AUGUST 2020 VOLUME 20 ISSUE 8
[ Department ] Articles
REFLECTIONS AUGUST 2020 VOLUME 20 ISSUE 8
VILLAGE CENTER HOURS
ON THE COVER According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the Dog Days of summer are traditionally the 40 days beginning July 3rd and ending August 11th, which coincides with the dawn rising of Sirius, the Dog Star. This is soon after the Summer Solstice, which also indicates that the worst summer heat will soon set in. Photos by the members of the PALS Club.
CONTACT LIST Community Manager (Association) - Rudy Bautista: 863-701-2969 or rbautista@evergreen-LM.com
Administration: 863-427-7100 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Club Manager - Sheri Wollschlager: 863-427-7129 or swollschlager@evergreen-LM.com
K&M Drugs: 863-496-7930 Monday-Friday 9am-6pm Saturday 9am-1pm and Sunday Closed
Director of Association Site Services for Solivita - Matt McCoy: 863-427-7103 or mmccoy@evergreen-LM.com
Marketplace Bistro: 863-427-7150, ext. 4724 Daily 8am-8pm, Breakfast: 8am-11am Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: 863-427-7130 Temporary Hours for July Daily 7am-7pm 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 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 Temporary Hours for July Daily 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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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 Taylor Morrison Customer Care: 800-858-5933 or www.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 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] AUGUST TABLE OF CONTENTS Newsletter Submission & Advertising Info ............................ Page 3 Department Articles .............................................................. Pages 4-19 Solivita University ................................................................. Pages 14-16 Community Events .............................................................. Pages 20-23 Relay For Life Events ................................................................ Page 20 Mosaics Special Nights ........................................................... Page 21 Wellness Events ......................................................................... Page 23 A Touch of Class ................................................................... Pages 23-26 Club & Support Group Meeting Lists ........................... Pages 26-31 Club News ............................................................................... Pages 31-46 Neighborhood News .................................................................... Page 46 Advertisements ..................................................................... Pages 46-80
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS Email submissions to reflections@evergreen-LM.com
SEPTEMBER SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Friday, July 31st. Club insert copies for September are due by Monday, August 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.
OCTOBER SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Tuesday, September 1st.
Activities Events (back of calendar) ................ Insert Pages E1-E3 Movies on Channel 732 ........................................ Insert Pages E1-E2 Events You Do Not Want to Miss .............................. Insert Page E3 Monthly Calendar (back of Activities Events) ........................ Insert
NOTICE REGARDING UPCOMING ACTIVITIES, FITNESS AND CLUB EVENTS At the time of printing the August 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 August 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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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.
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
September Reflections Newsletter Cover Star By Jana Malik Director of Activities
Want a chance to appear on the cover of the September 2020 Reflections cover? Never before have we had residents submit their photo for the newsletter cover page. This gives everyone the opportunity to have a chance at “Solivita stardom” by appearing on the cover of approximately 4,700 newsletters. The theme for this cover is “Grandparents Day” which is a National Holiday celebrated the Sunday after Labor Day. Here is your chance to submit a photo of you with your grandkid(s) OR you with your grandparent(s)! Don’t worry if you don’t have a digital photo as you can take a picture of your picture by using your smartphone or tablet. Then attach it in a new email. **Submit your
grandparents theme photo by 10pm on Sunday, August 9th to SolivitaActivities@ Evergreen-LM.com .*.*** If your picture is randomly selected, you will receive a digital copy of the cover page via email to share with family and friends and earn bragging rights for the month!
Rays of Service Volunteer Log Sheet Submission
If you have volunteered your time for a Solivita Department (newsletter delivery, article editing, R2R office, virtual Solivita committee assistance, etc) between March 1st through August 7, 2020, submit your volunteer log sheet to the Activities Department by Wednesday, August 12th by dropping it off either to the Freedom Park parking lot on August 7th (see below), email it to SolivitaActivities@Evergreen-LM. com or make an appointment to drop it off at the office by calling 863-427-7125. In addition to thanking those who submit hours for this year, and because normal opportunities to volunteer have been limited due to the pandemic, we have decided to include volunteers from the Summer of 2019, knowing you would have all been volunteering if given the chance!
Matinee and Thursday Night Movie Update
Due to COVID-19, movie studios have stopped the production
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and release of any new feature films. In order to continue sharing movies each week on Community TV Channel 732, we are now showing previously presented films that were most popular with residents, beginning with January 2019 selections from Ballroom Movie Nights.
A Farewell Note from Jennifer Rodriguez...
While it is hard for me to say goodbye, I must appreciate all the fun times I have had with each and every one of you. I’ve grown so much here, of which time, I’ve had my 3 wonderful boys. I am taking a different step in my life, and career in the education field, that will work the best for my family. I will miss my Solivita grandparents. Keep enjoying life and live it to the fullest. My last day after 8 great years will be on August 5th at The Palms. Stop by, or email me at rican2005@msn.com and say “See you later!” No goodbyes please. The entire Solivita Team, especially the Activities Department, will greatly miss working, brainstorming, laughing, conversing and of course, partying at Solivita events with Jennifer. We’ll keep in touch and maybe bump into, or hear her boys, at Publix or WalMart in Poinciana.
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ACTIVITIES WEEKLY[ Department Articles ]
VIRTUAL PROGRAM MONDAY
WEDNESDAY
TUESDAY
MOVIE MATINEE 3PM ON CH
. 732
THURSDAY
2PM ON CH. 732
EMAIL BLAST
TS SELECT NIGH
ON CH. 732
FRIDAY
THURSDAY
MOVIE night
Things to Do Thursday
32
7PM ON CH. 7
SELECT DA TES/TIMES
ONLINE CL
RK FREEDOM PA IN M P -1 M A 11
ASSES VIA ZOOM
WEEKLY AC C O M P E T I V IT Y T IT I O N S
EMAIL BLA ST
SELECT NIGHTS
ON CH. 732
THIS PROGRAM IS ADVERTISED WEEKLY WITH MORE INFORMATION THROUGH THE ACTIVITIES DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY EMAIL BLASTS. IF YOU AREN’T SIGNED UP ON SOLIVITAHOA.COM, SIGN UP NOW AND ENTER “EVERGREEN” AS THE FIRST TIME PASSWORD, THEN SELECT “YES” TO RECEIVE COMMUNITY EMAIL UPDATES.
This temporary program may be reduced or discontinued at any time when we are able to return to our normal schedule of events. For questions or Virtual Program suggestions, email SolivitaActivities@Evergreen-LM.com or call 863-427-7125.
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[ Department ] Articles
Jana’s article continued from page 4
Ticket Refund, Fall 2020 Community Garden Application, Dog Park Registration and Volunteer Log Sheet Day
Activities will be in the Freedom Park parking lot on Friday, August 7th from 10am-12pm to assist with: • Issuing Letters of Credit or refunds for any CANCELLED
or POSTPONED Activities event or Solivita University class. • Registering your dog(s) to use the Solivita Dog Park
during the 2020 year; updated vaccinations required. Right now, we are offering the Part-Time fee as we are halfway through the year. Prices and Dog Park Rules are found on SolivitaHOA.com under Lifestyles, Dog Park. Photos below by the PALS Club.
Activities Weekly Events
Please check out page 5 in this month’s Reflections newsletter to see our virtual weekly program. Details and more information about this program are available through SolivitaHOA.com email blasts. The virtual weekly program may discontinue or be reduced when we adapt to changing social requirements, are able to return to in-person events and/or when the multipurpose club facilities reopen. Due to the advance Reflections newsletter deadline, future events are still being promoted in case we are able to host them. If guidelines require us to postpone or cancel the advertised event(s), we will continue to notify residents through community email blasts. Be a star on the cover of next month’s Reflections newsletter to Keep the Party Going!!! Jana Malik 863-427-7125 jmalik@evergreen-LM.com
Flags Over
Solivita
• Applying for the Fall 2020 Community Garden season.
The final deadline to submit an application for the Fall 2020 season is by Wednesday, August 12th. New gardeners are $50, returning gardeners is $25. Explanation of prices, Community Garden rules and the garden site map are found on SolivitaHOA.com under Lifestyles, Community Garden.
• Collecting Solivita Rays of Service Volunteer Log Sheets.
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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. 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 can be printed from SolivitaHOA.com (under Veterans Club) or veteransclubofsolivita.com. You can also pick up an application at the Concierge Desk or at The Palms. 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 you have any questions, email flagsoversolivita@gmail.com or call 863-512-3655.
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[ Department ] Articles
Coping with the New Normal: It’s Complicated Submitted by Seniors for Safe Schools and Communities (SSSC)
This article was prepared for your consideration by mental health professionals who are members of the club Seniors for Safe Schools and Communities (SSSC). The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have a mind of its own and is going to be with us for awhile. The need to balance re-opening society while protecting vulnerable populations presents challenges, especially when there are continuing outbreaks of cases. We may tell ourselves to be strong and deal with the changes, but we also need to acknowledge our own limits. Determine what is right for yourself, not what you think (often wrongly) others expect from you. For those with a complicated health history and low risk tolerance, Sheltering at Home will largely remain the norm. Others who may consider themselves healthy and perhaps “invincible” may be eager to fully return to pre-pandemic activities and minimize the need to wear masks and practice social distancing.
Before the “ambivalent” group can comfortably leave our cocoon to re-enter society, we need to be clear about the rules for ourselves. Will we ask our friends to wear masks when they enter our home? Will we feel comfortable only eating at outside venues? What about going to a movie or theme park? We need to make those decisions in advance and not be swayed because someone thinks differently. The answer may be “it depends” on the specifics of a situation. A crowded outside seating area where wait staff wear masks as neck decorations may be less safe than eating inside a restaurant where safety precautions are closely followed.
Due to evolving and sometimes conflicting information about the prevalence, treatment and dangers of the virus, much is ambiguous or often unknown. This leaves many of us in the “ambivalent” group, anxiously trying to find trustworthy
So, what do we say to others when they have “safety boundaries” different from ours? We may struggle with this because many of us have been socialized to be “nice” and not to challenge others. When it comes to your health, physical or otherwise, we need to be able to communicate our boundaries. In these instances, we can use language that is direct without being aggressive, challenging or demeaning. We need to listen carefully when others describe the rationale for their boundaries. It is also important to determine ahead of time when we would remove ourselves from an uncomfortable situation.
information to assist our decision-making process. For all these groups, it is important to respect other’s views and have the expectation that their views will be respected.
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[ Department] Articles
Coping with the New Normal continued During this time, self - care is critically important to our overall psychological, emotional, as well as physical health. We have come to realize that staying informed during the pandemic is important. It will be equally essential that we continue after we are isolating less. However, we need to pay attention to our mental health if we are experiencing significant distress related to being overwhelmed by too much news consumption. Limit the amount of time spent watching the news and possibly stick with local news that is more relevant to us. Social media can
be problematic both because it is addictive and can give us misinformation. Put down phones and ignore emails for portions of the day. Look for ways to adapt your favorite activities and social interactions while still maintaining your safety boundaries. Eat healthy food, exercise, get plenty of sleep, avoid stress and keep good control of chronic health conditions are familiar but still worthwhile recommendations in this new normal. Realistically, we never know what the future looks like. The virus has given us the opportunity to reflect upon who we want to be, as well as making us humble as to our place in the universe.
Yard of the Month We found this month’s Yard of the Month winner at 482 Scripps Ranch Road at the home of Mark and Wendy Fisch. They have put some effort and time into making their landscape a slice of beauty and enjoyment for not only themselves but all of us who either walk or ride by. Thank you, folks and congratulations on being chosen. Are you going to be next month’s Green Thumbs Yard of the Month winner? We want to thank Brad Thompson from Floralawn for his assistance with the Yard of the Month program. If you are interested in making your yard a possible choice for YOTM, you can contact Floralawn or visit ffl.ifas.ufl.edu for some information on “the right plant in the right place.” Summer is here, so please stay hydrated and work early mornings or evenings in your garden to avoid the midday heat and humidity. Please stay safe and well, practice social distancing and wear a mask when in groups.
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[ Department ] Articles
The R2R Resource Center is Here for You! Call or Email the R2R Resource Center
The Resource Center, located above the Bistro Café, is open Monday through Friday, 9am-1pm by appointment only, to pick up or drop off medical loaner equipment.
As part of its mission, the Resident to Resident Resource Center maintains a list of charities that accept donations for less fortunate individuals. Recently, the Center’s volunteers have updated this list to reflect any changes in policy because of COVID-19. For Example: • AmVets of Orlando is looking for clothing, household goods, bikes, tools, small appliances, electronics and other usable items, and small furniture (no large furniture or mattresses). Pickups at your home may be available for some items. Call 407-290-6003 or check their website at info@amvetspickuporlando.org.
Volunteer Flo Filak assisting Solivita resident with a wheelchair loaner.
• Call 863-236-9973 or email at SolivitaR2R@gmail.com. • Make an appointment to pick up loaner medical equipment (walkers, scooters, wheelchairs, commodes, etc). • Get information such as: organizations accepting donations, handyman, painters, transportation, house cleaners, and more. • Not sure who to contact about a need? Give us a call or send an email, and we’ll do our best to help you out.
A New Life for Your “Stuff”
With our social activities on hold, many of us have used our “sheltering” time to tackle projects, from cleaning out closets to redecorating the living room. After spending a lot more time at home, we have also come to realize that we truly do not need 23 serving bowls or eight sets of sheets for the guest bed. This is the perfect opportunity to donate excess, or unused items to help our neighbors in the larger community who can no longer afford clothing and household goods because of the pandemic.
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• Habitat for Humanity needs gently-used furniture, household goods, appliances and building materials in good condition. They will pick up donations if you leave them outside or in your garage (drivers will not enter your home for health reasons). Call Theresa at 863-292-2256 to schedule a pick-up. • National Kidney Foundation of Florida welcome your contributions of clothing, purses, bedding, household goods, toys, small furniture, and other things in good condition. Items can be dropped off, and in some instances, may be picked up curbside at your home. Call 877-448-2653 or check their website at www.nkfpickup. org to find a drop box or arrange a pickup. Also, if you would like to donate a car in working condition, call 800488-2277 to make arrangements. • Meals on Wheels maintains a thrift shop in Winter Haven to help raise funds for its programs to feed seniors. They are looking for household goods, clothing, small appliances, and toys. Donations can be dropped off at 620 Continued on page 11
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[ Department] Articles
R2R article continued from page 10 Sixth Street in Winter Haven (in back of the shop). Call 863-299-1616 for more information.
You Can Make a Difference!
For some, your contributions will make the difference in their ability to weather the current crisis. Additionally, every charitable organization will be grateful for monetary donations.
This list represents only a small sample of the worthwhile groups that need our help. Please check out the complete listing on SolivitaHOA.com (Get Connected > R2R Resource Center > Community Information and Services > Organizations Accepting Donations). R2R Resource Center 863-236-9973 SolivitaR2R@gmail.com
Hot August Nights in Solivita (and Days) By Brad Thompson Branch Manager, Floralawn Summer in Florida means warm, humid mornings and predictable afternoon thunderstorms. The rain slows our Floralawn crews a little, but not much. Summer sunshine and Mother Nature’s irrigation makes everything grow like crazy, and our crews must keep a steady pace in order to keep Solivita looking great. If you wonder how our landscaping men and women can work all day in the heat, I assure you that their safety is important to us. We hold training sessions on heat stress and heat exhaustion, making sure our crews know the importance of hydration and taking rest periods to cool down. Crew leaders help workers watch for and respond to signs of heat sickness. Lawn and shrub care throughout Solivita occupy most of our crews’ time during the summer, but they also allocate time to managing landscaping pest populations. Warm-season turf pests such as sod webworms and shrub pests such as whiteflies and aphids cause problems and must be monitored and controlled.
carry eggs and deposit them on grass blades. In this way, sod webworm colonies get spread across a lawn. Chemical controls are the most effective way to manage sod webworms in their caterpillar form. Floralawn crews also keep an eye out for whiteflies and scale. These are soft-bodied, sap-sucking pests found on shrubs, palms, and some trees. They excrete a substance called honeydew which attracts black sooty mold. Plants covered in black sooty mold typically have whitefly or scale infestations. Our crews watch for these pests and work to eliminate them before their excretions can lead to unsightly layers of mold. Chemical applications are usually effective. September is love-bug season, so be prepared for that upcoming event. If you have any questions about Floralawn or our Solivita services, call us at 863-225-9565, or stop by our office in the Admin center. Enjoy the summer!
The sod webworm is a little caterpillar that makes its home in turfgrass like St. Augustine, Bermuda, and zoysia. Young sod webworms eat the upper portion of grass blades while mature sod webworms devour the whole thing. Wherever there is an infestation, the turf looks like it’s sporting a military haircut. If you’ve ever walked through the grass and seen small moths flying up from the turf, you know you’re looking at the metamorphosed stage of the webworm. The moths don’t damage turf, but they
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[ Department ] Articles
You’ve Got This!
By Shelley Destefano Community Concierge Got what? Well, that is just the attitude you must have. The struggles this year have been tiring, but we still manage to stand on our feet. So, you have the attitude to get you through 2020 because that is what you need. You also need a break, so see below for some ideas of things to do in August. I am posting events for August, but I cannot predict the future when it comes to COVID-19, so please call before venturing anywhere. That is if it is safe to go out by then.
Polk Theatre
See what the Polk Theatre (located at 121 South Florida Avenue Lakeland, FL 33801) has to offer. Visit www.polktheatre.org or call 863-682-7553 for more information. The last time I went to their website they had a virtual section as well.
Medieval Times
If you are planning on visiting Medieval Times you can get a discount by using this link: drawbridge.medievaltimes.com/ partner/EVRGRENLM.
Johnny Wild and the Delights
On August 8th at 6:30pm, Johnny Wild and the Delights will be performing at Bok Tower Gardens located at 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales, Florida 33853. If you enjoy classical music from 1950 through 1969, you might enjoy this performance. Tickets are $32 for non-members and $25 for members. Please visit www.boktower.org for more information or call 863-734-1222.
Helpful Information
Maybe you would just like to have some useful information? • Solivita is 43 Hundred Acres.
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• For pond issues, please call the Governmental Management Services at 407-841-5524. • Having a problem with midges? If so, you may call Midge Control at 1-800-443-2034. • Sometimes you need to report a suspicious phone call or a situation that does not require you calling 9-1-1. In this situation, you may want to call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at 863-298-6200. • Floralawn takes care of your irrigation and landscaping in Solivita. Contact Floralawn at 863-225-9565. • If you have any questions about your Club or Association fees, you may contact Evergreen Customer Service at 855-490-1804. They take care of just about everything regarding your dues. • You may start or stop Reflections delivery on SolivitaHOA. com by going to My Info > Gatehouse Access > Reflections Delivery. • You may add guests on SolivitaHOA.com by clicking on My Info > Gatehouse Access > Visitor Registration.
• For Spectrum issues, call 833-697-7328 and make sure they are aware that you are under the Solivita bulk agreement. Our Solivita Community Channel is 732.
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[ Department] Articles
Shelley’s article continued from page 12 • You can call Polk County Waste & Recycling at 863-2844319 to pick up a bulk item, get your waste bin repaired, or request a recycling bin. Do not forget to call our Compliance Office at 863-427-7032 or email compliance@ SolivitaHOA.com to let them know if you have trash by the curb waiting to be picked up by the waste company. In Solivita, yard waste and recycling is collected on Tuesdays and the regular garbage day is on Wednesday. You may also visit them online at www.polk-county.net/waste-andrecycling.
• Toho Water Authority’s number is 407-944-5000 or you can visit them online at tohowater.com. • Looking for hunting or fishing licenses? Please visit MyFWC. com or call 1-888-347-4356. • For voting registration you may visit www.polkelections. com. For more information, please call Lori Edwards at 863-534-5888. She is the Supervisor of Elections.
• To renew your driver’s license, you must call 863-5344700 and make an appointment.
What does 2020 have? Nothing that we cannot handle together. I did say together, so do not let anything come between you and the people you love.
• Non-Emergency Fire Department: 863-401-2222.
Happy Summer!
• Duke Energy’s (electricity and street lights) phone number is 800-700-8744.
Community Concierge 863-427-7100 sdestefano@evergreen-LM.com
CERT Tip of the Month: Fire Extinguishers Submitted by the Solivita CERT Team
CERT tries to assist residents in preparing for disasters. One disaster may start simply and develop into something quite serious. That is, a fire in your home or car. We all should have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and one in the garage and another in your car. If you only keep one, keep it in the kitchen, the most likely place you will need it. The most useful and popular type is type ABC, which can be used for common combustibles (A), liquids and gases (B), and energized electrical devices (C). These can be found in most home improvement and hardware stores. A dry chemical type should be shaken every few months to keep the powder from settling. Keep the one in your kitchen at eye level in plain sight from the range (not hidden in the back of the pantry or in a cabinet where you lose time searching for it). The easiest way to extinguish
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a stove-top fire is to put a lid on the pan or cover it with a wet dishtowel; this removes oxygen and starves the fire. Never try to carry a burning pan outside—you will burn yourself and start even more fires when burning fluid spills or you drop the pan. To use a fire extinguisher, remember: PASS » P – Pull the pin » A – Aim at the base of the fire » S – Squeeze the handle » S – Sweep back and forth across the flames Only use a fire extinguisher AFTER someone has called 9-1-1 and if the fire is smaller than a waste can. This safety tip is from your Solivita Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Visit our club page on SolivitaHOA.com or visit one of our monthly meetings—see calendar for time and place—for more information on preparedness.
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[ Solivita University ]
Co-Sponsored by the Solivita University Committee and Activities All classes below are being offered virtually and complimentary through Zoom.us while the club facilities are closed. Registration links will be sent through the SolivitaHOA.com community email blast. 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 class calendar and faculty biographies can be found on SolivitaHOA.com under Get Connected. For more information, call the Activities Office at 863-427-7125 or email SolivitaActivities@Evergreen-LM.com.
STAY TUNED TO COMMUNITY EMAIL BLASTS FOR UP-TO-DATE CLASS INFORMATION Great Decisions Discussions
Each year the Foreign Policy Association produces a study guide with eight of the most critical global issues facing America. Two remaining 2020 study guides are available for $39. Great Decisions discussions are moderated virtually by Mary Ellen Roberts and Len Trushkosky. Discussion Topic: China’s Road into Latin America. As the Trump administration continues to withdraw from the world stage, China is looking to fill the void. How does Latin America fit into China’s “One Belt, One Road” plan? How will the relationship with China affect the region? Should the U.S. be concerned about China’s growing “sphere of influence?” » Wednesday, September 23rd at 4pm at The Palms (if the building reopens, it will be moderated by Thomas Gallagher) » Tuesday, September 29th on ZOOM at 11am
Art and Literary Lectures
Art lectures are presented by Art Historian Jan Clanton and Literary Lectures are taught by resident Professor Thomas Gallagher.
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Art Lectures are on Tuesdays at 1pm on Channel 732: » September 15th (Postponed from March 17th): The Kimbell Art Museum. We will turn left off of I-95 to see our next museum. You may not have heard of Kay and Velma Kimbell but they demanded only the very best for their collection in Fort Worth.
The Kimbell Art Museum. Editorial credit: Aneese / Shutterstock.com
» October 20th (Postponed from April 7th): The Broad Museum Literary Lectures on Mondays via ZOOM at 4pm: » August 24th (Postponed from March Shakespeare’s Sonnets - The bulk of Shakespeare’s working life was spent in the theater world of London, where he established himself professionally by the early 1590s. He enjoyed success not only as a playwright and poet, but also as
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an actor and shareholder in an acting company. The overarching theme in Shakespeare’s Sonnets is LOVE. There are three specific underlying themes, brevity of life, transience of beauty and the trappings of desire. Join us as we explore a few of the best-known Sonnets. September 21st (Postponed from April 27th): Lights Out by Ted Koppel
The Privilege of Voting in the United States
Mondays, August 17th, 24th and 31st 6:30pm on ZOOM Professor: Thomas Gallagher, Ph.D Course Description: • Week One: What is a Vote? What are the origins? How is it used? Who can use it? When is it used? What are the different types of “Votes”? Is a Vote Binding? Is it a Democratic Process? • Week Two: What methods are used to cast a Vote? Are they legal? Who says so? Is Voting a Right? Is it a Privilege? Is it offered only to some people? Can you lose the right to vote? How would you get the right back? • Week Three: What are the types of ballots? What are the requirements to Vote in The United States? In Florida? How often can you Vote? What political offices does Voting cover? An insight into Polk County Voting. What is the Electoral College? How does it work? Do polls influence how you decide to Vote?
Getting that “WOW” Photo
Wednesdays, September 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th 4pm on ZOOM Instructor: Linda Dombchik Class Info: This course is open to both iPhone and Android smartphone and tablet users. Course Description: Tips and tricks to improve the quality and composition of your photos. Topics include light, people, places and nature
History of the Civil Rights Movement Through Film
Thursdays, September 10th, 17th and 24th 1pm on ZOOM Professor: Richard Goldsmith, Ph.D Course Description: In this class series, we will examine the
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historical settings and lives of African Americans through film from slavery through the modern civil rights movement of the 1950’s and 1960’s. The images are both powerful and disturbing. Through the use of film, music, photographs, and the professor’s Dr. Richard narration, the class will undertake a Goldsmith journey as the African American people struggle to attain freedom and dignity. Disclaimer: This presentation contains violence, brutal images, thematic material and some “language.”
August 28, 1963 March on Washington. A view of over 200,000 marchers along the Capitol mall.
World Religions: Buddhism, Islam and CrossCultural Mysticism Wednesdays, September 16th, 23rd and 30th 1pm on ZOOM Professor: Joyce E. Salisbury, Ph.D Course Description: Billions of people around the world follow these world religions, and this course will offer some understanding about their beliefs. We will begin with Buddhism that emerged out of Hinduism in the sixth century BC and spread all Continued on page 16
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[ Solivita University ] Continued from pages 14-15 over the world in the subsequent centuries. Today, there are about 535 million Buddhists. Then, we will consider Islam that began in AD seventh century with the visions of the prophet Muhammad. Today, Islam is the second largest religion with about 1.8 billion followers. The last lecture will explore religious mysticism, in which some people from all religions looked to experience God directly, instead of working through institutional religious institutions.
Ethical Dilemmas: Is There a Right Way to do the Wrong Thing POSTPONED TO SEPTEMBER 2021
Upcoming Courses in Fall 2020 – MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Registration opens in the Activities Office a month before each first class date.
• 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 • Beginners Conversational Spanish: 8-week course on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting on October 13th at 1:30pm • Advanced Beginner Bridge: 7-week course starting on Saturday, October 17th (skipping Saturday, November 28th) at 1pm
Spa Talk: Power of the Navel!!
Submitted By Crystal Bethea Owner, Riviera Spa Massage I learned something new and thought I’d share ... I’ve tried putting some different oils in my navel and its quite the experience!
The Navel (aka, the Belly Button)
Do you know why people put different oils in and on the belly button? Our navel (nabhi) is an amazing gift that our Creator has given us. According to science, the first part created after conception is the navel. After it is created, it joins the mother’s placenta through the umbilical cord. Our navel is surely an amazing thing! All our veins are connected to our navel, which makes it the focal point of our body. The belly button is life itself! The “pechoti” is behind the navel, which has more than 72,000 veins. The total amount of blood vessels we have in our body is equal to double the circumference of the earth.
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Why Put Oil in and Around Your Belly Button?
Most of us knew that to lower the temperature of a baby, we can put a cotton swab with alcohol in the navel. Now we know that with oil, it’s better. Applying oil in the navel heals the dryness of eyes, the pancreas, the heels, and chapped lips. It also keeps your face bright, your hair healthier, can be used for knee pain, the chills, lethargy, pain in the joints and dry skin.
List of Oils and Their Uses
• Apply neem oil in your belly button to get rid of stubborn pimples and acne. • Apply almond oil in your belly button to help achieve a glowing face. Continued on page 17
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[ Department] Articles
Spa Talk article continued from page 16 • Apply mustard oil in your belly button to get rid of dry, chapped lips. It will also keep your intestines moving to remove harmful bacteria, but keep the good. It actually works as a mild detox.
excess water, salt and toxins from your body, helping with weight, blood pressure, digestion, and more. • Thyme Oil is an expectorant, which means it can help remove mucus from your airways and lungs. Thyme Oil is approved by Germany’s Commission E in the treatment of bronchitis, whooping cough, and upper respiratory inflammation. • Remember Thyme Oil is a powerful compound and should not be used directly on your skin, as this can cause sensitization and irritation. It must first be diluted with a carrier oil (like olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil). • Thymus Vulgaris Essential Oil 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade is what you look for.
• Apply olive oil or coconut oil to improve your fertility. • You can keep alcohol dipped cotton on your belly button to cure a cold, flu and a running nose. When a baby has stomach pain, put a few drops directly in the navel and give a massage around the naval for a few minutes then the pain is cured. Oil works the same way. • Keep a brandy-soaked cotton ball on your belly button to ease menstrual pain and cramps. • Sesame oil is used for all types of joint pain. It is also known to strengthen bones. Many parents use this for their children every night at bedtime. • Use an equal amount of mustard oil and ginger oil for upset stomach, bloating, nausea and digestive problems. • Using warm ghee improves blood flow to the nervous system and also enhances the immunity system. It cures constipation and builds a strong digestive system. It gives relief from joint pain as well. • Thyme oil is anti-spasmodic, it helps relax your arteries and veins, lowering blood pressure and stress to your heart. It may also help strengthen and tone your heart muscles. • As a diuretic, Thyme Oil may help your body to remove
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• FOR KNEE PAIN: At night before bed, put three drops of Castor Oil in your navel and spread it one and a half inches around your navel. • FOR TREMORS AND LETHARGY, PAIN RELIEF IN YOUR JOINTS AND DRY SKIN: At night before bed, put three drops of mustard oil in your navel and spread it one and a half inches around your navel. You can keep a small drip jar with the oils you need next to your bed and place a few drops in your navel before going to sleep each night. Riviera Spa Massage 407-914-9168 info@rivieraspamassage.com
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[ Department ] Articles
Relay For Life Can Make a Difference in Many Ways By Susie Quattrochi Relay For Life Event Lead
Jan Fridh can tell you the exact date she lost her husband Michael to cancer: September 29, 2018. When you lose a man with a warm sense of humor and huge heart, it leaves an indelible impression. His ability to enjoy life and make people laugh, was just a part of who Michael was. “Soldiering on is the hardest thing I have ever had to do,” Jan said. We had just met, and Jan was reaching out for something to fulfill her days with a purpose. She didn’t know much about Relay For Life, but knew she wanted to volunteer in some way. I asked Jan, “What did you and Michael like to do?” She replied that they would go out looking for auctions, “You can bid on some great deals.”
and Emily Parker, to help stage silent auctions for the American Cancer Society Relay event. Over 100 baskets were designed, wrapped and ready for auction. COVID-19 led the cancer society to suspend its Relay For Life event, but Jan and her team
were undaunted. Utilizing the Nextdoor Solivita networking page, they put together an online auction. With John and Nancy’s creative and technical abilities, they created a special group called “Solivitians Helping Relay For Life Raise $100,000 in 2020”. In February of 2019, Jan decided to go to all of her and Michael’s favorite restaurants, businesses and attractions to ask for donations for auction baskets. When hearing of Michael’s fight with cancer the proprietor handed Jan gift cards. That was the start of Relay For Life’s Silent Auction, which raised over $8,000 for the American Cancer Society that April. Michael’s legacy lives on through Jan’s involvement in Relay, therefore a team was created, “Mike’s Wish For A Cure”. Now Jan partners with other Solivita residents, John and Nancy Breznicky, Debbie and Len Wlodarski, Gary and Sherry Starling
Through this platform, we were able to raise almost $12,000 for the fight against cancer. The group is still active. Anyone can join by going on Nextdoor, clicking on groups and joining. “We want fewer people each year to never have to hear the words you have stage 4 cancer and you only have a few months to live,” Jan said. Thank You Jan for sharing your story! To learn more about the American Cancer Society’s efforts in Solivita, contact Susie Quattrochi at susieq429@gmail.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. Receiving a speeding ticket is not only financially costly, but can lead to much more serious results. 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 time to avoid a crash and increases the severity of a crash once it occurs.
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To All “Solivita Strong” Heroes: THANK YOU for Your Continued Support!
National Cancer Survivor Day was a success despite the weather forecast. We had over 145 Luminaria Bags light up Solivita Neighborhoods that weathered the storm and 1,296 canned goods were donated to St. Rose of Lima and St Ann’s food pantries. A special “THANK YOU” to the Neighborhood Captains for their support in getting the word out and helping to make this day and event meaningful to all of our many survivors and heroes! Luminaria donations raised $2,283 for the American Cancer Society. Even while we are apart, we can support together!
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