Solivita Reflections | July 2023 (Limited Version)

REFLECTIONS

JULY

VILLAGE CENTER HOURS

Administration: 863-427-7100

Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

C3 Wellness Spa: 407-914-9168

Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm

Friday 8am-7pm

K&M Drugs: 863-496-7930

Monday-Friday 9am-6pm

Saturday 9am-1pm and Sunday Closed

Marketplace Bistro: 863-427-7157

Daily 8am-7pm, Breakfast 8am-11am

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: Fridayw-Sunday, 8am-11am

Happy Hour: Monday-Thursday 2pm-5pm

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

ON THE COVER

Feel the patriotic spirit as more than 3,300 American flags wave throughout Solivita! Sponsored by the Veterans Club of Solivita, the Flags Over Solivita program funds many donations to worthy local charities. Then, celebrate July 4th with friends and families in the Village Center from 6pm-9pm. The big finale ends with fireworks behind the Waterfront Galleries starting at 9pm!

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 Security & Safety - Shanise Holmes: 689-220-8777 or ShaniceH@VitalSecurity.com

Communications Coordinator - Wilman De Jesus: 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

Taylor Morrison Customer Care: 321-397-7247 or OrlandoCustomerCare@TaylorMorrison.com. Warranty Request: taylormorrison.com/warranty/request

Activities: 863-427-7125 or SolivitaActivities@Evergreen-LM.com

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

JULY TABLE OF CONTENTS

Newsletter Submission & Advertising Info Page 3

Department Articles

Solivita HOA

Community Events

Mosaics Special Nights

Wellness Events

A Touch of Class

Club & Support Group Meeting Lists

Club News .....................................................................

NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS

Email submissions to Reflections@Evergreen-LM.com

Pages 4-14

Pages 6-7

Pages 14-16

Page 15

Page 16

Pages 17-21

Pages 21-26

Pages 26-51

Resident Kudos ..................................................................... Page 51

Neighborhood Captains News ......................................... Page 52

Advertisements

Activities Events (back of calendar)

Pages 53-88

Insert Pages E1-E3

Monthly Calendar (back of Activities Events) Insert

Weekly Fitness Schedule Calendar Insert

PHOTO RELEASE AGREEMENT

Evergreen Lifestyles Management reserves the right to use any photograph/video taken at any event sponsored by ELM and the respective community the event is happening in, without expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. ELM may use the photograph/video in publications or other media material produced, used or contracted by ELM 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.

HOLIDAY HOURS

TUESDAY, JULY 4TH: INDEPENDENCE DAY

Administration & Activities: Closed Fitness Centers: Close at 5pm

July 2024 Room Reservations Open on Wednesday, July 5th at 9am on SolivitaHOA.com from the Solivita Room Calendars.

AUGUST SUBMISSIONS

Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Friday, June 30th. Club insert copies are due by Friday, July 21st , but must be approved by the Club Manager, Sheri Wollschlager (SWollschlager@Evergreen-LM. com) or the Communications Coordinator, Wilman De Jesus (SolivitaCommunications@Evergreen-LM.com) before they are copied.

SEPTEMBER SUBMISSIONS

Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Tuesday, August 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. For More Info: Visit the advertising website at SolivitaAdvertising.com, call 863-440-0377, or email SolivitaAdvertising@Evergreen-LM.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.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

SolivitaHOA.com: SolivitaCommunications@EvergreenLM.com; Reflections: Reflections@Evergreen-LM.com; Channel 732: CommunityChannel@Evergreen-LM.com

Mid-Year Catch Up

BY JANA MALIK DIRECTOR OF ACTIVITIES

It’s hard to believe that we are halfway through 2023! It literally feels like we were just celebrating the new year. Next thing you know, it will be December! In the Activities office, time flies by fast as we are planning events so far ahead, that before we know it, the next year is upon us.

July 2024 Room Reservation Opening Day

The July 2024 Room Reservation opening day for clubs who reserve single day room reservation event use, will open on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at 9am on SolivitaHOA.com from the Solivita Room Calendars, online Resident Event Request Form, webpage, or scan the QR code.

Congratulations to Wilman!

Wilman De Jesus who has worked in the Activities Department since April 2021, has been promoted and transferred to the Solivita Communications office! Lucky for us, he is not too far away and will still help us with email blasts, the beautiful monthly Activities Insider e-newsletters and our event fliers. His expertise in websites, graphic design, video production, merchandise sales and SO much more had been instrumental in growing our department from what it was a few years ago. It is a great relief that he is not too far from us, and we could not be more proud of him. We wish him the best in this new adventure.

(July 3rd is Main Ticket Sales Day, July 4th is a holiday, therefore July 5th is the 2nd business day of the month). Any reservations received before July 5th at 9am will not be accepted and will need to be resent.

Volunteer Log Sheets and Opportunities

Volunteer Log Sheet Deadline

Solivita Volunteers, turn in your Log Sheets of hours worked assisting Solivita Club departments to the Activities office by Friday, July 7th. Hours from March 1-July 5, 2023 are being accepted. Don’t forget to write your name and phone number on the sheet. We have a neat appreciation gift we’d love to give you!

Volunteer Sign-Up Opportunities: Call Activities Office for more information at 863-427-7125

1. Friday, July 28th – Let’s Flamingle Pool Party –Decorating, helping us with the flamingo games and cleanup, 4-hour shifts at 9am and 1pm.

2. Saturday, August 12th – Golf Cart Rally – Event registration and helping at the fun games, shifts at 8:30am and 9am both until 1:30pm, lunch provided.

Road & Building Closings

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 3-10PM FOR SETUP AND EVENT.

» All parking on Village Drive, behind the Bistro Café and in the Bistro roundabout will be closed for event setup. Golf carts may park on the Ballroom grassy knoll.

» The Palms and the Riviera Spa & Fitness Center closes at 5pm.

» The Bistro and The Grille at Stonegate will be open normal hours.

Trivia

SELECT MONDAYS 7PM » $7 RESERVE YOUR TABLE & PURCHASE YOUR LIMITED DRINK SELECTION ONLINE

Karaoke

WEDNESDAYS 11AM–1PM FARMER’SLOCATIONMARKET IN FREEDOM PARK TO GO ONLY

Red, White & Blue Street Party

TUESDAY, JULY 4TH VILLAGE CENTER » 6PM-9PM COMPLIMENTARY ENTRANCE FOOD TRUCKS, MUSIC, KIDS FUN, GAMES & FIREWORKS

Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike Play

FRIDAY, JULY 14THBALLROOM 3PM MATINEE: $15 7PM EVENING: $20

GameOlympicsShow

THURSDAY, JULY 20TH BALLROOM » $5 4PM AND 7:30PM

Let’s PoolFlamingle Party

FRIDAY, JULY 28TH THE PALMS $5 » GUESTS12PM-3PM OF ALL AGES WELCOME

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 the Activities Department at SolivitaActivities@Evergreen-LM.com or 863-427-7125.

Department Articles

Jana’s article continued from page 4

July 28th - The Palms Pool Closing

The Palms Pool will close from 11:30am-3pm for advance ticket holders of the Let’s Flamingle Pool Party event. The pool will reopen at 3pm to the community.

2023 Solivita Car Show Final Donation Tallies!

With all the various proceeds raised from the recently held Solivita Car Show on Saturday, March 18th, the Car Show Committee was able to present a check for $11,905.02 to EACH of the event charities: St. Rose of Lima and the St. Vincent de Paul St. Ann’s Haines City Food Pantries! The support from the car participants, the event sponsors, the attendee purchases of People’s Choice voting cards, raffles and T-shirts made it possible to feed thousands of people in our local community! Thank you all!

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

» 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

SPEED ENFORCEMENT

Start the second half of 2023 with a Boom and Keep The Party Going ...

Jana Malik 863-427-7125

JMalik@Evergreen-LM.com

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.

Solivita HOA Report

BY LARRY ANSON PRESIDENT, SOLIVITA HOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

This month, our committees will begin the process of budgeting for 2024. The process will include reviewing items that are currently being performed and expensed by the HOA. As in the current year’s budget, some recommendations may be made to reduce expenses, such as the revision of the previous annual broadcast and mulch replenishment to one of a “as needed basis” by the Solivita Landscape Committee and Rudy Bautista. This is especially significant because it is anticipated that sometime in 2024, Taylor Morrison will complete the sale of the last new homes in Solivita. The HOA currently receives $2,000 for each new home sale and existing home resales. The end of new construction means that we will lose the income from new home sales.

Let’s take a brief look at our expenses. I will refer to our audited financials for the year ending December 31, 2022 (page 5, available on SolivitaHOA.com), as of this writing only the January through April 2023 are finalized, thus a complete audited year is best for this article.

Landscaping and Grounds expenses are the largest category, comprised primarily of Floralawn contracts ($4,688,772), mulching ($659,374), and landscape replacement ($295,017). Next is the current contract with Spectrum referred to as Cable Contract. Please keep in mind that this expense will increase with our new contract with Blue Stream; however, the vast majority of owners will see considerable savings from their “retail” monthly payments to Spectrum and Frontier under this new contract.

The next category is Access Control and Gatehouses, which is

primarily our contract with Vital Security ($1,557,391). Last is Management and Administration, our contract with Evergreen Lifestyles Management ($700,025), P&L and D&O Insurance ($568,668) and Insurance Contingency Fund ($150,000 – Insurance Deductibles) are the major components of this category. (See chart below at the bottom of the page.)

One other important use of assessment revenue which is not reflected on the “Detailed Statement of Operating Revenues and Expenses” is the funding of our Reserve Account which is reflected in “Notes to Financial Statements” Section 4, page 10. This amount was $1,110,327 which reduces the amount of available revenue to offset expenses.

I know that each committee will perform its due diligence in reviewing their current variable expenses. As with the current budget, the Finance Committee will coordinate the 2024 budget input from the committees and submit a proposed budget to the Board.

Hopefully this brief overview provides the owners with a snapshot of the “fixed” nature of the HOA’s expenses. Homeowner assessments generated approximately 90% of revenue and new home sales and resales provided 7.7% of our revenue. As a final note, our auditor, Gerstle, Rosen, & Goldenberg P.A., included in their management letter a recommendation that the HOA maintain a minimum of 60 days of operating cash availability, currently in excess of $2,000,000. This comment has been included in some of the HOA’s prior years’ Audit Reports by other auditing firms engaged by Taylor Morrison conducted pre-turnover as well.

Farewell and Welcome Wilman!

BY DOUG GILBERT FORMER

COMMUNICATIONS

As I embark on a new journey in my professional career, I would like to take a moment to bid farewell to the incredible Solivita community that has been my home for the past four years. Serving as the Communications Director has been a rewarding experience, and I am filled with gratitude for the warm memories and cherished connections I have made during my time here.

First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the resident volunteers who have been the backbone of this community. Your dedication, passion, and unwavering support have been invaluable in making Solivita a vibrant and thriving place to live. Your commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all residents has been truly inspiring, and I have been fortunate to witness the positive impact you have made every day.

To my coworkers, thank you for being an incredible team. The collaborative spirit, creativity, and professionalism that each of you brought to our work made every project a success. It has been a privilege to work alongside such talented individuals who share a common goal of serving and enriching the lives of our residents. I will genuinely miss the camaraderie and shared sense of purpose that we fostered together.

Now, as I bid adieu, I am delighted to introduce Wilman De Jesus as the new Communications Coordinator for Solivita. Coming

Solivita Flags Over

DIRECTOR

over from the Solivita Activities Department, Wilman brings with him a wealth of knowledge and familiarity with the community. With his previous experience and dedication, I am confident that he will seamlessly step into this role and continue to enhance the lines of communication within Solivita.

To the residents of Solivita, I encourage you to extend a warm welcome to Wilman as he assumes his new responsibilities. His passion for community engagement and his commitment to fostering strong connections will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and vitality of our community.

As I move forward into this exciting new chapter of my career, I carry with me cherished memories of the Solivita community. The friendships formed, the accomplishments achieved, and the collective spirit of unity will forever hold a special place in my heart. Thank you all for the amazing support and unforgettable experiences.

Farewell, Solivita! It has been an honor and privilege to serve you.

Solivita Communications 863-427-7137

SolivitaCommunications@Evergreen-LM.com

If you have not signed up yet, there is still time to be part of the Flags Over Solivita Program for 2023. At this time, we have over 3,500 flags that will be displayed throughout Solivita. Applications are available and can be printed from SolivitaHOA.com (under Veterans Club), on veteransclubofsolivita.com, or you may pick up a copy at the Concierge Desk. Great news! Credit card payments are now available. Visit veteransclubofsolivita.com for an electronic form or scan the QR code.

Applications, along with your $30 check (made out to VCS), can be mailed to Veterans Club of Solivita, P.O. Box 581770, Poinciana, FL 34758, or put it in the drop box in Freedom Park. If you would like to volunteer or if you have any questions, email flagsoversolivita@gmail.com or call 863-512-3655.

The R2R Resource Center is Here for You!

Technology Clinic – Help with the Basics

Wednesdays, July 12th & August 9th

2pm-4pm • Magnolia Room

Bring your device and we’ll help you with your questions. Timeslots are available every half hour between 2pm-4pm.

Blue Stream – Education Sessions

Monday, July 31st & Thursday, August 24th

1pm • Ballroom

Get answers to your questions.

Register for these events by calling the Resource Center at 863-236-9973 or emailing SolivitaR2R@gmail.com.

Summer Series – Home Before Dark Day Trips: Winter Park

One of the best places to spend a long summer day is in Winter Park and SunRail is the best way to get there. SunRail leaves from the Poinciana Station, and a senior roundtrip ticket to Winter Park is $2.75! Get off in the park and the middle of everything.

Park Ave. It has the most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. But it is far more than a display of “Tiffany Lamps;” it tells the story of Tiffany and his workshops. The chapel he designed for the Chicago Exposition is simply overwhelming.

It’s summer and you need ice cream. You cannot visit Winter Park without stopping in Kilwin’s. There are flavors you never imagined and ones you remember. And if you can walk past the counters of fudge and other sweets without buying something to munch on during the ride home, you have a lot of willpower. Shopping is synonymous with Winter Park. It’s a haven for some big-name stores like Lily Pulitzer and Williams Sonoma. But the real attractions are the small specialty shops. At the Spice and Tea Exchange, you can inhale and sample nearly 100 different spices and blends (try the Florida Sunshine). The tea selection is equally amazing. And in one of Winter Park’s charming alleys (wander them all), is The Ancient Olive where you can sample and buy truly unique oils and vinegars. The Writer’s Block Bookstore will remind you of what a true bookstore can be. Ten Thousand Villages is a non-profit selling gifts hand-made in developing countries.

Hungry again? There’s Boca for farm-to-table fare and Orchid Thai; Bosporus for Turkish cuisine and Ava for Greek. But if you’re in the mood for just a bite, you need to try Croissant Gourmet on Morse Avenue with a menu of crepes, croissants, soups and salads.

Walk about three blocks and you are at the Briar Patch restaurant. What makes it special is that it’s basically all-day brunch; open from 7am to 4pm. Take a stroll down Park Ave to Morse Blvd and the Scenic Boat Tour. Pontoon boats leave every hour on the hour for a tour of the Chain of Lakes. Every “captain” has his or her own narration, but most point out where the famed Mr. Rogers lived while attending Rollins College.

Another must-see is the Morse Museum, a bit further down on

One of the best parts of Winter Park is...the Park. The beautifully landscaped area is full of quiet spots and benches where you can rest, people watch, read and just enjoy this beautiful place. The last train from Winter Park back south to Kissimmee doesn’t leave until 8:46 so you could round out the day with dinner, but you’ll probably want to head home earlier. SunRail trains are not that frequent during off-hours so be sure to check the schedule. For SunRail information and schedules visit sunrail.com Sunrail trains do not run on weekends. For a complete list of things to do in Winter Park visit winterpark.org/25-things-to-see-do

Proud Americans!

BY SHELLEY DESTEFANO COMMUNITY CONCIERGE

You will see a whole lot of red, white and blue this month as Americans celebrate the pride they have for their country on Independence Day - Tuesday, July 4th. The next important date this month is Parents’ Day on Sunday, July 23rd. The fun does not stop there because you have many options of different events and activities that may interest you in the area!

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

Take a taste tour across six continents and more at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival which starts on July 27th and ends on November 18th. There will be global marketplaces, live music, memorable meals, and more fun for all ages. Please visit disneyworld.disney.go.com for more information.

Fiesta Mo Sa USA

Fiesta Mo Sa USA will be on July 29th from 9am to 9pm located at 1875 Silver Spur Lane in Kissimmee. At this free event, you can enjoy Philippine food vendors, Philippine merchandise and special guests. If you want VIP seats, it will cost you $50 per person and you can RSVP by calling 407-666-7486. For more information, please visit florida-fiesta.com

32nd Annual Caladium Festival

Catboat Adventures

If a guided boat tour of Lake Dora on your own two-person catamaran sounds good to you, then you might like Catboat Adventures located at 148 Charles Avenue in Mount Dora. It is $198 per boat with a $10 discount if you book online. They also offer Glide Adventure Tours/Segway Tours of Mount Dora and the lighthouse for $69 a person. Please visit catboattour.com or call 352-325-1442 for more information.

The 32nd Annual Caladium Festival will take place July 28th and July 29th from 9am to 4pm located at Stuart Park (113 E. Interlake Boulevard in Lake Placid). On Saturday, July 29th, they will have their Car & Bike Show. At this festival, you can enjoy vendors, food, entertainment and more. And, of course, you’ll see many caladiums. There is no entrance fee but you can purchase tickets to view the caladium fields, decorated neighborhood and Lake Placid. Please visit caladiumfestival. org for more information. Pets are welcome on a leash but the ground can be hot so keep that in mind and cleanup is required.

Lonely Dog Immersive Experience

If you like art and have about an hour to spare, you might enjoy the Lonely Dog Immersive Experience located at 4950 International Drive in Orlando. You will pay around $45 per adult to experience the 30-minute show, selfie area, an art gallery and a retail boutique. Please visit lonelydogorlando.com or call 844-566-3593 for more information.

For more events please check out the Concierge page on SolivitaHOA.com for more things to do in the area.

Community Concierge 863-427-7100

SDestefano@Evergreen-LM.com

Hey you! Stay true and red, white and blue and may many blessings fall upon you.

It’s back! We are proud to announce 2024 Solivita Olympics V. Our mission is two-fold: a) showcase the athleticism and game skills of our residents and b) provide financial support to the surrounding community by donating to the Boys and Girls Club of Polk County. This program is a joint effort between Solivita Activities, the FitWell Department and The African Heritage Cultural Club. It will be open to all residents; membership in a club is not required.

We are looking for clubs or individual residents to be Event/Game Coordinators who have knowledge of game rules in areas of recreation/sports games, card/board/tile games, music/vocal/dance and much more. We handle the registration, you run the game.

Here are the games we’re working on through club relationships and we’re actively looking for more: Weight Lifting, Table Tennis, Cycling, Hot Shot Basketball, Poker, Bid Whiz, Billiards, Scrabble, Mah Jongg, Softball Throwing, Horseshoe, and Cornhole

Additional game lists and registration information will be forthcoming in Reflections newsletters and through email blasts. For any questions, contact the Solivita Olympics 2024 Committee at Olympics.Committee2024@gmail.com. Let the Games Begin!

Hurricane Preparedness: Check Your Junk Drawer

BY BILL GROSS TEAM LEADER OF SOLIVITA CERT

Once again, we find ourselves in another Hurricane Season and we all try to assemble the items we need to get through it. This may seem like a daunting task. We’ve all seen lists of supplies and consumable items, but can you put your hands on some of the more “durable” items in your hurricane kit?

We all have a “junk drawer,” probably in our kitchen, where we put those odds and ends that we don’t use regularly, or quite honestly, don’t know where else to put them. Let’s check that junk drawer for some of the possibly overlooked items.

Manual Can Opener

If we happen to lose power, having a two-week supply of canned goods isn’t going to do us much good if we don’t have a way to open them. A manual can-opener may prove invaluable in opening can goods when the power is out.

Scissors

Have a good pair of utility scissors? These can be used to open difficult packaging (like the “clamshell” packages) and to open bags without pulling them apart and the contents fly everywhere. I know we’ve all had that happen at least once in our lives!

Cash

If the power is out, then your local ATM will also have no power, and retailers won’t have access to their credit card systems. Have sufficient cash on hand to last you a couple days, if not weeks, to get by for emergency supplies. If you really think of it, having that cash in small bills ($20’s and below) will help you and your neighborhood retailers in completing transactions.

Fuel for Your Car

Again, if there’s no power, there’s no way to get gasoline out of the ground and into your car. Make sure that you don’t wait until the last minute to fill up your gas tank. Having come from a blizzard prone part of the country, I don’t let my gas tank get to below half-full. That way I avoid long gas lines in the days prior to a storm’s predictive arrival. Also, I know that I have about 200 miles of travel in my tank in case we do evacuate (YMMV).

Water

You should have at least one gallon of water per person, per day. How does that translate to bottled water? If you buy bottled

water in the grocery or big-box stores, look for the bottles marked as “1 pint” or maybe “500 ml.” There is less than one -ounce difference between the two, so we will treat them as the same. That being said, you need eight of those bottles for each person in the household for every day you anticipate being without running water. Water from the grocery store can be conveniently purchased in packs of 24. That’s a threeday supply for one person. Therefore for two people in the household, for a week, you need (rounded up) five cases to last just one week.

If you purchase your water in one of the big-box stores, they usually come in cases of 40 bottles. That translates to having three cases on hand (again, rounding up) to last the week.

You can supplement your bottled water with water in closed containers for washing and sanitary needs. Start saving and washing out your resealable containers: milk jugs, coffee ground containers, and distilled water jugs (from golf cart battery refilling). When a storm is anticipated, fill them with water from the tap and place them in your bathtub. Having them sealed will reduce the amount of bacteria that can contaminate the water. Don’t forget to “sanitize” the water with 6 to 8 drops of bleach per gallon of water.

Being prepared, even before a storm is predicted, will help reduce stress and help you through the emergency.

To Tell the Truth...Or Not

BY RITA MILIOS PSYCHOTHERAPIST (RET.) & HOLISTIC WELLNESS COACH, C3 WELLNESS SPA

July 7th is Tell the Truth Day, a day dedicated to honesty and the rejection of manipulation and lying. We all know that being truthful is the best way to behave...or is it? The saying “the truth will set you free” holds true most of the time. But statistics show that, on a daily basis, about 12% of us tell at least a couple – and sometimes quite a few – lies. About 80% tell “white lies” or partial lies; and about 31% of people lie on their resumes. So, what’s going on here? Actually, it’s quite difficult to never lie. Most of us lie for what we consider to be good reasons – to avoid getting into trouble, to protect ourselves from embarrassment, or to be helpful, nice, or maintain social harmony.

Lies, Lies and More Lies

There are several kinds of lies, including “white lies” and “gray lies” that have some social justification – to make things easier, or to help another person – and “outright lies” that are told for the sole benefit of the liar. In addition to fabricating something that is not true, lies can also be “lies of omission,” where information is strategically withheld to allow an assumption to be made that is not accurate.

White lies are common. What spouse has not lied when being asked, “Do these pants make my butt look too big?” On such occasions, telling a little white lie is, perhaps, better than being radically honest. It’s kinder and serves to increase, rather than decrease, the marital bond. Gray lies are often told to help someone else. For instance, if you tell your grandchild that Disney World won’t be open during the time their family is vacationing with you, because you know the parents can’t afford to take them to the park, that would be a gray lie. The intent is

to reduce embarrassment and disappointment. The child would be more distressed if they knew that the option was available, and they’d just be missing out. An outright lie would be when someone is pulled over by a policeman for speeding and states, “What’s wrong, officer? I was driving under the speed limit.”

Signs of Lying

Regardless of the intent behind our lies, we all tend to use them at some time. But how good are you are at knowing when you are being lied to? Most of us will never receive professional training to be able to detect lies. However, there are a few common “tells” that we can look out for:

» When someone is being vague and offering few details when relating a story.

» When they repeat your question before answering (to get a few more moments to think of what to say).

» When they can’t come up with answers to questions, or they get agitated when pressed for specifics.

» Exhibiting signs of nervousness: biting their lips, blinking rapidly, avoiding eye contact, looking down or away, or touching their mouth or hair.

It’s not always best to confront someone you think may be lying to you. Sometimes just knowing is sufficient. You can then be more discerning about what and how much to share. I invite you to join me on Wednesday, July 19th at 2pm for the Wellness Event in RSF2. We will further explore the social implications of lying and take part in a fun “Two Truths and a Lie Exercise” to hone our lie-detecting skills.

C3 Wellness Spa 407-914-9168 info@c3wellness.com

Donald Morin

Linda Simpson

Bob Visnius

Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the residents who recently passed away.

FRIENDS WHO HAVE LEFT US, BUT ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

Simpson Visnius Morin

July: Rain, Grass Growth and Pests

BY BRAD THOMPSON BRANCH MANAGER, FLORALAWN

Happy July! If this is your first summer in the Sunshine State, welcome to heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms.

Our daily downpours plus warm sunshine make the grass throughout Solivita grow like crazy. Floralawn crews keep busy from early to late mowing, edging, string trimming, and blowing off. A silver lining of all the rain is less need for turf irrigation. You may not notice it, but we pull back on the frequency of running sprinklers during these months when we’re helped by Mother Nature.

Hurricane Prep

We’re one month into hurricane season with five to go. Our prep is mostly done—cutting back palms and trimming tree limbs away from buildings and roofs. We’ve thinned canopies to enable strong winds to pass through trees and we have removed dead branches that could fall in a storm. Throughout hurricane season, Floralawn crews monitor trees and continue to keep them trimmed and pruned.

Summer Pest Management

Last month, I talked about chinch bugs and the threat they pose to St. Augustine grass that grows throughout Solivita. Floralawn crews also look for aphids and whiteflies—two more pests that are especially active in the warm, humid summer months. Aphids are oval or pear-shaped, tiny (maybe 1/8” long), and usually found on the undersides of leaves on shrubs and plants. They suck the juices out of the leaves. This doesn’t usually kill

COMMUNITY EVENTS

a plant, but it makes it lose its vigor. The aphids also secrete a substance called honeydew, which attracts black mold. If not cleaned off, the black mold can eventually cover all the leaves on the shrub, and the whole plant looks black and unhealthy.

Whiteflies are also found on the undersides of leaves. In their mature form, they look like little white moths. If you brush up against a shrub with a whitefly colony, you’ll see clouds of them rise in the air. Like aphids, whiteflies secrete honeydew.

Aphid and whitefly infestations can cause plants to fail. The honeydew they secrete leads to unsightly black mold problems. So, although not as destructive as chinch bugs, aphids and whiteflies are still unwanted pests that our crews work hard to control and eradicate.

Questions?

Well, enough talk about bugs. If you have questions about landscaping pests or Floralawn services, give us a call at 863225-9565. Or stop by our office in the admin building in “downtown” Solivita. You can also email us at hello@floralawn. com. Stay cool!

Floralawn 863-225-9565

hello@floralawn.com

“ART IN CINEMA” - IN SEARCH OF CHOPIN

Thursday, July 13th • 1:30pm • Ballroom

Sponsored by Artium Patroni. A superb film by Phil Grabsky, In Search of Chopin brings to us the music and life story of Fryderyk Francois Chopin, acknowledged as one of the greatest composers of all time. For four years, Grabsky travelled the world recording performances of renowned musicians, and speaking with respected historians and musicologists in his quest to discover new insights into Chopin’s life and musical genius, seeking light to the question: “Who exactly is this astonishing man?” This critically acclaimed film is narrated by stage and screen actress Juliet Stevenson. Actor David Dawson provides the voice in bringing to life the letters of Chopin. In Search of Chopin is the latest in British documentary filmmaker Grabsky’s In Search of Great Composers Series. This movie event is open and FREE to all Solivita residents. No reservations required. Enjoy the movie with us. Running time: 115 minutes with English subtitles.