JULY 2019 VOLUME 19 ISSUE 7
[ Department ] Articles
REFLECTIONS
ON THE COVER Here’s to beautiful warm weather, fun activities, cold treats, and wonderful neighbors! Enjoy the Sweet Solivita Summertime!
JULY 2019 VOLUME 19 ISSUE 7
VILLAGE CENTER HOURS Administration: 863-427-7100 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm K&M Drugs: 863-496-7930 Monday-Friday 9am-6pm Saturday 9am-1pm and Sunday Closed Marketplace Bistro: 863-427-7150, ext. 4724 Daily 8am-8pm, Breakfast: 8am-11am Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: 863-427-7130 Monday-Thursday 6:30am-9pm Friday 6:30am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm
CONTACT LIST Community Manager (Association) - Rudy Bautista: 863-701-2969 or rbautista@evergreen-LM.com Club Manager - Sheri Wollschlager: 863-427-7129 or swollschlager@evergreen-LM.com Director of Safety & Security - Madalyn Colon: 863-440-7572 or madalync@vitalsecurity.com Communications - Doug Gilbert: 863-427-7137 or solivitacommunications@evergreen-LM.com Evergreen Lifestyles Management (For ALL Club & HOA Matters) 24/7: 855-490-1804 or customerservice@evergreen-LM.com
Riviera Spa Massage: 407-914-9168 Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm Friday 8am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-6pm
Taylor Morrison Customer Care: 800-858-5933 or www.taylormorrison.com/warranty/request
Solivita Club After Hours Emergency Phone Number: 863-286-8779 Weekdays 5pm-8pm and Weekends 12pm-5pm
Architectural Review: 863-427-7022 or compliance@solivitahoa.com
Starlite Ballroom Daily 8am-11pm Stonegate Pro Shop: 863-427-7150, ext. 4710 Daily 7am-5pm The Grille at Stonegate: 863-427-7167 Daily 8am-9pm (Breakfast: 8am-11am, Lunch: 11am-4pm and Dinner: 4pm-9pm) Bar: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm (Happy Hour 2pm-5pm) and Sun 11am-9pm (Happy Hour All Day) 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 or Model Park: 863-427-7000 Monday-Saturday 9:30am -5:30pm Sunday 11am -5:30pm
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Activities: 863-427-7125 or SolivitaActivities@evergreen-LM.com
Catering & Banquets (Stonegate Golf Club): 863-427-7150, ext. 4720 Concierge: 863-427-7100 or Fax: 863-496-4456 Floralawn (Admin Building): 863-225-9565 or floralawn.com (Submit a Work Order) 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 Riviera Spa Massage: 407-914-9168 or info@rivieraspamassage.com Security Gatehouses Supervisor: 407-989-2417 Bella Viana Gate: 863-427-1268 Main Gate: 863-427-4238 Parkway Gate: 863-286-0329 South Gate (Marigold): 863-496-1473 Venezia Gate: 863-427-2338 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: 863-427-7032 Visitor/Vendor Gate Access Voice Server: 863-313-1314
[ Solivita Information] JULY TABLE OF CONTENTS Newsletter Submission & Advertising Info ............................ Page 3 Department Articles .............................................................. Pages 4-17 Solivita University ................................................................. Pages 12-13 Community Events .............................................................. Pages 18-20 Mosaics Special Nights ........................................................... Page 18 Wellness Events ................................................................ Pages 19-20 A Touch of Class ................................................................... Pages 20-24 Club & Support Group Meeting Lists ........................... Pages 25-29 Club News ............................................................................... Pages 29-52 Neighborhood News .................................................................... Page 53 Resident Kudos............................................................................... Page 53 Advertisements ..................................................................... Pages 54-88 Activities Events (back of calendar) ................ Insert Pages E1-E3
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
Email submissions to newsletter@avcommunities.com
AUGUST SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Monday, July 1st. Club inserts are due by Monday, July 22nd. All inserts must be approved by Club Manager, Sheri Wollschlager (email to swollschlager@evergreen-LM.com and solivitacommunications@evergreen-LM.com) before they are copied.
SEPTEMBER SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Thursday, August 1st.
A Night at the Movies ..................................................... Insert Page E1 Activities Ticket Sale Info .............................................. Insert Page E1 Events You Do Not Want to Miss .............................. Insert Page E2 Future Events ..................................................................... Insert Page E3 Monthly Calendar (back of Lifestyles Events) ........................ Insert
HOLIDAY HOURS THURSDAY, JULY 4TH: INDEPENDENCE DAY
Administration and Activities: Closed
The Palms and Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: Closing at 5pm
SPEED ENFORCEMENT IN SOLIVITA The HOA, Security, and the 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. A driver is six times more likely to have an accident when traveling at 25% above the posted speed limit. Speeding reduces the amount of available time to avoid a crash and increases the severity of a crash once it occurs. Speed is a choice over which the driver has complete control.
Reflections | July 2019 |
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 ad at the one-month rate ($115). The resident rate is $57.50 for the 1/8 page ad only. As a reminder, only one discount is issued per household. 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 813501-7220, SolivitaAdvertising@Evergreen-LM.com, or visit the website at SolivitaAdvertising.com.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? Do you have a suggestion for Reflections, Channel 732, or SolivitaHOA.com? Email inquiries or comments to Doug Gilbert at solivitacommunications@evergreen-LM.com or stop by the Communications Office.
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[ Department ] Articles
Summer Reminders & Updates By Sheri Wollschlager Club Manager
The summer is upon us and looks like we are going to have another hot one! Make sure to keep yourself hydrated. With the summer heat, comes our Florida afternoon showers. The staff continuously monitor the Weather Channel for upcoming storms. Though we don’t want to close the pool deck, when a storm is approaching, for the safety of the residents and their guests, staff will notify all pool goers. Please follow their instructions and vacate the pool and deck area ASAP. They are doing this for your safety, so PLEASE do not give them a hard time when they have to close the pool. For more information about storms, please see CERT’s article on page 8.
Alligators
The summer time is also the time of year when you will see more alligators moving around. They are trying to find a place to cool off. Never approach an alligator like you see on the TV. Alligators are fearful of humans, but they will protect themselves and their homes. The worst thing you can do is feed them. When you feed an alligator, they lose their fear of humans. Also human food is not good for their diet. I know residents are very fearful of our large reptilian residents, but alligators are very important for the environment because of what they eat. This being said, if you feel you have an aggressive alligator, you can call the alligator hotline at 866-392-4286. After you receive a gator retrieval number, please contact Madalyn, Head of Security, at 407-978-1587 and provide the number. Please understand that any gator over four feet will be killed.
Renovations
The Evergreen Team is very excited about the projects we will be working on this summer. Beginning July 1st, the Starlite Ballroom will be closed for three weeks. The first week we will be painting the corridor of the Ballroom, doing some upgrades to our audio-visual system (we have already installed a new projector), replacing our outdated light dimmer system with 2019 technology, and doing a facelift on the stage front. At the end of the first week and into the second week, we will be painting the interior of the Ballroom including the ceiling. We will be installing a new stage curtain and refinishing the dance floor and stage. During these two weeks, we are also going to try something new with our “badminton” chandeliers to brighten up the Ballroom. Sorry, you will have to wait and see (if it works). The final week we will be replacing the carpet and cleaning. The second week of July we also plan to replace the baseboards at the Riviera Spa & Fitness Center walking track. We anticipate the work can be done in two weeks and the track will remain open during the project. In August, we will be repairing, sanding and resurfacing the floors in The Palms Aerobic Studio. The Fit/Well Team has done a fantastic job coming up with a schedule to keep everyone moving during the two-week renovation. Please see August’s Reflections for a calendar of locations and times for classes during this project. Another project we are working on is replacing the water fountains in the Riviera Spa & Fitness Center and The Palms with new water bottle filling fountains. We have received several complaints from residents that the water coolers we have in the facilities are not sanitary because of the spouts. Also, cups of water are being spilled on the Aerobic Studio floor and in the exercise room causing damage along with slip hazards. We are also finding waste with the plastic cups and it is better for the environment to use refillable bottles. When the fountains are installed we will be taking out the water coolers. If you do not have a water bottle yet, we will be selling Solivita refillable water bottles for $6 each at the Riviera Spa & Fitness Center and The Palms. Continued on page 5
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Reflections | July 2019 |
[ Department] Articles
Sheri’s article continued from page 4
In Case of Emergency
The final project I wanted to write about came from a CERT suggestion and should be finished by the time you read my article. We have placed a sign on the wall by the main door to each of the club facilities, “In Case of Emergency Call 911,” with the location address, the room name and the closest AED location to that room. (Please see picture below.)
New Community Manager By Tyler Heel
Dear Solivita Residents - I have been a part of the Solivita Community for the last two years and it has been an honor to be your HOA Community Manager. I relocated back to Arizona to be with my family on June 7th. I have enjoyed my time at Solivita very much and I will miss this community dearly! I am very excited to announce Rudy Bautista, formerly the Director of Association Site Services, will be taking over the role as HOA Community Manager at Solivita. Rudy has been with Solivita for five years, has worked closely with management, and has a wealth of knowledge of the community. I am confident he will continue to be a great asset to the community! Rudy’s information is as follows:
Hopefully you will never need to use it, but if you need to call 9-1-1, please tell them you are in Polk County and tell them the address of the building and which room you are in. The Maintenance Team is installing the building address on the outside of the club facilities that do not have them already. As we work through these projects, we will be sending email blasts to keep everyone updated on our progress. In advance, thank you for your patience while we complete these projects.
Sheri Wollschlager 863-427-7129 swollschlager@evergreen-LM.com
Reflections | July 2019 |
Rudy Bautista
Rudy Bautista, LCAM Direct: 863-701-2969 Fax: 863-496-4453 Email: RBautista@Evergreen-LM.com
COMMUNITY CHANNEL 732 Send your club event slide details to: CommunityChannel@Evergreen-LM.com
Guideline Reminders: Each slide should contain only essential information, as it is only on screen for 10 seconds; Slides should include no more than 2 contact names and phone numbers; Each club can have up to 3 slides running at one time; Generic slides (slides that advertise recurring events) are not permitted - all club slides must promote a special event, such as a speaker, election, etc; If an event is cancelled and a slide is already running, a cancelled banner can be placed on the slide at the club’s request.
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[ Department ] Articles
Summer Cleaning, Having Some Fun By Jana Malik Director of Activities
Sing the title like the song from Grease! I know it might sound unusual, but cleaning and organizing is therapeutic for me. Some like to cook, some like to golf, and some may go for a massage, but when I throw unused items, combine semiempty boxes, and end up with empty spaces, a huge weight lifts off my shoulders.
room that can be reserved for any club meeting with 15 people or less (this includes club board and committee meetings). This change has been made due to the number of Solivita clubs vs. room availability. With 255 registered Solivita Clubs and only 16 facilities available, space was limited for other clubs to have meetings, classes, potlucks or special events because of the many board and committee meetings scheduled.
In the Activities Department, this is the time of year that we organize our storage closets, tackle unique special projects and even clean up our Room Calendars by contacting every club and card group to see if they are still meeting in a scheduled room. When we find that a club or group is no longer using a space, we get excited! That’s because it opens a time slot for a new group to use.
In conjunction, the groups that are scheduled as reoccurring reservations in the Magnolia Room will be changed to a contact name in our calendar so that they will be notified if the room is needed for a Club Board or Committee Meeting, no more than two times a month per group. This will be the same process that we schedule card groups in the following rooms: Gator Room, Venezia, Bella Viana and Lago Vista.
Another area we have cleaned up and organized are some sections in the Reflections newsletter. To make it easier to get to a certain section, we added a Table of Contents and have kept the Newsletter Deadlines on the same page every month. The A Touch of Class section was reorganized to make it easier to find a class. Class offerings are now listed under the following subheadings: Art, Crafts, Painting, Recreation Clinics, and Skills. Check it out; you might find a class of interest on pages 20-24.
Ballroom Renovations Affecting Activities Events
Here is what’s going on in the Activities Department...
Small Club Meeting Room Reservation Rule Change
As we mentioned at the Club Presidents’ Meeting this past February, effective July 1st, the Magnolia Room will be the only
As Sheri wrote in the Club Manager’s article, we are excited that the Ballroom will be renovated with new paint colors, audiovisual and lighting upgrades, and new carpet. With that, here is how Activities will be affected: • Main Ticket Sales will be MOVED TO MOSAICS on July
1st. We’ll start calling numbers at the usual 9am. Clubs who desire to sell tickets for their events may set up in the Ballroom hallway. • Movie Nights on July 4th, 11th and 18th will be cancelled. (Special note: The movie on July 25th will be a 3pm Matinee open to all ages in the Ballroom due to an event conflict in the evening).
Volunteer Log Sheets
Solivita Volunteers, turn in your Volunteer Log Sheets of hours worked assisting Solivita departments to the Activities Office by Wednesday, July 10th. Hours from March 1, 2019 until July 5th are being accepted. Don’t forget to write your name and phone number on the sheet. We love to thank you! Continued on page 8
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Reflections | July 2019 |
Reflections |  July 2019 |
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[ Department ] Articles
Jana’s article continued from page 6
July 4th Road and Building Closings
See more information about this event on the back of the inserted monthly tri-fold calendar and in upcoming community email blasts. • VILLAGE DRIVE FROM THE BALLROOM TO THE PRO SHOP ROUNDABOUT IS CLOSED TO VEHICLES FROM 3PM-10PM FOR SETUP AND EVENT. • All parking behind the Bistro Café and in the roundabout will be closed all day for event setup. • Golf cart parking will be closed in the Village Center all day for event setup. • The Palms closes at 5pm. • Mosaics will be open for bar and seating only. • The Bistro and The Grille at Stonegate will be open past normal hours until 9pm.
Thunderstorm and Lightning Safety
Submitted by the Solivita CERT Team All thunderstorms are dangerous—even the almost daily ones we see in the summer. They may involve lightning, hail, straightline winds (and downbursts) up to 150 mph, flash floods and tornadoes. Severe thunderstorms (whose forecasts will trigger your weather radio) have winds of 58 mph or greater, hail larger than ¾ inch or spawn a tornado. Pay attention to forecasts for all thunderstorms and take cover immediately. They can “pop up” quickly. But it is lightning that kills more people in Florida than any other weather phenomenon. Central Florida experiences a very high incidence of lightning. Observe the 30/30 Rule: seek shelter if the “Flash-To-Bang” delay (length of time in seconds between an observed lightning flash and its subsequent thunder), is 30 SECONDS OR LESS, and remain under cover until 30 MINUTES AFTER the final clap of thunder.
Red, White & Blue Street Party 2018. Photos by Joe Thomas.
A 30-second lead time is necessary prior to a storm’s arrival because of the possibility of distant strikes far ahead of the apparent thundercloud. A 30-minute wait after the last thunder is heard is necessary because the trailing storm clouds still carry a lingering charge. This charge can produce lightning on the back edge of a storm, several minutes after the rain has ended. Studies have shown most people struck by lightning are struck not at the height of a thunderstorm, but before and after the storm has peaked. This shows that many people are unaware of how far lightning can strike from its parent thunderstorm. DO NOT wait for the rain to start before seeking shelter, and DO NOT LEAVE SHELTER just because the rain has ended. This applies at our pools and on the golf courses or sports venues. Please comply when a Lifestyles attendant, security or golf course official asks you to move indoors. Be safe, not sorry!
Happy July 4th and to the anticipation of a beautifully renovated Ballroom to Keep The Party Going!!! Jana Malik 863-427-7125 jmalik@evergreen-LM.com
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The above is provided by your Solivita Community Emergency Response Team based on information from the National Weather Service. Attend one of CERT’s open meetings—see Calendar in Reflections (usually the first Monday each month)—or call Wayne at 863-514-6728.
Reflections | July 2019 |
[ Department] Articles
Community Reminders
By Yolanda Santiago Community Standards Manager
Pets
We understand that many of the residents in our community are dog owners. Owning a dog is a wonderful experience as it brings a lot of joy to the family. However, having a 4-legged addition to your family also brings many responsibilities. One of which is picking up after your dog. When you live in a community like Solivita, any pet waste MUST be picked up and disposed of in a waste receptacle. Dog waste is a hazardous substance and causes damage to grass and may spread illnesses to others. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.
Golf Cart Safety
Summer is here and it’s fun in the sun time and what better way to travel than on your golf cart. With as much fun as you can have, it’s important that you and your friends and family stay safe. Here is a list of golf cart safety tips to help you stay safe this summer while on the road.
5. Avoid distractions while operating your golf cart. No matter the size of the vehicle, it’s still an automobile. Remain attentive and avoid talking, texting, or reading while driving, reaching for objects, applying makeup or eating. 6. Never allow anyone to stand in the vehicle or on the platform located in the back of the vehicle and never put the vehicle in motion until all passengers are safely inside the vehicle and buckled in. 7. Always use hand signals to indicate upcoming turns as well as your turn signals. Turn signals may be small or go unnoticed by vehicles behind you so it’s always a good idea to use hand signals as well. 8. Always check blind spots before turning. When making a left-hand turn, yield to the through traffic lane and merge into that lane before turning left. 9. Use caution while turning and look behind your golf cart before backing up. 10. Avoid excessive speeds, sudden starts and stops, and avoid sharp turns at fast speeds. 11. Reduce speed depending on the driving conditions and driving environment. Reduce speed on hills and inclines or declines, blind corners, and yield to pedestrians. 12. Do not leave keys in the golf cart while unattended and always make sure to set the parking brake.
1. Always drive responsibly; arms and legs should always remain in the vehicle and, if your cart is equipped with them, seat belts should always be fastened. 2. Only carry passengers that you have seats for. Do not try to squeeze in extra passengers. 3. Never drive recklessly or joy ride. Be courteous to other drivers and obey vehicle traffic laws and the rules of the road. 4. Never drive intoxicated or under the influence of any drugs, narcotics or alcohol.
Reflections | July 2019 |
13. Always yield to pedestrians. 14. Florida State Law prohibits anyone under the age of 14 from driving a golf cart. Being a responsible golf cart owner ensures your safety and the safety of all Solivita residents. We urge you to drive cautiously and obey our community golf cart rules. Yolanda Santiago 863-427-7032 ysantiago@evergreen-LM.com
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[ Department ] Articles
Flag, Anthem & Freedom! By Shelley Destefano Community Concierge
America’s Independence Day is much more than a beautiful display of fireworks. As we prepare to celebrate the 4th of July, let us pause and somberly contemplate the magnitude of its meaning. As I reread the history of the Battle of Fort McHenry, I was deeply moved by the bravery of those who so valiantly gave their lives for us to be free. The words of our National Anthem and pride in our flag take on a different meaning. The author, Francis Scott Key, witnessed the bombardment of the fort and was so moved that he penned our anthem shortly after the bombing had ceased. How proudly our flag waved on that morn’! Our forefathers fought to keep this great nation brave and free. So often we get caught up in the celebrations, fun and revelry that we fail to remember the true cost of being the land of the free and home of the brave. I will always be grateful to those who have given us such a blessing!
Haines City, FL 33844. It’s not too far from Solivita and they rent out canoes and kayaks. Visit www.flaltc.org or call 863-439-7332 for more information. We have many hidden jewels in Florida, and this just happens to be one of them. This is of course for people who enjoy nature and the outdoors.
Museum of Military History
Of course, you can educate yourself at the Museum of Military History, which is located at 5210 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Kissimmee, FL 34746. They are closed on Mondays and are open from 10am-6pm, Tuesday through Sunday. Admission - Adults: $7; Students (17 and under, as well as college students with current I.D.): $5; 100% Disabled Veterans (with I.D.): $4; Retired Military and Veterans (with I.D.): $5, Seniors (65 and over): $6; Children (5 and under): Free; and Active Duty Military (with I.D.): Free. Call 407-507-3894 for groups of 15 people or more. Please visit museumofmilitaryhistory.com for more information.
29th Annual Caladium Festival
The Caladium Festival & Plant Extravaganza will be going on from Friday, July 26th through Sunday, July 28th and is located at 18 N. Oak Avenue, Lake Placid, FL 33852. The event will run from 9am4pm on Friday and Saturday and from 10am-3pm on Sunday. This event offers free admission, parking and entertainment. You can buy bulbs and plants, enjoy food booths, Arts and Craft Vendors, and take bus tours to the fields. Saturday, July 27th is the only day that they will have the car and bike show. For more information, call 863-441-0585 or visit lpfla.com/caladium-festival-2. Now, let us return from nostalgia and discuss events and important days coming up this month.
Barberville Pioneer Settlement
The Barberville Pioneer Settlement, located at 1776 Lightfoot Lane, Barberville, FL 32105, has First Saturday Music Workshops and Jam on July 6th. The Music Lesson lasts for an hour starting at 10am and the Jam Session starts around 1pm. To get in, you will have to pay $8 for admission unless you have a membership. Please call 386-749-2959 or visit www.pioneersettlement.org for more information.
Florida FFA Foundation
If you enjoy canoeing or kayaking on the lake, you may want to visit the Florida FFA Foundation located at 5000 Firetower Road,
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Parents Day
Sunday, July 28th is Parents Day. On this special day you can honor both of your parents at the same time. So, if you’re visiting Mom and Dad, make sure you take the time to be grateful for everything they have done. Remember, you wouldn’t be who you are today without them in your life! Stars will be shining in the sky as the American Flag still proudly waves. We will all be celebrating Independence Day and after all the amazing fireworks, parades, parties, and food, we should all be left with a little twinkle in our eyes! Community Concierge 863-427-7100 sdestefano@evergreen-LM.com
Reflections | July 2019 |
[ Department] Articles
Committee Roundup Fitness, Wellness & Recreation Committee
At the last meeting, Jamar Edge, Director of Fitness & Wellness, informed the committee that there are now 80lb weights and new cubbies available for use while exercising at The Palms. New awnings have been installed at The Palms Pickleball Courts. In addition to resurfacing and irrigation work, the Freedom Park Bocce Court has a new scoreboard. All fitness classes are now leveled by intensity. Class descriptions and intensity levels can be viewed on SolivitaHOA.com (under Lifestyles click “Fitness & Wellness” > click Documents > “Solivita FitWell Class Descriptions”). Discussion has begun on this year’s Health Fair that will be held on October 23rd. The new committee brochure will be completed soon and will be available to residents. The committee will meet in July, but not in August. Send comments to wellnesscommittee@SolivitaHOA.com.
Solivita Lifestyles Activities Committee (SLAC)
After hearing some constructive criticism, SLAC discussed having another Murder Mystery Dinner, but bigger and better. This was our first time bringing out this type of interactive entertainment, and we plan on having a new theme, entertainers and vendor. SLAC will research other Murder Mystery Dinners to bring the best one to Solivita next year. Going along with new and improved, after featuring our first theatre play, MOMologues, in May, SLAC would like to bring
another one to Solivita. Continuing to partner with Osceola Arts, the play will be performed on stage with a more relatable topic that will first be reviewed by this committee. The SLAC Committee has discussed trying something new for the Curbside Cuisine food truck events in the future. To increase interest and attendance, we talked about rotating resident DJs and solo singers (no bands) throughout the year so it will bring various audiences to join in on the food truck fun. If you are interested in entertaining, stay tuned for more information in Reflections. The committee was presented with a high energy, multi-talented country rock band promo video because this type of musical genre has not been performed here before. The committee unanimously agreed the time has come to shake things up. Their song selection ranges from hits like Lynyrd Skynrd’s Sweet Home Alabama to the Zac Brown Band’s Chicken Fried, all the way to Rascal Flatts’ Life is a Highway. But it doesn’t stop at country music, you’ll also enjoy some rock favorites like Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on A Prayer and Bryan Adams’ Summer of ‘69. To give feedback, suggestions, ideas or comments on any Activities event, we’d love to hear from you by emailing us at LifestylesAdvisoryCommittee@SolivitaHOA.com.
FRIENDS WHO HAVE LEFT US, BUT ARE NOT FORGOTTEN Earnest Dansby Dorothy Donatelli Betty Jo Novak Dansby
Donatelli
Novak
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the residents who recently passed away. Reflections | July 2019 |
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[ Solivita University ]
Co-Sponsored by the Solivita University Committee and Activities No studying, tests or exams are given, just enlightening topics to keep your mind energized. All classes are 90 minutes long and require pre-registration, unless otherwise noted. Solivita University classes are also listed in a calendar on SolivitaHOA.com under the Club, Class, Group Directory and then click on Class Directory located on the left. The August course will open for registration starting on Monday, July 1st. For more information or to purchase annual passes by cash, check, or credit card, please visit the Activities Office or call 863-427-7125.
2019 Art and Literary Lecture Annual Pass - Reduced Price
This pass will allow residents admittance to any of the 4 Art and Literary Lectures scheduled in 2019 for $10 per person. If you choose not to purchase an Annual Pass and want to attend a lecture, admission is $5 per lecture at the door. Art and Literary passes are for Art and Literary Lectures only and are non-refundable. Next Art Lectures: October 22nd and November 12th Next Literary Lectures: October 28th and November 18th
which are traditional stories handed down for generations about gods, kings and heroes. It will show the relationships between various gods and between gods and men. We will see who the principal gods were in each of the three cultures and what they did. We will learn which gods are still popular.
2019 Great Decision Discussions Annual Pass
Great Decisions (GD) is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. The 2019 GD Annual Pass is $35 (or $40 for two sharing a book). If you choose not to purchase an Annual Pass and want to attend a discussion, admission is $5 per discussion at the door, no book included. Next Discussion: Cyber Conflicts and Geopolitics Tuesday, September 10th at 11am in the Gator Room and Wednesday, September 25th at 4pm in The Palms
The Mythology of Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome
Thursdays, July 11th, 18th and 25th Gator Room • 3pm Tuition: $20 per student Professor: Thomas Gallagher, PhD is a Solivita resident who has taught both literature and law during his career. He currently teaches at Valencia College. Course Description: We will explore the nature of Mythology,
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Week 1: The Egyptian religion lasted for 3,500 years. There are hundreds of deities, some having an animal form, some depicted with human bodies and animal heads, and some with a human form. The Egyptians saw divinity in everything. They created a vast and confusing multitude of gods. Week 2: In Roman Mythology, the gods were utilitarian like the practical and unimaginative Romans themselves. These gods were expected to serve and protect men and when they failed to be useful their worship was curtailed. Week 3: In Greek Mythology, the gods mirrored the Greek
Reflections | July 2019 |
[ Solivita University] qualities of faithfulness, being quarrelsome, unforgiving deities who enjoyed warring, banqueting and fornicating. They were always depicted in human form with beautiful, powerful bodies. They were not only humanly intelligible but extremely pleasing to the eye as well.
History of Comedy Through Film*
Thursdays, August 8th, 15th and 22nd The Palms • 1pm Tuition: $20 per student Professor: Solivita resident Dr. Richard Goldsmith was an awardwinning teacher as well as a high school administrator for over 40 years. During his career, he taught AP United States History, AP European History, Dr. Richard Cambridge University Sociology, and AP Goldsmith Capstone (critical thinking and college research paper writing). His passion and knowledge of history will substantially add to this course. Course Description: From the physical comedy of Charles Lloyd, Buster Keaton, and Charlie Chaplin to situation comedies like All in the Family, to the standup comics like Lenny Bruce and Henny Youngman; laughter has evolved into a coveted part of life! The course will explore why we
laugh, and what we laugh at, through an examination of film from the early twentieth century to the present. *Some profane language in videos.
Upcoming Fall 2019 Courses
• Ethical Dilemmas: Is There a Right Way to do the Wrong Thing?: 3-week Tuesday course starting on September 10th at 1pm • Word 101: 4-week Monday course starting on September 16th at 3:30pm • Excel 101: 4-week Tuesday course starting on September 17th at 4pm • History of the Decades Through Film: 1900-1930s: 3-week Thursday course starting on October 3rd at 1pm • What is Economics? Background of the Science and Principal Players: 3-week Thursday course starting on October 10th at 3pm • Further Cases of Interest in Constitutional Law: 3-week Fridays course starting on October 11th at 11am • Whirlwind Bridge: 3-week Saturday course starting on October 12th at 1pm • History of Russian Revolution: 3-week Tuesday course starting on October 15th at 1pm • Jerusalem Jones and the Dead Sea Scrolls: 3-week Friday course starting on October 25th at 10:30am
Yard of the Month Every month two independent judges choose a streetscape yard in a different neighborhood to be awarded the Green Thumbs Yard of the Month. Our recipients of the June Yard of the Month Award are from the Mira Vista neighborhood - Mark and Dottie Fertig (pictured right with granddaughter Isabella) at 1727 Encinitas Way - for their picturesque plantings around their lovely home. They will receive a $25 gift certificate from the Green Thumbs for all the love and work they do to make Solivita a more beautiful place to live. Congratulations! Who will be our July homeowners? Stay tuned to Reflections to see if you are the next winners. We want to thank all the homeowners and Yard of the Month recipients who allowed us to view their landscapes in May.
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[ Department ] Articles
Spa Talk: Energy Boosters Submitted By Crystal Bethea Owner of Riviera Spa Massage
This month I’d like to share an article with you below called, “Ways to Get You Through the Day,” courtesy of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. There are some great energy boosting ideas contained below!
Don’t fall for the fiction that all so-called “energy bars” are unpalatable but good for you, while candy bars are delicious but bad. Many energy bars are filled with sugar, so read labels, and look for high fiber, high protein, and limited carbs.
Ways to Get You Through the Day
Nuts are among the best choices for healthy, pick-me-up snacks, nutritionists say. Nuts such as almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, and hazelnuts are all loaded with magnesium, a mineral whose health benefits include improving heart health, decreasing the risk of diabetes, reducing stress, improving muscle functioning, and reducing insomnia.
By Rebecca Jones
No amount of coaxing, pleading, or pedal pumping could get the engine in the rental car to turn over. It was going nowhere. The travelers had filled the car with unleaded fuel, but it had a diesel engine. It had been able to run a little way on the wrong fuel, but not far. And when it finally stopped, it stopped for good. Sometimes cars and humans aren’t so different. Both need the right fuel to run at maximum efficiency. Put too much of the wrong stuff in, and a breakdown may be unavoidable. Here are some tips to keep your body humming along like a welltuned engine, full of energy.
Be Snack Smart
Strategic snacking can be a good way to smooth out dips in your energy level and avoid hunger cravings that can lead you to overeat when you finally do sit down to a full meal. So go ahead and snack. Just be as choosey in your snack selection as you are in meal planning.
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Another super snack food is dark chocolate, which is rich in heart-protecting antioxidants and can improve blood flow, which will energize flagging muscles. Even milk chocolate gets a thumbs up because it provides calcium for the bones. So enjoy it--in moderation.
Stay Hydrated
Just because you’re not thirsty does not mean you aren’t dehydrated, and even slight dehydration can leave you tired and lethargic. The answer is, of course, to drink plenty of water. If the taste of plain water doesn’t excite you, consider some of the flavored varieties, keeping in mind that loads of extra sugar should be avoided. One increasingly popular healthy hydration alternative is coconut
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[ Department] Articles
water, which studies suggest may hydrate more quickly than plain H2O and which contains more potassium and less sodium than other energy drinks.
Massage and More
The inherent demands of your life may lead to muscle strains, stress, and other conditions that can affect your energy levels. One of the best strategies is to get into a regular pattern of receiving massage. If you feel the need for some quick bodywork between sessions, consider self-massage possibilities. One option is to use a foam roller, a firm foam log that comes in varying thicknesses--think of them as comfy rolling pins. You can use your own body weight to generate direct pressure as you roll over the roller, working out muscle knots. Aromatherapy is also a great way to get a quick energy boost, as certain scents are able to fight fatigue. Queen among them is peppermint, and other lethargy busters include eucalyptus, citrus, cardamom, and even cinnamon and black pepper.
Heat, whether internal or external, will also disrupt sleep. The ideal room temperature for sleeping is around 65 degrees. The cool air then wicks away heat from your body, which allows you to fall asleep. Anything you do to increase your body’s core temperature, like exercising or eating a big meal right before bedtime, makes it harder for your body to cool down to a comfortable sleeping temperature. Naps are tricky luxuries. Taken wisely and in moderation, they’ll restore mental alertness and fuel you through a long afternoon. But too long a nap or a poorly-timed nap will leave you feeling drained after you get up, and will make it harder to fall asleep come bedtime. Timing also matters. Grab a morning nap to boost your creativity and mental alertness or a late-afternoon nap to restore lost physical energy and boost your immune system--a nap around noon provides a little of both. Riviera Spa Massage 407-914-9168 info@rivieraspamassage.com
Get Some Rest
The number one myth about sleep is that you can get by on six hours a night. The truth is that the further away you deviate from getting eight hours sleep a night--and some people get too much, not too little--the greater the risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, obesity, and a host of other maladies. Make sleep a priority. Get on a regular schedule, stick to it, and stop allotting to sleep only whatever time is left over after everything else gets accomplished. Once you’ve gone to bed, though, you have to actually go to sleep, and for many people that’s no easy feat. Caffeine is often the culprit. Caffeine is a great pick-me-up first thing in the morning, but it has a six- to seven-hour “halflife,” meaning that half the caffeine in that cup of coffee you consumed to ward off the 3pm doldrums will still be lingering in your bloodstream after the 10pm news.
Presents a Workshop Open to All Solivita Residents on:
Replace. Repair. Maintain. Friday, July 26th 10am at The Palms This workshop will help you make decisions about whether to repair or replace air conditioning and heating units, hot water heaters and other major components. See the article on page 16 for more details. All R2R workshops are free of charge, but please register in advance by contacting the Resource Center weekdays between 9am-5pm at 863-236-9973 or email SolivitaR2R@gmail.com for additional details and to reserve your spot.
Another stimulant many people don’t often consider is light-particularly light from a computer or television screen. Dim light from a soft reading lamp is fine, but the bright blue light of electronic devices sears itself into our minds and fools them into thinking it’s still daylight outside, which makes falling asleep seem unnatural.
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[ Department ] Articles
Watching for Pests and Storms! By Brad Thompson Branch Manager, Floralawn
It’s July, which means we’re squarely into summer with its rain, humidity, and explosive grass growth. (How many of you notice that grass mowed one minute needs mowing again two minutes later?) Our lawn care crews stay very busy during growing season!
Pests like aphids and whiteflies secrete a substance called honeydew onto the plants they inhabit. Black mold grows on the honeydew. Sometimes this black mold completely covers a plant. Sunlight can’t get to the leaves and this can cause a plant to struggle. Enough about bugs.
I talked a lot about bugs last month. I especially talked about chinch bugs and the threat they are to St. Augustine grass, which is the turfgrass that grows throughout Solivita. These little bugs are capable of quickly destroying great swaths of grass, and they resist pesticides, so we really have to be on our game with these guys. We continue to vigilantly check for new infestations and re-treat affected areas until the bugs are gone.
We’re one month into official hurricane season, which runs from June 1st to December 1st. Most of our preparation has been done. We’ve trimmed tree limbs back from roofs and walls. We’ve also trimmed trees around the community, thinning canopies and removing dead branches and fronds. We’re in good shape should a hurricane come through.
Whiteflies and aphids are two more pests that we’re on the lookout for this month. They’re especially active in the summer. They’re soft-bodied bugs, usually found on the undersides of leaves. They suck the juice out of the plant and cause it to lose its vigor.
Got questions? We won’t have a Coffee Talk in July, but feel free to drop by our office in the Admin Building and have a chat. Or give us a call at 863-225-9565. We’ll do our best to give you the information you need! (We’ll resume Coffee Talks in August.) Have a great July and stay cool!
Aphids are small, pear-shaped, and white, clear, green, yellow, brown, red, or black. They stick to leaves until washed off or until they die and fall off. Whiteflies, in their mature form, are like tiny moths. If you brush up against a plant with mature whiteflies, they’ll fly up in clouds, and you’ll definitely know there’s an infestation!
The R2R Resource Center is Here for You! Replace. Repair. Maintain. Workshop
Friday, July 26th • 10am • The Palms Age is just a state of mind...unless you’re an air conditioning and heating unit. Since many of us are living in homes that are more than a dozen years old, “mechanics” have either been replaced or are living on borrowed time. If this is an issue you are facing, the July Resource Center workshop will help you make decisions about whether to repair or replace air conditioning and heating units, hot water heaters and other major components. You can find out about how replacement options differ, how to make the best decision, find the best price, and insure proper installation.
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If you’re not ready to replace, our experts can give you advice on keeping your components in proper working order. All R2R Workshops are free to Solivita residents, but advance registration is required. Since this month’s workshop is being held at The Palms, rather than the Ballroom, space will be limited. Please reserve your spot by calling 863-236-9973 or send an email to SolivitaR2R@gmail.com.
CERT Medical Equipment
Many of Solivita’s residents have used the services of our R2R
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[ Department] Articles
office, and that is wonderful. One service has been a particularly busy one and that is the loaning of CERT medical equipment. We have approximately 150 assorted pieces of equipment available. Solivita residents can borrow this equipment free-of-charge. We have wheelchairs, companion or traveling wheelchairs, knee walkers, rollator-type walkers, metal walkers, canes, crutches, shower benches, toilet risers, and commodes. To the many residents who currently have borrowed equipment from R2R, a gentle reminder - please return the equipment to our office if you are no longer using it. We want to have this equipment available
to the next resident who may need it.
Other Reminders
One of the items issued at the popular Hurricane workshop was a great map of the surrounding area. The maps are available for free in the R2R office or at the Concierge Desk. Are you a crafty person? If so, contact R2R (information below) or stop by the R2R office (above the Bistro) to request a list of Solivita craft clubs. Our volunteers are happy to help you every weekday, Monday–Friday, 9am-5pm. R2R Resource Center 863-236-9973 SolivitaR2R@gmail.com
Flags Over Solivita Giving Committee By Judie Chiappone Solivita Resident
As you survey the 2300+ flags currently “waving” in Solivita, I thought you’d be astounded to know the amazing list of what the proceeds from Flags Over Solivita are donated to--recipients are chosen by the “Giving Committee.” During 2018, the Veterans Club of Solivita donated $30,000 to the organizations below. The Flags Over Solivita program generated $25,000 and $5,000 came from the Veterans Club dues and fundraising. Talk about a project that’s making a huge difference! 1. $2,500 to the Osceola Christian Ministry Center in Kissimmee to purchase socks and underwear for homeless veterans and others. The Center also provides meals, clothing, showers, groceries, free medical and dental care for the homeless and under-employed. 2. $2,000 to the Solivita Quilters Club to make quilts for veterans who are residents of the Orlando VA Medical Center Community Living Center located in Lake Nona, as well as abused persons and needy children at the Help Now of Osceola Domestic Abuse Center. 3. $1,000 to the Fairways for Warriors program, which runs rehabilitation programs for veterans suffering from PostTraumatic Stress Disorder. 4. $1,000 to the Bridges for Heroes program, which enhances the quality of life for veterans and their families by providing them with grants for medical expenses such as insurance premiums, co-pays, and deductibles.
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5. $1,500 to the Central Florida United Service Organizations (USO). The USO at the Orlando International Airport opened its doors in 2012. The USO sees service members off before heading overseas and is the first waiting with a hug, a big thanks and a treat at their Welcome Home Greeting. The USO also stands in observance on the tarmac with Families of the Fallen while a flag-draped casket is loaded onto the plane for a hero’s last trip home. 6. $2,000 to both the Saint Ann Food Pantry in Haines City and the St. Rose of Lima Pantry in Poinciana. 7. $1,000 each to the Junior Reserve Officer Training Programs in the following high schools: Liberty, Poinciana, Haines City, Celebration and Ridge Community High School in Davenport. 8. $500 to the 463rd Squadron Civil Air Patrol. 9. $500 to the Museum of Military History on Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee. 10. $10,000 to the Veterans Club Scholarship Foundation. You can still apply for the 2019 Flags Over Solivita program and have a flag placed on your property. The vets do all the work so whether you are away for the summer, or away for any reason, your flag will be “wavin’” with the rest of the 2300+! The price ($25 annually) remains the same even though we are half way through the year. To order your flag or volunteer for this program, contact flagsoversolivita@gmail.com or 863-512-3655.
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[ Solivita Information ]
COMMUNITY EVENTS AUGUST REFLECTIONS
ASSEMBLY, DELIVERY & PICK-UP
SPECIAL NIGHTS Hosted by Stonegate Golf Club
Special Nights in Mosaics are events welcome to residents and their adult guests. Please bring your Solivita Resident or guest ID badge for admission to Karaoke and Trivia Night. Some dates will be blacked out as we honor previously scheduled commitments. TRIVIA MONDAYS July 1st, 8th, 22nd and 29th • 4pm-6pm OR 7pm-9pm July 15th • 7pm-9pm only Test out your all-around trivia knowledge in teams up to eight people. Doors will open 45 minutes before each game starts. A professional trivia host is present and prizes are given to the top 3 teams! Food purchased from The Grille or the Marketplace Bistro can be brought in, however no other food is permitted. Participants are limited to attend one Trivia game per advertised day. A $5 cash only non-refundable beverage ticket will be sold at the door. Coming in to pre-purchase tickets or reserving seats or tables is not permitted. Seating is limited to 93 due to room capacity and fire codes. KARAOKE WEDNESDAYS July 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st • 6pm-9pm Sing, dance, and play Mr. Breezz’s Musical Game Show with cash prizes and more! Join Karaoke DJ Mr. Breezz for this complimentary evening out from 6pm-9pm. Food purchased from The Grille or the Marketplace Bistro can be brought in; however, no other food is permitted. MOSAICS DINNING THURSDAYS July 11th, 18th and 25th • 4pm-8pm Mosaics will be open on select Thursdays from 4pm-8pm. We will offer a limited Grille menu. Bar service will be open from 4pm-8pm. Reservations are not required but are highly recommended by calling 863-427-7150, option# 2.
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Monday, July 29th • 8:30am • Ballroom Newsletter assembly volunteers are asked to meet at 8:30am in the Ballroom on Monday, July 29th. Delivery volunteers should arrive between 9:45am10am and are asked not to leave the Ballroom until all neighborhoods have been completely assembled. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE YOUR NEWSLETTER by Tuesday, July 30th you will need to pick it up at the Concierge Desk in Administration anytime between 9am-5pm.
SAM’S CLUB MEMBERSHIP
Monday, July 1st • 10am-1pm • Ballroom Hallway Join the club and get over $140 in instant savings. Join as a Plus Member and get over $100 in instant savings, as well as exclusive access to cash rewards, free shipping and more! For more resident membership specials and prices, please see onsite representative. The next membership day will be Monday, September 9th.
TALK ‘N CHILL
Tuesday, July 23rd • 1pm-2pm • Ballroom Meet & Greet with Poinciana Medical Center CEO, Chris Cosby. Enjoy complimentary beverages and treats while Chris provides updates on future growth and his plans to continue to meet the healthcare needs of Solivita. RSVP: 888-253-8117.
BOX TOPS COLLECTION Collecting NOW!
Support the Solivita AHCC Educational Fund by donating Box Tops for Education in the box located at the Riviera Spa & Fitness Center. The Box Tops will be presented to a local school in December 2019. For more information, contact Patrick at 952221-0387 or coault@yahoo.com.
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