Solivita Reflections | October 2024 (Limited Version)

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REFLECTIONS

OCTOBER 2024 VOLUME 24 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

Breakfast: Thursday-Sunday 8am-11am Lunch: Monday-Sunday 11am-4pm Dinner: Monday-Thursday 4pm-8pm Friday-Sunday 4pm-9pm

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

SOLIVITA CLUB

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

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

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

Concierge: 863-427-7100 or Fax: 407-624-3379

Resident to Resident (R2R) Resource Center : 863-236-9973 or SolivitaR2R@gmail.com

Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: 863-427-7130

The Palms Amenity Center : 863-496-1530 or Fax: 863-496-0914

SOLIVITA HOA

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

Evergreen Lifestyles Management (For HOA Matters) 24/7: 855-490-1804 or CustomerService@Evergreen-LM.com

Membership: 863-427-7143 or SolivitaMembership@Evergreen-LM.com

Compliance Department: Compliance@SolivitaHOA.com

• Community Standards Manager: 863-427-7032

• Compliance Inspectors for Non-Compliance & Violations: 863-427-7151 or 863-256-2897

• Compliance ARC Processor: 863-427-7022

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

Landscape - Yardnique Admin Office: 689-323-6490 or SolivitaCustomerService@Yardnique.com

• Landscape Manager: 863-330-3897

• After-Hours Irrigation Emergencies: 689-323-6525

OTHER CONTACTS

Taylor Morrison Customer Care: 321-397-7247 or OrlandoCustomerCare@TaylorMorrison.com

Warranty Request: taylormorrison.com/warranty/request

Solivita Sales: 863-427-7000

Stonegate Golf Club Directory: 863-427-7150

Catering & Banquets (Stonegate Golf Club): 863-427-7150, option 5

K&M Drugs: 863-496-7930 or Fax: 863-496-7931

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

Visitor/Vendor Gate Access Voice Mail: 863-313-1314

OCTOBER TABLE OF CONTENTS

Newsletter Submission & Advertising Info Page 3

Department Articles Pages 4-14

Solivita HOA ........................................................................ Page 8

Solivita University Page 10

R2R Resource Center Page 14

Community Events ..................................................... Pages 14-18

Newsletter Assembly Day Page 15

Wellness Events Page 17

A Touch of Class .......................................................... Pages 18-22

Club & Support Group Meeting Lists Pages 23-27

Club News Pages 28-47

Resident Kudos ..................................................................... Page 47

Neighborhood Captains News Page 48

Advertisements Pages 49-80

Activities Events (back of calendar) .......... Insert Pages E1-E3

Monthly Calendar (back of Activities Events) Insert

Weekly Fitness Schedule Calendar Insert

ON THE COVER

Prost (Cheers)! Celebrate Oktoberfest Solivita style on Friday, October 18th from 6pm-9pm in the Village Center! We will have beer, full cash-bar, pretzels, food trucks, music, strolling entertainers, several games, video camera booth, Solivita merchandise and more! See all the event details in the Event Pages located on the back of the calendar insert. Photos by Joe Thomas

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. No advertisements containing politics, political affiliations or campaign materials will be accepted. For More Information: Visit the advertising website at SolivitaAdvertising.com, call 863-440-0377, or email SolivitaAdvertising@SolivitaClub. com. Contracts are available to download on the website.

NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS

Email submissions to Reflections@SolivitaClub.com

NOVEMBER SUBMISSIONS

Calendar submissions and club newsletter articles are due on Tuesday, October 1st. Club flyer insert copies are due by Thursday, October 24th, but must be approved by Sheri Wollschlager (Sheri.Wollschlager@ CastleGroup.com) or Wilman De Jesus (Wilman. DeJesus@CastleGroup.com) before they are copied.

DECEMBER SUBMISSIONS

Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Monday, October 28th

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

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.

Welcome Aboard!

Please welcome Sylvia Davies, our newest Activities Specialist, to the team! Sylvia is a true native Floridian who knows where the good beaches are and enjoys going as often as she can with her family. She is outgoing, loves working on arts and crafts, crocheting and word searches. Sylvia is no stranger to working with people and organizing events. She has worked at local resort communities in their Activities Department running movies, DJ, hosting Bingo and Trivia, showing how to make tie-dye shirts, slime and other family crafts. You can’t miss her, she is the one with light blue hair and is excited to work at Solivita, meeting all of you and creating memorable events for you to enjoy.

Solivita Volunteers, Log Sheet Are Due

Turn your Solivita Volunteer Log Sheet into the Activities office by Monday, October 7th. Hours helping a Solivita Club department (Activities, FitWell, R2R, Communications) from March 1 through October 4, 2024 are being accepted. Thank you to all the Solivita volunteers; you are a lifesaver!

Volunteer Opportunity

Fall Arts and Crafts Festival

Saturday, November 2nd from 10am-4pm Volunteers always have a great time at this event and we ask for two hours of assistance.

» Merchandise sales

» Art contest people’s choice voting booth

» Vendor booth sitting

» Photographers

» Handing out festival programs

» Attendance counters

» Balloon setup

» Kidz Zone craft booth assistance

» Golf cart shuttle service

» Assisting vendors with light unloading and loading

A free Solivita Volunteer shirt is given (to those who do not already have one)! If interested or to inquire more, email Idalia Pons-Velez at Idalia.ff2024@gmail.com or call Solivita Activities at 863-427-7125. Volunteer Orientation for this event is on Wednesday, October 23rd at 2pm in the Art Gallery.

Freedom Park, Village Center, Golf Cart Parking Closings

1. Friday, October 18th – Oktoberfest Street Party

» 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.

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

2. Saturday, October 19th - Community Yard Sale

» Freedom Park Recreation events are CANCELLED until 12pm.

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

3. Friday, October 25th - Witchin’ Costume Parade and Wine Down Concert

» Golf Cart Parking will be closed all day along the Village Center from the Ballroom to the Pro Shop for event setup.

» Village Drive from the Ballroom to the Pro Shop will close to vehicles and golf carts from 4pm-11pm.

Serious Competition!

The Golf Cart Rally event had a record of 90 golf carts and 270 participants on August 17th. Each golf cart team was sent around parts of the community to search for clues outside

Trivia

Select Mondays

4pm & 7pm

$7 » Mosaics Reserve Your Table & Purchase Your Limited Drink Selection Online

Oktoberfest Street Party

Friday,October18th

Village Center » 6pm-9pm Complimentary Entrance Music, Games, Food, Beer and Video Booth

Karaoke

Select Tuesdays

5pm-9pm » Art Gallery

$7 General Admission Includes Limited Drink Selection

Saturday, October 5th Ballroom » 7:30pm EOSS: $30 General Admission: $25

Community

Yard Sale

Saturday, October 19th

Freedom Park 8am-11am

$5 limited vendor space

CostumeWitchin’Parade & Wine Down Concert

Friday, October 25th

Costume Contest at Market Area 5:20pm; Parade on Village Drive 6pm; Concert in Pro Shop roundabout 7pm-9:30pm; Cash Bar, Food Concession & Food Trucks

OctoberThursday,24thSolivita Market Area in Freedom ParkCash4pm-7pm»DJ 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 SolivitaHOA.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.

Jana’s article continued from page 4

residents’ homes, had to pick up items at specific locations and they had interesting challenges along the way to accomplish. Some tasks were to shout their best “yodel” while driving down the Venezia tunnel, make a Solivita “V” on a garage door using Easter eggs with painters tape, sing Karaoke, solve a long math question, do the “Hokey Pokey” dance and so much more! Everyone expressed how much fun they had! If you haven’t participated in this event before, we host it annually in August. Give it a whirl!

Route 1 Winners

» 1st Place Team: “Viva Versillia” - Richard & Lisa Watt and Steve & Lynn Williamson

» 2nd Place Team: “Sunsetters” - Bob & Deb Stanley and Don & MaryAnne Schildknecht

» 3rd Place Team: “Shenanigans Squad” - Howie Neustadt, Barbra Deacon and Teri & Russ Stanford

Route 1 First Place Team: “Viva Versillia”

Route 2 Winners

» 1st Place Team: “Ravenous Ravens” - Nancy Picarello, Nancy Baron, Edie Stauffer and Dianne Griffin

» 2nd Place Team: “The Anderbuds” - Dave & Melissa Anderson

» 3rd Place Team: “The Vikings” - Dave, Chris & Luke Dornburgh and Jordan Maye

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.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

Keep The Party Going!!!
Route 2 First Place Team: “Ravenous Ravens”
Henry Borom Rosario “Russ” D’Amato
Vincent “Vinny” D’Ambra John “Jack” Fletcher
Grace Gowanloch
Phillip Gary Stuever
Connie Skaug

A Notice About Bears

There have been several recent sightings of a black bear in Solivita. No one who observed the bear has reported any signs of aggressive behavior. Black bears are quite common in Central Florida, can be dangerous (particularly mother bears protecting their cubs), and should be approached with great prudence and abundant caution. However, they rarely present a real threat to people.

Here In Solivita

Preventing human-bear conflicts begins with following a few simple rules:

1. NEVER FEED A BEAR. Feeding a bear threatens your safety, the safety of your neighbors and, ultimately, the safety of the bear itself.

2. SECURE THE TOP OF YOUR TRASH BIN. Do not overload your container, disallowing the top from closing securely. While bears can open large containers, they are lazy and will often seek easier access to food. If necessary, you can set your garbage out early on the morning of pickup rather than the night before.

3. CLOSE THE DOOR TO YOUR GARAGE . Bears and other creatures may seek food or shelter within. Surprising a bear in the enclosed environment of your garage is exceedingly dangerous.

Helpful Tips in the Unlikely Chance You Encounter a Bear

1. Bears will let you know if they feel uncomfortable by snapping their jaws, swatting the ground or by “bluff charging.” Always remember to respect bears – they are large, powerful, wild animals that can act unpredictably and become dangerous.

2. If you encounter a bear at a distance, do not approach. They many stand on their hind legs. This is NOT aggressive behavior. Bears have poor eyesight and it may just want a better look. Enjoy the experience from a safe distance and back away slowly. Surprising a bear, blocking escape routes, and making eye contact could make the bear feel threatened and should be avoided.

3. Scare That Bear! The goal is to preserve their natural fear of people. 1) Ensure the bear has an easy escape route away from you and your home. 2) Check that you are in a secure area at a safe distance from the bear (not a screened in area).

3) Raise your arms and “get big” and shout “Away Bear.” Hitting pots and pans together or honking car horns are all acceptable ways to scare off a bear.

Calling Florida Wildlife & Conservation, Solivita Security or Management is NOT recommended unless the bear has caused significant damage or is displaying aggressive behavior. There is little they can do. The Polk County Sheriff will ONLY respond in case of a documented attack, or if lives are legitimately in jeopardy. By embracing nature’s rules, we can all enjoy our beautiful and diverse ecosystem, and all its abundant complexity.

HOA CONTACT INFORMATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

» President - Larry Anson: SolivitaHOAPresident@SolivitaHOA.com

» Vice President - Jim Edge: SolivitaVicePresident@SolivitaHOA.com

» Secretary - Lita Epstein: SolivitaSecretary@SolivitaHOA.com

» Treasurer - Glenn Larson: SolivitaTreasurer@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

» Security - Katherine Souza: SecurityChair@SolivitaHOA.com

» Violations - Grace Chirco: Compliance@SolivitaHOA.com

23rd Annual

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

High School Jazz Band,SteelOktoberfest, Saxophonist,Drums,Rick Melvern Band

Strolling Entertainment

Festival FoodEatery in the Welcome Center Courtyard

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

Saturday, November 2nd

10am-4pm Village Center

Rain or Shine

Fund Drive to Benefit Sunshine Foundation Dream Village

130+ Arts & Crafts Booths and Solivita Merchandise Booth

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

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FREE ADMISSION PETS & SMOKING ARE NOT PERMITTED IN FESTIVAL AREAS Festival Bake Shoppe + Festival Photo Spot with Art & Craft Props

Free Kidz Zone

Kids Crafts, Face Painting, Popcorn, DJ, Big Drawing Board, Cornhole, Fall Leaf Pile

Choice Voting on Resident Art in the Art Garden

Photos by Gaby Backert, Joe Thomas & Irene Stecher

Co-Sponsored by the Solivita University Committee and Activities

No studying, tests or exams are given, just enlightening topics to keep your mind energized. All classes are 90 minutes long, 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@ CastleGroup.com.

Beginners Conversational Spanish Course

8 Classes: Mondays, October 14th, 21st, 28th and November 4th and Tuesdays, October 15th, 22nd, 29th and November 5th • 9:30am in the Gator Room

Tuition and Registration: $40 per student.

RSVP your seat at SolivitaHOA.com at the Purchase Activities Events and SU Classes icon, scan the QR code or call the Activities office. Bring cash or check payment to the first class.

Instructor: Carmen Boos

Course Description: Learn the two verbs “To & Be = Ser & Estar” and the rules which govern the use of each of 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.

Encouraging Collaboration Through Effective Dialogue

4 Classes: Wednesdays, October 30th, November 6th, 13th and 20th • 1pm in the Magnolia Room Tuition and Registration: $20 per student.

RSVP your seat at SolivitaHOA.com at the Purchase Activities Events and SU Classes icon, scan the QR code or call the Activities office. Bring cash or check payment to the first class. Limited class size.

Professor: David Duncan Course Description: Discourse takes many forms – debate, discussion, negotiation, and so forth. Each form has its place. This course explores a form of discourse called dialogue, defined as the art of thinking together. Facilitated dialogue allows participants to generate ideas and solutions that integrate the best thinking of all participants and is effective when addressing complex issues requiring innovative solutions and fresh thinking. Facilitating dialogue is an especially useful skill for those who lead boards, clubs, and other organizations. Each session will include a 10-15-minute mini-lecture followed by interactive group dialogue about the topic for that session. Topics include forms of discourse; frames of reference; and barriers to collaboration.

November 9th-11th

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

Saturday, November 9th · Oaks Course · Shotgun Start 8:30am · Registration 7am-8am

$70 per person or $280 for a foursome ( before October 1st) $75 per person or $300 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 at SolivitaHOA.com by clicking on the Salute Our Veterans Weekend banner or scan the QR code.

Bonkerz Comedy Show

Sunday, November 10th

Show is at 7pm. Ballroom doors open for Early Open Show Seating (EOSS) 30 minutes before the show and General Admission doors open 25 minutes before the show begins. General Admission is $25 and EOSS is $30 per person. Adult guests welcome.

Gid Pool, Air Force and Army Veteran

Gid Pool served as an E-6 in the Air Force and Army and his family also has a long line of military service. Gid’s father flew B-29s in WW2, his son flew Blackhawks in Iraq, and his grandson is in NATO flight school. Gid has performed his “Gid’s World” Comedy Tour in more than fifty-five countries, at the world’s largest comedy festival in Edinburgh, Scotland and shared the stage with Gladys Knight! His unique look at the state of the world and some crazy relationships has been featured on “Dry Bar Comedy,” “Today Show” and written about in the “Wall Street Journal.”

Scott Orbany, Navy Veteran

Born in the punchline of America…Cleveland, being the youngest of three and the son of a fireman, Scott honed his skills as a smart alec and juvenile delinquent. After driving his parents nuts and barely making it out of high school, he quickly weighed his options and joined the US Navy. For 9 years in the submarine service, he drove his Chief nuts. Eventually getting stationed in Orlando, Scott decided to follow his dream of making bad life decisions by getting married (the first of two failed marriages). Performing across the country, Scott enjoys sharing his observations on his life. One thing is for sure his comedy will leave you saying “Wow! I hope that guy is being monitored.”

Tickets available online at SolivitaHOA.com by clicking on the Salute Our Veterans Weekend banner or scan the QR code.

Veterans Day Memorial Ceremony & Breakfast

Monday, 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 at SolivitaHOA.com by clicking on the Salute Our Veterans Weekend banner or scan the QR code. A limited number of tickets will also be sold by the Veterans Club.

*Refunds will not be accepted or given for any of the events.*

Your Vessel!

It is your shell and your vessel that carries you through life. You will take many journeys in it and some options for you to take this month are listed below.

Important Dates

» The General Election is Tuesday, November 5th, so do not forget to vote. Early voting information will be posted on the Concierge page once it is available, which should be in by mid-October. For voting information, please visit www.polkelections.com or call the Supervisor of Elections at 863-534-5888.

» The next Shred Day for Solivita is scheduled for Wednesday, October 9th. We will communicate via email blast if any changes need to be made.

Taste of Thai Food Festival

The Taste of Thai Food Festival will be on Sunday, October 6th from 9am-2:30pm (food served 11am-2:30pm) located at 2421 Old Vineland Road in Kissimmee. This is a cash only event with free parking. At this event you can enjoy awesome Thai food, live entertainment, Thai cooking demonstrations and colorful Thai costumes. Please visit asiatrend.org/event/tasteof-thai-food-festival-2024 for more information.

Hallows Fall Fest

Hallows Fall Fest by Krush Brau Park (located at 2198 Four Winds Boulevard in Kissimmee) will take place on Saturday, October 26th from 12pm-6pm. You can expect face painting, pumpkin decorating, bounce houses, a haunted corn maze, axe throwing, a pie eating contest and German food and beer at this pet-friendly event. Please visit www.hallowsfallfest.com for more information.

Halloween Festivities

Halloween is on Thursday, October 31st, so if you are looking for scary events please see below.

» Universal Halloween Horror Nights for adults and older teenagers. For more information, visit www. halloweenhorrornights.com

» Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween will be running on select evenings through October 31st from 7pm to midnight. For more information, visit www.disneyworld. disney.go.com

» Old Town (located at 5770 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee) has an annual haunted house that is open from Tuesday through Sunday at 6pm. The entrance fee is $19.99 plus tax. Visit www.mortemmanor. com for more information.

» SeaWorld’s HOWL-O-SCREAM is on select nights through November 2nd. Visit seaworld.com/orlando/ events/howl-o-scream for more information.

» Visit Harvest Holler Corn Maze for this outdoor event that includes a pumpkin patch. Entry is $17 for adults or $14 for seniors. They are open through November 17th on Fridays from 4pm to 8pm, Saturdays from 12pm to 8pm and Sundays from 12pm to 5pm located at 950 Tavares Road in Polk City. For more information, visit www.harvestholler.com

» You can also experience a gravity optical illusion located at Spook Hill in Lake Wales. The hill, located at 321 Dr. JA Wiltshire Avenue, makes you feel like you are driving uphill while you are going downhill.

If you did not see anything entertaining in this article, then check out the Concierge page on SolivitaHOA.com for more things to do in the area.

Take care of your vessel! It is a gift that cannot be restored, so while you have it use it to make the world a better place for all. Your possessions will always remain on land, but your spirit and who you are defines you. Is that morbid? Maybe, but hey it is October.

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

What is CERT? We want YOU!

Your Solivita Community Emergency Response Team is a volunteer group of residents like you. Since county services might not be available for several hours to a few days after a major disaster. CERT was created to respond in communities like Solivita. CERT performs initial damage assessment, rescues individuals, performs triage and light first aid.

Solivita CERT is organized under Polk County Fire Rescue and falls under the Citizens Corps division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). When activated we report to the county Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and coordinate with Taylor Morrison, the HOA Board, Castle Group and Vital Security.

CERT training is free from the county and covers search and rescue, hazard assessment, victim extrication, medical triage and treatment, fire suppression, and psychology of disasters, all the while maintaining the safety of our members. You needn’t be experienced in these topics, because you will be trained (as all of us have been).

Solivita Flags Over 2025 RENEWALS

We currently have women and couples among our 70+ members. When a new member completes his/her training they receive a “go-bag,” a backpack with self-protection items (e.g., hard hat, goggles, gloves), flashlight, utility shut-off tool, reflective vest and a variety of medical supplies.

Disaster Preparedness

We try to encourage disaster preparedness of our residents— planning your response to a disaster in advance. This includes maintaining a disaster kit and knowing what to do when a disaster occurs. To accomplish this we do the following:

» Make presentations for various clubs at Solivita.

» Sponsor an annual hurricane preparedness Coffee Talk (usually in June).

» Distribute preparedness handouts via the Concierge (and our CERT club webpage on SolivitaHOA.com).

» Provide tips (like this) in Reflections

» Run a smoke detector battery replacement program every March and April.

» Sponsor free hands-only CPR and AED training classes for residents called Check-Call-Compress.

» Conduct crowd and traffic management in Solivita for major events with our highly visible vests and hats.

We would like to have many more members to adequately cover our community quickly in case of a disaster. Join us and become part of a true service organization right here in Solivita. We meet the second Monday of every month at 1pm. For more information, contact Eric Larson at SolivitaFL.cert@gmail.com.

The 2024 Flags Over Solivita Project is coming to an end. The final flag placement is set for Veterans Day. Thank you, Solivita, for all your support this past year. Flags over Solivita is now accepting credit card ONLY donations for 2025 starting on October 1st.

In December, paper applications will be available for residents wishing to donate using cash or checks. The applications will be an insert in December’s Reflections and also available at the Concierge Desk. Please email flagsoversolivita@gmail.com or call 863-512-3655 if you have any questions. You can also visit veteransclubofsolivita.com for more information and to donate. Scan the QR code for the 2025 donation form.

The R2R Resource Center Belongs to You

The volunteers that manage this program are dedicated to understanding the needs of all Solivita residents, including those who are committed to “aging in place.” That means making the plans, lifestyle adjustments and adaptations that enable us to stay in the homes we love, among the friends and neighbors we cherish, for as long as possible. It means staying active, engaged and healthy. Too many of us feel that the day we can no longer drive is the day we need to find a more supportive living situation. This is far from the truth. In today’s world, almost every necessity and luxury is readily available.

The “Aging in Place” article on the R2R Resource Center webpage offers guidelines for maintaining a fulfilling life in Solivita, including: 1) Planning ahead so you are prepared for lifestyle changes; 2) Finding what you need, from groceries to clothing, without leaving home; 3) Eating well, from restaurant meals to a healthful day to day meal plan, even if you no longer drive. Managing our lives as we age requires a focus on eating right, organizing medications and healthcare, keeping active

COMMUNITY EVENTS

VOTER INFORMATION EVENT

Saturday, October 5th • 11:30am-2:30pm • Freedom Park FREE Admission

Sponsored by Solivita Democratic Club (SDC). Meet 2024 election candidates, representatives, and elected officials at this exciting and informative event! Enjoy FREE food and beverages. Register to vote and apply to vote by mail with the Polk County Elections office. Confirmed speakers include: Congressman Darren Soto, United States Representative for Florida’s 9th Congressional District; Lori Edwards, Polk County Supervisor of Elections; Kay Klymko, Polk County Commission District 1 candidate; John Hill, Florida House of Representatives District 48 candidate; Cesar Ramirez, Polk County Democratic Party Chair; Ali Schutz, Yes On 4 Regional Organizing Manager. All Solivita residents are invited to attend! Email President@SolivitaDemocrats.org or visit SolivitaDemocrats.org for more information.

mentally and physically, and taking advantage of the support that is available. It may not always be easy, but it is well worth it.

To access the article, go to SolivitaHOA.com, click “Get Connected,” then the R2R icon. Under the “Wellness” category, you will find “Aging in Place.”

At the Resource Center, we understand that technology is something most of us cannot live without, and some of us struggle with it. In addition to periodic classes on technologies such as cell phones and smart watches, R2R offers “Tech Help.” The second Tuesday of every month, volunteers work with individuals, one-on-one, to help them with problems on any tech device, from laptops to phones. Reserve a spot by calling 863-236-9973 or email SolivitaR2R@gmail.com.

R2R Resource Center 863-236-9973 SolivitaR2R@gmail.com

MAKE INFORMED MEDICARE CHOICES PRESENTATION

Tuesday, October 29th • 10am-12pm • The Palms

Sponsored by the Latin Ladies of Solivita. This informative presentation will provide a guide through the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (October 15th-December 7th). You will learn what changes you can make to your Medicare health coverage during this time. Plus, important factors to consider when making these decisions. Deena Watson and Diana Torres, both SHINE counselors and fellow Solivita residents, will lead the discussion. SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) provides free, unbiased, and confidential Medicare counseling to help you make informed choices that best suit your individual healthcare needs. Bring your Medicare questions! Following the presentation, you can schedule a personalized consultation for further guidance. For more information, email latinladiesofsolivita@gmail.com.

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