Vitalia Voice | March 2014

VITALIA

VOICE March 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 | March 2014

birthdays Carin D'Oca Tom Scott Bill Sheehan Alice Honig Pamela Tropp Mirka Boczon George Reidlich Susan Scott Marjorie Seay William (Bill) Boczon Millard Walter Robert Deruschi Ruth Webster Joe Stallone Sara Schwartz Mark Rosenbaum Fran Benish Esther Ferguson Burton Minsky Richard Peterson Bob Steil Kathy Simon Arlene Klein Joy Bailey Fred Bazar Philip Savader Terry Steeves Mike Finkelstein Margarita Otero Joyce Marmorato Brenda Perry Mark Stowasser Larry Adams

1st 2nd 2nd 3rd 3rd 6th 9th 10th 11th 11th 11th 12th 12th 14th 14th 16th 17th 17th 17th 17th 18th 18th 19th 20th 21st 21st 22nd 25th 26th 26th 26th 27th 31st

anniversaries Fedele & Dotty Annese Ken & Ronnie Grossman Michael & Joanne Mamo Steve & Linda Krac Brian & Linda Stadtler Philip & Karen Savader Steve & Faith Kamins Millard & Mary Walter Chaunce & Tracy Braun Robert & Sue Ann Goldman

3rd 8th 9th 11th 14th 21st 22nd 24th 25th 30th

department news

By David Smith, Division President of AV Homes, Inc.

V

italia at Tradition is the talk of the town during spring! Last month Tradition Field hosted the NY Mets home opener against the Washington Nationals. Being the first game of the spring training season, we were all more than excited to welcome the boys back to their homeaway-from-home. Before the time of television, internet, and video games, children and young adults played ball.

This era was characterized by a culture where everyone and anyone knew something about baseball. The sport gained popularity so quickly that clubs began popping up all over the country. So much so, that baseball was subsequently coined "America’s Pastime." So grab your partner or round up the whole gang and catch an old-fashioned, all-American game of ball at Tradition Field!

It’s been a long haul towards the completion of our anticipated clubhouse. However, in a few short months, you’ll find out why it’s been worth the wait! For all you anxious-Annies, experience the rough draft during a dusty shoes experience. Fitted with a hard hat, be ready to get your hands dirty and tour the construction progress of the 24,000 sq. ft. top-of-the-line center. Save the chic garb for the Grand Opening because this could get dusty! More details to come.

Stay in the loop and never miss another Vitalia affair again! The super-friendly team at the Sales Center is an information depot on everything Vitalia from special offers and incentives to clubhouse and community updates.

There’s always something new! And, we can’t overlook the

new home construction now can we? That’s right! We’re making room for all your friends because, as always, friends make the perfect neighbors. Share with them about the lifestyle and we’ll handle it from there. Once again, keep the Sales Center in mind next time you’re entertaining, it is an absolute must see. Together we’ve built something great here! Take pride in showing off your stunning active adult community in beautiful Port St. Lucie! Until next month!

David Smith 863-427-7000

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

April Submissions Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due Monday, March 3rd by 3pm.

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.

March 2014 | Vitalia Voice 3

department news

Reasons to Pick Up After Your Pet

D

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

ealing with pet waste is one of those topics that every pet owner must deal with, but no one likes to talk about. The fact is, the majority of community and neighborhood pet problems result from the inappropriate handling of pet waste. In addition, pet waste is the greatest source of potential health risk for your pet and your family. Please take the time to read the information provided below and help keep our community clean and safe for all of our residents, even the furry ones!

Disease Control Pets smell it, roll in it, walk in it, even ingest it, and oftentimes, pick up serious diseases from it. Animal feces are one of the most common sources of the following diseases: • Parvovirus is one of the deadliest diseases in the dog population, particularly among puppies. Gaining entry through the mouth, the virus attacks the digestive tract and kills cells that are critical in the absorption of nutrients. Severe fluid loss through diarrhea and vomiting can lead to death.

Parvo also temporarily affects a dog's immune system and can lead to heart failure in some young dogs.

• Whipworms are blood suckers, tunneling into the wall of the intestine for their blood meals. Vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss are common symptoms, and in large numbers, these parasites can cause anemia.

Difficult to diagnose, they are even harder to eliminate because they are often present in very large numbers.

• Hookworms are blood suckers attaching to the intestinal wall where they suck plugs of the intestinal tissue into their mouth structures. Anemia and/or intense inflammation can result. Hookworm infections can be passed to humans.

• Roundworms (ascarids) can affect the lungs and the digestive system, with typical signs being vomiting and diarrhea. Convulsions can occur with heavy infections and the disease can spread to humans.

4 Vitalia Voice | March 2014

•

•

Giardia are one-celled parasites that can cause diarrhea in dogs and cats. Infection with Giardia is often difficult to diagnose and treat effectively.

Coccidia are also one-celled parasites that can cause diarrhea, especially in puppies and kittens.

The best way to prevent these diseases, and the many bacterial infections pets can acquire from stools, is to clean up after your pet. It is easy to think that when the grass gets cut or when it rains the waste will disappear, but this is not the case. When the waste breaks up or scatters, this allows the worms or germs to spread into the environment.

Keep our Landscapes Beautiful Many think that leaving animal waste on the grass will simply act as a fertilizer but it does not. Cow manure is a good fertilizer because cows are vegetarian. Generally, waste that contains decomposed plant material from animals that eat a plant-based diet can benefit your landscaping. Your personal pets have a higher protein (meat) based diet and their waste can be highly acidic and actually damage landscaping.

If you haven’t registered on the HOA website please take the time to register and explore the community 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 St. Patrick’s Day and the beautiful month of March!

department news

Architectural Requests My last two newsletter articles addressed architectural requests, and I am happy to say that I have been receiving a lot of them.

Unfortunately, I am receiving many of them from people who have not closed on their homes yet. I cannot process a request until you have closed on your home. I will be more than happy to answer any of your questions and explain what is needed in the interim.

Dotti Pleitgen Community Standards Manager

This is the time of year when everyone likes to dress up their yards with ornamental yard and wall art, bird baths, fountains, and

863-427-7032 dpleitgen@aamfl.com

statuary. Please remember that all of these items need approval prior to installation. I hope everyone enjoys the month of March, the beginning of the Easter season, St. Patrick’s Day (one of my favorites), and of course, the arrival of spring.

Have fun!

Season Sunshine Club Mission: It is the mission of the Sunshine Club to provide

There shall be three defined co-signers for checks. Three

sympathy and/or support to each resident by providing a

committee member signatures will be needed on the account

community response to such situations as illness or death.

to sign checks. There shall be an annual audit of the account by someone who is not a Sunshine Fund committee member

Death or Illness: In the event of a death to an immediate

prior to the annual meeting.

household member (person that lives here), the club's response will be a choice of a food platter, flowers, or a

Officers and Tenure: The committee members will serve for

monetary donation ($100) to a specified charity. In the event

one year with the option to remain on the committee for an

of a death of a non-household member who is a parent, child,

additional year (making it a two-year term). There will be five

grandchild, great grandchild, brother, or sister, a monetary

members with one alternate member. The committee shall

donation ($50) will be provided to a charity of choice. In the

meet annually prior to March 31st and a new state of officers

event of hospitalization (24 hours or more) of a resident, a gift,

shall be determined and sworn in at the annual meeting.

donation, platter, plant, or flowers in the amount of $25 will be provided to the resident.

The Sunshine Committee Members for 2013-2014 Helen Penzel - President

A member of the committee shall contact a family member

Joan Colangelo - Vice President

prior to the purchase of any item or donation. A club member

Mary Blancato - Secretary

will ask for the family's preference. In all circumstances, a

Fran Weissman - Social Secretary

sympathy card appropriate to the family and resident's faith

Barbara DiGregorio - Treasurer

shall be sent with a signature reflecting the entire community.

Bonnie Brody - Alternate

Managing the Sunshine Fund: There shall be a system set

For more information on the Season Sunshine Club, contact

up to allow for deposits of receipts into a checking account.

Helen Penzel at cookierose827@aol.com.

March 2014 | Vitalia Voice 5

recipes

Leprechaun Pie Prep time

Ingredients

Total time

1 reduced fat graham cracker crust 8 oz tub fat free whipped topping, thawed 1 box fat free pistachio pudding 20 oz can crushed pineapple in juice

Yields

Instructions

5 minutes 2 hours 5 minutes

8 servings

Recipe from Spark Recipes

Join Us for a Senior Chair Stretch Class!

1.

Mix thoroughly the whipped topping, pudding powder, and pineapples (with pineapple juice from can).

2. Pile mixture into pie crust. (Optional: add additional whipped topping and garnish with pistachios or graham cracker crumbs on top.)

3. Chill in refrigerator for at least two hours.

H2O Gym with Lynn Mondays-Thursdays, 11am

Fridays, 11:15am-12pm

Benefits of Water Fitness A seated stretch class designed to improve overall health and wellness. You may sit or use the chair as your base, and work at your own pace! Have you avoided stretch and exercise classes because you were nervous, shy, or think that you CAN’T do it? Do you have health conditions or physical limitations that make you feel you can’t? Yes you can! You just have to try.

There are so many ways to benefit, both mentally and physically, from stretching and creating positive blood flow throughout the body. I am sure that your doctor has advised you to exercise and eat right or to “get moving.” Well, the best way to start is to start slow and treat the body right with STRETCHING. Even if you are already active, YOU WILL BENEFIT from stretching, toning, and improving circulation. Relieve back, neck, shoulder, and knee pain, increase self-esteem, improve balance and posture, and learn about your body and your health. Reverse the negative cycle by taking the first step! Each step after will be stronger and easier. What do you have to lose? Sign up in the clubhouse and join the fun.  The class is run by Terri Cousins (ISSA Certified Fitness Professional/Specialist in Exercise Therapy/Yoga Instructor) Please arrive after 11am, as our regular Stretch class is still in session.

6 Vitalia Voice | March 2014

• • • • • • •

Improves flexibility - muscular strength and endurance Improves core stability - balance and coordination Speeds up metabolism REDUCES STRESS Provides an exercise mode that executes less impact on the joints and bones Improves circulation And so much more!

Have I mentioned how fun it is? Come join us and see for yourself. It's a very special program for the body, mind, and spirit.

Lynn is a professionally certified Water Fitness Instructor and Hydro Pilates Instructor.

March 2014 | Vitalia Voice 7

out & about Lifestyles Romeos Friday, March 7th | 12:30pm Duffy's at Super Play U.S.A.

Join the gentlemen of Vitalia in a neighborly lunch at Duffy's Sports Grill at Super Play off of Peacock Road. RSVP to the Activities Office.

Bunco Sunday, March 9th | 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, March 13th | 1pm Giuseppe's Italian Restaurant, Jupiter, FL

Lively conversations and an enticing menu selection await all the ladies of Vitalia at this month's Juliets. Come and join us for lunch at Giuseppe's in Jupiter. RSVP to Carla Mansfield at 772-345-1460.

Trivia Saturday, March 15th | 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 SATURDAY, MARCH 1ST.

Bingo Sunday, March 23rd | 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.

Club Bank Information

Any club that collects funds needs to set up a bank account.

You will need the Articles of Incorporation for Vitalia at Tradition. Please contact Zaid or Shannon at Tradition Wells Fargo for a free basic checking account. They are located at 10330 SW Village Center Dr. in Port St. Lucie. Contact information is 772-345-1602 or zaid.iqbal@wellsfargo.com.

8 Vitalia Voice | March 2014

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 (NEW CLASS) 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 NEW 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.

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.

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.

Conversational Italian (New Class)

Men's Golf

Tuesdays | 4pm-5:30pm Guardhouse

Mondays

It's never too late to learn a new language. The cost is $20 for the month. The instructor is Maria Zaniboni. Please call the Activities Office for details.

Silk Painting

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 Mondays

Wednesdays | 9am Guardhouse

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

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 Wednesdays | 9am Clubhouse

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.

Club / Group WEEKLY EVENTS Mahjong Club Please contact Sue Ann Goldman at 772-345-2460 or bobsue@htcplus.net 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!

Tuesday Game Night Bowling Tuesdays | 1:45pm Super Play U.S.A.

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.

March 2014 | Vitalia Voice 9

out & about Club / Group Canasta Every Tuesday through Thursday | 6:30pm-10pm Guardhouse

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

Good News Club - Bible Study Wednesdays | 3pm (NEW TIME) 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. We will meet every Wednesday at 3pm starting March 5th. The meeting usually lasts about one hour. If you have any questions, call Geof Hoge at 772-216-7005.

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

Club Amici Friday, March 7th | 6pm Clubhouse

Join us for Club Amici's Gala 2nd Anniversary Celebration!

There will be music and dancing! Space is limited for this event. Please contact Angela Moltzon for details at angelam1944@aol.com.

Book Club Tuesday, March 18th | 10am Guardhouse

This month, instead of discussing one book, we've decided to have an OPEN HOUSE. Please bring your favorite title and author and discuss why you think it would be a good book for our book club. We look forward to meeting new members.

Co-Ed Water Volleyball

Music Lovers Club

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

Tuesday, March 18th | 7pm Clubhouse

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 Gun Club Thursday, March 6th | 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 Mark Rosenbaum at 772-345-2626 for more information. Also, see "Looking Ahead" article on page 12!

Sunshine Club Thursday, March 20th | 10:30am Clubhouse

Garden Club Thursday, March 20th | 1:30pm Guardhouse

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

RED HOT SEASONS EVENTS Red Hot Seasons High Tea Wednesday, March 19th | 12pm Clubhouse

Join us for High Tea, hosted by our chapter at the Vitalia Clubhouse. We are asking ladies who are interested, and would like to join us, to please contact Nan at 772-345-2434 or Sue Ann at 772-345-2460.

Red Hot Seasons Outing Wednesday, April 9th | 10:45am [DATE CHANGE] Ben’s Jewish Deli / Festival Flea Market Continued on Page 11

10 Vitalia Voice | March 2014

out & about Club / Group 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. Need your responses by March 1st if you wish to drive. Please email shell842@gmail.com to confirm.

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

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

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

Mary Blancato has volunteered to host this meeting.

Information will follow in next month's edition of the Vitalia Voice.

Local MARCH EVENTS 49th Annual St. Lucie County Fair Saturday-Sunday, March 1st-9th | 12pm-11pm St. Lucie County Fairgrounds 15601 W. Midway Road, Fort Pierce

Ticket prices range from $1-$6 in advance and $3-$10 at the gate. Kids 5 and under are free. $17 for advanced purchased unlimited ride armbands and $20-$25 at the gate. Parking is $3+. Swine Sale at 5pm. Home arts, 4-H Horticulture Contest (12pm-2pm), vendors, food, and more!

Local dancing in the streets, and who knows, you may even get a kiss! Wine tasting, buffet, live DJ, photo booth, and more.

Silent auction, King & Queen Best Costume (optional). To benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

St. Patrick's Day Extravaganza Sunday, March 16th | 12pm-1am Monday, March 17th | 12pm-11:30pm Kilted Mermaid, 1937 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach

Live music by Paul Rowan at 2pm, followed by Kilt The Messenger at 7pm.

WEEKLY EVENTS Inlet Beach Party Sundays | 1pm-11pm Inlet Beach Bar and Grille, 110 South Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce

Get your super soaker and swimsuits ready! Enjoy volleyball, ping pong, corn hole, fresh food, drink specials, and more. Rain or shine event. Covered areas available!

Open Mic Jam Sundays | 2pm-6pm Uncle Dom's Beer & Billiards, 122 S US Highway 1, Vero Beach

Show off your Muscle, Antique and Modified Car and/or Bike Sundays | 4pm-8pm 10221 SW Meeting Street, Port St Lucie

Featuring car awards, door prizes, raffles, 50/50 drawing, and a live concert!

Latin Dance Night Mondays | 6:30pm-10pm Port St. Lucie Civic Center, 9221 SE Civic Center Place

Featuring live music by the St. Lucie Tropical Jazz Band at 7:15pm. Doors open at 6pm. $5 for couples in advance, $8 at the door. Full cash bar and snacks. Free basic salsa dance lessons, followed by live music. Call 772-807-4488 for more information.

Mardi Gras and Wine Tasting

Thursday Night Lights

Tuesday, March 4th | 6pm Tutto Fresco West, 9501 Reserve Blvd., Port St. Lucie

Thursdays | 7:30pm St. Lucie Mets Stadium, 525 NW Peacock Blvd.

You're invited to join us for an evening of bliss, showing support for the Treasure Coast's only candidate for Woman of the Year, Renée Komanetsky. Crowns, beads, masks,

Enjoy football and fun at the park. Free admission. Wear a football jersey and get a free drink.

March 2014 | Vitalia Voice 11

out & about Local Free Friday Matinee

Tot Shabbat with Puppets

Fridays | 2pm Fort Pierce Branch Library, 101 Melody Lane, Fort Pierce

First Friday | 6pm Temple Beth El Israel, 551 SW Bethany Drive, Port St. Lucie

Enjoy a different movie each week! Call 772-462-2787 to find out what movie is showing.

Tropical Soul Saturdays Saturdays | 1pm Inlet Beach Bar and Grille, 110 South Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce

Family fun. There will be corn hole, volleyball, and reggae music. There will be an area for kids to play in.

MONTHLY EVENTS Theater on the Plaza Second & Fourth Thursdays | 6pm Port St. Lucie Civic Center, 9221 SE Civic Center Place

Activities for kids, music, concession area provided by Caffe Luna, and a free family movie beginning at dusk.

Weather permitting. Call 772-807-4488 for information.

USA Dance of Vero Beach Third Thursday | 7pm 2140 14th Avenue, Vero Beach

Stay for the Luck dinner. 772-336-2424 for information.

Gallery Stroll First Friday | 5pm-8pm Art Galleries, Downtown Dine & Design District, Vero Beach

Open to the public. Enjoy refreshments and view the artists' latest work.

Friday Nights at Vita Lounge First Friday | 10pm-4am 1225 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach

Presented by Image Entertainment and HMG.

2nd Street Classic Car Show Last Friday | 6pm-9pm Fort Pierce City Marina, 1 Avenue A, Fort Pierce

Sunset Saturday Night Concert Series Second Saturday | 5:30pm-8:30pm Humiston Park, 3000 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach

Hosted by the Oceanside Business Association.

One hour dance lesson at 7pm. Dancing from 8pm-10pm. $8 for USA Dance members, $10 for non-members.

Music Lovers Club Looking Ahead

W

hen long-term resident Mark Rosenbaum started the Music Lovers Club last July, he had no idea how popular the club would be. Eight months later, the club has more members than space to fit them and every event offered has been completely sold out! At monthly meetings the members have enjoyed listening to and watching video presentations of music from every genre. The music, selected and presented by Mark (whose B.S. in music and doctorate in education have resulted in his nickname Dr. Rock), has included folk music, jazz, gospel, blues, rock, pop, and country. As a result of positive word-of-mouth about evening programs offered by the Music Lovers Club, such as A Tribute 12   Vitalia Voice | March 2014

to American Bandstand, 60s Night, and, most recently, Doo Wop & Disco, interest among non-members of the club also continues to grow. With this is mind, the club officers, Mark Rosenbaum (President), Lewis Honig (Vice President), Arlene Klein (Treasurer), and Lynette Polo (Secretary) have begun planning how to best meet the needs of the community when the new clubhouse opens. With room to house as many as 200 residents for an event, the opportunity to expand the club membership from its current high of 94 members is a very exciting prospect. Once an announcement for an opening date of the new facility has been made, word will go out to the entire community about how to enroll. Keep listening!

brain games

Word Search Puzzle Find and circle all of the words listed below related to work we retired from. Search words horizontally and vertically.

R E A L E S T A T E B R O K E R S L G K S S R N R A S N S N Q L S E P Y S E R A A R T R E G T W H A I A U E T S E R E R E W R O N E I I I Y C C N M I C A T R A S E T E M W E D L N S E E I O S L T N A A T R T H N E E G L P E T R T T O E T R T U T I J A G F N S A I P E S S L I T L D I N R O L N C I U T U L U U R S L A L R A E C U A R I T J F R I O E B S S R I C O A S S A O N S M E E E C N H V E Q T E N I P C R I N C T I R A W R E D B A S A O G E D I S A G S C O N V C E I M U A R U D L A M E B R O N M A U V N H L F E S N T O L I H E M F I P E Q L R E N E E R N T K Z H Z P A N T H O Y R D B C N E R R D T R E A P B E M A C T O R S E Y U T R S P L S Y R W O M U S I C A N S R L E F O S Q U S M N S X R S E C R E T A R I E S O R W R I T E R S B D

ACCOUNTANTS ARTISTS BANKERS CAR SALESMEN CARTOONIST CATERERS ELECTRICIANS ENGINEERS FBI FIRE FIGHTERS GARMENT INDUSTRY HOUSE BUILDERS

HOUSEWORK INVENTORS IRS JEWELER LAWYERS LINEMAN MANAGERS MILITARY MODELS MUSICIANS NURSES OPERATORS (PHONE)

PILOTS POLITICIANS QUILT DESIGNERS REAL ESTATE BROKERS RESTAURANTOUR RUNNERS SECRETARIES SUPPLIERS TEACHERS TRAVEL AGENTS WRITERS

Puzzle submitted by resident, Helen Penzel.

March 2014 | Vitalia Voice 13

vitalia vines

Ixora

Nan Rothschild Resident Master Gardener mininan1@htcplus.net

Ixora is an attractive landscape shrub that is frequently seen in Vitalia around Royal Palms and in front of homes. It is acid-loving and will require more fertilization management than plants that are adapted to growing in alkaline soils, like we have in Florida. Avoid planting ixora close to your concrete foundation or concrete walkways, and screen soil for concrete fragments that may cause soil pH to be too high for good plant growth. (A high pH indicates that soil is too alkaline and low pH indicates acidic soil.) Ixoras likes a pH around 5.

When grown under proper conditions, ixora has dark green glossy leaves and colorful flower cluster that bloom year round. Ixora is a woody shrub, perennial in our area, and annual in the north. Depending on the cultivar, this lowgrowing evergreen shrub can grow between 3 and 8 feet tall. Ixora can be used for hedges, specimen plants, or grown in large box planters.

It likes full sun, but will tolerate light shade. Do not overwater.

An annual pruning is usually best to keep your ixora flowering. Avoid repeatedly shearing off the tips of branches because this removes emerging flower buds and you won’t get many flowers. Pruning should be done in early spring when plants begin to send out new growth.

Ixora needs a well-drained site. Do not plant under an overhang or near drain spouts. Do not use rock as mulch. Apply 3 inches of organic mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Ixora grown in alkaline soil is prone to iron and manganese deficiencies. This appears as new foliage turning yellow or yellowing between the leaf veins while veins remain green. If it continues, leaves may become smaller and buds may die. Although chelated iron and manganese can be applied to the soil as granular fertilizer, alkaline soil prevents most of it from being taken up by the plant. Liquid micronutrients sprayed on the foliage work best for treatment.

Organic mulches and using acidic fertilizer help lower pH.

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The most common ixora pests are aphids, scale insects, and mealy bugs. Sooty mold, a black fungus that grows on bug excrement, can follow. Control of the pests will solve the problem. Try using horticultural oil spray late in the day weekly for five weeks. Nematodes can also be a problem, so mulch around the plant but not up to the trunk.

Ixora can be propagated by 4 to 6-inch cuttings of both under tips and semi-hardwood growth.

Use a rooting hormone, well-drained growth medium and keep lightly watered. Roots should appear in 4 to 6 weeks.

Cultivars

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Ixora coccina - most common in Florida with yellowish-orange blooms Ixora x ‘Nora Grant’ - pink-red flowers, much grown, name application is inconsistent Ixora casei ‘Super King’ - large red flowers Ixora x ‘Angela Busman’ - rose flowers Ixora x ‘Maui’ - orange flowers Ixora x ‘Prince of Orange’ - orange flowers Ixora chinensis ‘Fraseri’ - orange-rose flowers Ixora ‘Singapore Yellow’ - yellow flowers Ixora x ‘Frances Perry’ - yellow flowers Ixora x ‘Herrera’s White’ - white flowers Ixora ‘Aurora’ - orange flowers, shade tolerant Dwarf cultivars are also available in orange, pine, red, and yellow.

St. Patrick's Day Party JOIN US FOR IRISH MUSIC, FOOD, & FUN!

March 17th | 4pm–8pm Vitalia Clubhouse Dinner Includes

Corned Beef Cabbage Potatoes Carrots Cole Slaw Seeded and Unseeded Rye Bread Relish Tray with Pickles and Mustard Iced Tea Water Dessert BYOB

Caricatures

Caricatures will be done from 4pm–8pm on a first come, first served basis. The caricatures will be done by Tony Digregorio.

What to Bring

Bring your artifacts from Ireland for the display table and your best story. Is it blarney or true? See if you can stump the crowd!

Cost

Price per resident: $15 NO RESERVED TABLES.

Attire

Wear anything green to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and the Irish!

RSVP

Please let the Activities Office know if you will be attending. RSVP and PAY no later than Monday, March 10th. No refunds after March 10th. Meal tickets will be issued upon payment.

More Information

If you have questions or need additional information, call Donna or Debbie at 772345-4921.

March 2014 | Vitalia Voice 15

March 2014 10023 SW Oak Tree Circle Port St. Lucie, FL 34987