As Solivita turns 25 this year, let us show our gratitude to all the employees from the HOA, Club and Restaurant and Golf management companies who give their heart and soul into maintaining, servicing, assisting, cleaning, and also for providing the best Lifestyle around. Featured ‘On the Cover’ are the employees who have worked at Solivita for 10 or more years, some of which who have worked for the original builder, developer and restaurant management companies, with names listed on page 6.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Newsletter Submission Information Page 3
Club Department Articles Pages 4-13
Newsletter Assembly Day Page 11
Wellness Events Page 11
HOA Department Articles ................................................ Page 14
Resident Club Sponsored Events Page 15-16
A Touch of Class Pages 17-21
Club & Support Group Meeting Lists Pages 22-26
Resident Club News ................................................... Pages 27-48
Neighborhood Captains News Page 49
Advertisements Pages 50-76
Activities Events (back of calendar) Insert Pages E1-E3
Monthly Calendar (back of Activities Events) ................ Insert
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Monday, September 1st . Club flyer insert copies are due by Tuesday, September 23rd, but must be approved by Wilman De Jesus before they are copied.
NOVEMBER SUBMISSIONS
Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on Wednesday, October 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.
All Work, All Play
BY JANA MALIK DIRECTOR OF ACTIVITIES
In the Activities Department, we take pride in the hard work we put into everything we do for the Solivita Club, and we also enjoy having fun in the office and with you during our events. Below, you will find details about the upcoming events we are preparing, and highlights of the enjoyable moments we’ve shared at recent gatherings.
Club Reminder
Over the past year, we have noticed that several clubs have placed various stickers on the Ballroom chairs (for drawings, prizes, seat assignments, etc.). Since we have recently ordered brand new Ballroom chairs, we kindly remind everyone to refrain from using any permanent stickers on ANY of the Club Facility chairs. The Housekeeping Team will inform the Activities Department if they find any chairs with stickers, and the respective club will be notified to remove them.
Solivita Car Show – Looking for Clubs With Charity Organization Affiliation
Solivita Activities is getting ready to “start our engines” as we plan and organize for the upcoming Solivita Car Shows in 2026 and 2027. We are seeking clubs that collaborate with charity organizations and are interested in applying to be the selected charity for the Solivita Car Show 2027. The chosen club will be required to shadow the club at the Solivita Car Show 2026 event to learn all the ins and outs, held on Saturday, March 21st.
The Solivita Car Show Club Charity Organization Entails:
» 1-2 club members to shadow on the Solivita Car Show 2026 Committee (monthly meetings from November 2025-March 2026)
» 1-2 club members to serve on the Solivita Car Show 2027 Committee (monthly meetings from November 2026-March 2027)
» Contacting businesses for possible sponsorship opportunities and collecting items to include in the “Car Show Goody Bags” that are provided to Car Show Participants.
» Selling of Raffle Tickets 1-2 months before and the day of the event
» During the event, manage the Raffle area and (2) Car Show Information Booths.
» Providing resident club membership volunteers to help man the Raffle area and Information Booths.
To apply, send an email by October 15, 2025, with your club name, contact person, phone number and your club’s charity organization name to SolivitaActivities@CastleGroup.com. A lottery will be held and a club, and their charity organization, will be chosen and contacted on Friday, October 17th.
Palms Foam Pool Party Winners 7/18/25
Janice Parkin – Rubber Ducky Decorating Contest
Nancy Tessora & Kim Zuelsdorf – Who Wants to be a Lucky Duck Game
Vickie Freece – Swim Mommy and Baby Duck Across the Pool without Touching Them
Trivia
Select Mondays
4pm & 7pm Mosaics
$5 Online Reserved Table.
Beverage ticket not included.
Friday & SeptemberSaturday, 19th & 20th 6pm Village Center $60
Karaoke
Select Tuesdays
5pm - 9pm Ceramics Gallery
$5 Online General Admission. Beverage ticket not included.
WineconcertDown Wednesday, September 3rd 6:30pm - 8:30pm By The Grille
Bring Your Own Chair Food Concession & Cash Bar
Curbside Cuisine
Have a Shred of Adventure ... Solivita Pub Crawl
Thursday, September 25th
4pm - 7pm Market Area in Freedom Park DJ » Cash Bar » Seating » Club Ticket Sales Atlantic City Boys Show SeptemberFriday,26th 7:30pm Ballroom
EOSS: $30 & Admission:General $25 Community Drive Thru Shred Day Saturday, September 27th 10am - 2pm Freedom Park Complimentary Service check these events out!
Read
Club Department Articles
Jana’s article continued from page 4
Palms Foam Pool Party Winners Continued
Game Participants
Labor Day Changes for Activities & Clubs Items
» 9/1 - Activities Office & R2R Closed
» 9/1 - Club Ticket Sales in Mosaics 10am-11:30am
» 9/2 - Activities Ticket Sales on SolivitaHOA.com Home Page at 9am
» 9/3 - September 2026 Room Reservation Requests at 9am, SolivitaHOA.com, Calendar & Maps, Solivita Room Calendars
Solivita’s 25th Birthday
Solivita is turning 25, and we are celebrating by creating special commemorative merchandise that will be available for purchase in November and December. We will celebrate this special year during our New Year’s Eve Parties event. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months!
Employees Who Have Worked at Solivita for 10+ Years!
Castle Group
» Michele Woods - 2004
» Zena Pina - 2004
» Jana Malik - 2004
» Alex Vazquez - 2005
» Neil Chin - 2006
» Flo Williams - 2007
» Newton Muirhead - 2007
» Jamar Edge - 2007-2012 and 2016-Present
» Johny Espinoza - 2009
» Linda Walkowiak - 2012
» Shelley Destefano - 2012
» Luis Velez - 2013
» Glenn Shepherd - 2013
» Ruth Mbuthia - 2013
» Brandon Payne - 2015
» Nadiuska Fragoso - 2015
» Peggy Biwer - 2015
Hampton Golf
» Ray McArthur (The General) - 2001
» Linda Rivera - 2005
» Ana Hidalgo - 2005
» Claude Eastwood - 2005
» Marvin Sosa - 2005
» Lisa Arroyo - 2006
» Vickie Maldonado - 2012
» Michael Morgan - 2013
» Angel Rivera - 2015
» Gilberto Rivera - 2015
RealManage
» Yolanda Santiago - 2005
Thank the Labor force at Solivita that help to Keep the Party Going!
Jana Malik 863-427-7125 Jana.Malik@CastleGroup.com
Makayla Swartz –Walk Like a Duck
Ishaan Dahiyya – Foamtastic
November 8th-11th
Salute Our Veterans Weekend is designed to celebrate Veterans and their families. We raise money for a select charity to help improve the lives of the many selfless men and women who bravely served our Nation. This year, all proceeds benefit:
All ticketed events will be available online at SolivitaHOA.com Home Page by clicking on the Salute Our Veterans Weekend banner beginning Tuesday, September 2nd at 9am (due to Labor Day on the 1st). REFUNDS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED OR GIVEN FOR ANY OF THE EVENTS.
Golf Entry Includes: Continental Breakfast, Green & Cart Fee Waived, Range Balls Before Play, On Course Special Events, Raffles, Goody Bags and Prizes (Closest to the Pin, Longest Putt, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place); Lunch and Awards to follow in Ballroom. $75 per person or $300 for a foursome ( before October 1st). $80 per person or $320 for a foursome (starting October 1st) Residents and Non-Residents Welcome.
Honky Tonk Chicks Show
Sunday, November 9th
A powerhouse female vocal trio perform the greatest hits in Country Music! From today’s Top 40 all the way back to country classics. Sing and dance along to the most popular party songs of all time! This trio takes you on a ride through their favorite songs from America’s most loved musical genre. Show is at 7pm. Ballroom doors open for Early Open Show Seating (EOSS) 30 minutes before the show and General Admission doors open 25 minutes before the show begins. General Admission is $25 and EOSS is $30 per person. Adult guests welcome.
Veterans Parade and Festivities
Monday, November 10th
This is a special day to celebrate our veterans! Come on over to enjoy all of the fun and festivities that you surely don’t want to miss while we honor all who have served our country. Parade: Let your creativity shine by dressing up your golf cart, motorcycles, bicycles, dogs, and club members with patriotic decorations to represent the armed forces as you proudly parade down Village Drive and be a part of the parade! Cars are not permitted with the exception of military vehicles. Parade participants are to meet in front of the Welcome Center at 3:30pm (pre-registration is not required). The parade will begin at 4pm down Village Drive starting from the Pro Shop roundabout to the Market Area. After the parade, at the Market Tent Area in Freedom Park will be a live band, market vendors, cash bar and food trucks until 7pm. This event is complimentary and open to guests of all ages from 4pm-7pm. VILLAGE DRIVE FROM THE BALLROOM TO THE PRO SHOP WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 3:30PM-4:30PM. RAIN OR SHINE.
Veterans Day Memorial Ceremony & Breakfast
Tuesday, November 11th
Veterans Day will begin with a wonderful ceremony presented by the Veterans Club of Solivita at 9am at the Veterans Memorial in Freedom Park. After the ceremony, join us for a delicious breakfast in the Ballroom. The breakfast buffet menu includes fluffy scrambled eggs with cheese; bacon; country style potatoes; warm biscuits; self-serve coffee, orange juice, cranberry juice and water. $15 per person. Guests of all ages welcome. A limited number of tickets will also be sold by the Veterans Club.
Are You Missing Out?
Is something missing in your life? Many of us moved here with visions of a new experience, of days and evenings socializing with people who share our interests, views and memories. But, for too many residents, that just never happened. Sitting alone at the pool, spending evenings in front of the television, days when the only person you interact with is the clerk at Publix... for some this is the norm.
There’s an explanation. For most people, socialization happened because of other circumstances. We became friends with the parents of our children’s friends; with people we worked with; often we maintained years-long friendships with those we grew up with. But suddenly, in a community of thousands of people, we have lost the ability to connect.
Most of Solivita’s residents have been able to build the relationships they need for fulfilling lives; they socialize; they engage; they are an active part of the community. Others, however, remain isolated.
However, whether you are a new resident or a veteran, it is not too late to build the lifestyle you always thought you would have. The answer is just a few pages ahead in Reflections: an impressive, and very detailed, list of clubs. Nothing can help you become more engaged in the Solivita lifestyle than joining a club, unless it’s joining two clubs, or five.
There are hundreds of clubs active in Solivita, and the variations are almost limitless. Think of what interests you: politics, music, games, technology, religion, dancing, volunteering, reading, hobbies, exercise, crafts, or just having fun. Do you want to socialize with people from the part of the country you used to live in or people who share your ethnicity? Do you want to play sports or watch sports? There are two dozen clubs just for card games.
It’s not hard; the list provides all the information you need: meeting dates, contacts (with phone and email access). Talk to someone to see if a club is right for you; it’s a step you need to take if you truly want to be engaged and part of Solivita. It’s the best way to make new friends and fill empty hours.
Most clubs are looking for new members; it helps them stay vibrant and active. They want you! And everyone in the club was once the “new member.”
In addition to the listing in each issue of Reflections, you can find club information on SolivitaHOA.com: Click “Get Connected,” then Clubs. What are you waiting for? This is what the Solivita experience is all about.
R2R Resource Center 863-236-9973
SolivitaR2R@gmail.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.
Edward Baxter Sonja J. Borom
William Rivera
Edward “Ned” Urbanski
Anna Groves Mildred Wicks
Welcoming the Autumn Air!
BY SHELLEY DESTEFANO CLUB CONCIERGE
Oh, autumn air please save us from the heat as we are in despair! As the golden hues of autumn slowly emerge, September offers a gentle invitation to reconnect—with cooler weather but hopefully not hurricanes in Central Florida. This month is brimming with opportunities to make meaningful memories enjoying the important dates and events in the area.
Important Dates
• Labor Day: Monday, September 1st - A national holiday honoring the contributions of workers.
• Grandparents Day: Sunday, September 7th - Please spend some time with your parents or grandparents on this special day honoring their wisdom and unconditional love they give us all year long.
Regal Railway Toy Train & Collectibles Show
Regal Railway Toy Train & Collectibles Show will be on September 13th located at 6436 Broad Street in Brooksville from 9am to 2pm. This is a treat for train lovers and collectors, featuring vendors and photo ops with a real train engine. The early bird show is at 7am and the show is from 9am to 2pm. Admission is $6 for adults and kids 12 and under are free. Please visit www.regalrailways.com or call 727-244-1341 for more information.
Go Pin Pro – Pin Trading Fanale
At 9am on September 21st you can enjoy the Go Pin Pro – Pin Trading Fanale located at Osceola Heritage Park (1875 Silver Spur Lane) in Kissimmee. At this free-entry event, you can celebrate 25 years of Disney Pin Trading and enjoy exciting
HOLIDAY HOURS
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST:
LABOR DAY
Administration: Closed
Activities : Closed
R2R Resource Center : Closed
RSF & The Palms : Open Regular Hours, but No Classes
Bistro, Mosaics & The Grille : Open Regular Hours
giveaways. Please visit www.ohpark.com for more information.
Wineries
It’s always fun to visit the wineries when the weather cools down. Below are some great ones to visit.
» Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards in Clermont located at 19239 U.S. 27 North in Clermont has live music on the weekends and offers tours and tastings Monday-Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on Sundays from 11am to 5pm. Please visit www.lakeridgewinery.com or call 1-800-7689463 for more information.
» Cooper’s Hawk is located at 8005 International Drive, in Orlando. This winery and restaurant offers a club membership with a choice of 1 to 3 bottles of wine per month and discounts to the restaurant. Please visit www. chwinery.com or call 407-956-4300 for more information.
Vivi La Frida Festival
Vivi La Frida Festival, located at 530 North Donnelly Street in Mount Dora will be on September 27th from 11am to 7pm. At this festival you can celebrate Latin culture, music by Frida Kahlo and art. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Please visit www.mountdoraart.com for more information.
You can always visit the Concierge page on SolivitaHOA.com for more things to do in the nearby area. Here’s to a September filled with laughter and the kind of memories that linger long after the leaves begin to fall.
Club Concierge 863-427-7100
Shelley.Destefano@CastleGroup.com
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.
OCTOBER REFLECTIONS
ASSEMBLY, DELIVERY & PICK-UP
Monday, September 29th • 8am • Ballroom
HOW TO CHANGE YOUR REFLECTIONS DELIVERY
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, September 30th you’ll need to pick a copy up at the Club Concierge Desk in the Admin Building (formerly the Welcome Center) between 9am5pm.
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.
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.
Writing with Artificial Intelligence
Tuesday, October 14th • Ballroom at 1pm
Tuition: Complimentary entrance; registration is not required
Professor : Dr. Roger Munger
Course Description: Generative AI is everywhere—from composing emails to crafting clever poems—but how do you use it wisely? This course demystifies AI tools like ChatGPT with background, insights, and examples that spark curiosity and build confidence. We’ll explore how to use AI for fun and function, how to protect your privacy, and how to ask better questions to get better results. Think of it as your friendly neighborhood AI bootcamp—no jargon (well, some), just how to boss around the Bot.
Broadway Theatre from Backstage to Center Stage
Wednesday, October 15th • The Palms at 1pm
Tuition: Complimentary entrance to the first 100 people in attendance; pre-registration is not required
Professor : Dr. Richard Goldsmith
Course Description: Join me as we explore Broadway Theater
from Backstage to Center Stage. How are Broadway shows produced? How do they combine so many pieces (script, acting, music) to create the masterpieces we love? The Broadway Theater has given us many memorable shows, from the Ziegfeld Follies to Hamilton. All new shows will be explored.
Willkommen to Germany: An Introduction to the People, Culture and Travel Information
Wednesdays, October 22nd, 29th & November 5th • Gator Room at 7pm
Tuition 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 : Annika Blenowe
Course Description: This course gives you an easy and practical introduction to German language and culture, whether you plan to travel there now, anytime in the future, or you just want to learn about this beautiful country. See where people go, acquire survival phrases, and discover how to get around. Have fun in exploring a different culture. No previous language experience study is needed.
Solivita University continued
Beyond the Basics: iPhone and iPad
4 Classes on Thursdays, October 30th, November 6th, 13th and 20th
• Gator Room at 9:30am Tuition 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 : Catherine Larson
Course Description: This course is for those already comfortable using the iPhone and/or iPad – navigating between apps, using the control center and accessing the settings. We
will explore many of the native apps for both iPad and iPhone including: Notes, Safari, Camera, Photos, iCloud, iMovie, Music, Contacts and Calendar. You will learn how to use the accessibilities features and Siri to assist you in daily tasks and more. It is recommended that you should be using the latest operating system for your device. For many, this would be iOS 18 or higher. If you have an older device, not everything will pertain, but you can still attend and learn many valuable hints and tricks! If you have any questions, please contact Catherine at cath.larson@gmail.com.
Upcoming Classes: Save the Dates - More Information Coming Soon
» Conversational German - Wednesdays, January 14th, 21st, 28th, February 4th, 11th and 18th at 7pm
» What’s Up NASA? - Wednesday, January 14th at 1:30pm
» The Fun-duh-mentals of Organizing Your HouseholdThursday, January 22nd at 2pm
» NASA’s Artemis Program - Wednesday, February 25th at 2pm
» The Fun-duh-mentals of Decluttering Your HomeThursday, March 19th at 2pm
Solivita Residents Save Lives
SUBMITTED BY ERIC LARSON TEAM LEADER OF SOLIVITA CERT
Several years ago, Solivita CERT, in conjunction with Polk County Fire Rescue, began to offer Check-Call-Compress classes (compression-only CPR and AED training) here in our community. Since those beginnings, eight people in Solivita who experienced Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) were successfully resuscitated before EMTs arrived on scene. This is eight out of eight occurrences! SCA mostly affects people in Solivita’s 55+ age group. SCA strikes without prior warning and can happen anytime—while playing pickleball or golf or even less-active pursuits like attending a club meeting in the Village. (Those activities are where they have occurred.)
Classes
4,500+ residents have taken this hands-on course. They have learned the skills to save a life in a situation like SCA. If you haven’t taken this free class, watch for announcements of upcoming classes in September and November. There is a lot of misinformation out there about Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Automated External Defibrillators. This class will clarify what Hands Only CPR is and its connection to using an AED.
We teach you how to recognize the signs of sudden cardiac arrest (Check), how to make a 911 call (Call). If alone, how to let your neighbors know something is wrong, how to move a person to a hard flat surface by yourself, how to provide efficient and effective chest compressions (Compress) and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) before EMTs arrive. Until EMTs take over, immediate chest compressions keep blood flowing and an AED can restart the heartbeat. Remember, the AED has only one purpose, to jump start the start the heart into a regular sinus rhythm.
AED Locations
Do you know we have over 90+ AEDs around Solivita? Where are they? You’ve probably seen them around the Village buildings, The Palms and Freedom Park, but many more are in our neighborhoods. A list by neighborhood is maintained on SolivitaHOA.com under Docs & Info > AEDs. Better than that list, you can install a free app on your smartphone that will show a map of your location and the nearby AEDs. The app is called PulsePoint AED (yellow). This app works wherever you are, not just in Solivita. Nationwide over 83,000 AEDs are registered in the PulsePoint database.
AED Program
Speaking of AEDs, how did they get there? The AEDs in our neighborhoods are the direct result of efforts by resident Stanley Dillard and the Solivita Showtime Entertainers. Their goal is to have one within a few minutes of every home in Solivita. You see them now on posts around our neighborhoods. If you as an individual, or a group of your neighbors or a club would like to donate money toward the purchase and installation of more neighborhood AEDs, please contact Stanley at 863-427-4480 or at spdillard.sr@gmail.com.
Since 2015, Solivita Showtime Entertainers has sponsored a show to raise money for more AEDs. These fundraising shows increase awareness of the need to learn CPR and how to use AEDs while providing entertainment. Stanley has taken on a personal mission to acquire and locate AEDs all around Solivita and Poinciana.
In summary, if you haven’t taken the two-hour Check-CallCompress class, it’s time to do so. You, too, can SAVE A LIFE. Make sure your friends learn as well, so they can save you! Also, make plans to attend the next Solivita Showtime Entertainers show next spring.
