Solivita Reflections | November 2023 (Limited Version) by Overflow

ON THE COVER REFLECTIONS

There is so much to be thankful for and those listed on the cover are very important ones. During this season of Thanksgiving, reflect on all of the things that we are thankful for every day.

NOVEMBER 2023 VOLUME 23 ISSUE 11

VILLAGE CENTER HOURS Administration: 863-427-7100 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm C3 Wellness Spa: 407-914-9168 Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm Friday 8am-7pm

CONTACT LIST Community Manager (Association) - Rudy Bautista: 863-701-2969 or RBautista@Evergreen-LM.com Club Manager - Sheri Wollschlager: 863-427-7129 or Sheri.Wollschlager@CastleGroup.com

K&M Drugs: 863-496-7930 Monday-Friday 9am-6pm Saturday 9am-1pm and Sunday Closed

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

Marketplace Bistro: 863-427-7157 Daily 8am-7pm, Breakfast 8am-11am

Communications Coordinator - Wilman De Jesus: 863-427-7137 or Wilman.DeJesus@CastleGroup.com

Mosaics Restaurant Call 863-427-7150, option 2 for hours Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: 863-427-7130 Monday-Thursday 6:30am-9pm Friday 6:30am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm Solivita Club Facilities After Hours Emergency Phone Number: 863-286-8779 (Calls Only/No Texts) Weekdays 5pm-8pm and Weekends 12pm-5pm Starlite Ballroom Daily 8am-11pm Stonegate Pro Shop: 863-427-7150, option 1 Daily 7am-5pm The Grille at Stonegate: 863-427-7167 Daily 11am-8pm Breakfast: Friday-Sunday, 8am-11am The Palms: 863-496-1530 Amenity Center: Monday-Sunday 8am-9pm Kids Pool Hours Monday-Friday 12pm-4pm Saturday & Sunday 9am-9pm Fitness Center Monday-Thursday 6:30am -9pm Friday 6:30am-7pm Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm Waterfront Galleries Daily 8am-11pm Welcome Center: 863-427-7000 Monday-Tuesday & Thursday-Saturday 10am -6pm Wednesday 1pm-6pm, Sunday 12pm -6pm

Activities: 863-427-7125 or SolivitaActivities@CastleGroup.com

Evergreen Lifestyles Management (For HOA Matters) 24/7: 855-4901804 or CustomerService@Evergreen-LM.com Taylor Morrison Customer Care: 321-397-7247 or OrlandoCustomerCare@TaylorMorrison.com. Warranty Request: taylormorrison.com/warranty/request Architectural Review: 863-427-7022 or Compliance@SolivitaHOA.com Catering & Banquets (Stonegate Golf Club): 863-427-7150, option 5 Concierge: 863-427-7100 or Fax: 863-496-4456 Floralawn: 863-225-9565 or floralawn.com (Submit a Work Order) Floralawn Irrigation Emergency After Hours: 863-225-9565 (Starting at 5pm all calls get routed directly to the on-call manager) K&M Drugs: 863-496-7930 or Fax: 863-496-7931 Membership: 863-427-7143 or SolivitaMembership@Evergreen-LM.com Resident to Resident Resource Center: 863-236-9973 or SolivitaR2R@gmail.com Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: 863-427-7130 Security Gatehouses Supervisor: 407-989-2417 Bella Viana Gate: 407-603-2422 Main Gate: 407-603-2399 Parkway Gate: 863-286-0329 South Gate (Marigold): 863-496-1473 Venezia Gate: 407-603-2397 West Gate (San Clemente): 863-496-1453 Solivita Sales: 863-427-7000 Stonegate Golf Club Directory: 863-427-7150 The Palms Amenity Center: 863-496-1530 or Fax: 863-496-0914 Violations & Compliance: 863-427-7151, 863-256-2897 or Compliance@SolivitaHOA.com Visitor/Vendor Gate Access Voice Mail: 863-313-1314

Solivita Information

NOVEMBER TABLE OF CONTENTS

NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS

Newsletter Submission & Advertising Info ..................... Page 3

Email submissions to Reflections@SolivitaClub.com

Department Articles ...................................................... Pages 4-17 Solivita HOA Board Contacts ......................................... Page 8 Solivita HOA Board Report ............................................ Page 10 Community Events ...................................................... Pages 18-21 Mosaics Special Nights ................................................... Page 18 Wellness Events ................................................................. Page 21 A Touch of Class ........................................................... Pages 22-26 Club & Support Group Meeting Lists .................... Pages 27-31 Club News ...................................................................... Pages 32-55 Neighborhood Captains News .......................................... Page 56

DECEMBER SUBMISSIONS

Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Wednesday, November 1st. Club insert copies are due by Monday, November 20th, but must be approved by the Club Manager, Sheri Wollschlager (Sheri.Wollschlager@ CastleGroup.com) or the Communications Coordinator, Wilman De Jesus (Wilman.DeJesus@CastleGroup.com) before they are copied.

JANUARY SUBMISSIONS

Calendar submissions (including annual submissions) and newsletter articles are due on Friday, December 1st.

Advertisements ............................................................ Pages 56-92 Activities Events (back of calendar) .......... Insert Pages E1-E3 Monthly Calendar (back of Activities Events) ................. Insert Weekly Fitness Schedule ..................................... Calendar Insert

PHOTO RELEASE AGREEMENT Evergreen Lifestyles Management (ELM) and Castle Group (CG) reserve the right to use any photograph/ video taken at any event sponsored by ELM or CG and the respective community the event is happening in, without expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. ELM or CG may use the photograph/ video in publications or other media material produced, used or contracted by ELM or CG including but not limited to: brochures, invitations, books, newspapers, magazines, television, websites, etc. To ensure the privacy of individuals and children, images will not be identified using full names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed subject, parent or legal guardian.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? » » » »

SolivitaHOA.com: Wilman.DeJesus@CastleGroup.com Reflections: Reflections@SolivitaClub.com Channel 732: CommunityChannel@SolivitaClub.com Advertising: SolivitaAdvertising@SolivitaClub.com

REFLECTIONS | NOVEMBER 2023

ADVERTISING INFO Solivita reserves the right to refuse advertisement and does not guarantee any work or claims made by advertisers. Advertisement in Reflections does not constitute an endorsement or approval of goods or services by Solivita. For More Info: Visit the advertising website at SolivitaAdvertising.com, call 863-4400377, or email SolivitaAdvertising@SolivitaClub.com.

REFLECTIONS DELIVERY If you are leaving Solivita or returning to the community and want to change the status of the Reflections delivery to your home, you can do this on the Gate Website. Log on to the website at websites. vertilinc.com/solivitahoa and click the Reflections button or tab. Change delivery status to YES or NO. Contact Membership for log on information at SolivitaMembership@Evergreen-LM.com.

SOLIVITA ID CARDS If you’ve lost your ID card, notify Membership at 863427-7143 or SolivitaMembership@Evergreen-LM.com. It will be deactivated until you get a replacement ID. 3

Department Articles

Get Involved: Join the Solivita Club Committee! BY SHERI WOLLSCHLAGER CLUB MANAGER We are looking for two new committee members to fill spots vacated at the end of the year for the Solivita Club Committee (SCC). The SCC is comprised of homeowners who advise and consult the management company on matters pertaining to the Solivita Club program and facilities. The Club program includes Activities, Fitness, Recreation, Maintenance, Housekeeping, Pools, all Amenity Rooms, and Resident Clubs. A liaison between the management company and the community, SCC serves to make recommendations and/or provide key information and materials to the management company by representing the sentiments of the community at large.

If you are interested in being a part of this hard-working, dynamic committee, please visit SolivitaHOA.com, click on the “Lifestyles” icon, click on the “Solivita Club Committee” icon. There is a fillable application which you can fill out and it will be sent directly to the Committee. The deadline to apply is Friday, November 24th. After the deadline, the SCC will review all applications and set up interviews with potential new SCC members. The plan is to finish the interviews before our December meeting and invite the new members to attend and observe the process. New committee members will begin their two-year term in January 2024. Sheri Wollschlager 863-427-7129 Sheri.Wollschlager@CastleGroup.com

Flags Over Solivita

SUBMITTED BY THE VETERANS CLUB OF SOLIVITA We are now accepting credit card payment for 2024 applications and donations for the Flags Over Solivita Program. If you didn’t sign up in 2023, your donation for 2024 will include this Veterans Day flag placement and ALL of the 2024 dates. For those waiting on paper applications to pay by check or cash, forms will be included in the December Reflections as an insert. Flags Over Solivita is also looking for volunteers willing to assist with this program. We have positions for everyone, regardless of your physical limitations. For any questions, please contact flagsoversolivita@gmail.com or 863-5123655. Thank you for your support of this great program!

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Trivia

Karaoke

SPECIAL NIGHTS

Select Mondays 4pm & 7pm » $7 Reserve your table and purchase your limited drink selection online

Fall Arts & Crafts Festival Saturday, November 4th Village Center » 10am - 4pm Complimentary Entrance 130 Vendors, Music, Food, Kidz Zone, People’s Choice Art Contest in the Wine, Beer & Art Garden » No Pets or Smoking

SPECIAL NIGHTS

Wednesdays 11am–1pm Farmer’s Market Area in Freedom Park To Go Only

Salute Our Veterans

GOLF TOURNAMENT Friday, November 10th Stonegate Golf Course 8:30am Shotgun Start $70

Salute Our Veterans

MEMORIAL CEREMONY & BREAKFAST Saturday, November 11th Ceremony (Complimentary) at Veterans Memorial in Freedom Park » 9am Breakfast in Ballroom Afterwards » $15

Wine Down Concert

FOREIGNERS JOURNEY SHOW

Sunday, November 12th Ballroom 5pm & 7:30pm $20 General $25 EOSS

Select Tuesdays Complimentary 5pm - 9pm Cash Bar

Wednesday, November 15th Chess Lawn by The Grille 6:30pm - 8:30pm Bring Your Own Chair Food Concession & Cash Only Bar

Thursday, November 16th (3rd Thursday this Month) Freedom Park 4pm - 7pm DJ » Cash Bar Seating

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@CastleGroup.com or 863-427-7125.

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Department Articles

New Kids on the Block

BY JANA MALIK DIRECTOR OF ACTIVITIES We’re not talking about the boy band group back from the ‘80-‘90s, we’re talking about new Solivita residents who have lived here for one year or less and a new staff member in the Activities office. For new residents who have lived in Solivita one year or less, here are a few insider tidbits about purchasing tickets for Activities events:

Rico and I am a bilingual in Spanish and English. In my free time, I love to spend time with my children and husband. I am the owner of a small business for 3 years that involves a lot of crafting, decorating and t-shirt making. One of my hobbies is photography. I find it relaxing when I am taking photos. I’m very excited to start this new journey with such an amazing team and in a beautiful community. I look forward to meeting everyone at our next events!

1. Activities event tickets will go on sale every month on the

1st business day of the month at 9am through SolivitaHOA. com at the Purchase Activities Events and Solivita University Classes icon, a month before the event date. For example, an event on Friday, December 8th, will begin online ticket sales on Wednesday, November 1st at 9am. 2. Due to venue space and popularity, some events may sell

out quicker than others. 3. Activities events that have a ticket price, require pre-ticket

purchasing. We do not sell tickets on the day of an event due to ordering supplies and food, unless we have room left for a show, dance or a class that does not include food. 4. If you are getting tickets for your group and the event offers

a food choice or some other choice, make sure to gather that information, including any severe medical allergies, ahead of time as it will be asked when you purchase tickets. 5. We have a five business day before the event date refund

policy. Let us know by email (preferred) or by phone. If you need to refund a few tickets out of a bundle of tickets, email us which ticket numbers we are to refund. We prefer you get a refund from Activities instead of reselling; however, it is acceptable to resell. 6. If you resell your ticket that asked for a food choice, your

food choice selection is also resold to the new ticket holder. We can make changes to the food choice up to 5 business days before the event.

Residents Only New Year’s Eve Parties Very important to note, the New Year’s Eve Parties will be strictly for RESIDENTS ONLY due to venue space capacities. Each and every resident will be required to show their Resident ID Badge to Security or Solivita Club staff before entry. If it is forgotten, you will be required to get it as we do not have membership files at the venue locations. If you plan to attend this event and you misplaced by your Resident ID Badge, make an appointment with Wilman. DeJesus@CastleGroup.com or call 863-427-7137. There is a $25 replacement fee for this service through exact cash or check only.

Please Welcome Our New Activities Team Member

Hello, my name is Giselle Carrasquillo-Diaz and I was born and raised in Methuen, Massachusetts. My family is from Puerto 6

Article continued on page 8

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Department Articles

22nd Annual

Hosted by the Fall Arts & Crafts Festival Committee and Solivita Activities

Saturday, November 4th 10am-4pm Village Center Rain or Shine

Fund Drive to Benefit Local Food Pantry

LI V E N T E RT E A INMEN High Sc h o o l Ja z z B a nd , O k to b e r f e s t, S te e l D r ums, BB C Ja z zT La Calle r io, B a nd

ling n t l o r S t inme r ta n te

l Festiva ry te Food EeaBistro in th t dab ou Rou n

The Village Center will be closed to vehicle traffic from 7am-5pm, except to festival vendors.

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130+ Arts & Crafts Booths and Solivita Merchandise Booth

Wine, Beer & Art

Garden

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FREE ADMISSION PETS & SMOKING NOT PERMITTED IN FESTIVAL AREAS

Festival Bake Shoppe +

in the Welcome Center Courtyard

Festival Photo Spot with Art & Craft Props

Free Kidz Zone Kids Crafts, Face Painting, Popcorn, DJ Silly Nilly, Big Drawing Board, Cornhole, Fall Leaf Pile

People’s Choice Voting

on Resident Art in the Art Garden

Photos by Gaby Backert, Joe Thomas, Irene Stecher 7 & Susan Katsoff

Department Articles Jana’s article continued from page 6

Solivita Lifestyles Activities Committee (SLAC) – VACANT SEATS

The SLAC committee is made up of seven actively involved Solivita residents who assist in advising the Activities Program with the Solivita Activities Team. SLAC members serve a two-year term, meeting once a month for two hours. Meeting dates are set by the majority’s calendar and around Activities events, therefore there is no set day or time each month. At this time, three seats will be vacated in January. If you are interested in discussing, brainstorming and bouncing off ideas or thoughts relating to the Activities program, fill out the application form by scanning the QR code and scroll to the Documents section on the bottom of the webpage, pick it up from the Activities office or go to SolivitaHOA.com > Lifestyles > Activities > Committees and return it to the Activities office by November 13th.

Fall Arts and Crafts Festival Important Info – Saturday, November 4th » Village Drive will be CLOSED,

» » »

except to festival vendors, from the Ballroom to the Pro Shop from 7am5pm as we setup and take down for this huge event. Pets and smoking are not permitted in festival areas. This event is open to the public from 10am4pm in the Village Center. The festival supports a Fund Drive for the St. Rose of Lima Food Pantry at entrance locations. Check out more information in the ad in this month’s Reflections on page 7.

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 ... and Keep the Party Going!

Jana Malik 863-427-7125 Jana.Malik@CastleGroup.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. REFLECTIONS | NOVEMBER 2023

Department Articles

November 10th-12th

Salute Our Veterans Weekend is designed to celebrate Veterans and their families. We raise money for a select charity to help improve the lives of the many selfless men and women who bravely served our Nation. This year, all proceeds benefit:

Golf Tournament Scramble at Stonegate Golf Club Friday, November 10th Shotgun Start at 8:30am · Registration: 7am-8am $70 per person or $280 for a foursome Residents and Non-Residents Welcome Golf Entry Includes: Continental Breakfast, Green & Cart Fee Waived, Range Balls Before Play, On Course Special Events, Raffles, Goody Bags and Prizes (Closest to the Pin, Longest Putt, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place); Lunch and Awards to follow. Register online NOW at SolivitaHOA.com or visit the Activities office located above the Bistro Café.

Veterans Day Memorial Ceremony & Breakfast Saturday, November 11th

$15 per person. Guest of all ages welcome. Veterans Day will begin with a wonderful ceremony presented by the Veterans Club of Solivita at 9am at the Veterans Memorial in Freedom Park. After the ceremony, join us for a delicious breakfast in the Ballroom. The breakfast buffet menu includes fluffy scrambled eggs with cheese; bacon; country style potatoes; warm croissants; self-serve coffee, orange juice, cranberry juice and water. Tickets available online NOW at SolivitaHOA.com. A limited number of tickets will also be sold by the Veterans Club.

Foreigners Journey - A Tribute to Foreigner & Journey Sunday, November 12th

Shows at 5pm and 7:30pm. General Admission—$20 per person. EOSS—$25 per person. The music and energy of two legendary stadium rock bands come together in one electrifying tribute show! Their repertoire of classic hits by Foreigner and Journey provide a crowd-pleasing night of unforgettable music. Ballroom doors open 30 minutes before the show for Early Open Show Seating (EOSS) and General Admission doors open 25 minutes before the show. Tickets available online NOW at SolivitaHOA.com. *Refunds will not be accepted or given for any of the events.*

REFLECTIONS | NOVEMBER 2023

Solivita HOA

Solivita HOA Board Report: Scams

BY LARRY ANSON PRESIDENT, SOLIVITA HOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS It seems that almost every day we read or hear about one of our neighbors being caught up in a scam that cost them dearly, both financially and by lost peace of mind. This month we will point out some common scams, and how to spot and avoid them. The Federal Trade Commission, the primary government agency involved in educating and protecting the public, reported that 2.4 million Americans lost $8.8 billion in 2022. While the number of reports was down by 500,000 yearover-year, the losses actually increased by 30 percent. Experts suggest that if you think you are too smart to be scammed, think again. Our purpose here is to help educate you in the rapidly changing and highly sophisticated world of fraudsters. Scott Wilder, Director of Communications for Polk County Sheriff, said his department received 191 scam reports in the first six months of 2023. The largest involved a crook who cheated a man out of more than $100,000. The thief pretended to be an investment broker. He was courteous, convincing the victim to transfer the money to an account he managed. Before long, the broker and the money disappeared. The FTC reports that more than $3.8 million was lost in such scams in 2022, double the previous year. However, imposter scams are now the most common of all frauds. A Solivita woman reported that she lost about $1,000 to a caller who told her he was from Duke Energy. Her power was about to be turned off because “Duke” had not received payments for two months. She knew the money had been taken from her bank account, but the “kindly” caller said it was probably a computer error. Still, to stop the shut off, she had to make a payment immediately. She’d get it back once the error was corrected. He helped her set up a Zelle bank function to transfer the money. He even “helped” her when things went wrong, resulting in her having to make the transfer three times. Wilder said another popular imposter scam these days involves crooks calling to warn the recipient that they missed jury duty. To avoid imminent arrest, a fine would have to be paid immediately. Many of the fraudsters operate offshore, making it difficult or impossible for law enforcement to make arrests. 10

Tips From Experts

» Banks, utilities, and governmental agencies never call unannounced. They will typically send a letter or a text that requires a two-step verification. Don’t trust anyone claiming to be from your bank or the government. Call instead to verify. » Don’t answer a call if you don’t recognize the number. If it’s legitimate, they will leave a message. » If you receive a test or email from a government agency or a trusted business, don’t open it. The crooks often “spoof” messages to make them look like the real deal. Look up the business and contact them directly. » Never click on hyperlinks in electronic messages. That could lead to a virus being planted in your device. » Never give your personal or financial information in response to an unexpected request. Never give anyone your passwords. » Resist pressure to act immediately. Check out the caller. » Never pay with cryptocurrency or gift cards. Never deposit a check and send money to someone. » If someone calls about a family member who needs help, call the family member directly. » If you get an unexpected electronic notice of a bill or even a receipt, don’t reply. Call the business directly. » Don’t panic. Talk to someone you trust. » Report the fraud attempt to law enforcement. Also notify the bank, credit card company and any agency or business that had been part of the crime.

Sources That Can Provide More Information » polksheriff.org/news-investigations/scam-reporting » aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/ » consumer.ftc.gov/scams

REFLECTIONS | NOVEMBER 2023

Department Articles

PARTICIPANT INFORMATION

This event is open to all Solivita residents, club membership is not required. Registration is open from Monday, November 6th to Friday, January 5th. Registration forms are available for pick-up and dropping off at the Riviera Spa and Fitness Center and The Palms. Your first game is a $20 registration fee which includes one T-shirt. Each additional game is $5 each. Some games have limited space and will be prioritized by date registered. Wait lists will be held. On the day of your participating game(s), arrive early to register, warm-up and for the review of game rules.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST SOLIVITA OLYMPICS OPENING CEREMONY

The Solivita Olympics will open with a parade starting from the Farmer’s Market to the Pro Shop roundabout that will include music entertainment, food trucks and a cash bar. The parade will highlight the torchbearers, event coordinators, committee, game participants, volunteers and sponsors who are involved and supporting the Solivita Olympic games. The end of the parade will feature the last torchbearer carrying the torch to light the cauldron located in the Pro Shop roundabout. The cauldron will stay on during the entire Olympics. Parade participants are to meet in the Freedom Park Farmer’s Market area by 3:15pm. The parade will start at 4pm. After the parade ends, we celebrate with an International themed street party outside the Ballroom (will move inside the Ballroom dependent on the weather). Wear your country of origin’s hat, shirt or colors and be part of this momentous event. Free entrance from 4pm-6:30pm. Guests of all ages welcome. RAIN OR SHINE. VILLAGE DRIVE WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICLE TRAFFIC FROM 3PM-7PM FROM THE BALLROOM TO THE PRO SHOP, EXCEPT TO VENDORS FOR SETUP.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST • • • • •

10:15am-5pm - Hands & Foot Canasta - The Palms 12:30pm-4:30pm - Dominoes - Baltic Room 2pm-4pm - Table Tennis - RSF Aerobic Studio 5:30pm-8:30pm - Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool 7pm - Bid Whist with a Twist - Baltic Room

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND • • • • • • • •

9am-1pm - Walking - Freedom Park Restroom 9:30am-1pm - Mexican Train Dominoes - Mosaics 9am-1pm - Billiards Advanced 8 Ball - Billiards Gallery 1pm-5pm - Billiards Advanced 9 Ball - Billiards Gallery 10am-3pm - Chess - Palms 12pm-6pm - Pickleball Mixed Doubles - Freedom Park 4pm-6pm - Basketball Around the World & Hot Shot Freedom Park 5:30pm-8:30pm - Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD

• 9am - Swimming Freestyle 50/100/200m - RSF Indoor Pool

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• • • • • • • • • •

9am - Swimming Backstroke 50/100m - RSF Indoor Pool 9am - Swimming Breaststroke 50/100m - RSF Indoor Pool 8:30am - Horseshoes - Freedom Park 9am-1pm - Billiards Intermediate 8 Ball - Billiards Gallery 1pm-5pm - Billiards Intermediate 9 Ball - Billiards Gallery 9am - Tennis Men’s Doubles - Freedom Park 9am - Cornhole 4 Person Teams - Chess Lawn 11am-3pm - Poker - Aegean Room 11am-3pm - Scrabble - Gator Room 2pm-5pm - Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH • • • • •

9am - Tennis Mixed Doubles - Freedom Park 10:15am-5pm - Hand, Knee & Foot Canasta - The Palms 2pm-5pm - Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool 9am–1pm - Billiards Beginners 8 Ball - Billiards Gallery 1pm-5pm - Billiards Beginners 9 Ball - Billiards Gallery

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH

• 9am - Tennis Women’s Doubles - Freedom Park • 1:30pm-4pm - Rummikub - Ceramics Gallery • 4pm-6pm - Softball Hitting, Throwing & Catching - Freedom Park

• 5:30pm-8:30pm - Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool • 9am - Cycling 10 Mile - Freedom Park Softball Field • 10am - Power Lifting - The Palms

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH

• 9am-12pm - Dragon Boat - Boat Dock Behind Bistro Café • 9:45am-6pm - Hand & Foot Canasta (Continuation from 2/1) - The Palms

• 1pm-5pm - Team Bridge - Gator Room • 1pm-4pm - Soul Line Dancing - Ballroom • 5:30pm-8:30pm - Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH

• 12:45pm-4pm - Hand & Foot Canasta (Continuation from 2/1) - Gator Room

• 5:30pm-8:30pm - Water Volleyball - RSF Indoor Pool

SOLIVITA OLYMPICS CLOSING CEREMONY

We’ll close the Olympics on February 7th at 12pm starting at the Pro Shop Roundabout as we extinguish the torch and take photos. More details to come.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Email Olympics.Committee2024@gmail.com or contact: Keith Eaton at 609-472-4826; Ellie Graham at 718-807-4826; Bobby Vance at 845988-6388; or Rochelle Young (for non-sport games) at 510-206-9938.

Department Notices

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY HOURS

2024 RECURRING CLUB CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS

» Admin, Activities & R2R Resource Center: Closed » Riviera Spa & Fitness Center and The Palms Fitness Center: Open at 6:30am and Close at 12pm on Thanksgiving » Stonegate Golf Courses: Close at 12pm on Thanksgiving » Stonegate Pro Shop: 7am-12pm on Thanksgiving » The Grille at Stonegate, Marketplace Bistro & Mosaics: Closed on Thanksgiving

Solivita Clubs with recurring weekly/monthly meetings need to submit their meeting information in order to be included in the Reflections Calendar Insert for each calendar year. You may start sending in your submissions for 2024. Please include the complete information in your submission even if it hasn’t changed, including club name, day and date of meeting, time, and location. Double check your meeting dates and be sure to note any cancellations due to holidays, etc. If you list a meeting on a holiday, it will be included on the calendar.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23RD & FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH:

THANKSGIVING DINNER & TO GO ORDERS Thanksgiving dinner will be held in the Starlite Ballroom on Thursday, November 23rd from 11am-3:30pm. Reservations are required. Call 863-427-7167. Mosaics will offer Thanksgiving meals to go. Email MOD@ stonegategolf.com to place your to-go order from November 6th - 16th. Order pick up will be in Mosaics on November 21st & 22nd from 11am-1pm.

COMMUNITY EVENTS Events submitted for the Community Events section must be open to the entire community. The word count limit is 200 words. Events can be advertised for only two months - the month before and the month the event takes place. Submit articles to Reflections@SolivitaClub.com.

Groups that made an annual submission for 2023 are NOT automatically carried over into the new year. To ensure your club meeting makes it onto the January 2024 calendar, please send submissions to Reflections@SolivitaClub. com by Friday, December 1st.

STONEGATE DRESS CODE REMINDER As a friendly reminder, please remember that no tank tops are permitted in The Grille or Mosaics.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS THIS MONTH Daylight Saving Time officially ENDS on Sunday, November 5th at 2am. Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday, November 4th!

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS 6.29 Holiday Lights and Decorations. This provision applies to all holidays throughout the year. Holiday lights and decorations may be put up on homes within Solivita so long as the lights do not create a nuisance as set forth in the Declaration. Any lights and decorations for holidays are allowed between Wednesday, November 15th and Monday, January 15th. 12

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Solivita University

Co-Sponsored by the Solivita University Committee and Activities To purchase a Great Decisions book, go to SolivitaHOA.com Home Page by clicking on the Purchase Ticket or Class HERE icon. 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, call the Activities Office at 863-427-7125 or email SolivitaActivities@CastleGroup.com.

Art Lecture – Radical Textiles

Tuesday, November 7th | Mosaics at 1pm Tuition: 2023 Art and Literary Lecture Pass or $5 at the door. Lecture Passes are for Art Lectures only and are non-refundable. Lecturer: Jan Clanton, Art Historian Class Description: This presentation will focus on the ingenuity of artists working without traditional media. Textiles can become sculpture in the hands of El Anatusi, a Ghanaian artist, using detritus like bottle caps as his medium. The quilters of Gee’s

El Anatsui: Generation Coming, 2022, metal wall hanging made of aluminium and copper wire - elanatsui.art.

Bend, Alabama, were so poor that they had no supplies either. Instead, they made masterpieces out of old, faded denim.

Great Decisions (GD) Discussions

Each year the Foreign Policy Association produces a study guide with 8-9 of the most critical global issues facing America. Great Decisions discussions are moderated virtually via Zoom generally on the second Tuesday at 11am. For questions or to check out a GD discussion this year, request a free invite from Irene Stecher at stecherirene06@gmail.com or 763 443-8550. 2024 Great Decision Discussion Annual Pass & Book The 2024 GD Annual Pass and Book cost will be $39. Go to SolivitaHOA.com and click on the Purchase Ticket or Class HERE icon. The 2024 GD topics will be: Middle East Realignment, Pandemic Preparedness, NATO’s Future, Climate Technology & Competition, Understanding Indonesia, US-China Trade Rivalry, Science Across Borders and High Seas Treaty.

FRIENDS WHO HAVE LEFT US, BUT ARE NOT FORGOTTEN Mike Brown Gladstone Huggins Joseph Muscarella

Brown

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Huggins

Muscarella

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

Department Articles

Whispering Fall & A Yummy Butterball! BY SHELLEY DESTEFANO COMMUNITY CONCIERGE Whether you are whispering to each other or listening as fall whispers to you, ‘Tis the Season. It is also the season to eat a Butterball turkey with all the fixings while mingling with your family. Of course, there are lots of other things to do while mingling, so, enjoy a few of them if you please!

Important Dates & Holidays

» Daylight Saving Time ends at 2am on Sunday, November 5th so don’t forget to turn your clocks back an hour. » Veterans Day is on Saturday, November 11th. » Thanksgiving is on Thursday, November 24th. » Black Friday is November 25th.

Haven Holiday Market

The Haven Holiday Market is Saturday, November 18th from 9:30am to 6pm located at 1-35 4th Street NW in Winter Haven. You can enjoy several vendors at this market such as arts, crafts, gifts, vintage and fair-trade goods, food, and live music. If you have some shopping to do you might want to check out this event. Please visit mywinterhaven.com for more information.

Holinights Celebration

The Holinights Celebration will be going on from November 17th through December 25th from 6pm to 9:30pm on select nights. This is a free holiday celebration with Santa Claus, live music, 42-foot Christmas tree and more. Please visit sunsetwalk. com for more information.

Festival of Trees

The Festival of Trees is November 10th through the 19th from 10am to 5pm daily, located at the Orlando Museum of Art (2416 N. Mills Avenue in Orlando). Ticket prices are $20 per adult and $12 for seniors. Parking is $7. For more information, please visit omart.org. Please visit the Concierge page on SolivitaHOA.com for more things to do in the area. I hope the fall season whispers pleasant things in your ears and fills your butterball bellies with so much joy that it jiggles when you giggle.

Celebration Events

There are a couple of events to enjoy in Celebration located at 610 Sycamore Street. The Viva Alfa Romeo Car Show is on Saturday, November 4th and Now Snowing at Celebration is November 25th through December 31st. Please visit celebrationtowncenter.com for more information.

Orlando Japan Festival

On Sunday, November 12th you can enjoy the Orlando Japan Festival from 11am to 5pm located at the Kissimmee Lakefront Park (69 Lakeshore Boulevard). There is no entrance or parking fee for this event. You can expect Japanese music, dancing, martial arts demonstrations, food booths and more at this cultural event. Please visit japanese-city.com for more information. 14

Community Concierge 863-427-7100 Shelley.Destefano@CastleGroup.com

REFLECTIONS | NOVEMBER 2023

Department Articles

The R2R Resource Center is Here for You! Monster Food Drive

Thursday, November 2nd • 10am-2pm • Freedom Park Most needed items: » Canned vegetables, fruit, meat, juices, and pasta sauce » Rice, beans, pasta & macaroni and cheese » Peanut butter and cereal » Diapers Cash Donations - Make checks payable to either or one to both: » St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church: Food Pantry » St. Ann’s Catholic Church: St. Vincent de Paul Society

Community Shred Day & Electronics Recycling

Wednesday, November 8th • 10am-2pm • Freedom Park Shred your paper and electronic devices. Free to all residents. » Paper – Clean out all the paperwork clutter in your office and home. Bring your old bills, papers, old check books, and sensitive documents to shred. » Electronics - Computers, printers, smartphones, DVD/VCR players, flat screen TVs, and much more are shredded and all personal data destroyed. Certificate of data destruction is available. Visit Urban E Recycling’s website for a complete list of devices available to recycle: urbanerecycling.com/items.

The Wildlife Corridor is Here in Solivita!

Monday, November 6th • 10am • Starlite Ballroom Solivita is actively participating in The Sharing the Landscape Project. Several cameras are located in different locations in Solivita. Videos from Solivita will be shared as part of the presentation. With expansive residential development encroaching on wildlife habitat in our area, education on co-existence is an important tool to help reduce human-wildlife conflict. The Sharing the Landscape Project is a wildlife-coexistence initiative to educate and assist residents on the importance of habitat connectivity for local wildlife. Presenter, William Freund is the founder of fStop Foundation, a nonprofit out to make an impact on our world by using photography to create positive awareness for conservation. No registration required. REFLECTIONS | NOVEMBER 2023

Tech Help: Focus on Your Smartphone Camera

Thursday, November 9th • 6pm iPhone: Art Gallery • Android: Gator Room This will be for both iPhone and Android. The intent is to provide focused instruction, in under one hour, on: » Best settings options for taking photos. » Easy options for triggering the camera shutter. » Image quality adjustments available before you take the photo. Register for this session by calling the Resource Center at 863-236-9973 or emailing SolivitaR2R@gmail.com. R2R Resource Center 863-236-9973 SolivitaR2R@gmail.com

Department Articles

November in Solivita

BY BRAD THOMPSON BRANCH MANAGER, FLORALAWN Floralawn has now completed seven full years as Solivita’s landscaping and lawn care provider. Our first year was a baptism by fire with unusual things to deal with, like Hurricane Irma. Things settled down after Year One and although every season since then has brought its own adventures, we continue to enjoy the opportunity to work in this beautiful community.

Mowing Schedule Changes This Month

This month we’re switching to our off-season bi-weekly mowing schedule. At this time of the year, the grass growth slows considerably, and lawns don’t require cutting every week. Until the end of March 2024, you will see mowing crews coming around every two weeks. The detail schedule will stay the same, however. Visit SolivitaHOA.com to see Floralawn’s winter schedule. You can also call us at 863-225-9565.

Native Grasses

We’ve started pruning the native grasses throughout Solivita. This includes the large clumps of Fakahatchee grass that grow in the center median of Solivita Boulevard and in the common areas. We cut these grasses way back at this time of year.

Watching Out for Turf Grass Diseases

Even though summer is long over, we’re keeping an eye out for

common cool-weather turf grass diseases like brown patch fungus and gray leaf spot. Brown Patch Fungus affects many Florida turfgrasses, including St. Augustine, which grows throughout Solivita. When grass stays damp or wet for long periods of time—such as during our humid summer days—it becomes vulnerable to brown patch fungus. The fungus attacks grass blades at their base, weakening them until they can be pulled out of the ground easily. As the disease progresses, the grass turns yellow and then brown. Gray leaf spot disease is also caused by a fungus. Florida’s humid summers provide a moist environment in which gray leaf spot fungus thrives. Even though we’re into November, weather conditions still make central Florida’s turfgrasses vulnerable to disease. So, we watch out for gray leaf spot, too.

Questions?

Do you have questions or concerns? We’re available to answer them. Contact us at 863-225-9565 or hello@floralawn.com. The holiday season is upon us again. For all of us at Floralawn, I want to wish the residents of Solivita a Happy Thanksgiving. If you’re traveling, be safe! Floralawn 863-225-9565 hello@floralawn.com

A Thanksgiving Trivia Quiz

BY RITA MILIOS PSYCHOTHERAPIST (RET.) & HOLISTIC WELLNESS COACH, C3 WELLNESS SPA Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 23rd this year. As we look forward to that day, which marks the official start of the Holiday Season, it might be interesting to see just how much we know about this popular holiday. Take the Thanksgiving Trivia Quiz below and find out! (Answers are at the end of the article... don’t peek!) 1. What Native American tribe celebrated the first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims? (a) The Apache; (b) The Seminole; or (c) the Wampanoag 16

2. Which president first ordered a national “day of Thanksgiving”? (a) George Washington; (b) Thomas Jefferson; or (c) Martin Van Buren 3. Which President made Thanksgiving a permanent holiday? (a) John Adams; (b) Andrew Jackson; or (c) Abraham Lincoln 4. Which President was the first to pardon a turkey? Article continued on page 17

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Department Articles Rita’s article continued from page 16

(a) Franklin Delano Roosevelt; (b) John F. Kennedy; or (c) Dwight D. Eisenhower 5. Approximately how many turkeys are prepared for Thanksgiving in America each year? (a) 46 million; (b) 80 million; or (c) 100 million 6. How many Americans prefer Thanksgiving leftovers to Thanksgiving dinner? (a) about 80%; (b) about 50%; or (c) about 20% 7. Which city has the oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade? (a) Richmond; (b) Boston; or (c) Philadelphia

9. Which turkeys actually gobble? (a) only male turkeys; (b) only female turkeys; or (c) all turkeys 10. Sarah Josepha Hale, who campaigned for Thanksgiving to be a national holiday, wrote what famous song? (a) “Alice’s Restaurant;” (b) “The Thanksgiving Song;” or (c) “Mary Had a Little Lamb” Please join me, Rita Milios, The Mind Mentor, psychotherapist, and holistic coach, on Wednesday, November 1st from 2pm3pm in RSF2 for a holiday-themed presentation: How to Avoid the “Big 3” Holiday Overindulgences: Over-doing it in Eating, Drinking, and Spending Money. Happy Holidays! Answers: 1. (c); 2. (a); 3. (c); 4. (b); 5. (a); 6.(a); 7. (c);

8. Which city’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ends with Santa Claus getting a key to the city? (a) Cleveland; (b) Detroit; or (c) Chicago

8. (b); 9. (a); 10.(c) C3 Wellness Spa 407-914-9168 info@c3wellness.com

What to do After a Storm has Passed—Safety Tips SUBMITTED BY WAYNE SCHOEFFEL MEMBER OF SOLIVITA CERT

Continue to Monitor News Sources for Ongoing Storm Bulletins

Follow on Heavy Rains, Winds or Tornadoes • If you don’t have power, monitor your battery-operated weather radio. Use S.A.M.E code 12097 (for easterly warnings) and 12105 (for westerly warnings).

Inspect Your Home & Property

• When walking around your yard, wear closed-toe shoes with solid soles so you won’t cut your feet on any debris. • Watch out for wild critters. Wild animals may be confused and belligerent when displaced from their normal homes and your pets will likely be stressed (leave them inside so you can focus). • If you have damage to your property, take photos of it for your insurance company, before you move anything. Contact your insurance company right away to begin the claims process.

Help Your Neighbors

• Especially elderly or handicapped. Inspect their home. Take photos of any damage there. Remove debris.

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Additional Tips

• If power was lost, use saved water for bathing and flushing toilets. • If you use a gas grille for cooking, be sure it is away from the house to avoid Carbon Monoxide (CO). • If you see liquid oozing from a manhole in the street, stay away—it is sewage. • Exercise caution if running a generator—serious burns can result from careless refueling. • When power returns, turn heating and AC breakers back on (after shutting down your generator if you used one).

If you have other questions, contact the CERT Command Post at 863-496-0539 (when set up after a storm) or 863-5146728 (normal number). 17

Community Events

UPCOMING WELLNESS EVENTS DATE

ACTIVITY

Wednesday, November 1st 10am • RSF2

Living with Diabetes - Part 1: Gabrielle Waldman, RN, MSN, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. What it is? Can I prevent it? Is it curable? What is normal blood sugar, and can I get that patch? Basic meal planning (it’s more than just carbs), stress management and exercise. Diabetes effects more than 34 million Americans; it impacts all social, economic and ethnic backgrounds. It can effect your heart, your vision, your kidneys, your daily living activities, and your wallet. Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in our county. Despite the fact that it is often manageable, it results in more than 16 million emergency room visits and is the seventh leading cause of death. Due to room limitations, RSVP to waldmangabrielle@gmail.com.

Wednesday, November 1st 2pm • RSF2

Dignity Memorial

Thursday, November 2nd 9am-2pm • The Palms

The Alphabet Soup of Medicare: Medicare Workshop #2. This will be the second of three identical workshops. It will discuss ways to navigate Medicare and the current health insurance system and how to find the best coverage for your needs. The same workshop will be presented on November 22nd for those that cannot make the first two. Due to limited space, we ask that you only attend one session. RSVP is required. Please contact the Riviera Spa & Fitness Center at 863-427-7130 to add your name to the list.

Wednesday, November 8th 2pm • RSF2

Is 60 the New 40? AvMed, Dr. Joby Kolsun. As a society we are living longer, so how does your body change as you live longer. What can you expect? Can you stop the aging process? What can you do to stay young?

Wednesday, November 15th 10am • RSF2

Living with Diabetes: Part 2: Gabrielle Waldman, RN, MSN, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. Medications and technology available for treating Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is not fun, but medical and technological advances have provided many tools to improve glycemic control and reduce long term complications. Diabetes is often managed through a combination of lifestyle modifications, medications and meal planning. Come and learn about many of the medications currently available, popular herbal remedies, technology and diabetes, sick days and acute and chronic complications that require intervention. Due to room limitations, RSVP to waldmangabrielle@gmail.com.

Wednesday, November 15th 2pm • RSF2

The Brain’s Secrets: Soni Family Practice, Musaschy Filgueira. Learn the differences between the symptoms of dementia versus the signs of regular aging.

Wednesday, November 22nd 9am-2pm • The Palms

The Alphabet Soup of Medicare: Medicare Workshop #3. This will be the first of three identical workshops. It will discuss ways to navigate Medicare and the current health insurance system and how to find the best coverage for your needs. This is the last session in 2023. Due to limited space, we ask that you only attend one session. RSVP is required. Please contact the Riviera Spa & Fitness Center at 863-427-7130 to add your name to the list.

Wednesday, November 29th 10am • RSF2

Cremation & Funeral Service: Baldwin Brothers Cremation and Funeral Service, Tom Hoffman, Counselor. The seminar’s purpose is to provide information to anyone who feels it is important to relieve their family and loved ones with the burden of having to deal with arrangements at time of need. RSVP to 407-636-6986

REFLECTIONS | NOVEMBER 2023