[ Department ] Articles
REFLECTIONS
ON THE COVER 2020 has been an “ugly” year, so let’s end it by “Getting Ugly!” Join us on Friday, December 11th for the Ugly Holiday Party on the Chess Lawn by The Grille from 6pm-9pm! See page E2 for more information.
DECEMBER 2020 VOLUME 20 ISSUE 12
CONTACT LIST VILLAGE CENTER HOURS Administration: 863-427-7100 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm K&M Drugs: 863-496-7930 Monday-Friday 9am-6pm Saturday 9am-1pm and Sunday Closed
Community Manager (Association) - Rudy Bautista: 863-701-2969 or rbautista@evergreen-LM.com Club Manager - Sheri Wollschlager: 863-427-7129 or swollschlager@evergreen-LM.com Director of Association Site Services for Solivita - Matt McCoy: 863-427-7103 or mmccoy@evergreen-LM.com Director of Safety & Security - Madalyn Colon: 863-440-7572 or madalync@vitalsecurity.com
Marketplace Bistro: 863-427-7150, ext. 4724 Daily 8am-7pm, Breakfast: 8am-11am
Communications Director - Doug Gilbert: 863-427-7137 or solivitacommunications@evergreen-LM.com
Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: 863-427-7130 Monday-Thursday 6:30am-9pm Friday 6:30am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm
Evergreen Lifestyles Management (For ALL Club & HOA Matters) 24/7: 855-490-1804 or customerservice@evergreen-LM.com
Riviera Spa Massage: 407-914-9168 Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm Friday 8am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 9am-6pm Solivita Club Facilities After Hours Emergency Phone Number: 863-286-8779 Weekdays 5pm-8pm and Weekends 12pm-5pm Starlite Ballroom Daily 8am-11pm Stonegate Pro Shop: 863-427-7150, ext. 4710 Daily 7am-5pm The Grille at Stonegate: 863-427-7167 Daily 11am-8pm Breakfast Wednesday through Sunday, 8am-11am Happy Hour Daily 3pm-7pm and All Day on Sundays 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
Taylor Morrison Customer Care: 800-858-5933 or OrlandoCustomerCare@taylormorrison.com. Warranty Request: taylormorrison.com/warranty/request Activities: 863-427-7125 or SolivitaActivities@evergreen-LM.com Architectural Review: 863-427-7022 or compliance@solivitahoa.com Catering & Banquets (Stonegate Golf Club): 863-427-7150, ext. 4720 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 Mosaics Restaurant: 863-427-7150, ext. 4720 or option #5 Resident to Resident Resource Center: 863-236-9973 or SolivitaR2R@gmail.com Riviera Spa Massage: 407-914-9168 or info@rivieraspamassage.com 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
Waterfront Galleries Daily 8am-11pm
Solivita Sales: 863-427-7000
Welcome Center or Model Park: 863-427-7000 Monday-Saturday 9:30am -5:30pm Sunday 11am -5:30pm
The Palms Amenity Center: 863-496-1530 or Fax: 863-496-0914
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Stonegate Golf Club Directory: 863-427-7150
Violations & Compliance: 863-427-7032 Visitor/Vendor Gate Access Voice Server: 863-313-1314
[ Solivita Information] DECEMBER TABLE OF CONTENTS Newsletter Submission & Advertising Info ............................ Page 3 Department Articles .............................................................. Pages 4-20 Solivita University ................................................................. Pages 12-13 Community Events .............................................................. Pages 20-22 Relay For Life .............................................................................. Page 20 Mosaics Special Nights ........................................................... Page 21 Wellness Events ......................................................................... Page 22 A Touch of Class ................................................................... Pages 23-26 Club & Support Group Meeting Lists ........................... Pages 26-31 Club News ............................................................................... Pages 31-46 Resident Kudos .............................................................................. Page 46 Advertisements ..................................................................... Pages 47-84 Activities Events (back of calendar) ................ Insert Pages E1-E3
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS Email submissions to reflections@evergreen-LM.com
JANUARY SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Monday, November 30th. Club insert copies for January are due by Wednesday, December 23rd. All inserts must be approved by Club Manager, Sheri Wollschlager (email to swollschlager@evergreen-LM.com) or Communications Director, Doug Gilbert (email to solivitacommunications@ evergreen-LM.com) before they are copied.
FEBRUARY SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Thursday, December 31st.
Movies on Channel 732 ................................................. Insert Page E1 Events You Do Not Want to Miss .............................. Insert Page E2 Solivita Event Photos ...................................................... Insert Page E3 Monthly Calendar (back of Activities Events) ........................ Insert
2021 RECURRING CLUB CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Solivita Clubs with recurring weekly/monthly meetings need to submit their meeting information in order to be included in the Reflections Calendar Insert for the 2021 year. Please include the club name, day and date of meeting, time, and location. Double check your meeting dates and be sure to note any cancellations due to holidays, etc. If you list a meeting on a holiday, it will be included on the calendar. Groups that made an annual submission for 2020 are NOT automatically carried over into the new year. Please send new submissions to reflections@evergreen-LM.com by Monday, November 30th.
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 information, visit SolivitaAdvertising. com or contact Amanda Wright at 813-501-7220 or SolivitaAdvertising@Evergreen-LM.com.
PHOTO RELEASE AGREEMENT As a reminder, attending any event or class advertised in this publication grants Taylor Morrison, Evergreen Lifestyles Management and Solivita, permission and unconditional rights to use, print, publish or allow to be published, any photographic or videographic image and/or likeness for promotional and/or advertising purposes without compensation, consent, restrictions or limitations whatsoever.
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
Holiday lighting and decorations are permitted to be placed upon the exterior portions of the home and upon the lot commencing on Thanksgiving and need be removed no later than January 15th. The ACC may require the removal of any lighting that creates a nuisance (e.g., unacceptable spillover to an adjacent home).
Reflections |  December 2020 |
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? Do you have a suggestion for Reflections, Channel 732, or SolivitaHOA.com? Email inquiries or comments to Doug Gilbert at SolivitaCommunications@Evergreen-LM.com.
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[ Department ] Articles
Look What We Accomplished! By Sheri Wollschlager Club Manager
The year 2020 has been a very trying and an interesting year for all of us. I am very proud of the Evergreen Activities and FitWell Teams because during this trying time, they came together, thought outside of the box and were able to continue providing the best program we could at the same time keeping everyone as safe as possible. The Housekeeping and Maintenance Team worked very hard to keep our facilities cleaned and looking fresh. The Communications Department and Concierge kept the communication open and going at all times. Membership and Compliance did their best to continue to do their jobs and provide service to our residents. The Resident to Resident Resource Center has done a great job providing outside the box information while continuing to provide medical equipment to our residents. I am very proud of the whole team for coming together and keeping Solivita going. One benefit that came with the facility shutdown was the opportunity to remodel and work on projects that would have required closure or inconveniencing our residents. When we were able to reopen, we had the projects completed and were happy to welcome everyone back. Below are projects that we were able to complete this year, in no particular order.
• The Riviera Spa and Fitness Center (RSF) outdoor pool, spas, and fountains were resurfaced. • The RSF outside pool deck was resurfaced and painted. • Installed new flooring in the lobby of RSF lobby and second floor hallway along with new baseboards. • Removed the diver wall in RSF aerobic studio and did repairs to the floor. • Installed cameras in RSF and The Palms. • Installed new drainage in the Dog Park and started laying new sod and Bermuda seeds. • Renovated the Mediterranean Skyline Rooms by repainting the rooms, purchased new poker tables, new window treatments and reupholstered all the chairs. • Re-surfaced the Billiards Gallery tables. • Pressure washed the Village Drive buildings, pavers and sidewalks.
Completed Projects by 2021: • All frontline staff went through CPR training to update their certifications.
• Repaired and painted the storage room in the Ballroom. • Repainted the Pickleball wall at Freedom Park.
• New sound boards in the Starlite Ballroom were completed. The sound is a lot truer now.
• Yearly service of the Softball Field and install new permanent foul lines.
• Finished reupholstering the chairs in the Starlite Ballroom. • The Team was proactive and replaced AC units that were installed in 1999 and were no longer operating efficiently. This project was completed in April with the install of three AC units on the Ballroom roof. • Renovated Venezia and Bella Viana Clubhouses. Installed new floors, purchased new tables, reupholstered chairs, purchased new furniture for the lobby, new lighting inside, new restroom countertops with new faucets, installed new light fixtures and fully painted the inside and outside of the buildings.
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• Installed fans that were donated by Smashers for the shade areas. Thank you Keith for your help. • Completely renovated The Palms Ballroom, lobby and computer room. • Added a dance floor in The Palms Ballroom. • Purchased extra game tables in The Palms lobby. Continued on page 6
Reflections | December 2020 |
Activities Program FOR DECEMBER 2020 SPECIAL NIGHTS
Monday Trivia Select Mondays at 4pm & 7pm $5 Beverage Ticket Admission
SPECIAL NIGHTS
Tuesday Karaoke
Wednesdays 11am-1pm Freedom Park Parking Lot
Select Tuesdays from 6pm-9pm Complimentary Entrance
Holiday Parade Mon., December 7th Lineup starts 3pm Parade begins 4:30pm Participants enter at Ballroom Side Road
Things To Do Thursday
& Activity Competition Things to Do Thursday
Tues., December 15th 2pm on Ch. 732
Sun. December 13th & Mon. December 14th
Fri., December 11th 6pm-9pm » $30 Chess Lawn by The Grille
Spectators to watch on select main roads
Picture This Trivia
House Lighting Contest
Ugly Holiday Party
Thurs., December 17th Email Blast
Participants register on SolivitaHOA.com by December 7th
New Year's Eve Party Thurs., December 31st 8:30pm-1am » $25 Freedom Park parking lot
Happy Holidays from the activities department
READ MORE INFORMATION ABOUT 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 BANNER THAT WILL DIRECT YOU TO THE ACTIVITIES EVENTS AND SOLIVITA UNIVERSITY CLASSES CALENDAR WHERE YOU SELECT THE EVENT DATE FOR MORE INFORMATION. CURRENTLY, THIS PROGRAM IS FOR RESIDENTS ONLY. FOR QUESTIONS, EMAIL OR CALL ACTIVITIES DEPARTMENT AT SOLIVITAACTIVITIES@EVERGREEN-LM.COM OR 863-427-7125. TO RECEIVE THE SOLIVITA COMMUNITY EMAIL BLASTS, GO TO SOLIVITAHOA.COM, CLICK ON REGISTER AND ENTER “Evergreen” AS THE FIRST TIME CONFIDENTIAL PASSWORD.
Reflections | December 2020 |
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[ Department ] Articles
Sheri’s article continued from page 4 • Painted and deep cleaned the whole inside of The Palms including the fitness area.
• Replaced several of the parking lot light fixtures in Freedom Park with LED lights.
• Installed ceiling fans with light fixtures in The Palms Ballroom and installed new lightening in the lobby and restrooms.
• Made landscape improvements at several club facilities areas. • Resurfaced the Tennis Courts at Freedom Park.
• Removed the dividing wall in The Palms Ballroom allowing more room for events. • Relocated The Palms Ballroom AV equipment into the kitchen for better control and installed a new electronic screen. No more rope hanging down! • Took down all the blinds in The Palms Ballroom and installed curtains that can be used to blacken the room. New window treatments in the lobby also.
• Change the Bocce Courts at The Palms into new Cornhole gaming area. • Installed a new score board for the softball field. • Refurbished the horseshoe pits and scoring boards. Added more shade structure for this area. • Installed new benches for shuffleboard and moved some benches to The Palms Pickleball round-about area.
• Installed an accent wall in The Palms Ballroom and new carpet in the Ballroom, computer room and large area rugs in the lobby.
• Installed electricity at the boat dock for the Dragon boats. Relocated a bike rack to this area.
• Replaced the Fitness front deck at The Palms.
• Replaced aging and damaged Dragon boat covers.
• Removed an oak tree on Village drive and replaced sidewalk that are lifting from tree roots in front of the Bistro and Mosaics. Install a new tabebula tree.
• Installed a roll down awning for the pavilion at Pickleball Courts in Freedom Park.
• Installed new aluminum trellis on Village Drive in front of RSF. • Relocated Basketball Court from the community to Freedom Park with all the other recreation. Thank you Horseshoes Club for giving up some of your pits for the relocation. • Resurfaced the Shuffleboard Courts. • Install a new bleacher at the championship tennis court and installed new shade structures over the bleachers. • Changed our piped in music system to allow us to provide a large variety of music. • Improved the quality of the picture and increased the sound on the community channel. Provided movies, fitness and Solivita University classes online.
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• Purchased a new rowing machine for RSF and a new step for The Palms. • Residents have been asking for an online reservation and ticket system for a long time. Jana and the Activities team have come through and worked very hard to get this set up and working. There is still work to be done but you can now make your reservations online for any Club facilities and purchase tickets for most events. The team is excited about the projects we get to work on in 2021. On behalf of the Evergreen Lifestyles Management Team, we would like to wish our Solivita residents a very Happy New Year. May the new year bring you happiness, love and good health.
Sheri Wollschlager 863-427-7129 swollschlager@evergreen-LM.com
Reflections | December 2020 |
A Successful Resident Only Festival! The Fall Arts & Crafts Festival Committee and Activities Team would like to THANK vendors, as well as attendees, for participating in the 19th Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival at Solivita. Due to the pandemic, this year’s event was totally different and much more challenging to pull together than in previous years. We greatly appreciate the community support and cooperation by adhering to the safety guidelines which allowed us to maintain a safe environment for everyone. The event ran very smoothly and proved to be a great success! Thank you for your generous donations to our fund drive to benefit the St. Rose of Lima Food Pantry. The $2,138 raised will be used to provide food for many families in the Poinciana and surrounding areas who are struggling during these difficult times. Congratulations to the Rosario Family who won the free raffle gift basket! We want to extend special thanks to the Solivita staff including Fitness, Club Communications, Housekeeping and Maintenance, Stonegate Golf Catering, Floralawn, Vital Security, and the many resident volunteers whose time, talents and energy made this year’s event possible. With a challenging but successful year behind us, we are looking forward to 2021! Mark your calendars now for the 20th Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival at Solivita scheduled for Saturday, November 6, 2021. If you have any comments or suggestions or if you would like to have your name added to our vendor mailing list for next year, please email solivitafallfestival@gmail.com or call the Activities Office at 863-427-7125. Photos provided by Gaby Backert and Joe Thomas.
December & January Holiday Hours Thursday, December 24th Christmas Eve
Thursday, December 31st New Year’s Eve
Activities: Close at 1pm Administration: Close at 12pm RSF & The Palms: Close at 12pm Fitness Classes: Cancelled The Grille: Open Normal Hours Marketplace Bistro: Closed Pro Shop: 7am-1pm
Activities: Open Normal Hours Administration: Close at 12pm RSF & The Palms: Close at 12pm Fitness Classes: Cancelled Waterfront Galleries: Closed The Grille: Closed at 2pm Bistro: Closed at 2pm Pro Shop: 7am-1pm
Friday, December 25th Christmas Day Activities: Closed Administration: Closed RSF & The Palms: Closed Fitness Classes: Cancelled The Grille: Closed Marketplace Bistro: Closed Pro Shop: Closed
Reflections | December 2020 |
Friday, January 1st New Year’s Day Activities & Admin: Closed RSF & The Palms: Open at 12pm Fitness Classes: Cancelled The Grille: Open at 11am Bistro: Open at 11am Pro Shop: 7am-5pm
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[ Department ] Articles
Cheers to Bringing in 2021! By Jana Malik Director of Activities
2021 Dog Park Registration
2020 is a year that I am sure we are never going to forget, but even with its challenges, we’ve been happy to offer the community a virtual program through our Community Channel and Zoom and an in-person program to suit all comfort levels. The Activities Department is looking forward to a healthy 2021 as we hope to bring some big events being planned for later in the year!
Starting on December 14th, the Activities department will have the 2021 Dog Park dog tags for purchase via exact cash, check or credit card. Bring your pets updated vaccinations with you if they are close to expiring. We have owners’ 2020 vaccination information if they are still current. The registration form is available on SolivitaHOA.com under Lifestyles, Dog Park.
New Year’s Eve Party
Rays of Service Volunteer Log Sheet Submission
Say goodbye to 2020 at our New Year’s Eve Party in the Freedom Park parking lot. Get a reserved areas that will accommodate up to two or up to four people. One of the parking spaces we give you is for parking 1-2 golf carts or 1 car, in case of rain, and the other parking space(s) to sit in your own folding chairs, dance and enjoy. DJ John, DJ Penny and more will bring non-stop live entertainment! There will be food trucks, mobile beverage carts, and fireworks to ring in the 2021 New Year. Face covering is required to wear at all times except when you are in your reserved area. Event opens at 8:30pm and rolls into 1am the next day! You can purchase a maximum of two reserved “areas” for RESIDENTS ONLY. $25 per person. Read more information about this and all other December events on the back of the inserted calendar.
If you have volunteered your time for a Solivita Department (newsletter delivery, event assistance, office assistance, R2R, Solivita committee, etc.) between March 1st through December 1st, submit your volunteer log sheet to the Activities Department by December 4th by dropping it off to the Activities office or email it to SolivitaActivities@Evergreen-LM.com.
2021
Solivita University (SU) in 2021 This year has been a learning year (pun intended), technologically speaking. SU professors modified their classes so they could be taught using an interactive virtual platform called Zoom. We were thrilled and proud that these professors quickly learned and acclimated themselves to this new way of teaching. We are grateful to Taylor Morrison for allowing the classes to be offered at no charge to residents this year.
January 2021 Reflections Newsletter Cover Don’t miss this opportunity to be on the newsletter cover! A custom message is spelled out in large letters on the grassy knoll by the Ballroom to welcome the 2021 New Year. Take your picture above/behind the letters and email it to SolivitaActivities@ Evergreen-LM.com by December 4th. The message says, “2021 – SOLIVITA, WE GOT THIS!”
Moving into 2021, most classes will continue to be taught virtually, but tuition fees will be reinstated at the lowest possible rate. We will post an online ticket sales link in the SolivitaHOA. com Activities Events and Solivita University Calendar. Once you’ve paid the virtual class tuition, a Zoom link will be provided to you. More information will be sent via email blast.
Updated Club Contact Info Many clubs pass the baton of club responsibilities around this time of year to another member(s). If your club has a new President, Continued on page 9
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Reflections | December 2020 |
[ Department] Articles
Jana’s article continued from page 8
Commander, Queen Mother, Coordinator, Commissioner, Contact Person, etc., please email the updated contact information, new board and if applicable, updated by-laws to SolivitaActivities@Evergreen-LM.com. Please advise us if you have a recurring room reservation so we can update the room calendar as well. We will forward this information to the newsletter publisher to update the Club Meeting List section and to Club Communications to update your club page on SolivitaHOA.com.
banner, you will be directed to the Activities Events and Solivita University Classes calendar, where you will click on the event or class you are interested in participating. There you will find the RSVP or purchase ticket link.
Month By Month During these abnormal times, Activities is planning events one month at a time versus a year in advance, as is our usual practice. Therefore, stay tuned for department updates through the community email blasts and on the Activities Events and Solivita University Calendar found on SolivitaHOA.com. Some have asked about the Club Expo traditionally held annually in the Ballroom in January where 50 clubs have a table to introduce themselves, answer questions and accept new membership. If the outdoor attendee capacity limit increases, plans are to host this outside in the Freedom Park parking lot so that we can spread out for social distancing. Thank you all for your patience as we do our best to bring you activities, classes and events while ensuring the safety and health of our residents and adherence to the guidelines set in place.
You may be asking what is the difference between RSVP and Ticket Sales? RSVP is for complimentary events that require advanced registration to assist with event preparation. Ticket Sales is for events and classes that require advanced payment. From all of us in the Activities office, Brandon Payne, Kaylee Febles, Michelle Ifill and myself, don’t let this year take away from being Merry and Bright! Happy Holidays and we toast you for a better New Year...Keep the Party Going! Jana Malik 863-427-7125 jmalik@evergreen-LM.com
Online RSVP & Ticket Sales In all honesty, with the pandemic slowing our usual program down this year, it helped our department to be able to work on, test, fix minor kinks, evaluate and launch our first ever online RSVP and Ticket Sales. We are still learning and creating ways to make it easily accessible and user friendly. We have plans to make a step-by-step video tutorial in the near future. In the meantime, we have successfully assisted many residents with their RSVP or Ticket Sales transactions and will continue to do so as our community learns how to use this new online system. If you need assistance, call us at 863-427-7125, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. SolivitaHOA.com is home to both RSVP and Ticket Sales and can be accessed by clicking the RSVP OR PURCHASE TICKETED EVENTS banner located on the Home Page. When you click the
Reflections | December 2020 |
A FRIEND WHO HAS LEFT US, BUT IS NOT FORGOTTEN Dr. Richard Rashbaum
Rashbaum
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the resident who recently passed away.
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Halloween House of Frights Decorating Contest winners 1 st Pla c e Janet and Gerry Huckabee - 245 Escondido Court (Portofino)
3rd Place ti e
2 nd Pla c e Barb and Lynn Scherr 210 Rock Springs Drive (Rainbow Lakes)
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Gordon and Pam Rae 2991 Palm Tree Court (Viareggio)
Deb and Bob Kelchner and Loretta Widdows - 4335 Via Cavour Court (Versilia)
Halloween Parade winners Photos sent by Joe Thomas, Lynn Scherr and Gerald Huckabee
Spookiest Don’t Text and Fly / Potion #9 Pat Lynn and Paulette Crabtree
best group Girls Just Want to Have Fun - Lee Egan, Bev Stairs, Vanda Matero and Yvette Studdard
funniest Fred Flintstone Mobile Doug & Denean Hellebuyck and John & Peggy Biwer
most creative
most lights Pirate Ship Patrick and Carole Hall
Purple Spider Web Woods and Mathews Team | 11 |
[ Solivita University ]
Co-Sponsored by the Solivita University Committee and Activities Classes below are being offered either in person or virtually for residents only via Zoom.us (registration links are sent via email blast and may be recorded upon entering for possible future broadcast through Solivita communications sources). Starting in January 2021, tuition will be added to virtual and in person classes. 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. January 2021 classes and GD Books will be on sale starting on December 1st at 9am. Go to SolivitaHOA.com Home Page and click on the RSVP or Purchase Ticketed Events banner which leads to the Activities Events and Solivita University Calendar. There, you select the class date to register and pay. The 2021 GD Book purchase link will be on the December 1st date. For more information stop in, call the Activities Office at 863-427-7125 or email SolivitaActivities@Evergreen-LM.com.
2021 Great Decisions (GD) Discussions Annual Pass and Book Each year the Foreign Policy Association produces a study guide with eight of the most critical global issues facing America. Eight months a year we have a Wednesday afternoon session at The Palms and a ZOOM session on a Tuesday morning. Cost is $41 ($46 if two share one book). Great Decisions discussions are moderated in person by Thomas Gallagher Ph.D and virtually by Mary Ellen Roberts and Len Trushkosky.
Apple iPhones and iPads Mondays, January 18th, 25th, February 1st and 8th 10:30am via Zoom or 6:30pm in Gator Room Instructor: Catherine Larson Tuition: $25 per resident student Class Info: This course is for Apple devices – iPhones and iPads, NOT Android Catherine devices - Samsung, LG, Motorola, etc. Larson Participants are to have their Apple device for hands on learning.
Discussion Topics in 2021 include: Global Supply Chains and National Security; Persian Gulf Security Issues; Brexit and the European Union; Struggles Over the Melting Arctic; China’s Role in Africa; The Korean Peninsula; Roles of International Organizations in a Global Pandemic; and The end of globalization?
2021 Art and Literary Lectures Annual Pass This program will be postponed until further notice. Continued on page 13
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Reflections | December 2020 |
[ Department] Articles
Solivita University continued from page 12 Course Description: Take control of your iOS device. iPhones and iPads are powerful computers that we carry with us! Learn how to keep your information secure, find your devices or friends, share photos and videos, take photos while videoing! You will also learn how to use iCloud folders, create a hotspot, sync via Bluetooth to your car, speakers and earbuds. See how to use the various keyboard features and MUCH MORE!
Basic Investment Thursdays, January 21st and 28th 1pm via Zoom Instructor: Lita Epstein Tuition: $10 per resident student Course Description: Explore the basics and types of investments. Then explore strategies for picking funds and managing your retirement assets.
Happy Holidays from the Resource Center! It certainly has been an unusual year to say the least. We may celebrate the holidays a little differently this year, but our human spirit lives on. Even in the latter season of our lives, we can make a difference in so many other people’s lives. We leave you with an inspirational quote from an unknown author: “At the end of life, what really matters is not what we bought, but what we built; not what we got, but what we shared; not our competence, but our character; and not our success, but our significance. Live a life that matters. Live a life of love.”
Read a Book to Your Grandchildren Over Zoom this Holiday Season One way to stay connected with your grandchildren this holiday season is by reading a children’s book over Zoom. We have a great selection of children’s books you can borrow at the Resource Center. Stop by and pick one up next time you are down at the Bistro; we are located upstairs.
Intro to Acting POSTPONED TO JANUARY 2022
Upcoming Classes in Winter/Spring 2021
• 2-week course on Thursdays starting February 11th at • • • •
6:30pm: Social Security Basics Thursday, February 25th at 10am: Leave Your Kids the Memories, Not The Mess 3-week course on Fridays starting March 12th at 10:30am: Fiestas in the Americas: Cuba, Argentina and Mexico Thursday, March 18th at 1pm: The Borinqueneers Film Documentary Presentation 8-week course on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning April 6th at 1:30pm: Beginners Conversational Spanish
Reflections | December 2020 |
R2R Resource Center 863-236-9973 SolivitaR2R@gmail.com
SOLIVITAHOA.COM All officially registered clubs in Solivita may have a club webpage on SolivitaHOA.com to display club information, contacts, photos, documents and more. Contact Doug Gilbert at 863-427-7137 or SolivitaCommunications@ Evergreen-LM.com to learn more!
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[ Department ] Articles
From the World of Fitness & Wellness By Jamar Edge Director of Fitness & Wellness
December is here!!! Goodbye 2020!!!! First, I want to thank those of you who attended this year’s Health Fair. It was much different than we are all used to, but I’m ecstatic that you all came out. The FitWell team and I are looking forward to the challenge of making the event more eventful than this year. As we inch closer to 2021, we are looking forward to all of the opportunities and challenges a New Year will bring.
Yard of the Month Happy Holidays to everyone! Our Yard of the Month journey brought us to Bella Vista this month tucked away between the Cypress and Oaks Golf Courses near the main gate. After pondering some of the lovely landscapes in the area, our judges chose the tastefully done yard at 660 Volterra Boulevard. William and Suzanne Voss take great pride in their landscape and it shows dramatically in their curb appeal. Congratulations to you both! The cooler temperatures allow for working in the yard to spruce up those untidy spots and refreshing the plants. Will you be our next Yard of the Month? Stay tuned and be safe!
Things to Keep in Mind During the Holidays 1. Make sure you stay hydrated. With the many, many, many festive drinks that come with the holidays, most are full of calories and not very good at keeping you hydrated. Make sure you keep a water bottle handy and be sure to drink plenty of water before any holiday gatherings you may attend. 2. A good way to avoid overeating is to keep a food log. By tracking, you know just how many “cheat treats” you can include during this time of year. 3. Nothing wrong with rewarding yourself, right? Each time you get up to walk, go to the gym, bike or any other fitness activity, throw a few dollars in a jar each time you complete one of those activities. Once the holiday season is over, reward yourself with something you like. 4. Make sure you plan ahead. The holiday season is the busiest season for many of us. Planning your workouts in advance is a good way to ensure they fit into your daily schedule. While planning, make sure your accounting for even those days you aren’t in town. 5. Finally, it is a very good time to find a workout buddy to help keep you motivated and accountable. So that will do it for me for 2020. On behalf of the Solivita FitWell Team, have a Safe and Healthy Holiday Season!!! Jamar Edge 863-496-3522 jedge@evergreen-LM.com
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Reflections | December 2020 |
2020 Golf Cart Rally Winners
[ Department] Articles
Route and Games Created by Solivita Team Members: Kaylee Febles, Michelle Ifill and Peggy Biwer This was the first in person event that we were permitted to host since the pandemic closed us down back in March. On October 10th, we had 52 golf cart teams that we downsized to two people per golf cart and everyone had a ball! As usual, nothing in the Activities program can happen without our amazing volunteers! After scoring every single sheet, the winners in 2020 are ….
2nd Place: Jersey Strong Diane and Marc Milgram Diane and Marc Milgram said they loved the organization and how fun the events that we have been doing so far in Activities!
1st Place: JetMobl Deb and Bob Kelchner Deb and Bob Kelchner just moved to Solivita in January and got their super cool green golf cart in February. They became so familiar with Solivita by driving around the neighborhood after they went out to eat in the evenings and said that is what helped them win the competition.
3rd Place: Blue Streak Leo and Elaine Mills Leo and Elaine Mills said they’ve done the golf cart rally almost every year and that this year the clues were really good!
SPEED ENFORCEMENT IN SOLIVITA The HOA, Security, and the 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. Check out what the stats were in previous months, periodically airing on Channel 732. Receiving a speeding ticket is not only financially costly, but can lead to much more serious results. Think about these facts: A driver is six times more likely to have an accident when traveling at 25% above the posted speed limit; Speeding reduces the amount of available time to avoid a crash and increases the severity of a crash once it occurs; and Speed is a choice over which the driver has complete control.
Reflections | December 2020 |
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[ Department ] Articles
A Christmas Connection! By Shelley Destefano Community Concierge
There is nothing like Christmas morning! As we inhale that cold winter air the smell of pine shivers down our spine. Our bodies are a vessel in this world, and it is so connected to everything and everyone. This season brings us together like our central nervous system. If you need more to explore this holiday season, please read on!
will transform ¾ of a mile of their gardens into an interactive light walk through complete with snow, holiday music, and much more. This event, called “Dazzling Nights,” is from December 1st-January 3rd. They also have a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree for holiday pictures. Tickets are $22 per person. Visit dazzlingorlando.com to purchase tickets and for more information. (Masks required.)
The Wonder House
Tree Lighting Ceremony and Light Show
The Wonder House, located at 1075 Mann Road, Bartow, 33830), was built by Conrad Schuck who was told he only had a year to live. It is now a private residence that offers historic tours. They will be offering two options for their Christmas tours. The daytime tour option will be on Saturday and Sunday for $25 per adult and $10 per child, 12 and under. The nighttime tour option allows you to see the house lit up and includes homemade treats, on Friday and Saturday nights for $30 per adult and $15 for children. Parking is free. Unfortunately, this house is not wheelchair accessible. Please visit wonderhousebartow.com/ historic-tours for more information.
The City of Orlando will have their annual tree lighting ceremony and light show at the Lake Eola Park (located at 195 North Rosalind Avenue, Orlando, 32801) on December 4th from 5pm-9pm. You can also expect to enjoy live entertainment, holiday music and food trucks. They will have a daily light and music show that will go on every hour starting at 5:45pm and ending with the last show at 9:45pm. Please visit orlando.gov/ Events/2020-Tree-Lighting-Ceremony for more information.
Holiday Flying Festival and Car Show Holiday Flying Festival and Car Show at SUN ‘n FUN (located at 4175 Medulla Road, Lakeland, 33881) will be going on December 4th and 5th. Admission is free; however, there is a $20 fee for parking which you may purchase online. At this event you can enjoy the Car Show, Airplane Show, Food Vendors, live music, and a Runway 5K on Saturday. Please visit flysnf.org to purchase parking tickets, view the schedule of events and for more information.
Magic of Lights For a drive through/visit the beach option, visit Daytona International Speedway located at 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, 32114. Here you will be able to view the MAGIC OF LIGHTS, now through January 2nd. Please visit magicoflights.com to purchase tickets and for more information.
Other Events If you are looking for more things to do locally, visit todayandtonightmagazine.ning.com, as they tend to cover Bok Tower Garden events and just about everything else going on in Polk County.
Night of a Million Lights You can enjoy the Night of a Million Lights from November 13th-January 3rd from 5pm-10pm daily at Give Kids the World Village (located at 210 South Bass Road, Kissimmee). They have ticket tier options with the highest one being $40 per adult and $20 for kids. You will get complimentary ice cream, hot cocoa, as well as unlimited access to the wheelchair-accessible rides and attractions. Please visit gktw.org/lights/event.php for more information and to purchase tickets. (Masks required.)
Dazzling Nights Leu Gardens, located at 1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando,
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Stay connected to the world, the seasons, good times, and those surrounding you. As long as you have life in your body, you have the ability to connect with others and make a difference. Do not forget that you only have 30 days left to impact someone this year and the time is always ticking. “Tick Tock” says the Merry Clock! Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season! Community Concierge 863-427-7100 sdestefano@evergreen-LM.com
Reflections | December 2020 |
Flags Over Solivita
Sign Up or Renew for 2021
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Submitted by the Veterans Club of Solivita
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he Veterans Club of Solivita is asking for your help through your donations. Among the charities that the Veterans Club of Solivita supports are College Scholarships to local ROTC high school seniors; Bingo Games for the facility-bound Veterans at the VA Community Living Center at Lake Nona; Free and medically supervised travel to Washington, D.C. in the Honor Flight Program for WWII, Korean and Vietnam veterans to visit the memorial that was specifically created to honor their services as well as the services of their fellow comrades who had paid the ultimate sacrifice; USO at the Orlando airport, which provides programs and services for transition back to civilian life, for nurturing hospital care when recovering from a battlefield injury, training accident or even a long illness, and for vital links to information, programming and community support for the healing families. The Veterans Club of Solivita is asking for your donations to help support and further these and other programs. As a thank you for your donation, the Veterans Club members and non-military Solivita volunteer residents will ensure that a 3’ x 5’ American flag flies in front of your home six times a year on President’s Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day through 9/11, and Veterans Day. When your neighbors see the flag flying in front of your home, they will know it symbolizes your love of the flag, your love of country, and your support of the military men and women who have and still fight for the freedoms we have and enjoy. Just think of it, an American flag flying in front of every home in Solivita. Almost 2,800 flags were displayed throughout Solivita in 2020. Won’t you please help our cause with a $25 yearly tax-deductible contribution? One-hundred percent (100%) of your contribution goes to support these charities and the Veterans Club takes no administrative fees. Note: The flags remain the property of the Veterans Club and it is the club’s responsibility to install, remove, store, care for, and maintain the flags. Applications are available on the Veterans Club webpage on www.SolivitaHOA.com or at the Concierge Desk. If you like to volunteer or you have any questions, email flagsoversolivita@gmail.com or call 863 512-3655. Applications, along with your $25 check (made payable to VCS), can be mailed to: Veterans Club of Solivita, P.O. Box 581770, Poinciana, FL 34758.
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[ Department ] Articles
Happy Holidays!
By Brad Thompson Branch Manager, Floralawn Where did the year go? It’s been a crazy one for sure.
Boulevard. We’re continuing that task this month, cutting the clumps way back so they can rest during the cooler months.
Here we are in December again, with Christmas decorations displayed around the common areas of Solivita and in residents’ homes.
This month we’re also finishing up another round of fertilizing on lawns, native palms, and shrubs.
Sod and Plant Installation Even though lawn and shrub growth has slowed way down, our Floralawn crews continue to work hard, keeping the community immaculate for you and your holiday guests.
The sod installations from Replacement Lists #1, 2, and 3 are complete. We’re working our way through the current plant replacement list.
A Quick Revisit of November
(The replacement lists comprise areas throughout Solivita where grass or shrubs are failing or have died. Our crews remove the dead/sickly grass or shrubs and install new sod and plants.)
In last month’s Reflections article, we reminded residents that our lawn crews are only mowing twice a month now. This cutting schedule will continue through March 2021, at which time we’ll resume weekly mowing. We also talked about the turf grass diseases we deal with here in Solivita. In the summer, daily rains and high humidity create the perfect environment for turf diseases like brown patch fungus and gray leaf spot to thrive. Later in the year, humidity and rainfall is less, but cooler nights keep grass damp. For that reason, we continue to keep watch for brown patch and gray leaf spot in November and December.
Grass Pruning & Fertilization In November we started pruning the Fakahatchee grass that grows in large clumps throughout Solivita, including down Solivita
Thank You! Floralawn has been providing landscaping services to Solivita for four years now. It’s our privilege to care for your lawns, shrubs, and trees, keeping your community looking beautiful. Our crews work hard, and we appreciate your support, feedback, and kind words.
Need Information? As always, if you have any questions, call us any time at 863225-9565. Or if you’re in the neighborhood, stop by the Admin building in downtown Solivita and chat with us in the office. All of us at Floralawn would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Enjoy each other and your families, and we’ll see you in 2021!
Happy Holidays from your friends at
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Reflections | December 2020 |
Relay For Life Blessings!
[ Department] Articles
By Susie Quattrochi Relay For Life Event Lead Relay For Life started in Solivita with its first Signature Event in 2012. Throughout each year, different teams of volunteers have fun events to raise funds for the American Cancer Society in the fight against cancer. Relay was a 24-hour event and my husband, Al Quattrochi, walked laps around the grassy knoll for 11 hours in memory of his mother. I joined a team, Playing For Life, and became a volunteer to decorate and motivate players to donate funds to play games. We were inspired with the cause to fight cancer, and after that event, we both became “Proud Volunteers” for Relay For Life of Solivita and then “Event Leads.”
did it! Patty created the most meaningful Luminaria ceremony with every candle lit. Without the expertise from Jana Malik, our Activities Director, we could never have executed a community event this large every year. DJ Irwin, our “master music man” for so many events, was my blessing to step up and take over the scheduling of entertainment and music for three stages. Vicki Freece earned her title of “VIP” to coordinate over 100 volunteers at Relay making the event run so smooth. Our Donation Chair, Jan Fridh and her team outdid themselves with over 100 baskets for a Silent Auction that raised over $13,000 for American Cancer Society. If there was a job to be done or food to dish out, Rea Harkins and Bill Widman stepped in from set-up to take down, and never left until the event was all packed up. Every year Relay had a different theme, and it is the photography of Joe Thomas and Bill and Amy Labita who captured the essence of every event. Their photos will be with us as our memories leave us in years to come. To Caitlin Simmons, our ACS Representative, you NEVER left us throughout the years. A “special thank you” from your Solivita Relay Team!
Solivita has been our “Shangri-La” for 20 years, where we played golf and softball, sang and danced, partied, and relaxed with great friends over a glass of wine. We have learned that every day is a blessing and to “live every day to the fullest.” Relay For Life has given us strength to never give up, because there is “Hope for the Cure.” This past year has brought us to the decision that for our next 20 years, we need to make beautiful memories with our blessings of four children and eight grandchildren.
There is no end to the many volunteers that we would like to say, “Thank you” to! Every Relay event takes a TEAM to make it happen, and our Relay Committee is the best ever! Relay For Life of Solivita is our blessing that we will never forget! May you each find your blessing and embrace it!
Relay For Life of Solivita could not have existed without our extraordinary committee members and volunteers. There are no words to express our gratitude for all they have done to make every Relay event so successful! We are blessed to have been a part of Relay For Life!
Until we meet again ...
Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Very Happy and Healthy New Year! Live, Laugh, Love!
Al and I were Event Leads together for the last seven years. I was the enthusiastic event visionary planner and Al oversaw the “gabble” to bring me back to order. Patty Whittle, our Luminaria Chair, is my angel who has always been with me through every Relay event and more. “What can I do?” she would say and she
Reflections | December 2020 |
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[ Department ] Articles
Impacts on Solivita CERT Submitted by the Solivita CERT Team We are all experiencing disruptions of plans due the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing restrictions. Your Solivita Community Emergency Response Team has been affected too. We had to cancel our annual drill (scheduled for late March), which is when we practice our emergency response procedures and run through a number of situations.
Smoke Detector Battery Replacement Program In addition, the isolation began just as we had planned to begin servicing residents who had signed up for Smoke Detector Battery Replacement, an annual program since 2006. We have subsequently decided to just cancel the program this year and hope for a better situation in 2021. We will advertise for residents to call in as usual next spring. If, in the meantime, your smoke detectors begin that annoying chirp, please call 863-5146728 (regular CERT number) or Wayne Schoeffel at 407-3199142 and we will handle those chirps. We will use your batteries or bring ours if you don’t have any.
CPR & AED Training Classes We are now re-planning our usual Check-Call-Compress CPR and AED training classes to reflect necessary distancing. This involves some changes in the class presentation to reduce exposure of residents taking the class as well as the CERT staff assisting, like using masks and gloves. This is being done in coordination with Polk County Fire Rescue and also Evergreen Lifestyles Management to assure safety. Watch for future announcements on class availability. If you are already on a waiting list, you will be contacted.
Monthly Meetings Resume CERT has begun meeting again monthly to maintain our skills and keep up with the changing environment. If you are interested in joining CERT, you may attend one of our regular monthly meetings. Due to group size restrictions there may be limits on attendance. Stay safe!
RELAY COMMUNITY EVENTS THANK YOU SOLIVITA!
It takes many “bucks” to fill this jug! Congratulations! You did it with $1,540. Thank you again for all of your support!
RELAY FOR LIFE OF SOLIVITA KICK-OFF MEETING Tuesday, January 26th • The Palms • 6:30pm RELAY FOR LIFE of SOLIVITA will never stop until there is an END TO CANCER! Even though our Event Leads are moving from Solivita, our Committee is still here ready to put on a Relay Signature Event in April 2021, if Solivita is ready to fully open. We are ready with all the plans from last year’s cancelled event, so please join us on Tuesday, January 26th for the Kick-Off Meeting.
NEW VOLUNTEERS WELCOME!
There are always open seats on the Relay For Life of Solivita committee for new proud volunteers to join Relay, so please attend the meeting if you’re interested. Contact Jessica Combs at jessica.combs@cancer.org or 813-298-6165, or Susie Quattrochi at susieq429@gmail.com for more information. Remember there is “Hope for a Cure” with your help!
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Reflections | December 2020 |