KEEPING THE NEWS LOCAL & THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED.
AUGUST 2021
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VOLUME 2 EDITION 8
School is Back in Session!
Schools through October 22, 2021. You can drop off donations in collection boxes at Pasco County Government locations and the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller, Property Appraiser and Tax Collector offices countywide. Learn more.
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COMMUNITY UPDATES
The summer is coming to an end and a new school year has arrived. The first day of school for students is Tuesday, August 10th in Pasco County, and parents, students, and teachers alike have begun their preparations for the new school year. In this edition of the Avalon Park Sun, we are sharing key resources to make sure you and your students are ready for the new school term, as well as opportunities to contribute to those in our community who need a little help.
days. You can view the new school year calendar and download your own printable version here. Pasco County Schools COVID-19 Protocols for 2021-2022
Back to School Bash Avalon Park is excited to partner with UrEsteem once again for their annual Back to School Bash providing students with resources to attend school. Join us on Saturday, August 7th from 10 AM – 12 PM at Life Church for one of the biggest events servicing the community in Wesley Chapel.
Pasco County Schools is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for students and staff throughout the pandemic. You can get up to date with the Schools UrEsteem is a communisafety protocols here. ty partner who supports endeavors that promote ‘Two Good Soles’ Shoes education, self-care and and Socks Drive community awareness. To learn more about Ur2021-2022 Student/Teach- The sixth annual Two Esteem and donate to er School Year Calendar Good Soles Shoes and their cause visit their Socks Drive is underway website at https://urestVisit the 2021-2022 School with Pasco County Gov- eem.org/. Year Calendar and stay ernment and Constituup to date with first and tional offices working to- Check the flier in Learn last days, report card gether to collect footwear Section for more informadays, and special holifor kids in Pasco County tion on the event!
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Coffee Hour with BEAT
to our community. The solution is one that is our go-to for most business challenges: A Partnership. Avalon Park Group partnered with OCPS to accelerate the timeline of the Avalon Park schools, we donated land, built, and financed four of the Avalon-area schools and kicked in the money needed for the Timber Creek High School football stadium and marching field for the band. Not too different More than 20 years ago from our relationship with when planning Avalon OCPS, we developed a Park Orlando from scratch, relationship with the Pasco I invited about 20 area RE- County School Board and ALTORS to the Citrus Club subsequently donated the in Orlando. At that time land for New River EleAvalon Park was in the mentary School. middle of nowhere, at the end of a dead-end, 2-lane Now that we had the road, and the only resischools, the question bedents were cows. My ques- came how do we make tion to these REALTORS them the best? A key mowas: What would make ment for me was when I you bring homebuyers to met Pam Sanders. Pam Avalon Park? was the principal who led Avalon Elementary school My expectation was to for 14 years and while hear, 2 golf courses, a wathere, achieved Blue Ribter park or some other bon School status, which outstanding amenities. identifies the school as one Having no children of my of the top 300 schools in the own at that time, I was United States. My quessurprised to hear their tion to her was, “How can unanimous response was we become the best school new, good schools! This in central Florida?” Her was the number one item answer, “That is easy, we for each of the REALTORS need the best teachers.” there that day. Great, new Pam came up with a great schools. It made a lot of idea, which in part is the sense, of course families reason Avalon Elementary with kids are first and fore- became such a great school. most looking for a commu- She told me, “Beat teachers nity with a great school. are among the least travThe design of the home eled people. Their income and even the location are does not allow them to secondary. travel and see the world. In fact, some of my teachHowever, when I met ers have not even been out with Ron Blocker, who of the state and for sure at the time was the head never abroad.” She went of Orange County Public on to ask me, “Don’t you Schools “OCPS,” it did think a teacher who can not look like an easy task. experience the world firstAccording to the school hand, see the Great Wall of board’s timeline, the much China in Beijing live, talk to needed and requested educators in Europe, Afrischools would have not ca and Australia would be been built for many years a better teacher?” I fully after Avalon Park broke agreed and Avalon Park ground. We needed a solu- Group quickly worked tion to bring these schools with her to develop and
sponsor a program to send the teachers from Avalon Elementary around the globe. The teachers went to Switzerland first (my native country), but over the years they also traveled to China, Africa, South America and even Australia. Even today I get Christmas cards from teachers still at Avalon Elementary telling me how much they learned by seeing the world and gaining experience by dialoguing with educators all over the world. We continue to innovate and think of ways that we can bring unique programs like this to other schools that we work with.
and can be successful as long as they are passionate and dedicated to education. Avalon Park Group supports and works with them all. As a matter of fact, I believe in choices. All Avalon Park public schools are outstanding, and with the addition of the Wesley Chapel Pinecrest charter school, and local private schools, the residents have choices for their children’s education. I like this a lot.
I have always viewed schools as the center of any community. The relationships and interactions between the schools and the community are a key Often people want to know element for both of their what is the one reason that successes. For instance, I love when I see the Thommade Avalon Park Oras E. Weightman Middle lando so successful. My School Band perform at the response is that there are community events. Anover a hundred reasons, other example of this type and all of them have roots of relationship is the comin great partnerships with the community. However, munity service performed if I get pressed to come up by local students at community events and service with one reason, it would projects. The interactions be the schools and our go on and on and continue partnerships with them. I to make us smile. continue to believe that this approach of live, learn, We are proud of our work and play will help make Avalon Park Wesley schools and the students, staff and families they Chapel successful as well. represent! We wish you all success as we kick-off I am not political when it comes to schools. I believe another school year. Welcome Back to School! that public schools, charter schools, and private schools are all important
GET IN TOUCH - Have an inclusion for the Avalon Park Sun? Email: info@AvalonParkSun.com - Editorial Staff: Publisher: Beat Kahli Content Editor: Marielle Fernandez and Stephanie Lerret Graphic & Layout Editor: Kenzie Farrish 407.658.6565 3801 Avalon Park East Blvd. #400 Orlando, FL 32828
LIVE (Cont.)
August Update from Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore I hope you all had a wonderful July with friends and family. Congratulations to Avalon Park Wesley Chapel on another successful Fourth of July celebration! People came from all over the region to attend the great event that continues to celebrate the founding of our country.
put in place. I’m excited about the jobs this project has already created, with hundreds of construction jobs right now and 220 full time jobs when it opens in 2023. The new BayCare Wesley Chapel hospital will provide more opportunities for quality local jobs and another great healthcare option in our area!
On July 28th, Pulte Homes Built to Honor Program and non-profit Operation Finally Home recognized Army SerVaccine rollout is congeant Javier Torres and tinuing with all Floridians of age now eligible his family with a new mortgage free home in to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Please check out Land O’ Lakes. Sergeant the Florida Department Torres was wounded in of Health in Pasco Coun- Afghanistan while serving our nation. These ty’s website at pasco. floridahealth.gov for all ceremonies are always emotional, and I am the latest information. proud Pasco County is a community that supOn July 16th, I spoke ports our veterans! at the topping off ceremony for BayCare’s I had the honor of parnew hospital in Wesley ticipating in Spectrum’s Chapel. This is a tradiIn Focus program on tional ceremony for the the economic impact of construction industry sports in Florida. I was to celebrate the highest point in a building being thrilled to talk about all the amazing things hap-
pening in Pasco County as we are Florida’s Sports Coast. You can watch the program by searching for Spectrum’s In Focus program on July 25th or by clicking here if you are reading the digital version of this newsletter. Our tourism industry is continuing to rebound. I’m thrilled to let you know we set a June record for room occupancy in Pasco County! Through May 2021, Pasco tourist development tax revenue for the year is up about four percent over the record-breaking 2019. The tourist development tax is what visitors pay on temporary lodging such as hotel stays. In 2019, visitors’ impact on the economy saved the average Pasco household $310 in taxes. This is a great testament to our Destination Management Organization team at Florida’s Sports Coast and our venues. This is great news for our local economy as visitors shop in our stores, eat in our local restaurants and stay in
our hotels. Congratulations to the Tampa Bay Lightning for winning their second consecutive Stanley Cup during July! The team is a great community partner with Pasco County. Make sure to check out the Lightning street hockey rink at Wesley Chapel District Park! Please check out Pasco County’s website at MyPasco.net for all the latest information. Remember, we will continue to get through this by working together! About: Commissioner Mike Moore represents District 2 on the Pasco County Commission. He lives in Wesley Chapel with his wife and three children.
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LEARN ORLANDO
Free Master Gardener Volunteer Preview Session
Ready to get your feet wet and become a Master Gardener Volunteer? The UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service is offering a free “Meet & Greet” preview session for anyone interested in applying for the 2021 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Class. All potential applicants must attend the August 12, 2021, “Meet & Greet” preview session to be considered for the program.
The 2021 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Class begins September 21, 2021, and includes weekly live online training sessions, in-person sessions, as well as online modules to work at your own pace. The class runs seven consecutive weeks.
WHAT: Master Gardener Volunteer Training Course “Meet and Greet” WHEN: Thursday, August 12, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. WHERE: Heritage Park - 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, FL HOW: Pre-registration required: bit.ly/ eventbritepasco
Thank you to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Thunder Bug for visiting with our Summer Camp students today! Go Bolts! Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel will be completing paper copies of the Free and Reduced Meals form on Meet the Teacher Day, August 5. You are not able to complete an online form.
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We are excited to be resuming some of our in-person programming! Make sure to come check it out!
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Patriotic Pup
Local businesses partner to host for K9 Partners For Patriots through the months of July and August. Robyn Lindsey, owner of BluEgg Photography, BluEggPhotography.com, is hosting a photography contest for the most Patriotic Pup in the Greater Tampa Bay Area. Proceeds will benefit K9 Partners for Patriots, a nonprofit that empowers military veterans to create a connection and train their own service dogs.
eran partner through appointment only. a full 24-week training Please call 727-560program. 7458 to inquire about availability. Robyn Lindsey, the owner at BluEgg Pho- More about K9 Parttography works with ners For Patriots: K9 each dog to create Partners for Patriots is an artistic portrait to a 501c3 nonprofit ortruly capture their ganization located in personality. Robyn is Brooksville, Florida on known for her creativ- a mission to eliminate ity, and these limited veteran suicide. K9 edition portraits will Partners for Patriots result in images of provides opportuniarea dogs that are not ties for vets to meet only great for sumeach other, share their mer celebrations, but stories, and process a timeless memory their pain while they during a trying time. train their own service dog in their 24-week To see which pup is “Most of us capture course. They find trust our nation’s biggest photos on our phones and understanding fan, BluEgg Photogof our pets and rarely in the organization’s raphy has hosted sev- have them captured non-judgmental famieral dates throughout by a professional pho- ly environment. the month of July in tographer. I would Wesley Chapel and love to see these aniAs a nonprofit orgaSouthern Brooksville. mals that are part of nization, K9 Partners August 7th will be the our family to be capfor Patriots relies last day to participate. tured and celebrate solely on grants and The photographer has with beautiful artwork donations to fund also partnered with on my clients’ walls at their 11,000 square numerous other lohome or their office. foot gymnasiumsized, cal businesses in the Who wouldn’t want to climate controlled area to sponsor the look up and see that facility, training for event; Rock & Brews, adorable face every more than 50 veteran Munchies Natural day on your wall to and dog teams a year, Pet Foods, Jackie’s help you smile when and support programs Grooming & Boardyou’re having a bad during and after the ing, Animal Medical day? We need porcompletion of the proClinic in Spring Hill, traits like these more gram. Woof Gang Bakery than ever to remind us & Grooming of Wesof the love we share in More about Ownley Chapel, Rookies our lives” said Robyn er Robyn Lindsey: Sports Bar & Grill, Lindsey. As a young adult, I Platinum Pet Sitting started to notice that Service, and DogThe last photograph- I couldn’t remember gie Stylerz by Tim & ing day for the “Pathe same family stoBrad. With the help triotic Pup Contest” ries as my older sister. of our community, is happening at K9 I would look at phoRobyn has a goal to Partners for Patriots’ tographs and wonraise over $5000, just facility on August 7th. der why I could not half of what it cost to Only a few sessions remember more than put one dog and vetare left available, by what was in that
captured moment, even though I took the photo. Come to find out, I had undiagnosed epilepsy, which was erasing these precious memories from my mind. Although treatment helps, I still heavily rely on those captured moments displayed on my walls and in family albums to remind me of the love and support I have in my life. My Goal as a photographer became clear after I had my own child; to ensure that every home has heartwarming artwork to remind all my clients just how blessed we are to have love in our lives. Just 4 weeks after having my daughter, my father, a Vietnam Era Army Veteran surviving with PTSD, passed. No family portraits were able to be captured due to his health before passing. I re-established my business in 2019 to help families decorate their worlds with high quality, personal artwork. Artwork to capture those fleeting moments that we may never get the opportunity to capture again. Artwork that matters.
Coming together to create a healthy community
An East Orlando Health Alliance
ORLANDO
Nationally recognized expertise dedicated to the whole you 5-Star Rating in Overall Hospital Quality
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
At AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, we’re unwavering in our commitment to provide you with the safe, quality care you deserve. And that dedication has earned us a 5-star rating – the highest score possible – from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings. From safety of care to outcomes, you can feel confident we always put you, and your safety, first.
Learn more at AdventHealthWesleyChapel.com
687195200
LIVE WELL (Cont.)
Only $1 per day 30 days for $30
Valid for non-members only, for 30 consecutive days. Some exceptions may apply. Offer expires on 8/31/2021.
Become a Fitness Member Today Take the first step toward your best self with a membership to AdventHealth Wellness Center Wesley Chapel. Our 50,000-square-foot fitness center provides unlimited use of cardio and strength equipment, free weights, 100+ group fitness classes – including Les Mills®, Zumba, barre, hot yoga and cycling. PLUS many additional services such as personal training, nutrition coaching, swim lessons, kids club, and more. We are open to the community!
2700 Healing Way, Suite 101 | Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 813-929-5252
AHWCwellness.com
Wellness Center
LIVE WELL (Cont.)
Wellness with Jen: Sunscreen... Does Protection from the Sun Mean Risking our Health? Have you seen the recent recalls on sunscreens?
-️ Leaves skin feeling soft, not sticky - Smells amazing
Neutrogena and Aveeno have pulled many of their sunscreens off store shelves because they contain benzene, a known cancer-causing agent. Other sunscreens and after-sun products, though, that remain on shelves in stores have been found to contain benzene and other cancer-causing agents.
Admittedly, I forgot to reapply throughout the day as I should have <-- #badmom I know! I DO NOT recommend following my poor example, but I wanted to share that despite being a bad Momma and not reapplying, the babes didn’t burn. One application protected them against burning, thank goodness!
So, let me get this straight.... We’re supposed to apply products that can potentially cause cancer in order to avoid cancer?? We apply sunscreen to protect us from the damage of the sun, but at what cost?
You have options! You do not have to choose between harmful sun exposure and harmful exposure to toxins. Our recipe:
Why can’t we have the best of both worlds? Why can’t we use a safe product that effectively protects us from the sun?! Oh, wait, we can! A couple of years ago, a company that I trust whole-heartedly developed a sunscreen that contains only healthy ingredients and is super effective. WIN WIN, right? Well, kind of... It’s super thick and kind of annoying to apply. And some folks would feel as though it’s a bit pricey. Before going on vacation last week, my daughter and I tried out a hack for making our sunscreen easier to apply and more cost effective. After a week of hours in the sun each day, I’m here to say that it kept us all protected! - Easy to apply - Protects my pale Canadian born Momma skin - Protects my 5 year old during hours of pool play - Protects my 16 month old beach bum
- 1 empty DIY sunscreen spray bottle (purchased on Amazon) - 1 Full Tube of Young Living spf50 sunscreen - 30 drops Young Living Lavender Essential Oil - ½ bottle of Young Living LavaDerm Cooling Mist - 1/8 cup carrot seed oil - Fractionated Coconut Oil until you spray bottle is about 2/3 of the way full SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE Apply and have some fun in the sun! *This is the recipe that works for us. I do not guarantee the same results for every individual. I empower you to do your own research or reach out and ask me questions about the research that I did before deciding what works best for you and your family. If you have questions about ordering the ingredients mentioned above, I can guide you! Just reach out! August Giveaway!
Follow me on social media After you follow me, send me and email, text, or PM to let me know to enter you into the drawing for your very own sunscreen spray! *I have done extensive research on products and companies and choose to recommend Young Living products whole heatedly. Young Living has a Seed to Seal promise that guarantees from the time that the seed is selected and planted to the time that the product arrives on your doorstep, no harmful ingredients will come in contact with that product at any step along the way. Young Living goes as far as testing their soil and using their own essential oils to protect against pest in lieu of using harmful pesticides. Young Living performs their own testing in addition to third party testing to guarantee that you receive the most effective and most beneficial products. Every ingredient is clearly labeled on each product. **I am not a doctor and do not claim to diagnose, treat, and/or cure any ailment. I am only sharing my experiences and results of what I have used for my own personal use and that of my family. I empower everyone to do their own research and decide what products work best for them and their family. In the event that medical attention is needed, seek medical attention. Follow me on social media or shoot me a message if you have any questions or concerns. Happy Summer, everyone! Jen Cosby jcdiamondwellness@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/yljennifercosby https://www.facebook.com/groups/ oilshowyouthewayed/ https://www.instagram.com/jen_cosby/
COMMUNITY CORNER ORLANDO
valon pplauds
The Stano Foundation If you know a student or nonprofit deserving of recognition, please email your nominee suggestion to kcarmack@lakerlutznews.com. PROFILED NOMINEES RECEIVE A $50 GIFT CARD FROM A LOCAL BUSINESS.
CONGRATULATIONS to The Stano Foundation, a nonprofit in Wesley Chapel, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. The Stano Foundation is an organization dedicated to supporting troops of all branches, both active duty and veterans. It was founded by Paula Stano in 2015, two years after her son, Jordan Viches, joined the Marines at age 17. “It was through my son that I learned that not everybody is supported in the military, not everybody has family,” says Stano. While she initially only sent care packages to Viches when he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Stano began putting on drives to be able to send Viches’ friends — and eventually other troops — basic necessities. “It was amazing, yet heartbreaking at the same time, as some of the items they were asking for were things we take for granted every day,” says Stano. Before Stano knew it, the foundation had a group of dedicated volunteers who would meet up once a quarter at the Rotary Club of Zephyrhills, where they filled the packages — which roughly consists of 48 items. “We truly put the ‘care’ into care packages,” says Stano. When someone applies or nominates someone else to receive a package, they are asked on the foundation’s website for the top five things from home they miss. Stano and her team try to incorporate those requested items into the care package.
Stano says she’s incredibly grateful for the impressive growth the nonprofit is having. In its first year, The Stano Foundation sent out 64 packages. Now, the total packages sent to date is 5,339. At the end of the day, Stano credits her son as the inspiration behind this organization. “This is kind of my way to not only give back, but feel connected to my son even though he wasn't here at the time,” says Stano. There’s multiple ways you can support The Stano Foundation. Monetary donations can be mailed to The Stano Foundation, P.O. Box 7811, Wesley Chapel, FL 33545. They also have an Amazon wish list for highly requested items, (tinyurl.com/59374kye), that will be sent to the nonprofit. For people who can’t make a monetary donation, but still wish to support the foundation, Stano says she always needs handwritten thank you cards to include in the active duty members’ care packages. All she asks is that you don’t have glitter in the letter, and address the letter with “Dear Troop” or “Dear Hero.” If you’d like to volunteer, head on over to the nonprofit’s Facebook page, The Stano Foundation, as all volunteer opportunities are listed there.
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