Solivita Reflections | April 2020 Reflections Limited Version

APRIL 2020 VOLUME 20 ISSUE 4

[ Department ] Articles

REFLECTIONS APRIL 2020 VOLUME 20 ISSUE 4

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 Marketplace Bistro: 863-427-7150, ext. 4724 Daily 8am-8pm, Breakfast: 8am-11am Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: 863-427-7130 Monday-Thursday 6:30am-9pm Friday 6:30am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm

ON THE COVER Event is TBD, stay tuned to community email blasts for updates. Bring the grandkids and hop on over to the Spring Parade and Carnival on Saturday, April 11th. Parade at 9am in the Village Center will end at Freedom Park where the carnival is held. New is the Helicopter Egg Drop over the Softball Field beginning at 10am. Dress kids appropriate due to the clay on the Softball Field may damage clothes and shoes. Photos by Joe Thomas.

CONTACT LIST 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 Communications - Doug Gilbert: 863-427-7137 or solivitacommunications@evergreen-LM.com 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

Taylor Morrison Customer Care: 800-858-5933 or www.taylormorrison.com/warranty/request

Solivita Club After Hours Emergency Phone Number: 863-286-8779 Weekdays 5pm-8pm and Weekends 12pm-5pm

Architectural Review: 863-427-7022 or compliance@solivitahoa.com

Starlite Ballroom Daily 8am-11pm Stonegate Pro Shop: 863-427-7150, ext. 4710 Daily 7am-5pm The Grille at Stonegate: 863-427-7167 Daily 8am-9pm (Breakfast: 8am-11am, Lunch: 11am-4pm and Dinner: 4pm-9pm) Bar: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm (Happy Hour 2pm-5pm) and Sun 11am-9pm (Happy Hour All Day) 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 Waterfront Galleries Daily 8am-11pm Welcome Center or Model Park: 863-427-7000 Monday-Saturday 9:30am -5:30pm Sunday 11am -5:30pm

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Activities: 863-427-7125 or SolivitaActivities@evergreen-LM.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 Solivita Sales: 863-427-7000 Stonegate Golf Club Directory: 863-427-7150 The Palms Amenity Center: 863-496-1530 or Fax: 863-496-0914 Violations & Compliance: 863-427-7032 Visitor/Vendor Gate Access Voice Server: 863-313-1314

[ Solivita Information] APRIL TABLE OF CONTENTS Newsletter Submission & Advertising Info ............................ Page 3 Department Articles .............................................................. Pages 4-14 Solivita University ................................................................. Pages 12-13 Community Events .............................................................. Pages 14-21 Relay For Life Events ....................................................... Pages 14-16 Mosaics Special Nights ........................................................... Page 17 Wellness Events ................................................................ Pages 20-21 A Touch of Class .................................................................... Pages 21-24 Club & Support Group Meeting Lists ........................... Pages 25-29 Club News ............................................................................... Pages 29-54 Resident Kudos .............................................................................. Page 54 Neighborhood News .................................................................... Page 55 Advertisements ..................................................................... Pages 56-96 Activities Events (back of calendar) ................ Insert Pages E1-E3 A Night at the Movies ..................................................... Insert Page E1 Activities Ticket Sale Info .............................................. Insert Page E1 Events You Do Not Want to Miss .............................. Insert Page E2 Future Events ..................................................................... Insert Page E3 Monthly Calendar (back of Activities Events) ........................ Insert

NOTICE REGARDING UPCOMING ACTIVITIES, FITNESS AND CLUB EVENTS At the time of printing the April edition of Reflections, there is still much uncertainty as to when events and gatherings, small or large, can resume in all Solivita Club Facilities due to the current health crisis caused by Coronavirus (COVID-19).

You will see that some events have been cancelled or postponed throughout this edition, but others have not yet been determined. Please keep in mind that any event or gathering listed in the April Reflections may potentially be cancelled or postponed for the safety and wellness of our residents and guests. We sincerely appreciate your understanding during this time.

We will keep you updated on all news and events through the community email blasts and SolivitaHOA.com as information becomes available.

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NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS Email submissions to reflections@evergreen-LM.com

MAY SUBMISSIONS

Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Wednesday, April 1st.

Club insert copies for May are due by Wednesday, April 22nd. All inserts must be approved by Club Manager, Sheri Wollschlager (email to swollschlager@evergreenLM.com) or Communications Director, Doug Gilbert (email to solivitacommunications@evergreen-LM.com) before they are copied.

JUNE SUBMISSIONS

Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Friday, May 1st.

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.

Residents receive 50% off the 1/8 page ad at the one-month rate ($115). The resident rate is $57.50 for the 1/8 page ad only. As a reminder, only one discount is issued per household.

To download the contract and make payment, please visit SolivitaAdvertising.com. For more information on advertising your business in Reflections, please contact the Advertising Administrator, Amanda Wright, at 813501-7220, SolivitaAdvertising@Evergreen-LM.com, or visit the website at SolivitaAdvertising.com.

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 or stop by the Communications Office.

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[ Department ] Articles

Spring Into Action

By Jana Malik Director of Activities “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s…!’” ~ Robin Williams If this is the case, then let’s get out and enjoy the many spring inspired events that the Activities Team and event committees have been busy planning. Most events in April are complimentary and take place outdoors.

I literally don’t know how to sit still. I can’t. Sometimes I look forward to a day off to do nothing but as soon as I sit down, my brain starts thinking about what I could be doing or where I could go shop, try a new restaurant, plan my weekend, look for cool events in my area, or even yes, clean out and reorganize a closet or cabinet. On vacations, I am doing the same thing, looking for unique, non-chain restaurants, places to go to, etc. Even at the Solivita community events, I can’t sit still, unless I am completely beat. I like to walk around as much as I can to make sure all is in order, check in with the volunteers to see how everyone is enjoying themselves or see where areas can be improved next time. Even when I first started working here, I could not be placed to stay at one spot, and thankfully I was not asked to.

Next Up

In the past two Reflections articles, I’ve introduced Activities Team members Brandon Payne and Jennifer Rodriguez. Now it is time to introduce Kaylee Febles. Kaylee has only worked in the Solivita Activities office for two and a half years, but her knowledge and grasp of the Activities operations far exceeds her time here. Kaylee has been able to quickly understand our processes and took on the many aspects of our Activities department including event logistics, budgeting, decorating, room setups for club events and so much more. Here is a little about her.

Hello Solivita! I was born and raised in Orlando (Yes, a true Orlandoian native!). I attended the University of Central Florida, majoring in Childhood Development. In my free time, I enjoy going out with my boyfriend exploring Central Florida and also visiting my immediate family that lives in Dallas, TX. A fun fact about me is my birthday is on New Year’s Day. So, every New Year’s Eve I am required to work, but at midnight, the very start of my birthday begins with a fireworks show and then some dancing with everyone who stays afterwards in the street.

So, spring into action, whether attending our event or in whatever way you want!

Save the Date!

For Solivita’s Roaring 20th Birthday Party on the evening of Saturday, October 10, 2020 (aka 10/10/20). Planning of the event has already begun: indoor and outdoor entertainment, food and how it will be organized, and special surprises. The Activities Team is working hard to plan this event, with the assistance of the Solivita Lifestyles Activities Committee (aka SLAC). Stay tuned for more details.

Starting in 2014, I worked at Walt Disney World in merchandise for three years, and it definitely sprouted my love for all things Disney. After Disney, I started working at a timeshare hotel, Vacation Village at Parkway, working in the Activities department. The Activities were not as close to the scale that we do here in Solivita, but they were still a lot of fun, and the background experience has definitely helped me succeed with Solivita events. In September of 2017, I started working here at Solivita as an Activities Specialist. My first day was a ticket sales Continued on page 5

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[ Department] Articles

Jana’s article continued from page 4 day and I’ll never forget it! These past two years have gone by so fast and I could have never imagined how many residents I’ve gotten to know! I can’t wait to see what future events we plan as a team for all of you in Solivita.

Safety Reminders

Submitted by Citizens Assisted Patrol (CAP) The mission of the Citizens Assisted Patrol is to “observe and report.” During our patrols we have seen drivers exhibiting less than desirable driving skills. As the population in Solivita grows we can expect to see more cars on the roads, but if we all follow the rules we do not need to see an increase in accidents.

We are lucky in Polk County to have the best deputies. You can avoid meeting them during a car stop by following the rules: • A double line means no passing in either direction. You cannot pass a golf cart, even if they are waving you on.

The penalty for improper passing is $164 plus 3 points.

Activities Team standing with the Thomas Family at the 2019 Spring Carnival. Photo by Joe Thomas.

Village Drive & Freedom Park Closings

See more information about these events on the back of the inserted monthly tri-fold calendar.

• Sunday, April 5th: Relay For Life at Solivita » Event is from 12pm-10pm » Village Drive from the Ballroom to the Pro Shop U NTI L D E N is closed to vehicles from 9am-9pm PO POSTroundabout OT I C E N R E H »

Relay for Life teams can drive up to their booths FU RT until 11am ONLY • Saturday, April 11th: Spring Parade and Carnival EVENT IS TBD » Event is from 9am-1pm » Village Drive from the Ballroom to the Pro Shop Roundabout is closed from 8:30am10am for the parade » FREEDOM PARK RECREATION EVENTS ARE CANCELLED UNTIL 2PM • Saturday, April 18th: Community Yard Sale STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS THROUGH COMMUNITY EMAIL BLAST » Event is from 8am-11am » Caution while driving in the Village Center area as traffic is heavy from 5am-12pm.

Spring into Solivita Activities events and Keep the Party Going!!!

Jana Malik 863-427-7125 jmalik@evergreen-LM.com

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• Stop signs apply to motor vehicles, golf carts and bicycles.

You must come to a complete stop at the marked stop line. If there is no marked stop line, stop before entering the crosswalk or stop at a point nearest the intersecting roadway where you have a clear view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection. The penalty for failure to stop is $164 plus 3 points.

• Speeding is one of the most prevalent causes of traffic accidents. When drivers choose not to follow the speed limit, their chances of getting in a crash increase significantly. Speeding makes it harder for drivers to safely negotiate corners and turns. Speeding also gives a driver less time to react to changes and unexpected events on the roads. A pedestrian, bicycle or wildlife may be hidden from view around the many curves in the road.

We have a lot of people in Solivita, but we do not want to lose any of them due to carelessness.

During patrols we have also noticed a number of garage doors open and unoccupied. This presents an opportunity to a criminal to help themselves to whatever they want. Not to mention an invitation to the resident squirrels, racoons, alligators and snakes to take up residence.

If you would like to help us observe and report, you are welcome to come to our next meeting on April 14th at 12:30pm in RSF2.

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[ Department ] Articles

Blooming Easter!

By Shelley Destefano Community Concierge We are hopping along right into Easter, which falls on Sunday, April 12th this year. Get your peeps together for an Easter Celebration. You can also take every bunny out to enjoy the special days or events listed in my article this month!

Special or Important Dates

Paddling Center at Shingle Creek

Do you enjoy outdoor activities? If you do, the Paddling Center at Shingle Creek (located at Shingle Creek Regional Park, 4266 W. Vine Street, Kissimmee, FL 34741) has offered a 10% discount to Solivita residents. If you like kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding, you may like what they have to offer. Please visit paddlingcenter.com or call 407-344-0881 for more information.

• April Fool’s Day is on Wednesday, April 1st • Your 2019 taxes are due on Wednesday, April 15th. Uncle Sam does not have much mercy when it comes down to the dough!

• Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22nd

It is always intriguing to find out who is inside the bunny costume at the spring carnival. The flowers in bloom are also pleasant this time of year. How have you bloomed so far this year? There is still time to turn your weeds into beautiful flowers. By the end of this year, we should all hope to have blossomed into a bouquet fit for the most adorable cottontail bunny.

Community Concierge 863-427-7100 sdestefano@evergreen-LM.com

FRIENDS WHO HAVE LEFT US, BUT ARE NOT FORGOTTEN Violet Gradishar William “Bill” A. Johnson, Jr. Neils Linquist

Gradishar

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Johnson

Linquist

Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the residents who recently passed away.

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[ Department ] Articles

The R2R Resource Center is Here for You! April Workshop: Online Shopping “How To” and Transportation Committee Update

depth presentation about other wildlife in the area. Stay tuned for more information in the future.

Thursday, April 23rd • 10am • Ballroom

Our transportation committee has been busy researching options to make your shopping easier. We’ll show you how you can easily purchase the things you need using your computer, tablet, or even your smartphone. Whether you want to have items shipped directly to your home, or pick them up curbside at your local Walmart or Aldi, it’s up to you.

Come to the workshop and find out how shopping online can make your life easier!

We will cover the following: • Walmart online curbside pickup and delivery • Instacart online - Aldi curbside pick-up and delivery and Publix delivery only • Amazon Prime online delivery only • Transportation Committee Update All R2R Resource Center Workshops are free to Solivita residents, but advance registration is requested. Call 863-2369973 or email solivitaR2R@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

Walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits.

Mark Your Calendar for Future Workshops • Hurricane Preparedness » Thursday, May 21st at 10am in the Ballroom • Handyman Help Me! » Thursday, June 18th at 10am in the Ballroom

February Workshop Recap

A record-breaking crowd of 360 residents attended the February Workshop! (See photo on the top of the next column!) This session was a great overview about the animals and plants around Solivita. We are planning a follow-up workshop with a more in-

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At the February workshop, Sheri Wollschlager took a moment to recognize and thank volunteer resident Char Fullerton (pictured to the right) for all her hard work coordinating the Resource Center workshops. We wish her well in her future endeavors.

Spring Planting Time!

Check out the list of plants suggested by Floralawn from the February workshop. Pictures and descriptions are available on SolivitaHOA.com on the Resource Center page under “Community Information & Services.” Or contact the Resource Center at 863-236-9973 or Solivita.R2R@gmail.com.

Children’s Books

There is a wonderful collection of children’s books located at the Resource Center. Some great new books for middle school grandchildren have arrived. To borrow books just sign the card in the book and put it in the index card box. Keep the books as long as you like and return them when you are finished.

R2R Resource Center 863-236-9973 SolivitaR2R@gmail.com

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[ Department] Articles

L I T N U D E N O P E T C S I O T P O N R E H T FUR

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[ Department ] Articles

Before You Head Up North Submitted by the Solivita CERT Team

Many residents of Solivita travel north over the summer for a few weeks or even months. Before you leave consider: 1. Have you secured items outside your home from blowing into your own house or your neighbor’s homes? Decorative items, plants in pots (especially hanging ones), chairs, benches, and wall hangings. Bringing furniture inside makes sense. Even rather large gas grills have been known to blow across lanais. See item 2 for help after you have departed.

than a barrage of notices to many folks, select one or two to be the focus of your reporting and your friends’ and families’ queries. It will save you time and also cell battery.

4. Does someone know how to reach you? Make sure someone here knows how to contact you to report incidents or ask questions while you’re gone (cell phone, text or email). Also someone “up north” to keep in contact (see item 3 above).

2. Have you left a key for a friend or neighbor to inspect inside your home if a storm passes through? If you have hurricane shutters arrange for someone to put them up and take them down. HOA restrictions apply for when you can do this. We recommend giving a key to your home to someone trustworthy who will be able to enter and inspect your home, especially after a severe weather event. Periodic inspection may also find a water leak or A/C malfunction before serious harm is done. It is better to start recovery right away than wait till you return weeks or months later to find water damage and resulting mold.

5. Just as we recommend a disaster kit when you are here in storm season, a similar kit for carrying in your travels also makes sense. You may be caught in bad weather en route and need some of those items, including snacks and water, not to mention flashlights, batteries, duct tape and trash bags. A small container for these items that easily fits in your vehicle would be prudent (plastic bin or cardboard box?). Don’t forget to take along your important contact information— home insurance, bank, prescriptions, pet information, etc. If you travel in cooler weather be sure to also take blankets and cool weather clothing in case you get stranded part way by traffic or weather event.

3. Does someone know where you are going? Let one or more friends or neighbors know where you are headed, your planned route and approximate schedule and also someone on the other end who can confirm your safe arrival. Rather

These recommendations are provided by your Solivita Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to help you prepare for unexpected situations.

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[ Department] Articles

Chef’s Corner

By Chef Curtis Hillard CEC, CPC Executive Chef, Stonegate Golf Club

Did You Know….

The Key lime is smaller, seedier, has higher acidity, stronger aroma, and thinner rind, than the well-known Persian lime. The Key lime is valued for its unique flavor compared with other limes.

The name is derived from its association with the Florida Keys, where it is best known as the flavoring ingredient in Key lime pie.

Mini Key Lime and Coconut Pies

INGREDIENTS • 1 tube (16 1/2 ounces) refrigerated sugar cookie dough • 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk • 1/2 cup Key lime juice • 3 large egg yolks • 2 teaspoons grated lime zest • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream • 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/8 teaspoon coconut extract • 1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Slice cookie dough into 18 pieces.

3.

With floured fingers, press onto the bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides of 18 greased muffin cups.

4. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.

5. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the milk, lime juice, egg yolks and lime zest. Spoon into hot crusts.

6. Bake 7-9 minutes longer or until filling is set.

7. Cool completely. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

8. Just before serving, in a small bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken.

9. Add the confectioners’ sugar and extracts; beat until soft peaks form. Remove pies from muffin cups.

10. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with coconut.

Curtis Hillard 863-427-7150, ext. 4717 chef@stonegategolf.com

Yard of the Month Our expert judges went exploring throughout Solivita and decided on the home of Francisco and Gloria Muci at 325 Balboa Drive for our monthly winner.

The Muci’s love to work in the garden and their Yard of the Month shows the love and care they enjoy sharing. Spring has sprung and it is a great time of year to freshen up your yard and maybe you will be the next winner. Take a ride by their yard and check it out. We will be visiting some of our winners’ homes in September on our annual Green Thumbs “Yards of the Month” caravan.

Making Solivita as beautiful as possible.

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[ Solivita University ] STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS THROUGH EMAIL BLAST 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 90 minutes long and require pre-registration, unless otherwise noted. Solivita University classes are also listed in a calendar on solivitahoa.com under Calendars and Maps and then choose Activities Events and Solivita University Classes.

April courses are open for registration now. Adult guests are welcome. For more information, to register for courses or purchase annual passes by cash, check or credit card, please visit the Activities Office or call 863-427-7125.

Great Decisions Discussions 2020 Annual Pass Each year the Foreign Policy Association produces a study guide with eight of the most critical global issues facing America.

Great Decisions (GD) is an annual ticketed pass offering eight discussions that meets monthly January-May and SeptemberNovember. The discussion of the month is conducted by moderator Thomas Gallagher Ph. D. The 2020 GD Annual Pass cost is $39 (or $44 for two sharing a book).

Discussion Topic: Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.

Almost every nation has enacted laws criminalizing human trafficking, and international organizations, governments, and NGOs sponsor a large variety of projects to curb trafficking and slavery. Billions of dollars have been allocated to these efforts. What is the international community doing to combat slavery and trafficking? What are the experiences like for those being trafficked?

• Tuesday, April 7th at 11am in the Gator Room and • Wednesday, April 22nd at 4pm in The Palms

Art and Literary Lecture 2020 Annual Pass

This pass will allow residents admittance to any of approximately 13 Art and Literary Lectures starting in January 2020 for $20 per person. Art lectures are presented

by Art Historian Jan Clanton and Literary Lectures are

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taught by resident Professor Thomas Gallagher. If you choose not to purchase an Annual Pass and want to attend a lecture, admission is $5 per lecture at the door. Art and Literary passes are for Art and Literature Lectures only and are non-refundable.

Next Art Lectures in the Ballroom at 1pm: • Tuesday, April 7th: The Broad Museum. The most contemporary art will now be found in the Eli and Edith Broad Museum in Los Angeles – no surprise to anyone who knows the couple!

The Broad Museum. Editorial credit: Checubus / Shutterstock.com

• Next lecture returns in the fall Next Literary Lectures in the Gator Room at 4pm: • Monday, April 27th: Lights Out by Ted Koppel. In this tour de force of investigating reporting, the author reveals that a major cyber-attack on America’s power grid is not only possible but likely and that would be devastating. A well designed attack on just one of the nation’s three electric power grids could cripple much of our infrastructure and in the age of cyberwarfare, a laptop has become the only necessary weapon. It is a question

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[ Solivita University] of when this will happen.

• Monday, May 18th: Loving Christy by Kathy Glascott, a Solivita author

Beginner’s Conversational Spanish

Every Tuesday and Thursday in April, Starting on April 7th Aegean Room at 10am Tuition: $40 per student Instructor: Solivita resident Carmen Boos, born in Cuba, earned her B.A. in English and Spanish from Montclair State University.

She relocated to Miami Dade County and taught ESL at the Miami Beach Adult Center. In 2004, she was awarded Outstanding ESL Educator from 23 Adult Centers. For the last 5 years, she volunteers her time teaching ESL at the Carmen Boos local Poinciana Community Center.

Course Description: This course will focus on the two verbs which mean To Be--Ser & Estar and the rules which govern the use of each through dialogues. These verbs will be presented, and the interrogatives will also be introduced. Assorted vocabulary lists will be used. The students

will be able to request phrases to use for a working vocabulary they can use with local Spanish speaking people.

Upcoming Courses in Summer and Fall 2020 – MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Registration opens in the Activities Office a month before each first class date.

• Intermediate Bridge: 3-week course starting on Saturday, July 11th at 1pm • History of the Civil Rights Movement Through Film: 3-week course starting on Thursday, September 10th at 1pm • It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over - Is There An Age Limit on Goals: 3-week course starting on Tuesday, September 15th at 1pm • History of Love and Romance Through Film: 3-week course starting on Monday, October 5th at 1pm • Apple iPhones and iPads: 4-week course starting on Thursday, October 8th at 6pm • Leave Your Kids the Memories, Not the Mess: 1-day class on Friday, October 9th at 10am • Mac Productivity Programs: 6-week course starting on Friday, October 9th at 2pm • Advanced Beginner Bridge: 7-week course starting on Saturday, October 17th (skipping November 21st) at 1pm

WANTED! ARTISAN AND CRAFT VENDORS Saturday, November 7th from 10am-4pm Village Drive | Rain or Shine Application Deadline is June 30th.

10% Early Registration Discount Deadline is May 29th.

Application packets for the 19th Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival will be mailed out to our mailing list by the end of April. To have your name added to the mailing list, send an email with your name, address, phone number and email address to solivitafallfestival@gmail. com or call Activities at 863-427-7125. Handcrafted art or craft items are accepted in the festival.

Photos by Ida Cobb, Linda Dombchik and Joe Thomas.

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[ Department ] Articles

Spring in Solivita!

By Brad Thompson Branch Manager, Floralawn April brings the first full month of spring to Solivita, with days warming up as we look toward summer. Here’s what Floralawn crews have been up to in February and March.

Preemergence Herbicides and Fertilizer Applications

The first of 2020’s weed control and fertilizer applications has been put down on schedule. Preemergence herbicides are products that stop weed seed germination, preventing weeds from maturing. Fertilizer helps to nourish the ground so that turfgrass has the nutrients it needs for robust spring growth.

Trimming & Pruning

Floralawn crews finished up trimming the crape myrtle trees that grow throughout Solivita. This task takes a full two months because of the sheer number of crapes in the community.

Native grass pruning was also completed, as you will note if you look in the center medians on Solivita Boulevard. The Fakahatchee mounds have been pruned way back to get them ready for spring growth.

Our crews attended to rejuvenation pruning as well. This kind of pruning is where thin or leggy plants get pruned back, encouraging new, full growth from the plant bases. Plants that tend to get leggy and need rejuvenation pruning include Viburnum, Tibouchina, Gold Mound, Arboricola, and Downy Jasmine. Don’t be surprised if you see these shrubs trimmed

down to half their size. Within a few months, they will be full and robust again.

Sod Replacement

Late winter is when we usually do a sod and plant audit and determine where replacements are needed. Stress or damage causes grass and plants to die or lose their vigor. We conduct evaluations to see if grass and plants can be revived or if they need to be switched out for healthier candidates.

What’s ahead for April?

Weekly Mowing Returns

You’ll see our landscaping crews every week now, mowing, trimming, edging, and blowing. The weekly mowing will continue into October.

Hiring New Crew Members

April is when we start ramping up for the vigorous growing season and all that it entails. To make sure our crews are complete, we augment our staff by hiring new team members. Their work is demanding, so we work hard to find the best of the best to keep Solivita always looking beautiful.

This month we’ll also be purchasing additional equipment and making sure existing equipment is ready for heavy use.

Got questions? Visit our webpage on SolivitaHOA.com, call us at 863-225-9569, or drop by our office in the Admin Building.

RELAY RALLY FOR THE CURE DRAGON BOAT ROSE PETALS OF LOVE

Sunday, April 5th • 12:30pm • Boat Dock The Solivita Dragon Boat Club will once again participate at the “Rally for the Cure” Village Event with a Dragon Boat Paddle and Flower Dedication Ceremony. There are several ways to participate in this event, which are both memorable and celebratory. This year’s survivors are invited to come paddle with club members during the actual flower ceremony.

Anyone may donate for rose petals to be tossed during the ceremony in memory of, or to honor a loved one, plus sign their name on the special paddle. Throughout the day anyone can make a donation to ride or paddle on the boat and personally toss petals. For more information or to sign up to paddle as a survivor, please email solivitadragonboat@ gmail.com or see Susie Q at the Farmer’s Market to sign the paddle.

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Reflections | April 2020 |