ON THE COVER REFLECTIONS JANUARY 2024 VOLUME 24 ISSUE 1
VILLAGE CENTER HOURS Administration: 863-427-7100 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm C3 Wellness Spa: 407-914-9168 Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm Friday 8am-7pm
Look inside this month to see all various Olympic games being offered from February 1-7, 2024. The last chance to register for all the Olympic Games is Friday, January 5th at the Riviera Spa & Fitness Center or at The Palms. Event proceeds are going to the Boys and Girls Club of Polk County. Let the Games Begin! Photos by Joe Thomas.
CONTACT LIST Community Manager (Association) - Rudy Bautista: 863-701-2969 or RBautista@Evergreen-LM.com Club Manager - Sheri Wollschlager: 863-427-7129 or Sheri.Wollschlager@CastleGroup.com
K&M Drugs: 863-496-7930 Monday-Friday 9am-6pm Saturday 9am-1pm and Sunday Closed
Director of Security & Safety - Shanise Holmes: 689-220-8777 or ShaniceH@VitalSecurity.com
Marketplace Bistro: 863-427-7157 Daily 8am-7pm, Breakfast 8am-11am
Communications Coordinator - Wilman De Jesus: 863-427-7137 or Wilman.DeJesus@CastleGroup.com
Mosaics Restaurant Call 863-427-7150, option 2 for hours Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: 863-427-7130 Monday-Thursday 6:30am-9pm Friday 6:30am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm Solivita Club Facilities After Hours Emergency Phone Number: 863-286-8779 (Calls Only/No Texts) Weekdays 5pm-8pm and Weekends 12pm-5pm Starlite Ballroom Daily 8am-11pm Stonegate Pro Shop: 863-427-7150, option 1 Daily 7am-5pm The Grille at Stonegate: 863-427-7167 Daily 11am-8pm Breakfast: Friday-Sunday, 8am-11am The Palms: 863-496-1530 Amenity Center: Monday-Sunday 8am-9pm Kids Pool Hours Monday-Friday 12pm-4pm Saturday & Sunday 9am-9pm Fitness Center Monday-Thursday 6:30am -9pm Friday 6:30am-7pm Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm Waterfront Galleries Daily 8am-11pm Welcome Center: 863-427-7000 Monday-Tuesday & Thursday-Saturday 10am -6pm Wednesday 1pm-6pm, Sunday 12pm -6pm
2
Activities: 863-427-7125 or SolivitaActivities@CastleGroup.com
Evergreen Lifestyles Management (For HOA Matters) 24/7: 855-4901804 or CustomerService@Evergreen-LM.com Taylor Morrison Customer Care: 321-397-7247 or OrlandoCustomerCare@TaylorMorrison.com. Warranty Request: taylormorrison.com/warranty/request Architectural Review: 863-427-7022 or Compliance@SolivitaHOA.com Catering & Banquets (Stonegate Golf Club): 863-427-7150, option 5 Concierge: 863-427-7100 or Fax: 863-496-4456 Floralawn: 863-225-9565 or floralawn.com (Submit a Work Order) Floralawn Irrigation Emergency After Hours: 863-225-9565 (Starting at 5pm all calls get routed directly to the on-call manager) K&M Drugs: 863-496-7930 or Fax: 863-496-7931 Membership: 863-427-7143 or SolivitaMembership@Evergreen-LM.com Resident to Resident Resource Center: 863-236-9973 or SolivitaR2R@gmail.com Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: 863-427-7130 Security Gatehouses Supervisor: 407-989-2417 Bella Viana Gate: 407-603-2422 Main Gate: 407-603-2399 Parkway Gate: 863-286-0329 South Gate (Marigold): 863-496-1473 Venezia Gate: 407-603-2397 West Gate (San Clemente): 863-496-1453 Solivita Sales: 863-427-7000 Stonegate Golf Club Directory: 863-427-7150 The Palms Amenity Center: 863-496-1530 or Fax: 863-496-0914 Violations & Compliance: 863-427-7151, 863-256-2897 or Compliance@SolivitaHOA.com Visitor/Vendor Gate Access Voice Mail: 863-313-1314
Solivita Information
JANUARY TABLE OF CONTENTS
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
Newsletter Submission & Advertising Info ..................... Page 3
Email submissions to Reflections@SolivitaClub.com
Department Articles ...................................................... Pages 4-13
FEBRUARY SUBMISSIONS
Solivita HOA Board Contacts ......................................... Page 9 Community Events ...................................................... Pages 13-17 Mosaics Special Nights ................................................... Page 14 Wellness Events ........................................................ Pages 16-17 A Touch of Class ........................................................... Pages 17-22 Club & Support Group Meeting Lists .................... Pages 22-27 Club News ............................................................... Pages 28-47, 49 Neighborhood Captains News .......................................... Page 48 Advertisements ............................................................ Pages 49-84
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Tuesday, January 2nd. Club insert copies are due by Tuesday, January 23rd, 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.
MARCH SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Thursday, February 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 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 | JANUARY 2024
ADVERTISING INFO Solivita reserves the right to refuse advertisement and does not guarantee any work or claims made by advertisers. Advertisement in Reflections does not constitute an endorsement or approval of goods or services by Solivita. For More Info: Visit the advertising website at SolivitaAdvertising.com, call 863-4400377, or email SolivitaAdvertising@SolivitaClub.com.
REFLECTIONS DELIVERY If you are leaving Solivita or returning to the community and want to change the status of the Reflections delivery to your home, you can do this on the Gate Website. Log on to the website at websites. vertilinc.com/solivitahoa and click the Reflections button or tab. Change delivery status to YES or NO. Contact Membership for log on information at SolivitaMembership@Evergreen-LM.com.
SOLIVITA ID CARDS If you’ve lost your ID card, notify Membership at 863427-7143 or SolivitaMembership@Evergreen-LM.com. It will be deactivated until you get a replacement ID. 3
Department Articles
The New Year is a Good Time for Reminders to the Clubs in Solivita BY JANA MALIK DIRECTOR OF ACTIVITIES The Activities office is most known for producing and hosting the most fabulous events and classes for the community to enjoy. What you might not know is the amount of interaction we have with a good majority of the registered clubs in Solivita. From forming new clubs, answering their questions, reserving the Club facilities for them, getting their custom room setups (Ballroom, Mosaics, Palms and the Freedom Park pavilions), educating them on the audio and visual capabilities in the facilities, to enforcing the Guidelines and Rules for Clubs, we are in regular contact with most of the clubs in Solivita. Whether you are a club member, are on the club board or you are just a contact for a club in Solivita, we wanted to share some of the Guidelines and Rules that are often forgotten or misunderstood:
Room Setup Time
We have noticed many clubs on the day of their event are entering the room they reserved way before the time they had requested when they filled out the “Resident Event Request Form.” Please note that there may be something right before your event that you may be interrupting or housekeeping may not be finished with setting up the room for your event. Housekeeping is given a daily room setup schedule where they may be resetting several rooms, 2-3 times a day to accommodate all of the room requests, therefore they may not be finished setting your room until your reserved time. Please do not go in the room until your reserved setup time, or contact the Activities office ahead of time to see if it is possible to add more setup time to your reservation.
Solivita Room Calendars are Viewable Online Solivita residents have the ability to view all of the Solivita Room Calendars online to check availability or to check on scheduled club reservations or etc. Go to SolivitaHOA.com, Calendars & 4
Maps, Solivita Room Calendars and select your desired Venue and Month.
Room Reservation Day
The Solivita Room Calendars open up a year from the current month on the 2nd business day of the month starting at 9am by submitting the online Resident Event Request Form found on SolivitaHOA.com. Once there, click on Calendars & Maps, then Solivita Room Calendars and then submit the online Resident Event Request Form. Many clubs have been mistakenly sending request forms on the 1st business day of the month, confusing it with ticket sales day. Please note that a holiday does not count as a business day. Check the Reflections newsletter on the back of the calendar or in our Activities Insider email blast for the exact date. Reservations received on the day before or before 9am on the day the calendar opens, are denied and need to be resent.
Resident Event Room Request Limit
A club may send three room requests per month, for their meetings and for their special events.
One Special Event per Month
A club may have a meeting and only one special event per month.
Catering and Alcohol
Within the Solivita Club facilities, only the Freedom Park pavilions and the Satellite Pools allow outside caterers who hold a million dollar liability insurance certificate. Within the Solivita Club facilities (which includes all of club facility parking lots and the Chess Lawn by The Grille), alcohol MUST be provided by and purchased from Stonegate Golf Catering. Article continued on page 6
REFLECTIONS | JANUARY 2024
Trivia SPE CIA L NIG
HTS
DAYS SELECT MON $7 4PM & 7PM » TABLE & UR YO E RV RESE UR PURCHASE YO K LIMITED DRIN NE LI ON N IO CT SELE
Karaoke SPECIAL NIGHTS
SELECT TUESDAYS COMPLIMENTARY 6PM-9PM CASH BAR
ta Solivi o p Club Ex
Silent Dance Party
TH
3 UARY 1 AY, JAN SATURD AM-1PM 10 OM BALLRO S IC & MOSA
FRIDAY, JAN
UARY 12TH 7PM BALLROOM $14
Wine n Dow t er Conc
7TH ARY 1 LE JANU , IL Y R A G D HE ES WEDN 0PM » BY T CHAIR :3 N 8 6:30- G YOUR OW ION ESS BRIN CONC FOOD SH BAR & CA
WEDNESDAYS 11AM–1PM FARMER’S MARKET LOCATION IN FREEDOM PARK TO GO ONLY
THURSDAY, JANUARY 25T H 4PM-7PM » FARMER’S MAR KET AREA IN FREEDOM PARK DJ » CASH BAR SEATING
Lase rL Outd ight o Conc or ert
FRID FREED AY, JANUA RY OM 5:30P M EOS PARK PAR 26TH KING S $35 LO 5:40P M GEN INCLUDES T BRING ERAL $30 CHAIR A CHA IR
Read more information and who is permitted to attend these events on the back of the monthly newsletter calendar or go to the SolivitasHOA.com Home Page and click on the RSVP or Purchase Ticketed Events icon. For questions, email or call Activities Department at SolivitaActivities@CastleGroup.com or 863-427-7125. REFLECTIONSthe | JANUARY 2024 5
Department Articles Jana’s article continued from page 4
Small Club Meetings
» Housekeeping setup issue. *At the Ballroom, clubs are
welcome to access the storage rooms. At The Palms, speak to the front desk staff person.
Board, committee or small meetings of 15 members or less, can only be booked in the Magnolia Room. If the Magnolia Room is not available, no other room is offered. We suggest to look at another date or time that will work for your club.
Freedom Park Parking Lot
If your club is going on a day or overnight trip, the Activities Department needs to be informed as the parking lot is a Club facility that also needs to be reserved.
Updated By-Laws and Contact Info
If you have any change in your club’s by-laws, leadership or contact person, you need to email us at SolivitaActivities@ CastleGroup.com.
Club Meeting List
Clubs have the option to list their club contact information in the Reflections Club Meeting List section and on SolivitaHOA.com under Get Connected. If you are not listed and would like to be, or if you need to change any information in Reflections, email Reflections@SolivitaClub.com. To have your club added to the website, email Communications at SolivitaCommunications@ CastleGroup.com.
SAVE THE DATE: Club Presidents’ Meeting
Save the date for the mandatory annual Club Presidents’ Meeting that will take place on Wednesday, February 28th at 10:30am in the Ballroom. The President or a representative and an additional member will need to attend. We will be making calls to all clubs to review and update clubs’ contact information for our files.
Solivita Club Facilities After-Hours Emergency Phone Number: 863-286-8779
For use on weekdays after 5pm and on weekends. This phone number is for emergencies occurring in the Solivita Club Facilities. Examples of when to call this number during hours noted above include, but are not limited to: » Water leak (not sprinkler issues around your home) » Power outage » Spill (Wet Floor) » Audio and Visual emergency assistance » Room calendar/reservation conflict (not to make a room reservation) 6
EMERGENCY This phone number is not for: » Medical emergencies – Call 911 » Solivita restaurant or Stonegate Golf Course issues – Call 863-427-7150 » HOA, or issues in or around your home » Landscaping or Sprinkler issues – Call 863-225-9565 Here’s to all the clubs in Solivita who also Keep The Party Going!!! Jana Malik 863-427-7125 Jana.Malik@CastleGroup.com
Hol oliday iday Hour Hourss Sunday, December 31st - New Year’s Eve RSF & The Palms: Palms: Close at 12pm Fitness Classes: Classes: Cancelled Waterfront Galleries: Galleries: Closed The Grille: Grille: 8am-11am Marketplace Bistro: Bistro: 8am-2pm Pro Shop: Shop: 7am-12pm
Monday, January 1st - New Year’s Day
Admin, Activities, R2R & Mosaics: Mosaics: Closed RSF & The Palms: Palms: Open at 12pm Fitness Classes: Classes: Cancelled The Grille: Grille: 12pm-9pm Marketplace Bistro: Bistro: 8am-7pm Pro Shop: Shop: 7am-5pm
Wednesday, January 3rd
Activities Ticket Sales Day: Day: Opens at 9am. Go to SolivitaHOA.com Home Page at the Purchase Activities Event Tickets, then select the event. Clubs Ticket Sales Day: Day: Mosaics from 10am-12pm
REFLECTIONS | JANUARY 2024
Department Articles
PARTICIPANT INFORMATION
This event is open to all Solivita residents, club membership is not required. FINAL Registration is until Friday, January 5, 2024. (NO REFUNDS.) Registration forms are available for pick-up and dropping off at the Riviera Spa & Fitness Center, The Palms and at the Farmer’s Market in Freedom Park on Fridays from 10:30am-12:30pm. Your first game is a $20 registration fee which includes one t-shirt. Each additional game is $5 each. Some games have limited space and will be prioritized by date registered. Wait lists will be held. On the day of your participating game(s), arrive early to register, warm-up and for the review of game rules. Rain Date is TBD.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST SOLIVITA OLYMPICS OPENING CEREMONY
The Solivita Olympics will open with a parade starting from the Farmer’s Market to the Pro Shop roundabout that will include The Tropicals live band and dancer, food trucks and a cash bar. The parade WELCOMES ALL but will highlight the torchbearers, event coordinators, committee, game participants, volunteers and sponsors who are involved and supporting the Solivita Olympic games. The end of the parade will feature the last torchbearer carrying the torch to light the cauldron located in the Pro Shop roundabout. The cauldron will stay on during the entire Olympics. Parade participants are to meet in the Freedom Park Farmer’s Market area by 3:15pm. The parade will start at 4pm. After the parade ends, we celebrate with an International themed street party outside the Ballroom (will move inside the Ballroom dependent on the weather). Wear your country of origin’s hat, shirt or colors and be part of this momentous event. Free entrance from 4pm-6:30pm. Guests of all ages welcome. RAIN OR SHINE. VILLAGE DRIVE WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICLE TRAFFIC FROM 3PM-7PM FROM THE BALLROOM TO THE PRO SHOP, EXCEPT TO VENDORS FOR SETUP.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST • • • • •
10:15am-5pm - Hands & Foot Canasta - The Palms 12:30pm-4:30pm - Dominoes - Baltic Room 2pm-4pm - Table Tennis - RSF Aerobic Studio 5:30pm-8:30pm - Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool 7pm - Bid Whist with a Twist - Baltic Room
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND
*Date Change from Saturday, February 3rd • 9am-1pm - Walking - Freedom Park Restroom • 9am-1pm - Billiards Advanced 8 Ball - Billiards Gallery • *9am - Swimming Freestyle 50/100/200m - RSF Indoor Pool • *9am - Swimming Backstroke 50/100m - RSF Indoor Pool • *9am - Swimming Breaststroke 50/100m - RSF Indoor Pool • 9:30am-1pm - Mexican Train Dominoes - Mosaics • 1pm-5pm - Billiards Advanced 9 Ball - Billiards Gallery • 10am-3pm - Chess - The Palms • 12pm-6pm - Pickleball Mixed Doubles - Freedom Park • 4pm-6pm - Basketball Around the World & Hot Shot - FP • 5:30pm-8:30pm - Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD • • • • • • • •
8:30am - Horseshoes - Freedom Park 9am-1pm - Billiards Intermediate 8 Ball - Billiards Gallery 1pm-5pm - Billiards Intermediate 9 Ball - Billiards Gallery 9am - Tennis Men’s Doubles - Freedom Park 9am - Cornhole 4 Person Teams - Chess Lawn 11am-3pm - Poker - Aegean Room 11am-3pm - Scrabble - Gator Room 2pm-5pm - Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH • • • • •
9am - Tennis Mixed Doubles - Freedom Park 10:15am-5pm - Hand, Knee & Foot Canasta - The Palms 2pm-5pm - Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool 9am–1pm - Billiards Beginners 8 Ball - Billiards Gallery 1pm-5pm - Billiards Beginners 9 Ball - Billiards Gallery
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH
• 9am - Tennis Women’s Doubles - Freedom Park • 1:30pm-4pm - Rummikub - Ceramics Gallery • 4pm-6pm - Softball Hitting, Throwing & Catching Freedom Park
• 5:30pm-8:30pm - Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool • 9am - Cycling 10 Mile - Freedom Park Softball Field • 10am - Power Lifting - The Palms
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH
• 9am-12pm - Dragon Boat - Boat Dock Behind Bistro Café • 9:45am-6pm - Hand & Foot Canasta (Continuation from 2/1) - The Palms
• 1pm-5pm - Team Bridge - Gator Room • 1pm-4pm - Soul Line Dancing - Ballroom • 5:30pm-8:30pm - Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH
• 12:45pm-4pm - Hand & Foot Canasta (Continuation from 2/1) - Gator Room
• 5:30pm-8:30pm - Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool
SOLIVITA OLYMPICS CLOSING CEREMONY
We’ll close the Olympics on February 7th at 12pm starting at the Pro Shop Roundabout as we extinguish the torch and take photos. More details to come.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Email Olympics.Committee2024@gmail.com or contact: Keith Eaton at 609-472-4826; Ellie Graham at 863-496-1616; Bobby Vance at 845988-6388; or Rochelle Young (for non-sport games) at 510-206-9938.
7
Department Articles
Staying Fit with FitWell
BY JAMAR EDGE DIRECTOR OF FITNESS & WELLNESS It’s the New Year and we know what that means ... New Year’s 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 would like to take a few moments to share some things that I noted while researching New Year’s Resolutions.
Fast Track
Several of you have taken advantage of the revamped Fast Track program as we have seen a continued interest in it. If you are still unfamiliar with this program, we encourage you to stop by and inquire with Zena, Ruth, or Justine. The Fast Track program is a great way of getting 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.
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.
Happy New Year to you all! I’m excited about what the Fitness & Wellness team is looking to bring to Solivita for 2024. Jamar Edge 863-496-3522 Jamar.Edge@CastleGroup.com
Flags Over Solivita will be posting flags in February for Presidents’ Day. Credit card donations can be easily submitted using the QR code below or visit veteransclubofsolivita.com for an electronic form.
2024
Flags Over
Solivita
To guarantee your flag placement for 2024, place your completed application and $30 donation into the mailbox in Memorial Park or send via U.S. Mail to the address listed on the application. Paper applications are available with the Concierge and at The Palms desk. Thank you to all our Solivita neighbors for your continued patriotic support of Flags Over Solivita! Are you interested in volunteering? We have many opportunities besides just putting up flags. Contact us to see how you can help at flagsoversolivita@gmail.com or 863-512-3655.
8
REFLECTIONS | JANUARY 2024
Solivita Information
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS 6.29 Holiday Lights and Decorations. This provision applies to all holidays throughout the year. Holiday lights and decorations may be put up on homes within Solivita so long as the lights do not create a nuisance as set forth in the Declaration. Any lights and decorations for holidays are allowed between November 15th and January 15th.
HOA CONTACT INFORMATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS » President - Larry Anson:
SolivitaHOAPresident@SolivitaHOA.com » Vice President - Marie Sepe: SolivitaVicePresident@SolivitaHOA.com » Secretary - Jim Edge: SolivitaSecretary@SolivitaHOA.com » Treasurer - Glenn Larson: SolivitaTreasurer@SolivitaHOA.com » Director - Mike Luddy: SolivitaDirector@SolivitaHOA.com
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
» Architectural Review Committee - Yolanda Santiago: Compliance@SolivitaHOA.com » Communications/IT - Bob Monica: CommunicationsChair@SolivitaHOA.com » Conservation & Wildlife - Bob Monica: WildlifeChair@SolivitaHOA.com » Finance - George Muller: FinanceChair@SolivitaHOA.com
2024 RECURRING CLUB CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS
Solivita Clubs with recurring weekly/monthly meetings need to submit their meeting information in order to be included in the Reflections Calendar Insert each calendar year. 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. Be sure to note any cancellations due to holidays, etc. Clubs that made an annual submission for 2023 are NOT automatically carried over into the new year. Send submissions to Reflections@SolivitaClub.com. REFLECTIONS | JANUARY 2024
» 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 9
Department Articles
Happy New Year, Solivita!
BY BRAD THOMPSON BRANCH MANAGER, FLORALAWN Welcome to 2024! I hope you had a safe, warm Christmas and a Happy New Year celebration. At Floralawn, even though the year is just beginning, we already have a lot going on behind the scenes. Even now, we are getting ready for spring and summer work, acquiring new equipment, re-zoning, pre-hiring, and setting schedules. Within those categories come many varied tasks that keep us all busy.
Quick Facts on Fire Ants
A Brief Review of December’s Work
During the months of January, February, and March, we will hold training classes here at Solivita. We divide our employees into several small groups and rotate them throughout the property, training them on all the different subjects. Floralawn team members receive training on: » Proper equipment use » Herbicide treatment and the regulations governing its use » Proper shrub pruning techniques » Small equipment use
The mowing schedule switched over to bi-weekly cuts, and this timetable 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 all 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.
Fire Ant Management
January brings the first round of lawn fertilizer and insecticide applications. Fire ants, which are a perpetual threat in central Florida, are curbed by insecticides. Fire ants tend to make taller mounds during the cooler months in an attempt to get more warmth from sunshine. The taller mounds are easy for us to spot and treat.
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, fire ants build their mounds taller, raising them above the turf to allow the sun to heat the mound. We are currently treating these ant mounds on a daily basis as needed.
Floralawn University
Next Coffee Talk
We will not have a Coffee Talk in January. Watch the next newsletter for our February Coffee Talk date. In the meantime, if you have any questions, feel free to call us at 863-225-9565. Or email us at hello@floralawn.com. I wish you a wonderful 2024. All the best with your New Year’s Resolutions! Floralawn 863-225-9565 hello@floralawn.com
Happy New Year Solivita! Welcome to 2024! SUBMITTED BY ERIC LARSON TEAM LEADER OF SOLIVITA CERT The first order of business for 2024 is our Battery Replacement Program. Registration for the program will start next month in February. Complete details for signing up will be detailed in the February Reflections article from CERT. Since it is the beginning of a new year, let me tell you a little about Solivita CERT. CERT stands for Community Emergency Response Team. We are the immediate responders in case of an emergency in Solivita, such as a hurricane. We are your friends and neighbors in Solivita, and we are all volunteers. 10
Solivita CERT operates under the auspices of Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR). It is PCFR who trains us in a nine-part series of basic training classes as prescribed by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to become certified. New members take the training to become a certified CERT member. Upon completion of basic training, PCFR issues each trained member a CERT t-shirt and a Go Bag. A Go Bag is a backpack filled with essential items for dealing with an emergency. Article continued on page 11
REFLECTIONS | JANUARY 2024
Department Articles CERT’s article continued from page 10
In the event of an emergency, it will be the EOC, the Polk County Emergency Operations Center, that will notify us when we are activated to deal with the emergency situation, such as a hurricane. During our monthly meetings, we refresh and hone our skills. Some of these skills are triage, initial medical treatment, Search & Rescue, and radio use/communications. Each spring we do a mock disaster drill to exercise our organizational and response skills. However, this is only part of what we do. You will also see us at parades performing crowd management. We have our battery replacement program for those who cannot change the batteries in their smoke detectors. We teach the Check-CallCompress classes featuring hands-only CPR and how to use an
AED (Automated External Defibrillator) as well as hosting Stop the Bleed classes. Speaking of Check-Call-Compress, Solivita CERT has trained over 3,700 residents. This method of hands-only CPR and the use of an AED was developed to deal with Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). SCA is most commonly found in adults over 50 years of age. It is an immediate interruption of the electrical system that controls the heart. Each class is approximately 90 minutes. We teach you how to recognize the signs of SCA, how to make a 911 call, how to administer hands-only CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), and how to properly use an AED. We will also show you how to download an app to your phone to find AEDs near you. We wish you all the best in this new year. Be sure to read about the Battery Replacement Program in the February Reflections.
A Year in Review at Stonegate Golf
BY NATHAN VAUGHAN SUPERINTENDENT, STONEGATE GOLF CLUB What an eventful year we had at Stonegate Golf Club! I came on board right after Hurricane Ian and spent my first few days cleaning up the mess that he left us. Straight away, I knew that we had a lot of work to do on the courses, so the team and I got to work. Over this past year, we have been working diligently to revitalize and improve course conditions across the board. The first step we took was to immediately start work on the Oaks greens. I am happy to say that we were able to get better results than anticipated.
After
Recently, we have been overseeding and had excellent results. We will be spending time in the coming year working on details and ridding the courses of those pesky weeds. We have a great opportunity with Cypress greens and hope to do a complete renovation. Thank you for the kind welcome shown to me and I look forward to another exciting year! Before
REFLECTIONS | JANUARY 2024
Nathan Vaughan 863-427-7150 NVaughan@StonegateGolf.com
11
Department Articles
Adoring 2024!
BY SHELLEY DESTEFANO COMMUNITY CONCIERGE Pour some more, hit the dance floor, or just snore into 2024.It’s just the beginning of the year and month so there is much more of 2024 to adore.
Important Dates
» January 1st - Happy New Year! » January 15th - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929. Sadly, he was assassinated on April 4, 1968. He is honored in this country for his heroic fight for civil rights and equality for all. In 1964, he won the Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance. He is remembered for his iconic speech “I Have a Dream” in which he envisioned freedom and liberty for everyone, regardless of race or creed. » January 21st - Stamp prices will increase to $0.68 per stamp. The new price for a book of “Forever” stamps will be $13.60.
Osceola Magic
Osceola Magic offers a discount to Solivita residents for all their home basketball games. Please visit fevo-enterprise.com/group/ solvitasocialclubs for the schedule and more information.
Manatee Festival
The Crystal Rivers Manatee Festival will be running on Saturday, January 13th and Sunday, January 14th in Historic Downtown Crystal River. At the Manatee Festival, you can enjoy live music, local vendors, boat tours and food. The entrance fee is $10 per adult and kids, 12 and under, are free. Please visit gomanateefest.com for more information.
Native American Festival
Enjoy the Spirit of the Buffalo Pow Wow & Native American Festival from 10am to 6pm on January 26th through the 28th and February 2nd through the 4th (located at International Market World, 1052 U.S. Hwy 92 West in Auburndale). At this event, you can enjoy dance competitions, crafts, workshops and more. Please visit spiritofthebuffalopowwow.com for more information. To see more events going on in the area, please visit the Concierge page on SolivitaHOA.com. When you set out to make the world around you a better place, not only will you find more fulfillment in life, but you yourself will be adored.
Gibtown Bike Fest
On January 12th-14th, you can enjoy the Gibtown Bike Fest located at 6915 Riverview Drive in Riverview. At this event, you can enjoy live entertainment, stunt shows, food and vendors. Admission is $10 and parking is free. This is about an hour and thirty-two minutes away from Solivita, but for those who enjoy riding it should not be an issue. Please visit gibtownmotorcyclerally.com or call 813-677-3590 for more information.
A FRIEND WHO HAS LEFT US, BUT IS NOT FORGOTTEN Thomas Haefelin Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the resident who recently passed away. 12
Community Concierge 863-427-7100 Shelley.Destefano@CastleGroup.com
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. REFLECTIONS | JANUARY 2024
Department Articles
The R2R Resource Center is Here for You! Tech Help – Help with Your Technology
Tuesday, January 9th • 2pm-4pm • Art Gallery Bring your device (e.g., computer, smartphone, Apple watch, tablet, etc.) and we’ll help you with your questions. Advanced registration requested; limited timeslots available every ½ hour between 2pm-4pm.
The Benefits of Solar Power
Tuesday, January 16th • 10am • The Palms Florida ranks among one of the sunniest states in the country. The quantity of sunshine in Florida is excellent all year, so it’s no surprise that it’s known as the “Sunshine State.” We will cover: » Benefits of solar » Should you rent or own » Solar fields » Get your questions answered
Smartphone Basics
Basic iPhone: January 22nd & 24th (Two-Day Session) Basic Android: January 29th & 30th (Two-Day Session) 9am-12pm • The Palms Please bring your Smartphone fully charged. Advanced registration is requested; class size is limited to 15. Register for these sessions by calling the Resource Center at 863-2369973 or email SolivitaR2R@gmail.com.
Mark Your Calendar - Business EXPO
Tuesday, February 27th • 10am-2pm • Ballroom & Mosaics » Meet local businesses » Many new businesses attending » Raffle prizes » A lot of giveaways R2R Resource Center 863-236-9973 SolivitaR2R@gmail.com
COMMUNITY EVENTS MAH JONGG TOURNAMENT
Wednesday, January 31st • 10am • Ballroom Sponsored by the Shalom Club. The tournament is open to all residents of Solivita. The cost to enter is $32, which includes a box lunch and prizes. For more information or to register to enter the tournament, please call Debbie Cohen at 215-783-6154. The deadline to register is Monday, January 22nd. The club cannot accept reservations without payment. REFLECTIONS | JANUARY 2024
13
Neighborhood Captains News
Neighborhood Captains Program
The Neighborhood Captains Program fosters a sense of community within each neighborhood helping residents become a neighbor and build friendships. Each neighborhood is unique with its own Captain to facilitate communications and plan events. Learn more on SolivitaHOA. com > HOA (top menu) > Scroll down to Neighborhood Captains icon. Captains may send in articles and photos to Reflections@ SolivitaClub.com. The content must be about an event, activity or other neighborhood program and will be limited to 100 words.
Terra Vista North Neighborhood
Terra Vista North hosted our very first Chili Cook-Off in November. Three winners were selected from many delicious entries. Everyone enjoyed the food and the company. In December, we celebrated with a holiday cookie and dessert party at the Auburn neighborhood pool. Our neighborhood is excited for our next planned events, including our annual New Year’s Dance that will be held on January 31st in the Ballroom. There will be a DJ and raffle to raise money for an additional AED in our neighborhood.
Varese Neighborhood
In Varese, the last of the 33 Solivita Neighborhoods to be constructed, everyone has been a resident for less than a year. Roaming monthly block parties around the neighborhood have enabled us to meet and greet our growing population. Our own Trish Swanson, who moved here after losing her home in Fort Meyers to Hurricane Ida, entered the Halloween Decorating Contest and three days of partying joy occurred for the judging at her house. The November party had Rod Viner demonstrating his delicious jambalaya. We hope to double the number of houses and party fun for 2024.
Versilia Neighborhood
November 18th was our third annual Chili Cook-Off at the Via Polo Cul-de-sac with 70+ residents in attendance. There were 13 chilis entered into three categories. Mary Hennessy won alternative meat with her White Chicken Chili. Scott Svihula won the meat without beans category for his No Beans Chili. For the meat with beans, Judy Ortiz won with her Bucs Chili. The Overall Best Chili was awarded to Mary Hennessy, who was gifted a custommade cutting board by resident Carl Cone. We also collected gifts for Toys for Tots, which were donated to the main Solivita Toys for Tots drive that happened on December 2nd. 48
REFLECTIONS | JANUARY 2024