Solivita Celebrates 25 Years of Care, Growth, Change, Activities, Amenities and Community since the day it opened its doors in 2000. Cheers to another 25 Years Solivita!
Photo Credits
Left Picture: Smith Aerial Photography, 2000. Right Picture: Seltzer Films, 2025.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Newsletter Submission Information ................................ Page 3
Activities Events (back of calendar) .......... Insert Pages E1-E3
Monthly Calendar (back of Activities Events) Insert
Weekly Fitness Schedule Calendar Insert
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
Email submissions to Reflections@SolivitaClub.com
JANUARY SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Wednesday, November 26th due to an early production schedule. Club flyer inserts must be approved by Wilman De Jesus before they are sent to the printer. Inquire about new policies for club flyer inserts.
FEBRUARY SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Friday, January 2nd
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.
2025 Accomplishments
BY JAMAR EDGE CLUB PROPERTY MANAGER
As we reflect on 2025, it’s clear that this has been another exciting and productive year in Solivita! Together, we’ve made meaningful enhancements to our beautiful community by improving our facilities, hosting memorable events, and creating welcoming spaces where friendships thrive and neighbors connect. This year was filled with upgrades to make Solivita even more comfortable, functional, and beautiful.
Key Highlights Include:
» Replacement of the Ballroom chairs and addition of new banquet tables and chairs, creating a refreshed space.
» New projector and upgraded audiovisual lighting in the Ballroom to enhance every performance and presentation.
» RSF Aerobic Studio received a brand-new floor, while tinted windows throughout and a new boiler improved comfort and efficiency.
» Eight Satellite pools received new doors, frames, and closures, enhancing both safety and appearance.
» Concrete improvements throughout the Club common areas, including a new sidewalk connecting the Club Administration parking lot to Lago Vista.
» Pickleball courts 1–3 and 11–13 resurfaced, along with a mill and pave project on The Palms Pickleball courts.
» All tennis courts were resurfaced, ensuring high-quality play for our active residents.
» Palms pool deck light poles freshly painted, and pavers sealed for a clean, polished finish.
» Palms and Bella Viana pools resurfaced, giving these pools a fresh look and feel.
» Palms fountain received decorative tiles, upgraded lighting, and an acid wash to make it sparkle again.
» Indoor pool upgrades included a replacement Dehumidifier compressor for better air quality and comfort.
» Riviera Track and Lobby AC unit received a new HVAC blower motor to keep the space cool and efficient.
» Numerous roof repairs and tile replacements were completed throughout the community to ensure longterm protection and reliability.
It’s not just the spaces that make Solivita special — it’s the people. The Activities Department hosted over 60 community events this year, including shows, festivals, concerts, food trucks, dances, galas, street parties, pool parties, game nights,
theater plays, cooking demos, cart rallies, pub crawls, yard sales, a golf tournament, and holiday festivities. Of these, many were held outdoors, more than 30 were complimentary, and eight brand-new events were added.
Other Highlights Include:
» Solivita Celebrates FFEA Recognition proudly earning 3rd Place in the 2025 Florida Festivals & Events Association (FFEA) SunSational Awards for our Promotional Video of the Solivita Mardi Gras Parade & Street Party. This recognition highlights the creativity and excitement of our community events, showcasing the fun, energy, and spirit that make Solivita experiences truly unforgettable.
» Celebrating staff with 10 or more years of service, featured on the September 2025 Reflections newsletter cover.
» Commemorating Solivita’s 25th Birthday with a NYE celebration and exclusive merchandise.
» New event during four-day Salute Our Veterans Weekend: Veterans Parade & Festivities at the Market Area.
» Proudly hosting the Polk Senior Pickleball Games, welcoming athletes, and spectators from across the area for a spirited and successful event.
Facility & AV Enhancements:
» Replaced mixer amplifier at The Palms pool deck for improved sound quality.
» Enhanced portable speaker and microphone equipment for clearer audio at outdoor events.
» Upgraded Palms Amenity Room controls streamline audio and video source management.
» Conducted maintenance on audio equipment and microphones across club facilities.
Behind every improvement and event is a team of resolute staff and supportive residents who make it all possible. Your enthusiasm, feedback, and participation inspire everything we do. As we move into 2026, we’re excited to build on this momentum with new projects, fresh upgrades, and more opportunities to connect, celebrate, and enjoy all that Solivita has to offer. Here’s to another wonderful year together, where we will share more moments of growth, friendship, and community pride at Solivita Club!
Wednesday, December
24th - Christmas Eve
RSF & The Palms:
Close at 12pm Fitness Classes: Cancelled
The Grille & Bistro:
8am-2pm
Pro Shop: 7am-12pm
Thursday, December 25th
Christmas Day
Admin, Activities & R2R : Closed
RSF & The Palms: Closed
Fitness Classes: Cancelled
The Grille & Bistro: Closed
Mosaics: Closed
Pro Shop: Closed
Wednesday, December
31st - New Year’s Eve
RSF & The Palms:
Close at 12pm
Fitness Classes: Cancelled
Waterfront Galleries: Closed
The Grille: 8am-11am
Bistro: 8am-2pm
Pro Shop: 7am-12pm
Thursday, January 1st
New Year’s Day
Admin, Activities, R2R & Mosaics: Closed
RSF & The Palms: Open at 12pm
Fitness Classes: Cancelled
The Grille: 12pm-9pm
Bistro: 8am-7pm
Pro Shop: 7am-5pm
Monday, January 5th : Activities Ticket Sales at 9am on SolivitaHOA.com
Monday, January 5th : Resident Club Ticket Sales in Mosaics from 10am-12pm
Tuesday, January 6th : January 2027 Room Reservation 9am by online Resident Event Request Form
Wednesday, January 7th : New Activities Event Volunteer Opportunities 9am in Activities Hallway
Clubs in Solivita, Let’s Chat!
BY JANA MALIK DIRECTOR OF ACTIVITIES
Did you know Solivita is home to 250 registered social and recreational clubs and support groups? The Activities Department works hard to support our amazing clubs by: Assisting in new club formation (when within guidelines), reminding, enforcing, and updating Club Guidelines & Rules, scheduling 2,000+ meetings and special events per year, checking and creating 1,600+ custom room setups annually, and hosting our annual Club Presidents’ Meeting . Below are important updates and opportunities for our clubs to shine!
Market Area Updates for Clubs
On Mondays and Fridays in the Freedom Park Market Area, registered clubs may sell tickets or raffles (to generate funds for their club or charity) in one space limited by first come first serve: CLUB #42-46. All other spaces are assigned to Market Vendors.
On Curbside Cuisine Food Truck nights, held on the 4th Thursday from 4pm-7pm January-April and SeptemberNovember annually, we welcome clubs to sell tickets or raffles by the DJ tent; no reservation required.
Club Sign-Up Opportunities
register by scanning the QR code, going to SolivitaHOA.com Home Page by clicking on the RSVP for Activities events icon and going to the event date in the Activities Events Calendar or email SolivitaActivities@ CastleGroup.com with your club name, contact person, phone number and how many chairs, up to (3), are needed.
2) Mardi Gras Parade & Street Party – Tuesday, February 17th. Sign up for food booths and dance performances will start on Monday, December 15th.
FOOD BOOTHS: Solivita Clubs & Neighborhood Groups interested in having a booth to sell food or desserts behind the Bistro Café and along the Ballroom side road, must register by scanning the QR code, going to SolivitaHOA.com Home Page by clicking on the RSVP Activities Events icon and going to the event date in the Activities Events Calendar or email SolivitaActivities@CastleGroup.com with your club name, contact person, phone number and the item(s) interested in selling. FOOD ITEM DESIRED TO SELL MUST BE PRE-APPROVED BY ACTIVITIES. BOOTH LOCATIONS WILL BE ASSIGNED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST CHOICE BASIS. Duplicate food or dessert items are NOT permitted.
1) Solivita Club Expo – Saturday, January 10th from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Solivita Clubs interested in having a table and up to (3) chairs in the Ballroom must
Mardi Gras Street Party 2024 - Photos by Joe Thomas
Jana’s article continued from page 6
DANCE PERFORMANCES : Solivita dance or cultural clubs or Fitness dance classes who are interested in performing a routine in the Ballroom may RSVP for a time slot by scanning the QR code, going to SolivitaHOA.com Home Page by clicking on the RSVP Activities Events icon and going to the event date in the Activities Events Calendar or email SolivitaActivities@CastleGroup.com with your club or fitness class name, contact person and phone number. A limit of eight, 15-minute, time slots will be available, with a performance time of 10 minutes or less. Performance does not have to be Mardi Gras theme related and the stage will have three rows of added staging for additional performance space.
Limited 10-minute time slots will be available, with a performance time of seven minutes or less. The stage will have three rows of added staging for additional performance space.
3) Festival of Colors Street Party - Friday, March 6th from 4pm-7pm
Volunteer Opportunities
New Year’s Eve Birthday Celebration: Tuesday and Wednesday, December 30th and 31st
» Assorted Day and Evening Shift Times
» Help with either Decorating, Event Entrance Check-In, Undecorating, etc.
» Email SolivitaActivities@CastleGroup.com or call 863427-7125 with your name and phone number.
Sign-up to volunteer for February 2026 Activities Events will be available starting on December 3rd at 9am in the Activities Office hallway.
Village Drive Road Closings
The Village Center road will be closed from the Ballroom to the Pro Shop roundabout for the following events:
» Holiday Festivities Program - Monday, December 8th from 5pm-9pm
» N ew Year’s Eve Birthday Celebration –Wednesday, December 31st from 3pm-2am
CULTURAL PERFORMANCES : Solivita cultural clubs or fitness classes who are interested in performing a routine in the Ballroom (that is in the realm of this event theme) may RSVP for a time slot by scanning the QR code, going to SolivitaHOA. com Home Page by clicking on the RSVP Activities Events icon and going to the event date in the Activities Events Calendar or email SolivitaActivities@ CastleGroup.com with your club or fitness class name, contact person and phone number.
The Activities Team and I hope you have an enjoyable Holiday Season and New Year’s Eve with family and friends wherever you go, but then, get ready for us to pull out all the stops and more next year! Keep The Party Going, well into 2026!!!
Jana Malik 863-427-7125
Jana.Malik@CastleGroup.com
Mardi Gras Street Party 2024 - Photos by Joe Thomas
JANUARY REFLECTIONS ASSEMBLY, DELIVERY & PICK-UP
Monday, December 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 Tuesday, December 30th you’ll need to pick a copy up at the Club Concierge Desk in the Admin Building (formerly the Welcome Center) between 9am-5pm.
2026 CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS
Solivita Resident Clubs with recurring weekly/monthly meetings need to submit their meeting information in order to be included in the Reflections Calendar Insert for each calendar year. Include the complete information in your submission even if it hasn’t changed, including club name, day and date of meeting, time, and location. Double check your meeting dates and note any cancellations due to holidays, etc. If you list a meeting on a holiday, it will be included on the calendar. Groups that made an annual submission for 2025 are NOT automatically carried over into the new year. To ensure your club meeting makes it onto the January 2026 calendar, please send submissions to Reflections@SolivitaClub.com no later than Monday, December 1st
A FRIEND WHO HAS LEFT US, BUT IS NOT FORGOTTEN
Cheryl Wynn
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the resident who recently passed away.
REFLECTIONS DELIVERY
If you’re leaving Solivita or returning to the community and want to change the status of the Reflections delivery to your home, you can fill out the form on the Communications page on SolivitaHOA. com, by scanning the QR code, or send an email to SolivitaCommunications@CastleGroup.com.
An Artistic Success!
The Fall Arts and Crafts Festival Committee and the Activities team would like to THANK both vendors and visitors for participating and attending in the 24th Annual Fall Arts and Crafts Festival at Solivita this past November.
We want to extend a special thanks to the Fall Festival Committee, Solivita staff including Activities, Housekeeping, Maintenance and Club Communications; Stonegate Golf Catering; Floralawn and Vital Security and the OVER 100 resident volunteers whose time, talents and energy make this huge community event possible!
We also need to give our appreciation to the New Dimensions High School teachers, Mr. Timmerman and Mr. Friberg, for coordinating their students for their volunteer assistance and jazz musical entertainment. Mr. Timmerman will be retiring in 2026 and his support truly means the world to the Festival Committee and the festival’s success.
Congratulations to the Resident Art Contest Winners who submitted and displayed their work in the festival’s Wine, Beer and Art Garden. Their artwork was voted by festival attendee People’s Choice votes.
• 1st Place: Yvette Frantz - “Gold and Blue Mountain”
• 2nd Place: Lisa Walker - “Feeding Time”
• 3rd Place: Karen Kruger - “Herons on Driftwood”
The 140 attendees who voted on the resident artwork were placed in a drawing to win one of (3) $15 Stonegate Golf and Restaurant Gift Cards. The winners were: Henry Davis, Dennis Chounard and Joyce Thimgan.
The best feedback we receive is from the Attendee Surveys taken during the event. We held a drawing for those people who took the time to fill out the form and the winners who each won a $25 Stonegate Golf gift card included Debbie Shai, Rebecca (no last name) and Mark Mullen.
With another great year behind us, we’re looking forward to 2026. Mark your calendars for the 25th Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival at Solivita scheduled for Saturday, November 7th.
If you have any comments or suggestions or if you would like to be a vendor next year, please email solivitafallfestival@gmail. com or call Activities at 863-427-7125. Photos provided by Joe Thomas.
Co-Sponsored by the Solivita University Committee and Activities
No studying, tests or exams are given, just enlightening topics to keep your mind energized. All classes are 60-90 minutes long, unless otherwise noted. Solivita University class calendar and faculty biographies can be found on SolivitaHOA.com under Get Connected. Adult guests welcome. For more information stop in, call the Activities Office at 863-427-7125 or email SolivitaActivities@CastleGroup.com.
Conversational German
6 Classes on Wednesdays, January 14th, 21st, 28th, February 4th, 11th and 18th • Gator Room at 7pm
Tuition and Registration: $40 per student. RSVP your seat at SolivitaHOA.com at the Purchase Activities
Events and SU Classes icon, scan the QR code or call the Activities office. Bring cash or check payment to the first class.
Instructor: Annika Blenowe
Course Description: Explore a new culture and language in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Learn practical vocabulary, correct pronunciation and the basic sentence structure necessary to understand and begin to formulate conversations in German.
What’s Up at NASA?
Wednesday, January 14th • Ballroom at 1:30pm
Tuition: Complimentary entrance; pre-registration is not required
Professor: Dr. Mark J. Guillette
Course Description: This presentation with be an overview of some of the exciting programs and missions at NASA including Artemis, James Webb Space Telescope, International Space Station, and Commercial Crew.
The FUN-duh-mentals of Organizing Your Household
Thursday, January 22nd • Gator Room at 2pm
Tuition, Book and Registration: $25 per student. RSVP your seat at SolivitaHOA.com at the Purchase Activities
Events and SU Classes icon, scan the QR code or call the Activities office. Bring cash or check payment to the first class.
Professor: Rita McCoy
Course Description: Is your house in order? Are you prepared for both the predictable and unpredictable circumstances in life? Now may be a good time to get organized. Rita shares a simple system that is beneficial to you, loved ones, and caregivers. Learn about organizing your household finances, routine projects, very important papers, and ways to de-clutter your household. Find out how this will create peace of mind for you today, tomorrow, and well into the future.
Upcoming Classes – SAVE THE DATES –More Info Coming Soon
» Cybercrime 101: Wednesday, February 11th at 2pm
» Presidential Hollywood: Wednesday, February 18th at 1:30pm
» NASA’s Artemis Program: Wednesday, February 25th at 2pm
» The Fun-duh-mentals of Decluttering Your Home : Thursday, March 19th at 2pm
WALK, RUN & RIDE FOR A CURE REGISTRATION FORM
Name:
I will participate in the m Walk m Run m Ride (wear helmet) I will not be participating but would like to contribute $_______
Telephone:
Email:
Copies of the Registration Form are available via email blast link, or can be picked up at The Palms or Riviera Spa & Fitness Center main desks. Please return all Registration Forms to The Palms or Riviera main desks.
Registration must be received by January 24th to receive T-shirt. T-shirts will be given out the morning of the event at registration from 8am-9am. Please indicate shirt size for each participant.
HOA Elections
SUBMITTED BY THE ELECTIONS COMMITTEE
Electronic voting registration for Solivita residents is now open! Homeowners are encouraged to register online by visiting the homepage at SolivitaHOA.com. The deadline to register is Friday, January 9th. Please don’t delay. Electronic voting provides the HOA with an opportunity to enhance efficiency and reduce election costs.
Mark your calendars for the Candidates’ Meet and Greet event on Tuesday, January 13th, which will take place in the Ballroom from 9am-1pm. This is a great opportunity to learn more about those running for two open director seats. Remember—one property, one vote. Take an active role in your community, and cast your vote.
As Temperatures Cool in Solivita the Sunbathers Emerge
SUBMITTED BY THE CONSERVATION & WILDLIFE COMMITTEE
There is a routine occurrence here in Florida that seems anomalous to all seasonal behavior... as temperatures drop, the sunbathers come out.
Of course, we’re not speaking of human sunbathers, often found lounging adjacent to any of our fourteen pools. Oh no, these sun worshipers are reptilian – specifically alligators – who gather along the banks of their home pond to warm themselves in the tropical sun.
Gators, you see are ectothermic, relying on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. As air and water temperatures decline they must bask in the sun, or on warm surfaces, to maintain their ideal body temperature. Sunbathing increases their metabolism and digestion, aiding immune functionality and regulating energy. It prepares them for the cool nights that follow.
New residents and visitors may find the sight of a large gator lying behind their home on the banks of a nearby pond alarming. But veterans know that the gator presents little danger. The gator is not lying in wait for you or your pet. Rather, it’s usually in a calm, thermoregulating state — not actively hunting or moving, lying motionless on a sunny bank or shallow edge, sometimes half-submerged.
You’ll note its limbs often splayed outward, tail extended behind. These behaviors indicate that it poses little threat.
In their natural, undisturbed state, wild alligators are shy and
wary of humans, typically avoiding direct contact, retreating into water or vegetation if approached.
Most will flee rather than fight, unless provoked or cornered. Alligators do not view humans as prey — attacks are rare and usually involve mistaken identity (such as a splashing swimmer or a pet).
In short, a healthy wild alligator wants nothing to do with you. So, when you see one lounging in or next to a pond, keep your distance, wave, take a photo or just keep walking. It will be pleased to continue its snooze, and you will have a chance to view one of nature’s most dynamic creatures.
Holiday Fire Safety Resources
SUBMITTED BY ERIC LARSON TEAM LEADER OF SOLIVITA CERT
As we begin to decorate our houses for the 2025 holiday season, we need to keep in mind that fire safety should be a major consideration. A new source of information concerning fire safety, not only during the holidays, but yearround, comes from the National Fire Protection Association. As always, we partner with the Polk County Fire Rescue Service in providing this information in keeping our community and all the residents and guests safe during the year and during the holiday season. The following are some hints and tips.
Holiday Decorations
» Choose decorations that are flame resistant and retardant.
» Choose lighting that is UL approved.
» Check your decorations and replace any that are worn-out or damaged.
» Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so cords aren’t damaged.
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
» Plan your lighting, indoor and outdoor, so that you don’t daisy-chain power strips.
Holiday Cooking
» Test all smoke alarms.
» Tell your guests about home fire escape plans.
» Stay in the kitchen when cooking.
» Use smokers, grills, and deep fryers OUTSIDE with plenty of room around them.
» Refrain from alcohol consumption until cooking is complete, then enjoy in moderation.
» Use a timer when baking to remind you when it’s done.
» Have a fire extinguisher handy. Slide a lid over a burning pot or frypan to smother small fires. DO NOT USE WATER on a grease fire!
Have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!
6.29 Holiday Lights and Decorations. This provision applies to all holidays throughout the year. Holiday lights and decorations may be put up on homes within Solivita so long as the lights do not create a nuisance as set forth in the Declaration. Any lights and decorations for holidays are allowed between November 15th and January 15th.
Solivita Flags Over 2026
The Veterans Club of Solivita is asking for your help by donating to the Flags Over Solivita Project. In appreciation of your donation, volunteers will place a 3’ x 5’ American flag in front of your home or in various areas of Solivita throughout the calendar year. The placement dates include: President’s Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day through Independence Day, Labor Day, September 11th, and Veterans Day. Your contribution helps a wide range of charities, including: 1) Scholarships for local ROTC high school seniors; 2) The Honor Flight Program which provides free travel to selected veterans with a day of honor in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.; 3) Bingo and refreshments for the facility-bound veterans at the Lake Nona Veterans Hospital; and 4) Donations to veterans organizations, such as the USO, Bridges for Heroes, Fisher House and K-9 Support for Veterans. To subscribe for 2026 flag placements, please scan the QR code to be directed to an online credit card donation form or visit veteransclubofsolivita.com. Are you interested in volunteering? We have many opportunities besides just putting up flags. Contact us for how you can help at flagsoversolivita@gmail.com or call 863-512-3655.
