ON THE COVER REFLECTIONS DECEMBER 2023 VOLUME 23 ISSUE 12
VILLAGE CENTER HOURS Administration: 863-427-7100 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm C3 Wellness Spa: 407-914-9168 Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm Friday 8am-7pm
Join us on Monday, December 4th, after the annual Holiday Parade, as we sing holiday favorites and light our brand new 20’ tall Christmas Tree on the grassy knoll outside the Ballroom! This special day is also full of many other activities as we open the Holiday Season. Check out the back of the calendar insert for all the fun details.
CONTACT LIST Community Manager (Association) - Rudy Bautista: 863-701-2969 or RBautista@Evergreen-LM.com Club Manager - Sheri Wollschlager: 863-427-7129 or Sheri.Wollschlager@CastleGroup.com
K&M Drugs: 863-496-7930 Monday-Friday 9am-6pm Saturday 9am-1pm and Sunday Closed
Director of Security & Safety - Shanise Holmes: 689-220-8777 or ShaniceH@VitalSecurity.com
Marketplace Bistro: 863-427-7157 Daily 8am-7pm, Breakfast 8am-11am
Communications Coordinator - Wilman De Jesus: 863-427-7137 or Wilman.DeJesus@CastleGroup.com
Mosaics Restaurant Call 863-427-7150, option 2 for hours Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: 863-427-7130 Monday-Thursday 6:30am-9pm Friday 6:30am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm Solivita Club Facilities After Hours Emergency Phone Number: 863-286-8779 (Calls Only/No Texts) Weekdays 5pm-8pm and Weekends 12pm-5pm Starlite Ballroom Daily 8am-11pm Stonegate Pro Shop: 863-427-7150, option 1 Daily 7am-5pm The Grille at Stonegate: 863-427-7167 Daily 11am-8pm Breakfast: Friday-Sunday, 8am-11am The Palms: 863-496-1530 Amenity Center: Monday-Sunday 8am-9pm Kids Pool Hours Monday-Friday 12pm-4pm Saturday & Sunday 9am-9pm Fitness Center Monday-Thursday 6:30am -9pm Friday 6:30am-7pm Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm Waterfront Galleries Daily 8am-11pm Welcome Center: 863-427-7000 Monday-Tuesday & Thursday-Saturday 10am -6pm Wednesday 1pm-6pm, Sunday 12pm -6pm
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Activities: 863-427-7125 or SolivitaActivities@CastleGroup.com
Evergreen Lifestyles Management (For HOA Matters) 24/7: 855-4901804 or CustomerService@Evergreen-LM.com Taylor Morrison Customer Care: 321-397-7247 or OrlandoCustomerCare@TaylorMorrison.com. Warranty Request: taylormorrison.com/warranty/request Architectural Review: 863-427-7022 or Compliance@SolivitaHOA.com Catering & Banquets (Stonegate Golf Club): 863-427-7150, option 5 Concierge: 863-427-7100 or Fax: 863-496-4456 Floralawn: 863-225-9565 or floralawn.com (Submit a Work Order) Floralawn Irrigation Emergency After Hours: 863-225-9565 (Starting at 5pm all calls get routed directly to the on-call manager) K&M Drugs: 863-496-7930 or Fax: 863-496-7931 Membership: 863-427-7143 or SolivitaMembership@Evergreen-LM.com Resident to Resident Resource Center: 863-236-9973 or SolivitaR2R@gmail.com Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: 863-427-7130 Security Gatehouses Supervisor: 407-989-2417 Bella Viana Gate: 407-603-2422 Main Gate: 407-603-2399 Parkway Gate: 863-286-0329 South Gate (Marigold): 863-496-1473 Venezia Gate: 407-603-2397 West Gate (San Clemente): 863-496-1453 Solivita Sales: 863-427-7000 Stonegate Golf Club Directory: 863-427-7150 The Palms Amenity Center: 863-496-1530 or Fax: 863-496-0914 Violations & Compliance: 863-427-7151, 863-256-2897 or Compliance@SolivitaHOA.com Visitor/Vendor Gate Access Voice Mail: 863-313-1314
Solivita Information
DECEMBER TABLE OF CONTENTS Newsletter Submission & Advertising Info ..................... Page 3 Department Articles ...................................................... Pages 4-16 Solivita HOA Board Report & Contacts ...................... Page 7 Community Events ....................................................... Pages 17-19 Mosaics Special Nights ................................................... Page 17 Wellness Events ................................................................. Page 19 A Touch of Class ........................................................... Pages 20-23 Club & Support Group Meeting Lists .................... Pages 23-28 Club News ...................................................................... Pages 28-52 Resident Kudos ...................................................................... Page 52 Neighborhood Captains News .......................................... Page 53
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS Email submissions to Reflections@SolivitaClub.com
JANUARY SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Friday, December 1st. Club insert copies are due by Friday, December 22nd, but must be approved by the Club Manager, Sheri Wollschlager (Sheri.Wollschlager@ CastleGroup.com) or the Communications Coordinator, Wilman De Jesus (Wilman.DeJesus@CastleGroup.com) before they are copied.
FEBRUARY SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions (including annual submissions)and newsletter articles are due on Tuesday, January 2nd.
Advertisements ............................................................ Pages 54-88 Activities Events (back of calendar) .......... Insert Pages E1-E3 Monthly Calendar (back of Activities Events) ................. Insert Weekly Fitness Schedule ..................................... Calendar Insert
PHOTO RELEASE AGREEMENT Evergreen Lifestyles Management (ELM) and Castle Group (CG) reserve the right to use any photograph/ video taken at any event sponsored by ELM or CG and the respective community the event is happening in, without expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. ELM or CG may use the photograph/ video in publications or other media material produced, used or contracted by ELM or CG including but not limited to: brochures, invitations, books, newspapers, magazines, television, websites, etc. To ensure the privacy of individuals and children, images will not be identified using full names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed subject, parent or legal guardian.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? » » » »
SolivitaHOA.com: Wilman.DeJesus@CastleGroup.com Reflections: Reflections@SolivitaClub.com Channel 732: CommunityChannel@SolivitaClub.com Advertising: SolivitaAdvertising@SolivitaClub.com
REFLECTIONS | DECEMBER 2023
ADVERTISING INFO Solivita reserves the right to refuse advertisement and does not guarantee any work or claims made by advertisers. Advertisement in Reflections does not constitute an endorsement or approval of goods or services by Solivita. For More Info: Visit the advertising website at SolivitaAdvertising.com, call 863-4400377, or email SolivitaAdvertising@SolivitaClub.com.
REFLECTIONS DELIVERY If you are leaving Solivita or returning to the community and want to change the status of the Reflections delivery to your home, you can do this on the Gate Website. Log on to the website at websites. vertilinc.com/solivitahoa and click the Reflections button or tab. Change delivery status to YES or NO. Contact Membership for log on information at SolivitaMembership@Evergreen-LM.com.
SOLIVITA ID CARDS If you’ve lost your ID card, notify Membership at 863427-7143 or SolivitaMembership@Evergreen-LM.com. It will be deactivated until you get a replacement ID. 3
Department Articles
2023 Accomplishments
BY SHERI WOLLSCHLAGER CLUB MANAGER As we move in 2024, I look back to reflect on all the things the Solivita Club Team has accomplished in this past year. The biggest one being the transition from Evergreen Lifestyles Management to Castle Group. We transitioned over in less than 30 days, which normally takes a community this large 120 days. We still are working on a few items to fully complete the transition, but I am very proud of the team for sticking together even with several hurtles we had to get over. I also want to give a shout out to all our volunteer homeowner committees, who help the Club departments plan, advise and implement our wonderful Solivita Club program. They are the eyes and ears for the Club. Thank you!!! Now it is time in my end of the year article to brag about our accomplishments for 2023: » Replaced the Riviera Spa & Fitness Center (RSF) indoor pool deck flooring. » Replaced The Palms pool speakers. » New cornhole boards. » Upgrade the AV in The Palms multipurpose room. » Installed a new awning at Freedom Park Pickleball Courts. » Installed two concrete pads in the small dog park for more seating. » Installed a large section of turf in the large dog park side. » Replaced the lakeside doors in the Art Gallery with a large picture window. » Rewired the RSF indoor restrooms to have music in them. » Install outdoor speakers in the Chess Board area beside The Grille for better outdoor event enjoyment. » Replaced one of the kilns. » Replaced a large section of the Glendora pool deck. » Replaced six pool packs and we have only the RSF outdoor pool to complete and this is scheduled for February 2024.
» Reroofed the Mosaics flat roof. » Replaced the awning on the Venezia Clubhouse. » Replaced the awnings at the bocce and shuffleboard courts. » Repainted the pavilions and satellite pools. » Installed speakers at the Venezia pool deck. » Resurfaced the billiard tables. » Replaced the Ballroom dance floor along with sanded and re-stained the stage floor. » Tinted the windows in The Palms multipurpose room. » Replaced all the trellises on The Palms pool deck. » Replaced the AC units at The Palms, in the Activities and Administration offices. » Replaced The Palms pool furniture. Since I have to write this article in November, here are a few projects we are still working on, and hope to finish before 2024. » Upgrading and renovating our elevators. » Upgrading the TVs in RSF and The Palms fitness areas. » Elevator upgrades and renovations of inside cabs. » CPR signage for all the recreational areas. » Replace a high voltage distribution electric panel in the parking lot. » Replace the fitness room flooring at The Palms. » Install newly leased equipment in The Palms Fitness Center. » Resurface the aerobic studio floor. » Install new lighting in The Palms Fitness Center. We’ve had such a productive year. I am looking forward to what we can accomplish in 2024. On behalf of the Solivita Club Team, I would like to wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year! Sheri Wollschlager 863-427-7129 Sheri.Wollschlager@CastleGroup.com
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS 6.29 Holiday Lights and Decorations. This provision applies to all holidays throughout the year. Holiday lights and decorations may be put up on homes within Solivita so long as the lights do not create a nuisance as set forth in the Declaration. Any lights and decorations for holidays are allowed between November 15th and January 15th. 4
REFLECTIONS | DECEMBER 2023
SP EC IAL NIG
HT S
ke Trivia & Karao Will Return in January 2024
Wednesdays 11am–1pm Will Return in January 2024
Holiday Extravaganza
Dec r ho the er you Regist only or for 5th. y r e la disp ecemb t by D s e t n co
Monday, Dece mber 4th Outside the Ba llroom & Bistro Cafe » 6pm Holiday Parade , Food Trucks, Cocoa, Cookies, Singing & Ligh ting of Christmas Tree , Movie & Video Greetin g Card
Holiday Gala
Friday, Dece mber 8th Ballroom 7pm » $55 Semi-Formal
Holidayhting ig House L& Contest Displaemyber 10th &us1e1ftohr
Holiday Festivities Program
ber 9th , Decem y a rd u t Sa Ballroom 75 6pm » $ l a rm o F
Curbside Cuisine & Wine Down Wednesday CANCELLED for the Holidays
New Eve Year’ Par s ties
S Ass Dece unday m ort , pri ed p ber 3 ces ack 1st fro a m $ ges w 25i $72 th
Read more information and who is permitted to attend these events on the back of the monthly newsletter calendar or go to the SolivitasHOA.com Home Page and click on the RSVP or Purchase Ticketed Events icon. For questions, email or call the Activities Department at SolivitaActivities@ CastleGroup.com or 863-427-7125.
REFLECTIONS | DECEMBER 2023
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Department Articles
Happy Holidays Solivita!
BY RUDY BAUTISTA, LCAM SOLIVITA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MANAGER We are now nearing the end of 2023, and 2024 is just around the corner. For me, December is my favorite month because of the lights, decorations, and family gatherings where new memories are made. I must admit I am a huge fan of holiday movies, such as A Christmas Story, A Christmas Carol, and The Polar Express. Unfortunately, I bore my wife and children with these reruns, and they tend to leave the room after a while. With all the challenges we’ve had this year and the projects we have accomplished, both in my personal and professional life, it’s hard to mention just one.
processed/approved, hundreds of calls, and several walk-ins that we have each day, I am very proud of the team that I have here at Solivita which is made up of only a total of nine people, including myself. Thank you, team, for everything you do and for never complaining when more tasks get added to our plates.
My staff here at Solivita has adapted to the many changes and has grown into a closer family that has learned to help and support each other while raising the customer service bar even higher. With over 5,340 homes, a little over 10,300 residents, 600+ addressed emails per business day, over 3,100+ ARC
We wish you all a Happy Holiday Season and a very Blessed and Healthy 2024!
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I also want to thank all our residents for making Solivita the great community it is today and for the great memories you have given me. Thank you for your feedback, advice, support, and most importantly, for trusting us and allowing our ELM/ RealManage Family to manage your community.
Rudy Bautista 863-701-2969 RBautista@Evergreen-LM.com
Raj Hanooman Administrative Assistant
Jennifer Mejias - Accounts Payable & Membership Assistant Coordinator
Yahinirre Hilario Membership Coordinator
Debbie Velez- Compliance Coordinator & Inspector
Maria Lara Compliance Inspector
Yolanda Santiago - Community Standards Manager
Tinisha Ramos - Compliance Coordinator (Architectural)
Vickie Kellogg Membership
REFLECTIONS | DECEMBER 2023
Solivita HOA
Solivita HOA Board: First Notice of Election BY LARRY ANSON PRESIDENT, SOLIVITA HOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS In accordance with the Association’s Bylaws and Florida Statute 720, the Association’s Annual Meeting of the Membership has been scheduled as follows: Date: Tuesday, February 20, 2024 Time: 10am Place: Solivita Starlite Ballroom, 384 Village Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34759 Members will vote to fill the two open Board of Directors positions. These are two-year terms. In accordance with the procedure for director nomination, the candidates must have given the Association written notice of their intent to run for the Board along with a completed candidate certification form signed by the candidate no later than November 16th. Pursuant to the above referenced documents, no candidate nominations will be accepted from the floor at an Annual Members Meeting. Candidates must have met the eligibility requirements as stated in Florida Statute 720 at the time of the deadline for submitting the notice of intent to be a candidate. Members will also vote on the seven proposed amendments to our Bylaws (governing documents). The NCP and Election Committee have scheduled several Meet the Candidates forums. Also, at this time the Governing Documents Committee will be on hand to explain the proposed amendments that members will be voting on in the same election. The first one, on December 6th, will be the candidates introducing themselves and an overview of the proposed amendments. The other forums, January 3rd and January 24th, will be less structured where you can ask the candidates questions one-on-one. If you have not already signed up to receive election documents electronically and to vote electronically, we encourage you to do so. We currently have approximately 1,700 owners registered for receiving electronic documents and to vote electronically. Mailing these documents to the remaining 3,700 homes can be quite costly to your HOA. Receiving these supporting documents electronically, and voting electronically, allows you to access the information from anywhere at any time. Watch REFLECTIONS | DECEMBER 2023
for e-blasts announcing when you can sign up to receive these documents electronically in Freedom Park and talk with a member of the Election Committee in person.
HOA CONTACT INFORMATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS » President - Larry Anson: SolivitaHOAPresident@SolivitaHOA.com » Vice President - Marie Sepe: SolivitaVicePresident@SolivitaHOA.com » Secretary - Jim Edge: SolivitaSecretary@SolivitaHOA.com » Treasurer - Glenn Larson: SolivitaTreasurer@SolivitaHOA.com » Director - Mike Luddy: SolivitaDirector@SolivitaHOA.com
COMMITTEE CHAIRS » Architectural Review Committee - Yolanda Santiago: Compliance@SolivitaHOA.com » Communications/IT - Bob Monica: CommunicationsChair@SolivitaHOA.com » Conservation & Wildlife - Bob Monica: WildlifeChair@SolivitaHOA.com » Finance - George Muller: FinanceChair@SolivitaHOA.com » Infrastructure - Jon Cameron: InfrastructureChair@SolivitaHOA.com » Maintenance - Carl Warren: MaintenanceChair@SolivitaHOA.com » Landscape - Hank Stuart: LandscapeChair@SolivitaHOA.com » Neighborhood Captains - Janet Nolan: CaptainProgam.Solivita@gmail.com » Safety & Security - Clark Zen: SafetySecurityChair@SolivitaHOA.com » Violations - Grace Chirco: Compliance@SolivitaHOA.com 7
Department Articles
‘Tis the Season to Sign Up for 2024 Opportunities and Holiday Gift Shopping! BY JANA MALIK DIRECTOR OF ACTIVITIES
2024 Dog Park Registration
Starting on Monday, December 18th, the Activities department will have the 2024 Dog Park dog tags for purchase with exact cash or check only. Registration is required in order to use the Dog Park. Bring updated vaccinations if they are close to expiring. We have owners’ 2023 dog vaccinations on file, if they are still current. The registration form is available ple by scanning the QR code, Exam on SolivitaHOA.com under Lifestyles, Dog Park and then stop by our office to pay and get the tag(s). Photo by PALS.
contact person name and phone number, and the item(s) interested in selling. FOOD ITEM DESIRED TO SELL MUST BE PRE-APPROVED BY ACTIVITIES. BOOTH LOCATIONS WILL BE ASSIGNED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST CHOICE BASIS. Duplicate food or dessert items are NOT permitted.
Solivita Club Expo - Saturday, January 13th from 10am-1pm
Solivita Clubs interested in having a table and up to three (3) chairs in the Ballroom (and Mosaics if needed) must register by scanning the QR code or go to the SolivitaHOA. com Home Page by clicking on the RSVP for Activities events icon and going to the event date in the Activities Events Calendar or email SolivitaActivities@ CastleGroup.com with your club name, contact person name, phone number and how many chairs, up to three (3), are needed.
Mardi Gras Parade & Street Party Tuesday, February 13th
Sign-up for Food Booths and Dance Performances will Start on Monday, December 11th. FOOD BOOTHS: Solivita Clubs and Neighborhood Groups interested in having a booth to sell food or desserts behind the Bistro Café and along the Ballroom side road, must register by scanning the QR code or go to the SolivitaHOA.com Home Page by clicking on the RSVP Activities Events icon and going to the event date in the Activities Events Calendar or email SolivitaActivities@CastleGroup.com with your club name, 8
DANCE PERFORMANCES: Solivita dance or cultural clubs or fitness dance classes that are interested in performing a routine in the Ballroom may RSVP for their desired and available time by scanning the QR code or go to the SolivitaHOA.com Home Page by clicking on the RSVP Activities Events icon and going to the event date in the Activities Events Calendar or email SolivitaActivities@ CastleGroup.com with your club or fitness class name, contact person name and phone number. A limit of eight, 15-minute, time slots will be available, with a performance time of 10 minutes or less. Performance does not have to be Mardi Gras theme related and the stage will have three rows of added staging for additional performance space. Photos by Deborah Siladie and Joe Thomas. Article continued on page 9
REFLECTIONS | DECEMBER 2023
Department Articles
Holiday Gift Shopping Ideas – Solivita Style
Jana’s article continued from page 8
New Year’s Eve Parties Resident ID Badge Required
The New Year’s Eve Parties will be strictly for RESIDENTS ONLY due to venue space capacities. Each and every resident will be required to show their Resident ID Badge to Security or Solivita Club staff before entry. If it is forgotten, you will be required to get it as we do not have membership files at the venue locations. If you plan to attend this event and you misplaced your Resident ID Badge, please make an appointment by either emailing Wilman.DeJesus@ CastleGroup.com or call 863-427-7137. There is a $25 replacement fee for this service through exact cash or check only.
Village Drive Road Closings
The Village Center road will be closed from the Ballroom to the Pro Shop roundabout for the following events: » Holiday Festivities Program - Monday, December 4th from 5:15pm-9:30pm » New Year’s Eve Parties – Sunday, December 31st from 3pm-2am
Items are available for purchase and pick-up at the Activities Office, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, by exact cash or check... while supplies last! » Solivita Fedora Hat (Khaki/Natural): $25 » Solivita Baseball Hats (Red, Black, White/Grey): $25 » Solivita Coaster: $8 each or two for $14 » Solivita LED Party Cup: $15 – VERY LIMITED » Solivita Travel Tumbler (Red or Blue): $5 » Solivita Draw String Cooler Sport Bag (Red or Blue): $5 » Solivita License Plates (front of vehicle or for golf cart): $10
The Activities Team and I hope you have an enjoyable Holiday Season and New Year’s Eve with family and friends wherever you go, but then, get ready for us to bring out all the stops and more next year! Keep The Party Going, well into 2024!!! Jana Malik 863-427-7125 Jana.Malik@CastleGroup.com
December and January Holiday Hours Sunday, December 24th Christmas Eve
RSF & The Palms: Close at 12pm Fitness Classes: Cancelled The Grille & Bistro: 8am-2pm Pro Shop: 7am-12pm
Monday, December 25th Christmas Day
Admin, Activities & R2R: Closed RSF & The Palms: Closed Fitness Classes: Cancelled The Grille & Bistro: Closed Mosaics: Closed Pro Shop: Closed
REFLECTIONS | DECEMBER 2023
Tuesday, December 26th Admin & Activities: Closed
Sunday, December 31st New Year’s Eve
RSF & The Palms: Close at 12pm Fitness Classes: Cancelled Waterfront Galleries: Closed The Grille: 8am-11am Marketplace Bistro: 8am-2pm Pro Shop: 7am-12pm
Monday, January 1st New Year’s Day
Admin, Activities & R2R: Closed
RSF & The Palms: Open at 12pm Fitness Classes: Cancelled The Grille: 12pm-9pm Marketplace Bistro: 8am-7pm Mosaics: Closed Pro Shop: 7am-5pm
Wednesday, January 3rd
Activities Ticket Sales Day: Opens at 9am. Go to SolivitaHOA.com Home Page at the Purchase Activities Event Tickets, then select the event. Clubs Ticket Sales Day: Mosaics from 10am-12pm
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Department Articles
From the World of Fitness & Wellness: December is Here! BY JAMAR EDGE DIRECTOR OF FITNESS & WELLNESS As we inch closer to 2024, we are looking forward to all of the opportunities and challenges the New Year will bring. Within this article, you will find several tips to keep in mind as you are enjoying the holidays. » Take 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 we tend to do a lot 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. » A good way to avoid overeating is to keep a food log. By tracking, you know just how many “cheat treats” you can include during this time of year. » Stay hydrated. With the plethora of festive drinks that come with the holidays, many are full of calories and not good at keeping you hydrated. Keep a water bottle handy and drink plenty before any holiday gatherings.
2024
Flags Over
Solivita 10
» Nothing wrong with rewarding yourself, right? When you get up to walk, go to the gym, bike, or any other fitness activity, throw a few dollars in a jar each time you complete one of those activities. Once the Holiday Season is over, reward yourself with something you like. » Plan ahead. This is the busiest season for many of us. Planning your workouts in advance is a good way to ensure they fit into your daily schedule. While planning, be sure to also account for the days you won’t be in town. » This time of year is a very good time to find a workout buddy to help keep you motivated and accountable. » Lastly, and most importantly, STAY ACTIVE! It’s easy to “get out of the routine” of working out during the Holiday Season. Working out is a good way to get 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!!! Jamar Edge 863-496-3522 Jamar.Edge@CastleGroup.com
The Veterans Club of Solivita is asking for your help by donating to the Flags Over Solivita Project. In appreciation of your donation, volunteers will place a 3’ x 5’ American flag in front of your home or in various areas of Solivita throughout the calendar year. The placement dates include: President’s Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day through Independence Day, Labor Day, September 11th, and Veterans Day. Your contribution helps a wide range of charities, including: 1) College/Trade School Scholarships for local ROTC high school seniors; 2) The Honor Flight Program which provides free and medically supervised travel to selected war-time veterans with a day of honor in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.; 3) Game nights and refreshments for the facility-bound veterans at the Lake Nona Veterans Administration Hospital; 4) Donations to other veterans’ organizations, such as the USO, Bridges for Heroes, Fisher House and K9 Support for Veterans. To subscribe for 2024 flag placements, please scan the QR code to be directed to an online credit card donation form or visit veteransclubofsolivita.com. Are you interested in volunteering? We have many opportunities besides just putting up flags. Contact us for how you can help at flagsoversolivita@gmail.com or 863-512-3655. REFLECTIONS | DECEMBER 2023
Department Articles
A Crafty Success! The Fall Arts & Crafts Festival Committee and the Activities team would like to THANK both vendors and visitors for participating in the 22nd Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival at Solivita this past November. 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 resident volunteers whose time, talents and energy make this community event possible! Congratulations to the Resident Art Contest Winners who submitted and displayed their work in the festival’s Wine, Beer and Art Garden. Their artwork was voted by festival attendee People’s Choice votes. • 1st Place: Kevin Novack - Field Mouse • 2nd Place: Christine Himick - Winter Day • 3rd Place: Susan Shubrook - Diamond Art Santa
The 223 attendees who voted on the resident artwork were placed in a drawing to win one of three (3) $15 Stonegate Golf and Restaurant Gift Cards. The winners were: Tonya Miller, Nancy Hillegass and Mary Ellen Roberts. A drawing to win one of three (3) $25 Stonegate Golf and Restaurant Gift Cards was also held for the attendees who filled out the Attendee Survey. The winners were Melody Spence, Cassandra Gainer and Lori McCabe. With another great year behind us, we are looking forward to 2024. Mark your calendars for the 23rd Annual Fall Arts & Crafts 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 email solivitafallfestival@ gmail.com or call Activities at 863-427-7125. Photos provided by Joe Thomas.
2nd Place 1st Pla
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3rd Pla
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Department Articles
It’s Christmas Season for a Reason! BY SHELLEY DESTEFANO COMMUNITY CONCIERGE Christmas is such a special time of year, and you can feel positivity in the air. With all the decorations up, and your favorite ornaments in sight, it just gives us a feeling of delight. Hopefully the list below will give you some reasons to capture those special moments that life gives us the ability to enjoy.
not valid for Saturday tickets.
Important Dates:
Dazzling Nights at Leu Gardens, located at 1920 N. Forest Avenue in Orlando, will be going on until January 6th. This event features over a million lights. All tickets are non-refundable, and $25 per adult, plus tax. Parking is $15, plus tax. For more information, please visit dazzlingorlando.com.
» The First Day of Hanukkah is Thursday, December 7th and the last day is Friday, December 15th. » Winter Solstice: Thursday, December 21st » Christmas Eve: Sunday, December 24th » Christmas Day: Monday, December 25th » New Year’s Eve: Sunday, December 31st
Brightline
There is a new train called Brightline, located at 10705 Jeff Fuqua Boulevard in Orlando, that can take you to Miami for $79 to $150 plus tax, depending on how cushy you want your ride to be. It can also take you to other locations, such as Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach. Please call 831-539-2901 or visit gobrightline.com for more information.
ICE!
ICE! at the Gaylord Palms Resort, located at 6000 W. Osceola Parkway in Kissimmee, will be running through January 3rd. Please visit christmasatgaylordpalms.com and use the code SOLIVITA when purchasing tickets for a 20% discount. The promo code is only available for online ticket purchases and is
APV Villages Christmas Parade & Celebration This event will be taking place on December 9th starting at 11am. Please visit apvcommunity.com for more information.
Dazzling Nights
Stetson Mansion
The Stetson Mansion, located at 1031 Camphor Lane in DeLand, will have their Christmas Spectacular Tours running through January 20th. Please visit stetsonmansion.com or call 386-873-0167 for more information. Please visit the Concierge webpage on SolivitaHOA.com to see more events going on in the area. There are many ways to give gifts and some of the most precious gifts are free. Help others and give them another reason to enjoy this Holiday Season. Life is such a precious gift and what we choose to do with it matters to everyone around us. Community Concierge 863-427-7100 Shelley.Destefano@CastleGroup.com
FRIENDS WHO HAVE LEFT US, BUT ARE NOT FORGOTTEN Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the residents who recently passed away. Dave Daubert 12
Clarence Edward Jones, Jr.
Shirley Kay Mark
Barbara “Barb” Scherr
REFLECTIONS | DECEMBER 2023
Department Articles
PARTICIPANT INFORMATION
This event is open to all Solivita residents, club membership is not required. Registration is open from Monday, November 6th to Friday, January 5th. (NO REFUNDS.) Registration forms are available for pick-up and dropping off at the Riviera Spa & Fitness Center, The Palms and at the Farmer’s Market in Freedom Park on Fridays from 10:30am-12:30pm. Your first game is a $20 registration fee which includes one t-shirt. Each additional game is $5 each. Some games have limited space and will be prioritized by date registered. Wait lists will be held. On the day of your participating game(s), arrive early to register, warm-up and for the review of game rules. Rain Date is TBD.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST SOLIVITA OLYMPICS OPENING CEREMONY
The Solivita Olympics will open with a parade starting from the Farmer’s Market to the Pro Shop roundabout that will include music entertainment, food trucks and a cash bar. The parade will highlight the torchbearers, event coordinators, committee, game participants, volunteers and sponsors who are involved and supporting the Solivita Olympic games. The end of the parade will feature the last torchbearer carrying the torch to light the cauldron located in the Pro Shop roundabout. The cauldron will stay on during the entire Olympics. Parade participants are to meet in the Freedom Park Farmer’s Market area by 3:15pm. The parade will start at 4pm. After the parade ends, we celebrate with an International themed street party outside the Ballroom (will move inside the Ballroom dependent on the weather). Wear your country of origin’s hat, shirt or colors and be part of this momentous event. Free entrance from 4pm-6:30pm. Guests of all ages welcome. RAIN OR SHINE. VILLAGE DRIVE WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICLE TRAFFIC FROM 3PM-7PM FROM THE BALLROOM TO THE PRO SHOP, EXCEPT TO VENDORS FOR SETUP.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST • • • • •
10:15am-5pm - Hands & Foot Canasta - The Palms 12:30pm-4:30pm - Dominoes - Baltic Room 2pm-4pm - Table Tennis - RSF Aerobic Studio 5:30pm-8:30pm - Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool 7pm - Bid Whist with a Twist - Baltic Room
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND
*Date Change from Saturday, February 3rd • 9am-1pm - Walking - Freedom Park Restroom • 9am-1pm - Billiards Advanced 8 Ball - Billiards Gallery • *9am - Swimming Freestyle 50/100/200m - RSF Indoor Pool • *9am - Swimming Backstroke 50/100m - RSF Indoor Pool • *9am - Swimming Breaststroke 50/100m - RSF Indoor Pool • 9:30am-1pm - Mexican Train Dominoes - Mosaics • 1pm-5pm - Billiards Advanced 9 Ball - Billiards Gallery • 10am-3pm - Chess - The Palms • 12pm-6pm - Pickleball Mixed Doubles - Freedom Park • 4pm-6pm - Basketball Around the World & Hot Shot - FP • 5:30pm-8:30pm - Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD • • • • • • • •
8:30am - Horseshoes - Freedom Park 9am-1pm - Billiards Intermediate 8 Ball - Billiards Gallery 1pm-5pm - Billiards Intermediate 9 Ball - Billiards Gallery 9am - Tennis Men’s Doubles - Freedom Park 9am - Cornhole 4 Person Teams - Chess Lawn 11am-3pm - Poker - Aegean Room 11am-3pm - Scrabble - Gator Room 2pm-5pm - Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH • • • • •
9am - Tennis Mixed Doubles - Freedom Park 10:15am-5pm - Hand, Knee & Foot Canasta - The Palms 2pm-5pm - Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool 9am–1pm - Billiards Beginners 8 Ball - Billiards Gallery 1pm-5pm - Billiards Beginners 9 Ball - Billiards Gallery
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH
• 9am - Tennis Women’s Doubles - Freedom Park • 1:30pm-4pm - Rummikub - Ceramics Gallery • 4pm-6pm - Softball Hitting, Throwing & Catching Freedom Park
• 5:30pm-8:30pm - Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool • 9am - Cycling 10 Mile - Freedom Park Softball Field • 10am - Power Lifting - The Palms
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH
• 9am-12pm - Dragon Boat - Boat Dock Behind Bistro Café • 9:45am-6pm - Hand & Foot Canasta (Continuation from 2/1) - The Palms
• 1pm-5pm - Team Bridge - Gator Room • 1pm-4pm - Soul Line Dancing - Ballroom • 5:30pm-8:30pm - Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH
• 12:45pm-4pm - Hand & Foot Canasta (Continuation from 2/1) - Gator Room
• 5:30pm-8:30pm - Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool
SOLIVITA OLYMPICS CLOSING CEREMONY
We’ll close the Olympics on February 7th at 12pm starting at the Pro Shop Roundabout as we extinguish the torch and take photos. More details to come.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Email Olympics.Committee2024@gmail.com or contact: Keith Eaton at 609-472-4826; Ellie Graham at 863-496-1616; Bobby Vance at 845988-6388; or Rochelle Young (for non-sport games) at 510-206-9938.
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Department Articles
Happy Holidays!
BY BRAD THOMPSON BRANCH MANAGER, FLORALAWN Where did the year go? Here we are in December again with Christmas decorations displayed around the common areas of Solivita and in residents’ homes. Even though lawn and shrub growth has slowed way down, our Floralawn crews continue to work hard, keeping the community immaculate for you and your holiday guests.
A Quick Revisit of November
In last month’s Reflections article, we reminded residents that our lawn crews are only mowing twice a month now. This cutting schedule will continue through March 2024, at which time we’ll resume weekly mowing. We also talked about the turf grass diseases we deal with here in Solivita. In the summer, daily rains and high humidity create the perfect environment for turf diseases like brown patch fungus and gray leaf spot to thrive. Later in the year, humidity and rainfall are less, but cooler nights keep grass damp. For that reason, we continue to keep watch for brown patch and gray leaf spot in November and December.
Grass Pruning & Fertilization
In November, we started pruning the Fakahatchee grass that grows in large clumps throughout Solivita, including down Solivita Boulevard. We’re continuing that task this month, cutting the clumps way back so they can rest during the cooler
months. This month we’re also finishing up another round of fertilizing on lawns, native palms, and shrubs.
Thank You!
Floralawn has been providing landscaping services to Solivita for seven years now. It’s our privilege to care for your lawns, shrubs, and trees, keeping your community looking beautiful. Our crews work hard, and we appreciate your support, feedback, and kind words.
Need Information?
As always, if you have any questions, call us any time at 863225-9565, or email us at hello@floralawn.com. We won’t have a Coffee Talk in December, but we’ll have one again in January. That Coffee Talk will take place on January 19th in Mosaics at 9am. If you’ve never been to a Coffee Talk, come and check it out. It’s an informal meeting with residents and Floralawn staff (me and occasionally others) where we gather around coffee to chat about landscaping and lawn care in Solivita. Ask questions and get your answers. All of us at Floralawn would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Enjoy each other and your families, and we’ll see you in 2024! Floralawn 863-225-9565 hello@floralawn.com
Check - Call - Compress: A True Story & Holiday Safety Tips SUBMITTED BY ERIC LARSON TEAM LEADER OF SOLIVITA CERT Recently, a couple from Solivita completed the CCC class because they felt it was a good thing to have. Fortunately for them, while they were out in California visiting their new greatgrandchild for the first time, the husband experienced a cardiac event and flatlined. His spouse immediately reacted, and knowing where the AED was, followed all the steps learned from the training, including the use of the AED, and kept her husband alive until the paramedics arrived. After being stabilized and transported to a local hospital, he had a defibrillator put in and is on the road to recovery. The couple are friends with a 14
few members of CERT and wished to express their absolute gratitude for having the training and they encourage all residents to complete it when they have an opportunity. As we begin to decorate our houses for the Holiday Season, we need to keep in mind that fire safety should be a major consideration when setting up our decorations. As always, we partner with the Polk County Fire Rescue Service in providing Article continued on page 15
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Department Articles CERT’s article continued from page 14
this information in keeping our community and all the residents and guests safe during the year and during the Holiday Season. Below are some hints and tips, in no particular order.
Holiday Decorations
» Choose decorations that are flame resistant and flame retardant. » Choose lighting that is UL approved. » Check your decorations and replace any that are wornout or damaged. » Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so that cords don’t get damaged. » Plan your lighting, indoor and outdoor, so that you don’t daisy-chain power strips.
Holiday Cooking
» Test all your smoke alarms. » Tell your guests about home fire escape plans. » Stay in the kitchen when cooking.
» Use smokers, grills, and deep fryers OUTSIDE with plenty of room around them. » If you’re deep frying a turkey, make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dry. » Refrain from alcohol consumption until cooking is complete, then enjoy in moderation. » Use a timer when baking to remind you when the food is done in the oven. » Have a fire extinguisher handy. Slide a lid over a burning pot or frypan to smother small fires. DO NOT USE WATER on a grease fire! We know that the Holiday Season can be one of high excitement and joy. Let’s include some common sense when planning our decorations, cooking and gifts. The National Fire Protection Association has a treasure-trove of information for fire safety throughout the year. Go to their website at nfpa.org and click on “Public Education” to get more information. Have a Safe, Healthy, and Happy Holiday Season!
2023 Halloween House of Frights Decorating Winners Congratulations to all of the frightfully decorated Halloween home winners!
1st Place: 820 Shady Canyon Way – Mira Vista – Adam & Deb Miclette
2nd Place: 244 Escondido Court Portofino – Melanie & Doug Anderson
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3rd Place Tie: 245 Escondido Court Portofino – Janet Huckabee
3rd Place Tie: 681 Glendora Road Terra Vista South - John & Mary Townsend
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Department Articles
Solivita 2023
Toys for Tots Concert Saturday, December 2nd • 3pm-6pm • Freedom Park
Price of Admission: Bring an Unwrapped Toy (Ages: Infant to 12); Cash Donations Also Welcome Sponsored by Solivita Softball Club and the Resource Center There will be food, fun, a gift basket raffle, a cash bar with beer and wine (please do not bring alcohol or coolers) and so much more, including musical entertainment by The Relics, Uptown Funk and The Mystics! Last year, Solivita was Polk County’s largest toy drop, collecting almost 2,000 toys and over $12,000 in cash. Let’s knock it out of the park again this year! Rain date: Sunday, December 3rd.
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Great Food – Food Truck Caribbean Food – CARAMVITA Club Chicken Parmesan – The Young & Young at Heart Club One Way Coffee & Ice Cream – Food Truck Lee’s Famous Cheesesteaks – Food Truck Frequency Food – Food Truck Rosemarie’s Cannoli
Wishing you and your family a joyous Holiday Season from the Resource Center! R2R Resource Center 863-236-9973 SolivitaR2R@gmail.com
2024 RECURRING CLUB CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Solivita Clubs with recurring weekly/monthly meetings need to submit their meeting information in order to be included in the Reflections Calendar Insert for each calendar year. You may start sending in your submissions for 2024. Please include the complete information in your submission even if it hasn’t changed, including club name, day and date of meeting, time, and location. Double check your meeting dates and be sure to note any cancellations due to holidays, etc. If you list a meeting on a holiday, it will be included on the calendar. Groups that made an annual submission for 2023 are NOT automatically carried over into the new year. To ensure your club meeting makes it onto the January 2024 calendar, please send submissions to Reflections@SolivitaClub.com by Friday, December 1st. 16
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