ON THE COVER
REFLECTIONS
Do you know what the Solivita Neighborhood Captains Program is all about? Read their article on page 7 to find out more information, how you can get more involved or to contact your Neighborhood Captain.
AUGUST 2021 VOLUME 21 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-7pm, Breakfast 8am-11am Mosaics Restaurant: 863-427-7150, ext. 4720 Friday & Saturday 4pm-8pm Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: 863-427-7130 Monday-Thursday 6:30am-9pm Friday 6:30am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm Riviera Spa Massage: 407-914-9168 Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm Friday 8am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-6pm Solivita Club Facilities After Hours Emergency Phone Number: 863-286-8779 Weekdays 5pm-8pm and Weekends 12pm-5pm Starlite Ballroom Daily 8am-11pm
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 - Elettsy (Lexy) Jimenez: 863-440-7572 or elettesyj@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: 800-858-5933 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, 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
Stonegate Pro Shop: 863-427-7150, ext. 4710 Daily 7am-5pm
Membership: 863-427-7143 or solivitamembership@evergreen-LM.com
The Grille at Stonegate: 863-427-7167 Daily 11am-8pm Breakfast Wednesday-Sunday, 8am-11am Happy Hour Daily 3pm-7pm and All Day on Sundays
Resident to Resident Resource Center: 863-236-9973 or SolivitaR2R@gmail.com
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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Mosaics Restaurant: 863-427-7150, ext. 4720 or option #5
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 Server: 863-313-1314
Solivita Information
AUGUST TABLE OF CONTENTS Newsletter Submission & Advertising Info ............................ Page 3 Department Articles .............................................................. Pages 4-21 Solivita University ................................................................. Pages 14-15 Community Events .............................................................. Pages 22-24 Mosaics Special Nights ........................................................... Page 22 Wellness Events .......................................................................... Page 24 A Touch of Class ................................................................... Pages 25-27 Club & Support Group Meeting Lists ........................... Pages 28-32 Club News ............................................................................... Pages 33-50 Neighborhood News .................................................................... Page 50 Advertisements ..................................................................... Pages 51-84 Activities Events (back of calendar) ................ Insert Pages E1-E3 Movies on Channel 732 ................................................. Insert Page E1
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS Email submissions to reflections@evergreen-LM.com
SEPTEMBER SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Monday, August 2nd. Club insert copies are due by Tuesday, August 24th, but must be approved by Club Manager, Sheri Wollschlager (email to swollschlager@ evergreen-LM.com) or Communications Director, Doug Gilbert (email to solivitacommunications@evergreenLM.com) before they are copied.
OCTOBER SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Wednesday, September 1st.
Events You Do Not Want to Miss .............................. Insert Page E2 Future Events ..................................................................... Insert Page E3 Monthly Calendar (back of Activities Events) ........................ Insert
Let’s Get Our Hands Dirty... COMMUNITY GARDEN FALL PLANTER BOX RENTAL
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. More Info: SolivitaAdvertising. com or contact Amanda Wright at 813-501-7220 or SolivitaAdvertising@Evergreen-LM.com.
September 2021 – February 2022 $50, includes $25 refundable deposit $25 for renewing gardeners Planter Box: 4’ x 6’ x 24” & 32” H Applications available in Activities Office and SolivitaHOA.com under Lifestyles. Applications and payment due by August 13th at Activities Office. Gardeners are picked by drawing on August 19th.
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. REFLECTIONS | AUGUST 2021
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Department Articles
20 Years and Still Loving It!!! BY SHERI WOLLSCHLAGER CLUB MANAGER On July 23, 2021, I had the honor of celebrating my 20th work anniversary at Solivita. I want to share a few stories of how I came to work at Solivita and how things were back in 2001. For 14 years, I worked at Florida Hospital on the Psych Units as a Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist. Things were changing at Florida Hospital and it was not in the direction I wanted to go. I had just graduated from Troy State (now Troy University) with my Master’s Degree. I started looking for a new job by going “old school” and looking in the Help Wanted Ads in a real newspaper that was delivered to my house. I saw an ad for an Activities Coordinator at Solivita. That weekend my husband and I were going to play a round of golf and I asked him where we were going to play and he said, “Stonegate Golf Club.” I said, “Is that in the Solivita Community?” He said, “Yes.” I told him, “You are not going to believe this, but they are looking for an Activities Coordinator.” That night I emailed my resume and cover letter to John Corners, Project Manager for Avatar Properties. On the cover letter, I said something like, “I know your community well. Today I played at Stonegate Golf Club and the qualifications you are asking for fit me to a Tee!” That got me in the door. When I came for the interview, John walked me through the facilities, and I was so excited to think I could be working in this amazing community. Then he showed me the Magnolia Room (the small meeting room connected to the Library) and said this is the card room. I honestly said to him, “Are you kidding? This will not work for a card room for an active adult community!” Well, I guess I impressed him enough because the next day he offered me the position and changed my title to Activities Director.
My first month was exciting with getting to explore all the Club facilities. I checked every storage area to figure out what I had to work with and, with a very small budget, started planning activities for the community. I began to meet all the residents and knew right away I had made the right decision to change careers. The calendar the Sales Team printed for the residents had a lot of “fluff” to it and programs that were great home sellers but not what the residents wanted to participate in. So, I scrapped the calendar and started a realistic program. Thank goodness Christy Haley, Director of Fitness, had already set up a fitness program because the Sales Team was not happy with me to see less events on the calendar. My goal was to change from quantity to quality programing. For the first few months our participation level was very low. I remember telling John that I am going to go to every house in Solivita, knock on their doors and pull the residents from their homes. I even did a “Bring a New Solivita Friend Month in November 2001!” Well, I guess this worked because it was not long before “word of mouth” (best advertising method in Solivita), residents started coming to events. We quickly outgrew the Magnolia Room (card room). Since our Art program was just starting out, I turned the Ceramic Gallery into the card room and the Art Gallery became the allinclusive Arts and Crafts Gallery. Thank goodness that years later, Avatar turned the Discovery Day hotel rooms above the Ceramic Gallery into multi-purpose rooms now known as the Mediterranean Skyline Rooms. One of the best remodels we have done in the Club facilities! Solivita Reflections was designed by me monthly using the Publisher Microsoft program and was about 12 pages with no advertisements (pictured on page 6). Once they finally realized the publication I was producing was pretty sad looking (okay, good for those times), Kristin Whitaker was promoted from Activities to Club Communications to expand our community communications and would publish Reflections. Thank goodness we did this! I was accused several times of making residents look fat in Reflections by the pictures I inserted in the publication (LOL). For many years, I recommended allowing advertisements in Reflections so the publication would pay for itself. June of Continued on page 6
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REFLECTIONS | AUGUST 2021
mondays
Tuesdays
Trivia
Karaoke
SPECIAL NIGHTS
SPECIAL NIGHTS
Select Mondays at 4pm & 7pm $5 Beverage Ticket Admission
Select Tuesdays 6pm-9pm » cash bar Complimentary Entrance
Thursdays
Friday, August 6th
Thursday Night Movies
Solivita Th(eat)ers
Golf Cart Rally
7pm on ch. 732 and August 19th in Ballroom movie listing is on the back of the calendar insert
Ballroom » 6pm » $17 Dinner and a Movie
the Palms Rally starts at 9:20am Free » Guests of All Ages
Sunday, August 22nd
Monday, August 23rd
Full Moon Pool Party The Palms » 7pm-10pm » Free DJ/Steel Drums, Pool Games, Astrology reading
Wednesdays
every Wednesday 11am-1pm Farmer’s Market location in Freedom Park To Go Only saturday, August 14th
Friday, August 27th
Murder Mystery Dinner Show 4pm-7:30pm Veteran’s Memorial in Freedom Park DJ » Cash Bar Seating is provided
Ballroom 5pm » $35 Dress Code: Prom or 50’s
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.
REFLECTIONS | AUGUST 2021
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Department Articles Sheri’s article continued from page 4
around. It takes a team to make everything happen here and I am very proud of each and every one of them. But most of all, I want to thank all my Solivita residents for their support, understanding, constructive criticism and love throughout my years here. I have learned so much from all of you. To my Solivita volunteers, I love you all. We really could not run our programs without your support. I am always amazed by the hours our Solivita residents volunteer and assist in making Solivita wonderful.
2006 was the first Reflections to have advertisements and we even made money on the publication and that continues to this day. Fast-forward to 2018 when I won the National award for Lifestyles Director of the Year for 55+ Housing Awards from NAHB. A short time before this, I was promoted to Club Manager. Life is good and I am reaching my goals and living the dream. I could go on-and-on with my stories because I sure have a lot of them. However, with utmost-recognition, I wanted to take a moment to thank my Solivita Team for all their hard work in planning and implementing the BEST Lifestyles program
My husband tells me that I am a workaholic, but I feel if you love your job and love the people you work with, it is okay to put the hours in for Solivita. I have given blood, lots of sweat and many tears for Solivita. I can honestly say I am BLESSED to work at Solivita. I have my dream job and I hope it continues for many more years. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this wonderful community. Sign off from 2008: Until next newsletter, Go Gators and be safe and happy.
Sheri Wollschlager 863-427-7129 swollschlager@evergreen-LM.com
Neighborhood Captain’s Program
BY RUDY BAUTISTA, LCAM SOLIVITA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MANAGER Can you believe we are now in the month of August? That means we are just a few weeks away from the fall season. With the facilities opening back up 100% earlier in the year, it has been fantastic to interact with all our residents again and enjoy the events like last month’s Red, White & Blue Street Party. I just have to say, it does feel good to be back to some sort of normalcy. What a year this has been so far! Thank you to all the residents for your encouraging words and for stopping in to say hi to your Association staff. It really is great seeing you all again. I would also like to take this opportunity to formally introduce 6
the Neighborhood Captain’s Program to you all. Every Captain is a Solivita resident, which lives within the neighborhood he or she is assigned. Our Captains really enjoy their roles in which they plan fun activities that help create lasting fun filled memories with neighbors. If you have not had the chance to meet your Captain, I encourage you to do so and you will not regret doing so. On the following page is a little summary from the Neighborhood Captain’s Program (NCP). Rudy Bautista 863-701-2969 rbautista@evergreen-LM.com
REFLECTIONS | AUGUST 2021
Department Articles
Neighborhood Captain’s Program The Neighborhood Captain’s Program (NCP) fosters a sense of community within each neighborhood helping a resident become a neighbor and building friendships. Each Solivita neighborhood is unique, with its own Captain facilitating communications, fostering relationships, and planning social and educational events. Parties, outings, speakers, and concerts are all a part of the fun, and the recipe for a happy, active lifestyle. However, did you know ... the NCP also serves as a conduit between a Neighborhood, the HOA and Solivita Club/Lifestyles Activities, lending a voice to effectively address and resolve a multitude of neighborhood related issues and residents’ concerns. The program empowers neighborhoods to become more involved in the future of their communities. Check out the Solivita Neighborhood Captains Program for more information or to contact your captain by going to SolivitaHOA.com, click on the Get Connected tab, and select Neighborhood Captains.
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS ARTICLES Neighborhood Captains may send in articles and photos to the Communications Director Doug Gilbert at SolivitaCommunications@ Evergreen-LM.com. Doug will review and submit all of the Neighborhood articles directly to Reflections for publication. The content must be about an event, activity or other neighborhood program and will be limited to 100 words. REFLECTIONS | AUGUST 2021
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Department Articles
Coming Soon: Select Movie Nights in the Ballroom! BY JANA MALIK DIRECTOR OF ACTIVITIES Following last month’s Solivita Lifestyles Activities Committee (SLAC) article regarding the change in Thursday Movie Nights; we received calls from residents requesting that we reconsider showing some movies in the Ballroom. As a result, it has been decided to show the best new release film once a month in the Ballroom starting in August. This decision was made to accommodate those that enjoy the movies in the Ballroom, while still opening up more availability for resident clubs requesting the Ballroom for events. Additionally, we had noticed a decrease in Ballroom movie night attendance pre-Covid, on many nights when an unpopular movie was being shown. Rather than going back to showing movies that won’t receive much attendance, the Ballroom will be better used in this new way. Movies will continue to play on Channel 732 on Thursdays where the movie is not shown in the Ballroom but will not be played on the Thursday that the Ballroom shows the movie. And yes, in the Ballroom, we will be serving popcorn and lemonade, so come on out to the movies! Due to holidays and resident production groups, the Ballroom Movie Nights will be scheduled on a random Thursday each month and will be advertised just like all other Activities events. Check the back of this month’s calendar insert to see the date and details.
STARLITE BALLROOM MONTHLY THURSDAY NIGHT MOVIES
Solivita’s Roaring 21st Birthday Party On Saturday, October 9th we are going to throw a big birthday party and we will have several ticket packages ranging from $10 and up. We will also have available pre-order event merchandise sales that will include men’s and ladies polo shirts, wine tumblers, beer glasses and an ornament to remember this event for years to come. We will begin selling the event ticket packages and merchandise starting on Monday, August 23rd at 9am by going to the direct link on the SolivitaHOA.com Home Page. In order to guarantee your merchandise will be received by the event, orders MUST be made by September 6th. Check out pages 12 and 13 to see the event map and details.
Clubs’ Main Ticket Sales
The Covid pandemic changed a lot of things, including Main Ticket Sales. Before Covid, Activities and Clubs would sell tickets to their events in the Ballroom on the 1st business day of the month at 9am. Now that the Activities events have moved to an online ticket sales system, and clubs are ramping their events back up, clubs are wishing to return to Main Ticket Sales Day. Starting on August 2nd (and the 1st business day of the month thereafter), clubs may take (1) table in Mosaics from 10am-12pm to sell tickets for their events. Clubs do not need to pre-register to have a table. Residents may browse around and purchase club ticketed events anytime from 10am-12pm.
EOSS, What’s That?
Early Open Show Seating (EOSS) was a very popular ticket when we sold show tickets in the Ballroom. This ticket was an additional $5 and it allowed only 60 ticket holders into the Ballroom five (5) minutes before the general admission ticket holders were allowed in. EOSS ticket holders could sit anywhere they pleased. We will be reinstating this on August Continued on page 9
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Department Articles Jana’s article continued from page 8
2nd at 9am when we start selling tickets for Elements Show: A Tribute to Earth, Wind and Fire.
The Palms Pool Closing Early for Event
On Sunday, August 22nd there will be a full moon, and what better night to throw a Full Moon Pool Party at The Palms? To allow fair access to the event, everyone on The Palms pool deck and pool will be asked to leave at 6:30pm. We will then allow a fair entrance to the event at 7pm. Check out this event’s details on the back of the monthly newsletter insert.
Sunday, August 22nd
Rays of Service Volunteer Appreciation Movie
If you are a Rays of Service Volunteer and you were not able to see the movie we presented at the volunteer appreciation event in May, or you want to see it again, we will broadcast it on Ch. 732 on Thursday, August 12th at 6:30pm before the 7pm Thursday Night Movie. It showcases the Solivita Team Members re-enacting famous movies scenes in locations throughout Solivita. It was all casted, videoed and edited by Solivita staff. We hope you enjoy it. Coming Soon to a Movie Theater Near You (the Ballroom) to Keep The Party Going!!! Jana Malik 863-427-7125 jmalik@evergreen-LM.com
REFLECTIONS | AUGUST 2021
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Department Articles
The R2R Resource Center is Here for You! Workshop: Leaving the Hospital Now What Happens
Tuesday, August 3rd • 6:30pm • The Palms Co-sponsored by the SolAbility Club. Theresa Brzezinski RN, Director of Case Management at Poinciana Medical Center will help clear up any questions you may have when the time comes for you or loved one to leave the hospital. She will cover the following topics: • Simplifying and guiding you through the discharge process • Clarifying the options available when you leave • Discuss the challenges you and a loved one face
with the advisory committee. Bill fell in love with Jan while both were in college. Following college, Bill joined the Navy and sent Jan a plane ticket to join him. They were soon married and began a 20year adventure in the Navy. After Bill’s Navy career they settled in Colorado Springs for 18 years. Feeling a need to change their lives, they sold their home, bought an RV and traveled the USA picking up work in RV parks along the way, and finally planting roots in Solivita. Like many of us, they chose Solivita because of the warm, friendly people and the lifestyle Solivita offers. One of the things Bill and Jan truly enjoy, is playing Santa and Mrs. Clause. As you can see from Bill’s picture, he makes a perfect Santa with his snowy, white beard; he even attended Santa University. He is the real deal!
Jennifer Pecora
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 of Our Volunteers Jan and Bill Gross
Jan and Bill Gross recently joined the Resource Center team and have already had a positive impact. Jan volunteers in the office, while Bill has been helping with the technology training. They are also actively involved 10
Jennifer, a Jersey girl, moved with her husband to Solivita last year. After an extensive search to find the best place to call home that was located near Disney, Solivita hit all the marks. She has held many jobs over the years, focusing on administration, HR, and management. Jennifer also has taken her talent for working with people and technology, to help create and teach the basic iPhone training sessions the Resource Center offered this spring and summer. Meeting new people, helping others, giving back to the community, and learning from her neighbors are a few reasons Jennifer volunteers at the Resource Center. You may also get a chance to meet Jennifer at The Palms or Riviera Spa, where she works part-time. R2R Resource Center 863-236-9973 SolivitaR2R@gmail.com
REFLECTIONS | AUGUST 2021
Department Articles
Yard of the Month Our judges were out visiting the neighborhoods and found our latest “Yard of the Month” winner at 267 Marabella Loop. Congratulations to Art and Pat Jamison on their yard being recognized and their labor of love. Take a stroll or ride and check out this beautiful yard. Are you making Solivita a great place to live like the Jamisons? You could be the next Yard of the Month!
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. Check out what the stats were in previous months airing on Ch. 732. Receiving a speeding ticket is not only financially costly, but can lead to much more serious results. Think about these facts: A driver is six times more likely to have an accident when traveling at 25% above the posted speed limit; Speeding reduces the amount of available time to avoid a crash and increases the severity of a crash once it occurs. REFLECTIONS | AUGUST 2021
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SOLIVITA'S ROARING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9TH,
TICKET PACKAGES Tickets will go on sale Monday, August 23rd at 9am on SolivitaHOA.com home page. Each person selects their desired ticket package. Adult Guests Welcome. All tickets include General Admission, Dessert Shooter, Champagne Toast, a Solivita Birthday Lanyard, Tax and Gratuity. 1. General Admission: $10 2. Drink Package: $25
Four pre-paid drinks from a selection of: beer, wine, soda, bottled water or specialty birthday drink.
3. Food Plate Package: $36
Three food plates of your choice from the selection listed below.
4. Drink & Food Plate Package $48
Four pre-paid drinks from a selection of beer, wine, soda, bottled water or specialty birthday drink. Three food plates of your choice from the selection listed below.
FOOD PLATE SELECTIONS (If You Purchase Ticket Package #3 or #4) » Grilled Dijon Mustard Chicken and Zucchini
CASH BARS
» Bourbon Steak Tips with Roasted Garlic
Several CASH ONLY bars are available throughout the event. If you purchase Ticket Package #2 or #4, go to any bar and present your lanyard card.
» Citrus Herb Shrimp Skewers with Bowtie
DESSERT SHOOTER
Skewers with Polenta
Mashed Potatoes and Carrots Red Pepper Pasta
» Roasted Vegetable & Risotto Stuffed
Mushrooms
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Each ticket holder will select one dessert shooter of their choice from Chef’s assorted selection.
21ST BIRTHDAY PARTY 6PM-10PM (RAIN OR SHINE)
CHAMPAGNE & FIREWORKS At 9pm, pick-up your champagne flute at the (3) locations with a champagne flute. Servers will be outside on the street pouring champagne. At 9:30pm outside on the street, we will sing Happy 21st Birthday to Solivita and then the fireworks show can be viewed from the Village Center bridge from Mosaics to the Riviera Spa & Fitness Center pergola.
MUSIC THROUGHOUT » Ballroom - Z Street Roaring 20’s Band » Mosaics - Bobby Tate » Welcome Center Courtyard - Solivita
Swing Band
» Riviera Spa & Fitness Center Lobby - Piano
Man Song Requests
» The Grille at Stonegate Restaurant - DJ John » Pro Shop Roundabout Stage and on speakers
down the Village Center - DJ Penny
STROLLING & PERFORMING ENTERTAINMENT
PHOTO BOOTH Grab a prop or a quote and get your group picture taken at the Magic Mirror Photo Booths. Limited pictures per group are printed but they can be texted to a smartphone.
BIRTHDAY PARTY MERCHANDISE Preserve your Solivita 21st birthday memories by pre-ordering event merchandise (men’s and women’s polo, wine tumbler, pub style glass and an ornament) starting on August 23rd at 9am on SolivitaHOA.com. Orders received by September 6th will be available before the event date.
The following performers will be strolling throughout the event areas: » » » » »
Fire Breather Charlie Chaplin Impersonator Flapper Dancers Roaring 20’s Stilt Walker Roaring 20’s Lady entertainer in a large Champagne Glass 13
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 unless otherwise noted. Solivita University class calendar and faculty biographies can be found on SolivitaHOA.com under Get Connected. Adult guests welcome. September 2021 classes will go on sale starting on Monday, August 2nd at 9am. 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. For more information stop in, call the Activities Office at 863-427-7125 or email SolivitaActivities@Evergreen-LM.com.
Art Lecture - American Art A-Z: Prendergast, Pollack and Olitski
Tuesday, September 7th Ballroom at 1pm Lecturer: Jan Clanton Tuition: $5 per student Course Description: The pioneer modernists of the early 20th century effectively started a revolution! These artists wanted to tap into the viewer’s senses and emotions. After all, Freud and Jung were exploring the hidden terrain of the subconscious, why couldn’t artists? The man who made the greatest impact in this trend was Jackson Pollock, who presented an original vision. Love him or hate him, Jack the Dripper brought the center of the art world to New York City.
RIALTO BRIDGE in Venice, painted by Maurice Brazil Prendergast in 1912. Watercolor and graphite on off-white wove paper.
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Ethical Dilemmas: Is There a Right Way to do the Wrong Thing?
Tuesdays, September 14th, 21st and 28th Gator Room at 1pm Tuition: $20 per student Professors: Susan Kossak, Ph.D. and Susan Gibbs, MA 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 Susan Kossak, Ph.D. because they genuinely want to do 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 Susan Gibbs, MA them. This course deals with some of the issues we have to face today, either with our own personal
Continued on page 15
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Solivita University Solivita University continued from page 14
dilemmas or with societal dilemmas. 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.
Dealing with the Paper Problem Monday, September 20th The Palms at 10:30am Tuition: $10 per student Professional Organizer: Susan Bowling
Controversial U.S. Constitutional Law Cases
Wednesdays, September 22nd, 29th and October 6th Art Gallery at 4pm Tuition: $20 per student Professor: Thomas Gallagher, Ph.D Course Description: Cases in U.S. Constitutional Law that have had a significant influence on American life will be discussed. The backgrounds of these cases and the results of these Decisions will be examined. These cases, and many more, will be discussed including: Marbury v. Madison, McCulloch v. Maryland, U.S. v. Nixon, Gideon V. Wainwright, Plessy v. Ferguson, and Regents of California v. Bakke.
Upcoming Classes in October 2021 Course Description: Learn how to manage paper now and prepare for the future. Class topics include, but not limited to: What paper do I need to keep and for how long? How to prevent paper piles? How can my paper management system help my memory and prevent me from forgetting important dates, payments or other actions? How can I have vital documents stored that would survive a natural disaster and leave loved ones access to my estate information? Can I live without a file cabinet?
• Wednesday, October 13th at 4pm - Intro to Browsers • 3 week course starting on Thursday, October 14th at 1pm - A History of Americana Through Film • 3 week course starting on Friday, October 15th at 10:30am - Fiestas in the Americas: Cuba, Colombia and Mexico • 8 week course on Mondays, October 18th, 25th, November 1st and 8th and on Tuesdays, October 19th, 26th, November 2nd and 9th - Beginners Conversational Spanish • Tuesday, October 19th at 1pm - Art Lecture: American Art – Warhol, Schapiro and Zakanitch
FRIENDS WHO HAVE LEFT US, BUT ARE NOT FORGOTTEN Felix Fernandez | Nancy J. Smalling Fernandez
REFLECTIONS | AUGUST 2021
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the residents who recently passed away.
Smalling
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Department Articles
Did You Know …
BY VICKIE KELLOGG MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR
RESIDENTS New Resident Orientation
Did you know that you may schedule a New Resident Orientation even if it has been a while since you purchased the property? Over the last year and the complications with COVID many of you closed on the property remotely and weren’t able to be here. We would love to see you in one of our Orientations! Please contact Peggy Biwer at PBiwer@Evergreen-LM.com or 863-420-5692 to schedule an appointment.
Visitor Passes
Did you know that your visitors can pick up their Visitor Passes themselves, ONLY IF you have them registered on your Gate Website? The system at The Palms and the Riviera Spa & Fitness Center has the ability to “look up” your visitors so you don’t need to be present when they purchase passes. If you have not registered on the website, please contact Membership at SolivitaMembership@Evergreen-LM.com or 863-427-7143 and we will send you the registration details.
Visitor Information at Gates
Did you know that Security CANNOT add visitors to 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 arrives at a different gate, that gate will not know about your visitor. If you use the website or the Gate Voice Mail, every gate will see your visitor information.
living quarters or other accommodations in any hotel; apartment hotel; motel; resort motel; apartment motel; rooming house; mobile home park; recreational vehicle park; including site, rental house, or condominium, that is rented for a period of six months or less.” “The Tourist Development Tax rate in Polk County is set at 5%. It is an add-on tax, like the state sales tax, and is collected from the tenant at the time rent or accommodation charges are collected. The owners of the listed properties, as well as applicable property managers or operators of such facilities, are responsible for collecting the tax from their tenants and remitting them monthly. Remittance payments are due on the first of the month following collection and are considered delinquent if not paid by the 20th of that same month.” See their website for all the details: www.polktaxes.com/ services/tourist-development-tax.
Amenity Use
Did you know that when you lease your property you are “giving” your rights to the use of the amenities to your Tenants? Your ID’s will be disabled for the pools and other amenities, unless you own another home in Solivita, for the duration of the lease. It is important you let Membership know when tenants leave your property, no matter if it is end of lease or earlier, or we won’t know we need to deactivate their records and reactivate yours.
Moving Within Solivita
Did you know that when you purchase or rent a different home in Solivita you need to notify the Membership Office? This is important to make sure that the system is setup with your name and new address to allow deliveries and guests through the gates.
LANDLORDS Taxes
Did you know that you may be responsible for additional taxes because you are renting your property? According to the Polk County Tax Website: “Tourist Development Taxes are remitted to the Tax Collector’s Office based on the rental sales of transient accommodations in Polk County. Transient accommodations are 16
Vickie Kellogg 863-427-7143 vkellogg@evergreen-LM.com
REFLECTIONS | AUGUST 2021
Save the Dates
November 11th-13th All proceeds will benefit the Veterans Club of Solivita sponsored charity.
Veterans Day Memorial Service & Breakfast Thursday, November 11th
Bruce Springsteen Tribute Show Friday, November 12th
Tickets for the Veterans Day Breakfast and Bruce Springsteen Tribute Show will go on sale beginning October 1st on SolivitaHOA.com.
Golf Tournament at Stonegate Golf Club Saturday, November 13th Shotgun Start at 8:30am · Registration: 7am-8am
$50 per person OR $200 for a foursome. Raffle Prizes, Mulligans and much more! Men play from the red tees and ladies play from the forward tees. Golf Entry Includes Continental breakfast; Green and cart fees; Range balls before play; On course special events; Prizes for four Closest to the Pin, Hole in One Challenge, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place; Lunch and awards following event! Registration for the tournament begins on August 25th on SolivitaHOA.com. Please contact Solivita Activities at 863-427-7125 or SolivitaActivities@Evergreen-LM.com for more information.
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Department Articles
ARC Reminders
BY YOLANDA SANTIAGO COMMUNITY STANDARDS MANAGER As seasons change, we tend to decorate our homes differently. Any changes being done to the exterior of your home must first go through the Architectural Review Committee for approval, which goes for any wall art, yard art, flowers, and/or any additions to the outside of the property.
Please note that any artificial foliage and/or decorations are not allowed, per the Master Declaration 21.2 Artificial Vegetation. No artificial grass, plants, or other artificial vegetation shall be placed or maintained upon the exterior portion of any home or lot. As the holidays arrive, please reference the Master Declaration 21.9 Decorations as to the things that will be allowed during the specified holiday time frame. Your Association appreciates your attention to these matters. If you need assistance of have questions related to the Architectural Review Process, please feel free to email us at Compliance@SolivitaHOA.com. Yolanda Santiago 863-427-7032 ysantiago@evergreen-LM.com
Spa Talk: Be Immune to Inactivity BY CRYSTAL BETHEA OWNER, RIVIERA SPA MASSAGE The World Health Organization has called inactivity the second-leading risk factor for non-communicable diseases and the fourthleading risk factor for global mortality. In the United States, inactivity has helped contribute to the fact that 35.9 percent of adults age 20 years and over are obese, as well as 18 percent of adolescents and children ages 6-19. With risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and more. It’s important to make sure you get enough exercise and activity to stay healthy. Here are some tips to help you keep moving.
Be Aerobic Every Day
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends getting 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week. 18
If you break it down, that’s just over 20 minutes a day of activities like walking, water aerobics, riding a bike, or pushing a lawnmower. Want to cut that down even further? If you bump the exercise up to vigorous intensity, you can cut the time in half. Vigorous-intensity activities include jogging or running, swimming laps, and playing basketball or tennis.
Add Muscle-Strengthening
Lifting weights, working with resistance bands, and doing bodyweight resistance exercises, heavy yard work, or yoga are all considered by the CDC to be important muscle-strengthening activities. The recommendation is to get this type of exercise at least twice a week to the point where your muscles are tired. If you focus on setting realistic goals and getting just a bit of exercise each day, you’ll be on your way to meeting the requirements in no time. Find exercises and activities that you enjoy doing so it won’t seem like such a burden. Plus, you’ll feel great about reducing the risk factors associated with a sedentary lifestyle. So get a plan, get out there, and get moving! Riviera Spa Massage 407-914-9168 info@rivieraspamassage.com
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Department Articles
Mid-Summer Days!
BY SHELLEY DESTEFANO COMMUNITY CONCIERGE Anything remotely refreshing is welcomed this month. Grab a pitcher and fill it with your favorite beverage over crushed ice and enjoy. August is normally the hottest month of the year so stay hydrated and monitor your time in the sun. I cannot determine what you like to do, but, the events and things going on this month are sizzling hot in my opinion.
Special Days in August
6th Ford Cuban Sandwich Festival
If you go to the Kissimmee Lakefront Park on August 21st (located at 201 Lakefront Drive Kissimmee), you can enjoy the 6th Ford Cuban Sandwich Festival from 11am-6pm. This is a free event where you can enjoy music, dance performances and an attempt to make the biggest Cuban sandwich in the world. Of course, you will be able to purchase and consume yummy Cuban sandwiches. Call Jolie Padilla at 813-407-6866 or visit cubansandwichfestival.com for more information.
• August 3rd is National Watermelon Day • National Book Lover’s Day is on August 9th • Senior Citizens Day is on August 21st
August Fun Facts
• August was named after Augustus Caesar • The grandbabies/kids go back to school in August • Zodiac Signs in August are Leos (August 1st-22nd) and Virgos (August 23rd-September 22nd) • August flowers are gladiolus and poppy
Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining
The Magical Dining program starts August 27th and ends on October 3rd. Visit magicaldining.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 $37 per person. The price does not include tax and gratuity. Magical Dining has become extremely popular, so making a reservation is not a bad idea.
SharkCon 2021
On August 7th and 8th, you can head to the Florida Fair Grounds (located at 4800 US-301, Tampa, FL 33610) and enjoy SharkCon 2021. They will have celebrities, scientists, mermaids, the Florida Wildlife Commission will be dissecting a shark, and more. Call 941-539-0833 or visit sharkcon.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
Central Florida Home Expo
The Central Florida Home Expo will be at the Orange County Convention Center (located at 9400 Universal Boulevard, Orlando) on August 28th and 29th. Do you like home improvement projects? If so, then you will probably enjoy this event. Call 1-877-730-7469 or visit orlandohomeexpo.com for more information about this free event. Do not let the heat or anything else keep you down. Go enjoy yourselves! There are plenty of swimming options in Florida if you get too hot. If the waves of life knock you down, resurface and dive under them next time. Community Concierge 863-427-7100 sdestefano@evergreen-LM.com
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Department Articles
Getting Through a Hurricane BY SOLIVITA CERT
Here we are in the middle of Hurricane Season (June 1st – December 1st), let’s think through what happens when one does come close to us.
When We Are Told It’s Headed Our Way
This is the time to finalize preparations. Stay abreast of the forecast—know when it will get to us. Top off your supply of food and water. (Don’t forget your pet’s needs as well.) Check your flashlights and batteries and have extra ones. Designate your SAFE ROOM—interior space without windows (closet or hallway?). Police your yard and outdoor spaces to bring items indoors so they don’t become missiles. Help your neighbors do this too.
If You Plan To Evacuate, Go Early!
The major roads in Florida will congest with everyone headed north. Go beyond the expected reach of the hurricane. Let family and friends know your itinerary and leave someone in charge of your home while you’re away. Make reservations for lodging along the way. Take some supplies and important papers with you in case you get stranded somewhere. Don’t forget medications.
Two Days Out
Put up your storm shutters. Don’t delay; winds become too strong for you to handle the shutters. Get some cash and fill up your car with gas. Pick up last minute comfort food. Let friends and family know your situation and who out of the area will be your communications hub—that person who will keep everyone else informed of your status, so you won’t have to deal with a lot of calls. Gather your important papers together in a waterproof 20
container (zip-lock bag?). If you have a generator, check it out and make sure you have gas for it and extension cords. Review generator safety considerations. Check on your neighbors’ progress with preparations. Help if they need it. If you will need help, arrange for it now.
When the Storm Hits
Stay indoors and monitor storm status (a weather radio is good for this). If you don’t want to shelter by yourself, buddy up with someone. If power goes out, turn off you’re A/C and heating system circuit breakers so when power returns there won’t be a huge demand as everyone’s A/C and heat system starts back up. Leave on one light or fan to tell you when power does return. Avoid flushing toilets if the power goes out to avoid backing up the lift stations. Eat perishable food first. Be careful if you cook indoors or under a roofed lanai. CO is a product of all combustion and will be undetected indoors. Cell phones may be prioritized for emergency workers. Try texting and emailing for more efficient means.
After the Storm
After the storm passes (and not just its eye—we’re talking about the trailing eyewall as well—pay attention to weather reports), carefully survey your yard and home for any damage (wear sturdy shoes). Especially examine around windows for water incursion. Keep pets on-leash because they will likely be upset, especially if you are. Report injuries, significant damage (collapsing buildings or blocked roads) and hazards to your CERT team (or neighborhood captain). If you run a generator, be extra Continued on page 21
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Department Articles CERT article continued from page 20
careful when refueling. Many injuries result from generator accidents. Before any clean-up effort, take photos or videos of any damage for insurance. Turn you’re A/C and heat breakers back on when power returns. Help your neighbors do this as well. Some residents may require power (generator?) to maintain life support equipment; see if you can help with your generator.
Your Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will be responding with search and rescue operations, damage assessment and medical triage activities. The CERT ‘motto’ is “Do the most good for the most people.” For more information on CERT, see your Reflections for CERT contact information in the club list.
August: A Mid-Summer Update
BY BRAD THOMPSON BRANCH MANAGER, FLORALAWN We’re two months into summer and, true to form, Florida has delivered rain, rain, and more rain. At Solivita, everything is on track for Floralawn regarding mowing schedules, irrigation, etc. Chinch bug treatments are complete. We have had no big chinch bug breakouts this year; mostly we’re spot treating and keeping a close eye on potential problem areas. The whitefly, scale, and sod webworms are warm-weather pests that we continue to watch for and treat.
Manage That Summer Heat
Summer weather brings high heat with the rains and humidity. Just as we’re concerned about the safety of our ground crews working in the heat, we’re also concerned for active Solivita homeowners. We supply our ground crews with plenty of water and ice, and we encourage them to hydrate regularly and thoroughly. We also encourage them to take adequate resting periods to cool down. In our safety meetings, we educate team members on the dangers of heat stress and heat exhaustion and how to identify both.
Gardeners: Keep an Eye Out for Snakes
One side-note for our green-thumbs out there: as you’re working around your potted plants and container gardens this summer, keep an eye out for snakes. They like to curl up in and around pots, so look twice before you reach in. No one wants to be surprised by a snake, especially by one that is venomous.
Get Ready for Love Bugs!
September is coming up, and with it our second love-bug season of the year. May’s love-bug population was light this year. Expect a normal fall showing of this insect that can be a big nuisance but fortunately only comes out in force for several weeks. (A tip: wet a dryer sheet and use that to clean love-bugs off your windshield!)
Coffee Talk
Join us on September 3rd in the Starlite Ballroom at 9am for the next Coffee Talk! (Where we hang out for an hour over coffee, give you the latest Floralawn news, and talk about your questions and concerns.)
If you enjoy being active outside during the summer, whether that’s cycling or walking or tending to the container plants on your walkways or courtyards, please heed our precautions above. Heat stress and heat exhaustion are not conditions to take lightly. People who push through the symptoms of these conditions (fatigue, cramps, headache, nausea and dizziness) and continue to be active in the heat, set themselves up for heat stroke, which can lead to unconsciousness and damage to the brain, muscles, and vital organs. REFLECTIONS | AUGUST 2021
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