[ Department ] Articles
REFLECTIONS
ON THE COVER This month’s cover Gives Thanks to the many Solivita resident volunteers who dedicate their time and service to the countless non-profit organizations who are in need this year, more than ever before. Happy Thanksgiving!
NOVEMBER 2020 VOLUME 20 ISSUE 11
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] NOVEMBER TABLE OF CONTENTS Newsletter Submission & Advertising Info ............................ Page 3 Department Articles .............................................................. Pages 4-18 Solivita University .......................................................................... Page 13 Community Events .............................................................. Pages 18-20 Relay For Life .............................................................................. Page 18 Mosaics Special Nights ........................................................... Page 19 Wellness Events ......................................................................... Page 20 A Touch of Class ................................................................... Pages 20-23 Club & Support Group Meeting Lists ........................... Pages 24-28 Club News ............................................................................... Pages 29-42 Resident Kudos ............................................................................... Page 43 Advertisements ..................................................................... Pages 44-80 Activities Events (back of calendar) ................ Insert Pages E1-E3 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
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY HOURS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH & FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH: Administration & Activities: Closed Riviera Spa & Fitness Center and The Palms Fitness Center: Open at 6:30am and Close at 12pm on Thanksgiving Stonegate Golf Courses: Close at 1pm on Thanksgiving The Grille & Bistro: Closed on Thanksgiving
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
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS Email submissions to reflections@evergreen-LM.com
DECEMBER SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Friday, October 30th. Club insert copies for December are due by Tuesday, November 24th. 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.
JANUARY SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on 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.
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.
Reflections |  November 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
Club & Communications Update By Sheri Wollschlager Club Manager
New Committee
We are getting to the end of the year and boy what a year 2020 has been! As we move into 2021, one of the things I would like to do is form a new committee for the Solivita Club. The purpose of this committee will be to discuss ways to improve the Club, assist with Club guidelines, provide input into diverse concerns from the community and provide another outlet for residents offering suggestions for the Club. The committee will not address HOA, Activities, Fitness & Wellness, Golf, or Food & Beverage (restaurants and catering) issues, as there are already committees in place for these areas. The committee will meet once a month and depending on the agenda, the meeting could last two hours. If you are interested in joining this committee, please go to SolivitaHOA.com > Lifestyles > Club Committee > to fill out an application. Please return it to me by Monday, November 23rd. My goal is to have the new committee meet and greet in December, so in January we can dive right into 2021.
community emails. Of course, we would love for our residents to read all our emails, but if you receive one you are not interested in, please delete it instead of unsubscribing.
Have a Laugh
It has been a while since I have put one of my Mom’s famous jokes in Reflections. Here is one between George Bernard Shaw and Winston Churchill. “I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of my new play; bring a friend, if you have one,” George Bernard Shaw to Winston Churchill. “Cannot possibly attend first night, will attend second ... if there is one,” Winston Churchill, in response. Be safe and healthy.
Community Email Blasts
With the increase in email communication since March, we have been receiving phone calls from residents that are not receiving community email blasts anymore. The Communications Department did some research, and in most cases, we find that it is because the resident has unsubscribed but is not aware that they did so. Emails that are sent through your Solivita email registration can include emails from the Club, HOA, Floralawn, Stonegate Golf Club, K&M Drugs, and Riviera Spa Massage. Additionally, we have been working with Poinciana Medical to convey important information and updates to our residents. Please be aware, that if you unsubscribe to any of these emails, it will remove you from our email database for all Solivita
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME Daylight Saving Time officially ends on Sunday, November 1st at 2am. Don’t forget to set your clocks BACK one (1) hour before you go to bed on Saturday night, October 31st!
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Sheri Wollschlager 863-427-7129 swollschlager@evergreen-LM.com
SCOOP THE POO! Your dog did its duty ... now it's time for you to do yours! Help keep Solivita beautiful by cleaning up after your pets.
Reflections | November 2020 |
19th Annual
Hosted by the Fall Arts & Crafts Festival Committee and Solivita Activities
Saturday, November 7th 10am-4pm Village Center Rain or Shine
Fund Drive to Benefit Local Food Pantry
Strollin g Enterta inment: S ca r ec r ow Mime
Resident Art and Craft Vendors
Live Entertainment: Jazz Music by Bobby Tate, Steel Drums and the One-Man Band
RESIDENT-ONLY EVENT ONE-WAY ENTRANCE & EXIT BY BALLROOM FACE COVERING REQUIRED IN FESTIVAL AREAS ENTRANCE RSVP TIME RECOMMENDED FOOD, PETS & SMOKING ARE NOT PERMITTED IN FESTIVAL AREAS
l Festiva ry ate Food E ke & Ba Shoppe The Village Center will be closed to vehicle traffic from 7am-5pm (except to festival vendors) and RSF will be CLOSED all day.
Reflections |  November 2020 |
More Info Festival Map, Event Guidelines, Entrance RSVP Time and More Info will be provided in Community Email Blast
Photos by Susan Katsoff, Ida Cobb & Joe Thomas |5|
[ Department ] Articles
Goodbye Hot Summer, Hello Cool Fall! By Jana Malik Director of Activities Ah, the outside air is getting cooler, fresher and less humid and muggy. Fall in Solivita has thankfully returned!
Fall Arts & Crafts Festival
Saturday, November 7th 10am-4pm • Village Center If you’ve been waiting and wondering if we are able to host one of our most popular annual events this year, we are happy to tell you the answer is, yes, with some modifications. It will be modified to ensure the health and safety of vendors and residents, but we are hopeful that we can provide a welcoming experience that the community will be comfortable with and enjoy attending. • This event will be open to resident vendors and resident
• Village Drive will be CLOSED, except to festival vendors,
from the Ballroom to the Pro Shop from 7am-5pm and the Riviera Spa & Fitness Center is CLOSED all day. • The festival map (shown on the following page), direct
links for the entrance times and more information will be communicated via email blast.
Friendsgiving Dinner
Thursday, November 26th Due to the current circumstances, the Thanksgiving Day dinner that normally welcomes family and non-resident guests, will be for residents only this year; hence Friendsgiving! Chef Curtis and Banquet Manager Megan will host and serve you a traditional plated Thanksgiving dinner in the Ballroom. Live background music, room and table décor will enhance this event for your pleasure. More details can be found on page E2.
attendees only. • It is recommended to RSVP for your Entrance Time as we
allow 50 attendees in each section at a time. Walk-ins are permitted when sections are less than 50 attendees. Go to SolivitaHOA.com, click the Calendars and Maps icon, select the Activities Events and Solivita University Classes calendar, go to November 7th date and select your desired Entrance Time. If your desired time is full, check other entrance times. • There will be One-Way in and One-Way out located
outside the Ballroom. • Within the festival area, all are required to wear a face
covering: attendees, vendors, volunteers and staff. • The Festival Eatery and Bake Shoppe will be located in
the Bistro Roundabout. Food will not be permitted in the festival vendor area. • Pets and smoking are not permitted in festival areas. • The festival will support a Fund Drive for the St. Rose of
January 2021 Reflections Newsletter Cover Here is another opportunity for a fun newsletter cover idea! A custom message will be 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@EvergreenLM.com between November 12th – December 4th. The message will say, “2021 - WE GOT THIS SOLIVITA!”
Online Ticket Sales
A good majority of the community has been asking for online ticket sales and we are actively working on it! Activities and the
Lima Food Pantry at the Ballroom entrance. Continued on page 8
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Reflections | November 2020 |
Reflections |  November 2020 |
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[ Department ] Articles
Jana’s article continued from page 6 Solivita Lifestyles Activities Committee (SLAC) have been beta testing an online ticket sales platform. Recently, we offered online tickets sales to the community for a few general admission events. As with any new process, there will be adjustments that will need to be made as we evaluate the resident experience and the logistics of this new system. We are confident that the system will be successful and will offer our Residents the convenience and flexibility that they have been asking for. The ticket sales website offers “Chat Assistance” if you need help navigating or using the website to purchase tickets. Please note that they do not have answers regarding event details or logistics. The Activities Team will also be available by phone or email during operating hours (see page 2) should a resident have questions or experience any difficulty during the process. Stay tuned for more news and information.
Movies at Solivita - Updates • October 26th was the last
date that the Monday Movie Matinee was shown. • Thursday Night movies on
Channel 732 will continue every week at 7pm. • Previously shown movies will
continue to be shown along with any New Releases. • The volume on Channel 732 has significantly improved
and increased from a local Spectrum hub. • History of Channel 732: This in-house cable channel was
initially set up to disperse information to the community. Recently, with the facility closures, Activities and Fitness began utilizing the channel for broadcasting online fitness programs, movies, productions and other activities. The quality of our broadcasts has been limited by the equipment that has been provided by Spectrum. We continue to work with them to evaluate options for upgrading the system to improve the sound and picture quality on Channel 732. Happy Fall, Veterans Day and Friendsgiving ... Keep the Party Going! Jana Malik 863-427-7125 jmalik@evergreen-LM.com
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. • Speed is a choice over which the driver has complete control.
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Reflections | November 2020 |
[ Department] Articles
Activities Program FOR NOVEMBER 2020 Movie Day
thursday, november 5th
WEDNES FREEDO DAYS » 11AM-1P M PARK M PARKING LOT
Ballroom: 1pm, 4pm & 7pm Ch. 732: 7pm
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thursd ay, nov e email b mber 19th last
Thursday, November 26th 1pm & 3:30pm Ballroom » $35
READ MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE EVENTS ON THE BACK OF THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER CALENDAR OR ON SOLIVITAHOA.COM; ACTIVITIES EVENTS AND SOLIVITA UNIVERSITY CLASSES CALENDAR; AND SELECT THE EVENT DATE. THE ONLINE EVENT DATE WILL ALSO SHOW IF RSVP OR ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED ONLINE. 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, SIGN UP NOW AND ENTER “EVERGREEN” AS THE FIRST TIME PASSWORD.
Reflections | November 2020 |
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[ Department ] Articles
Christmas Decorations
By Yolanda Santiago Community Standards Manager Holiday lighting and decorations shall be permitted to be placed upon the exterior portions of the Home and upon the Lot in a manner permitted hereunder commencing on Thanksgiving and shall be removed no later than January 15th of the following year. The ACC may establish standards for holiday lights. The ACC may require the removal of any lighting that creates a nuisance (e.g., unacceptable spillover to an adjacent Home).
Yard of the Month Our judges cruised Bella Viana to choose this month’s Yard of the Month. They found their special choice at 185 Sorrento Road. Brad Weiss and Liliane Kramer used ornamental rock coverage to enhance their front yard and bring attention to their plantings with the different colors of the rock. Congratulations Liliane and Brad. No matter your choice or taste in landscape, all yards are eligible to be picked as Yard of the Month. While you are staying at home during the pandemic, why not take advantage of the cooler fall weather and spruce up your front yard. Are you our next winner of Yard of the Month?
Yolanda Santiago 863-427-7032 ysantiago@evergreen-LM.com
FRIENDS WHO HAVE LEFT US, BUT ARE NOT FORGOTTEN
Margaret Wong
Diane Zenick
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the residents who recently passed away.
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Reflections |  November 2020 |
[ Department] Articles
Brighten Up for Fall!
By Shelley Destefano Community Concierge What is there not to love about fall? You have the golden colors, cooler weather, dĂŠcor, food, and gatherings. So, get your spirits up this fall! Jump up, cheer up and let yourself glow. It is the holiday season after all, and you deserve an amazing fall. Another way to brighten things up is to celebrate the special days happening this month and things going on in the area.
Election Day
Election Day, which is the annual day for the general elections of federal public officials, falls on the first Tuesday after November 1st. This year it will be on Tuesday, November 3rd. Just a friendly reminder to vote!!!
Veterans Day
Armistice Day was celebrated throughout the world to mark the anniversary of the end of World War I and honor veterans of that war. An armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. On June 1, 1954 Armistice Day (November 11th) was officially approved by legislation to be a national holiday and renamed Veterans Day to honor all military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Things to Do in the Area
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I suggest that you contact the places you plan on visiting to make sure that they are operating normally and what restrictions there may be prior to leaving your house. That is if you are comfortable enough to venture out.
Tiny House Festival
The 5th Annual Florida Tiny House Festival will be going on from 10am-5pm on Saturday, November 21st and Sunday the 22nd, located at 703 N. Buena Vista Boulevard in The Villages. I have seen shows of Tiny Homes on TV and would love to see one in person because they are kind of adorable. For $20 per adult, you can enjoy this dog friendly event. You can also expect to see campers, enjoy workshops, food trucks, vendors, as well as fun activities for the kids. Please visit unitedtinyhouse.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
Snowcat Ridge
Thanksgiving
This year Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26th. In 1621, the pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians partook of a harvest feast. This is acknowledged as the first thanksgiving. Our forefathers continued celebrating thanksgiving in their own fashion for the next 200 years in different colonies and states. In 1861, as civil war raged, President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving Day to be celebrated in November as a national holiday.
Reflections |  November 2020 |
Do you need a chill this winter? If so, Snowcat Ridge, located at 27839 Saint Joe Road in Dade City, could be your opportunity. This new Alpine Snow Park in Florida is about an hour and a half away from Solivita. They have a Snow Play Dome, snow tubing and an Alpine Village where you can purchase food, drinks or go shopping at their holiday market. Please visit snowcatridge.com for more information. Let this season ignite your soul, and once you have the light burning within, it will shine through and light the souls of those who are dear to you. Remember that the impression you leave can light up the darkest room! So, brighten up my friends. Community Concierge 863-427-7100 sdestefano@evergreen-LM.com
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[ Department ] Articles
Hospital Volunteers – The Unsung Heroes of 2020 By Chris Cosby CEO of Poinciana Medical Center
The COVID-19 pandemic has created many unexpected challenges for our local community and beyond. At Poinciana Medical Center (PMC), we’ve had to adapt quickly to provide an enhanced safety experience for our patients and our colleagues. As part of this response, we implemented our Four Pillars of Enhanced Safety through our HEALTHIER TOMORROWS Initiative, which focuses on controlled access points, safe distancing, infection prevention and designated care paths and teams for those patients who are positive or potentially positive for COVID-19. With the pandemic having a significant emotional and physical impact on our area, the hospital has appreciated our volunteers who have helped boost community morale when it has been needed most – even from afar. While our long-time volunteers can’t visit the hospital due to current safety measures, this dedicated group has maintained their acts of service in a variety of meaningful ways. Volunteers from Solivita, in particular, have gone above and beyond to meet the needs of our hospital staff, patients and the surrounding community during this difficult time.
The Poinciana Medical Center volunteer program mobilized to raise $1,500 for Osceola County Meals on Wheels and Osceola County Food Angels, thanks in large part to volunteer-based fundraisers headed by Mike and Josephine Gentile. Audrey Lauer dedicated her free time to assisting with the proper disposal of the hospital’s retired American flags. Kathe Weisheyer and Nannette Deparedes have both lent their helping hands for our hospital remotely. Sally Sera, Tom and Jeanette Schnetzer, Alida Carpenter, and Ann Shimer spent countless hours sewing mask
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extenders to help make PPE (personal protective equipment) more comfortable for hospital staff during long shifts. This is just a small sample of the many kind Solivita hospital volunteers that have assisted us during this pandemic.
Through this type of service, our many selfless volunteers have proven themselves to be true community ambassadors. They’ve also been an inspiration to our staff during this time of high stress and new challenges. Even something as small as a handmade mask extender has a huge impact on these caregivers. Not only do they feel supported, they’re better equipped to provide exceptional care with the utmost protection and improved comfort.
With the mantra “Care Like Family,” Poinciana Medical Center operates by putting people first. Our volunteers are a valued part of our family, and we’ve missed seeing them in the halls of our hospital. I’d like to take a moment on behalf of the hospital team to thank our volunteers for the service they’ve provided over the past six months. As the pandemic continues, I’m certain they will remain an excellent representation of our hospital’s mission and strong pillars for the community.
Reflections | November 2020 |
[ Solivita University]
Co-Sponsored by the Solivita University Committee and Activities Classes below are being offered virtually and complimentary through Zoom.us (registration links are sent via email blast and may be recorded upon entering for possible future broadcast through Solivita communications sources) and TV Ch. 732. No studying, tests or exams are given, just enlightening topics to keep your mind energized. All classes are 90 minutes long, for residents only, and for this month are complimentary and do not require pre-registration. Solivita University class calendar and faculty biographies can be found on SolivitaHOA.com under Get Connected. For more information stop in, call the Activities Office at 863-427-7125 or email SolivitaActivities@Evergreen-LM.com.
Great Decisions Discussions
Each year the Foreign Policy Association produces a study guide with eight of the most critical global issues facing America. 2021 Annual Pass and study guides are available for $41 (or $46 for two sharing a book). Great Decisions discussions are moderated in person by Thomas Gallagher Ph. D and virtually by Mary Ellen Roberts and Len Trushkosky. Discussion Topic: Artificial Intelligence and Data Policymakers in many countries are developing plans and funding research in artificial intelligence (AI). Global growth is slowing, and not surprisingly, many policymakers hope that AI will provide a magic solution. The EU, Brazil, and other Western countries have adopted regulations that grant users greater control over their data and require that firms using AI be transparent about how they use it. Will the U.S. follow suit? » Wednesday, November 4th at 4pm at The Palms » Tuesday, November 10th at 11am via ZOOM
Art and Literary Lectures
Art Lectures are presented by Art Historian Jan Clanton and Literary Lectures are taught by Professor Thomas Gallagher.
» Next lecture: January 19, 2021 - American Art from A-Z: Homer, Hassam and Henri. See the impact of Europe on American artists. Literary Lectures are on Mondays in the Gator Room at 4pm: » November 16th: There Goes My Heart by Marilyn Cohen Shapiro, Solivita resident. A collection of essays that capture special moments in a lifetime spent in Upstate New York, Florida, Colorado and beyond. » Next Lecture: January 25, 2021 – Book TBD
Upcoming Classes in Winter/Spring 2021
• 8-week course on Saturdays starting January 16th at • • • • •
Art Lectures are Tuesdays via Ch. 732 at 1pm: » November 17th - American Art from A-Z: Audubon to Cole. Examine the history and Manifest Destiny in America through her artists.
Reflections | November 2020 |
• •
10am: Intro to Acting 4-week course on Mondays starting January 18th at 10:30am and 6:30pm: Apple iPhones and iPads 2-week course on Thursdays starting January 21st at 1pm: Basic Investment 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
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[ Department ] Articles
The R2R Resource Center is Here for You! November Workshop: Who’s Who and What’s What in Solivita
Tuesday, November 17th • 10am • Ballroom Recording Available on Solivita Community Channel 732 • Wednesday, November 18th • 2pm
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Did you know that November 13th is World Kindness Day? There is no better way to celebrate this than by showing kindness to our neighbors in Solivita. After months of relative isolation, many residents are feeling the impact in ways that range from loneliness to hunger. Now more than ever is a good time to check on your neighbor.
Come Meet the Evergreen Lifestyles Management Team Responsible for Keeping Solivita Running! Are you confused about who does what in Solivita? Do you have questions about who to contact if you lose your ID badge, need to book an amenity room or get a new landscape design approved? Evergreen Lifestyles Management employees are here to help you. You’ll hear from the following: • • • • •
Community Manager – Rudy Bautista Club Manager – Sheri Wollschlager Communications Director – Doug Gilbert Activities Director – Jana Malik Architectural Review/Compliance Director – Yolanda Santiago • Membership Coordinator – Vickie Kellogg • Fitness Director – Jamar Edge Please bring your questions, as this will be a panel discussion with a question and answer format. If you have specific questions that pertain to your home only, please reserve those for an individual discussion with the appropriate department head. All R2R Workshops are free to Solivita residents, but advance registration is requested. Please call 863-2369973 or email SolivitaR2R@gmail. com to reserve your spot (there is limited capacity).
The Resident to Resident Resource Center has prepared a list of some of the ways you can reach out to your neighbors and make a difference. It is available on the Resource Center webpage. Visit SolivitaHOA.com > Get Connected > R2R Resource Center > Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
Some Ways You Can Help Your Neighbors ...
Eat Properly: Even people who have no money issues may not be eating properly. Meals on Wheels is not only for the financially distressed. The Osceola County group will deliver meals to Solivita residents at a cost of $8 a day ($40 a week) for breakfast and dinner (fewer meals per order are available, as well). Contact: Wilda at the Council on Aging at 407-847-2144. Combat Loneliness: Many of us have lost much of our social contact. Invite your neighbor to a socially distanced “Wine and Cheese Wednesday” or Monday “Coffee and Muffins.” Sit outside ... it’s cool enough now. Continued on page 15
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Reflections | November 2020 |
[ Department] Articles
Resource Center article continued from page 14 Stay Fit: Invite neighbors to a six-feet-apart neighborhood walk every morning (or evening).
show. Or about sports, news headlines, or your grandchildren; it helps to have a topic.
Stay Safe: Implement a contact-swap. Give your neighbor a card with contact information for your family members in case of an emergency; ask them to do the same.
There are hundreds of small things that take so little time and can make such a difference to a friend or neighbor. After all, isn’t that ability to connect one of the reasons we moved to Solivita?
Stay Engaged: A phone call “just to check in” can be awkward. Find common ground as a basis. Do you both watch Jeopardy or some other television show? Agree to talk once a week about the
R2R Resource Center 863-236-9973 SolivitaR2R@gmail.com
Spa Talk: Is the Season Getting You Down? Submitted By Crystal Bethea Owner, Riviera Spa Massage
Shine the Light on Winter Blues
In northern climates when the heavy snows fall and the sun moves south, many people find their moods shift from upbeat to downright depressed. The severe form of winter depression-called seasonal affective disorder, or SAD--affects at least two million North Americans. Another thirty-nine million experience milder symptoms of moodiness and extended sleep patterns that somewhat resemble hibernation.
Recent research shows that timing these light therapy sessions to our natural biological clocks is even more beneficial than usage during the day. Exposure to natural spectrum bright light for thirty minutes on awakening is twice as effective as evening sessions, and one study found this practice actually had an 80 percent chance of sending SAD into remission.
Overeating, sleeping for prolonged periods, mood swings, carbohydrate cravings, and weight gain during winter months may be more than just symptoms of cabin fever. They can suggest a biochemical reaction caused by a lack of exposure to sunlight. Like all living things, we humans are sensitive to the seasons and sunlight. We secrete a hormone called melatonin, which helps us sleep at night and stay awake during the day. Melatonin production is directly linked to sun exposure. So, as the days get shorter during the winter, our bodies produce more and more melatonin and we can literally feel like going into a cave and hibernating.
Light Therapy
Many SAD sufferers manage their seasonal depression with daily exposure to full-spectrum lamps or light boxes. By getting daily doses of natural light, they can fool their brains into thinking it’s summertime, and their need to sleep decreases.
Reflections | November 2020 |
If winter blues are getting to you, consider investing in a full spectrum lamp and use it first thing in the morning--because SAD is for the bears. For more information about Riviera Spa Massage services, please visit our website at rivieraspamassage.com. Riviera Spa Massage 407-914-9168 info@rivieraspamassage.com
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[ Department ] Articles
November in Solivita
By Brad Thompson Branch Manager, Floralawn Floralawn has now completed four full years as Solivita’s landscaping and lawn care provider. We continue to enjoy the opportunity to work in this beautiful community. Our first year was a baptism by fire, with initial clean-up challenges and weather events to deal with like Hurricane Irma. Fortunately, over the last few years we’ve been spared damaging storms.
Mowing Schedule Changes This Month
This month we’re switching to our off-season bi-weekly mowing schedule. At this time of the year, the grass growth slows considerably, and lawns don’t require cutting every week. Until the end of March 2020, you will see mowing crews coming around every two weeks. The detail schedule will stay the same, however. Visit SolivitaHOA.com to see Floralawn’s winter schedule or stop by our office in the Administration Building for a chat. You can also call us at 863-225-9565.
Native Grasses
We’ve started pruning the native grasses throughout Solivita. This includes the large clumps of Fakahatchee grass that grow in the center median of Solivita Boulevard and in the common areas. We cut these grasses way back at this time of year.
Watching Out for Turf Grass Diseases
Even though summer is long over, we’re keeping an eye out for
common cool-weather turf grass diseases like brown patch fungus and gray leaf spot. Brown Patch Fungus affects many Florida turfgrasses, including St. Augustine, which grows throughout Solivita. When grass stays damp or wet for long periods of time—such as during our humid summer days—it becomes vulnerable to brown patch fungus. The fungus attacks grass blades at their base, weakening them until they can be pulled out of the ground easily. As the disease progresses, the grass turns yellow and then brown. Gray leaf spot disease is also caused by a fungus. Florida’s humid summers provide a moist environment that gray leaf spot fungus thrives in. Even though we’re into November, weather conditions still make central Florida’s turfgrasses vulnerable to disease. So, we watch out for gray leaf spot, too.
Questions?
Do you have questions or concerns? We’re available to answer them. Call us at 863-225-9565 or stop by the Floralawn office in the Administration Building in downtown Solivita. The holiday season is upon us again. For all of us at Floralawn, I want to wish the residents of Solivita a Happy Thanksgiving. If you’re traveling, be safe!
Flags Over Solivita - Sign Up or Renew for 2021 The Veterans Club of Solivita has a project to display the U.S. Flag in front of your home within Solivita to recognize and celebrate five selected National Holidays throughout the year, including Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day through 9/11, and Veterans Day. For a $25 yearly contribution, the club will place a 3’ x 5’ U.S. Flag in front of resident homes, on designated holidays in designated locations. Applications are available on SolivitaHOA.com (under the Veterans Club webpage), on veteransclubofsolivita. com, or you may pick up a copy at the Concierge Desk. Applications, along with your $25 check (made out to VCS), can be mailed to Veterans Club of Solivita, P.O. Box 581770, Poinciana, FL 34758. If you would like to volunteer or if you have any questions, email flagsoversolivita@ gmail.com or call 863-512-3655.
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Reflections | November 2020 |
[ Department] Articles
Honoring Caregivers
By Susie Quattrochi Relay For Life Event Lead The American Cancer Society recognizes the Awareness of Pancreatic Cancer, Lung Cancer and Stomach Cancer throughout November, but they also “Honor Our Caregivers.” How does it feel to serve as a caregiver of a cancer patient? I asked some Solivita residents who have or are handling that role to share their thoughts. Ginny Horvath Fitzpatrick and Jim Fitzpatrick found their way to each other after both serving as caregivers and losing their spouses to cancer. Ginny spent more than four years caring for her first husband, Steve, but the uncertainty of Steve’s final 111 days proved most challenging. “My advice to others walking this walk? Hope,” Ginny said. “We have to cling to it. And when the hope is gone, you just suck it up and spend those last few days loving, loving and loving.”
Jim & Ginny Horvath
Jim served as a caregiver for his first two wives. Jim and Lucie were married for 54 years before she succumbed to stomach cancer. Doctors diagnosed his second wife, Esther, with Stage 4 lung cancer shortly before they decided to marry. In both instances, Jim learned about caregiving. Jim says spouses currently in a caregiver role should, “Never forget your vow to be there ‘for better or worse, in sickness and in health.’ Put your faith in God and let Him be your comfort.” Of course, caregivers also need to take care of themselves. The American Cancer Society offers advice for caregivers, families, and friends at cancer.org/treatment/caregivers.html.
Becky Cicatko
Becky Cicatko said she embraced the mental and physical aspects of self-care when she cared for her late husband John, who was affectionately known as Butch. She said caregivers have to realize that when their loved one gets angry, they’re angry at the situation, not angry at them.
Reflections | November 2020 |
Becky’s advice? Keep the faith and be open to support. “We were so fortunate to live in Solivita and have all the friends and support that came our way,” she said. “If you don’t give up and hold onto the idea that there will be a cure someday, it will be easier on all of you.”
Al Downes
Al Downes cares for his wife Nancy, and earlier this year COVID -19 created an added challenge as he had to leave his wife in the hospital for two days without being able to see her. Al says he steels his caregiving by learning as much as he can about his wife’s care and lending physical and emotional support.
“When they need to talk about the cancer and what it is doing to them, listen to them and talk it out, but you need to stay upbeat,” Downes said. “That doesn’t mean brush it off, but don’t be defeatist either.” Like Jim Fitzpatrick, Stanley Dillard leans on his wedding vows as both a cancer patient and caregiver. His wife Bernice became his caregiver when doctors diagnosed him with cancer, and then he turned caregiver when doctors found a tumor on Bernice’s kidney. Bernice & Stanley Dillard
Stanley says, “I always feel stronger when I know my wife is there, and I want to be there for her as she goes through her challenges.” “Talking to each other and praying is how we are managing to get through this difficult challenge,” Bernice said. “Our friends have also been a source of tremendous support. When friends go home and leave you alone, having a partner to lean on is what gets us through the alone times.” Relay For Life of Solivita would like to HONOR ALL THE CAREGIVERS. No one should have to fight cancer alone!
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[ Department ] Articles
CERT Recommends Saving Valuable Papers Submitted by the Solivita CERT Team
If a severe storm came through Solivita, the roof could be taken right off your house. If that happened, would your important papers be there afterwards? Would they be usable or readable? While no one expects these things, they could be a reality in Florida during hurricane season and year-round for tornadoes. The types of papers we are talking about include: • • • • •
Insurance policies (house, car, life, medical) Bank and retirement account information Health records (doctors) Bills (loans and account numbers) Contact information for above, as well as family and friends • Credit cards and passports • Computer account ID’s and passwords (most of us have lots of these) While you may think such paperwork would be right in your lower desk drawer where you left them, what if your desk isn’t even
there? The stronger categories of both hurricanes and tornadoes can pick up large vehicles weighing much more than any piece of furniture.
What To Do?
Make copies of the important pages of these documents, put them in large zipper storage bags and take them with you (in your disaster kit). Also, photos of the interior of your home showing the furniture, shelves of books or collectibles as well as contents of your closets would be useful to establish a claim with your insurance company. This knowledge could make recovery from a major household disaster much less traumatic. These recommendations are provided by your Solivita Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). For more information on CERT, attend one of our monthly meetings (see the calendar insert in this month’s Reflections).
RELAY COMMUNITY EVENTS VICTORY CASINO CRUISE
Wednesday, November 18th • Bus Leaves Freedom Park at 8:30am & Returns at 6:15pm Sponsored by Playing for Life Relay Team. VICTORY CASINO CRUISE IS BACK! We are resuming our fundraiser. The ship has been sailing for a couple of months now with no incidents. CDC guidelines are fully implemented. So, if you’re ready, join us. The cost is $38 per person, which includes bus, boarding pass, hot lunch, and $20 FREE PLAY. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. For tickets or information, call Rudi at 201-213-7251.
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Reflections | November 2020 |