Reflections | February 2017 Limited Version

[ Department] Articles

FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME 17 ISSUE 2

Valentine’s Day Romance in Rome February 10th & 11th Ballroom

Reflections | February 2017 |

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[ Department ] Articles

REFLECTIONS

ON THE COVER Romance in Rome, the epicenter of love - come to the Ballroom for the Valentine’s Day events. See page E2 for more information.

FEBRUARY 2017 VOLUME 17 ISSUE 2

CONTACT LIST VILLAGE CENTER HOURS Administration: 863-427-7100 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Floralawn On-Site Office (Admin Building) Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

General Manager (Association) - Gary Consorto: 863-427-7103 or gconsorto@evergreen-LM.com Club Manager - Sheri Wollschlager: 863-427-7129 or swollschlager@evergreen-LM.com Safety & Security Director - Joe Murphy: 863-440-7572 or joe.murphy@evergreen-LM.com

Marketplace Bistro: 863-427-7150, ext. 4724 Daily 8am-8pm

Evergreen Lifestyles Management (For ALL Club & HOA Matters) 24/7: 877-221-6919 or customerservice@evergreen-LM.com

Riviera Spa & Fitness Center 863-427-7130 Monday-Thursday 6:30am-9pm Friday 6:30am-7pm Saturday-Sunday 7am-7pm

Architectural Review: 863-427-7022, Fax: 863-496-4456 or compliance@solivitahoa.com

AV Homes Customer Care: 800-858-5933 or www.avhomesinc.com/owner-care

Catering & Banquets (Stonegate Golf Club): 863-427-7150 x4720

Starlite Ballroom Daily 8am-11pm

Communications: 863-427-7137 or croe@evergreen-LM.com

Stonegate Pro Shop 863-427-7150 x4710 Daily 7am-6pm

Floralawn: 863-225-9565 or floralawn.com (Submit a Work Order)

The Grille at Stonegate: 863-427-7167 Daily 8am-8pm Bar Open Until 9pm Daily 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-6pm Saturday-Sunday 7am-6pm Waterfront Galleries Daily 8am-11pm Wells Fargo Bank: 863-421-5448 Monday-Friday 9am-4pm Welcome Center or Model Park 863-427-7000 Monday-Saturday 9:30am -5:30pm Sunday 11am -5:30pm

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Concierge: 863-427-7100 or Fax: 863-496-4456

K&M Drugs: 863-496-7930, Fax: 863-496-7931 Lifestyles Activities: 863-427-7125 Membership: 863-427-7143 or solivitamembership@evergreen-LM.com Riviera Spa & Fitness Center: 863-427-7130 Security -Bella Viana: 863-427-1268 Security-Main Gate: 863-427-4238 Security-South Gate: 863-496-1473 Security -Venezia: 863-427-2338 Security-West Gate: 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: 863-496-4464

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS Do you have a suggestion for Reflections, Channel 732, or SolivitaHOA.com? Please email inquires or comments to Carolyn Roe at croe@evergreen-LM.com or stop by the Communications Office.

[ Department ] Articles

Lots of Activities in the Air

By Jana Malik Activities Manager

February is the month where “Love is in the

two club members per club. Arrive between 12pm-12:50pm so

Air” and Lifestyles puts together events

you can register and check that all contact information is correct.

to

celebrate

Valentine’s

Day

featuring

beautifully decorated venues, superb food

Let’s Tally Them Up Volunteers

and service, and music playing harmoniously in the background.

Solivita Lifestyles volunteers please turn in your final Volunteer

But I really think of some other things in the air. The Super Bowl,

Log Sheet for the 2016-2017 season to the Lifestyles Activities

where...yup, you guessed it, the football is in the air! Personally,

Office by Friday, March 3rd. Volunteer

this is my favorite event (this is not a Lifestyles event) because of

hours will be accepted and tallied for

the casual food and ambiance, the great entertainment including

services rendered from March 1, 2016

the commercials and the halftime show, relaxing on the couch

through February 28, 2017. If you are a

with a nice cold beer, and the excitement of seeing which team

volunteer and you’d like to help at the many Lifestyles events

wins. I always make a bet with my husband and luckily, I win most

(Mardi Gras Street Parade, Solivita Car Show, Dinner Under

of the time. I love doing my victory dance!

the Stars, Spring Carnival, Cinco De Mayo Street Party, etc.) then please stop by the Lifestyles Activities Office or call us at

The other activity I think of “in the air” is throwing beads at the

863-427-7125 for more information, dates, times and other

Mardi Gras Street Party. This is my favorite Solivita event where

volunteer opportunities needed that might be of interest to you.

the Lifestyles staff gets to ride in the parade throwing hundreds to choose from an array of delicious homemade dishes made

Lifestyles Co-Sponsored Club Charity Dances and Shows

by Solivita Clubs available on Village Drive and dance the night

If your club holds a dance or show from which most or all

away with DJ Penny. (When do I get to retire and have fun?)

proceeds go to charity, Lifestyles can help to pay up to $500 for

of beads to the eager crowds yelling our names. Then we get

a DJ or band and one bartender fee. To learn more about this Be sure to check out February events, and all the other upcoming

opportunity (available only from January through November

events, on the back of your monthly tri-fold calendar for more

to a limit of 11 different clubs, once a month), please email

information. Here’s what’s happening in Lifestyles Activities:

me or stop by Lifestyles Activities. *Please Note: The club is

Annual Club Presidents Meeting The Annual Club Presidents Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday,

responsible for managing the entire event on their own.

Keep the party going...in the air!

February 21st at 1pm in the Ballroom. Please remember this is a mandatory meeting and will require at least the President or a spokesperson for all Solivita clubs to attend, with no more than

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

MARDI GRAS STREET CLOSING For the Mardi Gras Parade and Street Party on Tuesday, February 28th, Village Drive will be CLOSED to all vehicle traffic from the Ballroom to the Pro Shop roundabout, except for the club vendors, from 3pm-10pm. Access the Welcome Center parking lot through Lago Vista on Torino Lane. Golf cart parking on Village Drive from the Ballroom to Administration will be blocked all day for event setup. The event begins at 6pm with a bead throwing parade and then the good times roll with the street party. Bring your cash only to purchase food, desserts, Mardi Gras beads and non-alcoholic drinks from 11 participating Solivita Clubs, and alcoholic drinks from the cash only bars. Wear your favorite beads, Mardi Gras colors, and dance on the street to DJ Penny and the High Octane Band. This event is open to guests of all ages and is RAIN or SHINE! In case of rain, this party will continue in the Ballroom and Mosaics.

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Reflections | February 2017 |

[ Department] Articles

Committee Roundup Solivita Lifestyles Activities Committee (SLAC)

SLAC members have assisted Lifestyles Activities to review and update the Solivita Club Guidelines that will be presented at the Annual Club Presidents Meeting on Tuesday, February 21st at 1pm in the Ballroom. To give feedback, suggestions, ideas or comments on any Lifestyles event,we’d love to hear from you. Email us at LifestylesAdvisoryCommittee@SolivitaHOA.com.

Huge thanks to outgoing 2016 SLAC Members: Pete Szotak, Nancy Harvey, and Tom Leva (not pictured).

Reflections |  February 2017 |

Welcome the 2017 SLAC Members: Bill Brown, Gabby Thomas, Ellie Graham, Bo Saa, Susie Quattrochi, Trish Serrano, and Wendy Fisch (not pictured).

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[ Department ] Articles

New Year, New Places to Visit!

From the Concierge Desk

There’s almost always something good going on in Florida. Our

wagons, swamp buggies, boat rides, walking tours and hot air

state is host to a variety of festivals and events all year long,

balloon rides. The Trading Post will include arts, crafts, western

offering fun, excitement, and entertainment. Here are just a few

wear, ranch equipment and supplies. The Food Round up will

of this month’s happenings.

feature food trucks, Southern, Soul, BBQ and regional favorites

The 113th Annual Florida State Fair The Florida State Fair, which runs from February 9th-20th in

with Sarsaparilla, root beer, beer and other beverages. The Li’l Buckaroos Corral is a children’s area with face painting, a petting farm and games.

Tampa, attracts up to 500,000 people. Each year Florida residents create exhibits for Aquaculture, Horticulture, Woodcarving,

The event and live entertainment is free to the public. Parking

Needlework, and bragging rights are still won for the prized bull,

is $10 per car and $25 for RVs and buses. The Little Everglades

best pie and the most beautiful quilt. The Midway rides provide

Ranch has been put in a conservancy and will always remain a

visitors with all the thrills and chills they’ve come to expect. We

working ranch, nature preserve and an event facility. For more

get all the latest and greatest in fair foods such as the Pizza Cone,

information, visit lerevents.com or call 352-521-3661.

Redneck Burger, Bacon Ice Cream, and more.

Silver Spurs Rodeo

The fair has a new, improved Super Slide, which is but one of

The Silver Spurs Rodeo, which takes place from February 17th-

the more than 115 rides contributing to the fair’s status as the

19th at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, is the largest rodeo

nation’s largest Midway. It features more than 100 things to see

east of the Mississippi River and has a pageant worth attending.

and do included in the price of admission, including Sweets: A

The rodeo goes back to 1944 when the Silver Spurs Riding Club

Tasty Candy Journey, Sea Lion Splash, Florida State Tractor Pull,

held its first rodeo as a program to sell war bonds during World

K-9s in Flight, Sunshine State Lawnmower Races, and more.

War II. In fact, admission to the first rodeo was by purchasing a

Where – for the price of a movie ticket – can you see a Sea Lion,

war bond. The first rodeo was held on the patriotic day of July

a spectacular Big Top Circus, cheer on your favorite porker at the

4, 1944. The rodeo grounds were donated by Osceola County

pig races, feed a giraffe from your own hand, enjoy acts from TV

rancher Henry O. Partin, one of the legendary cattle kings of

shows like America’s Got Talent, watch an amazing bear show,

his day. It is so much a part of today’s culture in Kissimmee and

and be thrilled by the dogs of K-9s in Flight? There are more

nearby St. Cloud that it is a school holiday for all of Osceola

than 5,000 animals, a Robotics Championship, endless shopping

County students and teachers. Many of them attend the rodeo.

and of course that crazy fair food. FREE Live Entertainment!

You will see bull-riding, bronco busting, barrel racing, calf

FREE Parking. For more information, tickets and schedule, visit

roping and other cowboy and cowgirl sports. Many of the rodeo

floridastatefair.com.

participants are members of the pioneer families that first settled

Ranch Days at Little Everglades Ranch

in this area. For more information, visit silverspursrodeo.com or call 321-697-3495.

Ranch Days in Dade City is a ranch themed event, on February 11th and 12th, designed to showcase the natural beauty of Little

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting

Everglades Ranch. For those who have been to Little Everglades,

something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating

you know how amazingly beautiful the ranch is. If you have never

what we do have. Spread love to those around you; remember that

been to the ranch this is your opportunity to experience this

not only today, but each day, you can make a difference in someone’s

stunningly beautiful property first hand.

life. You don’t need an excuse or a special day to show someone you care.” ~ Anonymous

Ranch Days will feature continuous live entertainment on multiple stages. Other shows and events include: the Jack Russell Terrier races, Birds of Prey, a reptile educational, as well as other fun shows. There will be Guided Ranch Tours on hay

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

Reflections | February 2017 |

[ Department] Articles

REGISTER YOUR CAR! GRAB YOUR CAMERAS... It’s almost time for our annual Solivita Car Show! This year’s show will be held on Saturday, March 18th down Village Drive. Visit the vendor area, enjoy the music, food concessions, live entertainment, and over 125 cool cars, trucks, RVs, and motorcycles. Stick around and see all of the vehicles “Cruise” down Village Drive at the end of the show.

If you or someone you know is interested in participating, we award over $1,800 worth of prizes and trophies. All proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Meals On Wheels. Registration is now open by registering online at SolivitaHOA.com or in the Lifestyles Activities Office.

Pre-register before March 3rd and you will receive a free Solivita Car Show T-shirt and a great goody bag. For car show and vendor registration information, contact Lifestyles at 863-427-7125.

FRIENDS WHO HAVE LEFT US, BUT ARE NOT FORGOTTEN Dunfee

William Dunfee aka “Tropical Bill”

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the resident who recently passed away.

Reflections | February 2017 |

SOLIVITAHOA.COM TIPS GATEHOUSE: Don’t want the hassle of contacting the Gatehouse every time you have a guest come to visit you? You can access the Gatehouse from SolivitaHOA.com under “My Information” and add or remove people on your visitor’s list.

IMAGE GALLERY: Images can be found under the “Lifestyles” tab where you are welcome to browse, print, and send photos that you might like!

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[ Department ] Articles

Cosponsored with Solivita Book Circle and Lifestyles Activities Don’t worry, there won’t be any tests at the end of the courses and everyone will pass. A minimum of 15 students is required for a course to be held and pre-registration is required unless noted differently in the course listing. No walk-ins permitted. The month before a class is held, it will be open to Residents Only. If space is available in the month of the class, then it will be open to adult guests. Registration for all classes and the 2017 Annual Pass will be on sale at the Main Ticket Sales in the Ballroom on Wednesday, February 1st until 10am and then in the Lifestyles Activities Office. For more information about Solivita University or to register with cash, check or credit card, please visit the Lifestyles Activities Office or call 863-427-7125.

2017 ART AND LITERARY LECTURE ANNUAL PASS

ART HISTORY LECTURE: HOKUSAI AND HIROSHIGE

Residents will be admitted to any of approximately 14 Art and

Have your 2017 Annual Pass in hand for quick entry!

Literary Lectures by purchasing an Annual Pass for

Tuesday, February 7th • 1pm • Starlite Ballroom • Tuition:

$20 per person. Lectures will be advertised under

Art and Literary 2017 Pass or $5 at the door

the Solivita University article in Reflections. Art

Professor: Jan Clanton

classes, presented by Art Historian Jan Clanton,

Course Description: Two of the most influential printmakers of

are on Tuesdays this semester at 1pm in the Ballroom. Literary

the early 19th century were tucked away in Japan. They saw nature

Lectures, taught by resident Professor Thomas Gallagher, take

and man’s relationship with nature as no Western artist has ever

place this semester on Mondays at 4pm in The Palms. If you

considered. Hokusai and Hiroshige manipulated the landscape

choose not to purchase an Annual Pass and want to attend a

and inspired the Impressionists to experiment with theirs.

lecture, admission is $5 per lecture at the door. You will need to show your pass when entering these lectures. Art and Literary passes are for Art and Literature Lectures only.

MIRACLES OF THE MIND 6-Week Course starting on Friday, February 3rd • 2pm • The Palms • Tuition: $40 per student Facilitator: Rita Milios, LCSW, SAP, The Mind Mentor, author, psychotherapist and speaker on topics of writing, personal development and intuitive training.

Course Description: Would you like to discover untapped sources of wisdom,

©hokusaimilano.it

help and guidance from within your own mind - to empower you in all that you do, and help you finally

LIFE-WRITING

reach these goals? During this course you will learn how to access

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES FOR PRESERVING MEMORIES

and utilize “mind tools” including meditation, dreams, intuition,

Tuesdays, February 14th, 21st and 28th • 10:30am • Aegean

visualization and affirmations. Our facilitator has taught this

Room • Tuition: $20 per student

unique course to professionals and helped people nationwide

Professors: Ginger Allain, MS and Ophelia Gona, PhD, Solivita

for more than twenty years.

residents, have extensive experience in writing memoirs, exploring

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Reflections | February 2017 |

[ Department] Articles

sources for family history, and publishing. Ginger Allain is a retired

its first four centuries, as the religion grew from a tiny movement

Librarian, photographer, writer and is published on a number of

in Jerusalem to become the official religion of the Roman

online venues. Ophelia Gona is a retired university professor,

Empire. It will explore the ideas that often split the church and

photographer and writer. Both have published family memoirs.

the decisions that created the modern Catholic Church. The

Course Description: Been procrastinating about writing your life

history will cover the period from about 67 to 385.

history? Join our Life-Writing course and get started! The course will focus on producing a memoir that you can proudly share with

VANISHED! MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCES IN HISTORY

your family. Each participant will be expected to create at least

Mondays, March 27th, April 3rd and April 10th • 2pm • The

one short piece suitable to be used in a memoir. Supplies needed:

Palms • Tuition: $20 per student

One 3-ring letter-size binder with paper and a pen.

Presenter: Dave Robinson.

During the three 90-minute sessions, participants will:

Course Description: Dave, one of Solivita’s favorite presenters,

•

Explore techniques for creating a permanent record of

will examine these three famous cases that have tantalized true-

one’s life.

life mystery enthusiasts for decades: the disappearances of Glenn

Examine the mechanics of building a framework to

Miller, Agatha Christie, and evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson.

document a life story.

In 1944, an airplane carrying the great orchestra leader Glenn

Identify resources that trigger and supplement memories.

Miller vanished over the English Channel. Was this just a simple

Explore options for sharing a life story as a book or some other

accident due to simple navigational error and weather? Or was

kind of format.

his fate due to covert military operations? And in 1926, two very

• •

different famous women disappeared - but each returned with LITERARY LECTURE

stories that seemed to defy logic. Did mystery novelist Agatha

Have your 2017 Annual Pass in hand for

Christie really fall victim to amnesia? And was the Evangelist

quick entry!

Aimee Semple McPherson really kidnapped as she claimed?

Book: A Land Remembered by Patrick Smith • Monday, February 27th • 4pm The Palms • Tuition: Art and Literary 2017 Pass or $5 at the door Professor: Thomas Gallagher, a Solivita resident, who has taught both literature and law during his career. He is teaching government at Valencia College.

Course Description: A Land Remembered has been ranked the #1 Best Florida Book eight times in annual polls conducted by Florida Monthly Magazine. This best-selling novel tells the story of three generations of the MacIveys, a Florida family who battle the hardships of the frontier to rise from a dirt-poor Cracker life to the wealth and standing of real estate tycoons.

Next Lecture: Marker by Robin Cook on Monday, March 27th.

HISTORY OF EARLY CHRISTIANITY Thursdays, March 2nd, 9th, and 16th • 9:30am • The Palms Tuition: $20 per student Professor: Joyce Salisbury, PhD, Solivita resident and retired professor of history and religious studies. Salisbury has written more than ten books and has lectured all over the world.

Course Description: Christianity grew slowly in the old Roman Empire, moving from city to town and from household to household. This course will tell the story of that growth through

Reflections | February 2017 |

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[ Department ] Articles

The Pharmacy & Convenience Store is Open!

By Andy Ropp Manager, K & M Drugs

On behalf of K & M Drugs, I want to thank you for the tremendous support you have already shown for our new pharmacy and convenience store. The fact that we are moving in the right direction has been proven by the reactions some have shown when they walk into our store, especially those who were waving their arms and cheering.

We are excited that the January 2nd opening of our full-service pharmacy went well. If you have not already done so, I invite you to come on in and speak to one of our pharmacists about the benefits of allowing us to supply your pharmaceutical needs.

While you are here, be sure to greet our other staff members

this store successful, we will be listening to your comments and

and take a tour of our store. (By the way, all K&M Drugs staff are

adjusting our inventory through time so that we can meet the

residents of Solivita!)

unique needs of our wonderful community.

As a reminder, our store and pharmacy hours are Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. The store phone number is 863-496-7930 and our fax number is 863-496-7931. We are located on the roundabout across from the Stonegate Pro Shop.

Don’t forget, we also have a wide range of other products, including over-the-counter medicines, dairy products, bread, snacks, beer, wine, and lottery tickets. As we work hard to make

SAFETY FIRST! For the safety of all our residents, please be courteous and obey the basic traffic rules and regulations when driving your motorized vehicles, golf carts or bicycles. Below are examples, but not meant to be all-inclusive: •

When a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, stop and wait until they have crossed the street.

•

Come to a complete stop at all “STOP” signs and yield accordingly, regardless of what you are driving or what the other “vehicles” might be.

•

Obey the posted speed limits, especially in the Village (10 MPH), and again, regardless of the vehicle you are operating, and safely pull aside to allow for those moving faster than you so they can proceed safely.

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Reflections | February 2017 |