VITALIA Memorial Day Celebration PAGE 5
VOICE May 2014 | www.VitaliaAtTraditionHOA.com
Vitalia Information hours of operation Vitalia Lifestyle
Monday-Friday 9am-2pm
Amenity Center
Daily 5am-10pm Daily Sunrise-Sunset
Pool Hours
phone list AAM Customer Service
For ALL Club & HOA Matters
866-516-7424 csr@aamfl.com
AAM After Hours Emergency
866-553-8290
AV Homes Customer Care
800-858-5933
VitaliaHomes.com/owner-care HOA Compliance Department Architectural
863-427-7022
Violations
863-427-7032
Fax
863-427-7093
Vitalia Lifestyle
772-345-4921
Driver’s License Department
772-337-5600
Florida Power and Light
772-462-0555
Home Town Cable Plus
772-345-6000
Lawnwood Regional Medical Center
772-461-4000
NUI City Gas
772-871-2551
Port St. Lucie Police Dept.
772-871-5000
Port St. Lucie Utilities
772-873-6400
772-871-5330
(Set Up)
Social Security Administration
800-772-1213
Port St. Lucie County
Jim Powers Vito Blancato Arlene Cohen Steve Krac Lawrence Miller Arwin Smith Margie Stull Irma Castro Dolores Quattrocchi Steve Sommer Ingrid Beltran Kenneth Bowers Carole Reidlich Nancy Galeta Suzanne Maselli Rita Atlas Karen Savader Milt Bain Charlie Kaplan Joan Colangelo Elinor Sandler Frank Scerbo Robert Vanderhoof Ron Polo Ed O'Reilly Norman Perry Jeffrey Deighan Sue Ann Goldman Dan Ferguson Barbara Digregorio Anthony Gambatese Denise Swartz Pamela Swint Mary Walter MaryAnn Barone Ava Woghin Irv Silver Helen Urbinati Ed Winkelman Nancy Delach Milly Katzenbach Jackie Olster Chris Reese William (Bill) Clerke Ann Oleszewski Bob Rizzo
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(Emergency After Hours)
Port St. Lucie Utilities
birthdays
Medical Center
772-335-4000
Recycle
772-462-5678
Sheriff
772-462-7300
Port St. Lucie Fire Department
772-621-3400
Port St. Lucie West Library
772-873-3309
2 Vitalia Voice | May 2014
anniversaries Leonard & Marcia Buck John & Jaime Szymula Don & Margie Stull David & Sheryl Land James & Rosalie Thompson Daniel & Ellen Kamen James & Phyllis Grinberg Bill & Dolly Sheehan James & Joan Dicola Charles & Theresa Embler Ron & Barbara Kaplan
8th 12th 14th 16th 16th 17th 18th 22nd 25th 31st 31st
department news By David Smith, Division President of AV Homes, Inc. If you haven’t noticed all the new neighbors, let me tell you, there are quite a few! With new Vitalia residents coming from all parts of the United States, this is becoming one diverse community. Vitalia clubs are also growing in members with new residents looking to become active within this close-knit community. I’m eager to see what other clubs will emerge upon the completion of the 24,000-square-foot Clubhouse this summer! With meeting rooms, an aerobics studio, and several pickleball, tennis and bocce ball courts, the possibilities are endless. It’s never too early to come up with some lively concepts, so get the creativity flowing and bounce ideas off your neighbors! The bond you build with other residents is the foundation for a happy active adult lifestyle. More than just your neighbors, they are your friends. Waterfront living! Southwest Apple Blossom Trail is finally complete making accessible new waterfront Vitalia
Newsletter Deadlines Newsletter and calendar submissions should be emailed to dosterholz@aamfl.com.
June Submissions Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due Thursday, May 1st by 3pm.
July Submissions Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due Monday, June 2nd by 3pm.
homesites. Located directly across from the current models, these new homesites will be overlooking the northeast part of the community as well as the brand new Clubhouse. With picturesque views, these waterfront homesites are what makes Florida living so beautiful. We are excited to see just how quickly these will be plucked off the market. The Sales Center can offer you the best views of these new sites and information about the homes being built. For any questions or concerns, they should be your first-stop information headquarters! At Vitalia, our dedication to the residents is what makes the place you call home so unique from any other of its kind. We build communities centered around you to deliver the lifestyle you deserve. This dedication is what makes AV Homes and the stunning community of Vitalia a top choice in any active adult’s new home search. Choosing Vitalia was a great choice towards enjoying the best years of your life.
David Smith 863-427-7000
New Retread Members Wanted The Retreads Remote Control Car Club is a lot of fun! We have people that crash into each other and into walls, jump over the rails, and turn their cars over. For the more serious racer, cars go 75-100 mph. Anyone that wants to join, we'll be happy to guide them in the right direction. Most of the club is very knowledgeable in remote control car racing. Most of us also fly planes, helicopters, and use anything else that runs off of a remote control. For now, we are meeting on the opposite side of the new Clubhouse. For more information, contact Michael at 954-816-8771 or mikeef52@yahoo.com.
August Submissions Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due Monday, June 30th by 3pm.
May 2014 | Vitalia Voice 3
department news
Vitalia's New Community Manager
Kraig Carmickle Vice President of Florida Operations 321-332-1878 kcarmickle@aamfl.com
AAM is pleased to introduce Jannell McDonald, LCAM as the new Vitalia at Tradition HOA Community Manager. Some of you may have already had the pleasure of meeting Jannell, but for those of you that haven't, I asked her to share a little bit about herself so you can begin to get to know your new Community Manager: I was born in Utah and spent many summers enjoying the Nevada heat! I spent my high school years in the Cowboy Country of Austin, Texas, before moving north to complete my education at the University of Minnesota where I studied medicine. For those that come from a warm climate, it doesn’t take long to realize that the north is just too cold! So when the opportunity to move back to the warmth of the south came calling, I was packing and heading to my new home state of Florida before anyone could talk me out of it. I am very happy to have called Florida home since 1997. I am a mother to three amazing children, two young adults and a teenager. I sometimes wonder where the years have gone. Soon my babies will be all grown up and I will look back and know that the hard work I put in to raising them has paid off. I have worked with AV Homes for the past ten years, in both active adult and family friendly communities. I have worked in many departments including Food & Beverage, golf course, maintenance, and finally lifestyles and facilities management. With the arrival of AAM to AV Homes managed properties in 2012, I was able to grow by experience and became Facilities Operations Manager for the fitness and recreation facility at Solivita in Kissimmee, FL. I gained experience in every aspect of
4 Vitalia Voice | May 2014
the fitness world from tennis courts and pickleball courts to indoor fitness facilities. I attained my LCAM designation in early 2012 and have been soaking up as much information as I can to prepare me for my next role. I am now very excited to take on the next challenge in my Community Management career and I look forward to the continued growth that is happening right here in Vitalia.
Jannell McDonald
I know I have big shoes to fill following in Kraig’s footsteps, but I am committed to giving you the best possible customer service and dedication. I look forward to learning and growing with you. Vitalia is a wonderful community; I have been blessed to visit many times and to work with both Donna and Debbie on your gates and other areas. I will be setting up a coffee talk in the not too distant future; I look forward to creating great relationships with each and every one of you. Please join me in welcoming Jannell to the Vitalia family! You can contact Jannell at 321332-1871 or jmcdonald@aamfl.com.
May 2014 | Vitalia Voice 5
recipe
Tomato Tulips Instructions 1.
Cut the grape tomatoes lengthwise as shown, without cutting apart.
2. Scoop out tomato seeds. 3. In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese and finely chopped raw veggies. 4. Mix well. 5. Make a small cut into the bottom of each tomato and insert a green onion top to form the tulip stem.
Ingredients
6. Gently fill each tomato shell with the cream cheese mixture.
12 grape tomatoes 8 oz cream cheese, softened 1 cup finely chopped raw veggies of your choice 12 green onions
Note: You can also fill the tulips with your favorite chicken salad, egg salad or tuna salad recipe. Just be sure to cut up the meat or eggs into very small pieces. Get creative and enjoy!
FEST IS BACK! Monday, May 12th | 4pm-7pm | $35 Johnny V's Tavern 790 Port St. Lucie West Blvd. Menu
Open Bar
For More Information:
Clams Mussels Sliders Wings
Wine Beer Soda
Call Lenny & Helen at 772-345-4225 or Holly at 386-589-4813
6   Vitalia Voice | May 2014
*Seating is limited
out & about Lifestyles Romeos Friday, May 2nd | 12:30pm Olive Garden, Tradition
Join the gentlemen of Vitalia in a neighborly lunch at Olive Garden in Tradition. Contact Rick Dixon at 772-345-3147 or llldixon@yahoo.com to RSVP and/or get directions (if needed).
Bunco Sunday, May 4th | 7pm Clubhouse
Come join the Bunco Club for a fun and energetic dice game. Are you unsure of how to play bunco? No worries, the group will be more than happy to teach you how to play. RSVP to the Activities Office.
Juliets Thursday, May 8th | 1pm Bonefish Mac's, Port St. Lucie
All ladies of Vitalia are invited to have lunch with the Juliets. This month we will be lunching at Bonefish Mac's Sports Grille in Port St. Lucie. The venue has lovely outdoor seating by the waterfall and pond. Please call Carla Mansfield to RSVP at 772-345-1460. See you there!
Trivia Saturday, May 17th | 7pm Clubhouse
Please join your friends and neighbors for a friendly game of trivia. Test your knowledge of a variety of categories. This is Vitalia’s most popular event. RSVP to the Activities Office NO EARLIER THAN THURSDAY, MAY 1ST AT 8AM.
Bingo Sunday, May 25th | 7pm Clubhouse
Where can you go on a Sunday night for a couple of hours of fun with your neighbors? Don't know? Bingo. To RSVP email the Activities Office or leave a voice message for Donna or Debbie at the office.
Lifestyles Events Reminder Reservations are required for all Lifestyles events. All RSVPs must be via email to dchisholm@aamfl.com, no earlier than 8am on the first day of each month.
Fitness Classes Current class schedules are posted in the Clubhouse and on the www.VitaliaAtTraditionHOA.com calendar.
Aqua Aerobics/Hydro Pilates M – T – W – Th | 11am Tuesdays | 9:30am Clubhouse
An excellent cardio and strength workout for people of all fitness levels. This class utilizes water weights, aqua gloves, and noodles to achieve a very unique workout. Swimming is not required.
Yoga Mondays | 12pm Clubhouse
Yoga is designed to actively improve flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as provide a unique physical experience. This class (for all levels) integrates the practice of yoga with passive stretching techniques. You begin where you are and progress at your own pace with repeated practice.
Zumba Thursdays | 9am Saturdays | 7:45am, 9am Clubhouse
Come be part of one of the most popular classes offered at Vitalia! “Exercise in Disguise.” Zumba is a dance-fitness class that incorporates Latin and international music and dance. It offers a blended balance of cardio and muscle toning benefits.
Aqua Zumba Fridays | 9am Clubhouse
Get your ‘groove on’ as you burn calories with a complete, noimpact workout in the pool. This class is for men and women.
Stretch Fridays | 10am Clubhouse
This class is for all levels, men and women. Lengthen and strengthen your muscles, increase flexibility, and allow your body the time to relax and rebuild. Bring a yoga mat to class.
Senior Stretch Fridays | 11:15am (45 minute class) Clubhouse
This class is meant for those who would like to stay healthy and strong, while not having to get on the floor. All exercise is done while sitting or leaning on a chair. May 2014 | Vitalia Voice 7
out & about Classes
Club / Group
Mosaic
WEEKLY EVENTS
Mondays | 10am Guardhouse
This interesting class involves putting together small pieces of tile, glass, and pebbles to create patterns on a variety of surfaces. Create beautiful items for your home or patio. Projects range from $35-$50. RSVP to the Activities Office, as space is limited.
Silk Painting Wednesdays | 9am Guardhouse
Debbie will be guiding you in creating a one of a kind masterpiece using easy techniques. This surprisingly simple art form has amazingly beautiful results! Projects range from $10-$20. RSVP to the Activities Office.
Spanish Wednesdays | 9:30am Clubhouse
Challenge yourself to a healthier brain! Come learn a second language with your friends and neighbors. The cost is $20 per month. Contact Diana Reese for more information at 321-574-1158 or 772-408-8523.
New Hands-On Spanish Classes
Mahjong Club Welcome all Vitalia mahjong players! Let me introduce myself to you. My name is Shelley Deixler and I am the President of the Mahjong Club. In order for all club members to have the privileges of a reserved table in our new Clubhouse, I need to have each member's name, telephone number, and email address sent to me ASAP. In the near future, I will be sending out weekly emails to all Mahjong Club members informing them of pertinent information. Let's make sure all members have the space available to play. My email address is shell842@gmail.com. Let the tiles be with you! Malka's Mahjong Corner - Ask the Expert Q: Can you change your mind about a Joker exchange? When it is a player's turn, they make an exchange of a Joker by taking the Joker and replacing it with the same symbol tile. Before they place the Joker in their rack, they change their mind and want to put the Joker back. Can they do so? A: No. Once you make an exchange, you've already made your play and made a commitment.
Stickball Sundays | 9am
Learn Spanish for fun and socialization! Classes, which begin on Wednesday, July 9th at 9:30am, will include: • • • • • • •
Conversation Field Trips Spanish Cuisine Celebrations Music Games Movies and more
Sign up now! Contact Diana Reese at 772-408-8523 or becomingbilingual@yahoo.com. Nos vemos! 8 Vitalia Voice | May 2014
Meet in the Clubhouse parking lot. This is a great way to spend a morning getting exercise and having fun. Play ball!
Poker Every Monday through Thursday | 6:30pm-10pm Clubhouse
Darts Mondays | 7pm
Annual membership dues are $5 per person. Please make checks payable to Vitalia Dart Club. Contact Dave Pachuta at mirage0204@htcplus.net or 772-345-2311.
out & about Club / Group Men's Golf Mondays
Steve Tuckman is leading this group which meets every Monday afternoon at different area golf courses. If you’d like to join, please contact Steve at tuck61494@gmail.com.
Ladies Golf
Men's Water Volleyball Saturdays | 9am Clubhouse Pool
The men of Vitalia will meet at the pool for a friendly game of H2O Volleyball.
MONTHLY EVENTS
Mondays
The Vitalia Ladies 18 Hole Golf Group plays at various courses throughout St. Lucie County. If you have basic knowledge of the sport and are familiar with golfing etiquette, you are welcome to join. Contact Marianne Martinovic at marianne@htcplus.net.
Bowling Tuesdays | 1:45pm Super Play U.S.A.
Join your Vitalia neighbors for a friendly game of bowling. Informal and fun. No RSVP needed. Just show up and play. All skill levels welcome.
Canasta Every Tuesday through Thursday | 6:30pm-10pm Guardhouse
The club also meets on Monday evenings when there is availability in the Guardhouse.
Good News Club - Bible Study Wednesdays | 3pm Guardhouse
We are looking forward to our next study topics. One of which is how we can KNOW that the Bible is the Word of God. We enjoy learning the Truth handed down through to us. For questions, call Geof Hoge at 772-216-7005.
Co-Ed Water Volleyball Wednesdays and Sundays | 9am Thursdays for Beginners | 3pm Clubhouse Pool
This game is for anyone looking for a little friendly competition. No experience necessary. No RSVP needed.
Hand & Foot Thursdays | 1pm-4pm Clubhouse
Gun Club Thursday, May 1st | 10:30am Clubhouse
This club discusses issues which are important to gun owners. Also, plans are made for an occasional trip to a shooting range. All are welcome; however, no guns or ammunition of any type are allowed in the Clubhouse. Contact Jerry Mastrov at 772-345-0377 for more information.
Ladies of Vitalia (LOVe) Hadassah Tuesday, May 6th | 10:30am-12:30pm Clubhouse Pool (Weather Permitting)
This will be a general meeting and all are welcome. Our speaker is Rabbi Shafir. Refreshments will be served. Please call Roberta Brachfeld at 772-345-1166 or Faith Kamins at 772345-9014 for more information.
Book Club Tuesday, May 13th | 9:30am Guardhouse
Please join us. We'll be discussing the book, The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline. Learn more on page 13.
Sunshine Club Thursday, May 15th | 10:30am Clubhouse
TO ALL RESIDENTS: The Sunshine Club will be having a question and answer hour. You are welcome to join us and learn about the wonderful reasons for this club. RSVP to cookierose827@aol.com. Coffee and cookies will be served. Hope to see you there.
Garden Club Thursday, May 15th | 1:30pm Guardhouse
If you have questions, contact Lewis Honig at 772-345-1395.
We meet every Thursday at the Clubhouse. New players are cordially invited to learn and play. May 2014 | Vitalia Voice 9
out & about Club / Group
Local MAY EVENTS
Club Amici Fun & Games Night Friday, May 16th | 6pm Clubhouse
Come one, come all to Tombola Night! Try your luck and go home a big winner! We have 48 cards for 48 players. Bring $1 per card for 5 games = $5. Winners will share the pot! BYOB and bring a dish to share. Hosted by Rick and Linda Dixon. To reserve your spot and a card, please contact Linda at llldixon@yahoo.com.
Music Lovers Club Tuesday, May 20th | 11am Clubhouse
Pictured right is Linda Dixon singing Pete Seeger's songs accompanied by Mark on the guitar at the Music Lovers Club meeting!
RED HOT SEASONS EVENTS Red Hot Seasons of Vitalia had their first Hi Tea and what a huge success it was. A special thanks to Nan Rothschild for all her ideas and helping us get it off the ground. Our members made it fabulous as they prepared food and fun. A great time was had by all and we welcomed two new members!
Red Hot Seasons Meeting Wednesday, May 21st | 12pm West End Grill, St. Lucie West
Mary Blancato has volunteered to host this meeting. RSVP to Mary at 772-345-2569 or marvi33@bellsouth.net.
Red Hot Seasons Meeting Wednesday, June 18th
This meeting will be run by Fran Weissman and more information will be forthcoming.
Single Stream Recycling Thursday, May 1st
Single Stream Recycling is coming to St. Lucie County. Free new 64 gallon recycling carts will be delivered to homes, replacing the two bins currently used. For more information, call 772-595-9390 or visit www. pslsinglestream.com.
Imagine Nau Spring Carnival & Ks for Strays 5K Run/Walk Saturday, May 3rd | 10am-5pm 4402 SW Yamada Road, Port St. Lucie
Event benefits the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast and the Imagine Nau PTO. Carnival is open to the public. Packet pick-up begins at 12pm. Race begins at 3pm. The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast is a multiservice center to help find forever homes to abandoned and neglected pets, as well as returning lost pets to their loving homes. They also provide valuable educational programs for pets and their humans. They strive to assure a better life for companion animals by providing shelter, finding loving homes, and promoting respect for their place in our lives. And we love them for it! Imagine Schools - Nau Campus is a tuition-free public charter school located in Southern St. Lucie County. They serve students grades K-8 and house a free VPK program. Their beautiful facility, located on a 5-acre campus, brings state of the art educational technology to this historically rich, but educationally underserved area. They enjoy a tremendous level of public support and participation in a family-friendly school environment. The Port St. Lucie government and the St. Lucie County School District are cooperating partners in all aspects of the school. The Parent-Teacher Organization works to support the students, families, and staff in all they do.
Get Your Cinco On - Cinco de Mayo Celebration Saturday and Sunday, May 3rd and 4th | 4pm-9pm Mi Cabana Mexican Restaurant 3450 SE Dixie Highway, Stuart
Mi Cabana Mexican Restaurant proudly presents the first Cinco de Mayo Weekend Bash with live music, cold 10   Vitalia Voice | May 2014
out & about Local Coronas, and tacos. It will be a two-day fun filled event for the entire family, with the first ever Taco Eating Contest in Martin County. Bring your amigos and cheer on our competitors and find out who can eat the most tacos! Beer specials all weekend long.
2014 Vero Beach Air Show Saturday and Sunday, May 10th and 11th | 8am Vero Beach Municipal Airport 3400 Cherokee Drive, Vero Beach
Rain or shine. Remember to bring chairs for comfort and hand-held umbrellas for protection from the sun. Tickets range from $8-$40 in advance. Kids 4 and under are free. This year's show features the renowned Blue Angels United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron flying Boeing F/A-18 Hornets. Other top performers appearing in the show include the Shockwave Jet Truck, Patty Wagstaff, Skip Stewart and Prometheus, Rob Holland, Scooter Yoak and the Quick Silver P-51 Mustang, Dave Folk F4U-5N Corsair, Michael Wiskus and the Lucas Oil Pitts, the Lucas Oil Skydivers, Julie Clark and T-34 Mentor, and Teresa Stokes and Gene Soucy Wing Walking Show. Free parking. Visit veroairshow.com for more information.
Relay for Life - St. Lucie West Friday, May 16th | 6pm-8am Tradition Field, 525 Peacock Blvd., Port St. Lucie
Benefiting the American Cancer Society.
3rd Annual Stuart Sailfish Regatta
new and improved layout overall and additional food, beverage, and customer service. The race is sanctioned by the American Power Boat Association. The Regatta will be open to ten classes of inboards, four classes of outboards and the Powerboat P1 SuperStock Series. Some of the nation's top tier racers plus a power team of 12 or more Canadian Grand Prix race boats will bring even more adrenaline pumping action to the water. Visit stuartsailfishregatta.com for more information.
Grand Opening Celebration Friday, May 23rd | 11am-2am Twisted Tuna, 4290 SE Salerno Road, Port Salerno
There will be live music, great food, and drink specials.
Hurricane Stock Up Party for ARC of Martin County Thursday, May 29th | 5:30pm Stuart Grill & Ale, 1630 SE Federal Highway, Stuart
Come out and network, eat, drink, and enjoy the music based on weather by DJ Mo from Avenue Entertainment. Mike Ehrenberg will be back to do his live remotes on CBS 12. Gift cards are requested over supplies. Choose your favorite store: Home Depot, Publix, etc. Your support is greatly appreciated! The ARC of Martin County is required to stock up on supplies for 150 people, storms or not. To sign up, please visit www.arcmc.org.
Friday, May 16th | 7pm-11pm Stuart Causeway
Feel the rush, hear the roar. Benefiting the Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast and the U.S. Sailing Center of Martin County. Hydroplanes, powerboats, and jersey skiffs hurling at speeds up to 170 mph. The races will once again be held on the Stuart Causeway on a 1.1-mile oval race course on the northern side of the bridge. After last year's test run, the Regatta Board of Directors is happy to announce they plan to close the Stuart Causeway with the approval of Sewalls Point town officials and all other related agencies. The new expanded site will allow for more vendors and activities, including live music, a bikini contest, and the ultimate spectator viewing area on top of the bridge. Visitors can expect a
New Vitalia Babies May 2014 | Vitalia Voice 11
club/group photos
St. Patrick's Day
James Key, Store Manager Publix in Tradition
Stop in to say hi and thank him for his donation of beautiful flowers for the Club Amici Anniversary Celebration. 12 Vitalia Voice | May 2014
Red Hot Seasons Luncheon at Ben's Deli in Boca Raton
news board
Vitalia Social Committee Entertaining events are a big part of life in Vitalia. The Social Committee plans activities so that all residents can have fun and enjoy each other’s company at a wide variety of fun events. Planning the dates, scheduling visits to venues, deciding on menus, talking with vendors, picking up supplies and decorations, researching entertainment, and of course the set up and clean up, are all a part of your Social Committees’ responsibilities. The planning and execution results in creating a range of fun things to do that all residents can take part in and enjoy. The Social Committee would like to thank the residents who helped set up and clean up at the St. Patrick’s Day Party. It was great fun having many helpful hands to decorate! We look forward to working with the volunteers that would like to get involved with upcoming event day set up and clean up. The Kentucky Derby Party and the Memorial Day Party are two of the fun events scheduled for May. Future events being planned are for July 4th and Labor Day. So, come and enjoy the fun at Vitalia!
Social Committee members Kathy Pachuta, Barbara Deighan, Kathie Sullivan, and Shelley Deixler check out displays and services at Eventmakers for future Vitalia parties.
Vitalia Book Club News The Vitalia Book Club met on March 18th and came up with a list of books that were highly recommended. Beginning in May, and going forward, we will be meeting on the second Tuesday of the month at 9:30am in the Guardhouse until the new Clubhouse is open. Our next meeting is Tuesday, May 13th and we'll be discussing The Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline. Penobscot Indian Molly Ayer is close to “aging out” of the foster care system. A community service position helping an elderly woman clean out her home is the only thing keeping Molly out of juvie and worse... As she helps Vivian
sort through her possessions and memories, Molly learns that she and Vivian aren’t as different as they seem to be. A young Irish immigrant orphaned in New York City, Vivian was put on a train to the Midwest with hundreds of other children whose destinies would be determined by luck and chance. Molly discovers that she has the power to help Vivian find answers to mysteries that have haunted her for her entire life – answers that will ultimately free them both. Rich in detail and epic in scope, Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline is a powerful novel of upheaval and resilience, of unexpected friendship, and of the secrets we carry that keep us from finding out who we are.
Upcoming Books Tuesday, June 10th The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein Tuesday, July 8th The Secrets of Mary Bowser by Lois Leveen Tuesday, August 12th Once We Were Brothers by Ronald Balson May 2014 | Vitalia Voice 13
vitalia vines
Plumeria Question: I just got a “stick” of plumeria. What is it and how do I grow it?
Nan Rothschild Resident Master Gardener mininan1@htcplus.net
Plumeria are flowering ornamentals native to the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, Venezuela, and Columbia. Also known as frangipani, plumeria are members of the Apocynaceae family. They range in size from shrubs (dwarf varieties) to medium trees up to 40 feet in height. Plumeria are used well as accent plants. Most species are briefly deciduous in winter. Culturally, the wood of mature plumeria trees are used to create drums, bowls, trays, cabinets, and furniture. Parts of the plant have been used as folk medicine in India and elsewhere to create an anti-inflammatory compress. However, flower production is the use most commonly associated with the species. Plumeria flowers are used in decorations, arrangements, and for making leis or flower necklaces. The flowers are showy, most varieties are fragrant, and they are found naturally in white, yellow, and red. Hybrids have expanded the color palette to include orange and pink. The flowers are waxy, salverform (a flower with a slender tube corolla that abruptly expands into a flat limb) with 5 petals and overlapping corolla, much like the blades of a propeller. They flower from April to December. Plumeria have thick, waxy, semi-succulent branches that exude a milky white sap when cut or broken. The sap can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Basic Care Plumeria require well-drained soils or potting soil. They are drought tolerant, but prefer moist, not wet, soil. Plumeria grow best in full sunlight. They tolerate a pH range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. Use fertilizer labeled for ornamental landscape plants as packaging recommends. High phosphorus fertilizers may increase flowering, but should be limited to flowerbeds as they may impact water quality. Plumeria do not tolerate 14 Vitalia Voice | May 2014
temperatures below freezing. Plants should be protected or brought inside during cold snaps. Plumeria is also affected by rust fungus which accelerates leaf loss, mealy bugs, and frangipani caterpillars. Contact your local extension office for treatment recommendations.
Propagation A plumeria “stick” is a cutting from a plumeria plant. Plumeria can be propagated through rooted cuttings, seeds, grafting or air layering. Plumeria started from seed do not hold true to the parent plants and take 3-4 years to flower. The use of cuttings is typically the preferred method because it is fast, easy and preserves the desirable plant characteristics. Plumeria cuttings should be taken from mature wood that is gray and firm and should include the stem tip. Cuttings should be 12-15 inches long and a ½ inch wide. Allow the cutting to dry from 3 days to 2 weeks to callus over. Plant sticks usually sell at this point for about $5 to $20 each. If leaves are present on the cutting you can remove them. Dip the callused end into water and then rooting hormone. Sink it 3 inches into premoistened potting soil that drains well. Water lightly when new leaves begin to develop. Resume normal watering when leaves become fully developed. Transplant to ground or permanent pot when fully rooted.
brain games
Word Search Puzzle Find and circle all of the words listed below related to the Streets We Live On. Search words diagonally, horizontally, and vertically.
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Apple Blossom Trail
Chestwood Ave
Oak Tree Circle
Aspen Lane
Cypresswood Circle
Papaya Tree Court
Bay Berry Ave
Forestwood Ave
Royal Poinciana Drive
Birch Tree Circle
Maple Tree Lane
Silverwood Ave
Camellia Court
Marigold Ave
Sycamore Tree Way
Carrotwood Circle
Mountain Ash Circle
Puzzle submitted by resident, Helen Penzel. May 2014 | Vitalia Voice 15
May 2014 10023 SW Oak Tree Circle Port St. Lucie, FL 34987