Life is “cool” at The Palms Foam Pool Party! This firstever rubber ducky-themed foam sprayed pool deck party will take place on Friday, July 18th, from 12pm–3pm and limited tickets will be available. The event will feature exciting games, a DJ, food concession, and a cash-only bar. Splish, Splash! Photos by John Fusco.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Newsletter Submission Information Page 3
Club Department Articles Pages 4-10
Wellness Events Page 9
Newsletter Assembly Day Page 10
HOA Department Articles ....................................... Pages 10-11
Resident Club Sponsored Events Page 12 A Touch of Class Pages 13-17
Club & Support Group Meeting Lists Pages 17-22
Resident Club News ................................................... Pages 23-44
Neighborhood Captains News Page 45
Advertisements Pages 46-72
Activities Events (back of calendar) Insert Pages E1-E3
Monthly Calendar (back of Activities Events) ................ Insert
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Tuesday, July 1st . Club flyer insert copies are due by Thursday, July 24th, but must be approved by Wilman De Jesus before they are copied.
SEPTEMBER SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Friday, August 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.
It’s All “Rays of Service”
BY JANA MALIK DIRECTOR OF ACTIVITIES
This is the name of the Solivita volunteer program that started way back in 2006 to fill a void where additional hands, help and brainstorming were needed within some of the Solivita departments. Rays of Service allows residents to get involved as much or as little as they desire, to encourage volunteering in the local community outside the Solivita gates and also to show our appreciation throughout the year. Once the program grew, the focus and funds were changed to acknowledge residents who volunteer for the Solivita departments, as we knew that local organizations thanked their volunteers as well. Once the HOA transitioned to resident board, the program was then streamlined to include volunteers within the Solivita Club Departments. Photos by John Fusco.
» FitWell: Front desk and serving on the FitWell committee
» Library: Keeping the library organized, labeling, reshelving, and donating books
» Audio and Visual: Volunteers who assist clubs with audio and visual connections in the Ballroom
» Club General Manager: Serving on the SCC Committee
» Teachers: Art, craft, skills, and Solivita University teachers who do not charge for their time teaching classes held in the community
Most of the Volunteering in Solivita is Seen Today
» Activities: Helping with organizing, arranging and storing decorations; setting up, helping during, and cleaning up at the community events; being on an event committee; photographer; working at the office desk, and so much more
» Communications: Monthly Reflections newsletter assembly and deliveries
» Resident-to-Resident Resource Center: Working in the office, assisting with resource inquiries, maintaining and loaning medical equipment, and offering assorted education seminars
Volunteer Program Brackets
» Helping Hands 1-49 Hours
» Smiling Faces 50-99 Hours
» Caring Hearts 100-149 Hours
» Rays of Sunshine 150+
How We Appreciate the Rays of Service Volunteers
» Birthday Card signed by several team members who work directly with volunteers
» Present a Summer and Holiday gift
» Annual Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony event (a minimum number of hours is needed, and an invitation is sent). Save the Date for the next one on May 21, 2026. We have big ideas to show you our appreciation!
Trivia
Select Mondays
4pm & 7pm
Mosaics
$5 Online
Reserved Table.
Beverage ticket not included.
Sip,andSwirl Paint Party
Wednesday, July 9th
2:30pm & 6pm
Ceramics Gallery
$30 Per Person
Karaoke
Select Tuesdays
5pm - 9pm
Ceramics Gallery
$5 Online General Admission. Beverage ticket not included. Red, White & BluePartyStreet
Friday, July 4th
6pm - 9pm Village
FoodComplimentaryCenterEntrance Trucks, Music, Kids Fun, Games & Fireworks
Friday, July 18th
12pm-3pm The Palms
$5 Per Person
Club Department Articles
Jana’s article continued from page 4
Turning in Volunteer Log Sheets
In my annual July, October and February’s Reflections newsletter article, I post a date to submit Volunteer Log Sheets into the Activities Office so we may enter them and keep track of them. The next deadline to turn in volunteer hours is Monday, July 7th, for the time you assisted Solivita Club departments from March 1st – July 4th.
Friendly reminder that the following hours are not accepted: resident club events, HOA Board and Committees, Flags Over Solivita, CERT, and CAP (unless assisting a Solivita Club Dept).
Future of the Rays of Service Volunteer Program
Starting in October 2025, any new Activities Dept. volunteer opportunities will come out on the 3rd business day of every month at 9am through walk-in or phone call only at the Activities office to allow a fair start to signing up. We are considering and are looking into using a website to allow volunteers to sign up to assist at various events. It would be emailed out on the 3rd business day of every month at 9am to the volunteers in our database. The goal is to make signing up for volunteer opportunities easier, faster, and fairer. If we go forward with this, we will announce it through email blast and the Reflections newsletter.
Volunteers are Priceless and help to Keep the Party Going!
Jana Malik 863-427-7125 Jana.Malik@CastleGroup.com
You Can Help … Make the Resource Center Better
“HAINES CITY -- A new $70 million to $80 million gated community, located in far east Polk County and designed for retiring baby boomers, will get its first residents sometime this month.”
That’s from the July 3, 2000 issue of the Lakeland Ledger and, of course, they are talking about Solivita. Since that day, a quarter century ago, we have changed. We are no longer a new neighborhood of 70 spec homes in the middle of orange groves; we are a fully developed community of 10,000 men and women living in the fastest growing county in Florida.
When Solivita was still in its teens, the Widows Club realized that the entire community, not just men and women who have lost their spouses, could benefit from a volunteer group designed to make life in Solivita easier and more meaningful. The result was the Resource Center.
The most important part of our logo, of the name of our organization, is “ Resident to Resident.” Whether we are working in the office above the Bistro, managing the mobility equipment program, organizing workshops, or helping Solivitans with tech issues, we are all men and women with a goal - to connect residents and resources to build a thriving Solivita community.
As we move into summer, it’s a good time for us – and you – to examine our role in the community, what we do well, what we could do better, and what new programs would help us fulfill
our mission. While many know the Resource Center through our program to loan mobility equipment (walkers, wheelchairs, shower benches, commodes and other items) to residents, we are more than that. Our mission is to continue to be better at what we do.
Workshops
We are working on a number of workshops for the future, including ones on avoiding scams and fraud, exploring Central Florida on SunRail, and what we all can do to assist friends and neighbors who are having problems with day-to-day living. However, what more can we do? What workshops would be meaningful and helpful to residents?
Tech Help
As the community becomes more proficient with technology, we are changing our Android and iPhone classes into shorter classes focused on the most important aspects of smart phones. Residents can choose the classes that will be most helpful. The monthly tech help sessions, where volunteers work one-on-one with residents who need help with any device, will continue. But ... we need input from our audience. What aspects of technology do you find most challenging; what can we help you with?
Information
Over the years we have built lists of service providers, volunteer opportunities and groups that accept donations of clothes and household goods. We are working on ways to update and maintain this vital information. However, what information do you need? What will help you get more from your Solivita lifestyle?
In short, the Resident to Resident Resource Center needs your input, your thoughts on growing and improving the support we provide for all residents - the ones who moved here in 2000 and the ones who will move in tomorrow. You can help by letting us know what we can do to make your experiences more meaningful. Email us at SolivitaR2R@gmail.com.
R2R Resource Center 863-236-9973
SolivitaR2R@gmail.com
The Club Concierge Has Moved!
BY SHELLEY DESTEFANO CLUB CONCIERGE
The Club Concierge moved to the Welcome Center (where Sales used to reside). You can expect nothing but the best as you walk through the front door, as we are determined to make you feel at home and resolve your Club-related issues. See the list of events that follow to help you decide what fun activities you can do this month.
You can go to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art located at 445 North Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL for free on July 4th from 9am to 4pm. Please visit www.morsemuseum. org or call 407-645-5311 for more information.
Our Club Activities Department will be lighting up the sky for you this month on July 4th for Independence Day at the Red, White & Blue Street Party. Check out the Events insert in this month’s edition for all the details.
Christmas in July located at Downtown Avalon Park will be on July 20th from 5pm to 8pm. They will have a night market, music, fake snow, food vendors, and a pub crawl. You can purchase tickets for the pub crawl in advance online by visiting avalonparkorlando.com/christmas-in-july for $25 or the day of the event for $30.
Green Meadows Petting Farm at Lancaster Ranch Park, located at 1881 Jack Calhoun Drive in Kissimmee, is a place where kids and adults alike can meet friendly farm animals. They are open on Wednesday-Friday from 10am to 1pm, Saturday-Sunday from 10am to 2pm and they are closed on Monday and Tuesday.
FRIENDS WHO HAVE LEFT US, BUT ARE NOT FORGOTTEN
Brian Greene
Alice E. Rucker
You can indulge in the Ultimate Weekend Boozy Brunch at Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar located at 132 S. Kentucky Avenue in Lakeland. Enjoy their brunch menu crafted for food lovers and bottomless mimosas. Please visit FrescosLakeland. com or call 863-683-5267 for more information.
The 34th Annual Caladium Festival will run from July 25th through July 27th from 9am to 4pm on Friday and Saturday and from 10am to 3pm on Sunday located at Stuart Park (113 E. Interlake Blvd. in Lake Placid). At this festival, you can enjoy vendors, food, entertainment and more, and of course caladiums. There is no entrance fee; however, you can purchase bus tickets to view the caladium fields, decorated neighborhood, and Lake Placid online for $12 or at the event for $15. Please visit www.caladiumfestival.org for more information or email them at Information@LPFLA.com. Sorry, no pets are allowed at this event unless they are registered as service dogs.
Please visit the Concierge page on SolivitaHOA.com to see more events going on in the area.
Independence Day makes us remember how important it is to stay united and support each other. Hold onto that thought as it should be a daily occurrence.
Club Concierge 863-427-7100
Shelley.Destefano@CastleGroup.com
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the resident who recently passed away. Greene Rucker
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.
UPCOMING FITWELL EVENTS
DATE ACTIVITY
Wednesday, July 2nd 2pm • RSF2
Thursday, July 3rd Freedom Park
Wednesday, July 9th 10am • RSF2
The Gut-Wrenching Truth - How Digestion Impacts Everything + Tips to Improve: Nutriday Fitness, Lindsey Day, Nutrition MS, CNS®, Meteorologist MS, Personal Trainer. Discover how your gut influences mood, memory, immunity, and energy levels. Learn simple, science-backed strategies to support digestion—plus how custom lab testing might be the missing piece to your health puzzle. Hear real stories of people who transformed their health by addressing gut issues. RSVP to 407-923-7963.
OnSpot Dermatology: To schedule your appointment, call OnSpot at 941-444-0011 or visit them online at onspotdermatology.com/solivita
Self-Care Summer - Refresh, Recharge, and Renew: Join us for an empowering wellness seminar hosted by C3 Wellness Spa, where we dive into the essential practices that will keep you glowing, energized, and balanced all season long. As temperatures rise, so do the demands on your body. Our expert-led session will explore spa-based self-care strategies specifically designed to combat summer fatigue, support detoxification, and enhance your skin’s natural radiance. Bring a friend! RSVP to 407-914-9168, ext 2.
Wednesday, July 9th 2pm • RSF2
Wednesday, July 16th 10am • RSF2
Wednesday, July 16th 2pm • RSF2
Friday, July 18th Freedom Park
Wednesday, July 23rd 10am • RSF2
Social Security Choices: Osaic Wealth, Inc, Curtis L. Catlin, CFP. Module two of “Making it Last.” While Social Security is a near universal benefit that many retirees rely on, complex rules can make navigating the program intimidating. This presentation explores the value of Social Security and how making an informed claiming decision can enhance a retirement income strategy. RSVP to 863-313-3142 or curtiscatlin@osaicfs.com.
Are You Prepared?: Osceola Memory Gardens, John Smith. Everything before and after a funeral and veteran’s benefits. Coffee and donuts will be served. RSVP to 407-931-4811.
Estate Planning: Henderson Sachs. Attorney Dan Henderson will explain the purpose of Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney as well as the probate process in Florida. Legal issues regarding Healthcare Surrogates and end-of-life choices will also be discussed. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session. RSVP to 407-850-2500.
OnSpot Dermatology: To schedule your appointment, call OnSpot at 941-444-0011 or visit them online at onspotdermatology.com/solivita.
Enhancing the Management of Dementia with In-Home Care: ComForCare. Discussion of the free Medicare Part B program that provides comprehensive and coordinated care for individuals living with dementia, reducing strain on their unpaid caregivers, enabling them to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
Wednesday, July 30th
10am • RSF2
Friday, August 1st
Freedom Park
Will and Trusts 101 - Everything You Need to Know: Tessier Law Firm. Wills vs. Trusts: Which one do you need? How to avoid Probate! How to maintain your privacy and protect yourself and your spouse against guardianship or a “living probate” if one of you becomes disabled. Planning long-term care before you need it. Why putting property in children’s names may be a mistake. Protecting your children’s inheritance from future ex-spouses, lawsuits, and other claims. Preserving your estate for your kids if your spouse gets remarried. Preserving your estate when you have minor children, divorce, blended family, or special health and welfare concerns.
OnSpot Dermatology: To schedule your appointment, call OnSpot at 941-444-0011 or visit them online at onspotdermatology.com/solivita.
AUGUST REFLECTIONS
ASSEMBLY, DELIVERY & PICK-UP
Wednesday, July 30th • 9am • Ballroom Newsletter assembly volunteers are asked to meet at 9am on July 30th. Delivery volunteers should arrive between 9:45am-10am and are asked not to leave the Ballroom until all neighborhoods have been completely assembled If you do not receive your newsletter by Thursday, July 31st you’ll need to pick a copy up at the Club Concierge Desk in the Admin Building (formerly the Welcome Center) between 9am-5pm.
HOA DEPARTMENT ARTICLES
Chinch Bugs
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.
BY ANGEL RIVERA ACCOUNT MANAGER, JUNIPER LANDSCAPING
As we enter the hotter months and transition into the rainy season, we will see an increase in chinch bug activity. These pests primarily target St. Augustine grass and are especially drawn to areas where the turf is stressed, typically due to excessive dryness.
What are Chinch Bugs?
Chinch bugs are small insects that thrive in your lawn. They feed on the sap of the grass, which leads to wilting and damage. You will often find them hiding between the sheaths of leaf blades and within the thatch layer of the turf.
How to Identify Chinch Bugs
Young chinch bugs are bright orange with a distinctive white stripe down their backs, while the adults are black with wings. In their final stage, they have black and white wings and orange legs. Despite their small size—about a fifth of an inch long, similar to a grain of rice—they can cause significant damage and are often difficult to spot.
Damage
Damage caused by chinch bugs manifests as yellow or brown
patches in your lawn, with the centers often appearing dead and bare. These pests typically target grass that is water-stressed or exposed to full sun. While they are most active in warm weather, they can inflict harm year-round, particularly in South Florida.
It’s essential to understand that not all brown grass indicates a chinch bug problem. If you suspect an infestation, carefully inspect the border between the brown and green grass for the tiny black-and-white adults or the orange nymphs.
Rest assured, the Juniper Agronomy Team is vigilant in monitoring conditions that could lead to chinch bug infestations and is proactive in identifying areas of activity. We are committed to applying effective insect control measures as needed to protect your lawn.
Simple Guide to Food Supplies for Hurricane Season
SUBMITTED BY ERIC LARSON TEAM LEADER OF SOLIVITA CERT
Are you stocked up for hurricane season? Your Solivita CERT recommends that you put together a supply of food for at least three days, as you may be without power or access to stores. If you put aside food last year, please check expiration dates.
Items to Stock
» Canned and jarred meats, soups, stews, chili, canned fruits and vegetable (and a manual can opener). Without electricity you can heat foods or water on your gas grill.
» Instant coffee, tea and cocoa; powdered drink mixes; fruit juices, vegetable juices
» Bottled water (one gallon per person, per day)
» Pet food
» Keep these items aside for emergencies (maybe in a
Solivita HOA AED Program
plastic storage bin that’s not so large you can’t lift it).
When a Storm May Come
» Fresh fruit (apples, oranges, bananas) and dried fruit (raisins and tropical mixes)
» Cheese that doesn’t need refrigeration
» Baked items - bread, muffins, bagels, cookies
» More water for drinking and food prep
» Ice (you can always make your own ice cubes and store them in zip-lock bags). In fact, filling up your freezer will help it remain cold longer.
If a storm hits and we lose power, eat up fresh meats and vegetables first. In December, go through your remaining emergency food supplies and donate excess or about-to-expire items to a food pantry.
SUBMITTED BY WILLIAM KOONZ AED PROGRAM COORDINATOR
The Neighborhood Captains Program (NCP) agreed to take over the HOA’s AED program in May 2024. Prior to accepting the units, I personally inspected all 59 HOA-owned units. They were checked for operation, condition, and life expectancy. All units were then entered into a tracking program and monitored twice monthly.
The NCP has established guidelines for the maintenance, inspection, and care of the AEDs. The security company conducts inspections of the units each month. I have assembled a team of five other members that conduct and report inspections every month, two weeks after they are inspected by security. This ensures that all the units are “Ready for Service.”
Whenever you walk by an HOA-owned AED and do not hear anything, it should reassure you that the unit is in working condition. If you hear a beeping sound from the unit or if you look at the upper right side and do not see a blinking light, call the main gate number at 407-603-2399. They will notify me and the security supervisor. If needed, one of my team members or I will investigate the unit and take it out for service. A temporary unit will be placed so there is always an AED ready if needed.
Although the manufacturer, Phillips, has stated that their AEDs have a 10-year life expectancy, they only warranty them for eight years. Therefore, our HOA has established that we use eight years as the standard for your safety and protection. As units come to the end of service, they are replaced. We are also changing the cabinets from red heart-shaped to white cabinets. The white cabinets are 10-20 degrees cooler, making the unit batteries last longer.
Since taking over the AED program, we have added three more units in the neighborhoods, for a total of 62 HOA-owned units in Solivita. There are also Club-owned units and Hampton Golf-owned units that are maintained by them.
Taking a Check, Call, and Compress (CCC) Class run by CERT is the best way to learn CPR and how to use AEDs. I recommend signing up for a CCC Class to learn what to do in an emergency. These classes are given every month. Sign-up is free. You can find more information by contacting Eric Larson of Solivita CERT at SolivitaCERT@gmail.com. If you have any questions about AEDs, please contact me via email at aedprogram. solivita@gmail.com
