Vitalia Voice | April 2014

VITALIA

VOICE April 2014 | www.VitaliaAtTraditionHOA.com

Vitalia Information hours of operation Vitalia Lifestyle

Monday-Friday 9am-2pm

Amenity Center

Daily 5am-10pm Daily Sunrise-Sunset

Pool Hours

phone list AAM Customer Service

For ALL Club & HOA Matters

866-516-7424 csr@aamfl.com

AAM After Hours Emergency

866-553-8290

AV Homes Customer Care

800-858-5933

VitaliaHomes.com/owner-care HOA Compliance Department Architectural

863-427-7022

Violations

863-427-7032

Fax

863-427-7093

Vitalia Lifestyle

772-345-4921

Driver’s License Department

772-337-5600

Florida Power and Light

772-462-0555

Home Town Cable Plus

772-345-6000

Lawnwood Regional Medical Center

772-461-4000

NUI City Gas

772-871-2551

Port St. Lucie Police Dept.

772-871-5000

Port St. Lucie Utilities

772-873-6400

(Emergency After Hours)

Port St. Lucie Utilities

772-871-5330

(Set Up)

Social Security Administration

800-772-1213

Port St. Lucie County

Medical Center

772-335-4000

Recycle

772-462-5678

Sheriff

772-462-7300

Port St. Lucie Fire Department

772-621-3400

Port St. Lucie West Library

772-873-3309

2 Vitalia Voice | April 2014

birthdays Linda Dixon Louise Savader Hope Krause Jerry Mastrov Robert Tropp Lawrence Stevenson James Dame Cathy Powers Wayne Carson Ken Rende Lee Storey Gloria Rentowitz Joyce Scola Louise Urbinati Eliot Greenberg Joan Steeves Linda Pappas Bibianne Bazar Dave Mcrae Raymond Pezzi Neecie Kaplan Dolly Sheehan George Earle John Nice George Roat Lewis Honig Spencer Mansfield Susan Faulkner Beverly Kirkpatrick Jerry Scheur Linda Stadtler Wayne Visentin Renee Katz

2nd 2nd 3rd 4th 4th 4th 5th 5th 6th 6th 6th 7th 11th 11th 12th 12th 13th 14th 15th 19th 20th 20th 22nd 22nd 24th 26th 26th 27th 28th 28th 29th 29th 30th

anniversaries Dave & Alison Moore/Bjork Bob & Carol Rizzo Milt & Joan Bain Craig & Sandra Greenberg Barry & Adrian Goetz Richard & Ann Oleszewski Steve & Kathy Simon David & Nancy Kostyo Benjamin & Patrica Braxton Jack & Mary Alice Nice John & Mary Alice Nice William & Mirka Boczon Edward & Jo-Ann Pepling Vincenzo & Ileana Dolomite Ronald & Joan Colangelo Nick & Milly Katzenbach

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department news

By David Smith, Division President of AV Homes, Inc. Vitalia is a great place that offers the best of both worlds. On one hand you have a pristine community appointed with shimmering lakes in a lively active adult setting. Right outside the gates are all the conveniences and comforts of Tradition. This masterplanned community is always hosting great events to keep your weekends just as busy as you like. Last month, residents enjoyed the Downtown Tradition Craft Festival at Tradition Village. This sidewalk soiree showcased both modern and classic pieces of art, plus tons of unique crafts from local artists. Living in sunny Florida, this was the perfect occasion to take out the cruisers and peddle over to our local Town Square.

With quite a few homes being sold in Vitalia since the start of the year, it has become apparent that we are a mustsee community. The active adult market has been on a consistent upward trend with increased home sales yearover-year in master-planned 55+ neighborhoods. It’s great to spend time with friends who just happen to be neighbors that share the same interest as you and appreciate the same pace of life. With residents of communities like Vitalia registering higher satisfaction rates, it’s no surprise why

so many boomers have ditched the blistering winters and decided to call Vitalia home.

Have you had a chance to do a Dusty Shoes Tour of our upcoming 24,000-square-foot Clubhouse with our Vitalia Sales Team? You won’t want to miss it. Our new Clubhouse is sure to become the social hub of our community with resort-style pools and spas. Plus, residents will be able to host meetings in one of three spaces including the huge banquet hall, browse the internet at the modern cyber café, or shoot some arrows in the dart room. Get your gym shoes ready because a fitness wave is going to hit! This top-notch amenity center includes an aerobics room where a certified instructor will hold daily classes in addition to multiple outdoor tennis and pickleball courts. The sales center is the place to check in concerning any updates about the construction progress or tours of this Vitalia gem, as well as any other community questions. This is such an uplifting community with a bright future, but it’s safe to say our most valuable players are the residents. Thank you for choosing Vitalia! Until next month!

David Smith 863-427-7000

Renewed Marriage Vows Mary and Vito Blancato and MaryAnn and Frank Barone renewed their marriage vows on February 15th at the Anniversary Mass held at St. Bernadette's Catholic Church.

The Blancatos

Congr

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coupl

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The Barones April 2014 | Vitalia Voice 3

department news

Age Verification & April Fools' Day The Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995

Kraig Carmickle Community Manager 321-332-1878 kcarmickle@aamfl.com

Effective March 12, 1989, it became unlawful to discriminate in any activities relating to the sale or rental of a dwelling because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. Of particular concern to our Association is the addition of "familial status" to the classes protected under Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. Familial status is defined as one or more individuals, who have not attained the age of 18 years, being domiciled with a parent or guardian, or the designee of such parent.

An exemption under the Fair Housing Act, the Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995, and comparable legislation adopted by the State of Florida and local authorities, is the only way to enforce any restrictions purporting to prohibit the permanent occupancy by children or regulate the activities of children under most circumstances. If the Association complies with the federal mandates of the Housing for Older Persons Act and the Administrative Regulations regarding the same, it will be able to promulgate rules restricting children. To qualify under the Act, the housing provider must be intended and operated for occupancy by persons age 55 and older, and:

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At least eighty percent (80%) of the occupied units must be occupied by at least one person age 55 or over (the term "occupied" is defined in the act, a temporarily vacant unit is considered occupied as is one occupied on a consistent periodic basis); The housing provider must publish and adhere to policies and procedures demonstrating an intent to provide housing for persons 55 years of age, or older; and

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The housing provider must engage in appropriate age verification procedures designed to ensure that future occupancy complies with the "55 and over" requirement (the law requires the housing provider prepare and renew surveys at least every two (2) years).

The age verification for Vitalia at Tradition was done at the end of 2012 and the next verification of age will happen in November of 2014. In the Association Office we keep a current record of age verifications of all homes closed within Vitalia and any new/resale homes sold. The age verification process happens when they meet with the office staff to get their transponder and Clubhouse access cards.

Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the Older Persons Act of 1995 or our current percentage of homes under the age of 55.

The Origin of April Fool’s Day

On a lighter note, April Fools' Day is celebrated in different countries on April 1st every year.

Sometimes referred to as All Fools' Day, April 1st is not a national holiday, but is widely recognized and celebrated as a day when many people play all kinds of jokes and foolishness.

The day is marked by the commission of goodhumored or otherwise funny jokes, hoaxes, and other practical jokes of varying sophistication on friends, family members, teachers, neighbors, work associates, etc.

Traditionally, in some countries such as Canada, New Zealand, the UK, Australia, Cyprus, and South Africa, the jokes only last until noon, and someone who plays a trick after noon is called an "April Fool" and taunted, "April Fool's Day's past and gone, you're the fool for making one." Elsewhere, such as in

Continued on Page 5 4 Vitalia Voice | April 2014

department news Continued From Page 4 France, Italy, South Korea, Japan, Russia, The Netherlands, Germany, Brazil, Ireland, and the U.S., the jokes last all day.

In France and Italy children (and adults, when appropriate) traditionally tack paper fish on each other's back as a trick and shout "April fish" in their local language ("poisson d'avril!" and "pesce d'aprile!" in French and Italian respectively).

The earliest recorded association between April 1st and foolishness can be found in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (1392). Many writers suggest that the restoration of January 1st as New Year's Day in the 16th century was responsible for the creation of the holiday, but this theory does not explain earlier references.

website, www.VitaliaAtTraditionHOA.com. Within the HOA website residents can view their personal account information for the HOA, submit maintenance requests, and download HOA documents and monthly HOA financials.

We will also utilize this HOA website and database to send weekly HOA email blasts with important community information. If you are having problems with the website or you cannot log onto the website, please email webmaster@ aamaz.com for further assistance. This will be a great tool to improve the overall communication within Vitalia.

Enjoy the month of April and no April Fools jokes please!

Community Website If you haven’t registered on the HOA website please take the time to register and explore the community

TGIF Fun!

April 2014 | Vitalia Voice 5

out & about Lifestyles Romeos Friday, April 4th | 12:30pm Tutto Fresco, 1184 Port St. Lucie Blvd.

Join the gentlemen of Vitalia in a neighborly lunch at Tutto Fresco. New neighbors can contact Rick Dixon at 772-3453147 or rdixon@vitaliaattraditionhoa.com for directions.

RSVP to the Activities Office.

Bunco Sunday, April 6th | 7pm Clubhouse

Come join the Bunco Club for a fun and energetic dice game. Are you unsure of how to play bunco? No worries, the group will be more than happy to teach you how to play.

RSVP to the Activities Office.

Juliets Thursday, April 10th Spoto's, Stuart, FL

The Vitalia Juliets enjoy good food and good company when they come together each month for a lovely lunch at a local restaurant. This Juliets at Juno Beach Fish House month the Juliets will be held at Spoto's in Stuart at 1pm. All ladies of Vitalia are welcome. RSVP to Carla Mansfield at 772-345-1460.

Trivia Saturday, April 19th | 7pm Clubhouse

Please join your friends and neighbors for a friendly game of trivia. Test your knowledge of a variety of categories. This is Vitalia’s most popular event. RSVP to the Activities Office starting TUESDAY, APRIL 1ST.

Bingo Sunday, April 27th | 7pm Clubhouse

Where can you go on a Sunday night for a couple of hours of fun with your neighbors? Don't know? Bingo. To RSVP email the Activities Office or leave a voice message for Donna or Debbie at the office.

Fitness Classes Current class schedules are posted in the Clubhouse and on the www.VitaliaAtTraditionHOA.com calendar.

Aqua Aerobics/Hydro Pilates M – T – W – Th | 11am Tuesdays | 9:30am Clubhouse

An excellent cardio and strength workout for people of all fitness levels. This class utilizes water weights, aqua gloves, and noodles to achieve a very unique workout. Swimming is not required.

Yoga Mondays | 12pm Clubhouse

Yoga is designed to actively improve flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as provide a unique physical experience.

This class (for all levels) integrates the practice of yoga with passive stretching techniques. You begin where you are and progress at your own pace with repeated practice.

Zumba Thursdays | 9am Saturdays | 7:45am, 9am Clubhouse

Come be part of one of the most popular classes offered at Vitalia! “Exercise in Disguise.” Zumba is a dance-fitness class that incorporates Latin and international music and dance. It offers a blended balance of cardio and muscle toning benefits.

Aqua Zumba Fridays | 9am Clubhouse

Get your ‘groove on’ as you burn calories with a complete, noimpact workout in the pool. This class is for men and women.

Stretch Fridays | 10am Clubhouse

This class is for all levels, men and women. Lengthen and strengthen your muscles, increase flexibility, and allow your body the time to relax and rebuild. Bring a yoga mat to class.

Senior Stretch Fridays | 11:15am (45 minute class) Clubhouse

This class is meant for those who would like to stay healthy and strong, while not having to get on the floor. All exercise is done while sitting or leaning on a chair.

6 Vitalia Voice | April 2014

out & about Classes

Poker

Mosaic

Every Monday through Thursday | 6:30pm-10pm Clubhouse

Mondays | 10am Guardhouse

Darts

This interesting class involves putting together small pieces of tile, glass, and pebbles to create patterns on a variety of surfaces.

Create beautiful items for your home or patio. Projects range from $35-$50. RSVP to the Activities Office.

Silk Painting Wednesdays | 9am Guardhouse

Mondays | 7pm

Annual membership dues are $5 per person. Please make checks payable to Vitalia Dart Club. Contact Dave Pachuta at mirage0204@htcplus.net or 772-345-2311.

Men's Golf Mondays

Steve Tuckman is leading this group which meets every Monday afternoon at different area golf courses. If you’d like to join, please contact Steve at tuck61494@gmail.com.

Ladies Golf

Debbie will be guiding you in creating a one of a kind masterpiece using easy Mosaic Art by Milt Bain techniques. This surprisingly simple art form has amazingly beautiful results! Projects range from $10-$20. RSVP to the Activities Office.

Mondays

The Vitalia Ladies 18 Hole Golf Group plays at various courses throughout St. Lucie County. If you have basic knowledge of the sport and are familiar with golfing etiquette, you are welcome to join. Contact Marianne Martinovic at marianne@htcplus.net.

Spanish

Bowling

Wednesdays | 9:30am Clubhouse

Tuesdays | 1:45pm Super Play U.S.A.

Challenge yourself to a healthier brain! Come learn a second language with your friends and neighbors. The cost is $20 per month. Contact Diana Reese for more information at 321-574-1158 or 772-408-8523.

Join your Vitalia neighbors for a friendly game of bowling.

Informal and fun. No RSVP needed. Just show up and play.

All skill levels welcome.

Canasta Every Tuesday through Thursday | 6:30pm-10pm Guardhouse

Club / Group WEEKLY EVENTS Mahjong Club Please contact Shelley Deixler at shell842@gmail.com for more information and days/times that the club will be meeting.

Stickball Sundays | 9am

Meet in the Clubhouse parking lot. This is a great way to spend a morning getting exercise and having fun. Play ball!

The club also meets on Monday evenings when there is availability in the Guardhouse.

Good News Club - Bible Study Wednesdays | 3pm Guardhouse

We are currently finishing up the last few chapters in our inspiring study of Genesis. We are looking forward to our next study of Exodus, as well as topical discussions in the weeks to come. One of the topics that we plan to study is how we can KNOW that the Bible is the Word of God. We enjoy learning the Truth handed down through millennia to us. The meeting usually lasts about one hour. If you have any questions, call Geof Hoge at 772-216-7005.

April 2014 | Vitalia Voice 7

out & about Club / Group Co-Ed Water Volleyball

Book Club

Wednesdays and Sundays | 9am Thursdays for Beginners | 3pm Clubhouse Pool

Tuesday, April 8th | 10am Guardhouse

This game is for anyone looking for a little friendly competition. No experience necessary. No RSVP needed.

Hand & Foot Thursdays | 1pm-4pm Clubhouse

We meet every Thursday at the Clubhouse. New players are cordially invited to learn and play.

Men's Water Volleyball Saturdays | 9am Clubhouse Pool

The men of Vitalia will meet at the pool for a friendly game of H2O Volleyball.

MONTHLY EVENTS Ladies of Vitalia (LOVe) Hadassah Tuesday, April 1st | 10:30am Clubhouse

Vitalia welcomes the Leah Williamson Hadassah Chapter.

Our name is Ladies of Vitalia (LOVe). Hadassah is a nonprofit organization that believes in Zionism and helps the two hospitals in Israel treat anyone who walks through its doors. We are meeting the first Tuesday of each month at 10:30am at the Clubhouse. We will have different speakers and topics for each meeting. LOVe is proud to announce that our April meeting speaker will be Rabbi Shafir, from Temple Beth El. Rabbi Shafir will introduce herself and talk about Passover and its meaning. We look forward to seeing you on April 1st. Refreshments will be served. RSVP to Roberta Brachfeld at 772-345-1166 or roblynne1@gmail.com.

Gun Club Thursday, April 3rd | 10:30am Clubhouse

This club discusses issues which are important to gun owners. Also, plans are made for an occasional trip to a shooting range. All are welcome; however, no guns or ammunition of any type are allowed in the Clubhouse.

Contact Jerry Mastrov at 772-345-0377 for more information.

8 Vitalia Voice | April 2014

This month we're meeting on the 8th because Passover is on the 15th. Please join us. We'll be discussing the book, Montana 1948 by Larry Watson.

From the summer of my twelfth year I carry a series of images more vivid and lasting than any others of my boyhood and indelible beyond all attempts the years make to erase or fade them… So begins David Hayden’s story of what happened in Montana in 1948. The events of that cataclysmic summer permanently alter twelve-year-old David’s understanding of his family: his father, a smalltown sheriff; his remarkably strong mother; David’s uncle Frank, a war hero and respected doctor; and the Haydens’ Sioux housekeeper, Marie Little Soldier, whose revelations turn the family’s life upside down as she relates how Frank has been molesting his female Indian patients. As their story unravels around David, he learns that truth is not what one believes it to be, that power is abused, and that sometimes one has to choose between family loyalty and justice.

Sunshine Club Thursday, April 17th | 10:30am Clubhouse

TO ALL RESIDENTS: The Sunshine Club will be having a question and answer hour. You are welcome to join us and learn about the wonderful reasons for this club. RSVP to cookierose827@aol.com by April 14th. Coffee and cookies will be served. Hope to see you there.

Garden Club Thursday, April 17th | 1:30pm Guardhouse

If you have questions, contact Lewis Honig at 772-345-1395.

Music Lovers Club Saturday, April 26th | 7pm Clubhouse

Our next event has the theme, "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."

This event is sold out! Should there be any last minute cancellations, an email will be sent to current members who were unable to purchase tickets. If seats still remain, a message will be sent to the entire community. As always, we thank the community for their support of our club!

out & about Club / Group RED HOT SEASONS EVENTS Red Hot Seasons Outing Wednesday, April 9th | 10:45am Ben’s Jewish Deli / Festival Flea Market

We will arrive at Ben's in Boca Raton around 12pm and at the Festival around 2pm, where you will receive $20 in Festival Bucks along with a canvas shopping bag to fill up with your items purchased. Please email shell842@gmail.com to confirm.

Local Annual Cut-a-Thon to Cut Out Cancer Sunday, April 6th | 10am-2pm Francesca's Hair Cutters, 245 Sebastian Blvd., Sebastian

100% of the proceeds will be given to the American Cancer Society’s - North County Relay for Life. $10 shampoo and hair cuts. Checks can be made out to American Cancer Society. Call 772-589-8788 for more information.

Donations appreciated!

Coffee with the Council Friday, April 11th | 8:30am Community Center, 2195 S.E. Airoso Blvd., Port St. Lucie

Red Hot Seasons Birthday Bash Friday, April 25th | 11am-3pm Sons of Italy – 765 Dalton Circle, Port St. Lucie, FL

Held by Treasure Coast Queens Council. Event Cost: $25. Vendors, door prizes, Red Hot Seasons at and a Red Hat Split (50/50).

Renato's Sally Langwah will be doing her “Nashville Show” with Patsy Cline, Minnie Pearl, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and others. Willie Nelson will also make a special appearance. REVERSE COLORS can be worn at this event - you can wear RED with a PURPLE HAT or keep our original PURPLE with a RED HAT. This event sells out within the first month so please let either Sue Ann or Helen Penzel know you want to go and please pay ASAP.

Red Hot Seasons Meeting Wednesday, May 21st

Join Mayor JoAnn Faiella and members of the City Council for a discussion of important topics of the day while you enjoy breakfast refreshments and coffee. This month's speaker is Council Member Shannon Martin. This event is free and open to the public and sponsored by the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce. For more information: http://www.stluciechamber.org/index.asp.

2nd Annual St. Lucie Luau for Life Friday, April 11th | 5pm Museum Point Park, 414 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce

Please join us to help us ensure every baby is born alive and able to thrive into adulthood! Call 772-467-2016 for tickets.

11th Annual Hibiscus Festival Saturday, April 12th | 7am Downtown Vero Beach, 2036 Fourteenth Avenue

Featuring art and music all day long!

Mary Blancato has volunteered to host this meeting.

Information will follow in next month.

Local APRIL EVENTS Lunafest 2014 Saturday, April 5th | 4pm 2190 Reserve Park Trace #13, Port St. Lucie

Hosted by the Inner Truth Project. Join us for this year's screening of films made by women about women. Film shows at 5pm and 8pm. Entertainment, appetizers, and shopping! Tickets are $15 for students, $20 for all others.

Purchase tickets at www.innertruthproject.org.

Ambassadors of Swing Dancing with the Big Band Tuesday, April 15th | 6:30pm Port St. Lucie Civic Center, 9221 S.E. Civic Center Place

Emerald Ballroom. “A Salute to Spring.” Tickets are $6 in advance or $8 at the door. Cash bar and snacks available for sale; outside food and beverages are not permitted. For more information: http://www.pslcommunityband.org.

PAL Country Fest - Carnival Thursday, April 17th | 4pm Fort Pierce Police Athletic League, 903 S 21st Street

Carnival big rides, kiddie rides, food, games, and country bands. Free concerts at 7pm.

April 2014 | Vitalia Voice 9

out & about Local Cruise for Success on the SS Education Foundation - Annual Spring Event Friday, April 25th | 7pm Port St. Lucie Civic Center, 9221 SE Civic Center Place

Tickets are $45. Be transported on the high seas with music, DJ/cruise director, carving station and mashed potato bar at the midnight buffet, Lido deck games including hula hooping and more! 100% of proceeds support programs that directly impact St. Lucie County teachers, classrooms, and students. Call 772-971-8384 or visit www.educationfoundationstlucie.org for more information.

Courage Challenge Kickoff Saturday, April 26th | 8:30am-2:30pm Halpatiokee Park, 8303 SW Lost River Road, Stuart

Over 65 acre park surrounded by 470 acres of wetland preserve area. Over 20 different obstacles. BBQ, picnic, campgrounds, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, bicycling, hiking, and boating.

MONTHLY EVENTS One Stop Shop Sale Fourth Sunday | 9:30am-1:30pm Port St. Lucie Civic Center, 9221 SE Civic Center Place

Provides local vendors with an opportunity to sell their crafts, wares, and food. We’ve made it easy for you to sign up as a vendor at what is sure to be a popular, and large, garage sale at www.cityofpsl.com. An 8 ft. by 10 ft. display area is available for $12.50 (including tax) per month.

Tables can be rented for an additional $10 (plus tax).

PSL Botanical Gardens Jazz & Blues Night Every Other Wednesday | 6:30pm Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens 2410 S.E. Westmoreland Blvd.

Listen to the wonderful sounds of the Fort Pierce Jazz and Blues Society indoors at the Gardens every other Wednesday night from 6:30pm-9:30pm. Admission is only $5 per person.

the '60s, '70s, and '80s. $5 in advance and $6 at the door.

Full liquor cash bar, $5 well drinks all night, and snacks for sale.

Food Truck Invasion Fourth Friday | 5pm-9:30pm Port St. Lucie Civic Center, 9221 SE Civic Center Place

Free admission. For more information: info@ foodtruckinvasion.com.

Casey N Spaz Comedy First & Third Saturdays | 8:30pm Port St. Lucie Civic Center, 9221 SE Civic Center Place

Comedian to be announced. Cash bar and munchies available. Tickets: $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

Preferred, up-front seating $15 per person (sold in advance only).

Community Garage Sale Third Saturday | 8am-12pm Minsky Gym, 750 S.W. Darwin Blvd., Port St. Lucie

Find a bargain at this great monthly event or reserve a parking spot and unload all of your unwanted "treasures."

Event is free to shoppers. Vendors pay only $6.40 per parking spot. Vendors must reserve and pay for space in advance. Contact Demetris Collins at dcollins@cityofpsl. com for more information.

Newsletter Deadlines Newsletter and calendar submissions should be emailed to dosterholz@aamfl.com.

May Submissions Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due Tuesday, April 1st by 3pm.

June Submissions Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due Thursday, May 1st by 3pm.

Solid Gold Dance Band "Dance Party"

July Submissions

Last Thursday | 7pm-10pm Port St. Lucie Civic Center, 9221 SE Civic Center Place

Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due Monday, June 2nd by 3pm.

A great night of music and dancing to classic rock from 10 Vitalia Voice | April 2014

out & about

Club Amici's Gala Club Amici celebrated it's 2nd anniversary with a gala party of love and laughter! Viva Italia was the theme of the evening! Joe and Ray Italian Classics did not disappoint.

We hope to hear more from our favorite Italian trio in the future!

We appreciate the Anniversary Committee of 7, along with spouses, who out did themselves to decorate, select door prizes, and promote an exciting evening. The Clubhouse has never looked so Italian! Special thanks to Angela who made herself available for untold hours to handle reservations and expenses!

We have grown in numbers, and in fun, thanks to those who joined us from the very start and continue to support Club Amici. You are the ones whose love for all things Italian

will move us into another awesome year! Now, with many newcomers adding their enthusiasm, we have doubled in attendance.

Are there words to describe our Italian food? Savory, rich, tasty, delicious, filling, authentic, ethnic, family, tomato, cheese, hearty, and oh so sweet!

Enjoy the photos below! Hopefully more pictures will come in, so keep checking on Facebook at: facebook.com/ groups/440771085968849/.

Our next event, Tombola Night, is May 16th. The hosts are "Rah Rah" Rick and Linda Dixon! Can you host in July or September in the new Clubhouse? Here comes Club Amici!

April 2014 | Vitalia Voice 11

news board

Vitalia Social Committee Every day there are more Vitalia friends to meet and more enjoyable things to do! The Vitalia Social Committee members eagerly arrange enjoyable events for our residents. We hope that you will take advantage of these various planned activities designed to have fun in and around our beautiful community. New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, Labor Day, and Memorial Day are some of the major reasons to celebrate living in Vitalia with events planned by the Social Committee.

There is also lots of fun to be had with Kentucky Derby Day, Angler’s Tournament, Halloween, and the Resident’s Art Show. Keep an eye open for sign-up dates for upcoming events to celebrate with friends in Vitalia.

Birdie Golf Club News

By Marianne Martinovic, Club President The club kicked the year off with a Birdie Challenge. The goal was to reach five (5) birdies and the reward was a fun happy hour event for the entire club.

During the first three weeks of January, birdies were scored by our very talented Jo-ann Pepling. For three weeks in a row she scored birdie after birdie after birdie. The first at Saint James and the next two at Gator Trace. Her putting was masterful as she sunk some very long and difficult putts. The excitement was building. In February, the dynamic duo, Anne-Marie Dolbeau and Phyllis Grinberg closed the deal. Both scoring birdies at Gator Trace on the same day. They each had super drives and made their birdies on a par 4 look like child’s play. We congratulate Jo-ann, Anne-Marie, and Phyllis for being our Birdie-Birdies of 2014. On February 24th, after a fun day of golf, we toasted to their success at our local LongHorn Steakhouse. Please join me in giving them a big “Atta Girl!” The Birdies enjoyed the 2014 challenge and will make it a yearly event.

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brain games

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ACURA ATVS BICYCLING BMW CAMRY CANOEING CHARGER CHEVROLET CHRYSLER CTS DODGE ENCORE

FORD GOLF CARTS HYUNDAI IMPALA LEXUS LINCOLN MALIBU MAZDA MERCEDES MINIVAN MITSUBISHI MOTORCYCLE

NISSAN OLDSMOBILE PICKUP TRUCKS PRIUS REGAL RUNNING SCOOTER SUZUKI TOYOTA VOLKSWAGON VOLVO WALKING

Puzzle submitted by resident, Helen Penzel.

April 2014 | Vitalia Voice 13

vitalia vines

Desert Rose

Nan Rothschild Resident Master Gardener mininan1@htcplus.net

The Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) is a succulent plant native to East Africa and parts of Arabia and a member of the Dogbane (Aponcynaceae) Family.

It has male and female flowers on the same plant.

It is a fleshy and briefly deciduous shrub. The main stem is short, thick, and fleshy. Most have a distinct, irregular swollen base, called a caudex.

Most of the caudex is underground. Above ground, the caudex can be globose to conical in mature specimens. Branches are smooth, grayish-green to brown, upright and irregularly spaced. Leaves are spirally-arranged and are mostly crowded at the ends of branches. They are fleshy, shiny dark green to bluish-green above, paler green and dull below.

Leaf type is simple, entire and hairless and 2 to 4 ½ inches long and 1 to 3 inches wide.

Flowers are showy and arranged in terminal corymbs (clusters). They are salver form (trumpetshaped) and up to 3 inches long and wide. They come in shades of red, white, pink, and yellow.

The margin is wavy or crinkled. There is no fragrance. Desert roses are capable of flowering all year, sparingly during winter, more profusely in February through November. In late winter and early spring, because they are semi-deciduous, sometimes they have flowers and no or few leaves.

The fruits (seed pods) are not often seen and are usually borne in pairs resembling the horns of a steer. Slender, 4 inch long follicles split along one side when mature to release many seeds. The seeds are brown with long, silky golden-brown hair tufts at each end. New plants can be started from cuttings or seeds. Six inch or longer tip cuttings should be allowed to callus over and then be dipped in fungicide before potted. Seeds are placed on the soil surface and covered with a dusting of soil. Keep baby plants in a cool dry place until leaves have appeared. Gradually acclimate the seedlings to full sun. Seed grown plants are typically vigorous and can flower in as little as 12 months.

Avoid choosing very deep pots as this encourages carrot shaped caudices. The growth of root-bound container plants is generally curtailed and they should be repotted until they attain their desired

14 Vitalia Voice | April 2014

size. Keeping a plant root-bound is one method of achieving a “bonsai” Desert Rose plant. After the first three years of the plant's life, raise the plant at each repotting, exposing more and more of the underground caudex and roots.

Although blooms are impressive, the "fat" caudex is often the main feature of the plant. Only seed plants naturally produce above-ground caudices.

This is recognizable 2 to 3 years after germination.

Cuttings will not produce above-ground caudices unless manipulated by removing the plant from its medium and replanting it 1 to 2 inches above its former depth. This exposes a portion of the underground caudex. This should be done only once a year during the warm months from March to October. Container plants lifted can be repotted in the same container. Once lifted, the exposed caudex will continue to expand in size as the plant grows in girth. Some of the exposed roots will eventually fuse with the caudex to give each plant its unique shape. Plants grown from seed can be lifted in the same manner.

Desert roses must be grown in full sun or they become leggy. Under ideal conditions, a desert rose can live for hundreds of years. Good soil drainage is important to prevent root rot. They are slow growers unless generously watered and fertilized. The fastest growth is in the first 3 to 5 years. Use a granular, slow release, high nitrogen fertilizer in early spring, June, and November.

To stimulate growth and flowering, half strength liquid fertilizer may be applied weekly during growing season. Pinching or pruning should be done once a year from February to September.

Protect it from temperatures lower than 35° F, as it may cause tip dieback. Prune off damaged tissues immediately to prevent spread of rot. Lichen patches may develop on the trunk and older limbs. This will not affect the health of the plant.

Aphids, mealy bugs, scale and spider mites may be occasional problems. Oleander caterpillars can quickly consume most leaves on the plant. Remove affected leaves by glove covered hand. Contact your extension office for pesticide suggestions.

April 2014 | Vitalia Voice 15

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