Solivita Reflections | October 2023 (Limited Version)

REFLECTIONS

OCTOBER 2023 VOLUME 23 ISSUE 10

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: Friday-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

Experience the bright, energetic, fun and festive cultures of the Caribbean, Brazil and Africa by celebrating Carnival on Saturday, October 7th. Feel transported by the colorful décor, the tropical beverages and the lively beats at this street party in the Solivita Village Center from 6pm-9pm. Photos by Joe Thomas.

CONTACT LIST

Community Manager (Association) - Rudy Bautista: 863-701-2969 or RBautista@Evergreen-LM.com

Club Manager - Sheri Wollschlager: 863-427-7129 or Sheri.Wollschlager@CastleGroup.com

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

Activities: 863-427-7125 or Jana.Malik@CastleGroup.com

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

OCTOBER TABLE OF CONTENTS

Newsletter Submission & Advertising Info

Department Articles

Solivita HOA Board Contacts

Solivita HOA Board Report

Community Events

Mosaics Special Nights

Wellness Events

A Touch of Class

Club & Support Group Meeting Lists ...................

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

NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS

Page 3

Pages 4-15

Page 6

Page 8

Pages 16-19

Page 16

Page 19

Pages 20-24

Pages 25-29

Pages 30-53

Neighborhood Captains News .........................................

Resident Kudos

Advertisements

Activities Events (back of calendar)

Page 54

Page 54

Pages 54-88

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

Email submissions to Reflections@ SolivitaClub.com

NOVEMBER SUBMISSIONS

Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Monday, October 2nd. Club insert copies are due by Monday, October 23rd, but must be approved by the Club Manager, Sheri Wollschlager (Sheri.Wollschlager@ CastleGroup.com) or the Communications Coordinator, Wilman De Jesus (Wilman.DeJesus@CastleGroup.com) before they are copied.

DECEMBER SUBMISSIONS

Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Wednesday, November 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 863-4400377, 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.

This is New to Solivita!

BY JANA MALIK DIRECTOR OF ACTIVITIES

At Solivita, we love our street parties! From Mardi Gras, Cinco de Mayo and St. Patrick’s Day to July 4th, Oktoberfest and Tropical Night, we’ve had lots of fun events in the Village Center! A new street party is coming up on Saturday, October 7th from 6pm-9pm called the Carnival Street Party. This is not to be confused with a circus carnival, but it is similar to the Mardi Gras celebration. Carnival is a huge event celebrated all over the world, and while it may be difficult to explain, it would be much easier and more fun if you come see for yourself! Imagine bright colors, upbeat Tropic-Afro and popular music, bright and elaborate costumes, sweet virgin and alcoholic drinks, eye catching strolling entertainment and a photo booth with props so you can remember this night for years to come.

Solivita Volunteers, Log Sheet Are Due

Turn in your Solivita Volunteer Log Sheet to the Activities office by Monday, October 9th. Hours helping a Solivita Club department from March 1 through October 7, 2023 are being accepted. Thank you to all the Solivita volunteers; we cannot do what we do without your help!

Freedom Park, Village Center, Restaurant and Building Closings

1. Saturday, October 7th – Carnival Street Party

» Golf Cart Parking Closing: Golf Cart Parking will be closed all day behind the Bistro Café and along the Village Center from the Ballroom to the Art Gallery for event setup.

» Street Closing: Village Drive from the Ballroom to the Pro Shop will close to vehicles and golf carts from 3pm-10pm.

2. Saturday, October 21st - Community Yard Sale

» Freedom Park Recreation events are CANCELLED until 12pm.

» Village Drive experiences traffic from 6am-11:30am.

It’s Hard to Say Goodbye ...

If you have not heard, Michelle Ifill, our Activities Lead team member, has made a career move by accepting a position as

a Lifestyle Director at another Castle Group community close by. If you worked with her in the past, you know she was hardworking, knowledgeable and efficient, all with a smile and a warm welcome. Michelle would accomplish multiple tasks, reserving most all of the room requests sent to us and would serve as liaison to clubs and the housekeeping department to make sure that events in the Ballroom, Mosaics and Palms were setup exactly as requested. She will be missed but not forgotten. As of writing this, we have found a candidate to join our team and once she is onboard, we will introduce her to you. As always, our awesome team, Brandon and Alexandria, are here to help you with anything Michelle assisted you with in the past.

The Winners Are ...

Let’s Flamingle Pool Party Event Game Winners held on July 28th

Flamingo Ice Breaker Winners (from left to right): Craig Johnson, Ken ‘Elvis’ Dargatz and Rosa Rodriguez

Truth or Flamingo Game Winner: Alnoble Hambrick

Jana’s article continued from page 4

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

Overall Best Decorated Flamingo: Names not available

2023 Golf Cart Rally Winners held on August 12th

Route 1 Winners

» 1st Place Team: “Equipe Du L’Eau” - Barbara & Luis Ferrer and Joan & Mel Faison (pictured below-left)

» 2nd Place Team: “K&M” - Amy & Roy LaRue and Sam & JoAnn Fattoross

» 3rd Place Team: “Michigan Mike” - Greg and Maria Brown

Route 2 Winners

» 1st Place Team: “NY Four” - Sandy Knapp, Kathy Sheehan, Barb Szczesniak and Jeanne Gonzalez (below-right)

» 2nd Place Team: “Even The Losers Get Lucky Sometimes”Jim and Kristi McConnell and Chuck and Connie Garner

» 3rd Place Team: “Villa Park Cruisers” - Patti & John Brinkley and Mike and Joan Swaar

» 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

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.

Jana Malik 863-427-7125

Jana.Malik@CastleGroup.com

22nd Annual

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

Saturday, November 4th 10am-4pm Village Center

Rain or Shine

130+ Arts & Crafts Booths and Solivita Merchandise Booth Fund Drive to Benefit Local Food Pantry

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

High School Jazz Band,SteelOktoberfest, Drums, BBC Jazz Trio, La Calle Band

Strolling Entertainment

Festival FoodEatery in the Bistro Roundabout

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

Wine, Beer & Art Garden

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

in the Welcome Center Courtyard

Festival Bake Shoppe + 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

by

Photos

Gaby Backert, Joe Thomas, Irene Stecher & Susan Katsoff

Solivita HOA Board Report: Sidewalk & Cart Paths

BY LARRY ANSON PRESIDENT, SOLIVITA HOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board elected by Solivita homeowners intends to keep Solivita’s sidewalks and paths safe for residents and their guests and ultimately save us money.

As required by law, responsibility for the maintenance of the sidewalks, roads, street signs, gatehouses and fences were transferred to the HOA by our developer, Taylor Morrison, on February 1, 2022, as full development of the community was nearing completion.

The condition of the sidewalks quickly became a priority for the new Board because of the number of trip-and-fall claims that had been filed. Those accidents resulted in a significant increase in the association’s insurance premiums.

The Board created a Maintenance/Infrastructure Committee that, beginning last fall, worked quickly to repair the damaged walks and paths. Then a survey was done showing the location and condition of each of the walks and paths. A database was created listing the locations, the condition and the work that had been done, which is a critical part of the ongoing maintenance.

It was no small task. Solivita has 27.6 miles (899,000 square feet) of sidewalks and cart paths that were targeted for close inspection. Nearly 22,000 square feet were removed and replaced; another 400 linear feet of raised edges on sidewalks were ground down. The cost was $227,000.

Another inspection was conducted in March that resulted in $24,000 being spent on replacement and grinding of sidewalks

Solivita Flags Over 2024 RENEWALS

needing repair. At the same time, the committee adopted a written plan calling for an annual inspection and the standards for sidewalk maintenance. The plan was adopted by the Board this past spring.

The committee also responded to requests from residents to add six ramps that allow pedestrians, golf carts and bicyclists to safely access pathways and streets from neighborhoods where no access points had existed.

The goal of the Board in doing the repairs and creating a plan going forward is to maintain a safe environment to eliminate claims resulting from pedestrian injuries incurred by tripping and falling on uneven walkways. We pledge to diligently maintain them going forward.

The next annual community-wide inspection will begin in February or March. You might recall seeing red paint on the edges of sidewalk panels, or an X in red. These are our markings to inform and warn residents that there is an issue. It also means we have it on the list for repairs. It also helps the vendor in locating and addressing the issue. The line denotes it is to be ground, the X is for replacement.

In addition to the ongoing work, the HOA and its committee are going to monitor the condition of our walkways and pathways. We urge everyone to continue to be cautious while enjoying a walk. We also welcome your input. We ask all residents to report any sidewalk concerns to your Community Association Manager, Rudy Bautista, at 863-701-2969 or RBautista@ Evergreen-LM.com.

The 2023 Flags Over Solivita (FOS) Project is coming to an end! The final flag placement is set for Veterans Day. The overwhelming support from residents has been humbling and many charities have benefitted from your generosity! Thank you SOLIVITA! FOS is now accepting credit card ONLY donations for 2024 starting October 1, 2023. Be on the lookout for HOA emails and in Reflections for more information. In December, paper applications will be available for residents wishing to donate using cash or check. The applications will be an insert in Reflections and available at the Concierge Desk. There is still time to request a 2023 flag placement for Veterans Day! Please visit veteransclubofsolivita.com for more information and to donate. Scan the QR code for the 2024 Donation Form!

RIVIERA SPA & FITNESS CENTER

2023 HEALTH FAIR

Come out and join the fun!

Please don’t forget to mark your calendars for this year’s Annual Health Fair scheduled for Wednesday, October 18th. We will bring in many of the familiar and local vendors for the event. Remember, this will be a themed event, so feel free to wear your most creative or scariest costume.

• RSF will close at 5pm on 10/17 in preparation

• 9am - 12pm

• Raffle Prizes

• Best Costume Prize

October’s Scary Hospitality!

BY SHELLEY DESTEFANO COMMUNITY CONCIERGE

Shelley’s my name and hospitality’s my game. I wear many hats, so dressing up is always in season - it just depends on the reason. Columbus Day is on Monday, October 9th, so that just gives us one reason to get out and explore the area this month. See below for other tempting reasons.

Silver Spurs Rodeo

On Saturday, October 7th at 7:30pm you can enjoy the Silver Spurs Rodeo located at the Osceola Heritage Park (1875 Silver Spur Lane in Kissimmee). Please visit ohpark.com/events to purchase tickets and for more information.

Oktoberfest

The German American Society of Central Florida will celebrate Oktoberfest on October 7th and 8th from 12pm-10pm located at 381 Orange Lane in Casselberry. Tickets are $5 on Eventbrite or at the gate. You can expect to enjoy German food, beer, dancing, live music, entertainment and more. Please visit orlandogermanclub.com for more information.

Enjoy Oktoberfest at Celebration on October 20th and 21st (located at 610 Sycamore Street in Celebration). Please visit celebrationtowncenter.com for more information.

Taste of Latino Festival

Kissimmee will host their 2nd Annual FORD Taste of Latino Festival on Sunday, October 8th from 12pm-6pm in Downtown Kissimmee. You can enjoy live music, dance performances and a Latino Chef Contest at this admission free festival. Please visit tasteoflatino.com for more information.

Fall Festival

Lake Wales will host their admission free Fall Festival on Saturday, October 14th from 11am-4pm at Lake Wales Park (located at 33 East Park Avenue). You can enjoy craft vendors, a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, music, and entertainment at this festival. Please visit gfwc-lake-wales-junior-womans-club. business.site for more information.

Rock ‘N’ Brews BBQ Festival

Rock ‘N’ Brews BBQ Festival will be running from October 26th-28th from 2pm-10pm at Camp Mack, a Guy Harvey Lodge, Marina & RV Resort located at 14900 Camp Mack

Road in Lake Wales. You can expect to enjoy BBQ vendors, a bonfire party, a craft fair on Saturday and live music from local bands on Friday and Saturday. Proceeds from the event will go to Freedom Tour for mobile relief for those in need in Polk County. Please visit guyharveycampmack.com/rock-n-brews-bbq for more information.

Pioneer Days Festival

Lake Wales History Museum will have their free admission Pioneer Days Festival on October 28th & 29th at Lake Wales Park located at 499 East Park Avenue. Please visit lakewaleshistory. org/pioneer-days-festival-1 for more information.

Looking for Some Scary Venues?

Halloween is on October 31st. Check out some spooky events that might send shivers down your spine. Seriously though, no one can be content this month without biting down on a delicious candy apple ... Yes, it’s all about the little things in life!

» Universal Halloween Horror Nights for adults and older teenagers - halloweenhorrornights.com.

» Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween will be running through November 1st - disneyworld.disney.go.com

» Old Town’s Annual Haunted House is open Wednesday through Sunday at 6pm with an $18 entrance feemortemmanor.com

» SeaWorld HOWL-O-SCREAM - seaworld.com/orlando/ events/howl-o-scream

» Harvest Holler includes a pumpkin patch and corn maze. Entry is $15 for adults. They are open through November 12th. Friday, 4pm-8pm; Saturday, 12pm-8pm; and Sunday, 12pm-5pm. Located at 950 Tavares Road in Polk City - harvestholler.com

» You can also experience a gravity optical illusion located at Spook Hill in Lake Wales. The hill makes you feel like you are driving up hill while you are going downhill.

If you didn’t see anything entertaining in this article, then check out the Concierge page on SolivitaHOA.com for more things to do in the area. It’s a scary October so let’s chat and get things sorted out.

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

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

$65 per person or $260 for a foursome (before October 1st)

$70 per person or $280 for a foursome (starting October 1st)

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.*

Co-Sponsored by the Solivita University Committee and Activities

October classes are on sale now on the 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 Jana.Malik@CastleGroup.com.

Art Lecture – Gustav Klimt

Tuesday, October 24th

Ballroom 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: Klimt was an outrageous Austrian artist at the turn of the 20th century. He is famous for The Kiss, but that one painting just scratches the surface of his body of work. Participants will see how he went from being the darling of Vienna society to its “bad boy.”

Next Lecture: November 7th - Radical Textiles

A History of Comedy Across 20th Century America Through Film and Narration

Thursdays, October 19th, 26th and November 2nd Gator Room at 1pm

Tuition: $20 per student

Professor : Richard Goldsmith, Ph.D

Course Description: Laughter ... where would we be without it? We laugh at so many things: the inevitability of life, slapstick, physical comedy, situations, “making fun,” and so much more. Comedy assures our physical vitality, delight in life and the will to go on living. Comedy is a living, breathing part of all of us! We all love to laugh. We feel good and alive when we laugh.

Disclaimer : Some language in videos.

Great Decisions (GD) Discussions

Beginners Conversational Spanish Course

8 Classes on: Mondays, October 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th in the Gator Room and Tuesdays, October 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st in Mosaics • Classes at 9:30am

Tuition: $40 per student

Instructor : Carmen Boos

Course Description: Learn the two verbs “To & Be = Ser & Estar” and the rules which govern the use of each through dialogue. These verbs and the interrogatives will also be learned. Assorted vocabulary lists will be provided. Students will be able to request phrases to use for a working vocabulary that will help when speaking to Spanish speakers.

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 PRE-ORDER DISCOUNT

The 2024 GD Annual Pass and Book cost will be $35 in the month of October ONLY. Go to SolivitaHOA.com and click on the Purchase Ticket or Class HERE icon. The 2024 GD topics are tentatively: Middle East Realignment, Pandemic Preparations, NATO, Climate Technology & Competition, Indonesia, US-China Investment Strategies, Science Across the Borders and more.

Gustav Klimt, an Austrian symbolist painter, Madame Tussauds wax museum in Vienna. Editorial credit: Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock.com.

Yard of the Month

BY GREEN THUMBS CLUB

Our new recipients of the Yard of the Month award are Lisa and Dennis Scannell in the Vittoria neighborhood. Their lovely corner lot at 402 Villa Marina has colorful plant selections along with rock enhancements to make their yard pop. Lisa does the designing while Dennis does the grunt work. Together they have fashioned a lovely garden to be very proud of. Congratulations Scannells! The heat will be subsiding a bit this month, so get out there in the early morning or late afternoon and make your yard sparkle. Yours might be the next Yard of the Month!

Hello Solivita

BY ERIC LARSON TEAM LEADER OF SOLIVITA CERT

Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Eric Larson, the new Team Leader of Solivita CERT. My wife, Catherine, and I moved here on September 1, 2016. We are originally from Connecticut. We have enjoyed every minute we’ve lived here. We especially enjoy no snow, ice or freezing cold like the northern states.

As a reminder, it is still hurricane season through November. Make sure you have a hurricane check list readily available and keep your supplies stocked and ready.

» NOAA Weather Radio - available at Lowes, Home Depot and Amazon, sometimes Wal-Mart and Publix too, for about $40 or more.

» Flashlights and spare batteries for every household member. Never plan to use candles for temporary lighting; too many fires arise out of candles used for lighting.

» Canned or dried food for at least three days, plus a manual can opener. See our Supplies List available from the Concierge or on SolivitaHOA.com

» Alternative chargers for your cellphone (your car battery with a USB adapter can be one). Your golf cart is another

source of power for your cell phone. A power inverter can deliver 120vac from your car or cart batteries, enabling the use of many household electric devices. If you need assistance, contact CERT.

» Keep around $200 cash on hand for emergency purchases. Also, keep at least a half tank of gas in your car in case gas stations do not have power.

If you have a traditional wired landline phone, it will work during an outage. If you have a cordless phone, it will not work without electricity. If you have any type of phone that needs electricity, like Spectrum or other VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), they will not work.

If you are dependent on powered life sustaining equipment, arrange for power backup (battery, generator, or a neighbor with a generator). Figure this out now.

Clearly, all these recommendations need to be implemented NOW, before they are needed in an emergency. Address each one and be prepared!

The R2R Resource Center is Here for You!

How to Use Alexa

Tuesday, October 3rd • 10am • The Palms

The more you know about Alexa, the more you wonder how you ever lived without her. Alexa can:

» Connect with your Amazon account

» Summon help if you’re hurt or ill at home

» Manage your shopping list

» Tell you to water your plants

» Control other appliances

» Settle argument about who won the 1922 World Series

» Remind you it’s your daughter-in-law’s birthday

» Create sounds to help you sleep

» Play your favorite music

» Program your lights when you’re away

» Tell you a joke or play a great podcast

Technology Clinic: Help with Your Devices

Wednesday, October 11th • 2pm-4pm • Art Gallery

Bring your device (e.g., computer, smartphone, Apple watch, tablet, etc.) and we’ll help you with your questions. Limited timeslots are available every half hour between 2pm-4pm.

Apple Watch Basics

Monday, October 16th • 9am-12pm • The Palms

Did you just get a new Apple Watch or want to learn more about the one you have? Then this class is for you. We’ll cover the following topics:

» The buttons and screen

» Using Apple Watch Dock

» Customizing features and using settings

» The Control Center

» Apple Watch apps

» Bring your iPhone and Apple Watch fully charged

Advanced registration is requested for all of these Technology Sessions. Register by contacting the Resource Center at 863-236-9973 or SolivitaR2R@gmail.com.

Donation Day

Thursday, October 19th • 10am-2pm • Freedom Park

Are you tired of the clutter, doing some fall cleaning, or just want to get rid of a few things? Just drop off your unwanted items at Freedom Park. Who will be here:

» Habitat for Humanity – Household goods (e.g., furniture, mirrors, rugs, decorations, etc.)

» St. Vincent de Paul – Household goods and clothing

Having Trouble Hearing?

Friday, October 20th • 9am • The Palms

We will talk about hearing loss and how hearing aids can help you. Topics covered will include:

» Anatomy & Physiology of Hearing

» Understanding Sound

» How does hearing loss occur?

» Can hearing aids really make a difference?

» Are all hearing losses the same?

» Are all hearing aids the same?

Scams Targeting Seniors

Tuesday, October 24th • 10am • The Palms

Americans lost a record-breaking $8.8 Billion to scams in 2022, with seniors taking the biggest hit! Scammers know where seniors live and target Florida. AARP will cover:

» The latest scams targeting seniors.

» How to protect yourself.

» What to do if you have fallen victim to a scam.

Advanced registration is requested for both of the above presentations. Register by contacting the Resource Center at 863-236-9973 or SolivitaR2R@gmail.com.

November Happenings

» 11/2 – Monster Food Drive

» 11/6 – Wildlife Corridor Presentation

» 11/8 – Shred Day & Electronic Recycling

» 11/8 – Tech Help

Autumn Days in Solivita

BY BRAD THOMPSON BRANCH MANAGER, FLORALAWN

We officially hit the fall season a few weeks ago, and cooler days are in sight! Floralawn landscaping crews are always happy for the reprieve from summer’s heat. We are still busy keeping resident and common-area landscaping looking beautiful and it’s nice to experience milder temps while we execute all the necessary tasks.

Fertilizing & Sod Replacement

October brings our fourth application of granular fertilizer for the year. This month we will also be applying a communitywide herbicide treatment and tackling the third sod and plant replacements lists. We replace sod and plants by zones. If you’re wondering which zone you’re in and when your zone is due for replacements, give us a call at 863-225-9565.

Cool-Season Irrigation & Mowing Changes

Watch out for sprinkler action soon. We turn most sprinklers off over the summer because Mother Nature provides adequate rainfall for the community’s plants and turf. However, once the daily rains drop off, we’ll turn the irrigation system back on.

We’re also coming to the time of year when grass growth slows way down. You will continue to see mowing crews providing weekly service this month, but on October 30th, we’ll switch to a bi-weekly mowing schedule.

Fakahatchee Pruning

Fakahatchee is the name of the large native ornamental grass

clumps that grow down the middle of Solivita Boulevard and in other places throughout the community. In later October, you’ll see Floralawn crews pruning these clumps.

Monitoring Turf for Brown Patch Fungus

Brown Patch Fungus is one of Central Florida’s fall turf afflictions that we watch out for. Fall days with cooler temps and longer nights see more moisture staying on turf. When grass stays moist for prolonged periods, it creates a perfect environment for the growth of brown patch fungus.

Turf with brown patch fungus turns yellowish and then brown. The discoloration happens in a roundish shape, giving the fungus its name “brown patch.”

Brown patch fungus has an affinity for St. Augustine grass, which is the turf species that grows throughout Solivita. For this reason, we keep a close eye on the grass throughout Solivita, quickly treating affected areas with fungicide.

Questions?

If you have any landscaping or turf-related questions or concerns, call us at 863-225-9565, email us at hello@floralawn.com, or come to our Coffee Talk in Mosaics at 9am on October 27th.

Enjoy these beautiful cooler days!

Floralawn 863-225-9565

hello@floralawn.com

FRIENDS WHO HAVE LEFT US, BUT ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

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

Bill “Santa” Gross Barbara J. Herron

Norman LeDonne Linda Lehmann