[ Department] Articles
JANUARY 2018 VOLUME 18 ISSUE 1
Reflections |  January 2018 |
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[ Department ] Articles
REFLECTIONS JANUARY 2018 VOLUME 18 ISSUE 1
ON THE COVER The Solivita Olympics open on January 18th with a parade, food trucks, cash bar and live entertainment! The games begin the following day and continue through January 25th. See page 5 for more details!
VILLAGE CENTER HOURS Administration: 863-427-7100 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Floralawn On-Site Office (Admin Building) Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Marketplace Bistro 863-427-7150, ext. 4724 Monday-Sunday 8am-8pm Riviera Spa & Fitness Center 863-427-7130 Monday-Thursday 6:30am-9pm Friday 6:30am-7pm Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm Starlite Ballroom Daily 8am-11pm Stonegate Pro Shop 863-427-7150 x4710 Daily 7am-6pm The Grille at Stonegate 863-427-7167 Monday-Thursday 11am-9pm Friday-Sunday 8am-9pm Bar Open Until 9pm Daily 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 Wells Fargo Bank: 863-421-5448 Monday-Friday 9am-4pm Welcome Center or Model Park 863-427-7000 Monday-Saturday 9:30am -5:30pm Sunday 11am -5:30pm
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CONTACT LIST Community Manager (Association) - Tyler Heel: 863-427-7103 or theel@evergreen-LM.com Club Manager - Sheri Wollschlager: 863-427-7129 or swollschlager@evergreen-LM.com Safety & Security Director - Joe Murphy: 863-440-7572 or joe.murphy@evergreen-LM.com Evergreen Lifestyles Management (For ALL Club & HOA Matters) 24/7: 877-221-6919 or customerservice@evergreen-LM.com AV Homes Customer Care: 800-858-5933 or www.avhomesinc.com/owner-care Architectural Review: 863-427-7022, Fax: 863-496-4456 or compliance@solivitahoa.com Catering & Banquets (Stonegate Golf Club): 863-427-7150 x4720 Communications: 863-427-7137 or croe@evergreen-LM.com Concierge: 863-427-7100 or Fax: 863-496-4456 Floralawn: 863-225-9565 or floralawn.com (Submit a Work Order) K&M Drugs: 863-496-7930 or Fax: 863-496-7931 Lifestyles Activities: 863-427-7125 Membership: 863-427-7143 or solivitamembership@evergreen-LM.com Resident 2 Resident Resource Center: 863-236-9973 or SolivitaR2R@gmail.com Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: 863-427-7130 Security -Bella Viana: 863-427-1268 Security-Main Gate: 863-427-4238 Security-South Gate: 863-496-1473 Security -Venezia: 863-427-2338 Security-West Gate: 863-496-1453 Solivita Sales: 863-427-7000 Stonegate Golf Club Directory: 863-427-7150 The Palms Amenity Center: 863-496-1530 or Fax: 863-496-0914 Violations & Compliance: 863-427-7032 Visitor/Vendor Gate Access Voice Server: 863-313-1314
[ Department] Articles
A New Year
By Jana Malik Director of Activities Ah, a new year and a fresh start to make and keep even one small resolution. I have come to learn that small resolutions work best for me. I started this out one year, after giving up sticking to big resolutions, where I decided to make a simple and small resolution, and that was to take out all the empty water bottles out of my car every night when I got home. Before that, I would have around 8-10 empty water bottles everywhere until it got to me or I was cleaning out my car. Silly and small but I started it on January 1st a few years ago and it has stuck ever since. Try making one small resolution for yourself or try something new (join a new club, attend a Solivita University class, eat from a different food truck, attend an art or craft class, etc) and let me know if it works for you too.
Activities Team members so we can provide you with our undivided attention. Reservations take time and careful attention. Please call 863-427-7125 to make an appointment.
In the Lifestyles Activities Office, however, I do have a big goal in mind and that is to display the Rooms Calendar on SolivitaHOA. com. This will allow residents to view if a room is available or booked before coming to the office to reserve it. I am not sure we can achieve it as it may involve revamping or requiring a new calendar program, but it is a goal of ours to at least focus on and try our best.
Club Presidents’ Meeting
January Main Ticket Sales
Yippee! Thanks to Tony Iorio and Dan Young, AV Homes and Sheri Wollschlager, Club Manager, we are getting an additional multipurpose room in the Bistro where the Library was formerly located. This room will be available for clubs to schedule, but not for recurring events (every week, month, etc). It will also be available for new card playing groups to use when the room has not been reserved by a club, similar to the current guidelines governing at the Bella Viana, Venezia and Lago Vista Clubhouses. When we set a date and time to schedule new card playing groups into the calendar, we will notify everyone in my Reflections article and in an Email Blast. If you have a card playing group currently playing in Bella Viana, Venezia or the Lago Vista Clubhouse and want to switch to this new room, you can do so along with everyone else on the day we start scheduling.
Every year, the January Main Ticket Sales in the Ballroom is held on the 2nd or 3rd business day of the month due to the New Year’s Eve Parties requiring immense setup and cleanup. Therefore, the next Main Ticket Sales Day in the Ballroom will be on Wednesday, January 3rd.
License Agreement Forms
Clubs who hire or invite non-resident entertainers, speakers, vendors, etc, are reminded to have each individual or group, sign a License Agreement Form, if they do not carry a Certificate of Liability with an insurance company. This form is available in the Lifestyles Activities Office or can be found in the Lifestyles and Fitness Forms under the Lifestyles tab on SolivitaHOA.com. After getting the form filled out, bring or email a copy to the Lifestyles Activities Office.
Lifestyles & Club Co-Sponsor Program
It has been decided that the Lifestyles and Club Co-sponsor Program will continue in 2018. This program offers eleven clubs (one club per month, except December) hosting a charity fundraiser dance or show, up to $500 for entertainment and $100 for bartender service. We also offer two $20 Lifestyles Gift Certificates for clubs having a fundraiser event. This is offered to clubs once a year and there is a two club limit per month. If your club is interested in either of these opportunities, call or stop by the Lifestyles Activities Office where I can give you more details.
The mandatory annual Club Presidents’ Meeting will take place in the Ballroom at 1pm on Wednesday, February 28th. Save the date for the President or a representative and an additional member to attend. We will be making calls to all clubs this month to check and update clubs’ contact information for our files.
We’re Getting An Additional Room!
Happy New Year and...Keep The Party Going!!!
Multiple Room Reservations
If your club needs to book more than two room reservations, we ask that you make an appointment with any of the Lifestyles
Reflections | January 2018 |
Jana Malik 863-427-7125 jmalik@evergreen-LM.com
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[ Department ] Articles
From the World of Fitness & Wellness By Jamar Edge Fitness & Wellness Director
It’s the New Year and we know what that means…..New Years resolutions!! I’m sure many of us are recovering from the Christmas and New Year’s travels and festivities, but it’s also a good time to evaluate your health. I just wanted to take a moment to share a few things that I noted while researching New Year’s resolutions….
10 Healthiest New Year’s Resolutions
1. Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats 2. Stay in touch with family and friends 3. Quit Smoking 4. Be active 5. Cut your stress 6. Volunteer 7. Guard against falls 8. Toast with a smaller glass 9. Get more sleep 10. Give your brain a workout
While the list of potential resolutions goes on and on, I would suggest you choose a few, if not all, and resolve yourself to make that lifestyle adjustment.
Instructor Spotlight
Denise Bopp is a 14-year resident and has been working in the fitness industry for over 28 years. She earned her group fitness certification
from the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and personal trainer certification from the American Council on Exercise (ACE). In addition, she possesses certificates in Sports Nutrition and Strength Training Older Adults. She moved to Florida from Rochester, NY after a 32-year career Bopp with Xerox Corp. and graduated with an honors degree in Business Administration from R.I.T. Her fitness philosophy is that it has to be fun. “Remember that it is for the rest of your life, so find ways to make it enjoyable. Bring music to listen to that you love, get a workout partner so you can motivate each other, or best of all, take a fitness class.”
Fast Track
Several of you have taken advantage of the revamped Fast Track program as we have seen an increase in interest of the program. If you are still unfamiliar with this program, we encourage you to stop by and inquire with Zena or Wendy. The Fast Track program is a great way of having a fitness program customized just for you. For those of you who love a little healthy competition, consider our “Partner Up” option of the program. I just want to extend a Happy New Year to you all and say that I’m excited about what the Fitness & Wellness Team is looking to bring to Solivita for 2018. Jamar Edge 863-496-3522 jedge@evergreen-LM.com
Committee Roundup Wellness Committee At our last meeting of 2017, committee members discussed areas that Jamar Edge (the Fitness & Wellness Director) is responsible for, which include The Palms and Riviera pools and gyms, all sport courts, fitness classes, Wednesday lectures, and other special events such as the Health Fair, Relay For Life, and Salute Our Veterans Weekend. Members reported several issues that were brought to the committee’s attention: Signs are needed in gyms to remind residents to return weights to the
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proper place; making sure there are fitness classes for all levels of ability; Wednesday lecture topics on preventive practices have been requested; and some housekeeping duties are needed on some courts. Jamar will look into these concerns. The next meeting will be on January 17th. There is a Wellness Committee email address where residents can send questions or make suggestions. The email address is WellnessCommittee@ SolivitaHOA.com.
Reflections | January 2018 |
[ Department] Articles
THURSDAY, JANUARY 18TH SOLIVITA OLYMPICS OPENING CEREMONY Let’s open the Solivita Olympics with a parade starting from the Ballroom to the Pro Shop, food trucks, cash bar and live entertainment. The parade will highlight the torchbearers and the Solivita Clubs, groups, participants and volunteers 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 Ballroom parking lot by 3:30pm. The parade will start at 4pm.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 21ST •
2pm-5pm – Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool
MONDAY, JANUARY 22ND •
8:30am - Tennis: Women’s Doubles - Freedom Park
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9am – Pickleball: Mixed Doubles - Freedom Park
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1pm – Power Lifting: Bench Press & Dead Lift - The Palms
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6pm-9pm – Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool
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6:30pm – Poker - Aegean Room
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23RD
After the parade ends, we celebrate with an International themed street party with music provided by the Applause Band who will be playing in the Ballroom and DJ Irwin who will be outside on the street. Wear your favorite country’s hat, shirt or colors and be part of this momentous event. Free entrance from 4pm-7pm. Guests of all ages welcome. RAIN OR SHINE. VEHICLE TRAFFIC WILL CLOSE AT 2PM, EXCEPT TO VENDORS FOR SETUP.
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8:30am - Tennis: Women’s Doubles Finals - Freedom Park
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9am - Cycling - Starts at Freedom Park
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12pm – Softball Co-Ed Game - Freedom Park
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1pm – Duplicate Bridge - Bella Viana Amenity Center
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3pm – Poker: 7 Card Stud - Aegean Room
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4pm – Table Tennis - RSF
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5pm – SoulaVita Line Dancing - Ballroom
Registration forms available at the Lifestyles Office, the Riviera Spa & Fitness Center, and The Palms. Forms may be returned to same locations. REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS JANUARY 4, 2018!
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6pm-9pm – Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool
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7pm – Poker: Texas Hold’em - Aegean Room
FRIDAY, JANUARY 19TH •
8:30am - Tennis: Men’s Doubles - Freedom Park
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9am - Pickleball: Women’s Doubles - Freedom Park
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10am - Billiards: 8 Ball Open A - Billiards Gallery
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11am - Billiards: 8 Ball Open B - Billiards Gallery
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1pm – Duplicate Bridge - Bella Viana Amenity Center
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1pm - Corn Hole - Near Pavilion
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6pm-9pm – Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool
SATURDAY, JANUARY 20TH •
8am – Horseshoes - Freedom Park
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8:30am-12pm – Swimming - RSF Indoor Pool
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8:30am - Tennis: Men’s Doubles Finals - Freedom Park
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9am – Pickleball: Men’s Doubles - Freedom Park
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10am - Billiards: 9 Ball Open A - Billiard Gallery
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11am - Billiards: 9 Ball Open B - Billiard Gallery
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2pm-5pm – Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool
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2pm – Zumba Fitness Dance - RSF
Reflections | January 2018 |
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24TH •
8:30am - Tennis: Mixed Doubles - Freedom Park
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9am - Hot Shot Hoops - Basketball Net Bell Tower
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12pm – Phase 10 - Lago Vista Club Room
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1pm – Duplicate Bridge - Bella Viana Amenity Center
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6pm-9pm – Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool
THURSDAY, JANUARY 25TH •
8:30am - Tennis: Mixed Doubles Finals - Freedom Park
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2pm – Closing Ceremony Pro Shop Roundabout
Village Drive will be closed from 1:30pm to 3:30pm for the Closing Ceremony. For more information, please call Brenda Lockley, 863‑438‑2808 or 301‑233‑8294; Pamela Sykes, 215‑740‑5505; or Diane Gill, 863‑427‑1601.
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[ Department ] Articles
A New Year & New Places to Visit! By Shelley Destefano Community Concierge
It’s time to party on January 1st! So, I would like to share my favorite wine with you all Cupcake Moscato D’Asti. If you like sweet wine this one won’t let you down. Just don’t drink like Dumbo. When you see elephants flying around it’s just not going to end well. You might fall before the ball and that would be a total knock out. Last year was great; I met some amazing people and am looking forward to seeing what 2018 will bring me.
parade there will be a festival in Kissimmee Lakefront Park with live music, performances, vendors, food, and more.
ICE!® at Gaylord Palms
In case you didn’t get your fill of the Christmas spirit, check out ICE!® featuring Christmas Around the World until January 7th. Journey through more than TWO MILLION pounds of handcarved ice sculptures and two-story-tall ice slides. Delight in a celebration of cultures featuring holiday scenes, and travel to the North Pole to see Santa and his elves. Stop by the Frostbite Factory where you’ll see artisans from Harbin, China carving ice LIVE. For tickets and information, call 407-586-4423 or visit www.gaylordpalmstickets.com.
Dog Day of Winter at Bok Tower Gardens
Every dog has its day and at Bok Tower Gardens, that day is January 21st! Leashed and friendly dogs are invited to visit the Gardens from 9am to 2pm and enjoy fun contests, vendors selling speciality items, and professionals providing health, safety, and adoption tips. New this year is the opportunity to have family photos taken in front of the Tower, and a special “Blessing of the Pets” service. Fifty percent of the proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Polk County. Location: 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales, FL 33853. For more information, call 863-676-1408 or visit boktowergardens.org. The cost is $5. BOK TOWER GARDENS
NATIVITY IN CRYSTAL ICE GAYLORD PALMS
MLK Parade & Unity Festival
January 15th is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This man is a very important part of history, making the world a better place. The fourth annual celebration honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the ideals of equality, diversity, and brotherhood will take place on January 13th from 10am-4pm. The parade runs through historic downtown Kissimmee and showcases local businesses and community groups. Immediately following the
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Now, on to our New Year’s resolutions! Some of us want to pay off our Christmas debt, lose our polar bear Christmas layers, or just plan another vacation. If you strive to have a better year everything normally falls in place. Community Concierge 863-427-7100 sdestefano@evergreen-LM.com
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[ Department ] Articles
Co-Sponsored with Solivita Book Circle and Lifestyles Activities No studying, tests or exams are given, just enlightening topics to keep your mind energized. For more information, to register for a course or to purchase a 2018 Art and Literary Lecture Annual Pass by cash, check or credit card, please visit the Lifestyles Activities Office or call 863-427-7125.
2018 Art and Literary Lecture Annual Pass
This pass will allow residents admittance to any of approximately 13 Art and Literary Lectures starting in January 2018 for $20 per person. Art classes, presented by Art Historian Jan Clanton, are on Tuesdays as scheduled at 1pm in the Ballroom. Literary Lectures, taught by resident Professor Thomas Gallagher, take place as scheduled on Mondays at 4pm in Mosaics. Lectures will be advertised under the Solivita University article in Reflections. If you choose not to purchase an Annual Pass and want to attend a lecture, admission is $5 per lecture at the door. You will need to show your pass when entering these lectures. Art and Literary passes are for Art and Literary Lectures only and are non-refundable.
A Latina’s Voice
Thursdays, January 11th, 18th and 25th • Venezia Amenity Center • 9:30am • Tuition: $20 per student Professor: Rita Katz, PhD, resident and retired English professor. Class Description: The voice of the Latina woman expresses universal themes, and at the same time comes from a dualcultural background that lends a special and sometimes poignant feeling to that poetry. Using poetry by various Latina writers, students will explore, discuss, and share ideas about the varied themes of culture, dual-identity, and personal relationships presented in the poems. Different poets will be presented for each of the three classes. A special addition has been added to this class: Portions of Sandra Cisneros’s mesmerizing book - Woman Hollering Creek will be explored. The women in this story collection offer life’s tales of discovery, wisdom and revelations about love. As always, materials will be provided for classes and no prior experience is necessary; just fun, learning and sharing ideas.
Continuing Conversational Spanish
10-week course on every Thursday starting on January 11th
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Aegean Room • 9am-11am • Tuition: Sign up is required in Lifestyles Activities Office. Cost of $50 is taken at the first class, which will be returned if student attends eight or more classes. Class size is limited to 32. Instructor: Gloria Muci, Solivita resident. Class Description: For those who have some Spanish classes, this is the opportunity to brush up on your Spanish and to advance your language skills. Study materials will be provided.
Personal Finance
Tuesdays, January 16th, 23rd and 30th • The Palms • 1pm Tuition: $20 per student Instructor: Lita Epstein, MBA, has 44 books on the market including: Trading for Dummies, Stockcharts for Dummies and Reading Financial Reports for Dummies. She also has worked as a manager for the Emory Clinics, Associate Director of Development for The Carter Center, a press secretary in Congress, and an editor for Popular Photography magazine. Her MBA degree is from Emory University and her undergraduate degree is in Community Development from Rutgers. Course Description: • Investing for Beginners. This class will focus on the basics of investing including explanations of the role of stocks and bonds in the marketplace and how to use them to build your own portfolio. We will also look at the role of money market funds, exchange traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds in building your investment portfolio • Managing Your Investment Portfolio in Retirement. This class will focus on retirement portfolio management and looking for ways to preserve principal for inheritance purposes. • Investing for Fun. This class will review the reasons people invest and some of the basics of investing, so everyone is starting on the same page. Then we will form teams (you can also choose to run a portfolio alone) and begin a portfolio competition. If there is interest, this class will begin a year-
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[ Department] Articles
long investing competition with monthly check-ins to discuss investment strategies for fun. We will use the “Stock Market Game” (www.howthemarketworks.com) to run our competition.
Art Lecture: – Yikes! Surrealism
Have your 2018 Annual Pass in hand for quick entry! Tuesday, January 16th • Ballroom • 1pm • Tuition: 2018 Art and Literary Lecture Pass or $5 at the Door Professor: Jan Clanton, Art Historian. Course Description: The period between the World Wars was fraught with anxiety and revolt against traditional values. In art, these feelings would propel Dadaism, Nihilism and Surrealism into the forefront. Yikes!
Life-Writing: Tips and Techniques for Preserving Memories
Wednesdays, January 17th, 24th and 31st • Aegean Room 10:30am • Tuition: $20 per student Professors: Ginger Allain, MS and Ophelia Gona, PhD, Solivita residents, have extensive experience in writing memoirs, exploring sources for family history, and publishing. Ginger Allain is a retired Librarian, photographer, writer and is published on a number of online venues. Ophelia Gona is a retired University professor, photographer and writer. Both have published family memoirs. Course Description: Been procrastinating about writing your life history? Join our Life-Writing course and get started! The course will focus on producing a memoir that you can proudly share with your family. Each participant will be expected to create at least one short piece suitable to be used in a memoir. Supplies needed: One 3-ring letter-size binder with paper and a pen. During the three 90-minute sessions, participants will: • Explore techniques for creating a permanent record of one’s life. • Examine the mechanics of building a framework to document a life story. • Identify resources that trigger and supplement memories. • Explore options for sharing a life story as a book or some other format.
Beginners Conversational Spanish
10-week course on every Tuesday starting on January 23rd OR on every Wednesday starting on January 24th • Venezia Amenity Center • 9am-11am • Tuition: Sign up is required in
Reflections | January 2018 |
Lifestyles Activities Office. Cost of $50 is taken at the first class, which will be returned if student attends eight or more classes. Class size is limited to 32. BOTH CLASSES ARE FULL. Instructor: Gloria Muci, Solivita resident. Class Description: Have you ever wanted to learn Spanish? This is your opportunity to learn conversational Spanish from the beginning. Study materials will be provided.
Behind the Scenes of Saturday Night Live and NBC
Wednesday, January 24th • Ballroom • 3pm • Tuition: Complimentary entrance. No pre-registration required. Presenter: Jan Kasoff, a NYU graduate was the cameraman for NBC’s Saturday Night Live for 26 years. Since retirement he has given this presentation at the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival, universities, country clubs, libraries and various organizations both in the United States and Canada. Course Description: Jan will talk about his life behind the camera, the personalities he worked with and a number of backstage stories that will delight and entertain. You will see videos of the director in the control room during live programs as well as what the audience was seeing versus what the home audience viewed. He will display many artifacts, photos, and memorabilia from SNL and NBC.
Literary Lecture
Have your 2018 Annual Pass in hand for quick entry! Book: Beowulf, author Anonymous • Monday, January 29th Mosaics (Note Room Change) • 4pm • Tuition: 2018 Art and Literary Lecture Pass or $5 at the Door Professor: Thomas Gallagher, PhD is a Solivita resident who has taught both literature and law during his career. He currently teaches government at Valencia College. Course Description: Beowulf may be the oldest surviving long poem in Old English. A date of composition is a matter of contention among scholars; the only certain dating pertains to the manuscript, which was produced between 975 and 1025. The author was an anonymous Anglo-Saxon poet, referred to by scholars as the “Beowulf poet.” Beowulf, a hero of the Geats, comes to the aid of Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, whose mead hall in Heorot has been under attack by a monster known as Grendel. After Beowulf slays him, Grendel’s mother attacks the hall and is then also continued on page 10
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[ Department ] Articles
continued from pages 8-9 defeated. Victorious, Beowulf goes home to Geatland (Götaland in modern Sweden) and later becomes king of the Geats. After a period of fifty years has passed, Beowulf defeats a dragon, but is mortally wounded in the battle. After his death, his attendants cremate his body and erect a tower on a headland in his memory. Next Lecture: Monday, February 26th will be Cry, The Beloved Country by Alan Paton.
Hymns Through the Ages
Thursdays, February 1st, 8th and 15th • Ballroom • 9:30am Tuition: $20 per student Professor: Collette Beuther has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Penn State and a Master of Sacred Music Degree from Wittenberg University. She has over 40 years of experience as a church musician, chorister, choir director, pianist and organist in congregations of different denominations. Course Description: Where did the earliest Christian hymns come from? Who are the important authors of hymn texts through the centuries? How did the music of the church’s song evolve? What are the stories behind some of our favorite hymns? This course will be a general overview of the development of hymnody in the western world over the past twenty centuries. Participants will be invited to sing along as we explore representative hymns of each musical style.
The FUNdamentals of Improv
8-week course on Saturdays, February 3rd – March 24th • Ceramics Gallery • 10am-12pm • March 10th will be at The Palms • The last class will be an Improv Showcase at The Palms • Tuition: $50 per student • Registration: Limited to 15 students Instructor: Matt Gerva, Master Improviser, has performed for over 15 years covering Improv, standup and puppeteering. He has taught Improv for 8 years and has received several awards and recognition for his classes and workshops. He hosts and performs regularly around central Florida in various venues and festivals. Matt can also be found at the Crayola experience – as a Crayonologist where Matt demonstrates how crayons are made through an interactive experience with guests. Course Description: Whether you are new to Improv comedy
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or have some previous performance experience, this eightweek class is about having fun and learning a new skill. You will experience some of the essential techniques of Improv including: learning to “Yes And,” supporting your team, being “in the moment,” quick thinking, ad-libbing, along with other exercises. At the end of the eight-week class, students will participate in an Improv Showcase for an invitation-only audience. This is a fast paced class with new experiences each week. Fun, laughter, excitement and discovery await you!
Women in American History or “Her”story
Tuesdays, February 13th, 20th and 27th • RSF2 • 10:30am Tuition: $20 per student Professor: Patricia Perry, M.Ed, a Solivita resident and high school history teacher in Massachusetts for 21 years, whose major teaching area was U.S. History, but also taught World History, Government, Economics, and Geography. While teaching high school, she developed and taught an upper class elective, Women in American History. After moving to Florida, she taught Middle School history in Polk County for 7 years. Course Description: Famous, infamous and unknown women have contributed significantly to American history; there are women who should be recognized for their strong character or contributions to society, but who are relegated to a footnote in history. Participants will get a glimpse into the lives of the women behind and sometimes in the forefront of our nation’s history. The class will view vignettes of the lives and times of these women.
History of Movies
Tuesdays, February 13th, 20th and 27th • The Palms • 1:30pm Tuition: $20 per student Professor: Richard Goldsmith, PhD was an award winning teacher as well as a high school administrator for over 40 years. During his career, he taught AP United States History, AP European History, Cambridge University Sociology, and AP Capstone (critical thinking and college research paper writing). Course Description: This course will examine how early twentieth century films contained insights into social class, ethnicity, gender, and captured the look and mood of the period. Films express ideas and moral values. They construct cultural myths,
Reflections | January 2018 |
[ Department] Articles
and help to shape our view of history. We will view a number of film clips to visualize their place and impact on the decades.
Exploring the Evolution of African-American/ Black Literature from its Earliest Days to the Present
Wednesdays, February 21st and 28th • Aegean Room • 9:30am Tuition: $7 Professor: Rita Katz, PhD, has both a M.Ed. and a PhD in history and literature. As part of her graduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh, Rita was instrumental in helping to found the first graduate Black Studies Department. She also developed and taught multi-cultural literature courses for Penn State and in-service courses for literature and history teachers. Her lifelong study and love of minority literature led her to revamp the literature selections at her multi-cultural high school to include African-American and Latino Literature. Course Description: This course reveals the depth and breadth of African-American culture, evolving as our society has evolved. The voice of the African-American writer resonates with joy and pain. This course will move from Lucy Terry, the first Black poet, through slave narratives, the poetry of Phyllis Wheatley and protests of Sojourner Truth, to the Harlem Renaissance writers and onto modern writers like Terry McMillian and the newest genre writers of ‘Street Literature,’ including ‘Thug Love Literature’ by Wahida Clark. Between mini-lectures and discussion time, participants will get to share thoughts on their own readings in this area.
Animals in the Middle Ages – The History of our Changing Ideas about Animals
Monday, February 26th • The Palms • 2pm • Tuition: Complimentary entrance. No pre-registration required Professor: Joyce Salisbury, PhD, Solivita resident and retired professor of history and religious studies. Salisbury has written more than ten books and has lectured all over the world. Course Description: Are we animals? Do animals have souls? What is our relationship to animals? All these ideas changed when Christianity took hold and decided that we are not animals, but then in the 12th century these ides changed: people discovered that we do have an animal side. This lecture will explore these shifting ideas and look at our relationship with animals in the past – as well as today. We will see animals as property, food, and pets, look at animal fables, and even consider putting animals on trial for human crimes. It turns out when we think of animals, we are really looking at ourselves.
Reflections | January 2018 |
IMPORTANT REMINDER WHAT: 10th Annual Walk/Run for a Cure WHEN: Saturday, February 17th - Sign in from 8am8:45am and the event starts at 9am WHERE: In Solivita starting at the back parking lot behind the Administration/Pharmacy Building. The walk is 2 miles and the run (jog or run, not a race) is 3 miles. T-SHIRT: Sign up by February 2nd and get a beautiful T-shirt. You can still register to participate after February 2nd, but you will not receive a T-shirt, as that is the deadline for the T-shirt order). COST/DONATION:
$15
(larger
donations
are
gratefully accepted as all proceeds go to the American Cancer Society). HOW: The registration form can be found in the December and January Reflections and is also available at the Concierge Desk in the Administration Building, at the Riviera Spa, and at The Palms. Please return the completed registration form to the Concierge Desk. WHY: To help fund cancer research, which will help find a cure for cancer! QUESTIONS: Please do not hesitate to call Tony or Narda Handler at 863-427-4345.
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[ Department ] Articles
Holiday Hours
Friday, December 29th Admin: Closes at 1pm
Sunday, December 31st New Year’s Eve RSF & The Palms: Closes at 12pm Waterfront Galleries: Closed Fitness Classes: Cancelled The Grille: Closes at 2pm Marketplace Bistro: Closes at 2pm Pro Shop: 7am-12pm Monday, January 1st New Year’s Day Admin & Lifestyles: Closed
New Year’s Day continued RSF & The Palms Fitness: Open at 12pm Fitness Classes: Cancelled The Grille: Open at 11am Marketplace Bistro: Open at 11am Pro Shop: 7am-5pm Tuesday, January 2nd Lifestyles: Closed Wednesday, January 3rd Main Lifestyles Events Ticket Sales: 9am in the Ballroom
presents a workshop open to all Solivita residents on
“I’m Home from the Hospital; Now What’s Next? Transition Planning for the Next Step.” Tuesday, January 9th · 10am-11:30am Aegean Room (MSA) Over the Bistro Dennis Heide from Pinnacle is going to provide information related to Transition Planning. He is an energetic speaker with a wealth of knowledge in the healthcare field. Contact the Resource Center (located above the Bistro), Monday through Friday, 9am-12pm at 863-236-9973 or solivitaR2R@gmail. com for further information and to reserve your spot.
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
Email all newsletter submissions to newsletter@avcommunities.com.
FEBRUARY SUBMISSIONS Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Tuesday, January 2nd. Inserts are due by Friday, January 19th. All inserts must be approved by Club Manager, Sheri Wollschlager (email it to swollschlager@ evergreen-LM.com) before they are copied.
MARCH SUBMISSIONS Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Thursday, February 1st.
ADVERTISING INFO Solivita reserves the right to refuse advertisement and does not guarantee any work or claims made by advertisers. Advertisement in Reflections does not constitute an endorsement or approval of goods or services by Solivita. Residents receive 50% off the 1/8 page at the one-month rate ($110) for a total cost of $55 per month. Discount on 1/8 page only. To download the contract and make payment, please visit SolivitaAdvertising. com. For more information on advertising your business in Reflections, please contact the Advertising Administrator, Amanda Wright, at 813-501-7220, SolivitaAdvertising@ Evergreen-LM.com, or visit the website at SolivitaAdvertising.com.
A FRIEND WHO HAS LEFT US, BUT IS NOT FORGOTTEN Fred Kelley Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the above resident who recently passed away.
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Reflections | January 2018 |
[ Solivita Information] All Donations Will Be Given To The American Cancer Society
Walk / Run for a
10th Annual
Cure
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2018 Sign In 8am-9am • No Pets Please Event Starts At 9am
$15 MINIMUM DONATION
REGISTER BY FEBRUARY 2ND TO RECEIVE A FREE T-SHIRT
RETURN THIS FORM WITH A CHECK TO THE
CONCIERGE DESK IN ADMINISTRATION 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 $15 Donation Per Person)
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
REGISTRATION FORMS DUE BY FEBRUARY 2ND IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A SHIRT THIS EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE WITHIN SOLIVITA. SEE ARTICLE IN REFLECTIONS FOR MORE INFORMATION
Reflections | January 2018 |
Walk / Run for a
10th Annual
Cure
T-Shirt Size: ___S ___M ___L ___XL Registration must be received by February 2nd 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.
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[ Department ] Articles
WILDFIRES What To Do
Submitted by the Solivita CERT Team
W
e breathe a sigh after hurricane season, but this is our dry season. Wildfires, like any fire, are a product of fuel, oxygen (air), and heat. Hurricane Irma damage and lack of rain turns the landscape into a mass of dry kindling. This means there is a high likelihood of wildfires. This time of year the atmosphere also dries out some—we even enjoy the low humidity. Even after a shower or two the dead, dry stalks and leaves do not absorb moisture, leaving the area ripe for fires. Regardless of source, wildfires are dangerous. Solivita is surrounded by undeveloped land and itself contains a large acreage of preserves. All this ground is a potential wildfire arena. Fire can travel on the ground or in the trees. The higher it burns, the farther burning debris can travel and reignite. The windier it is, the faster it can burn and travel. DO NOT ASSUME SOMEONE ELSE HAS CALLED IN A FIRE WHEN YOU SEE SMOKE. With the undeveloped land on our boundaries, no one else may have even seen that wisp or column of smoke you see (or smell in the air). So please call in a sighting of smoke to 9-1-1. Tell the person where you are (or were when you saw the smoke) and what direction it was from that position.
If A Fire Approaches Your Home:
• Let your neighbors know. • Use your hose to wet down the areas of your property nearest
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the oncoming fire (yard, roof, and shrubs near the house). • Be prepared to evacuate. Face your car out the driveway for rapid exit. Someone in authority will likely ask you to evacuate when deemed necessary. Stay clear of any emergency vehicles that may be responding. • Close all window and doors (interior too) to limit spread within the house. • Grab a supply of your meds, pets and pet food, valuable papers (insurance policies, medical records, financial information and related contact information), and emergency kit (you should already have ready) and get going. [These are the same things you should have ready in case of a hurricane.] • Let friends and family (at least one important contact) know what you are doing and where you plan to go. You may consider relocating to The Palms parking lot, the Village or Freedom Park temporarily. Monitor the news to know when it is safe to return. This information is provided by your Solivita Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). CERT meets monthly (see the Reflections Calendar insert for time and place). Residents are welcome at all our meetings and new members are invited. Come check us out.
Reflections | January 2018 |
[ Department] Articles
Saturday, March 10th • 10am-2pm Village Center • Open to the Public Registration is now open for the 2018 Solivita Car Show. Last year’s show brought out a record number of Solivita residents’ muscle cars, street rods and exotics. We will have eight awards just for resident vehicles. Register before February 23rd to receive a free T-Shirt and goodie bag. With over $1,800 worth of prizes and trophies and the vehicle parade to end the show, this is one of the most popular car shows in the area. The registration form can be found on the SolivitaHOA.com login page or at the Lifestyles Activities Office.NEW this year will be the Solivita resident “custom golf cart” display by the Solivita RV Club in the Ballroom parking lot. More information in next month’s Reflections. If your company or Solivita Club is interested in being a sponsor, vendor or want to donate a raffle item, all donations and proceeds from the car show registration will be going to the local Meals on Wheels program. So mark your calendar for Saturday, March 10th to come on out and enjoy the many vendors, corporate sponsors, raffles, the SOBs (Solivita Older Bikers), Solivita RV Club display, the Rockabilly Girls, classic music by DJ JR Goodman, and much more. For more information or to pick up a Car Show Registration or Sponsor form, stop by the Lifestyles Activities Office or call 863-427-7125.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
From all the sponsor donations and proceeds we received for the 2017 Salute Our Veterans events, over $25,000 was raised and given to the Tampa Fisher House! The Salute Our Veterans Committee is already planning and tweaking the list of events between November 9‑11, 2018. SAVE THE DATES! ART’S GOLF CARS INC. (Patriot Sponsor) AV Homes Evergreen Lifestyles Management Hampton Golf Poinciana Medical Center Edward Jones‑Robert Rosen Financial Advisor Florida Financial Strategies Hooters At Lake Buena Vista Performance Plus Carts Vitas Healthcare
Reflections | January 2018 |
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[ Department ] Articles
Happy New Year Solivita!!! By Brad Thompson Branch Manager, Floralawn I am hopeful that all of you had a safe Christmas and a happy New Year celebration.
We have a lot going on already behind the scenes. We are getting ready for the spring and summer work, acquiring new equipment, re-zoning, pre-hiring and setting schedules--just to name a few of the activities we have going on here at Floralawn.
A Brief Review from December
The mowing schedule switched over to bi-weekly mows, and this will be in effect until the first week in April. At that time, we will resume weekly mowing for the duration of the summer. The detail schedule remains the same twelve months of the year. As stated last month, Brown Patch Fungus (which has been reclassified as “Large Patch” fungus) is still on the move and we are treating this as needed throughout the property.
Activities and Installations
We are currently working on stump removal and irrigation repair from the blown-over trees from Hurricane Irma. Hopefully by the time you read this, the project will be completed. The new trees will begin to be installed in the spring. We are also currently working on the first lawn application, applying granular fertilizer with insecticide. The insecticide will help curb the imported fire ant population.
Quick Facts
Have you noticed that ant mounds have become more visible in Solivita? The reason for this is the cooler temperatures. During the cooler months of the year, the imported fire ants will build the mounds taller, making them visible in the turf to allow the sun to heat the mound. We are currently treating these mounds on a daily basis as needed.
Floralawn University
During the month of December, we held training classes here at Solivita. We divide our employees into several small groups and rotate them throughout the property training on different material. In December we trained on: • • • • •
Proper equipment for the job Herbicide treatment and the law Proper shrub pruning techniques Small equipment use Crape myrtle pruning techniques
Coffee Talk
Our next coffee talk will be on Friday, January 26th at 9am in the Starlite Ballroom. Hope to see you there! And again, I wish you a wonderful new year. Good luck with your New Year’s resolutions!
WOOF, WOOF! SIGN ME UP! It’s time to sign up or renew Fido’s 2018 registration for their enjoyment at the Solivita Dog Park located in Freedom Park, behind the Wimbledon Pavilion. There are two dog parks, one for small dogs and the other for big dogs. A copy of all of your dog(s) updated vaccinations are required when registering in the Lifestyles Activities Office. If you registered in 2017 and the dog’s vaccinations are still current, we have the paperwork. The fee is $15 for the year and $10 for the 2nd and 3rd dog. Reduced seasonal registration fees are also available. Guest passes for visiting dogs are also available for $1 per day or $5 for the week. We accept, cash, checks or credit card and are open Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm. Required Vaccinations: Rabies, DHPP and Bordatella. Preferred/Optional Vaccinations: Leptospirosis and Coronavirus. If you are a current user of the Dog Park, note that the code to enter will change on January 15th.
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Reflections | January 2018 |
[ Solivita Information ]
COMMUNITY EVENTS UPCOMING WELLNESS EVENTS DATE
ACTIVITY
Wednesday, January 3rd 2pm • RSF2
Foot Health & Proper Shoes: Celebration Orthopedic and Sports Medicine. Dr. Joshua Britt will discuss overall foot health, diabetes, common foot ailments, and good shoe choices.
Wednesday, January 10th 10am • RSF2
Natural Pain Management: Mueller Chiropractic. Control your pain, not the reverse. Simple lifestyle and dietary remedies for controlling your pain and improving your quality of life will be discussed.
Wednesday, January 10th 2pm • RSF2
Acupuncture and Permanent Cosmetic Make-Up: Riviera Spa Massage, Dr. Anthony Felix and Holly Mercuri. Our goal at the Spa is to provide you with the best possible care to feel and look great. We invite you to come find out how acupuncture/Chinese Medicine can help your symptoms and improve your health. Also, get real information about permanent makeup and consultation from a seasoned professional. Please book online to secure your place for this seminar at www. rivieraspamassage.com/appointments.
Wednesday, January 17th 10am • RSF2
Neurological Emergencies: Poinciana Medical Center. Dr. Prasad Nidadavolu, credentialed Neurologist, will discuss “Neurological Emergencies.” During the lecture, Dr. Nidadavolu will discuss common neurological emergencies such as stroke, seizures, Guillain Barre syndrome, myasthenia gravis and migraine headaches and provide insightful tips on how to properly address these types of emergencies. After the lecture, he will host an open Q&A.
Wednesday, January 17th 2pm • RSF2
Overactive Bladder: Urology Healthcare of Central Florida. Dr. Zehra Jhaveri, Urologist will discuss the diagnosis and treatment of overactive bladder in men and women.
Wednesday, January 24th 10am • RSF2
Periodontal Disease: Florida Dental Implants & Surgery, New Teeth Now. Dr. Lawrence Musser will discuss severe dental problems caused by periodontal disease. It has been scientifically proven that infection from periodontal disease can spread from the mouth through the bloodstream to other parts of the body often leading to heart, lung and other serious illnesses. Advanced dental procedures have been developed to rid the body of infection caused by periodontal disease and give patients a healthy, permanent and beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.
Wednesday, January 24th 2pm • RSF2
Don’t Go Broke in a Nursing Home: KMS Wealth Management. A little known law was passed in 2010 which created a number of opportunities for individuals to acquire tax-free money to pay for unreimbursed medical expenses such as homecare all the way up to full-blown nursing home care.
Wednesday, January 31st 2pm • RSF2
Men’s Health: Heart of Florida. Urology Specialist Michael D’Angelo, M.D. will answer your questions about men’s health as well as discuss prostate health and new options for enlarged prostate.
Wednesday, February 7th 10am • RSF2
Essential Oils: “Toxin Free Living through Essential Oils.” So many of the items we use are made with things we do not know or understand. Toxins are in many of them and are dangerous to our health. Learn how to live toxin free with products that are truly pure, plant based, and contain NO toxins. There will be a drawing for door prizes. RSVP to Sherry Prag at grandmaprag@cfl.rr.com or 407-460-5487.
Wednesday, February 7th 2pm • RSF2
Do I Need a Trust? How Can I Use a Trust for My IRA? Henderson Sachs. Attorney Dan Henderson will explain trusts and the considerations one should make before establishing one, as well as the purposes of Wills and Powers of Attorney. Legal issues regarding Healthcare Surrogates and end of life choices will also be discussed. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session. RSVP: 407-850-2500.
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