In the month of May, we pause to honor our heroes with heartfelt gratitude and remember the brave individuals who have sacrificed so much. We also take time to celebrate all mothers—those who selflessly put others before themselves each and every day.
Happy Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 10th and Happy Memorial Day on Monday, May 25th.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Newsletter Submission Information ................................ Page 3
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Friday, May 1st . Resident Club flyer insert artwork is due Friday, May 8th and must be approved by Wilman de Jesús (Wilman.deJesus@CastleGroup.com). Inquire about availability and current policies for Resident Club flyer inserts.
JULY SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Monday, June 1st
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.
My, My, 20 Years Has Gone By and Our Volunteers Keep Giving!
BY JANA MALIK DIRECTOR OF ACTIVITIES
Twenty years ago, the idea and inception of the Rays of Service Volunteer Program was born not only out of a need for the Solivita Lifestyles program, but also out of residents’ desire to give back, get involved and to meet new neighbors.
As the community grew every year, volunteers were important to the success and growth of the Solivita Lifestyles program. Volunteers assist the Solivita Club departments in assembling and delivering the monthly newsletter, helping to decorate and setup for the Activities events that were becoming bigger and bigger, help with weekly Movie Nights at that time, help setup audio/visual equipment for all the club meetings held throughout the week and day in the Ballroom, help with maintaining the Solivita library, assisting in the Activities office, taking tickets at events, the art and craft teachers who do not charge for their classes, serving on department and event committees and assisting residents in the R2R Resource Center.
In the 20 years, this program has valued and thanked volunteers for their time through a birthday card, tokens of appreciation and an invitation to attend the annual Volunteer Appreciation Event and Ceremony - hosted solely by the Solivita Club Staff.
The Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony began in 2006 as a simple luncheon followed by recognition of those who contributed 50 hours or more in that year. Four years later, entertainment was added, created, and hosted by the Solivita Staff. The first
performance featured a dance around Donnette, “the sun,” to the song You Are My Sunshine. The joy it brought sparked a beloved tradition. Since then, the staff’s performances have evolved to featured dances, skits, magic tricks, comedic acts and even full-scale video productions. What started as simple live entertainment has grown into creative and memorable productions that celebrate our volunteers in style.
It has been an honor, a pleasure, and a true learning experience to work alongside the incredible volunteers of Solivita. We value every idea, suggestion, and contribution shared along the way. The Solivita Club Team cannot imagine what or where we would all be without this invaluable program.
We are always looking for new volunteers to assist and brighten the Solivita Lifestyles program. If you are interested, stop by the Solivita Activities office to register and pick up a Volunteer Log Sheet and let’s keep the party going!
Volunteer Opportunities
Sign-up to volunteer for July 2026
Activities Events starting on May 5th at 9am in the Activities Office hallway
Volunteer for the Solivita Lifestyles program to Keep The Party Going!!!
Jana Malik 863-427-7125 Jana.Malik@CastleGroup.com
Trivia
SELECT MONDAYS 4PM & 7PM MOSAICS
$5 ONLINE RESERVED TABLE BEVERAGE TICKET NOT INCLUDED.
The Altos Play
SATURDAY, MAY 2ND PLAYS AT 2PM & 6PM THE PALMS
$30 EOSS INCLUDES CHARCUTERIE PLATE
$15 GENERAL ADMISSION
Karaoke
SELECT5PMTUESDAYS - 9PM CERAMICS GALLERY
$5 ONLINE RESERVED TABLE BEVERAGE TICKET NOT INCLUDED.
Rays of Service Volunteer LuncheonAppreciation
& Ceremony
THURSDAY, MAY 21ST 11:30AM IN BALLROOM
VOLUNTEERS WHO ASSIST THE SOLIVITA CLUB AND SERVICE A MINIMUM AMOUNT OF HOURS WILL RECEIVE AN INVITE IN THE MAIL
Wine Down Concert
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6:30PM-8:30PM13TH BY THE GRILLE
BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR FOOD CONCESSION & CASH BAR
Celebrating National Physical Fitness & Sports Month
BY JOJO DE LOS SANTOS FITNESS DIRECTOR
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, making it the perfect time to refocus on staying active, healthy, and connected as a community. At Solivita, we are fortunate to have so many opportunities to move, engage, and support one another through fitness and recreation. Whether you’re attending a group class, enjoying a walk, swimming at the pool, or playing pickleball or tennis, every bit of movement contributes to a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle.
Staying active offers benefits that go far beyond physical health. Regular movement helps improve strength, balance, and flexibility, while also boosting energy levels, enhancing mood, and supporting heart health. Just as importantly, it creates opportunities to connect with others. One of the most special aspects of fitness in our community is the way it brings people together—building friendships, encouraging consistency, and creating a positive, supportive environment for all.
Many residents have expressed interest in personal training, and there’s no better time to give it a try. With National Fitness
Day taking place on Saturday, May 2nd, we encourage you to sign up with your favorite trainer and experience the benefits of personalized guidance. It’s a great way to build confidence, stay accountable, and take your fitness goals to the next level. You may even find that the Fast Track program is exactly what you’ve been looking for.
As we head into the warmer months, it’s also important to stay mindful of your health and safety. Be sure to stay hydrated, take breaks when needed, and pay attention to weather conditions, especially during outdoor activities.
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is a reminder that fitness is not just about exercise—it’s about feeling your best, staying connected, and enjoying everything our community has to offer. Let’s continue to show up for ourselves and one another, and keep making Solivita a vibrant, active, and healthy place to call home.
JoJo De Los Santos 863-496-3314
JoJo.DeLosSantos@CastleGroup.com
A FRIEND WHO HAS LEFT US, BUT IS NOT FORGOTTEN
Elizabeth Camacho
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the resident who recently passed away.
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.
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 863-440-0377, or email SolivitaAdvertising@SolivitaClub.com
2026 CAR SHOW RECAP
This year we welcomed, parked and checked out 128 glorious classic, modern, exotic, hot rod and Jeep/SUV/Truck, amongst some cool motorcycles throughout the entire Village Center.
This year’s event welcomed about 4,000 attendees listening to DJ Joe Magic playing good vibe music and the ‘50s Skater girls wheeling around along with our traffic light mascot taking pictures with everyone. The temporary tattoo parlor was active, many purchased Solivita Merchandise and Car Show shirts, kids and adults played with really fast remote control cars brought by the Remote Control Car Club, and there was a lot of amazement checking out the Model Railroad modular display created and showcased by the Model Railroad Club.
Many thanks go to the volunteers of Solivita Friends Helping Those In Need and the DUO clubs who worked tirelessly selling raffle tickets, making gift baskets, soliciting raffle items, manning the Info Booths and the Raffle table to raise as much money as possible for each of their food pantries. Proceeds from raffles, car registrations, sponsors, vintage t-shirt sales and the People’s Choice Voting cards came out to an approximate amount of $18,000 for the St. Vincent de Paul St. Ann’s Haines City and the St. Rose of Lima food pantries!
Thanks to all of the hard work of the many resident volunteers covering 103 job task shifts, the 20 New Dimensions High School student volunteers along with their teacher Mr. Timmerman, our attentive on-site EMT, Mabe Audio, GSI Group, Seltzer Films, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Vital Security, Floralawn, Stonegate Golf & Catering, Club Communications, Housekeeping, Maintenance, Car Show Committee, car parkers and judges, and the Activities team!
The 2026 Solivita Car Show Committee thanks all who came, participated and donated to the show this year!
THANK YOU FINISH LINE , RACE GEAR , RED CORPORATE , YELLOW TROPHY, GREEN LEVEL AND STARTING LINE LEVEL SPONSORS!
» Finish Line : Performance Golf Carts
» Race Gear : The Seal Team
» Red Corporate : Guimoli Roofing Inc, MD Construction, LLC, State Farm: Julio Caban-Agent, and Bargain Carts
» Yellow Trophy: Art’s Golf Carts, Mighty Dog Roofing, Windsor at Celebration, Bath Fitter, Bargain Carts, and Brewer Sales & Service
» Green Level: The Groutsmith, Mary Kay by Margaret & Brenda, La Rosa Realty, 21st Century Construction Inc, Pampered Chef Consultant, Cabana Club & Company, Gotcha Covered Kissimmee, Central Florida Freshcoat Painting, Hair Cuttery, Amerilife, Majestic Sisters Sweets, Experior Financial Group, Innova Closets and Design, and MDNow Urgent Care
» Starting Line : Hibiscus & Whole Food, Chicks Woodworks, Marcy Moss, Stitches & Quilts, Syramil Creations, and Mark Arena
Photos by Joe Thomas
Solivita Car Show Committee
BEST IN SHOW
• 1st: Mickey Pedulla - 1954 Chevrolet Belair
• 2nd: Orazio D’Angelo (R)2022 Maserati Gran Turismo
• 3rd: Carlos Rodriguez - 2013 Jeep
FINISH LINE LEVEL SPONSOR CHOICE AWARD
• Performance Golf Carts : Juan Aguire - 2014 Chevrolet Corvette
RACE GEAR SPONSOR AWARD
• The Seal Team : Jay Coppola1969 Mercury Cougar
RED CORPORATE SPONSORS CHOICE AWARDS
• Guimoli Roofing Inc: Mel Brown - 1986 Mercedes Benz
• MD Construction LLC: Pedro Torres - 2016 Jeep Wrangler
• State Farm - Julio Caban, Agent: Alan Gonyea (R)1967 Chevrolet Chevelle Convertible
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
• 1st Place: Sindy Sanders (R)2000 Ford Mustang
• 2nd Place: Eric Riveria - 1981 Chevrolet Corvette
• 3rd Place: Craig Heun (R)1931 Ford Model A Roadster
MUSCLE CAR AWARDS
• Best: Chris Liotta (R) - 2023 Dodge Demon
• Gil Ballard (R) - 2011 Dodge Challenger
• Lang Mitchell (R) - 1957 Chevrolet Belair
1st Place - Best in Show
(R) = Solivita Resident
2nd Place - Best In Show
3rd Place - Best In Show
Race Gear Sponsor The Seal Team
Red Corporate Sponsor: Guimoli Roofing Inc
Red Corporate Sponsor: MD Construction LLC
Red Corporate Sponsor: State Farm - Julio Caban, Agent
CLASSIC ERA AWARDS (1997 AND OLDER)
• Best: John Kornhaus - 1960
Chevrolet Corvette
• Daryl Davis - 1964 Chevrolet
Malibu SS
• Craig Heun (R) - 1931 Ford Model A Roadster
• Garcia Luff - 1970
Volkswagen Beetle
TRUCK/SUV/JEEP
AWARDS
• Best: Vic Walker (R)1967 Chevy Pickup Truck
• Carlos Zamot - 1938
Chevrolet Pickup Truck
• Antonio Medina - 1977 Jeep
Military
MODERN
ERA AWARDS (1998-PRESENT)
• Best: Israel Orengo - 2020
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
• Herbert Griffith (R) - 2025
Chevrolet Corvette
• Lang Mitchell (R) - 2023
Mercedes Benz E450
• George Stewart (R) - 2023
Chevrolet Corvette L73 Z51
Coupe
EXOTIC CAR AWARDS
• Best: Frec Schoelen - 2020
Lotus Evora GT
• Lang Mitchell (R) - 2024
BMW 850l
• Lang Mitchell (R) - 2021
Lexus LC500
(R) = Solivita Resident
Classic Era 1997 & Older Group
Exotic Car Awards
Modern Era 1998 - Present Group
Muscle Car Winners
Truck/SUV/Jeep Winners
People’s Choice Awards
Muscle Car Winners
A Message from Communications
BY WILMAN DE JESÚS COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
For those who don’t know me, my name is Wilman de Jesús. This past April marked my fifth anniversary as part of the Solivita team. I spent my first two years in the Activities Department, and this May I will complete my third year as Coordinator of the Communications Department. Since stepping into this role, I have been dedicated to serving our community and ensuring that you receive the most up-to-date information about everything happening in Solivita.
My responsibilities include sending Club email blasts, designing Activities event flyers, assembling the Reflections magazine, managing the Community Channel, and overseeing a wide range of communications-related projects. I’d like to share some of the improvements and new initiatives that have been implemented since I assumed this position.
Reflections Magazine
Several enhancements have been made to improve the quality, reliability, and convenience of the magazine:
» The company that prints Reflections now handles the insertion of flyers.
» Delivery bags are more durable and water-resistant.
» Print quality of flyers has been improved.
» Delivery schedules have been adjusted so residents receive the magazine earlier.
» Residents can now start or stop magazine delivery anytime by visiting SolivitaHOA.com > Club > Communications.
JUNE REFLECTIONS
ASSEMBLY, DELIVERY & PICK-UP
Friday, May 29th • 8am • Ballroom
Community Channel (902)
We have implemented a more modern, up-to-date Community Channel for your convenience. This platform allows us to share flyers with enhanced graphics and videos, and it provides both our team and Solivita clubs with more effective and visually engaging ways to promote events.
SolivitaHOA.com Website
I have also assisted many clubs with creating or updating their webpages, making it easier than ever for residents to learn more about what each club offers and how to get involved.
Volunteer Appreciation
As we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who, in one way or another, contributes their time and effort to make this publication possible each month—and to ensure that Reflections reaches residents on time.
You are truly the reason this publication continues to succeed. Thank you once again.
I look forward to communicating with you more frequently as we continue to introduce new projects and improvements designed to benefit our community.
Wilman de Jesús 863-427-7137 Wilman.deJesus@CastleGroup.com
REFLECTIONS DELIVERY
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 June 1st you’ll need to pick a copy up at the Concierge Desk (Admin Building) between 9am-5pm.
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.
Time to Stock Up - Hurricane Season is Right Around the Corner
SUBMITTED BY ERIC LARSON TEAM LEADER OF SOLIVITA CERT
We are approaching hurricane season, which normally starts June 1st but may be earlier based on this past year’s season. You should be prepared to live without electric power for a few days. Here are some simple recommendations for establishing a food supply that can carry you through such a period.
When you purchase these items, remember to choose things you will actually eat—not ones you wouldn’t like, and be sure to have a manual can opener. You have a few weeks to build up your supplies in your disaster kit and get rid of outdated items.
Food Checklist
Solivita CERT recommends the foods on this checklist to have on hand before a hurricane (that is, start now—buy a couple items each week):
• Canned and jarred meats
• Non-perishable foods – cereal, crackers, etc.
• Canned fruits
• Canned vegetables
• Canned soups, stews, chili
• Instant coffee, tea and cocoa
• Unsalted nuts (don’t add to your need for water)
• Jelly and honey
• Powdered drink mixes
• Pet food
• Fruit juices, vegetable juices, diet soda
Solivita Flags Over
Items
to Stock Up on as Soon as You Know a Hurricane is Approaching:
• Bottled water (at least one gallon per day, per household member)
• Apples, lemons, bananas, oranges
• Individual packs of juices, drinks
• Raisins and other dried fruits
• Cheeses that don’t need refrigeration
• Cookies, crackers and chips
• Small boxes of dry cereal
• Bread, muffins, bagels
• Peanut butter
• Condiments (these can help make other items more palatable)
• Ice (of course you can make your own, too, and make extra for in the fridge)
LAST CHANCE ... Memorial Day is just around the corner! If you have not signed up yet there is still time to be part of the Flags Over Solivita Program for 2026. There are four remaining holidays this year and we will also be celebrating the 250th anniversary of the UNITED STATES . Please have your application in by May 10th or sooner to be included this coming Memorial Day holiday. At this time, we have over 3,400 flags that will be displayed throughout Solivita.
Credit card payments are now available for payment. Visit the Veterans Club of Solivita website, www.veteransclubofsolivita.com, for an electronic form or scan the QR code below.
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.
