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Love Local: Celebrate Community and Support Small Businesses in Avalon Park
February is all about love—and what better way to show it than by supporting the heart of our community? This month, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is embracing the Love Local spirit, encouraging residents to shop, dine, and support small businesses that make our town feel like home.
Support Local, Stay Strong
Our local businesses are what make Avalon Park special, offering everything from fitness and self-care to delicious treats and pet pampering!
• ISI Elite Training – Start your day with an energizing workout led by expert coaches who push you to be your best.
• Prime Barbershop – Stay sharp with top-tier grooming and stylish cuts.
• Rita’s Italian Ice – Cool off with refreshing frozen treats in classic and seasonal flavors.
• Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming – Treat your furry friend to gourmet pet treats and professional grooming services.
Looking for a place to call home? The Flats at Avalon Park offers modern, comfortable living with easy access to all the local favorites. With spacious floor plans and a true sense of community, it’s the perfect place to settle in Wesley Chapel.
Don’t Miss the Fourth Friday Food Truck Rally!
Mark your calendars for Friday, February 28th, because this month’s Fourth Friday Food Truck Rally is one you won’t want to miss! Enjoy an evening filled with delicious foods, live music, games, and exciting giveaways while supporting local food trucks, including:
• Wich Press – Serving up gourmet pressed sandwiches with bold flavors.
• Logan’s Smoke House – Bringing the best in slow-cooked, smoky BBQ goodness.
• Tampa Burger Company – Dishing out mouthwatering burgers made with fresh, local ingredients.
Whether you’re coming for the food, the fun, or the sense of community, the Fourth Friday Food Truck Rally is the perfect way to show your Love Local spirit!
Love Where You Live
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel thrives because of the people who call it home. By shopping local, dining local, and supporting small businesses, we help our community grow stronger. This February, let’s show our love by supporting the businesses and events that make Avalon Park such a special place to live, learn, work, and play.
See you around town, and don’t forget to Love Local!
Coffee with Beat: Celebrating 10 Years at Encore Assisted Living & Memory Care Community
It seems like the years are flying by faster than ever, while some days feel long. I am writing this during a brief visit back to Switzerland, where the weather in my hometown of Zurich has been nothing but rain, with temperatures hovering in the 30s and 40s. Despite the gloomy skies, my heart is warmed by a truly special milestone: the 10year anniversary of our Assisted Living and Memory Care community, Encore at Avalon Park in Avalon Park Orlando.
Wow, 10 years! This achievement fills all of us at Avalon Park Group (APG) with pride. From the very beginning of Avalon Park’s vision over 25 years ago, the dream was to create a community where people can live, learn, work, and play. It is a vision rooted in ensuring that individuals can thrive through every stage of life—all within the same community.
It is not often that developers own and operate an Assisted Living community, but at APG, we take pride in being more than just developers— we are town builders. And as we ramp up the development of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, we will be building and looking for partners to help use fulfill that vision.
Encore is home to over 100 residents, cared for by a dedicated team of more than 100 staff members who deeply understand the importance of their work. I often remind our team that Encore is not just another business; it is an extension of our
PUBLISHER
Beat Kahli
EDITOR
Stephanie Lerret
MANAGING
EDITOR
Marielle Fernandez
ART DIRECTOR
Kenzie Farrish
commitment to care for people. While mistakes in other ventures might result in financial losses, at Encore the stakes are higher. The lives of our residents, who are often in need of daily assistance, are the most precious responsibility God has entrusted to us.
This same philosophy will guide us as we develop Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. We envision a community where people feel supported at every stage of life, and where no one needs to leave the community, they love to find the care they need.
There is one resident in particular who exemplifies what Encore means to so many. Jose Lebron, who will celebrate his 101st birthday on March 1st of this year, has been with us since the very beginning. Jose is a true gem, greeting everyone in the lobby with warmth and sharing his love for his home at Encore. We affectionately call him our ambassador because of his daily rounds to check on every floor and his reassuring updates to me when I am abroad. He always tells me that everything at Encore is “under control,” and I believe him!
As we bring this same vision to Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, I am excited about the opportunity to create a community where people of all ages can thrive—whether they are starting a family, pursuing their dreams, or enjoying their golden years.
The lessons and successes of Encore will guide us as we build the future in Wesley Chapel. Together, we will create a community that reflects the same spirit of belonging, care, and connection.
We love Encore, and we look forward to bringing this vision to life in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel!
Tips and Tricks for Apartment Dwellers
Apartment living comes with its own set of unique opportunities and challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned renter or new to apartment life, these tips and tricks can help you make the most of your space and community.
1. Maximize Your Space
Apartments are cozy, but a little creativity can make a big difference:
• Invest in Multi-Functional Furniture: Look for pieces like ottomans with storage, fold-out desks, or beds with built-in drawers.
• Use Vertical Space: Install shelves or use overthe-door organizers to free up floor space.
• Declutter Regularly: Keeping your space tidy ensures it feels open and inviting.
2. Create a Sense of Home
Make your apartment feel uniquely yours:
• Personalize with Decor: Add throw pillows, rugs, and artwork that reflect your style.
• Use Removable Wallpaper: A renter-friendly way to add character to your walls.
• Incorporate Plants: Greenery can make any space feel lively and fresh.
3. Connect with Your Community
One of the best parts of apartment living is being
part of a community:
• Attend Events: Avalon Park hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, from festivals to food truck nights. Check out the Avalon Park Events Calendar to stay up-to-date on upcoming happenings and join in on the fun.
• Introduce Yourself: A simple hello to neighbors can go a long way in building connections.
• Support Local Businesses: Shop and dine at local establishments to embrace the community.
4. Stay Organized and Prepared
A little planning can save time and stress:
• Set Up Auto-Pay: Avoid late rent payments by automating your bills.
• Keep a Toolkit: Basic tools can come in handy for minor fixes or furniture assembly.
• Communicate with Management: Report maintenance issues promptly to keep your apartment in top shape.
Love Where You Live
Apartment living is all about making the most of your space and surroundings. At The Flats, you’ll find not only a place to live but a thriving community that supports your lifestyle. Ready to embrace apartment life to the fullest? Schedule a tour today and discover why so many love calling The Flats home!
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WORK
PLAY
Coming together to create a healthy community
Pasco Tax Collector’s Office Will Spotlight Special Olympics of Pasco in February
Special Olympics of Pasco is the featured charitable giving organization at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s office in February. Special Olympics of Pasco is a sports and training program for people with intellectual disabilities. In Pasco, 1500 students participate in Special Olympics. Training in almost two dozen different sports is provided free of charge to participants.
Funds raised in a prior year helped the Pasco team attend the 2022 National Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando. The Pasco County flag football team, the Dolphins, won gold. All funds raised during this charitable giving effort will support the improvement of athletic programs for participants, including updating uniforms, and will help offset costs of trips to Special Olympics games.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano and everyone in his office,” said Special Olympics Florida Regional Director Jessica Ott. “The tax collector fundraiser helps provide uniforms, equipment, and training for our amazing athletes. It also helps provide training for our volunteer coaches who make our work possible. The support for our athletes is truly inspiring, and we’re honored that Tax Collector Mike Fasano and
his office has embraced our mission.”
“Special Olympics of Pasco has long held a special place in my heart,” states Tax Collector Mike Fasano. “I’m proud that our staff and our community support this organization that helps bring purpose to so many lives. The athletes and the volunteers who work with them are some of the kindest, most positive people I have ever met. So many of the athletes have intellectual challenges that make life difficult. To see the joy on the face of an athlete as they cross the finish line is indescribable. Special Olympics of Pasco provides a respite from the difficulties many face daily. It also provides a place to be with others who also aspire to do their very best.”
Donations can be made at any of the five tax collector locations in Pasco County. For those who would like to give online, the tax collector’s office’s charitable giving arm Pasco TC Gives has a webpage through which donations for the Special Olympics of Pasco (Charity of the Month) can be made: https://www.govhub.com/flpasco/tc-gives/donate
For more details regarding the charitable giving program, or services provided by the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, please contact Greg Giordano, Assistant Tax Collector at 727-847-8179 or visit www.pascotaxes.com . For more information about Special Olympics of Pasco please contact Amy Selvey, Pasco Special Olympics Director at 727-492-8413 or visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org/ westcoast
