In 2008, Tony Handler founded the Solivita Walk/ Run for a Cure, inspired by his own remarkable journey surviving seven cancers. What began as a simple event grew into a powerful tradition of strength, community, and hope. For 17 years, Tony’s vision brought people together to move, support one another, and celebrate resilience. This month, we honor the man who started it all. Though Tony is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in every step, mile, and participant on February 28th.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Newsletter Submission Information ................................ Page 3
Activities Events (back of calendar) .......... Insert Pages E1-E3
Monthly Calendar (back of Activities Events) Insert
Weekly Fitness Schedule Calendar Insert
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
Email submissions to Reflections@SolivitaClub.com
MARCH SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Monday, February 2nd. Club flyer inserts are due Monday, February 9th and must be approved by Wilman De Jesus before they are sent to the printer. Inquire about availability and new policies for club flyer inserts.
APRIL SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Monday, March 2nd
PHOTO RELEASE AGREEMENT
RealManage (RM) and Castle Group (CG) reserve the right to use any photograph/video taken at any event sponsored by RM or CG and the respective community the event is happening in, without expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. RM or CG may use the photograph/ video in publications or other media material produced, used or contracted by RM or CG including but not limited to: brochures, invitations, books, newspapers, magazines, television, websites, etc. To ensure the privacy of individuals and children, images will not be identified using full names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed subject, parent or legal guardian.
Let’ s Get Our Hands Dirty...
COMMUNITY GARDEN
SPRING PLANTER BOX RENTAL
March – August 2026
$50, includes $25 refundable deposit
$25 for renewing gardeners
Planter Box: 4’ x 6’ x 24” & 32” H
Applications available until February 16th by scanning the QR Code, go to SolivitaHOA.com under Lifestyles and then Community Garden, or come into the Activities Office. Gardeners are picked by drawing on February 27th.
SOLIVITA VOLUNTEER LOG SHEET DEADLINE
Turn in your Volunteer Log Sheets by Monday, March 2nd for volunteer hours worked assisting Solivita Club Departments. Hours accepted are from March 1, 2025February 28, 2026, to the Activities office to finalize the 2025-2026 season. (Friendly reminder, HOA Committees, Flags Over Solivita, CAP and CERT hours are not accepted unless CAP and CERT is working with a Solivita Club Department).
VILLAGE DRIVE ROAD CLOSINGS
Tuesday, February 17th - Mardi Gras Parade & Street Party from 5pm-9pm. VILLAGE DRIVE FROM THE BALLROOM TO THE PRO SHOP ROUNDABOUT IS CLOSED TO VEHICLES FROM 2PM-10PM EXCEPT TO CLUB VENDORS. See page E2 for event information.
ANNUAL CLUB PRESIDENTS’ MEETING
Monday, February 23rd
Meeting is in the Ballroom at 2pm; Sign-in begins at 1:30pm
All Club Presidents or a representative and an additional member must attend. We will be making calls to all the clubs this month to review and update Clubs’ contact information for our files.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Spring Parade & Carnival – It’s For the Kids! Saturday, April 4th from 9am-12:30pm
» Clubs to host a carnival game booth or to have a food concession from 9am-12:30pm.
» Individual resident volunteers to man a carnival game for only (2) hours.
» Parade participants to walk in the parade (clubs, individuals, walkers, etc). No email or registration required.
If interested in helping as a club or individual for either of the first two bullets above, email Solivita Activities at SolivitaActivities@CastleGroup.com.
Trivia SelectMondays
4pm&7pm Mosaics
$5OnlineReservedTable Beverageticket notincluded.
Valentine’s Gala
Friday,February13th
6pm in Ballroom $77 Semi-Formal Attire
Karaoke
MardiparadeGras & Street Party
Tuesday, February 17th 5pm-9pm in Village Center 6pm Parade, Food, DJ, Dances, Cash Bars & More
77 Experience Show
Friday, February 27th 7:30pm |
26th
Heart Health Month: Small Steps, Big Impact
BY JOJO DE LOS SANTOS FITNESS DIRECTOR
February is Heart Health Month, a perfect time to focus on caring for one of the most important muscles in our bodies—our heart. As we age, staying heart-healthy becomes even more essential, and the good news is that small, consistent habits can make a big difference.
Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, stress management, and routine health screenings all play a key role in maintaining cardiovascular health. Activities such as walking, light jogging, cycling, and group fitness classes help improve circulation, strengthen the heart, and boost overall well-being.
To support our community’s heart health, Lipid Panel Screenings will be offered on Friday, February 6th beginning at 8am in the
BIOMETRIC SCREENINGS
RSF Aerobics Studio. These screenings provide valuable insight into cholesterol levels and heart health risk factors, and are a great preventive step for residents.
We also encourage everyone to join us for our annual Walk, Run & Ride for a Cure event on Saturday, February 28th at 9am. Whether you choose to walk, run or bike (don’t forget your helmet), participating is a wonderful way to stay active, connect with neighbors, and show your commitment to a healthy heart.
Let’s make February a month of movement, awareness, and heart-healthy choices—together.
JoJo De Los Santos 863-427-7130
JoJo.DeLosSantos@CastleGroup.com
Friday, February 6th • 8am-12pm • Riviera Spa & Fitness Center
AdventHealth will be offering the following biometric screenings to Solivita residents:
• Blood pressure checks
• Height and weight
• Lipid panel including glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride tests and more
Registration is strongly encouraged. Walk-ins will be taken upon availability. Scan the QR code to the right or visit bit.ly/AHSolivita2626 to register.
MARCH REFLECTIONS
ASSEMBLY, DELIVERY
& PICK-UP
Friday, February 27th • 8am • Ballroom
Newsletter volunteers are needed and will be assisting with: Bagging (8am); Labeling (8:30am); and Delivery (Starting at 9:30am). Delivery volunteers are asked not to leave the Ballroom until all neighborhoods have been completely assembled If you do not receive your newsletter by Monday, March 2nd you’ll need to pick a copy up at the Club Concierge Desk in the Admin Building (formerly the Welcome Center) between 9am-5pm.
REFLECTIONS DELIVERY
If you want to change the status of the Reflections delivery to your home, you can do this on SolivitaHOA. com by navigating to the “Lifestyles” tab > Scroll down and click the “Communications” icon > Scroll down to the “Reflections” icon > Scroll down to the Delivery Form to fill out and submit. You can also find this form by scanning the QR code or contact Wilman De Jesus, Communications Coordinator via phone at 863-427-7137 or email Wilman at SolivitaCommunications@ CastleGroup.com.
Co-Sponsored by the Solivita University Committee and Activities
No studying, tests or exams are given, just enlightening topics to keep your mind energized. All classes are 60-90 minutes long, unless otherwise noted. Solivita University class calendar and faculty biographies can be found on SolivitaHOA.com under Get Connected. Adult guests welcome. For more information stop in, call the Activities Office at 863-427-7125 or email SolivitaActivities@CastleGroup.com.
Cybercrime 101
Wednesday, February 11th
Ballroom at 2pm
Tuition: Complimentary entrance; pre-registration is not required.
Instructor : Rebecca Ledingham
Course Description: Cybercrime 101 is designed to introduce you to the complex and evolving world of digital crime. Beginning by exploring the history of cybercrime, tracing its origins from early hacking activities to modern-day global cyber threats. You will learn how cybercrimes are committed, including methods like phishing, malware attacks, identity theft, and ransomware. We will also examine the various types of cybercrime, from financial fraud and data breaches to cyberstalking and online scams.
You will gain insights into who cybercriminals are, including their motives, techniques, and organizational structures—from lone hackers to sophisticated cybercrime rings. Focusing on identifying scams and suspicious online behavior, learning how to recognize red flags, verify sources, and protect your personal information. By the end of the event, you will be equipped with essential knowledge and strategies to stay safe online, fostering greater digital awareness and resilience against cyber threats.
Presidential Hollywood
Wednesday, February 18th
RSF2 at 1:30pm
Tuition: Complimentary entrance; seating is limited to first come.
Presenter: Dan Hudak
Course Description: We honor our chief executives on Presidents’ Day and in history books, but only a select few of our American presidents have been depicted in movies. Admittedly, Hollywood dramas don’t always stick to the facts; however, the best ones find truth in storytelling even if they’re loose with facts. This hour-long lecture is a look at how Hollywood has interpreted our American presidents’ greatest tests.
NASA’s Artemis Program
Wednesday, February 25th
Ballroom at 2pm
Tuition: Complimentary entrance; pre-registration is not required.
Professor : Dr. Mark J. Guillette
Course Description: This presentation will be an overview of NASA’s return to the moon program: Artemis.
Solivita University
Step Back Into the Golden Age of Television!
Tuesday, March 17th
The Palms at 12pm
Tuition: Complimentary entrance; pre-registration is not required.
Professor : Dr. Richard Goldsmith
Course Description: Join us for a lively journey into the early days of 1950s television—a time when families gathered around small glowing screens, variety shows ruled the airwaves, and beloved stars like Milton Berle, Lucille Ball, Sid Caesar, and Howdy Doody shaped American culture. We’ll explore the shows, personalities, commercials, and unforgettable moments that defined TV’s first great era. Whether you lived it or are discovering it anew, this presentation is filled with nostalgia, fun facts, and rare clips that bring the magic of early television back to life.
The Fun-duh-mentals of Decluttering Your Home
Thursday, March 19th
Gator Room at 2pm
Beyond the Basics-iPhone and iPad
4 Classes on Thursdays, March 26th, April 2nd, 9th & 16th
Gator Room at 9:30am
Tuition and Registration: $25 per student. RSVP your seat at SolivitaHOA.com at the Purchase Activities Events and SU Classes icon, scan the QR code or call the Activities office. Bring cash or check payment to the first class.
Instructor : Catherine Larson
Course Information: This course is NOT for Android devices. Participants should bring their device to class for hands on learning!
Course Description: This four-lesson course is for those already comfortable using the iPhone and/or iPad – navigating between apps, using the control center and accessing the settings. It is recommended that your device should be using iOS 26 or higher. We will explore Apple Intelligence and how to use it to re-word emails, cleanup photos, and create custom graphics. In addition, we will explore many of the native apps for both iPad and iPhone – Notes, Safari, Camera, Photos, iCloud, iMovie, Music, Contacts, Calendar and using the accessibilities features and Siri to assist in daily tasks.
Tuition, Book and Registration: $25 per student. RSVP your seat at SolivitaHOA.com at the Purchase Activities Events and SU Classes icon, scan the QR code or call the Activities office. Bring cash or check payment to the first class.
Professor : Rita McCoy
Course Description: Do you have unnecessary items lingering around your home? Are you ready to de-clutter your home to create a stable, well-managed home? We’ll share helpful tips and suggestions on spring-cleaning techniques for kitchen, bedrooms, living room, closets, garage, and storage spaces to improve focus and concentration in your home environment. Come learn how to live stress free in a clutter free home.
SPEED ENFORCEMENT
The HOA, Security, and Polk County Sheriff’s Office receive multiple complaints of speeding each week from residents. The Sheriff’s Office has been asked for their assistance in speed enforcement. Receiving a speeding ticket is not only financially costly, but can lead to much more serious results.
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 Info: Visit the advertising website at SolivitaAdvertising.com, call 863-4400377, or email SolivitaAdvertising@SolivitaClub.com
Solivita University continued from page 8
FRIENDS WHO HAVE LEFT US,
BUT
ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the residents who recently passed away.
Franklin Lallite
Jenaro Vazquez Orlando
John McCann
Jeffrey Baumwell Joan Catone
Donald Duncan Melvin Gilmer Jr.
Chris Cherau
Holiday House Lighting Contest Winners
First Place
Second Place
Third Place
Hill Court in Verona
Villa Park Road in Vizcaya
2026 Smoke Alarm Battery Replacement Program
SUBMITTED BY ERIC LARSON TEAM LEADER OF SOLIVITA CERT
Smoke detector batteries should be replaced annually. Since 2006, your Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) has offered to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors. We offer this service to Solivita residents who cannot or should not go up on ladders.
Before you call to have your batteries replaced, consider how old your smoke detectors may be. If they are more than eight years old, they can begin to lose efficiency, even though they have a 10-year life span. If you have lived here more than eight years and cannot remember replacing them, it is likely time to do so. CERT cannot change batteries in ANY unit that has passed the 10-year expiration.
Important Note: CERT does not move furniture.
If you want to have units replaced, or have general questions, please send an email to scsabrp@gmail.com and provide your address and phone for us to contact you.
Registration for the program ends on Saturday, February 28th. Anything received after that date is not guaranteed to be serviced. Weblinks will be shared via NextDoor to access the forms from your computer.
Whether your batteries were changed in 2025 and you want the
Solivita Flags Over
service again or you did not receive service in 2025, you can easily register from your phone or tablet by scanning the QR code below that applies to you.
It is important that you register in February for resource planning activities. Battery replacements will begin in March with completion by mid-April.
Flags Over Solivita will be displaying flags in February for Presidents’ Day. Credit card donations can be easily submitted using the QR code below or visit veteransclubofsolivita.com for an electronic form.
If you prefer to pay by check, and to guarantee your flag placement for 2026, please place your completed application and $30 donation into the drop box in Memorial Park or send via U.S. Mail to the address listed on the application. Paper applications are available at the Concierge Desk or at The Palms front desk.
Thank you, Solivita for your continued patriotic support of Flags Over Solivita.
Are you interested in volunteering? We have many opportunities besides just putting up flags. Contact us for how you can help at flagsoversolivita@gmail.com or call 863-512-3655.
