I am getting really excited about our Guinness Book of World Record attempt for the largest Zumba Class on March 10th.

I can’t believe I agreed to have a classic car and motorcycle show the same day for an all day event. I think I may have gone crazy but LOVE the challenge.

My team has taken on the challenge with enthusiasm. If you are in the Solivita area on March 10th come on by and be a part of a Guinness World Record. Register Today!

We only need over 2025 to break the record and with resident, family and friend support I know we can break the record.  See you there. Go Gators!

Register to be a part of our Zumba world record attempt for the largest Zumba class, hosted by Solivita Cares.

New Years Street party was a huge success.  Over 650 active adult party goers and I could have not dialed in the weather better.

Taking a week off to recharge the batteries for the upcoming events. Heading to Vegas to help them pay their light bills since history has told me I don’t win big.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and we are planning 3 different parties; dinner and a show, dinner/dance and a top shelf event on Valentine’s Day.

Despite the seeming plethora of information, I have to wonder how helpful it really is. I ask this because it’s estimated that about half of us have usually abandoned our efforts by the end of January and very few make lasting changes. If we want to make changes, and the tools to do so are so readily available, then why are so many of us failing to accomplish our goals? Since we’re nearing that critical period that marks potential success or surrendering to old habits, I’d like to talk a little bit about a single critical element of successful behavior change:  Identifying and overcoming barriers.

Many of us fall short of achieving our goals, not because we lack motivation, but because we get unexpectedly derailed from our plans and then give in to the notion that we must accept defeat. Despite our best intentions, unforeseen obstacles will arise. It’s not “if”, but “when.” Those who successfully change behaviors don’t necessarily encounter fewer barriers to success, but typically have a well thought out plan for how to realistically deal with barriers when they arise. Some barriers may be easier to anticipate than others. For example, your New Year’s resolution may have been to exercise 5 days a week. You golf 4 days a week, and are often tired and hungry after playing 18 or more holes. Your energy level and desire to eat are disrupting several exercise sessions each week. You can certainly give up on the idea of exercising 5 days a week, but doesn’t it make more sense to arm yourself with an alternative plan—one that accounts for your schedule and energy levels?

Other barriers, such as unexpected houseguests, illnesses or any number of unplanned obligations may be nearly impossible to foresee. The key is to adopt a problem-solving mindset from the beginning. That means acknowledging that your desired behavior is a priority and when obstacles arise, focus on finding a solution rather than quitting and deeming your effort a failure. Often, the solution to overcoming a barrier won’t be immediately evident. It may even seem impossible. A fresh perspective from a friend or wellness professional may be helpful in these cases. You know what your goal is, and you know that you have to stay the course in order to succeed. Communicate this to people who care about you, and they will want to help.

It may sound crazy, but I suggest going one step further than just anticipating barriers—I encourage you to embrace the notion. Why? The good news is that each time you successfully overcome an obstacle, it builds your confidence in your ability to succeed and strengthens your problem-solving skills. And the more confident and able you are in solving problems, the more likely you are to overcome future barriers, whether planned or unexpected! In other words, success begets more success. So, plan for what you can, and be ready to find work-arounds for the unexpected. Remember your goals, and be creative in finding alternative ways of getting there. Don’t be afraid to seek outside help from supportive people. You are capable of success, and with determination and smart planning, you will succeed in achieving your goals—whatever they may be!

Sheri Wollschlager

I can’t believe we are halfway through December and the Holiday Extravaganza and Gala parties were a HUGE success.  They were our first events with our new Food and Beverage team and I am happy with the results.  Of course, we have a few things that need to be tweaked.   Some of these concerns are more Sheri being Sheri, always looking at ways my team can improve our events.

New Years Eve Street Party

Now it is on to planning our New Years Eve Street Party.  Can’t wait, over 600 of my favorite Solivita residents and their guests will be attending the party and what a blast it will be.  The meetings with Food and Beverage have gone well and the menu is over the top.  Between the full seafood buffet (including jumbo shrimp and crap claws) and carved sirloin in the Ballroom; grilled lamb chops in Mosaics; cheeseburger and chicken sliders fresh off the barbeque grill on the street; spanikopita and buffalo wings in the Gateway Cafe; fresh fruit and a salad bar in the Art Gallery.  I am pretty sure my residents will find something that will tantalize their taste buds.  I am getting hungry just writing about all the food.  OMG, I almost forgot about the desserts; assortments of mini desserts and cookies prepared by our new Pastry Chef. We even have fruit bars and ice cream sandwiches to choose from.  One thing for sure, no one will leave the event hungry.

After everyone had the opportunity to partake in, “All you care to eat!” It is time to get down and funky (Did I just show my age there?).  I love when DJ Penny cranks up the music and everyone starts dancing in the street.  I am always amazed how Penny can get my residents to dance to anything.  I don’t really have to worry about cold weather too much because Penny will get them up and moving.  Because I know all of our residents don’t want to get down and funky, I booked live music performed by the Bobby Tate Duo.  The duo performers offer lower key music in the Ballroom for everyone to enjoy.

As you can see we have something for everyone and the evening is not even over yet.  At midnight we have a champagne toast and dropping of the ball from a 90 foot crane, “Solivita Style”.  Each year, I put Joe from Maintenance in charge of building some kind of ball for us to lower at midnight.  This year the staff thinks it looks like a UFO but I think it is pretty creative.  We even have a strobe light in the middle of the creation.

Every year I joke with the residents, “It does not rain on my parade!”  Street party and rain does not go together.  So far I have been lucky; it has rained right before the event but not during the event.  One of these days I am going to get caught and I will have to go to plan B.  Sure hope that we don’t have to do that this year.  I need everyone’s help, pray it does not rain on Sheri’s parade and we bring in 2012 with Solivita Style.