Solivita Reflections | February 2024 (Limited Version) by Overflow

ON THE COVER REFLECTIONS FEBRUARY 2024 VOLUME 24 ISSUE 2

VILLAGE CENTER HOURS Administration: 863-427-7100 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm C3 Wellness Spa: 407-914-9168 Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm Friday 8am-7pm

This will be the 17th year that Solivita has hosted Pickleball for the Polk Senior Games. This huge three day event from March 4th-6th at Freedom Park is coordinated with the Solivita Smashers Club and the FitWell Department. Consider “dink”ing it out by registering no later than February 9th at polkseniorgames.org, or come cheer on your fellow neighbors as they bring home the gold! Photos by Gene Burch.

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

Evergreen Lifestyles Management (For HOA Matters) 24/7: 855-4901804 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 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 Breakfast: Thursday-Sunday 8am-11am Lunch: Monday-Sunday 11am-4pm Dinner: Monday-Thursday 4pm-8pm Friday-Sunday 4pm-9pm 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

Activities: 863-427-7125 or SolivitaActivities@CastleGroup.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

FEBRUARY TABLE OF CONTENTS Newsletter Submission & Advertising Info ..................... Page 3 Department Articles ...................................................... Pages 4-14 Solivita HOA Board Contacts ......................................... Page 8 Community Events ...................................................... Pages 15-17 Mosaics Special Nights ................................................... Page 15 Wellness Events ............................................................... Pages 17 A Touch of Class ........................................................... Pages 18-22 Club & Support Group Meeting Lists .......... SolivitaHOA.com Club News ...................................................................... Pages 23-46 Neighborhood Captains News .......................................... Page 47 Advertisements ............................................................ Pages 48-80

NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS Email submissions to Reflections@SolivitaClub.com

MARCH SUBMISSIONS

Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Thursday, February 1st. Club flyer insert copies are due by Thursday, February 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.

APRIL SUBMISSIONS

Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Friday, March 1st.

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

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.

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 | FEBRUARY 2024

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

Staying Fit with FitWell

BY JAMAR EDGE DIRECTOR OF FITNESS & WELLNESS time. Make sure you do not forget to add heart-healthy items to your grocery list.

I hope you are sticking to your New Year’s resolution of being a healthier you. Speaking of a healthier you, we are looking forward to helping you with your progress. In the following article, I’ve listed a few ideas to help you.

These tips apply not just to the month of February, but every month throughout the year. Do your heart a favor….protect it.

Health Awareness Month

Polk Senior Games

February is American Heart Month. We all know the effects of heart disease, but it can be prevented when we make healthy choices. Things as easy as replacing salt with different seasonings and adding physical activity to your daily routine are ways to keep your heart strong and healthy. Below are several more healthy heart tips: » Take things one step at a time. You do not need to tackle all of your goals at once. » Aim for lean protein. Cutting back on the amount of animal protein in your eating routine can be a gamechanger. Try to stay away from processed meats. » Get and stay PHYSICAL!!! Find a version of exercise that you enjoy and stick with it. Both strength training and high-intensity interval training are great ways of protecting the heart. » Take a break. Stress is hard on the heart. Find something that helps you relax and clears your mind. Meditation is a good option if you are looking for a calm activity. » Plan, Plan, Plan. Plan your meals and snacks ahead of

Flags Over

Solivita

It’s almost time again! Solivita will play host to the Polk Senior Games Pickleball Tournament. The tournament is scheduled for March 4th through March 6th, so come out and cheer on your fellow neighbors as they bring home the gold!

Solivita Walk/Run for a Cure

The Solivita FitWell Team invites you to join us on February 24th for the 15th Annual WALK/RUN FOR THE CURE. All contributions (minimum of $20 donation) will include a T-shirt for participants who register by February 1st. This event is not a race! You can either walk two miles (or any shorter distance that you are comfortable with), run/jog three miles, or just come out to support this good cause and cheer on the walkers and runners. Water will be provided on the course, and there will be snacks at the finish line. Event sign-in and shirt pickup will begin at 7:30am with the Walk/Run starting at 9am in the Welcome Center courtyard. Please see the registration form on page 9 and reach out to me with any questions. Jamar Edge 863-496-3522 Jamar.Edge@CastleGroup.com

It’s that time again, flags will go up for Presidents’ Day beginning Wednesday, February 14th. If you haven’t signed up yet, you still have time! The cutoff date to receive donations in time for Presidents’ Day is Wednesday, February 7th. DONATIONS RECEIVED AFTER FEBRUARY 7TH ARE NOT GUARANTEED FOR PRESIDENTS’ DAY FLAG PLACEMENT! Paper applications are available at the Concierge Desk, or download a copy from the Veterans Club website at veteransclubofsolivita.com. For an electronic application and to pay via credit card, please scan the QR Code to the left. Are you interested in volunteering? We have many opportunities besides putting up flags. Contact us to see how you can help at flagsoversolivita@ gmail.com or 863-512-3655.

REFLECTIONS | FEBRUARY 2024

TRIVIA SP EC IAL NIG

HT S

AYS SELECT MOND $7 4PM & 7PM » TABLE & RESERVE YOURYOUR PURCHASE K LIMITED DRIN NE LI SELECTION ON

SOLIVITA OLYMPICS

FEBRUARY 1ST - 7TH 2/1 AT 4PM: OP ENING CEREMO NY IN VILLAGE CE NTER 2/7 AT 12PM: CL OSIN AT PRO SHOP RO G CEREMONY UNDABOUT WATCH THE GAMES LIVE!

MARDI GR AS

PARADE & STREET PARTY TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH 5PM-9PM » VILLAGE CENTER PARADE, FOOD, DJS, DANCES, CASH BARS & MORE

KARAOKE SPECIAL NIGHTS

SELECT TUESDAYS COMPLIMENTARY 5PM-9PM CASH BAR

FARMER’S MARKET LOCATION IN FREEDOM PARK WEDNESDAYS 11AM–1PM TO GO ONLY THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND 4PM-7PM DJ » CASH BAR SEATING

LET THE

GAMES AND THE

EVENTS BEGIN!

WINE DOWN CONCERT WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST 6:30PM-8:30PM BY THE GRILLE BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR FOOD CONCESSION & CASH BAR

N E ’S VALENTI GALA 9TH EBRUARY FRIDAY, F 6PM M BALLROO $75 MAL SEMI-FOR

PRINCE TRIBUTE SHOW THURSDAY, FEBR UARY 29TH 5PM & 7:30PM BALLROOM GENERAL: $25 EOSS: $30

Read more information and who is permitted to attend these events on the back of the monthly newsletter calendar or go to the SolivitaHOA.com Home Page and click on the RSVP or Purchase Ticketed Events icon. For questions, email or the Activities Department at SolivitaActivities@CastleGroup.com or 863-427-7125. REFLECTIONScall | FEBRUARY 2024 5

Department Articles

Let’s Get Our Hands Dirty... ANNUAL CLUB PRESIDENTS’ MEETING Wednesday, February 28th Meeting is in the Ballroom at 10:30am; Sign-in begins at 9:45am All Club Presidents or a representative and an additional member must attend. We will be making calls to all the clubs this month to review and update Clubs’ contact information for our files.

COMMUNITY GARDEN SPRING PLANTER BOX RENTAL March – August 2024 $50, includes $25 refundable deposit $25 for renewing gardeners Planter Box: 4’ x 6’ x 24” & 32” H Applications available until February 12th by scanning the QR Reader, go to SolivitaHOA.com under Lifestyles and then Community Garden or come into the Activities Office. Gardeners are picked by drawing on February 23rd.

SOLIVITA VOLUNTEER LOG SHEET DEADLINE

Turn in your Volunteer Log Sheets by March 4th for volunteer hours worked assisting Solivita Departments (hours accepted are from March 1, 2023 - February 29, 2024), to the Activities Office to finalize the 2023 - 2024 season.

SPEED ENFORCEMENT The HOA, Security, and Polk County Sheriff’s Office receive multiple complaints of speeding each week from residents. The Sheriff’s Office has been asked for their assistance in speed enforcement. Receiving a speeding ticket is not only financially costly, but can lead to much more serious results. 6

REFLECTIONS | FEBRUARY 2024

Department Articles

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST SOLIVITA OLYMPICS OPENING CEREMONY

Let’s open the Solivita Olympics with a parade at 4pm (parade participants may meet starting at 3:15pm) starting from the Farmer’s Market to the Pro Shop roundabout. The parade WELCOMES ALL but will highlight the event coordinators, committee, game participants, volunteers and sponsors who are involved and supporting the Solivita Olympic games. The end of the parade will feature several torchbearers carrying the torch with the last one lighting the cauldron located in the Pro Shop roundabout. The cauldron will stay on during the entire Olympics. After the parade ends, we celebrate with an International themed street party outside the Ballroom (will move inside the Ballroom dependent on the weather) that will include the Wassalou energetic band and dancer, food trucks, games, Solivita Merchandise for sale and a cash bar. Read all the Torchbearer Nominations along with parade route. Wear your country of origin’s hat, shirt or colors and be part of

PARTICIPANT INFORMATION

• Registration has Closed. NO REFUNDS. • If you had registered, arrive early to register, warm-up and for the review of game rules. Rain Date is TBD.

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

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.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH SOLIVITA OLYMPICS CLOSING CEREMONY

We’ll close the Olympics at 12pm in the Pro Shop Roundabout as we hear from the AHCC event chairperson, extinguish the torch, take pictures, listen to DJ Breezz and eat from food trucks with seating provided. Wear your Olympics shirt and any medals won! All are welcomed! Will move to Ballroom if rain. VILLAGE DRIVE WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICLE TRAFFIC FROM 11AM-3PM FROM THE BALLROOM TO THE PRO SHOP. Golf cart parking on Village Drive from the Ballroom to K&M Drugs will be open; the Pro Shop roundabout will be closed to vehicle and golf cart traffic.

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 (FP) 1:30pm-4pm - Rummikub - Ceramics Gallery 4pm-6pm - Softball Hitting, Throwing & Catching - FP 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

Proceeds from this event will go to the Boys and Girls Club of Polk County. For more information, email Olympics.Committee2024@gmail.com or contact: Keith Eaton, 609-472-4826; Ellie Graham, 863496-1616; Bobby Vance, 845-988-6388; Rochelle Young (non-sport games), 510-206-9938.

Department Articles

Smoke Alarms Save Lives SUBMITTED BY ERIC LARSON TEAM LEADER OF SOLIVITA CERT

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 Smoke alarms can save your life and that of your family and pets. Smoke detector batteries should be replaced annually. As we have since 2006, your Solivita Community Emergency Response Team is again offering to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors. We offer this to Solivita residents who can’t or shouldn’t go up on ladders. Before you call to have your batteries replaced, consider how old your smoke detectors are. If you are wondering why, it is because smoke detectors only work for about eight years. Then their detection sensors degrade to the point that they may no longer be able to detect smoke. If your detectors are too old, consider replacing them as Solivita CERT cannot replace batteries in expired smoke detectors. We can answer any questions you may have about replacing your smoke detectors. Call Solivita CERT for guidance or assistance. To register for the 2024 Smoke Alarm Battery Replacement Program, please email SCSABRP@gmail.com (which stands for Solivita CERT Smoke Alarm Battery Replacement Program) or call 863-514-6728. Please remember to include your full name, address and phone number, along with the Solivita neighborhood where your home is located. You must register before the end of February. CERT will offer this service in March and April ONLY – this is your only chance this year! If you want to have your batteries changed (with your batteries or ours), register now by contacting CERT before the end of February to be placed on our list for this year. Please note, this complimentary service does not include moving furniture. 8

» 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

DON’T SEE YOUR CLUB MEETING ON THE CALENDAR INSERT? Here’s why - Solivita Clubs with recurring meetings need to re-submit their information in order to be included in the Reflections Calendar Insert for the 2024 year to Reflections@SolivitaClub.com. Please include the club name, day and date of meeting, time, and location. REFLECTIONS | FEBRUARY 2024

Department Articles

All Donations Will Be Given To The American Cancer Society

Walk / Run for a

15th Annual

Cure

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2024 Registration/Sign In: 7:30am-9am • No Pets Please Event Starts at 9am in Solivita Welcome Center Courtyard $20 MINIMUM DONATION FOR AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY (CASH OR CHECK ONLY) REGISTER BY FEBRUARY 1ST TO RECEIVE A FREE T-SHIRT Co-sponsored by the Cancer Support Group and Solivita FitWell Team

Copies of the Registration Form are available via email blast link, or can be picked up at The Palms or Riviera Spa & Fitness Center main desks. Please return all Registration Forms to The Palms or Riviera main desks.

REGISTRATION FORM Name:______________________________________________ I will participate in the m Walk (2 Miles) m Run (3 Miles) I will not be participating but would like to contribute $_______ Telephone: __________________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________ Donation Total: $

(Minimum $20 Donation Per Person)

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

REGISTRATION FORMS DUE BY FEBRUARY 1ST AT THE PALMS OR RIVIERA MAIN DESKS IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A SHIRT. THIS EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE REFLECTIONS | FEBRUARY 2024WITHIN SOLIVITA.

Walk / Run for a

15th Annual

Cure

T-Shirt Size: ___S ___L

___M ___XL

___2XL ___3XL Registration must be received by February 1st to receive T-shirt. T-shirts will be given out the morning of the event at registration from 8am-9am. Please indicate shirt size for each participant.

Department Articles

There’s More to February than Valentine’s Day! BY SHELLEY DESTEFANO COMMUNITY CONCIERGE Here’s to a lovely month that has a lot more going on than just Valentine’s Day. Check out some important dates this month as well as a few events I think you can enjoy with your loved ones.

Important Dates » » » » » »

Groundhog Day: Friday, February 2nd Super Bowl: Sunday, February 11th Mardi Gras: Tuesday, February 13th Ash Wednesday: Wednesday, February 14th Valentine’s Day: Wednesday, February 14th Presidents’ Day: Monday, February 19th

Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show & Osceola County Fair

The livestock show and fair will be going on from February 9th-18th. The fair is located at Osceola Heritage Park (1911 Kissimmee Valley Lane in Kissimmee). The carnival opens at 5pm on Friday, February 9th. The gates will open at 5pm Monday through Thursday and 12pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The fair will include rides, food, livestock and more! Parking is free. Tickets are $5 for seniors (60+); $10 for 12 years old and up; $5 for children 5 to 11 years old; and free for children 4 and under. Please visit www.osceolacountyfair.com or call 321-697-3050 for more information.

Dinner Date Options

Epcot International Festival of the Arts

Embrace your creative side, see artistry in action, please your palate with delicious dishes, indulge in dazzling entertainment and more. This festival will be going on through February 19th and is included with your regular park admission ticket. For more information, please visit disneyworld.disney.go.com. 10

2024 Florida Strawberry Festival

Enjoy the Strawberry Festival from February 29th through March 10th at 303 North Lemon Street in Plant City. Get the family together to enjoy exhibits of agriculture, commerce, industry, livestock, fine arts, horticulture, and crafts as well as rides, concerts, shows, contests, food, and more. The Florida Strawberry Festival represents a piece of Americana, a time in American history when fairs and festivals brought communities together through celebrations of their harvests. It has continued to grow in popularity. Central to its focus, the festival continues to preserve and enhance the agricultural and historical legacy of the Florida strawberry. Please visit flstrawberryfestival.com or call 813-752-9194 for more information. Visit the Concierge page on SolivitaHOA.com to see more events going on in the area. Love is everywhere and sharing love with others is totally worth your time. Don’t let time go by without giving others a big hug and letting them know that they are loved by you. Community Concierge 863-427-7100 Shelley.Destefano@CastleGroup.com

REFLECTIONS | FEBRUARY 2024

Department Articles

REFLECTIONS | FEBRUARY 2024

Department Articles

The R2R Resource Center is Here for You! Tech Clinic – Help with Your Devices

Tuesday, February 13th • 2pm-4pm • Art Gallery Bring your device (e.g., computer, smartphone, Apple watch, tablet, etc.) and we’ll help you with your questions. Editorial credit: sdx15 / Shutterstock.com

text messages, calendars, video calls, and maps are all based on information found in your contacts. We will help you “smarten” up your phone by using your contacts more effectively. Please contact the Resource Center at 863-236-9973 or email SolivitaR2R@gmail.com to register for either of these sessions or if you have any questions.

Come to the 2024 Business EXPO!

Using Contacts on Your Smartphone

Thursday, February 22nd • 6pm-7pm iPhone: Art Gallery • Android: Gator Room Did you know contacts are a major part of what makes your smart phone smart? It is not just another address book - phone calls,

Tuesday, February 27th • 10am-2pm Ballroom & Mosaics » Come meet the local area businesses. » Many new businesses attending, including Havertys Furniture, Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Bok Tower Gardens, Alpha Water, Balmoral Bar & Grill, and UPS Loughman, just to name a few. » Enter to win free raffle prizes! » A lot of free giveaways! R2R Resource Center 863-236-9973 SolivitaR2R@gmail.com

Our Winter Tasks

BY BRAD THOMPSON BRANCH MANAGER, FLORALAWN Are you loving our Florida winter weather? If you’re like me, as I watch news reports of snow and ice up north, it makes me glad for our mild temperatures and sunny skies. Our Floralawn crews continue to work hard on landscaping tasks around Solivita during the winter. Many of you are out and about, taking advantage of the great weather, and we’re committed to keeping your outdoor spaces beautiful in all seasons.

What We Did in January

Last month we kept busy with fertilizing the turf grass throughout Solivita. At Floralawn, we follow an annual fertilizing cycle, 12

with the first application put down over January and February. Implementing this schedule results in thick, healthy grass in the spring. In January we also completed another round of trimming and weeding. Over the winter is when we conduct a thorough examination of the irrigation system in Solivita. As you can imagine, this is a huge job to check the pipes, pumps, valves, and spray heads that deliver water to all homes and common areas throughout the community. We completed the initial inspection in January Article continued on page 13

REFLECTIONS | FEBRUARY 2024

Department Articles Floralawn’s article continued from page 12

plus the repair of many of the spray heads. Along with spray head repair, we also corrected spray patterns. In January we continued the bi-monthly mowing schedule.

What We’re Doing in February

This month we start pruning the crape myrtle trees throughout Solivita. There are hundreds of crape myrtles in the community, so this job takes us through March to complete. A February task that we enjoy is changing out the annuals in all the common area beds. Residents like the change of color as well.

Training our Crews

Winter is when we hire new Floralawn crew members and give

training to both new and established employees. We call our training the “Floralawn University.” Our crews learn shrub and tree pruning techniques, best mulching practices, safe driving of lawn equipment, safe use of landscaping tools, proper mowing techniques, how to install plants and identify diseases, and how to mix and apply herbicides. Sometimes Floralawn offers these classes to Solivita residents. Check our online calendar to see when classes are scheduled.

Questions?

Call 863-225-9565 with any questions or email us at hello@ floralawn.com. Stay warm and healthy! Floralawn 863-225-9565 hello@floralawn.com

Congratulations Holiday Parade Winners! Photos by Judie Chiappone and Joe Thomas

BEST GROUP Barbie – Flora Vista Friends

BEST HOLIDAY THEME (GOLF CART): SolAbility Club

MOST FROZEN: Igloo Golf Cart James & Tommie Midgley

BEST HOLIDAY THEME (NON-GOLF CART) Mira Vista Club Kazoo Band

MOST WHIMSICAL Elves - Scarlett Chapeaux of Solivita

MOST ILLUMINATED: Gnome Dave & Melissa Anderson

REFLECTIONS | FEBRUARY 2024