Activities Events (back of calendar) Insert Pages E1-E3
Monthly Calendar (back of Activities Events) ................ Insert
Weekly Fitness Schedule Calendar Insert
ON THE COVER
Relive the good ole days checking out 130 classic, muscle, and hot rod cars, trucks and motorcycles. Enjoy listening to the oldies and seeing Elvis and Marilyn Monroe walking down the Solivita Village Center. The Solivita Car Show will take place on Saturday, March 15th, from 10am-2pm, with awards presented at 3pm. Proceeds will be donated to St. Rose of Lima and St. Vincent de Paul St. Ann’s in Haines City. Drive By! 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
APRIL SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and club newsletter articles are due on Friday, February 28th. Club flyer insert copies are due by Monday, March 24th, but must be approved by Sheri Wollschlager (Sheri.Wollschlager@ CastleGroup.com) or Wilman De Jesus (Wilman. DeJesus@CastleGroup.com) before they are copied.
MAY SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Tuesday, April 1st
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.
More Fun in the Sun!
BY JANA MALIK DIRECTOR OF ACTIVITIES
With Daylight Savings Time approaching on Sunday, March 9th at 2am (spring clocks forward 1 hour), that means more time to have fun in the sun in Solivita ! Pay attention to all the events in March and April that are coming up such as the Mardi Gras Parade and Street Party; Solivita Car Show; Community Yard Sale; Tie-Dye Shirt Class; Spring Parade and Carnival and the first Earth Day Street Party! Don’t be the one to hear about how much fun the event was after the event passed.
With all this fun, we always could use a helping hand throughout the year, but especially at the Spring Carnival event for only two (2) hours. The smiles and laughs on the kids’ faces makes it all worthwhile! If you do volunteer for a Solivita Club Department, see below about deadline to turn in your log sheets as we appreciate and love to thank you. Lastly, watch out for Village Drive road closing as per below and is also listed on the monthly calendar insert.
Spring Parade and Carnival – It’s for the Kids! ... Volunteers Needed
Saturday, April 19th from 9am-12:30pm
» Clubs to host a carnival game booth or to have a food concession from 9am-12:30pm.
» Individual resident volunteers to man a carnival game for only two (2) hours.
» Parade participants to walk in the parade (clubs, individuals, walkers, etc). No email or registration required.
If interested in helping as a club or individual for either of the first two bullets above, email Jana.Malik@CastleGroup.com.
Solivita Volunteer Log Sheet Deadline
Turn in your Volunteer Log Sheets by March 5th for volunteer hours worked assisting Solivita Club Departments. Hours accepted are from March 1, 2024February 28, 2025, to the Activities office to finalize the 20242025 season. (Friendly reminder, HOA Committees, Flags Over Solivita, CAP and CERT hours are not accepted unless CAP and CERT is working with a Solivita Club Department).
Village Drive Road Closings
Saturday, March 15th: Solivita Car Show - 10am-3pm VILLAGE DRIVE FROM THE BALLROOM TO THE PRO SHOP ROUNDABOUT IS CLOSED TO VEHICLES FROM 6:30AM-4PM, EXCEPT TO CAR SHOW PARTICIPANTS. See page 7 for event information.
Saturday, March 22nd: Community Yard Sale - 8am-11am Freedom Park Recreation events are CANCELLED until 12pm. Village Drive experiences traffic from 6am-11:30am.
Saturday, April 19th: Spring Parade and Carnival 9am-12:30pm
VILLAGE DRIVE FROM THE BALLROOM TO THE PRO SHOP ROUNDABOUT IS CLOSED FROM 8:30AM-9:30AM FOR THE PARADE. The parade starts at 9am from the Welcome Center Courtyard.
Soak up More Daytime to Keep The Party Going!!!
Jana Malik 863-427-7125 Jana.Malik@CastleGroup.com
Trivia
Select Mondays 4pm & 7pm Mosaics
$5 Online Reserved Table. Beverage ticket not included.
WineConcertDown
Wednesday, March 19th
6:30pm-8:30pm By The Grille Bring Your Own Chair, Food Concession & Cash Bar
Karaoke
Select Tuesdays
5pm-9pm Art Gallery
$5 Online General Admission. Beverage ticket not included.
Crosby,Still & TributeNashShow
MarchFriday,21st 7:30pm
EOSS:Ballroom
$30 & Admission:General$25
Mardi Gras
Parade & Street Party
Tuesday, March 4th 5pm-9pm Village Center 6pm Parade Food, DJ, Dances, Cash Bars & More.
Community Yard Sale
Saturday, March 22nd Freedom8am-11amPark
$5 Limited Vendor Space
MarchSaturday, 15th OpenVillage10am-12pmCenter to the Public Awards at 2pm Outside Ballroom
MarchThursday, 27thMarket4pm-7pm Area in Freedom Park DJ » Cash SeatingBar
Committee Roundup
SOLIVITA LIFESTYLES ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE (SLAC)
Please welcome the 2025-2026 SLAC Committee members in order as seen in the picture below from left to right: Jan Gross, Deb Miclette, Linda Carpenter, Kathy Burns, Vickie McCort, Brenda (BJ) King and Ken Darby (not pictured).
A huge thank you to outgoing 2022-2024 SLAC members: Meg MacDonald, Denean Hellebuyck, Sheldon Kossak (not pictured) and Antoinette Brown (not pictured).
To give feedback, suggestions, ideas or comments on any Activities event or Solivita University class, we’d love to hear from you by sending us an email to Jana.Malik@ CastleGroup.com.
A FRIEND WHO HAS LEFT US, BUT IS NOT FORGOTTEN
Rudy Martzke
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the resident who recently passed away.
HOA CONTACT INFORMATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
» President - Larry Anson: SolivitaHOAPresident@SolivitaHOA.com
» Vice President - Jim Edge: SolivitaVicePresident@SolivitaHOA.com
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 863-427-7125 or email SolivitaActivities@CastleGroup.com.
An African Adventure: Volunteering Aboard a Mercy Ship
Wednesday, March 12th • Ballroom at 1:30pm
Tuition: Complimentary entrance, registration is not required.
Professor : Mary Midthun
Course Description: Have you ever dreamed of doing something amazing with this last little blip of life? At age 69, Mary Midthun did just that! She skipped her time in Solivita last winter to volunteer on a Mercy Ship for six months. Come learn what it’s like to live on a floating, state-of-the-art hospital ship on the West Coast of Africa, bringing hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor.
Defense in Bridge Class
Fridays, March 28th, April 4th, 11th & 18th
RSF2 from 1pm-3pm
Tuition: $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.
Instructor : Donna McIlwain, Certified Bridge Teacher and Bronze Life Master with ACBL
Course Description: Defense is half of your game in playing bridge. This course covers communicating with your partner through the opening lead, how to respond to partners leads, and follow up by opener. It covers watching the table and particularly partner’s play to improve the number of tricks you can take on defense. This is a hands on class to play and practice these techniques. We will be utilizing the Essex bridge materials for online review and follow up. For any questions, email Donna at dmc3726@yahoo.com.
Beyond the Basics: iPhone and iPad
4 Classes on Thursdays, April 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th
Gator Room at 9:30am
Tuition and Registration: $25 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 : Catherine Larson
Course Description: This course is for those already comfortable using the iPhone and/or iPad – navigating between apps, using the control center and accessing the settings. It is recommended that your device should be using iOS 18 or higher. In October 2024, Apple made big changes to the settings. These are reflected in the iOS 18. If you have an older device not everything will pertain, but you can still attend. We will explore many of the native apps for both iPad and iPhone – Notes, Safari, Camera, Photos, iCloud, iMovie, Music, Contacts, Calendar. Using the accessibilities features and Siri to assist in daily tasks and more.
“The Broadway Theater:” Backstage and Centerstage
Tuesday, April 8th
The Palms at 1pm
Tuition: Complimentary entrance to the first 100 people in attendance; pre-registration is not required.
Professor : Richard Goldsmith, Ph.D
Course Description: We will enjoy many best-loved Broadway shows looking at how the show was created (backstage) to the Center Stage performances. Some clips include Lion King, Chicago, Les Miserable, and Phantom of the Opera. Join us for a memorable journey down Broadway’s “Great White Way!”
Psychology: Lend Me Your Ear
Thursday, April 10th
The Palms at 3pm
Tuition: Complimentary entrance to the first 100 people in attendance; pre-registration is not required.
Professor : Dr. Edward Zenker
Course Description: Understanding how to be a supportive friend. What to say and what not to say. Learning how to assist a person in need to come to grips with their intense inner feelings and resolve their adversities.
Lucky Adventures!
BY SHELLEY DESTEFANO COMMUNITY CONCIERGE
What would everyone you love or loved want from you? They would want you to flourish with the best and forget about the rest, stay positive, and keep moving forward enjoying all the special dates and adventures available for you this month.
Important Dates
» Tuesday, March 4th: Mardi Gras
» Wednesday, March 5th: Ash Wednesday
» Sunday, March 9th: Daylight Savings Time Ends
» Monday, March 17th: St. Patrick’s Day
Things To Do
Daytona Beach Bike Week will be running through March 9th. Visit officialbikeweek.com for more information.
Enjoy the Strawberry Festival at 303 BerryFest Place in Plant City now through March 9th. Get the family together and enjoy rides, concerts, shows, contests, food, livestock shows and more. Please visit flstrawberryfestival.com or call 813-752-9194 for more information.
If you don’t mind a drive to Miami, you can enjoy the Calle Ocho Festival on March 9th from 11am to 7pm located at Calle Ocho SW 12th to 27th Avenue. This is the largest Hispanic Festival in the U.S. Visit carnavalmiami.com/events/calle-ocho.
Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival will be March 21st-23rd. Visit wpsaf.org or call 407-644-7207 for more information.
You can enjoy a Tribute to the Beatles on March 4th at 5pm or 8pm at Theatre Winter Haven located at 210 Cypress Gardens Boulevard. Tickets are about $35 per adult. Please visit theatrewinterhaven.com or call 863-294-7469 for more information. This little theatre also has several more performances and shows you might be interested in.
Please visit the Concierge page on SolivitaHOA.com to see more events going on in the area. It is a lucky month; we’re lucky to be here in good health even if we do not have much wealth. If you do have golden coins, do not let that leprechaun find it.
Community Concierge 863-427-7100 Shelley.Destefano@CastleGroup.com
Crabgrass & Carpet Grass in Florida Lawns
BY ANGEL RIVERA ACCOUNT MANAGER, JUNIPER LANDSCAPING
Unfortunately, there isn’t a selective herbicide that is legal for use in the State of Florida that will control crabgrass and/or carpet grass and not damage the host turf. In the winter months, crabgrass and carpet grass will brown and go into a dormant state. As the soil temperature warms in spring and summer, these grasses will green back up, fill in, and look like turf.
If the homeowner wants to remove crabgrass and/or carpet grass, the only way to do so is to treat the infected area with a non-selective herbicide and kill the entire area. Then replace that area with new sod. This is with the understanding that crabgrass and carpet grass will always return. Then, it is the individual homeowner’s responsibility to hand pull the crabgrass/carpet grass as it returns, deal with it in small portions, and not allow it to take over large areas.
Meet Our Team: Josh Benton
Josh started his Horticulture career almost 20 years ago in the pest control industry as an L&O Technician for Middleton Pest Control, now known as Massey Services. After several years of serving residents and maintaining high-quality landscaping, he accepted a new role in the theme park industry with the Horticulture Department at Universal Orlando Resorts. There, he worked his way from a pest control technician to a horticultural supervisor within multiple areas of the resort. Josh joined Juniper in November 2024 as the Enhancement Account Manager for the Solivita community. In his role, he is responsible for various functions, such as landscape design, installation, and maintenance. He works closely with the HOA and individual residents to beautify the property. Visit us at www.junipercares.com.
The R2R Resource Center is Here for You!
“Above the Bistro.” That’s how volunteers at the Resident to Resident Resource Center (R2R) tell callers how to find us. Everyone knows where the Bistro is...but not everyone knows where to find R2R, or what we do there.
The Resource Center, an all-volunteer organization, has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of the Solivita community. First, it is a resource for residents who need to borrow medical equipment: walkers, wheelchairs, shower chairs, knee scooters, commodes, and even canes and crutches. Whether you need a wheelchair for a day trip to Disney, or a walker to recover from knee replacement, the Resource Center maintains an inventory of items that can be borrowed for up to three months. Our staff can help you choose the right equipment and customize it for you. (We suggest you get a recommendation from your doctor to ensure the equipment you borrow fits your needs.)
R2R is also focused on the increasing needs residents have for technological help. Classes twice a year provide basic training on Android phones, iPhones and Apple watches. Once a month, volunteers work one-on-one with residents who need help with any electronic device, from e-readers to laptops. (Tech help is the second Tuesday of every month from 2pm-4pm in the
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Gator Room; registration is required.)
Resource Center workshops focus on emerging and ongoing needs at Solivita. In March, a workshop will highlight ways to gather and maintain your financial information to make it easier for your loved ones to understand and manage your affairs when it becomes necessary. Past workshops have dealt with everything from things to do in Central Florida to the latest scams to steal your money and identity.
Our “library” of articles, which can be found on SolivitaHOA. com > Get Connected > R2R Resource Center, provides information for a range of topics including wellness, avoiding scams and dealing with the loss of a loved one.
If we can help you, if you have ideas for improving our services, if you would like to register for a class, workshop or tech help, or if you would just like to meet the R2R volunteers, call us at 863-236-9973, email SolivitaR2R@gmail.com, or just stop in...we’re above the Bistro!
R2R Resource Center 863-236-9973
SolivitaR2R@gmail.com
SPAC FUNDRAISER DANCE: FEATURING THE VINYLS
Saturday, March 15th • 6pm-9pm • Ballroom
Sponsored by Solivita Performing Arts Council (SPAC). The theme of the dance will be Music Mayhem! We are asking everyone to wear their favorite band, artist, or instrument shirt or outfit. It can be from any era or genre, from Beethoven to The Beatles, and everything in between. Come on out and dance the night away! There will be a cash bar, and you can bring your own snacks. There will be gift baskets to win. Tickets are on sale now online at spacinc.com. You can purchase a single ticket or a table (seating 8, 10 or 12 people). Tickets are $12 each, credit card only. All seats are reserved, and there are no refunds. You can also purchase tickets at Mosaics in March. Net proceeds will go to the SPAC, Inc. Endowment Fund, helping public school Music and Visual Arts Programs! For additional information, contact Debbie at debbmus@gmail.com or the Box Office at 863-289-5740.
