you struggled with setting up your Microsoft Word Documents so that they print out as nicely
Reflections | August 2019 |
as they appear on the screen? Do you find yourself using the Spacebar and Enter Key to move text? This course is for you! You will learn how to use the formatting tools in Word to create professional looking documents!
Excel 101
Tuesdays, September 17th, 24th, October 1st and 8th Gator Room • 4pm Tuition: $25 per student Instructor: Catherine Larson, a Solivita resident, has taught word processing, spreadsheets and database programs for over 20 years. She has taught in public school, adult education, corporate training and private lessons. She makes learning fun, useful and relatively stress-free! Course Requirement: Students need to bring their own laptop (Mac or Windows) to participate as they learn. Excel from office 365 will be used to demonstrate; however, all concepts and tools are available on older versions 2007 and higher. Excel on Tablets and iPads are acceptable, but not all features available on computers is available for tablets. Course Description: Excel is a powerful spreadsheet program that can be used to create budgets, address lists, charts and much more! Although it is a spreadsheet program designed to utilize complex calculations, it can also be used as a database program to organize, filter and sort information. You will learn the basics of this program as a spreadsheet program creating formulas and common functions, as well as, database functions of creating tables, sort, filter and format the information to be used to manage large lists, maintain an address book and create mail merge documents.
Upcoming Fall 2019 Courses
• History of the Decades Through Film: 1900-1930s: 3-week Thursday course starting on October 3rd at 1pm • What is Economics? Background of the Science and Principal Players: 3-week Thursday course starting on October 10th at 3pm • Further Cases of Interest in Constitutional Law: 3-week Fridays course starting on October 11th at 11am • Whirlwind Bridge: 3-week Saturday course starting on October 12th at 1pm • History of Russian Revolution: 3-week Tuesday course starting on October 15th at 1pm • Jerusalem Jones and the Dead Sea Scrolls: 3-week Friday course starting on October 25th at 10:30am
| 11 |
[ Department ] Articles
The R2R Resource Center is Here for You! R2R Workshops
All R2R workshops are free of charge, but please register in advance by contacting the Resource Center weekdays between 9am-5pm at 863-236-9973 or email SolivitaR2R@gmail.com for additional details and to reserve your spot. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits.
What’s App: Using Your Phone or PC to Order, Travel and Organize Wednesday, August 14th • 10am • The Palms Once upon a time, the only really good apps on your phone were the calculator and calendar. Now, you can use your phone to explore travel options on SunRail, have groceries delivered from Publix, arrange an Uber pickup, or ask Alexa to send your shopping lists directly to your phone - no need to remember to grab the paper list from your refrigerator. Even if you haven’t mastered the intricacies of the smart phone, most of these options can still be accessed directly from your home computer. The R2R Resource Center’s August Workshop will explore some of the apps and sites that can make our lives easier and more interesting. You’ll learn how to find, install and use them effectively and safely.
Share Your Experiences
Have you explored any of the museums, theaters or hidden gems presented at the June R2R workshop? If so, we would love to
| 12 |
hear about your experiences or suggestions for additional places and events. Our November Workshop will once again highlight holiday events with and without the grandchildren, so please share your ideas with us. Email us at SolivitaR2R@gmail.com.
Community Resources
The Resident to Resident Resource Center is staffed and operated by volunteer residents. This talented and hardworking group is researching information on the following topics: • Churches • Crafty Ideas • Computer Services • Handypersons • Healthcare • Household (such as house sitters, cleaners, etc.) • Entertainment Opportunities • Notary Services • Transportation (to and from doctor appointments, airports, Uber, Lyft, etc.) • Volunteer Opportunities This information will include Solivita residents who are currently providing these services as well as vendors who have provided these services to residents. So, contact or stop by the Resource Center for a list of vendors to help with any needs you have. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll try to get it for you. We would love to hear from you and remember, we are residents too.
Reflections | August 2019 |
August Happenings in Solivita
[ Department] Articles
By Brad Thompson Branch Manager, Floralawn Happy August, Solivita residents. If you’re amazed that we’re into the back half of the year already, join the club. So are we! All Floralawn crews, whether working on mowing or detail tasks, keep super busy at this time of the year. It’s that season when the grass practically grows while we’re watching it. Not really, of course. But everything does grow very fast in the summer and we have to hustle to keep ahead of it. By the way, do you ever wonder how our men and women can keep working all day long in the hot summer sun? It’s grueling, to be sure. Our crews’ safety and well-being are very important to us. We hold training sessions on how to care for one’s self in the heat. Measures include hydrating ahead of time, drinking water throughout the day, stopping for breaks in the shade, and being able to recognize the signs of heat sickness. Besides the mowing, detail work, and trimming that our crews do throughout Solivita, they also carry out tasks related to managing turf pest infestations. Sod webworms, chinch bugs, whitefly and scale are several of the turf and shrub pests we watch for.
blade. A population of these can chew down a whole area of turf, leaving it looking like it has been scalped. Chinch bugs suck the juice out of grass blades. They’re voracious, fast eaters and can move through big patches of grass quickly, leaving it to turn yellow and die. Whitefly and scale are shrub pests. They pierce leaves and suck out the sap. Our crews watch for all these bugs and treat them with pesticides and cultural controls such as proper mowing and watering practices. We didn’t have a Coffee Talk in July, but we do have one this month. It’s scheduled for August 30th and will be held at 9am in the Starlite Ballroom. Come and hang out with us for an hour to hear all the latest Floralawn news. Got questions related to landscaping or Floralawn services? Bring them and we’ll do our best to get your questions answered. If you can’t make it to the Coffee Talk, feel free to call us at 863225-9565 or stop by our office in the Admin Building. Have a great month and stay cool!
The sod webworm is actually a caterpillar. Sod webworm larvae eat the tops off grass blades. Mature webworms eat the entire
Solivita Yard of the Month Our Green Thumbs July Yard of the Month Award goes to Rosemary Weppler and Mike Moschitta at 225 Sorrento Road in Bella Viana for their attractive streetscape surrounding their beautiful home. They received a $25 gift card for all the tender loving care they give their landscape to make Solivita a lovelier place to call home. Congratulations! We’d would like to recognize Luis Valdez and his Evergreen crew for the timely movement of our Yard of the Month sign every month. We really appreciate it! Our independent judges are searching for the next winners. Spruce up your front yard and maybe you will be the next recipient of the August Yard of the Month! Check next month’s Reflections to see August’s winners.
Reflections | August 2019 |
| 13 |
[ Department ] Articles
Solivita's
Neighborhood Heroes “Action is the antidote to despair. It may or may not help the world but it always helps us. Hope comes from engaging in a hopeful process…” ( Women Rowing North: Navigating Life’s Currents and Flourishing As We Age by Mary Pipher).
T
he threat of cancer is harrowing, but to experience three such threats in the space of four years would challenge even the most optimistic among us. Chicago native and Cubs fan, Susan (“Susie Q”) Ragnini Quattrochi had her metal tested to the max.
Strike 1: 2010 Susie’s vision became blurry. An egg-sized meningioma or tumor caused blindness in one eye and partial blindness in the other. Surgery resulted in memory and hearing loss for a while. Susie withdrew that year from Guys and Dolls (the Solivita community chorus that puts on an annual holiday concert), but the brain tumor was benign, and she recovered. “I was spared,” Susie said.
Strike 2: 2014 “I had three dreams; the final one with my mom and dad standing over me and I was crying and in so much pain and I said, ‘I have colorectal cancer.’ I was symptom-free and I would never have gone for the colonoscopy without the dreams, but after the third dream, I had to go. They discovered stage 4 colorectal cancer that day - the silent killer.” A new drug, plus six weeks of chemo and radiation before surgery, reduced the tumor to the size of a half dollar. Surgery finished off the cancer and “again, I was spared.”
Strike 3: 2014 During her treatment for the colorectal cancer, a mammogram turned up breast cancer - DCIS, ductal carcinoma in situ or in the duct. It was strike three, but she was spared again.
Relay For Life Susie Q often wears purple, the color of her favorite sport - Relay For Life. “My major involvement started in thanksgiving,” said Susie, “because my brain tumor was benign. I wanted to help because of the huge blessing of being spared.” From there and
| 14 |
two cancers later, she and her husband Alfred (“Al”) Quatrocchi became engaged in the fight. Each chaired the Solivita Relay effort at various times; fundraising teams went from 4 to 18, and in 2019 the 18 teams earned $106,301 for the American Cancer Society in a year-long effort.
Illinois Roots Susie grew up with a brother, a sister and 34 cousins in a vibrant Italian family, who dubbed her Susie Q. Many years later, she was working at J.J. Newberry’s in Chicago, saw Al coming down the escalator, fell in love, and that was that. Susie and Al got married at St. Vincent Ferrara Catholic Church in River Forrest, Illinois, 52 years ago and she became a real Susie Q. Their four children (Anthony, Steven, Debora and Joseph) were raised in Chicago’s west suburbs and all married at their parents’ church years later. Susie graduated from Triton College in River Grove, Illinois and became a pre-school teacher. Al became a firefighter, until the ceiling fell down on him, literally, during one of the fires Continued on page 15
Reflections | August 2019 |
[ Department] Articles
Continued from page 14 he responded to. Both families have deep Italian-Sicilian roots, with family as the center of everything. “I bought each of my children their kitchen table when they got married,” said Susie, “because that’s where everyone comes together. I believe in the kitchen table. You work out your problems there. You laugh and cry together.” Al and Susie brought their kitchen table to Solivita in 2001, making them Solivita pioneers, and built a vibrant life here ever since.
Taking Action Together “Rally means to gather, so we gather,” says Susie, “celebrating our survivors, remembering our loved ones, and we fight together because nobody should ever have to fight alone.” Susie has been cancer-free for five years and remembers the help she received. “The 1-800-227-2345 American Cancer Society 24/7 number was a godsend to me. I needed somebody and they were there to help me -encouragement -- a hug over the phone. This year our Relay started with a hug.”
Susie at the per formance of “It’s a Wonde rful Life ...” Photo provided by the Solivit a Starlite rs.
Action was Susie’s antidote to despair. “I had a vision and a goal, and everyone made it come true!” Engaging in a positive process made hope come alive. In this case, the process may help the world!
FRIENDS WHO HAVE LEFT US, BUT ARE NOT FORGOTTEN
Patricia “Patti” Biringer
Paula S. Hessenius
Leonard “Len” Vento
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the residents who recently passed away. Reflections | August 2019 |
SPEED ENFORCEMENT
The HOA, Security, and the 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.
| 15 |
[ Solivita Information ]
AUGUST FITNESS SCHEDULE Beginning Monday, August 5th, The Palms Aerobics Studio will be CLOSED for renovations. The floors will be repaired, sanded and resurfaced. As long as there are no delays, we hope to re-open on Monday, August 19th. The Fit/Well Team has done a fantastic job coming up with a schedule to keep everyone moving during the two-week renovation. Please see below for locations and times of classes in the Riviera Spa & Fitness Center and the following page for classes in the Starlite Ballroom during this project.
RIVIERA SPA & FITNESS CENTER CLASSES MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
TIME
CLASS/ACTIVITY
TIME
CLASS/ACTIVITY
TIME
CLASS/ACTIVITY
7am
Group Barbell
7am
TRX Suspension Training
7am
Body Sculpting
8am
Group Barbell
8am
Express Total Body Sculpt
8am
Everybody Steps
8am
Tabata H2O
8am
Walk + Tone (Indoor Track)
9am
Aqua Zumba
9am
Splash + Tone
9am
Splash + Tone
9am
Athletic Conditioning
9am
Total Body Toning Exercise
9am
Body Sculpting
10am
Breathe, Stretch, Relax
10am
Low Impact Aerobics
10am
Barre
10:30am-11:15am
Swim Lessons - Level 1**
10:30am-11:15am
Swim Lessons - Level 1**
11am
Pilates
11am
Zumba Gold Toning
11am
Self Defense Class
11:30am
Aqua Zumba
11:15am-12pm
Swim Lessons - Level 2**
11:15am-12pm
Swim Lessons - Level 2**
12pm
Intermediate Line Dance
12pm
Balls and Bands
12pm
Drums Alive! Chair Exercise
1pm
Advanced Line Dance
1pm
Zumba
1pm
Zumba
2pm
Balance Training
2pm
Belly Dancing
2pm
Fit Body Circuit
3pm
Beginning Tai Chi
2pm
Joint Relief (Aqua)
2pm
Joint Relief (Aqua)
4pm
Intermediate Tai Chi
3pm
Beginner Balance Training
3pm
Muscle Ignite
5pm-7pm
Table Tennis (Open Play)
4pm-6pm
VOLUNTEER CLASS
4pm-6pm
Open Lap Swimming
5pm-6:30pm
Open Lap Swimming
6pm
Power Yoga
4:15pm
Gentle Chair Yoga
6:45pm-8:45pm
Water Volleyball (League)
7pm
Muscle Conditioning
6:45pm-8:45pm
Water Volleyball (League)
6pm
Relaxation Yoga
6:30pm-8:45pm
Water Volleyball (League)
THURSDAY TIME
CLASS/ACTIVITY
FRIDAY TIME
SATURDAY
CLASS/ACTIVITY
TIME
CLASS/ACTIVITY
7am
TRX Suspension Training
7am
Yoga
7am
Body Alive
8am
Boot Camp
8am
Body Sculpting 1
8am
Yoga Beat
9am
Total Body Conditioning
9am
Body Sculpting 2
9am
Yoga Flow
9am
Splash + Tone
10am
Zumba Gold Toning
9am
Aqua Craze
10am
Breathe, Stretch, Relax
11am
Cardio Kickboxing
10am
Zumba Combo
11am
Gentle Joints (Land Based)
12pm
Drums Alive! Chair Exercise
11am
Barre & Pilates Fusion
11:30am
Splash + Tone
1pm
Zumba
12pm
Tai Chi
12pm
Self Defense Class
2pm
Fit Body Circuit
-- Saturday 11:30am Everybody Steps Class is CANCELLED Until The Palms Re-Opens --
1pm
Fit Factory
2pm
Joint Relief (Aqua)
2pm
Balance Training
3pm-7pm
Table Tennis (Open Play)
3pm
Beginner Line Dance
4pm
Ballroom Dance (Beg.)*
5pm
Ballroom Dance (Int.)*
6pm
Hatha Yoga
| 16 |
*Small fee for Ballroom Dance classes. Please call 863-427-7130 for more information. **Fee for swim lessons. Please contact Martha Dennis at 305-323-1772 or visit swimflallc.fullslate.com.
SUNDAY TIME
CLASS/ACTIVITY
9am-1pm
Table Tennis
3pm-5pm
Water Volleyball (Open)
Reflections |  August 2019 |