SOLIVITA CLUB Club General Manager - Pamela Flack: 863-420-5692 or PFlack@CastleGroup.com
REFLECTIONS SEPTEMBER 2026 VOLUME 26 ISSUE 9
VILLAGE CENTER Club Administration: 863-427-7100
Activities: 863-427-7125 or SolivitaActivities@CastleGroup.com Communications Coordinator - Wilman de Jesús: 863-427-7137 or SolivitaCommunications@CastleGroup.com Club Channel 902: CommunityChannel@SolivitaClub.com Concierge: 863-427-7100 or Fax: 407-624-3379
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Reflections Delivery or Assembly Questions: 863-427-7137 or SolivitaCommunications@CastleGroup.com
K&M Drugs: 863-496-7930
Reflections Staff: Reflections@SolivitaClub.com or 863-440-0377
Monday-Friday 9am-6pm
Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: 863-427-7130
Saturday 9am-1pm and Sunday Closed
The Palms Amenity Center: 863-496-1530 or Fax: 689-224-7199
Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: 863-427-7130
SOLIVITA HOA
Adult Only Facility Monday-Thursday 6:30am-9pm
To contact Solivita HOA, please email Solivita@CiraMail.com.
Friday 6:30am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm
Community Manager - Lorrie Gutzmer: 863-701-2969
Solivita Club Facilities After Hours Emergency:
Assistant Community Manager - Maria Lara: 863-427-7124
863-286-8779 (Calls Only/No Texts)
Membership: 863-427-7143
Weekdays 5pm-8pm and Weekends 12pm-5pm
Compliance Department:
Starlite Ballroom Daily 8am-11pm
• Compliance Inspectors for Non-Compliance & Violations: 863-427-7032
• Compliance ARC Coordinator: 863-427-7022
Stonegate Pro Shop: 863-427-7150, option 1
Landscape - Juniper: junipersync.com, 407-584-2030 or Solivita@JuniperLandscaping.com
The Grille at Stonegate: 863-427-7167
Irrigation Emergency: 407-813-1971
The Palms: 863-496-1530
Security Manager - Johanna Rivera: jrivera@smssi.com
Amenity Center: Monday-Sunday 8am-9pm
All Gates Access Voicemail for Visitors: 863-313-1314
Kids Pool Hours
Security Officers & Gatehouses
Monday-Friday 12pm-4pm Saturday & Sunday 9am-9pm Fitness Center Monday-Thursday 6:30am -9pm Friday 6:30am-7pm Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm Waterfront Galleries Daily 8am-11pm
• • • • • • •
Main Gate: 863-427-4238 Bella Viana Gate: 863-427-1268 Parkway Gate: 863-286-0329 South Gate (Marigold): 863-496-1473 Venezia Gate: 863-427-2338 West Gate (San Clemente): 863-496-1453 Rover - St. Moritz Security Services: 412-612-3768
OTHER CONTACTS BlueStream Fiber: 561-871-6521, bluestreamfiber.com
Wells Fargo Advisors: 321-340-6496
Stonegate Golf Club Directory: 863-427-7150
Ellen Burzynski - By Appointment Only
Resident to Resident (R2R) Resource Center: 863-236-9973 or SolivitaR2R@gmail.com
ellen.burzynski@wellsfargo.com
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Solivita Information
HOA CONTACT INFORMATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
TABLE OF CONTENTS Newsletter Submission Information ................................. Page 3
» President - Lita Epstein: SolivitaHOAPresident@SolivitaHOA.com
Club Department Articles ............................................ Pages 4-11
» Secretary - Jim Edge: SolivitaSecretary@SolivitaHOA.com
Resident Club Sponsored Events ............................ Pages 13-14
» Treasurer - Glenn Larson: SolivitaTreasurer@SolivitaHOA.com
Club & Support Group Meeting Lists .................... Pages 19-23
» Director - Donald Rimdzius: SolivitaDirector2@SolivitaHOA.com
Resident Kudos ..................................................................... Page 47
COMMITTEE CHAIRS » Architectural Review Committee: Solivita@CiraMail.com » Communications/IT - Bob Monica: CommunicationsChair@SolivitaHOA.com » Conservation & Wildlife - Bob Monica: WildlifeChair@SolivitaHOA.com » Elections - Diane Jorio: ElectionsChair@SolivitaHOA.com » Finance - George Muller: FinanceChair@SolivitaHOA.com » Infrastructure - Gene Kelly: InfrastructureChair@SolivitaHOA.com » Maintenance - Len Kirschbrown: MaintenanceChair@SolivitaHOA.com » Landscape - Megan Moses: LandscapeChair@SolivitaHOA.com
HOA Department Articles ................................................. Page 12 A Touch of Class ........................................................... Pages 15-18 Resident Club News .................................................... Pages 24-47 Neighborhood Captains News .......................................... Page 48 Advertisements ............................................................ Pages 49-76 Activities Events (back of calendar) .......... Insert Pages E1-E3 Monthly Calendar & Fitness (back of Events) .................. Insert Weekly Fitness Schedule ..................................... Calendar Insert
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
Email submissions to Reflections@SolivitaClub.com
OCTOBER SUBMISSIONS Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Tuesday, September 1st. Resident Club flyer insert artwork is due September 8th and must be approved by Wilman de Jesús (Wilman.deJesus@CastleGroup.com). Inquire about availability and current policies for Resident Club flyer inserts.
NOVEMBER SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on October 1st. Flyer inserts are due October 9th.
» Neighborhood Captains - Janet Nolan: CaptainProgam.Solivita@gmail.com » Security - Katherine Souza: SecurityChair@SolivitaHOA.com
PHOTO RELEASE AGREEMENT
» Violations - Grace Chirco: Solivita@CiraMail.com
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.
ON THE COVER Solivita residents celebrated taking ownership of the amenities on June 30, 2026 with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in front of the Village Center columns, as we move towards “One Solivita.” Photos by Solivita and Joe Thomas. REFLECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2026
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Club Department Articles
It’s Finally Back
BY JANA MALIK DIRECTOR OF ACTIVITIES We’re excited to announce the return of Yapsody, the preferred ticketing website for Activities events! Yapsody is much better equipped to handle a community of our size, especially when hundreds of residents log on at the same time for the monthly ticket sale. Tickets go on sale at 9am on the 1st business day of each month. If you have looked away from purchasing Activities event tickets because of previous website crashes or slowness, we encourage you to give it another try! Yapsody also accepts credit card payments. TIP: When paying by credit card, be sure to enter the exact city listed on your credit card billing information. Check whether your credit card billing address uses Poinciana or Kissimmee. If you experience any problems using your credit card, select the “PAY LATER” option. Then, be sure to bring a check or money order to the Activities Office at least two weeks before the event date.
Credit-Card Only Bars
If you are attending an Activities event, club-sponsored event, or private resident event that has contracted with the approved bartending company at a Solivita amenity venue, please note that the bar accepts credit cards only—no cash.
Karaoke
Through the end of November, Karaoke has moved to Mosaics! Karaoke can accommodate up to 90 residents and their adult guests, with admission of $6 per person. Join your supportive neighbors for a relaxing evening of listening, dancing, or getting up on stage to belt out your favorite song! DJ Breezz, and DJ Rocky, keeps track of the singers’ list and provides the sound and karaoke equipment. A credit-card-only bar and a limited bona fide meal will also be available.
New Year’s Eve Party Plans
There’s a change of plans in the works for this year’s New Year’s Eve Party as we navigate celebrating without an on-site restaurant. Let’s travel back 15+ years to the Solivita New Year’s Eve parties when there was one ticket price, food was spread throughout multiple venues, all seating was general admission, and there was only one DJ in the middle of the Village Center. This year’s celebration will be a little different—but still filled with fun!
Article continued on page 6
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REFLECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2026
Club Department Articles
Wine Down Concert
Trivia
Karaoke
SELECT MONDAYS 4PM & 7PM MOSAICS
SELECT TUESDAYS 5PM - 9PM MOSAICS
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH 6:30PM-8:30PM BY THE GRILLE
$6 ONLINE RESERVED TABLE
$6 WALK-IN GENERAL ADMISSION
BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR, LIMITED COMPLIMENTARY MEALS, FOOD TRUCK & CREDIT-CARD BAR
Curbside Cuisine SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH 4PM-7PM
VILLAGE CENTER 6PM $85
MARKET AREA IN FREEDOM PARK DJ CLUB TICKET SALES
We Want to Rock Concert FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH BALLROOM 6:30PM EOSS: $30 GENERAL ADMISSION: $25
Read more info and who is permitted to attend 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 icon. For questions, email or call the Activities Department at SolivitaActivities@CastleGroup.com or 863-427-7125.
REFLECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2026
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Club Department Articles Jana’s article continued from page 4
We’ll offer three types of music entertainment and offer two ticket options: a dinner with street party or a street party only option. The same buffet will be served in the middle of multiple venues, so you won’t have to walk to other venues to find a specific food item. We’ll be creating our own custom champagne wall, play interactive games, and plenty of fun as we count down to midnight! Stay tuned for more information.
The sign-up list will be available on Thursday, September 3rd starting at 9am outside the Activities offices (Bistro 2nd floor). » Fall Arts and Crafts Festival: Saturday, November 7th. See page 7 for more details. » Salute Our Veterans Weekend events: Wednesday, November 11th - Saturday, November 14th. See page 9 for event information.
Volunteer Opportunities
Let’s Purchase Activities Event Tickets to Keep The Party Going!!!
Check out the Activities community events in November needing residents like you to help support the Lifestyles program through a few hours of time, while having fun and meeting new friends and neighbors. The Rays of Service Volunteer Program keeps track of your volunteer hours and will treat those with appreciation gifts.
E V E NT
CLUB
Jana Malik 863-427-7125 Jana.Malik@CastleGroup.com
FRIENDS WHO HAVE LEFT US, BUT ARE NOT FORGOTTEN
Gerald F. Durkee
Earl Glass
Mary Lou Leslie
Carol Lippert
Karen Schneider
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the residents who recently passed away.
HOLIDAY HOURS
SPEED ENFORCEMENT
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH: LABOR DAY
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.
Administration: Closed Activities: Closed R2R Resource Center: Closed RSF & The Palms: Open Regular Hours, but No Classes 6
REFLECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2026
Club Department Articles
REFLECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2026
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Club Department Articles
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 are welcome. For more information stop in, call the Activities Office at 863-427-7125 or email SolivitaActivities@ CastleGroup.com.
Beginners Conversational Spanish Course
8 Classes: Tuesdays, October 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th and Wednesdays, October 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th 9:30am in the Aegean Room Tuition and Registration: $40 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: Carmen Boos Course Description: Learn the two verbs “To & Be = Ser & Estar” and the rules which govern the use of each of through dialogue. These verbs and the interrogatives will also be learned. Assorted vocabulary lists will be provided. Students will be able to request phrases to use for a working vocabulary that will help when speaking to Spanish speakers.
Rising Strong, Turning Rock Bottom into Breakthrough Tuesday, October 13th 1pm in the Gator Room Tuition, Book and Registration: $30 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 and Author: Jeffrey Lee Course Description: Where are you emotionally and mentally in dealing with the issues of life at this time of your life? Key topics to include understanding rock bottom, resilience/grit, emotional mastery, reframing failure, and leveraging networks. The instructor will share his personal story in dealing with 8
rock bottom experience to include dealing with severe mental health issues for three years that put him on his “death bed”. In addition, we will engage in guided reflection to uncover hidden strengths, along with group collaboration to share experiences and strategies. You will get a copy of his powerful book on navigating through the challenges of life that has been so well receive by many including several Solivita residents.
Explore How Your Computer Actually Works, and What an OS (Operating System) in Your Computer & Smartphone Actually Is
Friday, October 23rd 2:30pm in The Palms Tuition: Complimentary entrance; preregistration is not required; limited space. Professor: Michael White Course Description: In this course we’ll take a peek under the hood and learn what’s actually going on inside your computer. We’ll look at the history of computers and how we got to where we are, and how your smartphone is a direct descendent of big artillery guns used in WWII. We’ll learn why it’s called “Coding”, what the codes are and what they do. We’ll learn what an Operating System is and why you need one, what RAM is and why more is better, and how Apps are different from your OS. And, we’ll introduce you to the most important person you’ve never heard of, the man who gave us modern computers.
REFLECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2026
Club Department Articles
November 11th-14th
Salute Our Veterans Weekend is designed to celebrate Veterans and their families. We raise money for a select charity to help improve the lives of the many selfless men and women who bravely served our Nation. This year, all proceeds benefit:
All ticketed events will be available online at SolivitaHOA.com Home Page by clicking on the 2026 Salute Our Veterans Weekend banner. REFUNDS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED OR GIVEN FOR ANY OF THE EVENTS.
Veterans Day Memorial Ceremony & Breakfast Wednesday, November 11th
Veterans Day will begin with a wonderful ceremony presented by the Veterans Club of Solivita at 9am at the Veterans Memorial in Freedom Park. After the ceremony, join us for a delicious breakfast in the Ballroom. $15 per person. Guest of all ages welcome. A limited number of tickets will also be sold by the Veterans Club of Solivita.
Veterans Parade and Festivities Thursday, November 12th
This is a special day to celebrate our Veterans! Come on over to enjoy all of the fun and festivities that you surely don’t want to miss while we honor all who served our country. Parade: Let your creativity shine by dressing up your golf cart, motorcycles, bicycles, dogs, and club members with patriotic decorations to honor the armed forces as you proudly parade down Village Drive! Cars are not permitted with the exception of military vehicles. Parade participants are to line up at the Market Area in Freedom Park starting at 2:30pm (pre-registration is not required). The parade will begin at 3pm down Village Drive starting from the Market Area to the Pro Shop Roundabout. Festivities: After the parade, in the Admin Courtyard will be a live band, market vendors, credit card only bar and food trucks. This event is complimentary and open to residents and their guest of all ages from 3pm-6pm. VILLAGE DRIVE FROM THE BALLROOM TO THE PRO SHOP WILL BE CLOSED FOR TRAFFIC FROM 2:30pm-3:30pm. RAIN OR SHINE.
Sixtiesmania Show - A Tribute to the ‘60s Friday, November 13th
Sixtiesmania is a true celebration of the musical sixties’ with a set list of songs covering all the great groups from the Beatles to the Doors and everything in between including the British Invasion, Beach Boys, Carnaby Street, Flower Power, Woodstock and so much more. OUTSIDE BEVERAGES, INCLUDING WATER, ARE NOT PERMITTED TO BE BROUGHT INTO THE EVENT. A credit card only bar will be available. Show is at 7pm. Ballroom doors open for Early Open Show Seating (EOSS) 30 Minutes before the show and General Admission doors open 25 minutes before the show begins. General Admission is $30 and EOSS is $35 per person. Adult guest welcome.
Golf Tournament Scramble at Stonegate Golf Club Saturday, November 14th · Oaks Course · Shotgun Start 8:30am Registration 7am-8am
Golf Entry Includes: Continental breakfast, green & cart fee waived, range balls before play, on course special events, raffles, goody bags and prizes (Closest to the Pin, Longest Putt, 1st, 2nd and 3rd place), Luncheon and Awards to follow in Ballroom. A cash only on course beverage cart will be available. $80/person or $320/ foursome (Before October 1st) and $85/person or $340/foursome (Starting October 1st). Residents and adult guest only.
REFLECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2026
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Club Department Articles
OCTOBER REFLECTIONS
ASSEMBLY, DELIVERY & PICK-UP
Tuesday, September 29th • 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 Wednesday, September 30th you’ll need to pick a copy up at the Concierge Desk (in the Club Admin Building) between 9am-5pm. 10
REFLECTIONS DELIVERY If you would like to change the status of the Reflections newsletter delivery to your home, you can do this on SolivitaHOA.com by navigating to the “My Info” menu item > Click on the “Gatehouse Access Register Visitors” icon > Click on “Reflections Delivery” icon > Scroll down to the “Reflections Delivery” form to fill out and submit. You can also find this form by scanning the QR code or contact Wilman de Jesús, Communications Coordinator at 863427-7137 or SolivitaCommunications@ CastleGroup.com. REFLECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2026
Club Department Articles
OCTOBER
21 stth
9AM - 12PM
RIVIERA SPA & FITNESS CENTER
Come out and join the fun! ADVENTHEALTH BIOMETRIC SCREENINGS
• Blood pressure checks • Height and weight • Lipid panel including
A1C glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride tests, and more • Registration is required: wholecare.events/ AHSolivita21
REFLECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2026
FITWELL’S 2026
Health & Wellness Fair Join us for a morning dedicated to your health and well-being! Take proactive steps toward a healthier you. Open to all residents and staff. No appointment necessary!
HEALTH & WELLNESS VENDORS • Free Health Screenings • Vaccinations • Wellness Resources • & More! 11
HOA Department Articles
Fire Safety
SUBMITTED BY LYNN BABIN TEAM LEADER OF SOLIVITA CERT In 2024, Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) responded to 1,291 house fires alone—and that number has increased over the past year. In the US, a structure fire is reported every 93 seconds; home fire deaths are reported every 2 hours and 18 minutes, and home fire injuries occur every 36 minutes!
Where Do Most Fires Occur?
Kitchen: 44%+ of fires occur in the kitchen, with 88% of cooking fire deaths from oven ranges or cooktop fires. • Always stay in the kitchen when cooking (especially when frying). • Keep towels, oven mitts, etc. at least 3’ from the stove. • Always keep a fire extinguisher accessible in the kitchen (see below) and use appropriately. • PCFR does NOT recommend the “fire blankets” for putting out fires as they have proven dangerous in many cases—an appropriate fire extinguisher is recommended. • For small fires, cover with lid and turn off source of heat. • When in doubt, or if flames are spreading, GET EVERYONE OUT and close the door to contain the fire. • Call 911 and tell them you are in Polk County and provide your address. Electrical: • Avoid extension cords whenever possible as they are meant for temporary use only. • Unplug devices you are not using—toaster, hair dyer, curling iron, etc. • Ensure cords are not frayed or worn, especially around the holidays. • All electrical work should be done by a certified electrician. Child/Dementia Safety: • Store matches and lighters out of sight and out of reach. Smoking Safety: • If you must smoke, do so outside in a designated area free from flammable materials such as dried leaves, grass, trash, etc., and extinguish smoking materials in a metal container with water. • NEVER allow anyone to smoke where medical oxygen is being used. • NEVER smoke in bed or while resting on a couch/chair. 12
• E-cigarettes should be considered as dangerous as a lit cigarette. Candles: • Avoid the use of candles due to the high risk of fire, instead use battery-powered candles whenever possible. • If you use a candle, it should never be left unattended.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors should be installed inside and outside of EVERY sleeping area and near all cooking areas. Every detector should be tested monthly and battery-operated alarms should have their batteries changed once a year. Most hard wired smoke detectors have a battery back up and those should also be changed yearly. Some smoke alarms come with a 10-year battery—check when yours should be replaced. In the SPRING of 2027, CERT will provide a battery replacement program where you can sign up to have your batteries changed out by our team of volunteers.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers come in many classes and sizes. For the average person, the ABC Multi-Purpose Extinguisher is the most recommended for home use. It is used for ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids and electronics. Extinguishers come in many sizes. It is recommended you keep one near your kitchen, in your garage, and they make smaller ones for your car. Check your extinguishers monthly for the tamper seal, and pressure gage—replace as needed. If you do heavy electrical or chemical work in your garage or home, please call the fire department and ask for a recommendation about the best extinguisher for your needs. To Use a Fire Extinguisher: PASS • P—Pull the safety pin • A—Aim the nozzle/hose at the base of the fire • S—Squeeze the operating lever slowly and evenly • S—Sweep the nozzle from side to side across the base of the fire Only attempt to put out a small fire after everyone has been evacuated and 911 has been called. Please join us for our next meeting, the second Monday of the month at 1pm in the Ballroom. REFLECTIONS | SEPTEMBER 2026
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