Activities Events (back of calendar) Insert Pages E1-E3
Monthly Calendar (back of Activities Events) ................ Insert
Weekly Fitness Schedule Calendar Insert
ON THE COVER
Open the holiday season and be merry with your friends and neighbors at the Holiday Festivities Program on Monday, December 9th in the Solivita Village Center. At 6pm, we start with a Holiday Parade, followed by a cup of hot cocoa to enjoy while we sing holiday favorites along with the Solivita Swing Band as we light the new 20’ tall Christmas Tree. After the tree lighting, get your holiday video card, take a picture with Santa and check out the parade winners all in the Bistro roundabout area. Food trucks and a cashonly bar will be available. Photos by Joe Thomas.
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. No advertisements containing politics, political affiliations or campaign materials will be accepted. For More Information: Visit the advertising website at SolivitaAdvertising.com, call 863-440-0377, or email SolivitaAdvertising@SolivitaClub. com. Contracts are available to download on the website.
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
Email submissions to Reflections@SolivitaClub.com
JANUARY SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and club newsletter articles are due on Wednesday, November 27th. Club flyer insert copies are due by Wednesday, December 18th, but must be approved by Sheri Wollschlager (Sheri.Wollschlager@ CastleGroup.com) or Wilman De Jesus (Wilman. DeJesus@CastleGroup.com) before they are copied.
FEBRUARY SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Thursday, January 2nd
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
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.
2024 Accomplishments
BY SHERI WOLLSCHLAGER CLUB MANAGER
As we move into 2025, I look back to reflect on all the things the Solivita Club Team has accomplished in this past year. It has been an interesting year with the first six months of the year without an approved budget. Because the team did not know what our budget was going to be, we did our best to be as frugal as we could just in case. We received the final approved Club budget in June and the team hit the floor running. We did our best to complete projects or at least start them. As you can see from the list below, we still have a few items that will be fully completed in 2025.
Now it is time in my end-of-the-year article to brag about our accomplishments for 2024:
» At the beginning of the year, we were able to complete the renovation project at The Palms:
• Replaced the fitness center floor and all the equipment
• Resurfaced the aerobic studio floor
• Touch-up painting in the fitness area, aerobic studio, hallway and restrooms
• Replaced the ceiling fans in the aerobic studio and fitness area at The Palms
• Repaired a large section of the men’s shower and lockers
» Replaced the lake fountain beside Mosaics
» Fixed the drainage issues with the bocce courts
» Set and reset all outside equipment and furniture for two hurricanes
» Hurricane repairs to the bocce awning, several trees, and some of the outdoor equipment
» Replaced the shuffleboard scoreboards
» Started the renovations of the pickleball courts at The Palms
» Started the renovation of the tennis courts at Venezia
» Replaced the resident computers and printer in the Library and Business Center at The Palms
» Fully renovated the benches in the men’s and women’s saunas
» Order 250 new Ballroom chairs (the other half will be ordered in 2025)
» Installed more lights in the Ballroom to provide lighting on the stage
» Replace the hallway flooring in the Mediterranean
Skyline Room and Activities areas
» Installed new sensor systems at the Riviera Spa & Fitness Center and The Palms for ADA compliance
» Replace one of the hot water boilers in the Riviera Spa & Fitness Center and the water heaters at the satellite pools
» Installed new fans in the fitness area at the Riviera Spa & Fitness Center
» Renovated a large section of the outfield for softball and extended the infield.
» Treated and reseeded the softball outfield and the dog park
» Installed new mulch in the playground area
» Rewired the speaker in The Palms Ballroom
» Installed new digital communication boards at The Palms and Riviera Spa & Fitness Center
» Full tree trimming in the Welcome Center, Freedom Park parking lots, and Village Drive. The trees in the Butterfly and Community Garden area were also completed. Next year, we plan to trim the rest of the trees located on Club property.
» Completed the Maintenance compound site at Bell Tower Crossing and the relocation will start in 2025
» Replaced the AC unit in the Bistro and Billiards Gallery
» Upgraded the digital players in RSF and The Palms and added a few more cameras. Installed new cameras in Starlite Ballroom, Waterfront Galleries, and outside on Village Drive. This project most likely will be completed in 2025.
» Hosted over 66 special community events in Solivita. A few events were the Laser Light Outdoor Concert, Health Fair, Cinco de Mayo Street Party, Witchin’ Costume Parade, Oktoberfest, Concerts, Fall Festival, and more. We also held a week-long Solivita Olympics V event hosted together with the AHCC Club; we had 494 registrants who participated in 670 games.
It has been another amazing Solivita year, and we look forward to seeing what we will accomplish in 2025. On behalf of the Solivita Castle Group Team, we would like to wish our wonderful Solivita residents and their families, happy holidays and an amazing new year.
Village Center » 6pm Parade, Food Trucks, Cocoa, Cookies, Singing, Lighting of the Christmas Tree, Santa and Video Card
Holiday House
Lighting Display & Contest
December 15th & 16th
Register your house for display or for the contest by December 5th
Trivia & Karaoke
Holiday Gala
Tuesday, December 31st
Assorted venues, packages and prices from $25-$72
Sign Ups!
End-of-Year Sign-Up for 2025 Opportunities!
BY JANA MALIK DIRECTOR OF ACTIVITIES
As we wrap up the eventful 2024 year, we are looking ahead to the many fun events coming up in 2025. Before we do, check out the sign-ups we have available below.
1. 2025 Dog Park Registration
limit of nine, 10 minute, tbd time slots will be available, with a performance time of 7 minutes or less. The stage will have three rows of added staging for additional performance space.
Available now, the Activities Department has the 2025 Dog Park dog tags for purchase by check only. Registration is required in order to use the Solivita Dog Park. Bring updated vaccinations if they are close to expiring. We have owners’ 2024 dog vaccinations on file if they are still current. The registration form is available in our office, by scanning the QR code or on SolivitaHOA. com under Lifestyles, Dog Park and then stop by our office to pay and get the tag(s).
2. Solivita Club Expo – Saturday, January 18th from 10am-1pm
Solivita Clubs interested in having a table and up to (3) chairs in the Ballroom must register by scanning the QR code, going to 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, phone number and how many chairs, up to (3), are needed. Limited space available.
3. Lunar New Year Street Party – Saturday, February 1st
Sign up for cultural performances will start on Monday, December 16th.
4. Mardi Gras Parade & Street Party – Tuesday, March 4th
Sign up for food booths and dance performances will start on Monday, December 16th.
FOOD BOOTHS: Solivita Clubs & 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, going to 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, contact person, 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.
CULTURAL PERFORMANCES: Solivita cultural clubs or fitness classes who are interested in performing a routine in the Ballroom (that is in the realm of this event theme) may RSVP for a time slot by scanning the QR code, going to 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 and phone number. A
DANCE PERFORMANCES: Solivita dance or cultural clubs or Fitness dance classes who are interested in performing a routine in the Ballroom may RSVP for a time slot by scanning the QR code, going to 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 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. Mardi Gras photos by Joe Thomas.
A Witchin’ Costume Contest!
Thank you to everyone who had participated in the Halloween costume contest held on October 25th at the Witchin’ Costume Parade and Concert! Congratulations to the winners! Winner photos by John Fusco.
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 9th from 5pm-9pm
» New Year’s Eve Parties – Tuesday, December 31st from 3pm-2am
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 pull out all the stops and more next year!
Keep The Party Going, well into 2025!!!
Jana Malik 863-427-7125 Jana.Malik@CastleGroup.com
Jana’s article continued from page 6
Most Creative:
Susie Szramek - Bicycle Broom Witch
Best Character or Famous Person: Nancy Harvey - Cousin IT & Baby IT
Most Frightful: Jack Lelli - Headless Horseman
Best Couple: Charles & Wendy Scanlan - Anakin Sky Walker & Padme’ Amidala
Best Club/Neighborhood Group: Rowdy Bunch Bunco - Cop & Prisoners
Be a Jolly Delight!
BY SHELLEY DESTEFANO COMMUNITY CONCIERGE
Be merry, be bright and share that holiday delight. Mingle with others at the special events taking place within Solivita as well as share in special dates and activities happening in the area this month.
Important Dates:
» Saturday, December 21st: Winter Solstice
» Tuesday, December 24th: Christmas Eve
» Wednesday, December 25th: Christmas Day
» Wednesday, December 25th: First Night of Hanukkah begins at nightfall
» Tuesday, December 31st: New Year’s Eve
» Wednesday, January 1st: New Year’s Day
» Thursday, January 2nd: Last Night of Hanukkah
Christmas Parade & Celebration
The annual APV Christmas Parade & Celebration will be take place on Saturday, December 14th from 10am to 2pm. The event will include a parade of floats, vendors, crafters and food trucks. Please visit www.apvcommunity.com for more information.
Christmas in the Cloud
Amazing Animals Wildlife Preserve is having their “Christmas in the Cloud” event on Saturday, December 14th from 11am to 4pm located at 4235 Rambler Avenue in St. Cloud. Admission is $10 per person at the door and ages 2 and under are free. Bring a bag of dog or cat food to donate to Osceola County Animal Services and get in free (one bag per person). The event includes a petting zoo, food truck, animal meet and greets, community vendors, fake snow, Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and over 25 holiday animal inflatables The event is further detailed on their Facebook page @AmazingAnimalsInc. They have over 100 exotic animals and if you can’t make it to their event, you can always visit them another time. Please visit www.amazinganimalsinc.org or call 407-719-6269 for more information.
The Nutcracker
The Orlando Ballet will present The Nutcracker from December 6th through the 22nd (times vary depending on the day) at the Steinmetz Hall located at 445 South Magnolia Avenue in Orlando. Indulge in the splendor of this captivating rendition of
a cherished holiday tradition that transcends time. Experience the enchanting tale of Clara, a young girl, whose extraordinary journey intertwines with that of a life-sized Nutcracker, magically brought to life. Together, they cross whimsical realms, with the exhilarating challenge of battling the daunting Mouse King. Brace yourself for an unforgettable voyage into a realm where dreams dance to life and wonder knows no bounds. Please visit www.drphillipscenter.org to purchase tickets and for more information.
Christkindlmarkt
On December 14th and 15th from 11am to 10pm, you can enjoy a German Christmas Market called “Christkindlmarkt.” This will be located at Luminary Green, 437 N. Terry Avenue in Orlando. The entrance fee is $1 for adults and free for kids. You can enjoy live music and festive performances, Christmas music, shop for souvenirs and handcrafted holiday gifts, German food (savor authentic German sausages, beignets, and crepes), wine and a German experience. Meet St. Nikolaus and capture the magic of the season. Please visit parkavemagazine. com/event/christkindlmarkt-german-christmas-market for more information.
Please visit the Concierge webpage on SolivitaHOA.com to see more Christmas events going on in the area.
Unwrap your inner spirit and share it by delighting others. Some of the best gifts come from within!
Community Concierge 863-427-7100 Shelley.Destefano@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) Scholarships for local ROTC high school seniors; 2) The Honor Flight Program which provides free travel to selected veterans with a day of honor in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.; 3) Bingo and refreshments for the facility-bound veterans at the Lake Nona Veterans Hospital; and 4) Donations to veterans organizations, such as the USO, Bridges for Heroes, Fisher House and K-9 Support for Veterans.
To subscribe for 2025 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 call 863-512-3655.
The R2R Resource Center Belongs to You
The Thanksgiving turkey is a memory. The sun that once set at 8:30pm now sets at 5:30pm. That means it’s time to think about the holidays. For most of us, the holidays have always meant gifts. As children we looked forward to getting them; as adults we look forward to giving them. In Solivita this has a special meaning because of two programs.
Toys For Tots
Toys For Tots will be holding what promises to be a massive collection of toys for children on December 7th in Freedom Park from 2pm to 5pm. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child from newborn to 12 years old and celebrate Solivita’s generosity with food trucks and entertainment by local favorites, including the incomparable Lenny Welch. Check out the Solivita Toys For Tots page on Facebook as well as the ad on page 9 of this month’s edition of Reflections.
Guardian Ad Litem Holiday Trees
As soon as the trees go up in The Palms and Riviera Spa & Fitness Center, they will be decorated with tags showing suggestions for presents for children in foster care in Polk County. Fill a child’s holiday wish and leave it under the tree. In addition, you can pick up a tag in the Resource Center office.
Looking for Something to Do?
If you need help getting in the holiday spirit, check out “Holiday Celebrations in Central Florida,” a guide to everything from parades and street fairs to music, movies and snow. Produced by the Resource Center and Solivita’s Concierge, Shelley DeStefano, you can find the guide on the Resource Center’s webpage (log on to SolivitaHOA.com, then “Get Connected,” then the R2R Resource Center). Copies are also available at the Concierge Desk and in the Resource Center.
Tech Help
Remember ... every second Tuesday of the month, the Resource Center offers one-on-one tech help with any electronic device. Sessions run from 2pm to 4pm in the Gator Room. Reserve a spot at SolivitaR2R@gmail.com or 863-236-9973.
R2R Resource Center 863-236-9973 SolivitaR2R@gmail.com
FRIENDS WHO HAVE LEFT US, BUT ARE NOT FORGOTTEN
Lindsay Chalmers
Monica Wallace David Winograd
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the residents who recently passed away.
Always Ready
SUBMITTED
BY
ERIC LARSON TEAM LEADER OF SOLIVITA CERT
Did you know that Solivita CERT was ready as hurricanes Helene and Milton approached Florida? As both hurricanes approached, CERT was activated and ready to deploy to assist Solivita if needed.
As Milton approached, there were several tornado warnings of which Solivita was under. If a tornado had touched down here, we would have deployed.
Understand that Solivita CERT will only deploy after the storm has passed. Whether a hurricane or tornado comes through, stay in the safety of your homes!
Solivita CERT is activated by Polk County Fire Rescue. Our first activation called is Level 1. Once activated, our CERT team is notified by phone chain to prepare to deploy. This means we get our homes ready for a hurricane. We check our “Go Bags” to make sure they contain all the items we need for an emergency. These are supplied to us by Polk County Fire Rescue as we complete our training.
CERT is organized into various teams. Each team has specific
responsibilities during a deployment. Our teams are the Command Post, Communications, Medical, Logistics, Search & Rescue teams and Transportation.
So, when a hurricane approaches, or we are under a tornado warning, know that your friends and neighbors within Solivita CERT will be ready to assist if needed.
Battery Replacement Program
Next up is our reminder to all Solivita residents of our battery replacement program. Registration will begin in February 2025. All the registration details will appear in the February 2025 Reflections. The actual battery replacements will take place in March and April. Mark your calendars.
Check-Call-Compress Classes
We have scheduled dates for our Check-Call-Compress classes in January, February and March. Look for the actual dates and times coming soon.
Solivita CERT wishes all residents and employees a very Happy and Joyous Holiday Season.
December and January Holiday Hours
Tuesday, December 24th
Christmas Eve
RSF & The Palms: Close at 12pm
Fitness Classes: Cancelled
The Grille & Bistro: 8am-2pm
Pro Shop: 7am-12pm
Wednesday, December 25th - Christmas Day
Admin, Activities & R2R : Closed
RSF & The Palms: Closed
Fitness Classes: Cancelled
The Grille & Bistro: Closed
Mosaics: Closed
Pro Shop: Closed
Tuesday, December 31st
New Year’s Eve
Activities: Closed
RSF & The Palms: Close at 12pm
Fitness Classes: Cancelled
Waterfront Galleries : Closed
The Grille: 8am-11am
Marketplace Bistro: 8am-2pm
Pro Shop: 7am-12pm
Wednesday, 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
Friday, January 3rd : Activities Ticket Sales at 9am on SolivitaHOA.com Monday, January 6th : Club Ticket Sales in Mosaics from 10am-2pm
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 2025.
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 2024 are NOT automatically carried over into the new year. To ensure your club meeting makes it onto the January 2025 calendar, please send submissions to Reflections@SolivitaClub. com by Monday, December 2nd
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
21.9 Decorations
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 of the following year.
HOA CONTACT INFORMATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
» President - Larry Anson: SolivitaHOAPresident@SolivitaHOA.com
» Vice President - Jim Edge: SolivitaVicePresident@SolivitaHOA.com
The Fall Arts and Crafts Festival Committee and the Activities team would like to THANK both vendors and visitors for participating and attending in the 23rd Annual Fall Arts and Crafts Festival at Solivita this past November.
We want to extend a special thanks to the Fall Festival Committee, Solivita staff, including Activities, Housekeeping, Maintenance and Club Communications; Stonegate Golf Catering; Floralawn and Vital Security and the OVER 100 resident volunteers whose time, talents and energy make this huge 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. We had a Three-Way 1st Place Tie!
» #18: Christine Himick – Serenity
» #24: Mariliz Dubois – Musical DNA
» #26: Patricia Plumstead – Bell Tower St. Augustine
The 267 attendees who voted on the resident artwork were placed in a drawing to win one of (3) $15 Stonegate Golf and Restaurant Gift Cards. The winners were: Mac McCarty, Jordan Maye and Christine (no last name).
With another great year behind us, we are looking forward to 2025. Mark your calendars for the 24th Annual Fall Arts and Crafts Festival at Solivita scheduled for Saturday, November 1st. 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.
