ON THE COVER
REFLECTIONS MARCH 2022 VOLUME 22 ISSUE 3
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-7pm, Breakfast 8am-11am Mosaics Restaurant Friday & Saturday 4pm-8pm Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: 863-427-7130 Monday-Thursday 6:30am-9pm Friday 6:30am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm Riviera Spa Massage: 407-914-9168 Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm Friday 8am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-6pm Solivita Club Facilities After Hours Emergency Phone Number: 863-286-8779 Weekdays 5pm-8pm and Weekends 12pm-5pm Starlite Ballroom Daily 8am-11pm Stonegate Pro Shop: 863-427-7150, ext. 4710 Daily 7am-5pm The Grille at Stonegate: 863-427-7167 Daily 11am-8pm Breakfast Wednesday-Sunday, 8am-11am Happy Hour Daily 3pm-7pm and All Day on Sundays
Solivita Wins 2021 Evergreen Lifestyles Management Community of the Year! Our entire staff shined in 2021, from facilitating Covid vaccinations in the community to over 3,000 residents, implementing online ticket sales, adjusting programming to accommodate remote movies and fitness classes through Channel 732 and helping residents to navigate through a challenging time. Several team members were also honored with MVP awards but we know that it took an entire team of MVPs to get the job done. We are proud to serve Solivita.
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 - Elettsy (Lexy) Jimenez: 863-440-7572 or elettesyj@vitalsecurity.com Communications Director - 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 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, ext. 4720 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
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
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
Waterfront Galleries Daily 8am-11pm
Stonegate Golf Club Directory: 863-427-7150
Welcome Center or Model Park: 863-427-7000 Monday-Saturday 9:30am -5:30pm Sunday 11am -5:30pm
Violations & Compliance: 863-427-7151, 863-256-2897 or compliance@solivitahoa.com
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Solivita Sales: 863-427-7000 The Palms Amenity Center: 863-496-1530 or Fax: 863-496-0914
Visitor/Vendor Gate Access Voice Server: 863-313-1314
Solivita Information
MARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS Newsletter Submission & Advertising Info ............................ Page 3 Department Articles .............................................................. Pages 4-16 Solivita University .................................................................. Pages 12-14 Community Events ............................................................... Pages 17-20 Mosaics Special Nights ........................................................... Page 17 Wellness Events ................................................................ Pages 19-20 A Touch of Class .................................................................... Pages 21-24 Club & Support Group Meeting Lists ........................... Pages 25-29 Club News ............................................................................... Pages 30-48 Neighbordhood Captains News ............................................... Page 49 Resident Kudos ............................................................................... Page 49 Advertisements ..................................................................... Pages 50-88 Activities Events (back of calendar) ................ Insert Pages E1-E3
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS Email submissions to reflections@evergreen-LM.com
APRIL SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Tuesday, March 1st. Club insert copies are due by Wednesday, March 23rd, but must be approved by Club Manager, Sheri Wollschlager (email swollschlager@ evergreen-LM.com) or Communications Director, Doug Gilbert (email solivitacommunications@evergreen-LM. com) before they are copied.
MAY SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Friday, April 1st.
Thursday Night Movies .................................................. Insert Page E1 Events You Do Not Want to Miss .............................. Insert Page E2 Future Events ..................................................................... Insert Page E3 Monthly Calendar (back of Activities Events) ........................ Insert
REFLECTIONS DELIVERY If you are leaving or returning to Solivita and want to change the status of 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.
DEADLINE - SOLIVITA VOLUNTEER LOG SHEETS
Turn in your Volunteer Log Sheets by Friday, March 4th to Activities to finalize the 2021 - 2022 season for volunteer hours worked, assisting Solivita Departments. Hours accepted are from March 1, 2021 to February 28, 2022.
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.
PHOTO RELEASE AGREEMENT As a reminder, attending any event or class advertised in this publication grants Taylor Morrison, Evergreen Lifestyles Management and Solivita, permission and unconditional rights to use, print, publish or allow to be published, any photographic or videographic image and/or likeness for promotional and/or advertising purposes without compensation, consent, restrictions or limitations whatsoever.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? SolivitaHOA.com: solivitacommunications@evergreenLM.com; Reflections: reflections@evergreen-LM.com; Channel 732: communitychannel@evergreen-LM.com REFLECTIONS | MARCH 2022
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Department Articles
A Message from Solivita’s General Managers
BY RUDY BAUTISTA, LCAM COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MANAGER & SHERI WOLLSCHLAGER CLUB MANAGER This past year has been very challenging and hard on everyone, but Solivita came out shining. We are proud to announce that the Solivita Evergreen Lifestyles Management Team Members (ELM) were awarded several MVP and the Community of the Year Award within the ELM managed communities for 2021.
Awards » » » » » » »
2021 Community of the Year Raj Hanooman - MVP Support Services Peggy Biwer - MVP Support Services Johnny Espinoza - MVP Maintenance Flo Williams - MVP Housekeeping Jana Malik - MVP Director of Activities Jamar Edge - MVP Director of FitWell
We are very proud of our ELM team, and we also want to thank our residents for submitting Good Deeds for staff members who go above the call of duty. It has been a true team effort working with our residents to get through these very trying times. We are not completely out of the weeds yet, please stay safe and healthy.
Yard of the Month Our Yard of the Month comes from the Courtyards at the home of Robert and Fe Roberts at 2460 Palm Tree Drive. Congratulations to the Roberts and their lovely selection of plants that enhance their home. It is always a pleasure to find yards throughout Solivita that just say “welcome to our garden” where residents have taken it upon themselves to beautify their home with live plantings. Are you our next winner? Check out next month’s Reflections to find out.
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REFLECTIONS | MARCH 2022
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READ MORE INFORMATION AND WHO IS PERMITTED TO ATTEND THESE EVENTS ON THE BACK OF THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER CALENDAR OR GO TO SOLIVITAHOA.COM HOME PAGE AND CLICK ON THE RSVP OR PURCHASE TICKETED EVENTS ICON. FOR QUESTIONS, EMAIL OR CALL ACTIVITIES DEPARTMENT AT SOLIVITAACTIVITIES@EVERGREEN-LM.COM OR 863-427-7125.
REFLECTIONS | MARCH 2022
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Department Articles
Solivita is SO Lucky (and Not Just in March) … BY JANA MALIK DIRECTOR OF ACTIVITIES I am so excited to share an award I recently won at our company’s (Evergreen Lifestyles Management) staff appreciation event: MVP of Lifestyles 2021!
had or will have an event in the Ballroom, Mosaics, The Palms or at the pavilions in Freedom Park, she makes sure your custom room layout is explained and given to the Housekeeping Team. She is also the one who organizes all the (feels like a million) items that we need at/for the events (pens, markers, room layouts, décor, linen, wrist bands, signage, tape, scissors, etc, etc) and sometimes her list is very long and chaotic.
Wilman DeJesus
This was an award that could not have been achieved without our hardworking, multi-talented and extremely dedicated Activities Team. I am sure many of you are familiar with them as they are working hard to assist you in the office and are ever present at events. Allow me to reintroduce your Activities Team who help make our program the most desired one around.
Activities Specialist. Wilman has a varied background that includes computers, websites, videos, theatre, customer service and so much more. As soon as he was hired, we utilized his theatre and video skills for our Volunteer Appreciation event, and it was a big hit. He does the technical work for the events and classes for the online ticket sales website, and he is the designer behind all cool event logos. He implemented the online Merchandise store where residents can order merchandise and be notified when it is ready for pick-up.
Brandon Payne
Activities Audio/Visual Specialist. Brandon has implemented, upgraded and repaired many audio visual components within all of the Club facilities. He figured out how to connect Activities programs and Fitness videos via the community channel 732. In addition, he has created training material and trained staff, volunteers and residents on how to operate our audio visual equipment, has been crucial to creating and editing videos, as well as streaming video live over both YouTube and on Ch. 732. His expertise on audio visual continues to grow and it is demonstrated at meetings and at our events, making each one more high tech.
Michelle Ifill
Activities Lead. Michelle has stepped up from Activities Specialist to Lead in a very short amount of time as she oversees the operations in the Activities office. She handles scheduling and training the office volunteers, assisting residents who walk-in or call, and most, if not all, of the Resident Event Room Requests we receive. She has reserved 1,152 room requests since her predecessor moved on mid-April 2021. If your club 6
I am so thrilled to accept this award for the 2021 year when we implemented ONLINE TICKET SALES. The new system, which allows residents the flexibility to get tickets for events without leaving home, while on vacation, or from their snowbird residence, has been very well received by the majority of the residents, which is always our number one goal. If a resident needs assistance, Activities will help them over the phone or in person. I am proud that we thought outside the box to hold as many outdoor events so we could spread out and make everyone comfortable attending and enjoying events. I am also very proud of how extremely well the Solivita’s Roaring 21st Birthday Party went all evening long with having four different ticket options, merchandise for sale, six indoor and Article continued on page 7
REFLECTIONS | MARCH 2022
Department Articles Jana’s article continued from page 6
outdoor music entertainment groups and numerous strolling entertainers. We pulled off a logistically challenging event with all the food and beverage areas and the seamless coordination of ALL the Solivita departments, staff and the volunteers who worked alongside us. I also cannot accept this award without Sheri’s faith in my abilities and without the teamwork and help of the Housekeeping and the Maintenance Teams. They are the most hard working behind the scenes crews that you will ever meet. They always say yes to all of our event needs knowing the end result will be for the benefit of the whole community.
FRIENDS WHO HAVE LEFT US, BUT ARE NOT FORGOTTEN
Ralph Amerman
Paul E. Bigley, Sr.
Paula Chappell
Gary Crews
Linda Edrington
Carl Jay Kaufman
Linda Ann Turner Hornbach
Edwin Skor
Brag About Your Club!
Beginning in April 2022, your club can submit up to a (1) one page article, including pictures, that explains your club’s purpose and the achievements your club has made. Tell us about your fundraisers and how much money you’ve raised for your charity, the history behind your club, why your club was formed, your interesting events, what drives your club, etc. No solicitation of an upcoming event is permitted. One club per month may have this in the Reflections newsletter. Article and picture submission requests are to be emailed to Jana Malik at jmalik@evergreen-LM.com.
Village Drive & Freedom Park Closings
Tuesday, March 1st - Mardi Gras Parade & Street Party Event is 5pm-9pm. VILLAGE DRIVE FROM THE BALLROOM TO THE PRO SHOP ROUNDABOUT IS CLOSED TO VEHICLES FROM 4PM-10:30PM, EXCEPT TO CLUB VENDORS. Saturday, March 19th - Solivita Car Show Event is 10am-3pm. VILLAGE DRIVE FROM THE BALLROOM TO THE PRO SHOP ROUNDABOUT IS CLOSED TO VEHICLES FROM 6:30AM-4PM, EXCEPT TO CAR SHOW PARTICIPANTS. You are all MVPs in my eyes, let’s Keep The Party Going ... Jana Malik 863-427-7125 jmalik@evergreen-LM.com
REFLECTIONS | MARCH 2022
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the residents who recently passed away. 7
Department Articles
ARC Applications
BY TINISHA RAMOS COMPLIANCE COORDINATOR (ARCHITECTURAL) As many new homeowners move into Solivita, we would like to simply remind you that any changes made to the outside of the home requires prior Architectural Review Committee (ARC) approval. The ARC is part of the Association and maintains the standards established in the governing documents to help protect property values. As you inquire about what kind of documents or what additional information is needed when submitting your application, let me help by going over the most common ARC application requests we receive and what you will need to provide upon submitting. Although each ARC application is unique, the most common are repainting your home, landscaping, screen enclosures, fences, yard art, wall art, and extending of the walkway, just to name a few. You will need to provide the following (as needed): • Property survey (fences, pools, extending a screen enclosure, new landscape beds, curbing, extending walkways and any additions) • Picture showing color, dimensions, location, types of plants, flowers, yard art, etc. • Proposal with specifications from the vendor completing the work
Architectural Process
According to the Solivita Architectural Review Requirements (Page 6, Section 5.6), the HOA has up to 30 days to process an application. Subsequently, because of the large volume of ARC applications submitted, the Architectural Review Meetings are held the first and third Monday of every month (except for reserved holidays). Your request must be submitted no later than 4:30pm on the Wednesday prior to the meeting. Please keep this in mind when turning in an application for approval and wanting to know the outcome of such. It’s understandable that many homeowners want to know the outcome the same day that the meeting takes place, but unfortunately there is a process to follow. ARC applications are first recorded in the system, then letters are generated and mailed to the mailing address on file. However, if you have signed up for the Vantaca Homeowner 8
site and included your email, an email with the outcome will be sent from Evergreen Lifestyles Management. You can also view your ARC application request outcome in the Vantaca portal on the Owner Dashboard main page, which will include the information shown on the example screenshot below, under “Open Issues.”
In order to access this information, log on to portal.evergreenLM.com/Home/Login. If you have any issues signing into this portal, please feel free to contact our Solivita Administrative Assistant Raj at 863-427-7124 or by email at rhanooman@ evergreen-LM.com and she will be able to assist with your log in.
Steps to Submit ARC Online
• Log in to your SolivitaHOA.com account. • Click on the “HOA” icon located on the top right side of the website. • Scroll down and click on the “Compliance” icon. • Scroll down the page until you see the fillable Application for Architectural Review Committee (screenshot pictured to the right). Proceed to fill out the online form, digitally sign by clicking the left mouse button, attach required picture and click the “Submit” button when completed.
Once we receive the online Architectural Review Application you will receive a confirmation via an email that you cannot reply to (Do Not Reply email). If you have any questions, please email us at Compliance@SolivitaHOA.com or call us at 863-427-7022. Tinisha Ramos 863-427-7022 compliance@SolivitaHOA.com
REFLECTIONS | MARCH 2022
Department Articles
REFLECTIONS | MARCH 2022
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Department Articles
Stories Within!
BY SHELLEY DESTEFANO COMMUNITY CONCIERGE We have all written our own books within, untold, yet filled with so many stories. Some are exciting, sad, or hilarious and I will share one of my Solivita stories with you. The first resident I spoke to when I started working at Solivita said, “Guess what I am having for lunch today? A peanut butter and sardine sandwich.” Of course, he was joking, but it was a great appetite suppressant. Life certainly gives you lots of giggles! Take advantage of the special dates and things going on in the area that give you opportunities to create wonderful life stories.
Solivita Shred Day
The next community shred day will take place on Friday, March 4th from 10am-2pm in Freedom Park. Bring your old sensitive documents to shred, free of charge.
St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day, which falls on Thursday, March 17th, is celebrated throughout the world and depicts true Irish culture. It was named for a patron saint of Ireland who was a great minister of Christianity during the fifth century.
2022 Florida Strawberry Festival
Enjoy a strawberry feast at this year’s Florida Strawberry Festival (located at 303 Berry Fest Place in Plant City). The festival will go on from March 3rd-13th, from 10am-10pm daily. Get the family together and enjoy rides, concerts, shows, contests, food, livestock shows and much more. Please visit flstrawberryfestival. com or call 813-752-9194 for more information.
Mardi Gras Day
Tuesday, March 1st is Mardi Gras Day, also known as “Fat Tuesday,” which is the culmination of the “Carnival” season of feasting and fun that begins on January 6th (Three Kings’ Day) each year. The celebration is all about music, parades, beads, bling, and parties. Revelers wear costumes or dress in purple, green, and gold. Rex, the King of Carnival, selected the Mardi Gras colors and assigned meaning to them in 1892. Purple stands for justice, green for faith, and gold for power. Mardi Gras Day is followed by Ash Wednesday, March 2nd, when Lent (six weeks of fasting) begins.
Daytona Bike Week
Daytona Bike Week will be going on from March 4th-13th. Please visit officialbikeweek.com for more information.
Chili on the Ridge
2022 Daylight Saving Time
Do not forget to set your clocks forward one hour before you go to bed on Saturday, March 12th, as Daylight Saving Time begins at 2am on Sunday, March 13th. Did you know that the purpose of Daylight Saving Time is to make use of more sunlight in the spring, summer and fall evenings? 10
On Saturday, March 19th from 11:30am-3pm, the Haines City Rotary Club will have a Chili Cook-Off at the Lake Eva Community Park (located at 555 Ledwith Avenue in Haines City). You can enjoy a live band, car show, food vendors, a beer tent and, of course, unlimited chili for $10 per person. The money earned will go towards scholarships for Haines City High School and Ridge Community High School. Please visit hainescityrotary.com or call Steve Tiner at 863-206-9826 for more information. When you turn the pages and complete chapters in life, I hope you have no regrets. Make every page in your book count! Community Concierge 863-427-7100 sdestefano@evergreen-LM.com
REFLECTIONS | MARCH 2022
Department Articles
The R2R Resource Center is Here for You! We’re Making Recycling and Donating Easy!
Recycle/Donation Day Wednesday, March 23rd • 10am-2pm • Freedom Park Are you tired of the clutter, doing some spring cleaning, or just want to get rid of a few things? Just drop off your unwanted items at Freedom Park. The following will be here: » Habitat for Humanity – Household goods (e.g., furniture, mirrors, paint, decorations, etc.) » St. Vincent de Paul – Clothing » Urban E Recycling – Electronics (computers, printers, smartphones, DVD/VCR players, etc.); they provide you with a certificate of data destruction.
» Downloading and using apps (e.g., Flashlight, GPS app) » Connecting to WIFI » Searching the internet Class size is limited to 12. Please email the Resource Center at SolivitaR2R@gmail.com or call 863-236-9973 to reserve your spot. Please bring your smartphone fully charged.
How to Navigate SolivitaHOA.com
Session One Monday, March 21st • 10am-11am • The Palms » How to register your account » Receiving email blasts » Navigating the site » Connecting to your Vertilinc gatehouse to register guests Session Two Monday, March 28th • 10am-11am • The Palms » Calendars » Room Reservations » Ticket Sales
Smartphone Basics Two-Day Sessions
Basic iPhone: Thursday & Friday, March 10th & 11th Basic Android: Tuesday & Wednesday, March 29th & 30th 9am–12pm • The Palms Are you having trouble figuring out how to use your smartphone, know very little about the features, or wish you could do more? Then this training is for you. In these basic sessions we’ll cover: » Using the buttons on the phone » Setting up passwords, volume adjustments, changing the font size » Emergency features » Creating and managing your contacts » Using your calendar » Using messaging/texting REFLECTIONS | MARCH 2022
Bring your laptop, tablet or phone if you would like to follow along. Please email the Resource Center at SolivitaR2R@gmail. com or call 863-236-9973 to reserve your spot.
R2R Resource Center 863-236-9973 SolivitaR2R@gmail.com
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Solivita University
Co-Sponsored by the Solivita University Committee and Activities March classes are on sale now by scanning the QR Reader or go to the SolivitaHOA.com Home Page. On the Home Page there is a Purchased Ticketed Event or Class HERE button. No studying, tests or exams are given, just enlightening topics to keep your mind energized. All classes are 90 minutes long unless otherwise noted. Solivita University class calendar and faculty biographies can be found on SolivitaHOA.com under Get Connected. Adult guests welcome. For more information stop in, call the Activities Office at 863-427-7125 or email SolivitaActivities@Evergreen-LM.com.
2022 Great Decision (GD) Discussions Annual Pass
This is an annual pass for the Foreign Policy Association who produces a study guide (which comes included in the pass) with nine of the most critical global issues facing America. Great Decisions discussions are moderated in person by Thomas Gallagher Ph.D on select Wednesdays at 4pm and virtually by Mary Ellen Roberts and Len Trushkosky on select Tuesdays at 11am. The 2022 GD Annual Pass is $42 (or $47 for two sharing a book).
with Brunelleschi, beautiful gardens and the Uffizi and the Renaissance masterpieces. Next Lecture: April 19th – Rome
March Discussion Topic: Russia and the U.S. » Tuesday, March 8th at 11am over Zoom » Wednesday, March 9th at 4pm in The Palms
2022 Art and Literary Lecture Pass
This pass will allow residents admittance to any of approximately 10 Art and Literary Lectures throughout the year for $20 per person. Art classes, presented by Art Historian Jan Clanton, are on Tuesdays as scheduled at 1pm in the Ballroom. Literary Lectures, taught by resident Professor Thomas Gallagher, take place as scheduled on Mondays at 4pm in the Gator Room. 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 Literature Lectures only and are non-refundable.
Art Lecture – Florence
Tuesday, March 29th Ballroom at 1pm Tuition: 2022 Art and Literary Lecture Pass or $5 at the door Lecturer: Jan Clanton, Art Historian Class Description: Florence is next on our virtual vacation 12
Literary Lecture – One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez Monday, March 28th Gator Room at 4pm Tuition: 2022 Art and Literary Lecture Pass or $5 at the door Professor: Thomas Gallagher, PhD Class Description: This is the best-selling novel by the Colombian novelist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. It tells the story of the Buendia family and chronicles the conflict between the desire for solitude and the need for love. Next Lecture: April 25th – Irish Poetry by Devin Garrity
REFLECTIONS | FEBRUARY 2022
Solivita University
Improving Your Bridge - NEW CLASS ADDED 3 Classes: Saturdays, March 12th, 19th and 26th Bella Viana Clubhouse from 1pm-4pm Tuition $20 per student Instructor: Donna McIlwain Course Pre-requisite: Basic knowledge in the game of bridge... opening and responding in both suit and no trump bidding. If you are not sure, contact Donna at dmc3726@yahoo.com or 407-738-5325.
Course Description: For every light on the “Great White Way” of Broadway, there is a story of a star, chorus girl, dancer, musician, writer, director, playwright, casting agent, and more. Join me on our “time machine” back to the past and go “behind the scenes” to learn what goes on “backstage” on Broadway! We will then move to center stage to enjoy many show clips. You will smile, laugh, grip your seat, and tug at that special place within us that is Broadway!
110th Anniversary Memorial and Tales of the Titanic Cruise
5 Classes: Thursdays, March 17th, 24th, 31st, April 7th and 14th The Palms at 10:30am Tuition: $28 per student Instructor: Steve Mattis Course Description: Titanic was lost on her maiden voyage April 14, 1912. Fascination with Titanic and her crew and passengers continues to this day.
Course Description: Improving in the game of bridge involves 2 main things-Planning and Playing. Each week this course will give you a chance to do both! » Week 1-Planning your play in no trump and watching transportation. » Week 2-Counting losers and planning your play in a trump suit. » Week 3-Promoting tricks in suit play and no trump.
A 100 Years of Broadway: Backstage and Centerstage through Film and Narration
3 Classes: Tuesdays, March 15th, 22nd and 29th Gator Room at 1pm Tuition: $20 per student Professor: Richard Goldsmith, Ph.D.
» Class One: Join Steve on the 2012 cruise to the site of
»
the sinking. Passengers dressed in Edwardian clothing and ate 10 course meals. There was a memorial service at the site of the sinking 100 years to the hour and onboard were 70 people who had family on Titanic. Steve will tell stories about people and events on Titanic which may be new for most. Class Two: Children of Titanic. Who was the only child lost in first class? And why? Who was the unknown child? Is our definition of “a child” the same as it was then in 1912 on Titanic? Meet the mother for whom James Cameron named his film heroine, Rose. Continued on page 14
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Solivita University
Daylight Saving: Replace Smoke Detector Batteries BY SOLIVITA CERT Solivita University continued from pages 12-13
» Class Three: Cruising Then and Cruising Now. What
»
»
are the similarities and differences in cruising today compared to the 1912 sailing of Titanic? In an era of no passports what really happened which couldn’t happen today? Look at the lifestyle and ladies’ fashion then and now. Learn that most did not have private bathrooms onboard Titanic. Class Four: Titanic at the Movies. Most people have seen the James Cameron movie Titanic, but you’ll learn about the other eight movies made about the ill-fated ship. Class Five: More Amazing Facts about Titanic. What happened to the 10 dogs onboard? Was there a fire burning on Titanic for many days? Meet the dead man who walked into his mother’s house weeks after the sinking. And much more.
iMovie
4 Classes: Thursdays, March 17th, 24th, 31st and April 7th Gator Room at 4pm Tuition: $25 per student Instructor: Catherine Larson Course Requirement: Bring your own Mac laptop Course Description: Have you ever wanted to create a tribute for someone – whether from photos or movie clips? iMovie is an easy way to create stunning movies. While it comes with every Apple product, we will focus on the computer application. This will be a 4 session hands on class where you will create your own movie! We will add photos, movie clips, music, titles, transitions and more!
Your Community Emergency Response Team is again offering to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors for any resident who can’t or shouldn’t go up on a ladder to do this. This project runs from March into April. Before you call, consider how old they are (when your house was constructed). After 8 years, detection sensors degrade to the point that they cannot detect smoke and must be replaced! If you purchase new ones, we can install them for you. Be sure to buy units that are “wired, with battery backup.” They should cost about $16 each and are available at both local home improvement stores. Newer homes (last 6 or 7 years) are likely to have some combination smoke detector/ carbon monoxide detectors (usually in pairs). They cost about $34 each. If you don’t need to replace the whole detector as above, you still do need to replace the 9-volt battery in each one (once a year). When the battery loses its charge with age, the detector will begin an annoying chirp sound every 45 seconds or so. If you change your own batteries, be careful on the ladder and be sure to observe the polarity and press the test button afterward to reset the unit (hold the button until the unit alarms, then release). CERT offers this service ONLY in the spring—this is your only chance! If you want to have your batteries changed (with your batteries or ours), call CERT at 863-514-6728 any weekday morning, or better yet, email us at waynecert@gmail.com and provide: Your neighborhood name, your name, address, and your best phone number. You will be called back to arrange the installation visit.
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REFLECTIONS | FEBRUARY 2022
Department Articles
Embrace the Promise of Spring’s Renewal
BY RITA MILIOS PSYCHOTHERAPIST & HOLISTIC WELLNESS COACH, RIVIERA SPA MASSAGE The start of spring is just around the corner. For much of the nation, this transitional season is eagerly awaited. Like many other Solivita transplants, I previously lived much of my life the Midwest, where on many days during the month of March, I’d likely be experiencing cold, icy rain falling from a grey shrouded sky. After a long winter’s hibernation, I always engaged in my own, personal rite of spring passage. On the first bright, sunny spring day, I’d go outside and eagerly turn my face to the sun, drinking in its life-giving energy, and allowing every bone, muscle, and fiber of my body to saturate in its warmth. I would thus become revitalized, restored both physically and mentally, and renewed spiritually as well. Now, having been a Floridian for the past 15 years, I have become somewhat complacent about the availability of sunshine and warmth in my life. I’ve almost forgotten how important it is to have a re-set built into each yearly cycle, when the environment itself assists in the renewal and restoration that springtime has always been a cultural metaphor for. Yet, the lingering excitement of spring’s promise has never fully left me.
» Jettison anything else that is weighing you down and sapping your energy. Let go of self-defeating personal habits and replace them with new disciplines that are healthy and self-affirming. Consider a change in eating habits, a new or renewed exercise routine, or the incorporation of a spiritual practice such as meditation or yoga. » Embrace your creativity and renew your interest in a hobby or pastime that you may have set aside. Take part in one or more of the many learning, personal development, or volunteering opportunities available in our community. » Most of all, dust the cobwebs from your mind and take charge of your attitude and mindset. Choose to be a “glass half full” vs. “glass half empty” person. Intentionally seek out and focus on the good, positive, and loving aspects of life vs. the annoying and irritating ones. It really is a matter of intention, choice and follow through to attain this attitudinal re-set. This spring, as we continue to emerge from Covid-19, it can be an especially good time for all of us to re-group, re-set and rejoice as we return to fuller, more interactive lives.
In the spirit of spring’s renewal, I still anticipate the coming months with positivity and excitement. I still view springtime as a time for shedding the old and outworn and embracing the blossoming of the new. It is not so much a time for the changing of a seasonal wardrobe, but instead for the changing of mental and spiritual attitudes and intentions. It is a time for inviting in more wellness, renewing commitments to self-care and discipline, and shedding and replacing old, non-productive habits. It is a perfect time to re-group, re-set and renew. Perhaps you, too, might like to create your own spring Renewal plan. Below are a few suggestions for doing some spring cleaning in your attitudes, outlook, and perspective. » Commit to letting go of old grudges, resentments, and any feelings that you have been transgressed upon. Decide to pull out by the root’s beliefs in, and attachment to, such old wounds. Make room in your heart for more joy, peace, and acceptance—for yourself and for others. REFLECTIONS | MARCH 2022
I welcome you to explore these ideas further with me on Wednesday, March 16th at 2pm in RSF2 (Riviera Spa), for my presentation, “Creating My Spring’s Renewal Plan.” Bring pen and paper to take part in an interactive Exercise to help you clarify your intentions and make a personal plan for your own springtime transformation and flowering process. Presented in association with Riviera Spa Massage. Riviera Spa Massage 407-914-9168 info@rivieraspamassage.com
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Department Articles
Spring in Solivita!
BY BRAD THOMPSON BRANCH MANAGER, FLORALAWN We hope you’re enjoying the change of annuals in the common area beds around Solivita! The fresh color has a way of cheering everyone up. Wondering about the mowing timetable? Our crews will continue mowing per the biweekly winter schedule through March.
Gardeners, Beware of Snakes
As winter gives way to spring, many of you will find yourselves drawn outside for some work around your lawns and courtyards. Please watch out for snakes. In Solivita, black racer and black rat snakes are most common, but they are mild-mannered and not venomous. Sometimes snakes will curl up inside planters and containers, so be alert. Don’t reach into a container without checking inside it first.
of their tails, which they shake when threatened or surprised. Do not prod or lure snakes in any way. Call animal control for relocation services and leave snakes alone.
March Tasks
While the turfgrass is still dormant and shrub growth is not as vigorous, our Floralawn crews can focus on different projects around the community. Our teams continue to enjoy the change of pace! Late winter/early spring tasks include irrigation system maintenance, landscape design changes, annual flower replacement, tree and bush maintenance, fertilization, trimming, and weeding. This month we continue trimming the crape myrtle trees. We began earlier this year and will continue until we’ve got them all. (Ever count how many crapes we have in Solivita? You see why pruning them is a two-month process!) They will grow large and lovely again this coming spring and summer.
Service Calendars
Interested in seeing Floralawn’s calendar? Go to SolivitaHOA. com. You’ll need your log-in credentials. Once you’ve logged in, you’ll see a menu across the top. Click on “Docs and Info,” and when that page loads, scroll down on the left to “Floralawn.” In that link, you’ll find our service calendars. Be on the alert for venomous coral snakes. They are striped red, yellow, and black. Coral snakes can be easily confused with non-venomous kingsnakes, which are instead striped red, black, and then yellow. Remember, “Red on black is a friend of Jack, red on yellow kills a fellow.” Less common but also worth noting are the many species of rattlesnakes that live in central Florida. Rattlesnakes are easily identifiable by the rattles on the ends
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME Daylight Saving Time officially begins this month on Sunday, March 13th at 2am. Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night, March 12th! 16
Coffee Talk
Any more questions? Don’t hesitate to call us at Solivita: 863225-9565. Join me at 9am in Mosaics on Friday, March 25th for our Coffee Talk hour. Floralawn 863-225-9565 floralawn.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. Check out what the stats were in previous months airing on Solivita Community Channel 732. Receiving a speeding ticket is not only financially costly, but can lead to much more serious results. REFLECTIONS | MARCH 2022
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REFLECTIONS | MARCH 2022