april 2015 volume 15 issue 4
Transcription
april 2015 volume 15 issue 4
APRIL 2015 VOLUME 15 ISSUE 4 REFLECTIONS VILLAGE CENTER HOURS PHONE LIST Administration 863-427-7100 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm AAM Customer Service For ALL Club & HOA Matters 866-516-7424 [email protected] AAM After Hours Emergency 866-553-8290 Mainscape Onsite Representative Administration Building Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 9am-12pm APRIL 2015 VOLUME 15 ISSUE 4 ON THE COVER The beautiful result of the Fishing For Trash event, held by the Solivita Fishing Club to clean up Solivita's ponds. Learn more on page 4. Photo by Gene Burch. Marketplace Bistro 863-427-7157 Daily 8am-8pm Riviera Spa & Fitness Center 863-427-7130 Monday-Thursday 6:30am-9pm Friday-Sunday 7am-7pm advertisement or claims made by advertisers. Advertisement in Reflections does not constitute an endorsement or approval of goods or services by Solivita. |2| 863-427-7150 x4720 (Stonegate Golf Club) Club & HOA Account Questions 321-332-1877 Starlite Ballroom Daily 8am-11pm Lifestyles Activities 863-427-7125 Membership 863-427-7143 Stonegate Pro Shop 863-427-7150 x4710 Daily 7am-6pm Mainscape Customer Service (work orders) Waterfront Galleries Daily 8am-11pm does not guarantee any work Catering & Banquets 863-427-7100 863-496-4453 Fitness Center Monday-Thursday 6:30am -9pm Friday-Sunday 7am-6pm and 863-427-7022 863-427-7093 Concierge Fax Kid's Pool Hours Monday-Friday 12pm-4pm Saturday & Sunday 9am-9pm refuse Architectural Review Fax 863-427-7137 The Palms 863-496-1530 Amenity Center Monday-Sunday 8am-9pm Solivita reserves the right to 800-858-5933 www.avhomesinc.com/owner-care Communications The Grille at Stonegate 863-427-7167 Daily 8am-8pm Bar Open Until 9pm Daily ADVERTISING POLICY AV Homes Customer Care Wells Fargo Bank 863-421-5448 Monday-Friday 9am-4pm Welcome Center or Model Park 863-427-7000 Monday-Saturday 9:30am -5:30pm Sunday 11am -5:30pm 800-481-0096 x332 [email protected] Riviera Spa & Fitness Center 863-427-7130 Security -Bella Viana 863-427-1268 Security-Main Gate 863-427-4238 Security-South Gate 863-496-1473 Security -Venezia 863-427-2338 Security-West Gate 863-496-1453 Solivita Sales 863-427-7000 Stonegate Golf Club Directory 863-427-7150 The Palms Amenity Center Fax 863-496-1530 863-496-0914 Violations, Compliance & 863-427-7032 Visitor/Vendor Gate Access Voice Server 863-496-4464 Architectural Review QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS Do you have a suggestion for Reflections, Channel 732, or SolivitaLive? Please email inquires or comments to Kristin Whitaker, AAM Communications, at kwhitaker@ aamfl.com or stop by the Communications Office in Administration. Reflections | April 2015 | [ Department] Articles News From AV Homes By David Smith Division President, AV Homes, Inc. S olivita is feeling the spring season with a great lineup of modern home designs, Solivita is a must-see destination for festive events and special nights throughout the entire premier active-adult living. With great ways to test-drive the month of April. A fantastic family tradition, hop on over to Village lifestyle like the Discovery Days program, friends and family who Drive for the much anticipated annual Spring Parade and Carnival want to see what Solivita is all about can do just that. Since Jack where residents deck out their golf carts and their grandchildren Frost is still hanging around up north longer than usual, I’m sure with some of the season’s favorites. Ending at Freedom Park, this they would appreciate the shorts and sandals standard that our is the place to be for the best Spring Carnival around town with residents enjoy. Easter egg hunts, carnival games, food, and live entertainment. Setting the tone for the community, wonderful events like this It’s a privilege and a joy to be a part of the Solivita community enhance the overall Solivita experience. as we continue to welcome home new residents from across the country who add character to our A thriving metropolis, Orlando has recently been featured community. Defined not so much by the in several best-buy and top-destination lists. Noted for world-class amenities, our lifestyle is characteristics like the favorable year-round weather to the defined by the wonderful folks who call variety of leisure opportunities, the greater Orlando lifestyle Solivita home. has it all. Nestled within this hot-buy market, Solivita takes that lifestyle to the next level by creating our very own way of life within these gates. With charming neighborhoods featuring David Smith 863-427-7000 WANTED! ARTISAN & CRAFT VENDORS FOR THE 14TH ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL Saturday, November 7th from 9:30am-3pm Rain or Shine | Application Deadline is June 30th 10% Early Registration Discount Deadline is May 29th Application packets will be mailed out sometime in April. To have your name added to the mailing list, please call the Lifestyles Office at 863-427-7125 or send an email to [email protected]. Reflections | April 2015 | |3| [ Department ] Articles Fishing For Trash REDISCOVERING THE BEAUTY OF SOLIVITA'S PONDS ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY GENE BURCH, VICE PRESIDENT OF SOLIVITA FISHING CLUB Y Solivita Fish ing Club Mem bers ou do not have to be a fisherman to enjoy the many beautiful We know the grounds of Solivita are kept very clean, but what ponds here in Solivita. Did you know that we have around happens to the trash that makes its way into the ponds? Three a hundred ponds of various sizes within the gates of Solivita? years ago while fishing, I saw one of the larger birds with a nylon Some of the ponds are natural, but most are man made. They rope twisted around its beak. A few days later the bird was still serve as storm water retention ponds and as Solivita continues struggling to remove it. I did not see it after that; I can only hope to grow, more ponds will be added. These ponds are owned and the bird was able to get the rope off. After seeing this, the club maintained by the Poinciana Development District (PCDD). put together a “Fishing For Trash” event for our members. For several weeks, club members picked up trash as they fished the There has never been a formal fish stocking program; however, ponds. We offered prizes for the biggest “catch.” almost every Solivita pond is full of fish. Throughout the years, fisherman have transported fish caught from outside of Solivita This first event in 2012 gathered 75 pounds of trash, the second and placed them in our ponds, as well as moved them to ponds year was 175 pounds, and the third year was 168 pounds. Fishing with few or no fish. You may have seen many residents fishing For Trash is now an annual coordinated event that takes place in along the banks or an occasional boat in the water. Many are January, February, and March. During the January 2015 event, members of the Solivita Fishing Club. The club has developed a eighteen club members (cleaning twenty-three ponds) fished unique relationship with the ponds. in over 175 pounds of trash. Trash collected included candy/ food wrappers, styrofoam cups, plastic The club will be "Fishing For Trash" again over the summer. bags, paper, and some building debris. By the end of the March, we cleaned almost every accessible pond in Solivita and collected more than 250 pounds of trash. The Solivita Fishing Club feels that this is our way to “pay it forward" to the community. We are fortunate to live in Sampl |4| pounds e of the 4 08 of trash colle cted . Solivita and enjoy the preservation areas, the wildlife, and the fishing. The Solivita Fishing Club is asking for help in this effort. Reflections | April 2015 | [ Department] Articles Reflections | April 2015 | |5| [ Department ] Articles Spring is in the air and Easter is early this year, which means Mardi Gras was in February. Sometimes when you make a joke too often about something, it backfires on you. I’ve had several residents ask me, “How By Sheri Wollschlager Director of Lifestyles do you always seem to dial in good weather for outside events?” In response, I make the joke, “It does not rain on Solivita’s parades!” Well the joke finally backfired on me; this year it poured. I am REALLY glad we decided to move Gene Burch and His Pirate Float the event inside. It was the first time we had to cancel a parade. I want to thank the Veterans Club (who was still willing to march in the rain) and all the clubs This month’s funny comes from my dad about golf. “It takes and residents who stuck around hoping the rain would stop. longer to learn good golf than it does brain surgery. On the other hand, you seldom get to ride around on a golf cart, drink beer, A special thank you goes to Gene from the Solivita Fishing and eat hot dogs while performing brain surgery.” Club who spent 50 hours on his pirate ship for the parade (pictured). While the event was going on, I heard a golf cart horn continuously being honked. I went running out of the Ballroom thinking someone was hurt and there was Gene, performing his Sheri Wollschlager 863-427-7125 [email protected] one-man, one-float parade in the rain. Gene, you rock! Even with the rain, Mardi Gras was a huge success. I was very proud of how all the clubs came together and were cooperative with the last minute move inside. Thank you for understanding and working together to make it happen. I also want to thank all the residents who came out to support the event. I was amazed NEWSLETTER DEADLINES Newsletter submissions should be emailed to: [email protected]. how many people did not care it was raining; they wanted to MAY SUBMISSIONS celebrate Mardi Gras and support the clubs. Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due Wednesday, April 1st by 3pm. Inserts are due by Friday, April In February, a detective from the Department of Bureau of 17th. (All inserts must be approved by Communications Special Investigations, Strategic Investigation Analysis Section/ before they are copied.) Vice Unit with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office spoke at the Annual Solivita Club President Meeting on the topic of raffles JUNE SUBMISSIONS and gambling. He did an outstanding job answering questions, Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on but because there can be many interpretations of Florida laws I Friday, May 1st by 3pm. believe the presentation has brought up even more questions. If you would like to review the detective’s PowerPoint presentation, JULY SUBMISSIONS please email me and I will forward it to you. If you continue to Calendar submissions and newsletter articles are due on have questions after reviewing the PowerPoint, please contact Monday, June 1st by 3pm. the Investigation Unit at 863-292-3342. |6| Reflections | April 2015 | [ Department] Articles Committee Roundup Solivita Advisory Committee (SAC) Solivita Spring By Nick Pezzente General Manager, Stonegate Golf Club Email SAC with issues, concerns, or questions. Art Jamison: Spring is a time of renewal, rebirth, and new [email protected]; Ann Smith: asmith@solivitahoa. life. As we celebrate the Easter and Passover com; Bill Land: [email protected]; Barry Spero: bspero@ season, may we be thankful for the many solivitahoa.com; Bunny Weitz: [email protected]; blessings we enjoy. If you are from one of the colder regions Dave Daubert: [email protected]; Judy Johnston: of the country, you always appreciate seeing the first Robin [email protected]; Kathy Laffee: klaffee@solivitahoa. on your lawn. You take time to notice the flowers beginning to com; and Leonard Vento: [email protected]. The minutes bloom with color. You know that the thaw of winter and the of the monthly meetings and email addresses are also posted on warmth of summer is approaching. It is easy to take for granted SolivitaHOA.com and SolivitaLive.com. We welcome input the year-round beauty that surrounds us here in Solivita. from residents. Wellness Committee I would like to invite you and your family to Easter Sunday Brunch in the Starlite Ballroom. We will be offering a made-to- Recently, the Wellness Committee met at the Riviera Spa & order waffle station with blueberry and strawberry compote, Fitness Center. After a tour of the facility, several suggestions chicken marsala, and pan-seared pollock fish with lemon were noted concerning areas that need addressing. These buerre blanc sauce. Visit the carving station and savor our items were brought to the attention of the Wellness Director smoked ham with cinnamon and honey glaze and a leg of lamb and are being looked into. Two new classes were added to the with rosemary demi and mint sauces. Just save room for some monthly fitness schedule: Total Body Chair Class (Wednesdays of Chef’s selected desserts! at 11:30am at The Palms) and a Yoga Class (Wednesdays at 6pm at The Palms). Information on future Wellness Lectures Claude Eastwood and his team in the Pro Shop will have the are now on Channel 732 and SolivitaLive.com as well as in latest spring and summer apparel available. Come and check Reflections. Members gave several recommendations for future out the sales and brighten your golfing wardrobe with the latest topics. The committee discussed future capital improvements colors in spring fashion. This is also a great time of year to get and the need for more facilities as Solivita continues to grow. with one of the teaching pros and straighten out those hooks Landscape Committee and slices. Take a lesson on our short game area and bring your score down from around the green. This month, Bill Beasley Concern over stressed or dying oak trees and crape myrtles reach and his team will start a solid tine and slice aeration with a light high levels in the summer months. Some residents have voiced sanded topdressing to greens and tee boxes. They will continue concern over the Spanish moss, which is not a parasitic plant grooming to remove over seed growth from the greens to and does not kill trees. So what’s the problem? For live oaks, root promote Bermuda grass growth. The grounds crew is lowering disease fungi such as armillaria, ganoderma, and phytophthora the height of the tee boxes to thin out the rye grass and continue are involved, singularly or in combination. Tree death may general maintenance procedures in spraying for weeds. occur slowly over months or years with dying trees exhibiting progressive dieback and crown thinning. Crape myrtles can Driving around the community, it is good to see so many suffer from the crapemyrtle aphid and diseases such as powdery residents participating in the abundance of activities that mildew, black spot, sooty mold, tip blight, leaf spot, and root Solivita provides; from golf to tennis, pickleball to softball, and rot. We are working with Mainscape and UF/IFAS Extension in walking to bike riding. Come on out and get into spring! I look Osceola County to identify tests and causes for possible root rot. forward to seeing you around Solivita. Different treatments are being applied and the way the trees are planted is changing. With the coming growing season, we should see a great improvement in our trees' appearance. Nick Pezzente 863-427-7150 x4620 [email protected] Reflections | April 2015 | |7| [ Department ] Articles A Colorful Month of Fun By Donnette Burkhalter Community Concierge HE’S HERE! YES, HE’S FINALLY HERE. No, Crazy Cookie Stacking Competition, an Ice Cream no, it’s not HIM (Pierce Brosnan) but it’s Eating Competition, Chocolate Brain Games, and the next best thing….PETER COTTONTAIL endless other activities. Not to worry about the kids because hopping down the Solivita Bunny Trail with they also have “Kids-4-Chocolate” where they can make their jelly beans, Peeps (these are lethal), and chocolate covered own chocolate lip balm, mix up some nitrogen chocolate ice marshmallow eggs. YUM! If you see me bouncing off the walls cream, launch marshmallows from a catapult, and lots of other when you come to the Concierge Desk it will be the after effects fun activities. of too many Peeps! (Might look a “tad” yellow too!) I have endless ideas and possibilities when it comes to Easter baskets, so if you Of course, there will also be lots of chocolate vendors to tempt need any suggestions, just stop by to see me. After eating all that your taste buds along with other irresistible sweet confections. candy I really don’t want to go anywhere, but I know you do, so MOSI is located at 4801 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33617. let’s get hopping to our first stop. The event is on Saturday, April 18th and Sunday, April 19th from 9am to 6pm on both days. The admission for the festival I can see April is going to be a very colorful month. We started is $22.59 for ages 13-59, Seniors (60+) are $20.95 and children off yellow (from eating too many Peeps) and now we’re going (2-12) are $18.95 plus additional fees are required for some to turn blue from all the blueberries we are going to eat at the events. For more information, please call 813-987-6000 or visit Florida Blueberry Festival. The festival offers activities for the www.tampa.festivalofchocolate.com. whole family. You will enjoy listening to various local musicians and with 20 assorted food concessionaires and the Fresh April is indeed a colorful month. I’m turning GREEN now from all from Florida Market (featuring Florida grown blueberries and of the Easter candy, blueberries, and CHOCOLATE. When you produce), there will be plenty of delectable edibles to choose stop by to see me, you may see a virtual rainbow sitting at the from. You can wander the streets and take in the car show, the Concierge Desk. street entertainers, and a variety of artisans selling their beautiful creations. In addition, there will be 120 retail exhibitors setup to entice you. There is also a Kids Zone for the little tikes to explore. Donnette Burkhalter 863-427-7100 [email protected] The event is taking place at 201 Howell Avenue, Brooksville, FL for adults, $5 for children (6-17 years old), and children under 5 TOWN HALL Q & A are FREE. For additional information, please call 352-754-4173 On January 20th you were invited to ask questions and share or visit floridablueberryfestival.org. your suggestions at the Town Hall Meeting hosted by the 34601. Festival dates are April 11th and 12th. Admission is $8 developer, AV Homes. AV Homes and Integrity Golf (CGM) Oh my goodness, you’re going to love, love, love our next stop. We were present to hear firsthand your questions and concerns. are going to the Festival of Chocolate. Yes, I said CHOCOLATE If your weren't able to attend, please visit SolivitaLive.com to (ahhhhhhh)! The money is even CHOCOLATE! Double yum! To review all the questions and/or comments that were brought purchase anything at this event you will need to exchange your up at the meeting. currency for “Chocolate Chip” coins. Coin booths will be located throughout the festival. The event is being held at MOSI (Museum Please remember that we added the following of Science & Industry) located in Tampa. At the festival, you will for you to use as other forms of communication: be treated to live chocolate competitions including the Cocoa [email protected] Couture Fashion Show presented on the “Yum-Way,” the Best of and 863-496-3429. This gives you the opportunity to send Chocolate Indulgence Competition, and a live Cake Decorating your concerns or comments via email or voicemail, which will Competition. (I’m in Heaven!) “Adults-4-Chocolate” (hmm, that be received by AV Homes and Integrity Golf management. should be a Solivita club) offers activities for adults including a |8| Reflections | April 2015 | [ Department] Articles Reflections | April 2015 | |9| [ Department ] Articles The Solivita Golf Maintenance Staff is continuing to use sound agronomic practices to produce the best playing conditions and plant health possible. FRIENDS WHO HAVE LEFT US, BUT ARE NOT FORGOTTEN The winter has been very good, but spring is here. As we look forward to the warm temperatures, we can start By Bill Beasley Joseph R. Patterson to transition from winter rye grass back to the base Bermuda grass. During the Jack Phillips next few months you will see us doing a Course Superintendent lot of different cultural practices to help with this transition. Some of them will Patterson Phillips be light verticutting of the greens, solid tine aerification, and slicing of the greens. There will be very little disruption to the putting surface. Putting quality will not be affected by these practices. In addition, several types of chemical Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the residents who recently passed away. and fertilizer applications will be applied. As for chemicals, we have started by applying pre-emergent to all fairways Irrigation and rough. We will be putting a fertilizer that is coated with a pre-emergent on the tee tops as well as applying a By Jeff Snyder bulk fertilizer application to all the playing surfaces to kick Director of Agronomy, Mainscape start the growing season on turf that has been dormant for Spring in Florida is one of the most beautiful several months. times of the year. Tourists flock from all over the Bill Beasley 863-496-0979 [email protected] world to enjoy theme parks, spring training, or just take in warmth and sunshine. While spring is a delightful time, it also presents some of the greatest challenges to the landscape. Increased temperatures cause the landscape to require more water SPEED ENFORCEMENT IN SOLIVITA and little to no rain taxes the irrigation system. Water restrictions The HOA, Security, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Mainscape’s water managers monitor weather conditions daily and receive multiple complaints of speeding each week from adjust irrigation run times to meet demand while staying within residents. The Sheriff’s Office has been asked for their water restrictions. That means the times your irrigation is on will assistance in speed enforcement. Receiving a speeding change throughout the year. Unfortunately due to the complexities ticket is not only financially costly, but can lead to much of managing water throughout the community, Mainscape isn’t more serious results. able to give a specific time irrigation runs at a home. Mainscape has further complicate the challenge by limiting irrigation to just twice per week. nearly a dozen irrigation technicians working year round to ensure Here are some quick facts on speeding: A driver is six the irrigation system is in top shape at all times. These highly times more likely to have an accident when traveling at trained, highly skilled team members take great pride in maintaining 25% above the posted speed limit. Speeding reduces the one of the largest irrigation systems in the country and keeping it in amount of available time to avoid a crash and increases a condition that sustains Solivita’s lush beautiful landscape. the severity of a crash once it occurs. Speed is a choice over which the driver has complete control. | 10 | Mainscape Customer Service 800-481-0096 x332 [email protected] Reflections | April 2015 | [ Solivita Information] COMMUNITY EVENTS REGULARLY SCHEDULED EVENTS MAY REFLECTIONS NEWSLETTER ASSEMBLY, DELIVERY & PICK-UP SCHEDULE COFFEE TALK • Come meet our new General Manager (Solivita Tuesday, April 28th • 9am • Ballroom Newsletter assembly volunteers, meet at 9am in the Ballroom on the 28th. Delivery volunteers should arrive Monday, April 6th • 9am • Ballroom Club/HOA), Gary Consorto. between 9:45am -10am or come to the Concierge Desk from 12pm-5pm. BLOOD DRIVE Monday, April 27th • 10am-3pm • Freedom • IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE YOUR NEWSLETTER by Park Wednesday, April 29th you will need to pick it up at the Located beside the Farmers Market in the Blood Concierge Desk in Administration from 9am-5pm. Mobile. Please bring a picture ID showing your first and last name. SPRING ART SHOW SPECIAL NIGHTS Saturday, April 18th and Sunday, April 19th • 10am-10pm • Art Gallery Hosted by Lifestyles and Stonegate Golf Club The Solivita Artisan Guild invites you to the annual Special Nights in Mosaics are complimentary events for residents and Spring Art Show. The show features paintings, their guests only. Please bring your Solivita resident or guest ID badge sculptures, mixed media, jewelry, photography, and for admission. Some dates will be blacked out as we honor previously more by the many talented residents of Solivita, as well scheduled commitments. Credit cards are accepted at the Mosaics bar. as some pieces for sale. Free and open to all residents Food purchased from the Marketplace Bistro is welcome to be brought in, and their invited guests. Please stop by! but no other food is permitted. Karaoke Wednesdays • April 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th • 6pm Sing your favorite song as it is or make fun new lyrics to your favorite tune. Either way, it’s a jamming evening out. Just sign your name up with DJ Mr. Breezz between 6pm-9pm. Friday Martini Night • April 24th • 4pm Drink your favorite classic or new martini twists while enjoying great company at the Mosaics bar from 4pm-8pm. Saturday Trivia Nights • April 18th and 25th • 6pm Test your “all around” trivia knowledge in teams of two or more from 6pm-8pm. A professional trivia host is present and prizes are given to the top three teams! Reflections | April 2015 | | 11 | [ Department ] Articles COMMUNITY EVENTS UPCOMING WELLNESS EVENTS DATE ACTIVITY Wednesday, April 1st 10am • RSF2 Basic Diabetes - Food and Nutrition: Poinciana Medical Center, Lora Bird. Wednesday, April 1st 2pm • RSF2 Don’t Be An April Fool - Estate Planning and Probate for Florida Residents: Henderson Sachs. This month’s seminar will concentrate on planning for your digital afterlife. Residents will learn how to provide access to and preplan for the destruction or conservation of their electronic possessions such as medical records, photos, emails, and social media accounts after their lifetime and during incapacity. As always, Attorney Dan Henderson will review the basics on what Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and the probate process in Florida mean for you. RSVP to Charlotte at 407-850-2500 x 102. Wednesday, April 8th 10am • RSF2 Breakfast and Weight Management: Blue Cross Blue Shield Florida, Nelinda Rivera, RN and Melissa Kincaid. For more information, call 863-291-0140. Wednesday, April 8th 2pm • RSF2 New Discoveries in Energy Medicine: Haselden Chiropractic Offices. Dr. Phil Haselden will be teaching simple self-help techniques which work to relax and balance the energy system of the body and thereby promote our self-healing process. Each attendee will be gifted with two bio-energy tools that can be used immediately to help the body to help itself. Volunteers will be used to demonstrate this natural healing method. Dr. Haselden has over 40 years of experience in Central Florida as a natural health doctor. His expertise is in energy medicine/acupuncture, nutrition, and the new painless form of computerized chiropractic. Wednesday, April 15th 10am • RSF2 Aging in Place: Caring Matters. Aging in Place can be used to describe a person living in the residence of their choice. Most people desire to stay in their homes for the rest of their lives. You do have options. Wednesday, April 22nd 10am • RSF2 Natural Solutions to Everyday Discomforts: Essential Oils, Janine Wooten. Learn more about pure essential oils. Wednesday, April 22nd 2pm • RSF2 Colorectal Cancer: Osceola Medical Center. Dr. Lucrecia Sta.Ana will talk about Colorectal Cancer and the latest treatments. Wednesday, April 29th 2pm • RSF2 The Benefits of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine: Osceola Acupuncture and Natural Health. John Gorsuch will provide an explanation of the benefits of Acupuncture, Chinese Herbology, and other modalities of Chinese Medicine, such as Tai Chi, nutrition, massage, etc. If you are not sure how these therapies work, this workshop is perfect! A CHANGE IS COMING! Beginning with the June issue, Reflections will no longer be delivered to your mailbox post. We are going to save you a few steps and you will retrieve Reflections from your driveway. That’s right, from your driveway. With the new policy adopted by the U.S. Postal Service, newly built houses will no longer have individual mailboxes located in the front of their homes. In order to standardize the delivery procedure throughout Solivita and make the process a little easier for our delivery volunteers, every copy of Reflections will be placed in a heavy duty, waterproof bag and thrown onto the driveway. This all begins with the June issue. If you would like to help deliver Reflections, please come to the Ballroom on Newsletter Assembly Day (Tuesday, April 28th) between 9:45am and 10am. We would really appreciate your assistance! | 12 | Reflections | April 2015 | [ Department] Articles Reflections | April 2015 | | 13 | [ Solivita Information ] COMMUNITY EVENTS SOLIVITA STARLITERS PRESENT “ENCORE: ONE MORE TIME!” RESCHEDULED TENNIS EXPO Saturday, April 25th • 10am-2pm • Freedom Park Courts GAMES & CLINICS: Provided for all levels of tennis from beginners to advanced players. Bring your tennis racquet and Saturday, April 18th, Sunday, April 19th, join the fun. Spare racquets will be available for use. Prizes will be awarded! All and Monday, April 20th • 7pm • Ballroom Solivita residents are encouraged to attend. It is almost showtime! Your friends and neighbors have been working hard to bring VENDORS: Sports Authority, Tennis Plaza, E-Tennis, and other vendors will be you a wonderful evening of entertainment; displaying racquets, pickleball paddles, sports items, and other products. Demo so don’t miss this year’s Starliters production. racquets will be available for use. “Encore: One More Time!” will take you on a magical ride through time and space to re-live GIVEAWAYS: There will be many giveaways during the day, including tennis memories and have new adventures through racquets, pickleball paddles, gift certificates, hats, clothing, wristbands, water five decades of popular music. Tickets are bottles, and many other tennis related items. $15 and are available at the following venues: Farmers Market on Monday and Friday from FOOD: A variety of food will be available during the event, including pizza, 9:30am-12pm; Riviera Spa & Fitness Center sandwiches, chicken fingers, chips, and beverages. on Tuesday from 9am-11am; and The Palms on Thursday from 9am-11am. You may also USTA: The United States Tennis Association will be on site doing demonstrations purchase tickets at the Lifestyles Events on the Masters Tennis Program, as well as providing instruction to young tennis Ticket Sales from cast members or at our players in the area. pre-rehearsal times (check the Reflections Calendar Insert for rehearsal locations and times). For further information, contact Cheryl or Stan at 850-496-3422 or solstarliters@ HADASSAH SQUARE DANCE gmail.com. Last year, all three performances Sunday, April 26th • 7pm • Ballroom were sold out before production week so plan Have a great evening when you swing your partner at our Square Dance. Prior ahead and get your tickets early. experience is not necessary. Just bring your enthusiasm. Refreshments will be served. Tickets: $8 per person. Please call Marilyn at 863-496-1182 or Barbara Block at 863-427-6392. SHALOM CLUB CANASTA TOURNAMENT "INTO THE WOODS" MUSICAL Friday, May 15th • 7pm • Ballroom Tuesday, April 21st • 6pm • The Palms Poinciana Residents for Smart Change (PRSC) of Solivita The Shalom Club is sponsoring this Canasta will be bringing back the kids from New Dimension High Tournament. All residents are invited to School to present their version of the Broadway Musical, “Into the Woods.” The participate. The cost is $10 per person. show features your favorite fairy tale characters, including Cinderella, Jack and Refreshments will be served and prizes will the Beanstalk, and Little Red Riding Hood facing off against the Wicked Witch be awarded. Please contact Lynne at 863- and Big Bad Wolf. Tickets are on sale now for $5 in advance or $7 at the door. All 438-2362 or Phyllis at 863-496-7328 for proceeds will provide a Bistro Pizza Party for cast member before the show. For reservations or more information. tickets, please contact Keith Laytham at [email protected] or 863-496-1884. | 14 | Reflections | April 2015 | [ Department] Articles Reflections | April 2015 | | 15 | [ ClubMeeting] List Live • • • Club Day Time Room Contact Phone Email African Heritage Cultural Club 1st Tuesday 10:30am ST Keith Eaton 609-472-4826 [email protected] All Animals Club - - - Bob Jones 813-789-3318 [email protected] Amateur Culinary Club of Solivita 2nd Saturday 10am - Cheryl Stevens 863-427-9652 [email protected] Applause Music Mixers Social Club (AMMSC) - - - Ellie Graham Shirley Valentine-Attoh 863-496-1616 407-538-7039 [email protected] [email protected] Big Money Bingo 3rd Sunday 6pm ST Susan Schulman 863-427-0443 [email protected] • Birders, The 1st Tuesday 8:30am MSC Harriet Fitzsimons 863-427-9800 [email protected] • Bocce Boyz-Girlz Mon., Wed., Fri. 8am FP Gene Dictor 863-427-1861 [email protected] Bowling for Fun Wednesday 12pm Cypress Lanes, Winter Haven Jim Green Karen Kamin 863-438-4548 863-439-4990 [email protected] [email protected] • Bridge - B ridgers Wednesday 12:30pm MSC Carole Siegel 863-438-2810 [email protected] Bridge - S ol. Bridge Club Monday Friday Sunday 12:30pm 6:30pm 2pm MSB&MSC MSB MSB Adeline Rosica Sharlene Tyler 863-427-1865 407-572-4021 [email protected] • British Isles Heritage Club 2nd Tuesday 6:30pm RSF2 Jean Eldredge 863-427-1224 [email protected] • Bunco 1st & 3rd Tuesday 2pm RSF2 Barb Scherr 863-427-2666 [email protected] Canadian Club of Solivita - - - John McFerran 863-496-7420 [email protected] [email protected] Canasta Thursday 10:45am MSC Alice Costantini 863-496-0200 Canasta - Friday Canasta Friday 11am MSC Martha Layton 863-496-4179 [email protected] • Caribbean American Association (CARAMVITA) 1st Wednesday 6:30pm MSC Judith Whittingham 863-427-4413 [email protected] Casual Canasta Club Monday 1pm MSA Eileen Bertuglia 863-438-0066 [email protected] • Catholic Families of Solivita Bible Discussion Friday 10am RSF2 Betty Davidson Bob Gaudioso 863-427-7482 863-427-9071 [email protected] [email protected] CCFA Poker Club 1st & 3rd Saturday - MSA Lenny Rubin 863-353-1116 - • CERT 1st Monday 7pm RSF2 Wayne Schoeffel 863-514-6728 [email protected] • Citizens Assisted Patrol (CAP) 2nd Tuesday 12:30pm RSF2 Lynn Scherr 863-427-2666 [email protected] • Computer Connection 1st Wednesday 7pm RSF2 Walter Fair 863-427-3928 [email protected] Continental Society of Solivita 1st Saturday 10am VP Jacquie Jones 863-496-1694 [email protected] • Cork & Bottle 3rd Thursday 7pm - Stan Maminski 863-427-4749 [email protected] Couple's Canasta Tuesday 6pm BP Irwin Goldberg 863-427-0982 [email protected] Daisy's Texas Canasta Monday 11am VP (1st Mon. BP) Emilia Heredia 863-427-2427 [email protected] • Diamonds Women’s Softball Club, The Tuesday & Friday 7:30am FP Maggie Collins 863-438-2312 [email protected] • Disney Cast Members of Solivita - - - Rich Patrone 863-438-9951 [email protected] • • • • • • Disney Fan Club - - - Ron Verrico 863-353-1051 [email protected] Do Unto Others (DUO) - - - Martha Cusimano 863-496-2749 [email protected] Dominoes Club of Solivita Wednesday & Thursday 12pm MSB Sam Furrow 863-427-9283 [email protected] Don't Mess With Texas Canasta Tuesday 6pm VP Leonor San Roman 863-427-1518 [email protected] Drum Circle Club On Full Moon 7:30pm FP Theresa Wexler 425-829-3838 [email protected] Energizing Women's Connection - - - Blanche Gressett 863-427-3196 [email protected] Euchre 2nd & 4th Wed. 6:45pm MSC Helen Rhoades 774-545-0484 [email protected] Filipinos at Solivita (FAS) 2nd Sunday (Odd Mths.) 3pm BP Nady Gutierrez 863-496-4252 [email protected] Forever Young Music Sundays 3pm RSF2 Maria Melchiori 407-579-9696 [email protected] Friday Bridge Connection Friday - - Elaine Thackston 863-427-0035 [email protected] Funtime Billiards Wednesday 5pm BL Marybeth Murphy 863-496-1079 [email protected] Genealogy 3rd Monday 6:30pm RSF2 Jeff Carlson 863-427-7233 [email protected] Give Kids the World - - - Nan Johnston 863-496-4021 [email protected] • Green Thumbs - - - Deborah Siladie 727-667-4323 [email protected] • Guys & Dolls - - - Ellen Factor 863-427-3323 [email protected] Healthy Eating/Active Living Club (HEAL) - - - Margo Vento 863-496-0628 [email protected] • Hispanic Heritage & Cultural Club (HHCC) 4th Wednesday 6pm RSF2 Norma Velazquez 863-427-1260 [email protected] HOPE - - - Charlie Phillips 863-438-2398 [email protected] Horseshoes Club of Solivita Tues., Thur., & Sat. 8am FP Charlie Phillips 863-438-2398 [email protected] • • Club information is also available on SolivitaLive.com. | To update your club’s information on this list, email [email protected]. | 16 | Reflections | April 2015 | [ ClubMeeting] List Live • Club Day Time Room Contact Phone Email Indiana Friends 3rd Friday - - John Wolber 407-433-8548 [email protected] Iowa 4th Tuesday (Quarterly) - - George & Alice Floss Kathi Hornaday 863-547-4692 863-496-5152 [email protected] [email protected] Kapamilya Last Sunday 3pm VP Gonzalo Tejada (Jun) 863-427-3776 - Korean Friends of Solivita Golf Outing Ladies Club Tuesday 2nd Wednesday 12pm - John Choi Lee Choi 201-615-0616 201-638-4600 [email protected] [email protected] La Dolce Vita 2nd Monday 7pm RSF2 Nick Brogna 863-547-4354 [email protected] La Fe (The Faith) Christian Social Club 1st Tuesday 10am RSF2 Joe Velazquez 863-427-1260 [email protected] • La Vita Bella - 7pm ST Barbara Cilia 863-438-2665 [email protected] • Ladies Poker Club Monday 6:15pm MSA Louise Ludden 863-427-2369 [email protected] • Long Islander Club, The 4th Tuesday 7pm RSF2 Joanna Luhrs 863-438-2324 [email protected] Mahjong Tuesday 1:30pm MSC - - - Massachusetts Patriots - - - Maria Kevgas 863-427-0486 [email protected] May I Monday 1:30pm RSF2 Martha Layton 863-496-4179 [email protected] Michigan Club Monday 9am GR Ernie Stafford 863-632-0226 [email protected] New England Club Third Wednesday every other month 6:45pm MSC Kathi Sanders Julie Galvin 863-496-4385 802-345-0335 [email protected] [email protected] New York City Transit Retirees of FL (NYCTROF) 1st Saturday 1pm RSF2 Essic Dillard 863-427-1690 - Odd Fridays Bridge Club 1st, 3rd, & 5th Friday 1:30pm MG Donna Monroe 863-427-1199 [email protected] • Ohio Buckeyes - - - Nan Johnston 863-496-4021 [email protected] Oh Scrap! Fridays 12pm CR Regina Vogel 516-998-5224 [email protected] • Oldies But Goodies - - - Norman Darrer 863-496-1080 [email protected] Painters Club of Solivita Monday Thursday 9am 1pm AR AR Barbara Buschek 863-852-7477 [email protected] Pets Are Loved In Solivita (PALS) Quarterly 5:30pm RSF2 Paul Cotter 315-952-5770 [email protected] • • • • Players Tennis Club, The Last Thursday 10:30am VP Bobbie Stogo 863-427-7242 [email protected] Playing For Life Club - - - Dee Flood Jean Feldman 863-427-4947 863-353-5376 [email protected] [email protected] Red Hatters, Classy 3rd Wednesday - - Roe Morreale 863-438-2514 [email protected] Red Hatters, Crafty 1st Thursday 6:30pm AR Sue Reed 863-221-4034 [email protected] Red Hatters, FlyBye (Snowbird Chapter) - - - Jane Adams 508-435-3896 [email protected] Red Hatters, New Attitude 2nd Wednesday 1pm - Clotilde Ogle 863-496-0366 [email protected] Red Hatters, Roaring 3rd Wednesday - - Kathy MacTavish 863-427-4946 - Red Hatters, Royal - - - Jane Murawski 863-427-1380 - Red Hatters, Scarlet Chapeaux 1st Wednesday 9:30am MSB Reggie Dolan 863-438-2649 [email protected] Red Hatters, Scarlet O'Hatters - - - Dianne Kelly Weir 863-427-3951 - Red Hatters, Solivita - - - Ginger Payne 863-427-9876 [email protected] Red Hatters, Spicy Quarterly 11am Lago Vista Millie Heredia 863-427-2427 [email protected] • Red Hatters, Winners Circle 3rd Tuesday - - Leonor San Roman 863-427-1518 - • Republican Club of Solivita RCS Educational Event 3rd Wednesday (Odd Mths.) Even Months-TBA 6pm 1:30pm ST - Jim Guth 863-427-1107 [email protected] Retired Old Men Eating Out (ROMEOS) Last Wednesday 12pm - Dave Lane 863-427-6939 [email protected] Rondalla of Central Florida Friday 4pm RSF2 Arnie Yabyabin Carminia Yabyabin 321-333-8698 863-274-5121 [email protected] Sculptors of Solivita 2nd Friday 4th Friday 9am 9am CR CR Sharlene Tyler Ernie Stafford 407-572-4021 863-438-2170 [email protected] [email protected] • • • Shalom Club Last Wednesday 7pm ST Marilyn Glaser 863-496-1182 [email protected] Sol. Apple Club 4th Monday 7pm RSF2 Jeanne Bazemore 407-791-2981 [email protected] Sol. Artisan Guild 2nd Monday 10am RSF2 Sue Hawkins Matthew Hoffman 863-427-2932 - [email protected] • Sol. Bible Study Group (Non-Denominational) Thursday 10am RSF2 Felix Andino 407-729-7737 [email protected] • Sol. Billiards Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 4:30pm BL Michael Mahoney 863-558-4830 [email protected] Sol. Bocce Tues., Thurs., Sat. 9am FP Steven Luisi 863-427-2959 [email protected] • Club information is also available on SolivitaLive.com. | To update your club’s information on this list, email [email protected]. Reflections | April 2015 | | 17 | [ ClubMeeting] List Live Club Day Time Room Contact Phone Email • Sol. Book Circle - - - Bonnie Byrne 863-427-9817 [email protected] • Sol. Bowlers Tuesday 2pm First Frame Bowling Ann Schneider Len Vento 863-427-4214 863-496-0628 [email protected] [email protected] Sol. Chess Club Wednesday (except 2nd Wed. of month) 1pm MG Jim - [email protected] • Sol. Clowns - - - Jerry Cash 863-496-5120 [email protected] • Sol. Cyclists Saturday 8am Veterans Memorial Bruce Everard Tony Handler 863-205-2031 863-427-4345 [email protected] [email protected] Sol. Cypress Bowling Thursday (October to March) 12pm Cypress Bowling Lanes Joyce Ardillo 863-496-1126 [email protected] Sol. Dancing Diehards - - - Mark Petrycki 863-547-4853 - • • Sol. Democrats 2nd Wednesday 7pm ST Marti Kara 407-417-1973 [email protected] • Sol. Fishing Club 2nd Tuesday 7pm MSB Terry Cochran 863-496-0713 [email protected] Sol. Friends of Elementary Education Schools 4th Monday 9:15am MSB Rita Katz 407-309-9675 [email protected] • • Sol. Funtime Events - - - Mary Ann Lando 863-852-8412 [email protected] Sol. Hadassah - - - Irene Port 863-427-2304 [email protected] Sol. Hand Chime Choir Saturday 9am CR Pam Paulson 863-547-4196 [email protected] Sol. Jogging Club Tuesday 8am RSF Tony Handler 863-427-4345 [email protected] Sol. Older Bikers SOBs Meet to Ride 4th Tuesday Tuesday & Thursday 7pm 8:30am MSB MB Gerry Durkee 863-852-9380 [email protected] Sol. Orchid Enthusiasts - - - Arthur Katz Sol. Painters Monday Thursday (Except 1st Thurs.) 9am 2:30pm AR AR Barbara Buschek [email protected] 863-852-7477 [email protected] • Sol. Quilters Friday 1pm AR Carol Naples 863-496-0825 - • Sol. Racqueteers - - - Terry Roderick 863-547-4202 [email protected] • Sol. RV Club 3rd Wednesday 4:30pm RSF2 Walter Kraus 703-283-0629 [email protected] Sol. Scrapanos 1st & 3rd Monday 6:30pm - Beth Baumwell 863-427-4282 - Sol. Scrabble Group Saturday 11am MSB Nancy Vojtasek 407-361-9650 [email protected] • Sol. Shuffleboard Club Mon., Wed. & Sat. 9am FP Jack Matusek Rich Demers 863-438-2565 863-496-4294 [email protected] [email protected] • Sol. Singles Club 1st Sunday 1pm RSF2 Bob Edwards Pat Weiss 863-547-8755 863-438-2099 [email protected] [email protected] • Sol. Smashers (Pickleball) 1st Tuesday 6pm RSF Paula Castaldo 863-438-0950 [email protected] • Sol. Social Club 3rd Tuesday 9am MG Neil Riggs 863-427-3973 [email protected] Sol. Social Dance Club - - - John Schultz 863-547-4867 - • Sol. Softball Mon., Wed., Thur. & Sat. 8: 4 0am Softball Field Ed Steimle 262-705-5122 [email protected] • Sol. Sorcerers 3rd Tuesday 6:30pm MSB Frank Deignan 863-427-2854 [email protected] Sol. Soul Seekers - - - Fred Fowler Bruce Allen 206-778-3896 863-241-8141 [email protected] [email protected] • • Sol. Starliters - - - Ellen Factor 863-427-3323 [email protected] Sol. Table Tennis Club - - - Levi Bowen 863-438-4780 [email protected] Sol. Theatre Group - - - Peter Stern 863-547-4942 [email protected] • Sol. Travel Club 3rd Tuesday 7pm ST Judy Riggs 863-427-3040 [email protected] • Sol. Wine Club - - - Marsha Clark 863-852-3484 [email protected] • Sol. Writers 1st & 3rd Monday 10am RSF2 Kathy Glascott 863-427-1761 [email protected] • Sol. Zen Meditation Group Monday 10am - Susan Quinn 863-393-8197 [email protected] SoulaVita Line Dancers Tuesday 6pm PA Deldra Eaton Michelle Green 856-566-1133 215-720-5590 [email protected] [email protected] Stonegate Couples Golf Association Saturday 8:30am SGC Stan Lavine 863-427-4003 [email protected] • Stonegate Men's Golf Association Wednesday - SGC Wendell Thompson 863-427-2860 [email protected] • Stonegate Niners Women’s Golf Thursday - SGC Karen Vitkus 863-547-4376 [email protected] • Stonegate Women’s Golf Association Thursday - SGC Betty Eglinton 863-438-2325 [email protected] • SureShots Camera Club 2nd Wednesday 7pm RSF2 Dean Yale 863-221-8762 - • Club information is also available on SolivitaLive.com. | To update your club’s information on this list, email [email protected]. | 18 | Reflections | April 2015 | [ Club News ] Live Club Day Time Room Contact Phone Email Texas Canasta Mon. & Wed. 3rd Monday 7pm 7pm MSB MSC Barb Scherr 863-427-2666 [email protected] Tuesday Tile Tossers Tuesday 7pm MSC Nancy Bell 863-427-1800 [email protected] • Veterans Club of Solivita 4th Wednesday 7pm ST Charlie Borchini 407-705-2383 [email protected] • Vizcaya Social Club - - - Leonard Vento 863-496-0628 [email protected] Widows Club of Solivita Last Saturday - - Nan Johnston Glenda Stearns 863-496-4021 863-427-2268 [email protected] Western/Upstate New York Club - - - Sue Foels 407-288-7992 [email protected] • Yarners Wednesday 10:30am MSC Esta McNamara 863-427-0946 [email protected] • Young and Young at Heart (YaYaH) 1st Monday 7pm VP Lucy Cordova 516-459-4183 [email protected] • Club information is also available on SolivitaLive.com. | To update your club’s information on this list, email [email protected]. New York City Transit Retirees of Florida (NYCTROF) Solivita Budget Wine Tasting & Popcorn Club (SBWTP) We had the theme of fruity wines under $7 from Trader Joes. Nero Our Motown the Musical D’Avola wine is made from nero d’avola grapes with a flavor of berries event was a huge success. and cherries. We had a certified organic cabernet sauvignon by Green Fin, which We at had a bouquet of cherries, Mosiacs before going to the Dr. Phillips raspberries, and plums with Center for the show. We still have seats a hint of vanilla. We also available for the Tampa Bay Downs had a sauvignon blanc from day at the races trip for Saturday, April Chile with a flavor of citrus 18th. Please call Micheline Vosges at and apple. Our chocolate 863-496-0431. Membership is open to wine all retirees of NYCTA and MABSTOA. made with Dutch chocolate Contact Essic Dillard at 863-427-1690 and red wine served with or Eddie Richardson at 863-427-0079. whipped cream. For dessert, we had apple pie, a variety of cheesecakes, a banana-nut enjoyed dinner was Choco-Vine SBWTP Club Winoes and Winettes chocolate cake, and homemade mandel bread. Playing for Life Dominoes Club The proceeds from our events go to The Dominoes Club enjoyed a tournament day of fun and camaraderie the American Cancer Society. Thank at the Bella Viana Amenity Center Thursday, February 19th. We you for your support. Call 863-427- kicked off the morning with a potluck breakfast and explained the rules of play to 4297 or 863-353-5387 for tickets/ the players. Penalties, if any, were clarified during questions and answers. Twenty- information or visit us at Lifestyles eight players played four games each. The club's computer experts calculated figures Ticket Sales. In February we sponsored to determine who the winners were. a trip to the Victory Casino for the Red First position went to Angel Treto Hatters and a good time was had by all. and Carmen Robinson; second went Any groups that would like to go to the to Antonio Medina and Sam Furrow; Victory Casino, please contact us and and third went to Christine Coote and we will arrange it. April 11th is Relay for Gladstone Huggins. Our next meeting Life, so put your walking shoes on and is Thursday, April 2nd and our next come visit us in The Village. We need tournament will be Thursday, May to make this the best Relay ever. 21st at the Venezia Amenity Center. Reflections | April 2015 | | 19 | [ Club News ] The Long Islander Club Genealogy Club We’ve been having such Monday of each month (October through a May) in RSF2 at 6:30pm. Upcoming great year, including visiting Tampa Bay Downs in February The Genealogy Club meets on the third meeting topics are: and our meetings with Polk County Fire Department and Duke Energy. If you • Planning a Successful Cemetery Trip and Photographing Headstones have any questions, please call Joanna at 863-438-2324. If you are new to • Tips for Using Family Search Solivita, come and join us the fourth • Cell Phone Apps for the Genealogist Tuesday of the month in RSF2 at 7pm. • Getting the Most from an Ancestry.com Subscription Remember, you don't have to be from • Organizing and Editing Family Photos with Windows Live Photo Gallery Long Island to join us! • Photo Detective - Dating and Identifying your Family Photos Solivita RV Club FlyBye Red Hatters Excitement grew for this year’s first The Red Hatters held a combined event this winter onboard a floating casino out of RV rally at Salt Springs State Park. The Port Canaveral. Ladies from FlyBye, New Attitude, Royal, Winners Circle, and Spicy campground was sold out, but many joined in the fun. Our day began with a bus ride to the Atlantic Ocean. To get everyone of us got our reservations in on time. excited about spending time on the boat we played three card bingo and had a 50/50 The rally ran for five days and began raffle. A casino representative on Monday, March 16th. It had a bit of greeted us with vouchers for everything for everybody with each day lunch, a drink, and $20 for culminating around a beautiful campfire. gambling. Some relaxed with The club continues growing and, like a book, some frolicked with last month, preparations are well under the live music, and many spent way for the summer season. The RV life their day gambling. All involved offers a sense of freedom not found in had a wonderful time. other venues. Happy motoring to all. Veterans Club of Solivita (VCS) Thank You For Your Service They were soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines. They landed on beaches in Italy, France, and countless islands in the Pacific. They flew bombing raids into Germany, fought alongside Patton at the Battle of the Bulge, and dodged submarine torpedoes and enemy fighters in the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Many enlisted right out of high school, getting written permission from their mothers to enlist because they were under eighteen years old. They answered their country's call to service to defend the freedoms that we enjoy today. They are the VCS WWII Life Members that we have highlighted over the past months. Surely the “Greatest Generation.” | 20 | Reflections | April 2015 | [ Club News ] Caribbean American Association of Solivita (CARAMVITA) Solivita Theatre Group Preparations are full speed ahead for two events in the forthcoming On May 5th at 7pm months. We’re looking forward to a full house at our Tea Party and Fashion Show on in the Ballroom, the Solivita Theatre Sunday, May 3rd in the Ballroom. This event has always been a favorite for many of Group is proud to present our first our friends and neighbors, and surely will once again be a crowd pleaser. Tickets will Playwriters Festival. It will feature soon be on sale! June is Caribbean Heritage Month and this year, we’ll expose our several one-act plays that were chosen community to various aspects of Caribbean life. Each Friday in June will be dedicated during recent auditions held for Solivita to a different topic - cuisine, literature, music, and film. Please join us in celebrating playwriters to present their written the richness of the Caribbean culture! works for consideration. The plays will be performed as staged readings, which means the actors will be reading from Disney Cast Members of Solivita scripts. Tickets are $5 per person. In addition, dessert, coffee, and tea will be Recent activities included a great dinner at Red Lobster followed served. For information, contact Irma or by the Wizards of Magic Show, our first luncheon meeting of Mort Schwartz at 863-427-0562. the year, and the very popular Hoop Dee-Doo Musical Revue dinner and show at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. This month we will enjoy lunch at the Swiss Pro Tea Room in Haines City on Friday, April 24th. Our meeting will be on Saturday, April 11th at The Palms at 10:30am. As always all Solivita Disney Cast Members, active and retired, are invited to join us. Oldies But Goodies Club Wow! We’ve had three very successful 2015 dances in January, February, and March. There will be no April dance as the Ballroom was not available to us because of other previously reserved club and Lifestyles events throughout the month. However, there will be a sensational dance on Tuesday, May 12th with Solivita's own Red Lobster Dinner and Magic Show exciting band, Somewhere In Time. There will be email communications reminding you how to obtain tickets or call Rosalie at 863-496-5290 or Norman at 863-496-1080. Michigan Club On Saturday, thirty-one February members of 21st, the Michigan Club met in Sanford for a three-hour dinner cruise on the paddleboat, "Barbara Lee." Catholic Families of Solivita (CFS) There was good food, dancing, Save and a scenic cruise down the St. May 3rd for our next CFS the date Sunday, Johns River. The Michigan Club Potluck Meeting at 1pm at meets at The Grille for breakfast every Monday morning at 9am. Why not join us for The Palms. It will be our very popular food, fun, and fellowship? Meet & Greet the Pastors. Reflections | April 2015 | | 21 | [ Club News ] Solivita Friends of Elementary Education Schools (SoFEES) Dedicated to assisting Polk County students succeed, SoFEES (a volunteer program) is over 70 people strong. SoFEES provide weekend food for 130 children; collect school supplies, sweatshirts, and underwear; and collect Box Tops and Labels for Education. We know “it takes a village to raise a child.” SoFEES members strive to bring hope and a smile to children who need it. The generosity of the greater Solivita community is that “village.” Thank you to all who donated food on theater night and at the Car Show. Contact Rita Katz, 407-309-9675, for more information. Easter Candy Surprise for Weekend Food Bags Donations for Eastside Elementary School Computer Connection of Solivita The discussion of the next meeting will be on some of the more basic Laurel Elementary School Food Packers (130 Bags in 45 Minutes) Republican Club of Solivita Windows 8.1 techniques in using the operating system. We'll also discuss Following on the success of how to initially set up your new computer and the consequences of incorrect setup. Bring “Rocky Mountain Heist” (attended by a your questions to the meeting so that you may get a solution from someone in the room large number of club members), another that may have had the same problem and how they solved it. Our goal is to be of interest members-only event is scheduled for to all levels of computer skills. The meeting is on Wednesday, April 1st at 7pm in RSF2. If April 14th at 4pm at The Palms (space you have any questions about the club, please call Walter Fair at 863-427-3928. is limited) for a Movie + Slice. We will watch several short videos about Islam. Learn things about this huge, Filipinos at Solivita (FAS) Florida Winter Black and White Party fast-growing religion. After a short discussion, pizza and beverages will be provided. Current members only. The Filipinos at Solivita celebrated the first themed potluck of the 2015 year by donning black and white outfits. It was a most regal affair wherein its newly elected officers (President, Nady Gutierrez; Secretary, Boots Julian; and Treasurer, Fe Espisnosa) were sworn in by outgoing FAS President, Rudy Julian. CLUB REMINDER Club articles are restricted to 100 WORDS or less. Submissions that do not meet this requirement (over 100 words) will be reduced by Reflections staff. | 22 | Reflections | April 2015 | [ Club News ] Solivita Artisan Guild The Diamonds Women's Softball Club The Artisan Guild is happy to report that Diamonds Support the Cure we raised $150 for the Wounded Warriors The Diamonds participated in the Walk/Run for a Cure in show Project at Mardi Gras through the sale of of support and in memory of our friends pizelles and beads. Thanks to everyone and loved ones who have lost the battle who supported our efforts with purchases to cancer. We walked the walk and talked and donations. We had a lot of fun doing the talk and entertained some of our it, so look for us again next year! We also fellow walkers with our Diamond cheers thank everyone who participated in and and songs. Any gathering of the Diamonds attended our Miniatures Show and look is always a good time, whether it's on the forward to many exciting new art events field, marching in parades, in support of a this year. April is, of course, when we great cause, or just meeting for drinks. The “show off” our talents in our Spring Show Diamonds rock! Goooooooo Diamonds! – please check the Community Events page for details. Give Kids The World Club (GKTW) Give Kids The World Volunteer Angels Solivita Give Kids The World volunteers are invited to a special “sneak peek” of the newly constructed Towne Hall at GKTW on Thursday, May 14th. Volunteers should plan on meeting at Freedom Park at 9am and head to GKTW where Solivita volunteers will be greeted by Towne Hall tour guides. Be the first from Solivita to see the volunteer dining hall, new food venues, Sheila LeQuia's exquisite perfectly scaled creations formed the centerpiece for the Artisan Guild's Miniatures Show in March. the character green room, and the large stage area. Please contact Beth Whitmire of GKTW at 407-396-0770 or [email protected] to reserve your spot. Additional information will be available in the May Reflections. New England Club of Solivita Mardi Gras found the newly elected board, past president, and others serving clam chowder (which sold out) and apple crisp. Later in February, a group went to the Show Palace Dinner Theatre in Hudson to see Crazy for You. They enjoyed the show and a buffet dinner. Be sure to make your reservation for the April 15th Tarpon Springs sightseeing, sponge diving cruise and lunch. When looking for club information, upcoming events, and photos of events, check the club webpage on SolivitaLive.com. Reflections | April 2015 | | 23 | [ Club News ] Bridge Groups Bridgers Roaring Red Hatters We celebrated our 10th Anniversary as the Roaring Red Hatters and the birthdays of our lovely sisters, Sharyn Lane and Ann Carl at Season's 52 in Orlando. We had a wonderful time, really enjoyed each other's company, and took in some great Ann Salvato: 863-527-3891 shopping (of course). We award Season's 52 with a 4 out of 5 for great atmosphere, Agneta Eklund: 863-496-4194 warm service, and a healthy culinary experience. See you next month. The Bridgers Club will have an open bridge game every Wednesday at 12:30pm in MSC. The cost is $1 per person given back in prize money. Please come with a partner and join us for a pleasant afternoon of bridge. Solivita Bridge Club Sanctioned Duplicate Bridge Adeline Rosica: 863-427-1865 Sharlene Tyler: 407-572-4021 Julie Hillger: 863-205-0585 Alan McIlwain: 216-640-9885 Join our ACBL Directors in MSB: • • • Sunday afternoon at 2pm Monday afternoon at 12:30pm Friday evening at 6:30pm Ladies Bridge Luncheon Ladies Bridge Luncheon Winners! Please come 15 minutes before Congrats to our February Ladies Bridge Luncheon first place winners! WOO HOO! game time. All levels are welcome. Pictured on top row (left to right): Valerie Terk, Jacquie Brunner, Agneta Eklund, Membership not and Vikie Adams. Pictured on bottom row (left to right): Judy Rosenblum, Elaine required. On Friday and Sunday Lavine, Elly Goldberg, and Elaine Zuelsdorf. Future dates for our two annual bridge Directors will be available to play, luncheons are November 4th and February 3, 2016. Mark your calendars now, so so come to play with or without a you won't miss out on the fun! in ACBL is partner. Party Bridge We meet on Thursdays in the Ceramics Gallery from 2pm-5pm. No money, no duplicate, no bidding boxes, no electronic scorers, no partners necessary (we take turns), and no reservations needed. Stay awhile or more; all are welcome. Hope to see you there. If you have questions, call 863-852-9475. | 24 | Reflections | April 2015 | [ Club News ] Forever Young Music Forever Young fans know our lead guitar/lead singer prides himself on Continental Society of Solivita his German heritage. Did you know that the Beatles’ first number 1 hit on the Billboard Tickets are now on sale for “Dancing chart, I Want to Hold Your Hand, was also recorded in German? The German title was Through the Years: ‘20s to the Present” Komm, gib mir deine Hand on May 2nd from 7pm to 11pm (doors (“Come, Give Me Your open at 6:30pm). Dress to impress Hand”). Would you agree in clothing representing your favorite that it somehow loses a time period. Prizes will be awarded little of its flavor between for the best outfits. For tickets, call “I want to hold.…” and Linda at 863-852-8165 or Dianne at “Give me.…?” Join us every 863-852-8758. We thank those who Sunday starting at 3pm in attended our first planning meeting for RSF2. Perhaps Wolfgang will do the German version! Rock On! Solivita Olympics 2016. Please mark your calendars for January 22nd-28th. Stay tuned for information about future Hispanic Heritage Cultural Club (HHCC) meetings. Please contact Brenda at 863-438-2808; Kathy at 863-496- The lunch and Games Day at The Palms on March 13th was a great success. 1584; or Bernice at 863-427-4480, HHCC members and friends shared a convivial afternoon of "Amistad" with any questions. and relaxation. On April 15th, HHCC members and friends will board a bus for a day trip to charming downtown Winter Park for lunch, sight seeing, and SHOPPING. Lunch, for those interested, is planned at Cocina 214, a local favorite and Solivita Showtime Entertainers popular Tex-Mex restaurant. For reservations, please call Norma at 863-427-1260; Olga at 407-507-7999; or Ester at 954-299-6900. Additionally, mark your calendars for the HHCC Mother’s/Father’s Day Dance on Friday, May 8th. Thanks to all for your At the February Memphis participation and continued support. Sound Show, audience members sang and swayed to the sounds of Country, Solivita Fishing Club Blues, and Rock 'n' Roll. AEDs were also presented to our residents. Mark This is the crew getting ready for fishing (the next day) on Lake your calendars for Friday, February Okeechobee, which is one of several salt water and fresh water fishing 26, 2016 for “Philly Sound” (The trips planned by the club. Closer to home, our Solivita ponds are full of big bass. If you Sound of Philadelphia) in the Starlite are curious, stop by for one of our monthly meetings held in the Baltic Room at 7pm on Ballroom. Examples include the music the second Tuesday of each month. Fishing is fun here. of Hall & Oats, Teddy Pendergrass, Elton John, Frankie Avalon, DD Sharp, the Dovells, Stylistics, and Barry White. Tickets go on sale in the late spring. We wish to apologize to Rosann Carter, Betty Spence, Alan McIlwain, Renato Sumangil, and John Robinson, as their contributions were inadvertently omitted from the show program. For more information, email SolivitaShowtimeEntertainers@ gmail.com. Reflections | April 2015 | | 25 | [ Club News ] Solivita Bocce Club Shalom Club In the last frame of the second game of the semi-finals (the first We celebrated Purim at our tournament of the year), two teams were tied at 8 points each. March meeting with a skit performed by Both played a great game and made it very exciting. Congratulations to the winners: members. Purim marks the escape of the Sol Marcia Jewish people from genocide at the hands Wark, and Dick Otto! At Mardi Gras we of the Persians. We also had a matzoh ball sold meatball subs. Thanks to our members cook off. Passover begins on the evening who volunteered and to the residents who of April 3rd. The club will hold a Passover purchased our subs, making it a successful Seder on April 4th. The kosher style event event. From April 19th-October 25th, we’ll will take place at Nikki’s Café. April 16th begin our Sunday Summer Nites. If you is Holocaust Remembrance Day and the would like to join us ($5 membership fee), club will honor it with a ceremony at the contact Bev Dictor at 863-427-1861 or Cooperstown Pavilion at 7:30pm. All Jackie Erickson at 863-427-6440. residents are invited to join us. Contact Weissman, Josie Swantek, Marilyn Glaser at 863-496-1182 for more information. Solivita Funtime Events Members had a great time on the March trip to Tampa Bay Downs. Our upcoming trip to South Florida is already sold out. Be sure to book early for the May 14th trip to Cocoa Beach and the June 26th Victory Cruise – spaces are filling up fast. The Cocoa Latest Winners of the Texas Canasta Tournament Beach trip includes a wonderful meal at the Lobster Shanty on the water. ARTICLE DEADLINES Reflections deadlines are published two months in advance in every issue. Be sure to check every month, as deadlines can change due to holidays. This month the deadlines appear on page 6. Contact MaryAnn at 917-622-5414. Solivita Social Dance Club Pennsylvania Club Even though the Pennsylvania Club of February's dance brought out a Sea of Red on the dance floor. It is always great Solivita is only a few months old, it has to see everyone participate in the themes each month. Friday, April 24th will be already grown to 80 paid members and our South of the Border dance. Just a reminder, the dances now start at 6:30pm and doors we think our numbers will continue to will open at 6pm. On Wednesday, April 1st, John will set up at 8am to sell tickets for the increase over the next few months. Our Friday, May 22nd dance. The theme for May is Flower Power. If you have any questions or March meeting was held at The Palms, concerns, contact John Schultz at 863-547-4867 or [email protected]. which included a potluck supper. It was well attended and everyone had a great time. April’s meeting is scheduled at The Palms on Thursday, April 16th at 7pm. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact Ron Reed at 863221-3237 or [email protected]. Pennsylvanians, come and see what all the excitement is about! | 26 | Reflections | April 2015 | [ Club News ] Solivita Book Circle Solivita Softball Club The men's Solivita Softball Club sent two teams to the Polk Senior Games Our annual dinner and and came in 1st and 3rd Place. We got wet, but a lot of fun was had all. The Solivita Skype event was on February 23rd Softball Club has been represented in the Polk Senior Games for six consecutive with 17 of our 22 chapters present. years and has often taken home 1st Place. The winning team members are pictured Tables were festively decorated to below. Front row: Ralph Varrone, Terry Kelly, Todd Boepple, Bob Flores, Ed Steimle, showcase their favorites books from and Terry Wilczek. Back row: Chris Varrone (Coach), Dave Trickett, Bill Brown, 2014. This year, judges came from Bernie Renwick, Charlie Borchini, Lenny Eisenhauer, and David French (Captain). within the Solivita community and We’re always looking for more members. Call Ed Steimle at 262-705-5122. prizes were awarded for creativity (Literary Ladies), originality (Happy Bookers), and best interpretation of a book (Between the Covers). Each of the three chapters were awarded a $25 gift card to the Bistro/The Grille. The Skype interview (led by Jacquie Brunner) was with Farahad Zama, the author of The Marriage Bureau for Rich People. Farahad came to us via the internet from London where he currently lives and works. Big Money Bingo Bingo this month will be Wednesday, Yarners April 1st and Sunday, April 12th. The Upon hearing that a class of preschool students in Maryland was suffering doors open at 5:15pm and close at 6pm. from the cold weather last winter, a number of Solivita Yarners decided to Bingo begins at 6:15pm. The price for provide each student in this year's class with bingo packets is one for $12 and two for a hat and scarf. A group of us made the garments, while $17. There are two free games - both others donated yarn. The teacher wrote to us, "Thank given to you when you buy your packets. you so much for your generous gifts. My students We’ve been having a huge turnout and absolutely love their new hats and scarves. It is wonderful expect it to be even better in the future. knowing they will be safe and warm this winter thanks Remember to bring your ID and no to your generosity. Your kindness and support means so outside beverages are allowed. much to my classroom community." Reflections | April 2015 | | 27 | [ Club News ] The Birders Purple Flowers Club Birders to Visit Fort De Soto Park Come get your cannoli! The ever popular cannoli will be at the Purple Flower booth This month, we will go to one of the best on Relay Day, Saturday, April 11th in The Village Center. We were a sell out at places to see colorful backyard birds as Doggiepalooza and Mardi Gras. Eat them while they migrate north to their breeding walking the Relay track or take some home for a grounds. The mulberry trees with night snack. Either way, you don’t want to miss ripe berries attract tanagers, orioles, out. Proceeds from cannoli sales, as well as purple cardinals, memorial flowers and earrings, will be donated to buntings, goldfinches, and grosbeaks, hummingbirds. The the American Cancer Society. Come join the fun pelicans fish by diving head first into and have a tasty, sweet treat while supporting or the water and the ospreys dive on the remembering those who have been affected by cancer. pelicans to chase them from their fishing areas. Fort De Soto is on Mullet Key at the entrance of Tampa Bay. The distance to this island requires an early Green Thumbs departure; please call Nancy Latham at Special thanks to Chef Dee Hatsady from The Grille at Stonegate Golf 863-496-1884 for the date and time of Club for making the delicious Whiskey Sauce for the Bon Ton’s Bread departure. Photos by Leo Rodgers. Pudding our members baked and sold at the Mardi Gras event. We are currently taking reservations for our members to attend the “Springtime in Solivita” Indigo Bunting floral arranging demonstration by Lucia Salamone. There will also be a plant exchange. There is limited seating and light refreshments will be served. RSVP by April 20th to Anita Nelson at [email protected]. Cost is $5 per person and is limited to members only. See the February/March member newsletter for more information. Summer Tanager Indiana Friends At our February meeting, Indiana Friends enjoyed a Games Night with a lasagna dinner. Some folks were having so much fun that they continued playing even after dinner was served! On Saturday, March 28th, Indiana Friends met on the grassy lawn near The Grille for a Croquet Tournament with lunch. For our April event, we will attend the Solivita Starliters production, “Encore: One More Time!” on Sunday, April 19th. Members will enjoy coffee and dessert in Mosaics after Pelicans Diving for Dinner | 28 | the show. Details for this event have been emailed to members. For information about joining Indiana Friends, please contact John or Ann Wolber at [email protected]. Reflections | April 2015 | [ Club News ] Solivita Smashers Solivita Bowlers It’s that time of year again As of the writing of this article, for the Sadie Hawkins Games. In this tournament, the we are looking forward to women ask the men to be their playing partner. Partners are our Banquet. The winning encouraged to dress up like their favorite Daisy Mae and Lil' teams will be announced next month. Abner characters. This tournament is purely social, so being The summer league will start on April a particular skill level is not important. Show up for a day of 14th. It will be two ten-week sessions. fun, to meet old friends, and make new ones. If you want to Bowling will start at 1pm. The summer play in the tournament, please sign up today. If you haven’t league is less formal. If you can't come seen the game of pickleball, come down to Freedom Park on every week, feel free to come when April 18th at 9am to watch. you can. This would be a good time for bowlers who are thinking about bowling and have not bowled in years. If anyone Applause Music Mixers Social Club (AMMSC) Participation at the monthly “Potluck with Music” events continues growing as we is interested, please call Len at 863496-0628, Patrick at 863-427-4667, or Ann at 863-427-4212. welcome over 20 new members to the organization. Members of the Music Team were busy performing at the club’s activities as well as providing artistic and soulful support at five other Solivita clubs’ charity/special events. Great job! AMMSC will celebrate our the music team and featured artists, “Solivita Five,” will perform. Tickets are $8 and a New Attitude Red Hatters cash bar will be available. For tickets, contact Haydee Figueroa at 863-547-4949 or Last month, we enjoyed Motown the Victoria Johnson-Taylor at 863-438-2356. Musical at the new Dr. Phillips Center, second anniversary on Saturday, April 25th at 7pm in the Ballroom. Join the party where Solivita's Showtime singers, the Energizing Christian Women's Gospel Music Experience in the Ballroom, and one little visit to the Victory Casino (shhhh). This month, it’s horseraces. We’re off to spend a beautiful day at Tampa Bay Downs with the NYC Transit Retirees of Florida. Join us Wednesday, May 13th as we revisit the world renowned spa at the Warm Mineral Springs in North Port, FL. We'll rejuvenate ourselves in this natural spring, enjoy massages, facials, and lunch. Call Andree at 863353-6388 or Cleo at 863-496-0366 for Solivita AHCC Educational Fund reservations and information. The Solivita African Heritage Cultural Club Educational Fund Scholarship Luncheon will be held on May 22nd. The winners of the two scholarships for 2015 will be presented at the luncheon. All who have contributed $40 or more will receive a personal invitation. Past scholarship recipients will conduct the program. This is our way of showcasing our scholarship winners. Thanks to the generosity of the Solivita community, we have awarded over $60,000. It is our hope that this number will increase with this year’s contributions. The next Board meeting is May 8th at 1pm in the Duncan home. Reflections | April 2015 | | 29 | [ Club News ] Kapamilya respect for guidelines and guidance, have shaped who we are and how we look at The Young and Young at Heart (YaYaH) others around us. So it was natural for us to celebrate Valentine's Day together in order On The more years we spend together, the more we realize how respect for each other, to express gratitude to lasting friendships and being part of a caring family. Valentine’s Day, 65 YaYaH members enjoyed dinner, along with belly dancers twirling around the tables with some of our members at Opa’s of Orlando. Mardi Gras (despite the weather) was extremely successful too. Over 100 dinners were served with rave reviews, including gourmet Italian cuisine and desserts. On April 10th, roll up your sleeves and join us for a fun evening of bowling, karaoke, and food at the AMF bowling alley in Kissimmee. We’ve planned a day at the True Winery Festival in Davenport on April 18th. We’ll also pick blueberries at a later date, when Disney Fan Club the picking is ripe! For more information, call Char at 914-980-7591. Disney Fan Club members are so savvy about Disney parks; the top four teams participating in our Animal Kingdom Scavenger Hunt were separated by only one point. Guess we’ve all gotten top honors at our informal “Disney University.” Since the parks are not our only source of fun events, March activities included a very interesting tour of Wilderness Lodge followed by a delicious dinner at Whispering Canyon. Our April 22nd Lunch & Bocce event and bi-monthly meeting at The Palms is shaping up nicely. To learn more, check out our club page at SolivitaLive.com. Have a Magical Month! Solivita Quilters We met in February for an all-day Quilt Retreat sewing Christmas tree skirts, lead by Joan Krauss. It’s never too early to start sewing for Christmas. Everyone enjoyed themselves very much and some very beautiful and unique tree skirts resulted. There was a lot of originality and a wide assortment of fabrics. We have several patriotic quilts to raffle. The Quilters also enjoyed the Skype interview with Marie Bostwick, who is a New York Times Don’t forget to check out Club News and Today’s Events at SolivitaLive.com. and USA Today bestselling author of uplifting contemporary fiction. | 30 | Reflections | April 2015 | [ Club News ] Solivita Social Club Solivita Racqueteers On November 20th Lou Christie, along A $300 donation from the Solivita Racqueteers to the Poinciana High with Rocky and the Rollers will perform. School tennis team was used to purchase two T-shirts (with logos) for Songs include Two Faces Have I, Lightning each player. Blue shirts are worn on Fridays to celebrate Spirit Day at school and white Strikes, Rhapsody shirts are worn during play at all team matches. According to team coach, Nasir Ayoub, in the Rain, The six boys and six girls are participating in the program this year. Competition takes place Gypsy Cried, How within Osceola County; the schedule in 2015 ran from mid January to April 1st. Club Many Tear Drops, President, Terry Roderick (pictured on the far left) enjoyed some tennis camaraderie and many more. with six team members and Coach Ayoub. Tickets are on sale at Lifestyles Ticket Sales; Thursday Movies (6pm-7pm); and at the Monday and Friday Farmers Market (9am-1pm). 2016 Shows For tickets, contact Neil at 863-4273973 or Margaret at 863-496-4026. • January 30, 2016: The Letterman • March 6, 2016: Jay and the Americans • November 18, 2016: Dennis Trufano (original lead for the Buckinghams) and the 1910 Fruitgum Company Stonegate Women's Golf Association (SWGA) Fortunately this year, during our President’s Stonegate Niners Cup Golf Tournament, we had decent weather to complete our two rounds of golf. Pictured is our President’s Cup winner (right), Mary Jane Raser with a combined net score What is it about golf that of 133. This was also a special luncheon honoring our past keeps women coming back and present SWGA Presidents (pictured below). Each was every year? The answer for us is how given a special rose in appreciation of their dedication to nothing beats the feel of a well-struck the association. We welcome new residents who enjoy the shot, how we find something good in game of golf to join our association. If your handicap does not exceed 40 you are eligible every round, get plenty of exercise, get to join. You will find “new member forms” on the bulletin board in the ladies locker room. a feeling of accomplishment, and most importantly, get to laugh and have fun in the sun. We had fun at our Member Guest Play and the competition was fierce. Thank you Claude Eastwood and the Pro Shop for helping make the tournament a success. Details of the Spring Luncheon in April will be posted in the lounge. Contact: Karen Vitkus at 863-547-4376 or [email protected]. Reflections | April 2015 | Left to right: Betty Eglinton, Mary McGillivary, Meg Burkhart, Nancy Robbins, Jan Smith, Leslie Gordon, and Judy Kelly. | 31 | [ Club News ] Solivita Bible Study Group Solivita Shuffleboard Club When God created the earth (Genesis Solivita Shuffleboard Club held it's annual Valentine’s Day Tournament. The top 10 1 and 2), it was a perfect creation - players won a heart-shaped box of chocolates. The picture shows the club taking a no sickness, disease, or wars! What break while they enjoy watching the Solivita barbershop quartet,"Cordially Yours,” changed? Why do we get sick and serenade Bill and Beverly King. The tournament ended with refreshments of coffee suffer; why are there wars? It changed and heart shaped donuts. If you are interested in playing, stop by the courts at Freedom when Adam and Eve disobeyed God Park on Thursdays at 1pm for a brief clinic and a chance to try your skills. For more and obeyed Satan. That made Satan information, call Jack Matusek at 863-438-2565. the god of this age (2 Corinthians 4:34). He brought sin into being and with that, sickness and disease. God, being just, honored the transfer of ownership from Adam to Satan. When Jesus came, He restored that which was lost (Luke 19:9-10). We meet Thursdays at 10am in RSF2. Contact Felix and Richetta Andino, 407-729-7747. COMMUNITY CHANNEL Sculptors of Solivita The Solivita Community TV Channel Every February, roses and gifts are a way we express love for our keeps you up-to-date. Tune in and favorite Valentine, so we decided to create a project based on that theme. We made see how on Channel 732. clay roses on wooden plaques and enhanced them with embellishments. The results were quite pleasing. For our Ohio Buckeyes next project, we’ll be creating collages with George Vassilakis. There is In February we went to One Sweet Sista no charge for this class, as in Kissimmee for breakfast. The first everyone will bring their own Wednesday of each month, the ladies materials to complete their meet at The Grille for lunch. Please project. Anyone interested contact Sue Reed at 863-221-4034 in attending or joining our for additional information. The second club is invited to come on the second and fourth Friday of each month from 9am-12pm. Wednesday of each month, members For more information, please contact Char at 914-980-7591. will meet at 8:30am for breakfast. Please contact Martie Laner at 863547-4293 for additional information. April 16th is the road trip to 4 Rivers Solivita Democratic Club Smokehouse in Longwood and a visit Have you attended a Solivita Democratic Club meeting lately? Did you to Petty’s Meat Market. Please contact hear our February discussion on the Affordable Care Act and its effect on Gary Morningstar at 863-427-1339 for taxes, hospital budgets, and quality of care? Did you attend Polk County's Democratic additional information. On May 16th we’ll Executive Committee's Gala or visit their new office in Haines City? If you missed any of go to Boggy Creek Airboat Rides. Please this, make sure you visit us online at solivitademocrats.org for all the latest information, contact Darlene and Dennis Rininger at new office address, and great pictures. Our next meeting will explore environmental 321-250-9100 for information. issues. Join us in the Ballroom on Wednesday, April 8th at 7pm (doors open at 6:30pm). | 32 | Reflections | April 2015 | [ Club News ] African Heritage Cultural Club (AHCC) La Dolce Vita The AHCC has many events throughout the year and we invite everyone to Although the rest of the country had come out and join us. Stay tuned for more info on the AHCC Annual Golf a cold and snowy February, La Dolce Outing and Banquet on May 6th. Also note the new start time for the April Vita warmed up Solivita with the After General Meeting at 9:30am. Check the club page on SolivitaLive.com and the website, Valentine’s Day Dance. It featured our www.ahcc-solivita.org. club member’s appetizers, favorite desserts, a homemade little liquid AHCC Ongoing Events: libations, music by DJ Mike Mahoney, • General Meeting is on Tuesday, April 7th at 9:30am in the Starlite Ballroom. and dancing by all who attended. We • “Members Only Game Night” is on Monday, April 20th at 6:30pm in MSB. finished off the month with a fantastic • “Page Turners” meet on Thursday, April 23rd at 2pm in RSF2. Italian cuisine luncheon at L’Incontro in Lake Wales, a cozy restaurant with a Cast and Crew of the AHCC “The Music Tree” Production. warm sunroom that comfortably holds about 30-40 guests. Yes, it was unusually cold and rainy here, but we don’t shovel sunshine or rain. Solivita Singles The Solivita Singles Club has activities for all interests. You’re invited if you are single. In February, a speaker from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office gave us tips about personal safety. Our monthly dinner destinations included Bonefish Restaurant (February) and Season’s 52 (March). We also headed to Tampa Bay Downs with the Solivita Funtime Events Club in March. We have a bi-weekly outing to a movie on Sunday afternoons. We need to make a correction from January’s article: Board member Bob Edwards is a Member-at-Large. Contact Pat Weiss at 863-438-2099 for membership. In Solivita being single does not mean being alone. La Vita Bella At our February meeting, three members won the Lucky Lire Door Prizes. In March, we celebrated St. Joseph’s and St. Patrick’s with our dinner-dance. Tickets for our Tampa Bay Downs trip on April 12th are $40 for members and non-members. Tickets can be purchased at the April 1st Lifestyles Ticket Sales or by calling Barbara at 863-438-2665 or Arnie at 863-547-4833. The cost includes round trip motorcoach, admission to park, program, and a buffet lunch with carving station. We are also planning a Bocce Tournament in Lucky Lire Doorprize Winners April. Please check our SolivitaLive.com club webpage and Community Bulletin Boards for details. Reflections | April 2015 | | 33 | [ Club News ] Healthy Eating/Active Living Club (HEAL) Solivita Hadassah In late February, members traveled to Tournament Our February was Mahjong a great Winter Park for dinner at Ethos Vegan success and we thank you for your Kitchen. All food choices on the menu participation. Kudos to the grand prize were prepared without meat or dairy winner Barbara Hoffman and to the products. Not all members are vegetarians, but all enjoyed the wide variety of meatless round winners: Barbara Block, Fran appetizers, entrées, and desserts. Last month our Annual Potluck Dinner was held at The Ricciani, Barbara Hoffman, and Laurie Palms. Members brought a healthy, meatless dish to pass and the recipe to share. We’re Selling. The Book Club will discuss Paper trying to be healthy and active! The trip to True Blue Winery in Davenport for the Blueberry Love: Searching for the Girl My Grandfather Festival is on Saturday, April 18th from 10am to 6pm. For more information, contact Margo Left Behind, on a date TBA. Join us for an at [email protected] or 863-496-0628. evening of fun as "you swing your partner" at our Square Dance on April 26th. Please refer to Community Events for details. We wish you a very Happy Passover! Flora Vista Friends Thank you to everyone who supported our February Talent Show. Our collective efforts raised over $4700 for The American Solivita Travel Club Cancer Society. The entertainers Spring is finally here and the were outstanding. Solivita is home Day Trip Table is bursting with to so many talented residents with new trips. Haven’t been to the Ponce de big hearts. Our Flora Vista Friends Leon Lighthouse and Museum? Or let’s Relay Team partnered with the watch baseball as the New York Yankees Playing For Life Team to sponsor take on the Tampa Bay Rays. There are this fundraiser. We wish to thank so many interesting day trips available; Roe Morreale, George Vassilakis, please check with the Day Trip Table at and Pete and Rachel Szotak for their the next Solivita Travel Club meeting. organizational guidance and experience in addition to our team volunteers who baked and The meeting will be held on Tuesday, donated our raffle baskets. See you at the Relay on April 11th. April 21st at 6:30pm in the Ballroom. Thank you to our team volunteers for their efforts to implement our 2015 Relay For Life Talent Show. Hope to see you there. Scarlet Chapeaux The Scarlet Chapeaux enjoyed an elegant lunch at Lavender and Lace. The Victorian ambience set the mood for the day. It is a beautifully restored 1920 cottage and since 1989 it's been home to one of Central Florida's favorite destinations. Our ladies looked lovely and the food was delicious. There was shopping (of course) at the boutique and The Barn. Last month we went to The Tavern in Celebration for a St. Patrick's Day celebration. | 34 | Reflections | April 2015 | [ Club News ] Energizing Women’s Connection A big "THANK YOU" goes out to all who attended our first Gospel Music Experience (GME). What a great turnout for this event! Proceeds from the concert went to help purchase additional automated external defibrillators for Solivita. Those attending enjoyed the instrumental pieces, the music team of the Applause Music Mixers Social Club, the Solivita Quartet, and talented vocalists performing memorable songs including How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace. People left inspired, Applause Music Mixers Social Club (AMMSC) Performing uplifted, and blessed. Support Groups Live • • Club Description Day Time Room Contact Phone Email Cancer Support Group Our group is dedicated to providing emotional support and education to anyone touched by cancer. Thursday 10am MG Mary Redmond Barb Herman Tony Handler 863-427-3727 863-427-0033 863-427-4345 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Grief Support Group For adults grieving the loss of a loved one. Free professional counseling is available to all through this group. Contact Rita for details. 3rd Monday 10:30am MG Rita Azukas 863-496-5116 [email protected] Living Sober in Solivita A discussion group of Solivita residents who are living in sobriety, and for those wanting support and information on how to be alcohol-free themselves. Sunday 9am MSB Kate Mary Randy 863-496-0481 863-496-5289 863-496-5078 [email protected] - Parkinson's Support Group Our group is dedicated to providing emotional support and education to anyone touched by Parkinson Disease. 1st Thursday 11:45am RSF2 Jim Greco 863-438-2643 - Solivita Alzheimer's Support Group We provide assistance and support to those whose loved ones have this disease. 4th Thursday 9:30am MSB Nancy Callahan 863-496-1136 - Weight Watchers New members must pre-register. Please contact Karen for further instructions. Wednesday 8:30am CR Karen Thies 863-496-1935 - • Club information is also available on SolivitaLive.com | To update your club’s information, email [email protected]. Cancer Support Group Solivita Alzheimer's Support Group Breast cancer is about 100 times less Why Join a Support Group? common among men than women. According to Today’s Caregiver (the first national magazine For men, the lifetime risk of getting dedicated to caregivers), some of the reasons to join include: breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000. The American Cancer Society's 2009 estimates • Connecting with other caregivers who understand what you are going through for male breast cancer in the United States for 2009 indicate that about 1,910 new cases of • Sharing common experiences and learning coping strategies invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among • Exploring and sharing solutions to problems men. About 40 men will die from breast cancer. • Finding emotional outlets and receiving support from peers We meet Thursdays at 10am in the Magnolia • Forming new friendships and discovering a sense of community Room. Meetings are for all whose lives have been • Developing new skills through education touched by cancer. For further information, • Helping others while still helping yourself call Mary Redmond, 863-427-3727; Barbara Herman, 863-427-0033; or Tony Handler, 863- The next meeting is on Thursday, April 23rd at 9:30am in the Baltic Room. 427-4345. Reflections | April 2015 | | 35 | [ Solivita Information ] Living Sober in Solivita We are an informal support group organized by men and women who have decided that they cannot drink alcohol safely or even in moderation. We meet weekly to discuss issues we all face or have faced. For example, changing old routines, getting active, and handling occasions when our friends and families will be drinking but we cannot. The goals are knowledge and support; we are not intrusive or judgmental with each other. We welcome Solivitans just starting down the road of sobriety as well as those sober who would simply like conversation with similar people. We “get” how that feels. We meet Sundays from 9am-10am. A Touch of Class AARP Driver Safety™ Course The next AARP Driver Safety™ Course will be held on Tuesday, May 12th and Wednesday, 863-496-1530 days to receive credit for this course. Cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non- May 13th from 9:30am-12:30pm in The Palms Amenity Center. You must attend both members, per person for both days. Registrations will be taken in advance at The Palms Amenity Center Reception Desk along with payment by cash (exact amount please) or check (payable to AARP). Beginners Calligraphy Debi Garner: 407-414-4599 Beginners Calligraphy wants you! Classes are on Saturdays from 12:30pm -1:30pm in the Magnolia Room. $5 per 1½ hour instruction. Please bring a 12" ruler, 2 pencils, and 1 rubber band. I provide paper and first pen. Bridge Lessons: Beginning & Intermediate Advanced Beginner course on “Declarer Play” will be offered on Wednesdays, April 1st- Adeline Rosica: 863-427-1865 will help beginners develop their declarer play. The course will cover – Week 1: Counting Sharlene Tyler: 407-572-4021 winners and watching entries in NT, unblocking, bidding maximum opening hands, and [email protected] review of opening leads. Week 2: Counting losers and drawing trump, bidding maximum 29th from 6:30pm-9pm in the Bella Viana Amenity Center. This series of five bridge lessons responding hands, and opening leads in suit contracts. Week 3: Promoting tricks in suits and NT contracts. Week 4: Using length in suits and NT and responding to a 1 NT opening bid. Week 5: The finesse. Cost, including materials, is $30. Class size is limited. Call Donna McIlwain at 216-640-9885 for enrollment or details about this course. Ceramics Ceramic classes are held every Tuesday from 2pm-5pm in the Ceramics Gallery. There are Brigitte: 863-427-1288 several ceramic projects you can choose from. Cost is $1 per class (to cover supplies and firings) plus the cost of the ceramic project you pick to work on. Dog Obedience & Agility Classes Heather Szasz is currently training agility classes and dog obedience (Canine Good Heather Szasz: 407-922-0285 for behavior and obedience training. Call 407-922-0285 or email thinkalphadog@gmail. Citizen) classes. She will also work one-on-one with you and your dog at your house com, for more information. | 36 | Reflections | April 2015 | [ Solivita Information] A Touch of Class Greeting Cards Learn to make your own greeting cards in the Ceramics Gallery on Wednesday evenings. Sue: 863-427-7463 Class times are 5pm and 6pm and the cost for materials to make two cards is $6. Weekly project materials are prepared for you in advance, so please call ahead to reserve a place in the class. Class size is limited. Multi-Media Artworks Explore various art forms and techniques and learn from a New York State certified Charlene Chaim: art teacher. This class will include, but is not limited to drawing, painting, stained glass 863-427-7312 or creations, clay sculptures, and various theme workshops throughout the year. All levels are 914-980-7591 welcome. Keep in mind that art should always be your own creative way of expression. It's simply a way of putting what is on the inside of you...outside! Pickleball Learn to play pickleball in three weeks. Our program begins the first Tuesday of each month and Marta Groess: includes an introductory class + two clinics. Smashers Club will supply paddles and balls. We [email protected] look forward to you becoming a part of our pickleball club and family. For more information on the classes and the club, see the club section for the Smashers at SolivitaLive.com. Class is at 10:30am on the courts at The Palms. Please register before attending the class. Sculpture Beginners through Advanced Sculpture classes are held Wednesdays from 11am-3pm and Eloise Ritt: 407-933-4628 Thursdays from 9am-2pm in the Ceramics Gallery. The cost is $10 per session. A variety of materials, techniques, and methods are explored and projects ranging from abstract to realistic are produced. If you have ever wanted to try your hand at clay sculpting, this is your chance. No prior experience is necessary. Class size is limited. Call Eloise to reserve a spot. Watercolor-Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced Beginner classes are FREE and are held on Wednesdays from 12:30pm -2:30pm. These Stephanie Sodel: 863-427-9864 classes are held Wednesdays from 10am-12pm and advanced classes are on Tuesdays from classes start the 2nd Wednesday of each month and run for 4 weeks. You have to bring your own supplies, and there is a sign up book (with supply list) in the Art Gallery. Intermediate 10am-12pm. There is a $15 fee for these classes. All classes are held in the Art Gallery. These are ongoing classes - not workshops! Call for more information. Water Media Water Media is for everyone, from the untalented to the experienced artist. Learn in a Ernestine Vicari Stafford: relaxed, informative, step-by-step manner. In every class we finish a complete painting 941-661-9128 ready for framing. Share the enjoyment and excitement of creating your own work of art. [email protected] Water media is a combination of watercolor and acrylic. For more information on classes artbyernie.com or to add your name to the list for notification of upcoming classes, contact Ernie. To see the Water Media projects and class pictures, visit artbyernie.com. The class fee is $15, plus cost of the canvas (unless you bring your own). Reflections | April 2015 | | 37 | [ Solivita Information ] SOLIVITA PERFORMING ARTS COUNCIL 2014/2015 ENDOWMENT FUND GRANTS AWARDED Tha nk You Dear Solivita Friends and Family, The Solivita Performing Arts Council is pleased to My family and I would like to thank everyone for your outpouring announce the recipients of SPAC’s arts enrichment of love, prayers, caring, and support. Your cards and donations grants for the 2014/2015 school year. These grants are during Jack's critical illness and his passing were a blessing to us. awarded through the SPAC Endowment Fund, which May God bless each of you and may 2015 bring you good health was established in 2006 for the purpose of providing and happiness. monetary assistance to elementary, middle, or high school students in Solivita’s neighboring communities. With Much Love, Since the establishment of the fund, more than $41,000 The Family of Jack Phillips and His Loving Wife, Marlene Phillips has been awarded to area schools. This year’s grants (totaling $9,000) were awarded to WALK/RUN FOR A CURE WAS A BIG SUCCESS We would like to thank all of our friends, Alta Vista Elementary, Bellalago Academy, Bethune Academy, Discovery Intermediate School, Gateway family High School, Horizons Elementary, Loughman Oaks and Solivita neighbors for your participation in the 7th annual event Elementary, New Dimensions High School, Poinciana on February 21st. Your participation and generous donations are Academy of Fine Arts, and Sandhill Elementary School. greatly appreciated. Despite the early cool weather, we had almost Grant funds will be used to purchase band equipment, 300 brave souls out there helping the American Cancer Society music, and supplies to sponsor an area music day festival in the fight against cancer. In addition, thanks go to AAM, Sheri, and workshops, provide funding for an after school Elizabeth, their Lifestyles crew, Donnette and Chris for doing the dance program, fund spring theater productions, and early registration chores, and all the volunteers that helped make will make it possible for 60 theater students to attend this a success. Hope to see you out there next year! a two-day thespian festival in Melbourne. One school will use the grant money to purchase materials for art Thanks again, students to make decorative pavers to be used in an Tony and Narda Handler outdoor art inspiration area at their school. Funding for the Endowment comes from ticket sales for SPAC-sponsored performances by Solivita performing arts groups including the Guys and Dolls, Solivita Starliters, The Starlites, SoundBurst, and the Classical Musicians of Solivita. Solivita clubs that have received SPAC support and assistance for club-sponsored productions have also contributed to the Endowment Fund as well as memorial and personal contributions from individuals. The Council would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the fund, either directly or by attending any SPAC-sponsored performances. Solivita 7th Annual Walk/Run for a Cure Solivita Street Walkers | 38 | Reflections | April 2015 |