Solivita is excited to welcome the new Executive Chef of Stonegate Golf Club, Brian, along with the Banquet Sales Manager, Catie, and their General Manager, John. The Activities Department will be hosting Chef Brian’s first Cooking Demonstration, featuring a Summer Delights theme, on August 6th. Limited tickets may still be available or call the Activities office to get placed on the waitlist. The new Stonegate Golf Executive Team looks forward to meeting you at the event, at Solivita’s restaurants, and on the Stonegate Golf Club golf courses.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Newsletter Submission Information Page 3
Club Department Articles Pages 4-12
Newsletter Assembly Day Page 9
Wellness Events Page 12
HOA Department Articles ................................................ Page 13
Resident Club Sponsored Events Page 14
A Touch of Class Pages 15-18
Club & Support Group Meeting Lists Pages 19-23
Resident Club News ................................................... Pages 24-45
Neighborhood Captains News Page 46
Advertisements Pages 47-72
Activities Events (back of calendar) Insert Pages E1-E3
Monthly Calendar (back of Activities Events) ................ Insert
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Friday, August 1st . Club flyer insert copies are due by Monday, August 25th, but must be approved by Wilman De Jesus before they are copied.
OCTOBER SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Monday, September 1st
PHOTO RELEASE AGREEMENT
RealManage (RM) and Castle Group (CG) reserve the right to use any photograph/video taken at any event sponsored by RM or CG and the respective community the event is happening in, without expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. RM or CG may use the photograph/ video in publications or other media material produced, used or contracted by RM or CG including but not limited to: brochures, invitations, books, newspapers, magazines, television, websites, etc. To ensure the privacy of individuals and children, images will not be identified using full names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed subject, parent or legal guardian.
The Dog Days of Summer
BY JANA MALIK DIRECTOR OF ACTIVITIES
During the hot and humid summer months in Florida, the Activities Department focuses on planning next year’s events and calendar. At this point, we have finalized the 2026 Activities Calendar, and we are currently reviewing and adjusting the budget to ensure we have everything necessary for creating memorable events. One notable change is that, after discussions in a Solivita Lifestyles Activities Committee (SLAC) meeting, we will be moving select events to different months to allow snowbirds the opportunity to participate. Additionally, we are replacing some repeat events with new ones. Regardless of the event hosted at Solivita, our goal is to provide an enjoyable experience for everyone!
Fall 2025 Community Garden
September-February
New gardeners pay $50 which includes a $25 refundable deposit or $25 for renewing gardeners. Planter Box is: 4’ x 6’ x 24” or 32” H. An online application is available by scanning the QR Reader, on the SolivitaHOA.com Home Page at the Purchase Activities Events Here icon or stop by the Activities Office. Application and payment are due by August 10th. Gardeners are picked by random drawing by August 22nd.
Solivita Rays of Service Volunteer Program Update and Reminders
» Beginning in October 2025, all new volunteer opportunities in the Activities Department will be posted on the third business day of each month at 9am. Registration will be available through walk-in or phone call only at the Activities office to ensure a fair process for signing up for events.
» The recent addition of a fourth team member has significantly improved the Activities Department’s ability to organize, streamline, and enhance the volunteer program. Alexandria Velez will be overseeing the new Volunteer Registration Forms and Log Sheet input, managing volunteer birthday cards, coordinating appreciation gifts, and playing a key role in the annual appreciation event.
» Please save the date for the next Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event, which is scheduled for May 21, 2026. We have exciting plans to express our gratitude for your contributions!
Game Show Olympics 6/18/25 Winners
4pm Winner: Gold - Table 2
4pm Winner: Silver - Table 11
4pm & 7pm
Mosaics
$5 Online Reserved Table.
Beverage ticket not included.
5pm - 9pm Ceramics Gallery
$5 Online General Admission.
Beverage ticket not included.
10 Years Fly Right By
Over the last 10 years, Brandon Payne started out as an attendant at The Palms lobby before transferring to the Activities Department as an Activities Specialist and then progressing to the Activities Audio Visual Lead. During his time here, he has excelled in managing or assisting with the audio and visual needs for events, classes or just the music heard in all of the club facilities throughout the community. If you’ve attended any Activities or club events featuring a stage platform, participated in a club event in the Ballroom with a resident volunteer assisting with the audio and visual equipment, enjoyed a Wine Down Concert at the Chess Lawn with music played through speakers on surrounding light poles, checked out audio or visual equipment for a club or neighborhood meeting in the small meeting rooms, watched a video at the Volunteer Appreciation event, or joined a fitness class with music amplification in the Riviera or Palms aerobic room, then you have experienced Brandon’s work.
He is responsible for managing, checking, troubleshooting, fixing, budgeting, ordering, upgrading, and hiring out all audio and visual equipment and jobs at Solivita. Additionally, for the past 3-4 years, Brandon has led the Salute Our Veterans Weekend Events and Committee and manages the Solivita Market. Congratulations on your 10 years at Solivita! We are looking forward to seeing great audio and visual improvements at Solivita in the future, and we are grateful to have you on our team!
A Smarter Strategy for Tech Classes
Eight years ago, when the Resource Center had its first class for new smart phone users, nearly a quarter of the participants did not know how to turn their phones on and off. An equal number did not know what kind of phone they had. Today, even the most tech-averse of us, have advanced well beyond that point. So, we are taking a look at how we can best support residents who need help with the device that rules our lives.
This fall, we will be replacing our 6-hour courses on android phone and iPhone basics, with a series of 90-minute workshops on some of the most important features, not just on how to use them but also features that make the functions even more valuable.
September 11th: Android Phone Calendar
Did you know you can use your calendar to remind you of birthdays every year or to change your A/C filter every three months? You can manage not only your own schedule but schedules for a group. You can invite someone to join you for a show or a vacation. You can use Alexa or another “assistant” to add or change something on your calendar. Or you can just learn to be really good at managing your schedule.
October 7th: Android Phone Contacts
You probably already use the Contacts app to store phone numbers, but this workshop will teach you to use Contacts to get directions, remember a friend’s food preferences, or set a custom ringtone for an individual. And, if you have a friend or a contact that always calls at the wrong time and keeps you on the phone way too long, you can have their calls automatically go to voicemail where they can leave a message. You can call back when it’s convenient.
October 8th: iPhone Basics
If you’re new to the iPhone or just need help in making the most of your device, this basics class will help you understand your iPhone and the exciting ways you can use it.
October 21st: Apple Watch Basics
Your Apple Watch is a fitness tracker and a tool for answering
your phone and sending messages. It’s a way to stream music, control household devices and make payments. The instructor will walk you through all the basics to help you manage this amazing device.
October 28th: Android Phone Photos
Your camera is for more than taking selfies and pictures of every restaurant meal you’ve ever had. This workshop will show you how your camera can be your best friend if you have an accident, are comparison shopping or prepping for one of Florida’s infamous hurricanes. Did you know your phone can tell you where and when a specific picture was taken and can even help you identify a specific plant, bird or place?
Each workshop will run for about 60-90 minutes. Additionally, our R2R team will be available after the workshop to assist anyone who needs specific help with any aspect of smart phones and Apple watches.
As part of our new emphasis on streamlined tech training, the Resource Center is also looking for ideas for future android and iPhone workshops. If you have suggestions for classes, please let us know at SolivitaR2R@gmail.com.
Workshops will begin at 10am in the Gator Room. Class size is limited, so prior registration is required. Reserve your spot by emailing the Resource Center at SolivitaR2R@gmail.com or call 863-236-9973. Staff will be available until 12pm after the class for individual help.
Remember, the Resource Center will continue the monthly Tech Help sessions on the second Tuesday of every month in the Gator Room from 2pm to 4pm to provide one-on-one assistance with any devices. Please register in advance at SolivitaR2R@gmail.com. These days, your smart phone is an important part of your life, so we want to make sure you get the most out of it.
R2R Resource Center 863-236-9973
SolivitaR2R@gmail.com
Management Responsibilities Breakdown
Management Responsibilities Breakdown
SEPTEMBER REFLECTIONS
ASSEMBLY, DELIVERY & PICK-UP
Friday, August 29th • 8am • Ballroom
Newsletter volunteers are needed and will be assisting with: Inserting Flyers (8am); Bagging (8:30am); Labeling (8:45am); and Delivery (Starting at 9:45am). Delivery volunteers are asked not to leave the Ballroom until all neighborhoods have been completely assembled. If you do not receive your newsletter by Monday, September 1st you’ll need to pick a copy up at the Club Concierge Desk in the Admin Building (formerly the Welcome Center) between 9am-5pm.
HOW TO CHANGE YOUR REFLECTIONS DELIVERY
If you are leaving Solivita or returning to the community and want to change the status of the Reflections delivery to your home, you can do this on SolivitaHOA.com by navigating to the “Lifestyles” tab > Scroll down and click the “Communications” icon > Scroll down to the “Reflections” icon > Scroll down to the Delivery Form to fill out and submit. You can also find this form by scanning the QR code or contact Wilman De Jesus, Communications Coordinator via phone at 863-427-7137 or email Wilman at SolivitaCommunications@CastleGroup.com.
Tropical Solivita!
BY SHELLEY DESTEFANO CLUB CONCIERGE
If you closed your eyes and did not know better, you would think you are in a steam room, but it’s just summer in Florida! Enjoy your hot days experiencing one of the many events in the area this month.
Bonnet Springs Park is a 168-acre park located at 400 Bonnet Springs Boulevard in Lakeland. At this park, you can enjoy a coffee shop, gift shop, Rooftop Garden Bar, butterfly house and much more. Please visit www.bonnetspringspark.com , call 863-732-7000 or email info@bonnetspringspark.com for more information.
Orlando’s Magical Dining starts in August and runs for six weeks. You can enjoy three course meals at two exceptional prices at participating restaurants. Please visit www.magicaldining.com for more information.
Senior Citizen Day is on Sunday, August 17th.
Florida is running their back-to-school tax holiday for the entire month of August. There are other tax-free items available all year, such as regular batteries, portable generators, smoke detectors, tarps, and gas cans. Please visit www.floridarevenue. com for more information.
Coquina Beach is at 2650 Gulf Drive in Bradenton Beach. I always go to this beach because there is a café, gift shop, restrooms, picnic tables, outdoor showers, free parking, and of
course, clear water. The only downside to this beach is that it’s two and a half hours away, but that does not stop me. Please visit www.mymanatee.org for more information.
Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival runs from August 22nd through November 22nd. Please visit disneyworld.disney.go.com for more information.
If you are looking for springs in the area to cool down in, you can check out the list below:
» Alexander Springs - www.recreation.gov
» Rock Springs - www.floridastateparks.org
» Wekiwa Springs State Park - www.floridastateparks.org
» Venetian Pool - www.coralgables.com
» Blue Springs State Park - www.floridastateparks.org
» Devils Den Spring - www.devilsden.com
» Silver Glen Springs - www.fs.usda.gov
Please visit the Concierge page on SolivitaHOA.com for more things to do in the area.
Do not let the hot weather get the best of you! Florida has fresh springs, beaches, water parks and so many ways to stay cool, so there is no excuse to be hot tempered. Stay cool, hydrated and leave kindness behind in your absence.
Club Concierge 863-427-7100
Shelley.Destefano@CastleGroup.com
FRIENDS WHO HAVE LEFT US, BUT ARE NOT FORGOTTEN
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the residents who recently passed away.
Melinda Boone Fred Sharp
T. C. Taylor Leonard Watson
LeRue “Skip” Stellfox
Golf Tournament Scramble & Awards Luncheon Saturday, November 8th at Stonegate Golf Club
Honky Tonk Chicks Show Sunday, November 9th
Veterans Parade and Festivities Monday, November 10th
Veterans Day Memorial Ceremony & Breakfast Tuesday, November 11th
Tickets will go on sale starting Tuesday, September 2nd at 9am on the SolivitaHOA.com Home Page.
All proceeds will benefit Challenge 22.
For more information about Salute Our Veterans Weekend, please contact the Activities Office Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm at 863-427-7125 or SolivitaActivities@CastleGroup.com.
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, unless otherwise noted. Solivita University class calendar and faculty biographies can be found on SolivitaHOA.com under Get Connected. Adult guests welcome. For more information, stop in, call 863-427-7125 or email SolivitaActivities@CastleGroup.com.
New Rules for College Sports: From Grit & Loyalty to Brands & Business
Tuesday, September 2nd • Ballroom at 1:30pm
Tuition: Complimentary entrance; registration is not required
Professor: Dr. Roger Munger
Course Description: Discover how college athletes are turning game-day glory into big-brand buzz—and what it means for fans like you. From multimillion-dollar NIL deals to TikTok-famous student-athletes, the game has fundamentally changed—big time. This course offers an entertaining, eye-opening look at how Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) is reshaping everything from recruiting to game-day experiences. Whether you’re a lifelong college sports fan, a proud alum, or just curious how today’s student-athletes are becoming CEOs of their own brands, you’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on the future
of college sports—and the real stories behind the headlines.
Upcoming Classes: Save the Dates - More Information Coming Soon
» Writing with Artificial Intelligence - Tuesday, October 14th at 1pm
» Broadway Theatre from Backstage to Center StageWednesday, October 15th at 1pm
» Wilkommen to Germany: An Introduction to the People, Culture and Travel Information - Wednesdays, October 22nd, 29th and November 5th at 7pm
» Beyond the Basics: iPhone and iPad - Thursdays, October 30th, November 6th and 13th at 9:30am
» Conversational German - Wednesdays, January 14th, 21st, 28th, February 4th, 11th and 18th at 7pm
CERT Tip of the Month: Fire Extinguishers
SUBMITTED BY ERIC LARSON TEAM LEADER OF SOLIVITA CERT
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 a stove-top fire is to put a lid on the pan or cover it with a wet
SECURITY TOWN HALL
On Friday, August 15th from 10am-12pm in the Ballroom, the Security Committee will hold a Town Hall meeting which will address some of the security concerns in Solivita. You are all invited to attend. We will have a short slide presentation followed by a questionand-answer session. We will present items of interest to the community and a list of phone numbers to call.
dish towel; 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).
Check Call Compress Classes
There is a new procedure for signing up for Check Call Compress classes. Going forward all classes will use an online form to sign up. Each person must sign up individually.
Available classes will be listed on the Community Channel and on SolivitaHOA.com under the AED link from the main banner. From the AED page, select classes from the menu on the left. Presently there are classes posted for September and November. Register by scanning the QR codes below.
September 20th
November 18th
SPEED ENFORCEMENT
The HOA, Security, and Polk County Sheriff’s Office receive multiple complaints of speeding each week from residents. The Sheriff’s Office has been asked for their assistance in speed enforcement. Receiving a speeding ticket is not only financially costly, but can lead to much more serious results.
