Vitalia Voice | January 2014

VITALIA New Year's Celebrations

Discover the history and traditions behind this great holiday!

PAGE 4

Staying Active Local Events, Clubs, Groups, & Classes PAGES 7-10

Vitalia Vines

Learn about growing ginger.

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VOICE January 2014 | www.VitaliaAtTraditionHOA.com

Vitalia Information birthdays 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

1st 1st 1st 4th 5th 7th 8th 8th 8th 10th 11th 11th 11th 12th 12th 12th 12th 18th 19th 19th 21st 24th 24th 26th 26th 27th 27th 27th 28th 28th 28th 28th 30th 31st

772-871-5330

(Set Up)

Social Security Administration

800-772-1213

Port St. Lucie County

Jack Moore John Smith Sal Terlato Angela Moltzon Sandi Breier Nan Rothschild Anne Murnane Steve Olster Clement Patry Sandy Greene Iris Bowers Shirley Bright Mary Quigley Susan Alterman Carole Honig Richard Oleszewski Carol Honig Theresa Embler Jennifer Ball Robert Gregory James Brachfeld John Anderson Steve Cohen Bettina Scerbo Carolyn Stubbs Holly Birnel Arthur Leonardo Elaine Matte Barbara Gershon Lyvonne Hippperling Ron Kaplan Martin Wilson Mary Alice Nice Katye Young

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 | January 2014

anniversaries Mark & Mary Quigley James & Roberta Brachfeld Dave & Kathy Pachuta George & Elizabeth Earle Barry & Kathie Preville

10th 15th 15th 19th 21st

department news

By David Smith, Division President of AV Homes, Inc. First things first I would like to say Happy New Year Vitalia! It was a great holiday season with events like the Holiday Cookie Exchange. This was such a nice way for master bakers and amateurs alike to come out and showcase their culinary prowess. This fantastic array of home-baked treats was the perfect way to put everyone in the holiday spirit. As for the Romeos and Juliets, the former enjoyed a neighborly lunch while the classic Juliets had the ultimate ladies afternoon at Cobb’s Landing. Both of these groups always know how to have a great time reminiscing about the past and making memories for the future.

Regarding the great sunshine state, I am pleased to report that we are on the hot list for re-emerging housing markets.

Quarter-over-quarter, the median home sale price and number of home closings in Florida has increased. The

Southwest part of the state has seen a huge increase of shoppers within the active-adult community market due to a rise in migration to the area. These buyers are not just curious, but looking to make investments into the lifestyle that communities like Vitalia offer. It’s great news to jumpstart a fantastic new year!

Our state-of-the-art clubhouse is still moving along at a fantastic pace promising Vitalia a summer filled with exciting events and activities. I know this project has been long in the making, but I promise you we have made it worth the wait. As always, your neighborhood Sales Center will have the most up-to-date news concerning Vitalia with any special offers, contests, or incentives. I know how we all love showing off our beautiful community, so don’t sell your guests short. Bring them by to speak with our friendly staff on how they too can live the lifestyle. It’s going to be a great year and I’m excited to see what’s in store for us!

David Smith 863-427-7000

Clubhouse Progress

January 2014 | Vitalia Voice 3

department news

Happy New Year!

Kraig Carmickle Community Manager 863-427-7103 kcarmickle@aamfl.com

That greeting will be said and heard for at least the first couple of weeks as the new year gets under way. But the day celebrated as New Year's Day in modern America was not always January 1st.

Babylonians. Popular modern resolutions might include the promise to lose weight or quit smoking. The early Babylonian's most popular resolution was to return borrowed farm equipment.

Ancient New Year's

The Tournament of Roses Parade dates back to 1886. In that year, members of the Valley Hunt Club decorated their carriages with flowers. It celebrated the ripening of the orange crop in California.

The celebration of the new year is the oldest of all holidays. It was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4,000 years ago. In the years around 2,000 B.C., the Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon (actually the first visible crescent) after the Vernal Equinox (first day of spring).

The beginning of spring is a logical time to start a new year. After all, it is the season of rebirth, of planting new crops, and of blossoming. January 1st, on the other hand, has no astronomical nor agricultural significance.

It is purely arbitrary.

The Babylonian New Year celebration lasted for eleven days. Each day had its own particular mode of celebration, but it is safe to say that modern New Year’s Eve festivities pale in comparison. The Romans continued to observe the new year in late March, but their calendar was continually tampered with by various emperors so that the calendar soon became out of synchronization with the sun.

In order to set the calendar right, the Roman senate, in 153 B.C., declared January 1st to be the beginning of the new year. But tampering continued until Julius Caesar, in 46 B.C., established what has become known as the Julian Calendar. It again established January 1st as the new year. But in order to synchronize the calendar with the sun, Caesar had to let the previous year drag on for 445 days.

New Year's Traditions Other traditions of the season include the making of New Year's resolutions.

That tradition also dates back to the early 4 Vitalia Voice | January 2014

Although the Rose Bowl football game was first played as a part of the Tournament of Roses in 1902, it was replaced by Roman chariot races the following year. In 1916, the football game returned as the sports centerpiece of the festival.

The tradition of using a baby to signify the new year began in Greece around 600 B.C. It was their tradition at that time to celebrate their god of wine, Dionysus, by parading a baby in a basket, representing the annual rebirth of that god as the spirit of fertility. Early Egyptians also used a baby as a symbol of rebirth.

The use of an image of a baby with a New Year's banner as a symbolic representation of the new year was brought to early America by the Germans. They had been using the effigy since the fourteenth century.

For Luck in the New Year Traditionally, it was thought that one could affect the luck they would have throughout the coming year by what they did or ate on the first day of the year. For that reason, it has become common for folks to celebrate the first few minutes of a brand new year in the company of family and friends.

Parties often last into the middle of the night after the ringing in of a new year. It was once believed that the first visitor on New Year's Day would bring either good luck or bad luck the rest Continued on Page 5

department news Continued From Page 4 of the year. It was particularly lucky if that visitor happened to be a tall dark-haired man.

Traditional New Year's foods are also thought to bring luck.

Many cultures believe that anything in the shape of a ring is good luck, because it symbolizes "coming full circle," completing a year's cycle. For that reason, the Dutch believe that eating donuts on New Year's Day will bring good fortune.

Many parts of the U.S. celebrate the new year by consuming black-eyed peas. These legumes are typically accompanied by either hog jowls or ham. Black-eyed peas and other legumes have been considered good luck in many cultures. The hog, and thus its meat, is considered lucky because it symbolizes prosperity. Cabbage is another "good luck" vegetable that is consumed on New Year's Day by many. Cabbage leaves are

also considered to be a sign of prosperity, being representative of paper currency. In some regions, rice is a lucky food that is eaten on New Year's Day.

Community Website 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, 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.

This will be a great tool to improve the overall communication within Vitalia.

news board

Sentiments

Newsletter Deadlines

Welcome Committee/Rick Dixon

Newsletter and Calendar Submissions should be emailed to dosterholz@aamfl.com.

A HUGE THANK YOU to all of our neighbors who volunteered to be a member of our Vitalia Welcome Committee. We have heard some great stories and comments from our new residents about greeters calling, coming over to meet them, inviting them out or over to their homes, as well as asking them to join various clubs or groups. This is a testament to the effectiveness of our committee; it means you are doing everything right. We have a great community and will continue our efforts into the new year and throughout the entire time we are growing as a community.

February Submissions Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due Thursday, January 2nd by 3pm.

March Submissions Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due Friday, January 31st by 3pm.

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

Club Bank Information Any club that collects funds will need 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.

January 2014 | Vitalia Voice 5

department news

Architectural Review I can’t believe another year went by so fast. I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays with family and friends. There have been a lot of changes in 2013. Many new homes have been built, so we have a lot of new neighbors moving in. I just wanted to take this time to welcome all of our new neighbors and let you know that the Community Standards Department is here to assist you.

Dottie Pleitgen Community Standards Manager 863-427-7032 dpleitgen@aamfl.com

Please remember that if you are making any changes to the exterior of your home or lot, you need to complete an Architectural Review Committee (ARC) application form so we can review your request prior to the construction or installation of the item you are requesting. This includes, but is not limited to, pools, spas, fences, adding pavers, screen enclosures, additional plants/trees, wall art, yard art, statuary, and potted plants. You can pick up the ARC form from the Clubhouse (and meet Debbie and Donna), or you can apply on the website at www.VitaliaAtTraditionHOA.com.

Our best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year to you and your family.

recipes

Turtle S'more Cheesecake Minis Ingredients

Recipe from www.cheesecakecheer.com.

3/4 cup Honey Maid Graham Cracker Crumbs 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 tablespoon sugar 3/4 cup Mexican caramel spread (dulce de leche), warmed, divided 1/2 cup coarsley chopped Planters pecans, divided

Prep time

Instructions

30 minutes

Total time

3 hours 30 minutes (including refrigerating)

Yields

16 servings

6 Vitalia Voice | January 2014

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1 package (8 oz.) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened 1 jar (14 oz.) Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme 1/2 cup Jet-Puffed Miniature Marshmallows 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup

Mix graham crumbs, butter, and sugar until blended.

Press onto bottoms of 10 paper-lined muffin cups.

Spoon 1/2 cup caramel spread evenly over crusts.

Sprinkle with 1/3 cup nuts.

Beat cream cheese and marshmallow creme in small bowl with mixer until blended.

Add 2 tablespoons of the remaining caramel spread; mix well.

Spoon into muffin cups and top with marshmallows.

Drizzle with chocolate syrup and remaining caramel spread and nuts.

Refrigerate for 3 hours.

out & about Lifestyle Romeos

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

Friday, January 3rd | 12:30pm Bonefish Mac's Sports Grille

Join the gentlemen of Vitalia in a neighborly lunch at Bonefish Mac's on Becker Rd. RSVP to the Activities Office.

Juliets Thursday, January 9th | 1pm Conchy Joe's Seafood, Jensen Beach

All the ladies of Vitalia are welcome! Come and join us for lunch at Conchy Joe's in Jensen Beach. Share in good conversation at a charming location. Please call Carla Mansfield at 772-345-1460 to RSVP. We get together for a friendly lunch on the second Thursday of each month

Bunco Sunday, January 12th | 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.

Aqua Aerobics/Hydro Pilates M – T – W – Th | 11am 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

This class is for men and women of all levels. The class focuses on physical poses, breathing techniques, and stretching exercises. Actively improve balance, flexibility, and strength. Manage your aches and pains, achieve better health, and improved spirituality. Take time to relax. Leave feeling refreshed, energized, and stress free. Work at your own pace. Please bring a mat.

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

Trivia Saturday, January 18th | 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, so please RSVP to the Activities Office starting JANUARY 1.

Bingo

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

Sunday, January 26th | 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.

Get your ‘groove on’ as you burn calories with a complete, no-impact workout in the pool. This class is for men and women who enjoy having a blast while getting in an AQUAFANTASTIC workout!

Just Stretch Fridays | 10am Clubhouse

Rick Dixon delivering the monthly newsletter.

Super Volunteer!

Photo by Bob Kanjian

This class is for men and women of all levels. Lengthen and strengthen your muscles, increase flexibility, and allow your body the time to relax and rebuild. Relieve back pain and muscle soreness. Stretching helps every health condition, increases endurance, adds strength for daily activities, and prolongs life. A necessary piece to any balanced fitness routine. Please bring a mat.

January 2014 | Vitalia Voice 7

out & about Classes

Club / Group WEEKLY EVENTS

Mosaic Mondays | 10am Guardhouse

Mahjong Club

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

Sue Ann Goldman will be taking orders for the new 2014 Mahjong cards. Please contact Sue at 772-345-2460 or bobsue@htcplus.net for more information and days/times.

Stickball Every Sunday | 9am

Wednesdays | 9am Guardhouse

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

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.

Spanish Wednesdays | 9am Clubhouse

Darts Every Monday | 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.

Poker

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.

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

Men's Golf Every Monday

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.

All Vitalia residents are welcome to come and try our Silk Painting or Mosaic classes.

We have a lot of fun creating things of great beauty. The art you make will be treasured for many years to come.

Ladies Golf Every Monday

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.

Bowling Every Tuesday | 1:45pm Superplay U.S.A.

Join your Vitalia neighbors for a friendly game of bowling.

Informal and fun. No RSVP needed. All skill levels welcome.

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

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

8 Vitalia Voice | January 2014

out & about Club / Group Good News Club - Bible Study Every Wednesday | 2pm Guardhouse

As we focus on a new year with new changes and challenges, we invite you to join the Good News Club. Join our discussions of some of the most challenging questions mankind has faced: Why am I here? What is my purpose?

What is happening around me? Is there a reliable source for answers to these and other questions? Yes! Join us and enjoy the answers with us! Contact Geof Hoge at 772-216-7005 or Kathy Simon at 352-238-5472, if you have questions.

Co-Ed Water Volleyball Every Wednesday and Sunday | 9am Every Thursday for Beginners | 3pm Clubhouse Pool

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

Hand & Foot Every Thursday | 1pm-4pm Clubhouse

Men's Water Volleyball Every Saturday | 9am Clubhouse Pool

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

MONTHLY EVENTS

Sunshine Club Thursday, January 16th | 10:30am Clubhouse

Garden Club Thursday, January 16th | 1pm Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens

Happy New Year to all of our residents. Our first meeting of 2014 will be a tour of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, located at 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. (772-337-1959). We will meet at 1pm at the Gardens. Any questions, contact Lewis Honig at 772-345-1395.

Club Amici Friday, January 17th | 6pm Clubhouse

Club Amici provides an opportunity for all who love the Italian culture to fellowship with others in Vitalia.

Attendees are asked to bring a favorite entrée, hors d'oeuvre, veggie, or dessert, and its BYOB. There is no charge. The theme is "Celebrating 2014 – Italian Style" with music, comedy, and New Year's traditions. Hosts are Linda Stadtler and Angela Moltzon. RSVP to angelam1949@aol.com.

Book Club Tuesday, January 21st | 10am Clubhouse

We will be discussing the novel If Today Be Sweet by Thirty Umrigar.

Gun Club

T.G.I.F.

Thursday, January 9th | 10:30am Guardhouse

Friday, January 24th | 7pm 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 Guardhouse.

Red Hot Seasons Lunch Wednesday, January 15th | 12:30pm Ruby Tuesday's, Port St. Lucie

Happy New Year! We'll be having lunch at Ruby Tuesday's, located at 1500 NW Courtyard Drive (off of Peacock) and maybe a movie after. All Vitalia ladies are welcome! RSVP to Mary Walter at 772-345-1933 no later than January 10th.

Red Hot Seasons Thanksgiving Luncheon January 2014 | Vitalia Voice 9

out & about Local Gulfstream Races with Buffet Lunch

Isles Casino

Wednesday, February 5th Hallendale, FL

Monday, February 17th Pompano, FL

Gulfstream offers live horse racing. $69 per person. Your trip includes the deluxe buffet at The Ten Palms Restaurant, a $2 betting voucher, a glass of wine, the racing program, a handicap sheet, and round trip transportation. RSVP to the Activities Office.

Isles Casino is a smoke-free environment. $29 per person.

Your trip includes access to 2,000 slot machines, 38 poker tables, $10 worth of free play, a $4 food voucher, and round trip transportation. RSVP to the Activities Office.

7th Annual Taste of Little Italy Friday-Sunday, January 24th-26th "Embark on a Cultural Journey Filled with Authentic Italian Food, Music, Art and Tradition." The weekend of January 24th is the annual Taste of Little Italy event located at Tradition Square in Port St. Lucie (10799 SW Civic Lane).

Admission is just $5 per person and children under 12 are free. Plus there is free parking.

The mission of Taste of Little Italy: "Over a decade ago we started with a vision to create an experience rich in Italian culture. We look to celebrate the contributions of great Italians through food, music, art, and tradition. Today as we stay dedicated to encouraging the importance of family and community we hope to stay mindful of the hardships that our ancestors endured in migrating to this great country. We can only hope to continue creating memorable moments together as we share in the passion of the Italian–American culture."

Throughout the weekend there will be several activities, including Banfi Wine Seminars. Want to learn a little more about wine or maybe you just want to sample a variety of Italy's best? Join the fun and receive brief lessons to help make you a wine connoisseur. Seminars are available Friday at 6pm or 7pm; Saturday at 12pm, 2pm, or 4pm; and Sunday at 1pm or 3pm.

Children of all ages will love the Port St. Lucie Mets’ children's area. Kids will be able to meet all of their favorite mascots, participate in fun activities and games, and have a chance to win fantastic prizes. In addition, there will be lots of festival rides and games. Rides are 3 tickets each and you can purchase 12 tickets for $10. And, there will be Bocce! Whether its your first time playing or you have been playing for years, come be a part of the fun the whole family can enjoy together!

Come and enjoy all the food, music, fun, and activities that await you, your family, and friends! For more information, call 561-427-0500 or visit www.tasteoflittleitaly.net.

10 Vitalia Voice | January 2014

club & group pictures

T.G.I.F. November Gathering Cookie Exchang e

on December 7th

January 2014 | Vitalia Voice 11

club & group pictures

Amici

Club

Trivia in November

'60s Night It was a pretty awesome event! The "What's My Line?" segment (LJ Miller as John Daly, Shelley Deixler as Miss Flower Power, Dave Pachuta as Father Guido Sarducci, Jeff Deighan as Kojak, Joe and Judy Stallone as Sonny and Cher, and Rick Dixon as the Honorary Mayor of Vitalia) was quite funny and Bob Steil did his stand up comedy routine.

12 Vitalia Voice | January 2014

brain games

Word Search Puzzle Find and circle all of the words listed below related to Vitalia at Tradition! Search words horizontally and vertically.

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SOLD SUNSHINE CLUB MUSIC CLUB AMICI LANTERNS HOUSES NEW COLOR TGIF SPEED LIMIT

TILE ROOF CLUBHOUSE NO NAMES TRUCKS BLOCKED ROADS HURRICANES SEASONS MUD NAILS

VITALIA RAIN DROPS FLAT TIRES CONSTRUCTION PARTY AVAILABLE RED HOTS

Puzzle submitted by resident, Helen Penzel.

January 2014 | Vitalia Voice 13

vitalia vines

Ginger

Nan Rothschild Resident Master Gardener mininan1@htcplus.net

The number of ginger plant species is staggering. There are a lot of variation between species. Some have flowers that look like pinecones, others look like mutant orchids, and even some look like tropical insects.

Velvet Ginger (Costus barbatus): spiral ginger with tall cone-like flower having spreading red bracts and yellow flowers, and velvety leaves beneath. It is popular in South Florida with a long lasting cut flower.

The Flowering Ginger Family, Zingiberaceae, is diverse, including more than 47+ genera and more than 1,000 species. Some common genus names you might see include Alpinia, Costus, Hedychium, and Zingiber (which includes edible culinary ginger).

Red Button Ginger (Costus woodsonii): robust spiral ginger that is lipstick-red with candle– shaped bracts and yellow flowers.

Ginger plants spread and emerge from rhizomes, which are thick subterranean stems that you are accustomed to seeing as edible ginger “roots.” The leaves are usually lance-shaped or oblong, deep green, and glossy. Flowers vary greatly and may be borne throughout the gardening season in tropical climates. Many flowering gingers sold as garden plants reach an average height of 4 to 5 feet tall.

Tropical plants crave high humidity and moist, rich soil. If they get too dry they may become dormant. Ginger plants prefer temperatures above 50°F. Most thrive in filtered light, like they would in a rain forest. In full sun, they may experience browning on foliage margins. Plant with other tropical plants to make a unique statement. Ginger plants should be fertilized lightly biweekly in summer and every other month the rest of the year. The following are some popular varieties: Red Ginger (Alpinia purpurata): large ginger having upright flowers with loosely arranged reddish bracts, white flowers, and showy.

Shell Ginger (Alpinia zerumbet): large robust ginger, thick waxy-looking flowers in dangling spikes, the lip brightly red and yellow surrounded by a white hood. They have very large rhizomatous perennial. It is cultivar ‘variegata,’ which is most often grown as a large cream and green variegated ground cover.

14 Vitalia Voice | January 2014

Torch Ginger (Etlingera elatior): flower is a magnificent torch shorter than foliage, and its large and showy.

Butterfly Ginger (aka Crown ginger) (Hedychium coronarium): snow white, extremely fragrant flowers. The Kahili variety has orangish flowers.

Beehive Ginger (Zingiber spectabile): showy, cone-shaped flowers.

Shampoo Ginger (Zingiber erumbet): showy, cone-shaped flowers. Sudsy “shampoo” can be squeezed from flowering spike.

Growing Culinary Ginger The recommended way is to obtain a few fresh rhizomes at the time when the plant re-shoots (early spring). Otherwise, buy some ginger at the store at that time. Select fresh, plump rhizomes.

Look for pieces with well-developed “eyes,” or growth buds. They look like little horns at the end of a piece (or finger). Soak the rhizomes in water overnight as they may have been treated with a growth retardant. Make sure you use rich soil to feed your ginger. It needs to be able to hold enough moisture, but be free draining so roots don’t become water logged.

You can cut or break up the ginger rhizomes in little pieces with a couple of growing buds each or just plant the whole thing. Plant the piece 5-10 cm. deep with the growing bud facing up.

Continued on Page 15

Learning Conversational Italian is Fun! Beginning January 7th at the Guardhouse

Tuesdays 4pm-5:30pm Only $20 for the month 4 classes per month 10 classes in all

Contact Donna in the Activities Office for more information.

We are fortunate to have Maria Zaniboni as our instructor.

She has many years of experience teaching Italian at Martin County High School evening classes.

Continued From Page 14 Growing ginger doesn’t take much room. Every rhizome will first only grow a few leaves in the one spot. Over time, it will become a dense clump and very slowly get bigger, but only if it isn’t harvested. The rhizomes underground don’t mind being a bit crowded. This ginger only grows 2 to 3 feet in height. A 14-inch pot will hold 3 average rhizomes. If you plant them in the ground, space 6 to 8 inches apart.

Ginger needs a lot of moisture, but don’t over water as it will carry away nutrients as it drains. Ginger loves humidity. If you plant it in the ground, mulch thickly.

Fertilize with slow release food and then feed regularly every few weeks.

Towards the end of summer, as the weather cools, your

ginger will start to die back. Reduce the water to encourage rhizome growth. Once all the leaves have died, your ginger is ready to harvest. It usually takes 8 to 10 months for ginger to be a good, harvestable size, but you can steal bits of it after 4 months from the side of the clump. This “green” ginger is less flavorful than mature ginger.

You can dig up the whole plant. The advantage of growing in pots is that you just tip out the whole thing. Break up rhizomes, selecting a few nice ones with good growing buds to replant immediately. Keep the rest for the kitchen.

Culinary ginger takes 2 years, untouched, to flower. Flowers are green and “insignificant.”

January 2014 | Vitalia Voice 15

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