DECEMBER 2018 VOLUME 18 ISSUE 12
[ Department ] Articles
REFLECTIONS DECEMBER 2018 VOLUME 18 ISSUE 12
ON THE COVER Solivitans sure do know how to have fun! 2018 was a wonderful year of fun-filled events and community gatherings. We hope you’ll join us in 2019 as well. Happy Holidays! Photos courtesy of Joe Thomas and Skip Stowers Photography.
VILLAGE CENTER HOURS Administration: 863-427-7100 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
CONTACT LIST
Floralawn On-Site Office (Admin Building) Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Community Manager (Association) - Tyler Heel: 863-427-7103 or theel@evergreen-LM.com
K&M Drugs: 863-496-7930 Monday-Friday 9am-6pm Saturday 9am-1pm and Sunday Closed
Club Manager - Sheri Wollschlager: 863-427-7129 or swollschlager@evergreen-LM.com
Marketplace Bistro: 863-427-7150, ext. 4724 Monday-Saturday 8am-8pm Sunday 8am-5pm
Director of Security & Safety - Steven J. Patrick, II: 863-440-7572 or spatrick@evergreen-LM.com Evergreen Lifestyles Management (For ALL Club & HOA Matters) 24/7: 855-490-1804 or customerservice@evergreen-LM.com
Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: 863-427-7130 Monday-Thursday 6:30am-9pm Friday 6:30am-7pm Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm
Taylor Morrison/AV Homes 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
Catering & Banquets (Stonegate Golf Club): 863-427-7150 x4720
Starlite Ballroom Daily 8am-11pm Stonegate Pro Shop: 863-427-7150 x4710 Daily 7am-6pm The Grille at Stonegate: 863-427-7167 Monday-Thursday 11am-8pm Friday-Sunday 8am-8pm Bar Open Until 9pm Daily
Architectural Review: 863-427-7022, Fax: 863-496-4456 or compliance@solivitahoa.com
Communications: 863-427-7137 or croe@evergreen-LM.com Concierge: 863-427-7100 or Fax: 863-496-4456 Floralawn: 863-225-9565 or floralawn.com (Submit a Work Order) K&M Drugs: 863-496-7930 or Fax: 863-496-7931 Lifestyles Activities: 863-427-7125 or SolivitaActivities@evergreen-LM.com Membership: 863-427-7143 or solivitamembership@evergreen-LM.com Resident 2 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
Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: 863-427-7130
Waterfront Galleries Daily 8am-11pm
Stonegate Golf Club Directory: 863-427-7150
Welcome Center or Model Park: 863-427-7000 Monday-Saturday 9:30am -5:30pm Sunday 11am -5:30pm
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Security -Bella Viana: 863-427-1268 Security-Main Gate: 863-427-4238 Security-South Gate: 863-496-1473 Security -Venezia: 863-427-2338 Security-West Gate: 863-496-1453 Solivita Sales: 863-427-7000
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
[ Department] Articles
What a Great Year! By Jana Malik Director of Activities
As you can see from this month’s cover, “Solivitans” (a mash up of Solivita and Floridians) had a year full of memorable events, smiles, laughs, good food, lively music, a drink or two and fantastic good times! We hope everyone had as much fun in 2018 as the Lifestyles Activities team had putting all of these events together. We cannot wait to show you what we have in store for 2019! A Silent Disco Dance, Solivita Master Chef: Resident Edition, A Night at the Opera Dinner Show, Murder Mystery Dinner, Howl at the Moon Dueling Piano, Jukebox 4 Dance Party, Serenade Under the Sea dinner dance, Oktoberfest Street Party and two theatre shows from the Osceola Arts Center presented right here! Have an enjoyable holiday and New Year’s Eve with family and friends, and then get ready for us to bring out all the stops and more next year.
Village Drive Road Closings for Special Events
Holiday Festivities Program: Tuesday, December 4th from 5:30pm-8:30pm – From the Ballroom to the Pro Shop roundabout New Year’s Eve Street Parties: Monday, December 31st from 3pm-2am - From the Ballroom to the Pro Shop roundabout
Mardi Gras Club Food Booth Location Change The Mardi Gras Street Party is the most well-attended annual street party! Next year’s bash is scheduled, as usual, on Fat Tuesday, March 5th. Through collaboration with the SLAC committee, it has been agreed, through consensus, to move the booths for food sold by clubs to the Bistro roundabout and the side road by the Ballroom. This change will allow clubs to sell food before, during and after the parade without interruption or a massive stampede following the parade. This will also help alleviate congestion in the dancing area on the street and will allow clubs to load up with ease as it is away from the party area.
Reflections | December 2018 |
Club Special Event Fliers
For every club special event flier, submit a total of four copies in landscape format to the Lifestyles Activities office for a cohesive look on the community bulletin boards. Any club or business solicitation fliers found on tables or other locations other than the club bulletin boards or without a clear sleeve, will be removed.
2019 Dog Park Registration
We have the 2019 Dog Park Registration forms and dog tags available starting on December 5th for purchase by cash, check or credit card. Remember to bring updated vaccinations if they are close to expiring. We have owners’ 2018 Dog Park Registrations forms, if vaccinations are still current. The registration form is available on SolivitaHOA.com under the Lifestyles tab. Click on Lifestyles and Fitness Forms for the printable form.
Updated Club Contact Info
Many clubs pass the baton of Club responsibilities around this time of year to another member(s). If your Club has a new President, Commander, Queen Mother, Coordinator, Commissioner, Contact Person or any other leader, please bring a list of updated contact information to the Lifestyles Activities office or email Jennifer Rodriguez at jrodriguez@evergreenLM.com. Please advise us if you have a room reservation so we can update our room calendar as well. We will forward this information to the newsletter publisher to update the Club Meeting List section and to Club Communications to update your Club page on SolivitaHOA.com. Happy Holidays, Happy New Year and...Keep The Party Going, well into 2019!!! Jana Malik 863-427-7125 jmalik@evergreen-LM.com
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[ Department ] Articles
From the World of Fitness & Wellness By Jamar Edge Director of Fitness & Wellness December is here!!! Where did the year go? First of all, I want to thank those of you who attended this year’s Solivita Health Fair. We received a lot of positive feedback about the event from both homeowners and vendors. The FitWell team and I are looking forward to the challenge of making it better and better each year. We’d also like to thank those of you who came out to show your appreciation to our instructors at our Instructor Appreciation Event. We have some of the best instructors around and they do a fantastic job of bringing quality classes to the community. As we inch closer to 2019, we are looking forward to all of the opportunities and challenges the New Year will bring.
Holiday Wellness Tips
Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you’re enjoying the holiday season: • Make sure you are taking some time out for yourself. You want to make sure you do not exhaust yourself or increase your stress level. • Be sure to wash your hands often and keep them away from your eyes, nose and mouth. We are in flu season and tend to do lots of hugging and kissing during this time of year. • Try to avoid overeating. I know it’s a tough one, but make sure you are eating and drinking in moderation. No need to force yourself to eat everything. Just choose the items you will enjoy the most. • Last, and most important, STAY ACTIVE! It’s easy to “get out of the routine” of working out during the holiday season. Working out is a good way of getting rid of the stress the holidays can bring. In addition, it’s a good way to counter the results of having that extra slice of pie or second full serving of dinner we tend to squeeze in. On behalf of the Solivita FitWell Team, have a Safe and Healthy Holiday Season!!!
of Mrs. Gloria Muci. When speaking of her, he always says that he was blessed with “the greatest wife in the world” and that they make “a great husband and wife team.” Franco has lived in Solivita for 17 years and has been a part of the Fitness Team since 2007. In his previous working life, he spent 35 years working for Gerber Baby Food and ended his time there as the Director of Corporate Quality Assurance. This opportunity allowed Franco to travel the world. What is intriguing about Franco is that he jogs 3 to 6 miles every morning starting at 4:30am. He also volunteers at the St. Rose of Lima pantry every Monday, where he spends his day giving out food to those in need. He was just chosen Volunteer of the Quarter in 2018 for putting in 2,000 hours at Osceola Hospital. Go Franco!!! A little known fact to some is that Franco has a number of placements (many of them 1st Place) for the many races he has competed in and won. Franco jokingly says that, “I have too many medals and trophies to count.” So, he stopped counting. Another unique thing about Franco is that he sends all of his medals to a group called MEDALS 4 METTLE. This organization consists of a group of doctors that treat children with fatal diseases. After completing their treatment they are given a medal. The kids are especially fond of the Disney medals Franco has donated. Franco is a truly a great member of our Evergreen and Solivita Fitness Teams and we are blessed to have him. Next time you see Franco around the community, give him a high five or a nice Solivita hug. Thank you Franco for all that you do in and out of the community!
FitWell Staff Spotlight – Franco Muci
Franco was born on October 11, 1936 and is one of the healthiest and inspirational 82-year-olds I have ever met. He is the husband
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Jamar Edge 863-496-3522 jedge@evergreen-LM.com
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[ Department ] Articles
Safety & Security
By Steven J. Patrick, II Director of Security and Safety For those of you who don’t know me, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Steven Patrick. I am the Director of Security and Safety replacing Joe Murphy as of April 30th this year. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our northern residents back to Solivita. We are glad you’re here once again. You’ll see many changes since the last time you were here, including improvements and additions. There are many new roads with new stop signs, speed limit signs, new construction areas, new neighbors and neighborhoods.
Construction
Security has seen several individuals walking around unfinished houses recently. Although it is understandable that everyone wants to look at and admire a new house, we should look only from a distance. If you go in a house that is under construction, you could trip over a piece of wood or steel and get hurt. Not only is your safety very important, but it’s also significant to note that the State of Florida considers trespassing on a construction site a felony in the third degree. Please be very careful and stay away from any construction site or home until after your closing.
Road Etiquette in Solivita
I get asked all the time, “What is the proper speed in Solivita?” There are two answers to this question. On the main roads of Solivita – Solivita Boulevard, Village Center Drive, Belltower Crossing (E/W), San Clemente, Barcelona Drive, and Glendora Road – the speed limit is 25 mph. On all other roads the speed should be treated as 20 mph if not posted. The Village is posted at 10 mph. This is for all vehicles. Interestingly enough, I do receive many complaints about golf carts not following posted speed limits within the Village. I can sympathize with these complaints. Please keep a couple of things in mind: 1) Golf carts have no speedometer; 2) Golf carts are not large vehicles and if needed can stop rather quickly. Vehicles cannot. That being said, golf carts should give vehicles the right of way. It is harder for vehicles to stop and go and golf carts can react quicker within a tighter space. It is also better to be kinder to your neighbor. When we’re outside the Village driving on any Solivita roadways and see the double yellow line, please remember we are NOT supposed to pass. Exceptions to this rule include passing a
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bicycle; when a golf cart moves to the extreme right side of the drive lane and slows down to allow a vehicle to then pass; or if a vehicle is on the side of the street with its hazard lights on and not driving. It’s important to remember to cross over the double yellow line only when it is safe to do so. Use your own judgement unless an Emergency Official is telling you to go around an area or a construction worker/security person wearing a reflective vest is directing traffic. Please use caution.
Stopping
I notice as I’m driving through the property there are more and more drivers going through stop signs and completely failing to stop. If you are seen by a Polk County Sheriff’s Officer failing to come to a complete stop, you can be issued a citation. There was an email blast covering this topic a few months ago.
Parking
For those of you parking at one of the Amenity Center pools, first and foremost, obey the street signage. Next, please remember to park on one side of the street. This means if you drive up to an area and you see one car already parked on one side of the street, please park on that side of the street. The next thing to remember is to not block any driveway, mailbox, garbage can, or golf course cart crossing lane. Failure to follow any one of these rules may result in a violation handed out by either Solivita Security, Polk County Code Enforcement, or Solivita Compliance without warning. Although golf carts are much smaller than most vehicles, they cannot be parked just anywhere. Golf cart owners must also follow the same protocol as other vehicles. There is no parking on sidewalks, between buildings, behind the Bistro, behind Mosaics, between the Art Gallery or the Library, or between the Bistro and Billiards Gallery. Please have consideration for others as they are walking around the property. If you park your cart in these areas, people will need to walk around your cart. Golf carts ARE allowed to park on the grassy knoll area outside of the Ballroom and the Bistro during special events or when directed to do so. Regular sized vehicles are NOT allowed to park on the grass. Our goal is to make Solivita enjoyable for everyone. I look forward to another wonderful year working with Solivita residents! Steven Patrick 863-440-7572 spatrick@evergreen-LM.com
Reflections | December 2018 |
Committee Roundup Fitness & Wellness Committee
Planning has begun for the 2019 year. Committee members have discussed several events and ideas for the upcoming year. The Health Fair and Instructor Appreciation Events were a huge success! We are looking forward to the challenge of improving upon these and all events in 2019. For our fellow homeowners who love to spin, spin bikes are in both gyms (upstairs at the Riviera Spa & Fitness Center). For assistance/ instruction, contact Zena - one of our two great personal trainers. The Pickleball Courts 8-13 have recently been resurfaced and anchors have been added to ensure the nets are consistent. Antibacterial wipes have been installed on the track for use on the spin bikes, exercise table, mats and weights. A calf stretch box has been made available at The Palms. We’ve heard you and are working with the Fitness & Wellness Team to address some of the concerns that relate to all fitness and wellness matters. We would love to hear from you! Contact the Fitness & Wellness Committee at wellnesscommittee@ SolivitaHOA.com with comments/suggestions.
Is offering a free workshop for all Solivita residents on:
Positive Approaches to Facing Life’s Challenges Friday, January 11th · 9am · The Palms Learn about all the resources that are available to help you cope with illness, injury and the other challenges that face us and our loved ones. Contact the Resource Center weekdays between 9am-3pm at 863-236-9973 or SolivitaR2R@gmail.com for further information and to reserve your spot.
[ Department] Articles
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
Email submissions to newsletter@avcommunities.com
JANUARY SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Friday, November 30th. Club inserts are due by Friday, December 21st. All inserts must be approved by Club Manager, Sheri Wollschlager (email to croe@evergreenLM.com and swollschlager@evergreen-LM.com) before they are copied.
FEBRUARY SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Friday, December 28th.
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 at the one-month rate ($115). Starting in the January 2019 Reflections, the resident rate is $57.50 for the 1/8 page 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 Carolyn Roe at croe@evergreen-LM. com or stop by the Communications Office.
Reflections | December 2018 |
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[ Solivita University ]
Co-Sponsored with Solivita Book Circle and Lifestyles Activities
Pre-registration is required and walk-ins are not permitted, unless otherwise noted. No studying, tests or exams are given, just enlightening topics to keep your mind energized. All classes are 90 minutes long unless noted differently. Solivita University classes are also listed in a calendar on solivitahoa.com under the Club/ Class Directory and then click on Class Directory located on the left. For more information, to register for a course or to purchase annual passes by cash, check or credit card, please visit the Lifestyles Activities Office or call 863-427-7125.
2019 Art and Literary Lecture Annual Pass The 2019 Art and Literary Lecture Annual Pass will go on sale starting on December 3rd at the Main Ticket Sales in the Ballroom and after that in the Lifestyles Activities office. This pass will allow residents admittance to any of approximately 13 Art and Literary Lectures starting in January 2019 for $20 per person. Art classes, presented by Art Historian Jan Clanton, are on Tuesdays as scheduled at 1pm in the Ballroom. Literary Lectures, taught by resident Professor Thomas Gallagher, take place as scheduled on Mondays at 4pm in the Gator Room. Lectures will be advertised under the Solivita University article in Reflections. If you choose not to purchase an Annual Pass and want to attend a lecture, admission is $5 per lecture at the door. Art and Literary passes are for Art and Literature Lectures only and are non-refundable. Next Art Lecture: Tuesday, January 15th at 1pm in the Ballroom: Artists of Estrangement, Edward Hopper Next Literary Lecture: Monday, January 28th at 4pm in the Gator Room: The Rooster Bar by John Grisham
2019 Great Decision Discussions Annual Pass Great Decisions (GD) is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. Each year the Foreign Policy Association produces a study guide with eight of the most critical global issues facing America. Starting in January 2019, Great Decisions will be an annual ticketed pass offering eight discussions that meet monthly January-May and September-November. The discussion of the month is
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conducted by a moderator and takes place on a Wednesday afternoon and/or a Tuesday morning. The 2019 GD Annual Pass is on sale now for $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 is included. Next Discussion: Tuesday, January 8th at 11am in the Gator Room and Wednesday, January 23rd at 4pm in The Palms: Refugees and Global Migration
Beginners Conversational Spanish
10-week course on every Tuesday starting on January 15th in the Gator Room at 8:30am OR on every Wednesday starting on January 16th in the Aegean Room at 10:45am Tuition: Sign up is required in Lifestyles Activities office. Cost of $50 is taken at the first class, which will be returned if student attends eight or more classes. Class Information: Classes are 2 hours long, each week. Class size is limited to 30. Instructor: Gloria Muci, Solivita resident Course Description: Have you ever wanted to learn Spanish? This is your opportunity to learn conversational Spanish from the beginning. Study materials will be provided.
Multi-Generational Communication
Wednesdays, January 16th and 23rd • Gator Room • 9:30am Tuition: $12 per student Professor: Rita Katz, PhD., resident and retired literature, education and sociology professor. Class Description: Millennials, Generation X, Matures, Traditionalists, and Baby Boomers – How do they communicate
Reflections | December 2018 |
[ Solivita University] with you? Where do you fit in and how do you communicate with them? Body language is a form of communication. Listening is also a form of communication. Our parents, great grandchildren, grandchildren, and our children are Rita Katz all part of our web of communicators. Salespeople, service people, friends, and associates in business are also part of our web of communicators. Are we getting our meanings across in an appropriate way? How do we handle misunderstandings? Can we do better? Students in the course will explore how different generations prefer to communicate, how to get our conversational meanings across so others understand what we mean, and how to be better communicators.
over 15 years covering Improv, stand up and puppeteering. He has taught Improv for 8 years and has received several awards and recognition for his classes and workshops. Course Description: Whether you are new to Improv comedy or have some previous performance experience, this eightweek class is about having fun and learning a new skill. You will experience some of the essential techniques of Improv including: learning to “Yes And,” supporting your team, being “in the moment,” quick thinking, ad-libbing, along with other exercises. At the end of the eight-week class, students will participate in an Improv Showcase for an invitation-only audience. This is a fast paced class with new experiences each week. Fun, laughter, excitement and discovery await you!
Generations Defined
Saturdays, January 19th, 26th and February 2nd Gator Room • 1pm-4pm Tuition: $20 per student Instructor: Donna McIlwain is a retired elementary teacher living here in Solivita. She is a Bronze Life Master with ACBL and in 2013 became a certified bridge teacher. She has taught beginner and intermediate level bridge since then. In the summer of 2018 she went to the bridge nationals and took seminars to teach Whirlwind Bridge. Donna enjoys helping people learn this game that is good for your mind, is social, and fun to play. Class Description: Whirlwind Bridge is designed to introduce the mechanics, scoring and basic bidding of bridge to potential bridge players and students. The goal is to provide a fun, quick and stress-free introduction to the game’s basic concepts in three two-hour classes. Typical students include: • Those who had never played bridge or taken lessons. • Players from ‘college days’ who never had formal instruction, or have had a long absence from the game. • Students who have taken beginning bridge classes but feel they need a refresher to cement the basics.
Builders 1925-1945 Aged 70s-80s
Baby Boomers 1946-1964 Aged 50s-60s
Generation X 1965-1979 Aged 30s-40s
Generation Y 1980-1994 Aged 20s-30s
Generation Z 1995-2010 Aged Kids-Teens
Continuing Conversational Spanish
10-week course on every Thursday starting on January 17th Aegean Room • 9am-11am Tuition: Sign up is required in Lifestyles Activities office. Cost of $50 is taken at the first class, which will be returned if student attends eight or more classes. Class Information: Classes are 2 hours long, each week. Class size is limited to 35. Instructor: Gloria Muci, Solivita resident Course Description: For those who have some Spanish classes, this is the opportunity to brush up on your Spanish and to advance your language skills. Study materials will be provided.
Whirlwind Bridge
The FUNdamentals of Improv
8-week course on Saturdays, January 19th – March 9th • Ceramics Gallery • 10am-12pm • March 9th will also be an Improv Showcase in Mosaics in the late afternoon. Tuition: $50 per student Registration: Limited to 15 students Instructor: Matt Gerva, Master Improviser, has performed for
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[ Solivita University ] continued from pages 8 and 9
G Drive
Thursdays, January 24th, 31st and February 7th Mosaics • 4pm Tuition: $20 per student Class Requirement: Students should bring a laptop with the Google Chrome web browser installed. While Chrome is not necessary to use the G-Suite, the apps work better with Chrome. 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! Class Description: Do you have gmail? Then you have access to the entire G Drive suite. What was formally known as Google Drive and Google Docs. Your G Drive offers great cloud storage, as well as, collaboration apps like docs, sheets, forms, sites,
calendar and presentation! Want to create a simple questionnaire? Need to create a document, but have others collaborate on it with you? Do you want to share photos, videos or documents, but not send them through email? G Drive can help you will Catherine Larson all of these things! Even if you do not have a Google account, it is free and easy to create one.
University of Central Florida Audit Courses*
Tuition: Complimentary for senior citizens Course Description: Did you know ... persons 60 years of age or older who have been Florida residents for at least one year as of the first day of classes, including on-line classes, may enroll tuition free as audit students (receiving no academic grade or credit). Registration is based on a first come, first served basis. Contact: roenrollment@ucf.edu for more information. *Not affiliated with Solivita University
The Fall Festival Was A Wonderful Success! The Fall Festival Committee and Lifestyles Activities would like to THANK both vendors and visitors for participating in the 17th Annual Fall Festival at Solivita this past November and for supporting the St. Rose of Lima Food Pantry Fund Drive. You helped us raise $2,136! We want to extend a special thanks to the Solivita staff including Club Communications, Housekeeping and Maintenance; Stonegate Golf Catering; Floralawn; Vital Security; and the OVER 100 volunteers whose time, talents and energy make this community event possible. With another great year behind us, we are looking forward to 2019. Mark your calendars for the 18th Annual Fall Festival at Solivita scheduled for Saturday, November 2nd. If you have any comments or suggestions or if you would like to be a vendor next year, please contact the Fall Festival Committee by email at solivitafallfestival@gmail.com or call the Lifestyles Activities Office at 863-427-7125. Fall Festival Committee 2018 Photos provided by Linda Dombchik, Irene Stecher and Joe Thomas
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Reflections |  December 2018 |
[ Department] Articles
Christmas Spirit!
By Shelley Destefano Community Concierge Christmas is upon us once again. No matter your family traditions or religion, we will all have a role to play celebrating this time of year. So, get in that holiday spirit and enjoy some time well spent with the family. If I were to mention money well spent, we would all be trying to get on that train leading us to the North Pole. Speaking of holiday journeys, get your family sleigh packed and enjoy some of the activities listed in my article this month.
Now Snowing Nightly in Celebration
If you’re missing a white winter this year, head down to Celebration (610 Sycamore Street) to witness nightly snow falls at 6pm, 7pm, 8pm and 9pm from now until December 31st. The admission is free and will include “A Countdown to Christmas” concert on two special nights - December 8th and 15th. You will also be able to enjoy horse and carriage rides, train rides, an ice skating rink, and take photos with Santa. Please visit celebrationtowncenter.com/project/nowsnowing2018 for more information and ticket prices or call 407-566-4007.
Holidays at Old Town
Bring the entire family and watch as the holidays come alive at Old Town every weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), now through December 25th. It is a spectacular display of festive decorations throughout the brick-paved streets of Old Town. The colorful twinkle of lights including the traditional and iconic Christmas Tree located at the center of Old Town will be on display. Watch the snowy season come to life with white, fluffy snow into the night. There is also live music and their Friday and Saturday car show and cruise. Don’t forget to check out all of the unique shops. For more information, please visit www. myoldtownusa.com.
the Poinciana SunRail that runs Monday-Friday, as it’s within walking distance from the SunRail Station. For the Poinciana Sun Rail schedule, please visit sunrail.com/station/poinciana or call 855-724-5411.
CFB’s “The Nutcracker”
The Central Florida Ballet (CFB) will present an unforgettable holiday performance of The Nutcracker on December 15th at 2pm and 7:30pm and on December 16th at 2pm. CFB is offering a 30% discount to Solivita residents who would like to see The Nutcracker. To book online visit www.CENTRALFLORIDABALLET.com and use the code “SOLIVITA” when checking out. The Linda Chapin Theater is located at the Orange County Convention Center (9800 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819).
AKC National Championship
The American Kennel Club National Championship will take place on December 15th and 16th at the Orange County Convention Center located at 9899 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. The daytime events will start at 8am. Doors open for evening events at 4:30pm and the evening competition will begin at 4:45pm. To purchase tickets, go to www.akc.org and follow the link for Ticket Information. For further information, please contact AKC Customer Service at 919-233-9767 or info@akc.org from 8:30am-8pm (Monday-Friday). Hope you enjoy watching the fur balls in action! Just be a bundle of joy and let yourself get wrapped up in the holiday spirit! There are several ways to get wrapped up, such as shopping, bills, in a fuzzy cozy blankie, drinking eggnog, and so on. Wishing only the best Christmas ever to all of you and hope you got wrapped up in the best ways this holiday season!
Scenic Boat Tour
This is a boat tour on the pristine Winter Park Chain of Lakes that costs $14 per adult. Visit the website (www.scenicboattours. com) to see if this boat tour (located at 312 E Morse Blvd., Winter Park, FL 32789) would be something you’re interested in. Please call 407-644-4056 or visit the website above for more information and to schedule a ride. They only accept cash or check, no credit cards. You may drive to this location or take
Reflections | December 2018 |
Community Concierge 863-427-7100 sdestefano@evergreen-LM.com
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[ Department ] Articles
Upcoming Workshop By Carolyn Roe Communications Coordinator
Just when you thought you were ready to celebrate the next stage in life ... fate throws you a curve ball in the form of illness, decline, or injury for yourself or a loved one. Learn about the resources that are available to help you cope at the January Resident-to-Resident Workshop: Positive Approaches to Facing Life’s Challenges on Friday, January 11th at 9am at The Palms. For additional details and to reserve a spot, contact the Resource Center at 863-236-9973 weekdays between 9am-3pm or email SolivitaR2R@gmail.com.
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS As a friendly reminder, holiday lighting and decorations shall be permitted to be placed upon the exterior portions of the Home and upon the Lot in a manner permitted hereunder commencing on Thanksgiving and shall be removed not later than January 15th. The ACC may establish standards for holiday lights. The ACC may require the removal of any lighting that creates a nuisance (e.g., unacceptable spillover to an adjacent Home).
Carolyn Roe 863-427-7137 croe@evergreen-LM.com
December & January Holiday Hours | 12 |
Monday, December 24th Christmas Eve Admin & Lifestyles: Closed RSF & The Palms: Close at 12pm Fitness Classes: Cancelled The Grille: Open Normal Hours Marketplace Bistro: Closed Pro Shop: 7am-12pm
Monday, December 31st continued Marketplace Bistro: Closed at 2pm Pro Shop: 7am-12pm
Tuesday, December 25th Christmas Day Admin & Lifestyles: Closed RSF & The Palms: Closed Fitness Classes: Cancelled The Grille: Closed Marketplace Bistro: Closed Pro Shop: Closed
Admin & Lifestyles: Closed RSF & The Palms Fitness: Open at 12pm Fitness Classes: Cancelled The Grille: Open at 11am Marketplace Bistro: Open at 11am Pro Shop: 7am-5pm
Monday, December 31st New Year’s Eve Admin: Closed RSF & The Palms: Close at 12pm Fitness Classes: Cancelled Waterfront Galleries: Closed The Grille: Closed at 2pm
Tuesday, January 1st New Year’s Day
Wednesday, January 2nd Lifestyles: Closed
Thursday, January 3rd Main Ticket Sales: 9am in the Ballroom
Reflections | December 2018 |
[ Department] Articles
Hurricane Season is Officially Over, But Stay Prepared! Submitted by the Solivita CERT Team
Although the 2018 hurricane season closes on December 1st, a prudent person would still be ready for a major disaster. In fact, the Florida tornado season begins in January and continues well into the spring. Just as with hurricanes and other disaster scenarios, it pays to think through how you would respond. STAY INFORMED. Tornadoes have very little, if any warning. But tornadoes and other disasters will be announced on the National Weather Service Weather Radio network. Everyone should have one. Worthwhile information will be provided for “all-hazard” alerts, including when the danger has passed. Your favorite TV news or even the internet can keep you abreast of situations requiring your attention, but if the power goes out, your battery-backed weather radio is a great aid. You can get them for about $29.95 at Wal-Mart, Publix and home improvement stores. Select both Polk (12105) and Osceola (12097) SAME codes when setting up your radio. HAVE A PLAN. Here in Solivita we are fortunate to be in structurally sound homes that will withstand even Category 3 hurricanes. Polk County emergency managers (and Osceola’s as well) will advise you to “shelter in place,” which means you are better off staying in your home than going to a shelter or evacuating. Other considerations may make you decide to evacuate, so think this decision through and be ready to go with your travel disaster kit. Your plan needs to reflect where you plan to go and the route you will take to get there. During the recent approach of Hurricane Irma in 2017, evacuation would have sent you completely out of Florida. You should let a number of folks know where you are going and your timetable. If you leave Solivita, leave someone a key to your home to check on its integrity and initiate any precautions. COMMUNICATIONS. When you do experience a major disaster (hurricane, tornado, man-made) there are likely many people who will want to know your situation. Plan to contact a single central person (out of the area) that you will keep informed. Let your other family and friends know who that will be, so
Reflections | December 2018 |
they can contact that person to follow your situation (possibly evacuation). That saves you a lot of time and cell phone battery. DISASTER SUPPLIES. Not only should you maintain a food supply with non-perishable foods and enough water for 3 days of isolation due to power outage, but also a kit of useful tools for dealing with potentially demanding needs (hand tools, trash bags, duct tape, flashlights and extra batteries, a length of rope, etc.). These items could help you deal with a broken window, loose lanai furniture, etc. Use your smartphone to document damages before cleaning up. One major disaster tool may be an electrical generator. Please learn how to safely operate one and keep yours in shape by running it every other month or so. We hope you will share this capability with those who also may need it (see next paragraph). SPECIAL NEEDS. As we all age, we are subject to more and more medical and physical limitations. Please factor these needs into your planning. If you are dependent upon electrical lifesustaining equipment, how will you deal with a power outage? Does a neighbor have a generator? If you will need some help, gather your own personal support network among neighbors, friends and nearby family. Discuss your concerns and needs with them. We all need to anticipate our medication needs and not run our supplies down to zero before reordering. Even medications and supplies that you can have delivered can be interrupted by residual winds, flooding and other road blockages. SOLIVITA CERT WANTS YOU TO BE READY for an unexpected weather or other disaster. You can find helpful information at the Concierge Desk and on the CERT club webpage on SolivitaHOA. com in the “Documents” section: • Supply List (includes food items) • Preparation • Hurricane FAQs • Disaster Communications Look up these documents and read them. They can help you. With over 4,500 homes in our (still growing) community, CERT can’t assist you individually. You will have to take the basic precautions noted above and HELP YOURSELF BE READY.
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[ Department] Articles
Reflections |  December 2018 |
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[ Department ] Articles
December Around Solivita By Brad Thompson Branch Manager, Floralawn Happy Holidays! This is always a lively season around Solivita, and our crews work hard to keep all the landscaping looking great for the various holiday events.
Looking Back at November
Last month we switched our mowing and detail schedules to our off-season calendar. Mowing is done bi-weekly now through March 2019. We addressed the issue of Brown Patch Fungus disease last month. Throughout this cooler season, this disease will continue to be one of our top concerns . . . watching out for the beginnings of it and aggressively treating it. This is a fungus that causes brown circles in the grass that grow larger as time goes on.
Current Activities
Have you noticed that we’re trimming the beds of native grasses along Solivita Boulevard? We’re trimming these grasses elsewhere in the community as well.
Irma, and we’ve gotten our processes dialed in. We look forward to a great third year serving Solivita!
For Your Information
As always, if you have any questions, call us any time at 863225-9565. Or if you’re in the neighborhood, stop by the Admin Building in the Village and chat with us in the office. We won’t have a Coffee Talk in December, but we’ll have one again in January. That will happen in the Starlite Ballroom at 9am on January 18th. If you’ve never been to a Coffee Talk, come and check it out. It’s an informal setting where residents and Floralawn staff (me, and occasionally others) gather around coffee to chat about landscaping and lawn care in Solivita. Ask questions and get your info right from the horse’s mouth. All of us at Floralawn would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Be safe throughout the holidays!
We’re also in the middle of our fifth and final lawn fertilization, our final non-native palm fertilization, and our final shrub treatment for 2018.
Thank You Solivita
I want to thank all the Solivita residents for a second great year in your community. During our first year we faced some challenges, including dealing with Hurricane Irma and the aftermath of that storm. Thankfully this year has not brought disruptive events like
FRIENDS WHO HAVE LEFT US, BUT ARE NOT FORGOTTEN Ann Ahrens Herb Hepworth Emil Roscia
Ahrens
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Hepworth
Roscia
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the residents who recently passed away. Reflections | December 2018 |