KEEPING THE NEWS LOCAL & THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED.
DECEMBER 2021
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COMMUNITY UPDATES
VOLUME 2 EDITION 12
Avalon Park Kicks Off the Holidays with Avalon Aglow and Fireworks Show Avalon Park’s annual holiday event is here! Avalon Aglow will kick start the holidays on Saturday, December 11th with a variety of family-friendly activities like pictures with Santa, a real snow slide, balloon twisters, stilt walkers, caricature artists and a spectacular firework show to round up the night. This event is free and open to the public.
Avalon Park residents are also encouraged to showcase their holiday spirit all month long by participating in the community’s Porch Decorating Contest for a chance to win gift card prizes. Residents can sign up for the decorating contest here.
Hayrides. Get the family together and hop on a ride to check out the community and our residents’ wonderful holiday decorations. Spaces are limited so grab your spot early. Hayride reservations can be made here. For vendor and sponsorship opportunities visit our website at The celebration con- www.avalonparkwestinues on Tuesday, leychapel.com/avaDecember 14th with lon-aglow/. Avalon Park’s Holiday
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Coffee Hour with BEAT
Being born and raised in Switzerland, when I moved to Florida more than 25 years ago, at first, I truly missed the snow which for me was part of Christmas and the entire Holiday Season.
did help your Mom a lot with the household chores this year and as well watched your younger sister often, however, your grades in math went down this year, and you did not always do the required school homework on time.” My brother, sister and I were half excited, and half scared about the visit of Santa and Schmutzli. With a few exceptions, the visit usually turned out well in the end, and Santa left the kids with many goodies like candy, oranges, and apples.
In Switzerland, one of our traditions is the way we celebrate Santa Claus, which is different than other countries. On December 6th Santa, together with his helper “Schmutzli”, arrives early in the evening to most kid’s living rooms. Santa brings a big book with him that has written in it how every child did in the passing year. With a deep voice, Santa would bring up the good, and not-so-good deeds. One particular year I heard, “Beat, you
On Christmas Eve the parents in Switzerland generally divide up for the afternoon, and either Mom or Dad brings the Christmas tree into the living room (which had carefully been hidden in the basement), decorates it, and puts the presents under the Christmas tree. While this is happening the kids then are taken ice skating or elsewhere, by the other parent to avoid seeing the “secret operation” by the parent placing the Christmas
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tree. When coming home, the door to the living room would be locked and only after a festive dinner featuring a traditional ham, the doors open and the Christmas tree with the presents would be revealed to the children. In this tradition, it is known that Baby Jesus brought the tree and presents through the chimney. Avalon Park has a long and rich tradition of celebrating the holidays. This year we will be holding the 9th Annual Avalon Aglow holiday event. I remember fondly the first year we held Avalon Aglow. It was 2013, and we had just started the Cypress Village section. I remember it was cold, however no snow, and we
had about 50 people gathered at the Autumn Ridge Amenity Center for the inaugural Avalon Park event. Since then it has moved to the Hawthorne Village Amenity and will be moving to the Downtown location next year! I look forward to seeing Avalon Aglow grow, as Avalon Park Wesley Chapel does and helping families and our community create traditions in a community where they find a place of belonging and safety. I am looking forward to celebrating this holiday season with my family and you all as we continue our holiday traditions. I wish you a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season.
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
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December Update from Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore this treatment option at floridahealthcovid19.gov.
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends! I am grateful for opportunity to share these updates about all the exciting things happening in Pasco County. Vaccine rollout is continuing with all Floridians of age now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Please check out the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County’s website at pasco. floridahealth.gov for all the latest information, including on COVID-19 booster shots. There is also a monoclonal antibody therapy treatment site in Pasco County. Governor DeSantis visited in August to announce the new state-run treatment site at Fasano Shelter in Hudson. This COVID-19 treatment site is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can learn more about
As you shop for gifts for friends and family this holiday season, I want to urge you to shop local! Find that local Pasco County shop or a gift card to a local restaurant. It helps keep the money in our community and support our local businesses. At the November 9th County Commission meeting, I made a motion to send a letter to Congress urging passage of the Sunshine Protection Act. This bill would make Daylight Saving Time permanent in Florida and other states that have asked for this. Changing the clocks is an outdated practice and will improve safety on the road and quality of life for our citizens. The Florida Legislature passed this for the state in 2018, but unfortunately it takes an act of Congress to go into effect. In November, Pasco’s tourism efforts were recognized by the Florida Sports Foundation with Small Market Destination Venue of
the Year Award for the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County. The 98,000 square foot sports campus is owned by Pasco County and was funded by visitors staying in hotels in our community. It brings in tournaments and events for almost every indoor sport: fencing, karate, volleyball, basketball, cheerleading and more! This brings families to stay in our hotels, shop in our local stores and eat in our local restaurants! I am proud of our efforts as Florida’s Sports Coast to have a positive influence on the local economy!
This will bring international attention to our community as future NBA stars train and show off for scouts, coaches and more! Please check out Pasco County’s website at MyPasco.net for all the latest information. Have a Merry Christmas and wonderful holiday season!!
About: Commissioner Mike Moore represents District 2 on the Pasco I’m thrilled to let you County Commission. know the Tampa Bay He lives in Wesley Chapel with his wife Pro Combine Preand three children. sented by Florida’s Sports Coast will return in April 2022.
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LEARN ORLANDO
Pinecrest Academy Holiday Concert Schedule Kindergarten: December 16, 2021 - 6:00 PM Classes: Santillo, Piccarelli, Benitez, Clavell 7:00 PM Classes: Murray, Center, Swanson, Robinson All students who have a special part in the musical. Mrs. Frost will contact each family via email for those students who have a special part in the musical. 1st Grade December 15, 2021 - 9:00 AM The 1st grade students will provide a small concert for visitors ending with cookies and juice for the winter season. In the Spring, the 1st graders will perform a musical.
New River Elementary Update We had the best night learning about literacy ideas to use at home! Thank you to the families and staff who attended. We also appreciate Bosco’s Pizza for their donation of pizza for the event!!
2nd, 3rd, 4th Grades December 14, 2021 - 6:00 PM All classes to attend. 5th, 6th, and 7th Grades December 15, 2021 - 6:00 PM Classes: All 5th grade classes and only the 6th and 7th grade students taking part in music as an elective.
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New River Library
Wednesday, Dec 1
10:15 AM • Repeat Toddler Storytime: Kindness!* 11:00 AM • Repeat Preschool Storytime: Kindness!*
Thursday, Dec 2
Wednesday, Dec 15
10:15 AM • Repeat Toddler Storytime: Winter!* 11:00 AM • Repeat Preschool Storytime: Winter!* 1:30 PM • Guardian Ad Litem Volunteer Orientation
6:00 PM • Yarn for a Cause*
Thursday, Dec 16
10:15 AM • Repeat Toddler Storytime: Kindness!* 11:00 AM • Repeat Preschool Storytime: Kindness*
Friday, Dec 17
Friday, Dec 3
Saturday, Dec 4
10:30 AM • 1st Saturday Book Club: Cottage by the Sea* 12:00 PM • Ukulele Jam 3:00 PM • Teen Volunteer Orientation*
Tuesday, Dec 7
11:00 AM • Storytime (Birth to 5): Arctic Adventure* 4:00 PM • Teen Volunteer Orientation*
Wednesday, Dec 8
10:15 AM • Repeat Toddler Storytime: Arctic Adventure* 11:00 AM • Repeat Preschool Storytime: Arctic Adventure* 1:00 PM • Balance and Stability with Cara*
Thursday, Dec 9
5:00 PM • Tween Program* 6:00 PM • Teen Program* 6:00 PM • Yarn for a Cause*
Friday, Dec 10
10:15 AM • Repeat Toddler Storytime: Arctic Adventure* 11:00 AM • Repeat Preschool Storytime: Arctic Adventure*
Saturday, Dec 11
10:30 AM • STEAM Saturday in the Garden: Chemical Reactions!*
Monday, Dec 13
1:00 PM • Crafternoon for K-12 students*
Tuesday, Dec 14
11:00 AM • Storytime (Birth to age 5): Winter!*
*Registration required. All events subject to cancellation or change.
pascolibraries.org
10:30 AM • Medicare 101 with SHINE* 6:00 PM • Yarn for a Cause* 10:15 AM • Repeat Toddler Storytime: Winter!* 11:00 AM • Repeat Preschool Storytime: Winter!*
Tuesday, Dec 21
11:00 AM • Storytime (Birth to age 5): Winter Holidays*
Wednesday, Dec 22
10:15 AM • Repeat Toddler Storytime: Winter Holidays* 11:00 AM • Repeat Preschool Storytime: Winter Holidays* 1:00 PM • Balance and Stability with Cara*
Thursday, Dec 23
All branches close at 5:00 PM for the Christmas holiday.
Friday, Dec 24 – Saturday, Dec 25
All branches closed for the Christmas holiday.
Tuesday, Dec 28
11:00 AM • Storytime (Birth to 5): New Year’s Day* 5:00 PM • Virtual Book Club: Wishin’ and Hopin’
Wednesday, Dec 29
10:15 AM • Repeat Toddler Storytime: New Year’s Day* 11:00 AM • Repeat Preschool Storytime: New Year’s Day*
Thursday, Dec 30
All branches close at 5:00 PM for the New Year’s Eve holiday.
Friday, Dec 31
All branches closed for the New Year’s Eve holiday.
New River Library 813-788-6375
Scan to register & find more events!
Check out our december events. there is something for everyone, and We can’t wait to see you soon! virtual options available online!
WORK ORLANDO
Pasco County Citizens’ Academy Now Accepting Applications Have you ever wondered exactly how local government works to serve you? Here’s your chance to find out – firsthand! We’re now accepting applications for our 13th Pasco County Citizens’ Academy – a highly educational, entertaining and free program designed to share information about Pasco County services. You must be at least 18 years old and live or work in Pasco County. The Citizens’ Acad-
emy begins January 19, 2022, and includes ten sessions, culminating in an April graduation. Applications are being accepted through December 17, 2021. “This is truly a hands-on, interactive opportunity to learn how local government works and to share ideas about how to better serve our communities,” said Citizens’ Academy Program Manager Johanna Rodriguez.
Apply today, by filling out this online application: bit.ly/ CitizensAcademyApp. We hope you’ll join us to learn many aspects of how county government, constitutional offices and state agency partners operate. Presentations include: Legislative/Administrative Branch, County Attorney’s Office, Fire Rescue, Sheriff’s Office, Office of the Clerk and Comptroller, Supervisor of Elections, Prop-
erty Appraiser, Tax Collector, School Board, Internal Services Branch, Public Services Branch, Development Services Branch, Mosquito Control District and Public Infrastructure Branch. For more information about the Citizens’ Academy, including a video testimonial and a full list of class topics, please visit: MyPasco.net/citizensacademy.
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Coming together to create a healthy community
An East Orlando Health Alliance
ORLANDO
Spine expertise that revolves around you
Expertise. Innovation. Technology. From minimally invasive procedures to advanced surgery, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel is leading the way to reimagine spine care. Recognized as a High Performing Hospital for Spinal Fusion by U.S. News & World Report, our world-class specialists use the latest innovations, like robotic surgical systems, for less pain, less scarring and a shorter recovery. So you can get moving again.
WesleyChapelOrthoExperts.com
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COMMUNITY CORNER ORLANDO
valon pplauds Brooke Lea
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 Brooke Lea, a senior at Zephyrhills High School, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Lea has lived in Zephyrhills for her entire life and loves the close-knit community that she’s grown up in. Her mother, Missy, has been volunteering in the local community since she was 13 and instilled the same mindset into Brooke and her two sisters, Brittani and Bryann. For years now the three girls have been volunteering at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village where they work the concession stands, set up games, and help out at a lot of other events put on by the museum. “I think giving back and helping local nonprofits in an effort to grow our community, businesses, and children’s programs is important,” says Lea. “Brooke always jumps in wherever she is needed.... She is an awesome team member, but even as a teenager she is a clear leader and a great example,” says Stephanie Black, executive director for the Pioneer Florida Museum. “I am grateful for this young woman and all she does for our community.” Right now, Lea works at Pet Supplies Plus, a pet supply retail store in Zephyrhills that recently praised her
efforts on social media: “All year long we ask for donations to go to local shelters and today Brooke did an amazing job. She got over a 100 donations in the first 3 hours of her shift. Way to go Brooke and thank you to all the neighbors that said yes to her today.” Other foundations she has volunteered for include The Thomas Promise Foundation, The Dade City Chamber of Commerce Car Show, A Salute for our Soldiers Backpack Drive, Little Everglades Ranch Mud Run, and much more. When asked what the most rewarding part is about being an active community member, Lea says, “It’s fun being involved with so many different organizations and it is an even better feeling knowing you were able to do your part in giving back and helping others.” Brooke also plays softball while she’s finishing up her senior year of high school. “I love softball! Learning the game and competing is so much fun, especially when you love the people around you. Win or lose, I always do my best,” says Lea. After she graduates, Lea plans on attending the University of Central Florida where she wants to work for child protective services or become a game warden.
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