Avalon Park Sun Wesley Chapel May 2021

KEEPING THE NEWS LOCAL.... AND THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED.

MAY 2021

LIVE

VOLUME 2 EDITION 5

You Are Not Alone

Mental Health Awareness Month PAGE 2

LEARN

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PAGE 4

DULTS

4:00 PM - Virtual DIY Droid Earrings 6:00 PM - Career Webinar Series, Part 1: The Job Hunt 6:00 PM - Online Book Club 10:00 AM - Virtual Medicare 101 with Shine via

For more information on how to access and register for these virtual events, visit pascolibraries.org or call 813-788-6375.

WORK

12:00 PM - Virtual Medicare Part C Seminar with via Zoom 2:00 PM - BeJeweled 2:00 PM - Virtual Tres Leche Cupcakes 6:30 PM - Yoga Nidra Guided Meditation /13, 6/20, 6/27 | 6:00 PM - Yarn for a Cause /14, 5/21, 5/28 | 10:00 AM - English Conversation

/21 | 10:00 AM - Virtual First Chapter 12:00 PM - Virtual Medicare Part D with SHINE via

Avalon park wesley chapel is now hosting jazz under the starz

The theme for the 2021 May Mental Health Awareness Month outlined by EventsNAMI, broughtthe to National you by: Alliance on Mental New River Library Illness, is “You Are Not Alone.” That 34043 State 54 for a community could notRoad be truer such asChapel Avalon Park! After living over Wesley the past year in economic, political and 813-788-6375 health insecurity, we need to identify pascolibraries.org and take advantage of the ways that we can stay connected in our community.

There is strength in community, and no one should feel like they are struggling Followalone us on or social thatmedia: they do not have access to Facebook: New River the resources needed to live healthy and 6:00 PM - Virtual Mystery Book Club: Everywhere Mary Went by Lisa Scottoline Public Library satisfying lives.

2:00 PM - Tiara Club Online Project 6:00 PM - Virtual Yoga for Stress Relief Instagram: pascolibraries 2:00 PM - Craft at Home: Adult In January of this year, the Live Well 12:00 PM - Virtual Medicare Financial Assistance Twitter: @PascoLibraries hine via Zoom program was launched in culmination 4:00 PM - Virtual DIY Elements Charms 5:00 PM - Zoom Reads 4th Tuesday Book Club: The with AdventHealth and the YMCA. This Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules 6:00 PM - Career Webinar Series, part 4: program is designed to be an online sional Enrichment resource center for holistic health op6:00 PM - Virtual Relaxed Yoga 4:00 PM - Hurricane Preparedness with Pasco Co. tions in our community, from physical gency Management 6:00 PM - Sustainability Reading Club-Summer fitness to educational material, medical PAGE 9 resources, nutritional tips and more. The resources can be found online at AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com/LiveWell, as COMMUNITY well as in the last section of each month of the Avalon Park Sun.

4:00 PM - Virtual DIY Tile Photo Coasters 5:00 PM - Zoom Reads Mystery Book Club: The Neversink 6:00 PM - Career Webinar Series, Part 2: Writing Resume 5/19, 5/26 | 10:00 AM - Virtual Medicare Part C ar with Shine via Zoom 5/19, 5/26 | 12:00 PM - Virtual Medicare Basics7with PAGE via Zoom 6:00 PM - Virtual Tai Chi 5/26 | 2:00 PM - English Conversation Class 5/26 | 3:00 PM - English for Speakers of Other ages 4:00 PM - Virtual DIY Tassel Wall Hanging 10:00 AM - Flavorful Friday: Breakfast Pizza!

12:00 PM - Virtual Medicare Long Term Care with via Zoom 2:00 PM - Backyard Gardening with Jo Ann 4:00 PM - Virtual DIY Marbled Clay Ring Dish 6:00 PM - Career Webinar Series, Part 3: Interview

PLAY

UPDATES

pasco fine arts council will hold anita mead’s gallery reception may 21st

absolutely avalon was a blast in april

One of the latest resources offered is through the non-profit organization, ProjecThinkForward. The mission of this organization is to provide sponsored therapy to those affected by mental health concerns. Each Monday of this month the ProjecThinkForward team will be interviewing local mental health professionals and will be providing discussions on topics such as trauma, depression, relationships, PTSD and holistic remedies. The podcasts will be available on their Facebook and Website pages.

Community Health Survey Additionally, we would like to hear from you on what health resources are needed in our community. As part of a continued commitment to improve programs, amenities, and services in our community, we want to know what is important to you and your family. Please take a minute to complete the short community healthy survey. By doing so, you will be providing valuable information on what is important to you regarding health and wellness within your community.

All answers are anonymous and will be used as a base to understand what the community as a whole views our overall health is and how we can begin to improve it through community action.

Additionally, AdventHealth is bringing lifesaving mammograms to the community through their Mobile Mammography bus. Your appointment can be as quick as 10 minutes, with most major insurance plans accepted and no additional fees for 3D. You can schedule your appointment today at AdventHealthMobileMammography.com This month’s edition also outlines YMCA Summer Programs and a physical fitness challenge, which you can find starting on page 7.

Click Here to Complete Survey Just remember, You Are Not Alone.

You are part of an entire community that cares for you!

LIVE ORLANDO

Coffee Hour with BEAT Psychology and is my closest advisor, we believe in MENS SANO IN CORPORE SANO, and understand the importance of mental health.

We believe that the composition of a healthy community has a direct impact May is Mental on both the physical Health Awareness and mental health Month and as I beof its stakeholders. gan writing this Cof- Building communifee with Beat, I was ties that are holistireminded of the find- cally strong includes ings AdventHealth made several years ago through a community health survey. AdventHealth and Avalon Park Group were trying to determine what medical specialists Avalon Park needs in its goal to become a focus on establishthe healthiest coming a place where munity in central the residents have Florida and the con- a strong sense of clusion was that we belonging and safeneed more psychol- ty. When you know ogists, psychiatrists, your neighbors, they and counselors. The often become friends resounding cry was that you can relax that above all other with and check in needs mental health on you in good and was one of the most challenging times. critical and where any community, in- That sense of belongcluding ours could ing and safety is also improve. complemented with outlets for mind, While we are not body and spirit. And counselors at Avaunderstanding not lon Park Group, all people respond although my wife to the same outlets, Jill holds a Ph.D. in

having a diverse offering is important for the health of the entire community. We are building Avalon Park to be programmed to provide outlets for all.

For the body there will be activities like yoga in the park and youth sports. For the mind there are counselors, music and dance performances, art classes, and more.

For the spirit, there are several church-

I BELIEVE GIVING BACK THROUGH COMMUNITY SERVICE HELPS WITH POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH.

doctors to the community to adding programming that will create positive outlets for all needs.

A couple of weeks ago I attended the inaugural church service started by our long-time friend Pastor Dale Brooks in Bithlo. In his sermon, he reminded the congregation that first and foremost the community needs God. And while there are many needs, such as clean water, enough food, and shelter, the foundation should remain routed in faith.

I also truly believe giving back through community service helps with positive es of all faith bases located near Avalon mental health. There Park, as well as plans are countless opportunities to give back for additional spiritual center inside of and help in the community. I encourage the community. In Avalon Park, every- you to look around thing for your daily to the local schools, non-profits and serlife will be at your vice organizations to fingertips, you do see where you can not have to leave the community, and help the most. that the sense of beWith the focus on longing and safety mental health in the becomes real. We continue to look for month of May, I enways to improve the courage you to exmental health oppor- plore the different tunities for our com- ways we can continue to build a healthy munity from bringcommunity together. ing mental health

LIVE (Cont.)

April Update from Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore

Pasco County is a community that cares about its fellow citizens. There were several events in April you will read about below were a strong reminder of the great people that live here.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read 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. As of April 21st, there are over 130 sites in Pasco County where you can receive a vaccine.

A huge thank you to The Grove Theater, Bistro & Entertainment for partnering with me on a successful Farm Share food distribution on April 13th. Thirty volunteers gave out 16,000 pounds of food in about three hours.

Pictured are early morning volunteer crew that joined me to meet the Farm Share truck at 7 a.m., including Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano.

While there is still a need in the community, it was thankfully a much smaller turnout than the 2020 Farm Share food distribution

I co-hosted with Representative Maggard.

I am so appreciative of the volunteers that help make these events happen, it could not happen without them.

The Farm Share boxes included orange juice, milk, tomatoes, potatoes and more.

is building a 100,000 square foot expansion, adding more good paying jobs to Pasco County. Adding quality jobs to Pasco County will remain a top priority of mine to make sure we are not just the bedroom community for Hillsborough and Pinellas. This compaI do have an update ny chose to keep their on State Road 54 wid- expansion here thanks ening project in east to the great work of the Pasco. I know the pace Pasco Economic Develof this project has been opment Council. frustrating to many of you in Avalon Park.

I’m thrilled to let you I have spoken to the know New River LiFlorida Department of brary will fully reopen Transportation, they in mid-May! The lihave let me know the brary has been undercontractor is on pace to going extensive renofinish the project this vations as part of the calendar year.

GO Bond projects approved by Pasco CounCongratulations to ty voters in 2018. There Joel Jackson of Land is a sneak preview O’ Lakes for winning period in early May the 2020 Water Wise where not all services Award in the residen- will be available, but tial category! I had the you can see the renohonor of presenting vated library. Libraries Mr. Jackson his award are an important part in April. He uses less of our community by than 3,000 gallons of providing internet acwater a month, has a cess, classes, meeting yard full of life with rooms and makerspacFlorida friendly plants and pollinators. Mr. Jackson is a great member of our community, volunteering his time with many community organizations.

On April 9th, I participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for an expansion of the Soule Company. This locally owned manufacturing company

es. I hope you will stop by to visit the renovated New River Library!

As always, information changes fast. 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.

LEARN ORLANDO

Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel Update

Mrs. Nieves and her 4th grade students getting pumped for the FSA with a Glow Day full of review activities and team work.

New River Elementary Update

NRES has been approved to become a Fine Arts Inclusion School. Next year is a planning year and we need your input.

Please complete the following survey based on your child’s interests. https://nres.pasco.k12.fl.us/mform/view.php?id=14126

FSA testing dates: May 3-4: 4th and 5th grade Reading FSA May 5-6: 3rd grade Math FSA May 10-11: 4th and 5th grade Math FSA May 13-14: 5th grade Science FSA

LEARN (Cont.)

may 2o21 virtual Event Calendar BABYTIME & STORYTIMES

5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29 | 10:00 AM - Saturday Storytime with Regency Park 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25 | 10:00 AM - Virtual Storytime with Ms. Bea 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26 | 10:15 AM - Storytime, Birth to age 5 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28 | 10:00 AM - Storytime Shorts with Ms. Karen and Ms. Kerry

CHILDREN

5/1 | All Day - Full STEAM Ahead! - Pinata!

5/2 | 2:00 PM - Planet Lego 5/2 | 2:00 PM - Virtual Craft at Home: K-5 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26 | 4:30 PM - Mobile Makerspace at Crews Lake Park: Arts and Crafts 5/15 | All Day - Full STEAM Ahead-Kites!

5/29 | 2:00 PM - Virtual Craft at Home: Toddler

TWEENS

5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25 | 10:00 AM - Best of Craft Tuesdays: Playlist 5/4 | 4:00 PM - Virtual DIY Droid Earrings 5/5 | 2:00 PM - Virtual Tres Leche Cupcakes 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26 | 4:30 PM - Mobile Makerspace at Crews Lake Park: Arts and Crafts 5/8 | 2:00 PM - Virtual Craft at Home: Tween 5/11 | 4:00 PM - Virtual DIY Tile Photo Coasters 5/13 | 4:00 PM - Virtual DIY Tassel Wall Hanging 5/18 | 4:00 PM - Virtual DIY Marbled Clay Ring Dish 5/25 | 4:00 PM - Virtual DIY Elements Charms

TEENS

5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25 | 10:00 AM - Best of Craft Tuesdays: Playlist 5/4 | 4:00 PM - Virtual DIY Droid Earrings 5/5 | 2:00 PM - Virtual Tres Leche Cupcakes 5/11 | 4:00 PM - Virtual DIY Tile Photo Coasters 5/13 | 4:00 PM - Virtual DIY Tassel Wall Hanging 5/15 | Virtual Craft at Home: Teen 5/18 | 4:00 PM - Virtual DIY Marbled Clay Ring Dish 5/25 | 4:00 PM - Virtual DIY Elements Charms 5/27 | 4:00 PM - Hurricane Preparedness with Pasco Co. Emergency Management

ADULTS

5/3 | 12:00 PM - Virtual Medicare Basics with Shine via Zoom 5/4, 5/6, 5/11, 5/13, 5/18, 5/20, 5/25, 5/27 | 8:30 AM English for Speakers of Other Languages 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25 | 10:00 AM - Best of Craft Tuesdays: Playlist 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25 | 12:30 PM - Virtual Yarn for More

ADULTS

5/4 | 4:00 PM - Virtual DIY Droid Earrings 5/4 | 6:00 PM - Career Webinar Series, Part 1: The Job Hunt 5/4 | 6:00 PM - Online Book Club 5/5 | 10:00 AM - Virtual Medicare 101 with Shine via Zoom 5/5 | 12:00 PM - Virtual Medicare Part C Seminar with Shine via Zoom 5/5 | 2:00 PM - BeJeweled 5/5 | 2:00 PM - Virtual Tres Leche Cupcakes 5/5 | 6:30 PM - Yoga Nidra Guided Meditation 5/6, 6/13, 6/20, 6/27 | 6:00 PM - Yarn for a Cause 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28 | 10:00 AM - English Conversation Class 5/7, 5/21 | 10:00 AM - Virtual First Chapter 5/10 | 12:00 PM - Virtual Medicare Part D with SHINE via Zoom 5/11 | 4:00 PM - Virtual DIY Tile Photo Coasters 5/11 | 5:00 PM - Zoom Reads Mystery Book Club: The Hotel Neversink 5/11 | 6:00 PM - Career Webinar Series, Part 2: Writing Your Resume 5/12, 5/19, 5/26 | 10:00 AM - Virtual Medicare Part C Seminar with Shine via Zoom 5/12, 5/19, 5/26 | 12:00 PM - Virtual Medicare Basics with Shine via Zoom 5/12 | 6:00 PM - Virtual Tai Chi 5/12, 5/26 | 2:00 PM - English Conversation Class 5/12, 5/26 | 3:00 PM - English for Speakers of Other Languages 5/13 | 4:00 PM - Virtual DIY Tassel Wall Hanging 5/14 | 10:00 AM - Flavorful Friday: Breakfast Pizza!

5/17 | 12:00 PM - Virtual Medicare Long Term Care with Shine via Zoom 5/18 | 2:00 PM - Backyard Gardening with Jo Ann 5/18 | 4:00 PM - Virtual DIY Marbled Clay Ring Dish 5/18 | 6:00 PM - Career Webinar Series, Part 3: Interview Tips 5/18 | 6:00 PM - Virtual Mystery Book Club: Everywhere that Mary Went by Lisa Scottoline 5/19 | 2:00 PM - Tiara Club Online Project 5/20 | 6:00 PM - Virtual Yoga for Stress Relief 5/22 | 2:00 PM - Craft at Home: Adult 5/24 | 12:00 PM - Virtual Medicare Financial Assistance with Shine via Zoom 5/25 | 4:00 PM - Virtual DIY Elements Charms 5/25 | 5:00 PM - Zoom Reads 4th Tuesday Book Club: The Little Old Lady Who Broke All the Rules 5/25 | 6:00 PM - Career Webinar Series, part 4: Professional Enrichment 5/25 | 6:00 PM - Virtual Relaxed Yoga 5/27 | 4:00 PM - Hurricane Preparedness with Pasco Co. Emergency Management 5/27 | 6:00 PM - Sustainability Reading Club-Summer Series

For more information on how to access and register for these virtual events, visit pascolibraries.org or call 813-788-6375.

Events brought to you by: New River Library 34043 State Road 54 Wesley Chapel

813-788-6375

pascolibraries.org

Follow us on social media: Facebook: New River Public Library Instagram: pascolibraries Twitter: @PascoLibraries

Check out our website for more exciting news! Get involved, even from home!

WORK ORLANDO

Build A Strong Economy, Together May 6th | 5:00PM | AdventHealth Center Ice

Pasco EDC and Experience Florida’s Sports Coast have teamed ing organizations charged with driving the success of Pasco’s gies of corporate businesses, entrepreneurs, hoteliers, attraction which makes up our local economy is what positions us with a

up for a special event! As the two marketeconomy, this event will blend the synerpartners, and restauranteurs. The diversity strong economic foundation for the future.

Event Programming: 5:00-6:00pm Social Hour & Figure Skating Showcase - Enjoy cocktails while networking with other attendees in the Busch Gardens Arena with a live figure skating showcase by AdventHealth Center Ice professional skaters.

6:15-7:30pm Team Up! How We’re Building a Strong Economy, Together - Tourism and Economic Development Presentations: Experience Florida’s Sports Coast Update by Tourism Director, Adam Thomas. Pasco EDC Update by CEO Bill Cronin - Recognition & Award Celebration: Honoring those who have made a lasting impression on Pasco County’s diverse economy 7:30- 8:30pm Special Guest Mike Rayburn Presents “What If” - In his award-winning keynote, “What If...?” Mike uses amazing guitar skills and hilarious comedy to teach the three tools that took him from playing for seven people in a bar in Virginia to Carnegie Hall.

In-person attendance is limited, reserve your ticket NOW! In-Person Registration: $75 per person Virtual Registration: $20 (Join us from the comfort of your own space via an online platform. Virtual registrants will receive the live stream link a few days prior to event via email.)

PLAY ORLANDO

Coffee Speaks N’ Tea Talks is bringing Jazz to Avalon Park Wesley Chapel with their Jazz Under the Starz Spring Series. Taking place the 3rd Saturday of every month at the Avalon Park Amenity Center from 7 pm to 9 pm. In addition to having local food trucks at each event, Jazz Under the Starz features talented local artists playing instruments ranging from the Sax, Clarinet, Keys, the Violin, and Steel Drums. It is the perfect night to bring your lawn chairs, sit back, and enjoy a night of live jazz. The attendance fee for Jazz Under the Starz is $10 and you can purchase your tickets in person at the Coffee Speaks N’ Tea Talks coffee shop or online at www.jazzunderthestarz.com.

Coming together to create a healthy community

An East Orlando Health Alliance

ORLANDO

”

I’m thankful for more life to live.

— Greg

”

Stroke Survivor

Surviving an emergency is no accident.

To Greg, road trips mean freedom. But after suffering a stroke at age 43, his whole life changed. He realized how every second counts, especially when it comes to an emergency. AdventHealth’s ER experts responded fast – and today, Greg is back on the road again.

When the unexpected occurs, know where to go for expert emergency care near you. Because in an emergency, there’s no time to waste… and no room for doubt.

TheERExperts.com

LIVE WELL (Cont.)

5 Mood Boosters for Dealing With the Pandemic Blues

With the pandemic keeping many at-risk seniors indoors, creating a space that helps them feel their best is key for keeping their spirits high. By incorporating some simple mood boosters into their everyday routine, your senior loved one can better navigate their time inside and overcome the pandemic blues.

Ways To Boost the Mood of Seniors Stuck Inside The following small changes can make a big difference in positively boosting a senior’s day.

1. Brighten their space with fresh flowers and plants. Beautiful, bright, and blooming, fresh flowers are goto pick-me-ups. But if seniors are looking for something more long term, the act of taking care of plants and watching them grow can be uplifting in and of itself. Additionally, plants hung in open windows can welcome extra light and fresh air into a space, which can be a mood booster as well. However, if your senior has any existing plant or outdoor allergies, or if they simply lack a green thumb, artificial flowers and plants are great alternatives and can offer the same benefits.

2. Keep them calm with an oil diffuser or scented candle. Aromatherapy uses oils and scents to promote well-being. With just a few drops of essential oils in an oil diffuser or a scented candle, seniors can fill their space with their favorite scents to create a spa-like experience

senior’s face and make their living space feel more comforting is by showcasing their favorite photos and cherished memories of loved ones. Whether they’re hung on a wall, pinned to the refrigerator, propped up on a nightstand, or rotating on a digital picture frame, right at home. Some favorite colors can lift memorable moments diffusers also have their spirits tremencaptured in time will unique light settings, dously. Such colors always be uplifting to which make for an can be added in furni- see. added mood booster. ture pieces, artwork, curtains and drapes, Overcoming the pan3. Use a sound mabed sheets, and more. demic blues goes bechine to create an yond creating a happy escape to new and 5. Display their favor- living space. different locations. ite photos. Perhaps While sound machines one of the best ways vary, many offer to put a smile on your soothing sounds that can play in the background as seniors go about their day. For example, with sounds of waves crashing on the shore, seniors can envision visiting the beach. Or, with echoes of chirping birds and rustling trees, seniors can feel as if they’re out in nature. If paired with a diffuser or candle, the sounds and scents will certainly transport seniors to a new and exotic environment all from the comfort of home.

4. Fill the room with colors that will enhance their mood.

While vibrant colors can brighten any room, surrounding your senior with their

LIVE WELL (Cont.)

Wellness with Jen: Know Yourself, Know Your Limits I had a completely different article written for the month of May, the month of mental health awareness, and then this week happened...

This week has been A WEEK! You know those weeks when you make it to the end of the week, and you look back thinking WOW, WHAT JUST HAPPENED?! Well, that is how this week has been. As I was sitting here, reflecting on the week and sipping some wine, I thought about how many other people have experienced weeks like this, especially over the past year.

This week, a major change took place. I moved on from a company that I have been working with for close to 10 years. Yes, change is hard. Yes, I struggled with the decision to move on. Yes, I felt anxious about making the decision. Ultimately, however, I made the decision and felt confident in my reasons for deciding to move on. Next week was planned to be my final week. I work with children, and I form deep connections with these children, so leaving is not easy. I made it through telling all of “my kids” (yes, I call them “my kids” as if they are my own) that next week would be our final week together.

Some of them were too young to understand, some just said ok, and some cried, but we knew that we had next week. Then the email arrived in my inbox. The email telling me that next week

was not my final week; the email telling me that this was actually my final week. That is when my anxiety went through the roof.

My emotions ran high. I cycled through feelings of denial, anger, heartbreak, betrayal. All that I kept thinking was that I will be breaking a promise to so many kids next week when I don’t return to say our final goodbye, to give a final hug, to feel that final connection that runs so deep.

What do you do when your emotions run high? What do you do to center yourself when you are feeling out of control of your emotions? If you have ever struggled with anxiety, you know that feeling of not being able to take a full breath; that feeling of shallow breathing despite trying to take a deep breath and ground yourself.

I used to just continue to spiral out of control of my emotions.

Now I know what I can reach for to help stop the spiral. What I have found to work for me might be an unpopular option in some people’s opinions, but hear me out...

I reach for essential oils. I know, I know. You’re thinking “Oh goodness, she is one of those. She uses those snake oils. She mixes potions in her witch cauldron.” I have heard it all before, so don’t worry, you won’t hurt my feelings. Don’t knock it till you try it though! I wasn’t a believer. I had the same thoughts that you

are having right now. Once I did decide to give essential oils a try based on friend’s testimonies, I didn’t know the importance of using essential oils from a company that I can trust, and so the oils that I had tried from the store didn’t do anything for me. I finally decided to do my research, reach out to friends and ask what had worked for them, and then I did a little trial and errors.

So, as I sit here reflecting on the week, I am breathing deeply without difficulty and I am accepting what has happened.

I have grounded myself, found peace in the situation, and even managed to boost my mood with a little help of a roller and a diffuser.

If you have found yourself feeling like you need some peace but don’t know how to achieve it, or maybe your have found yourself feeling overwhelmed with this craziness called life that just never slows down, you might benefit from some snake oils. Maybe you could use a little witch cauldron of your own from time to time.

Keep in mind to know when you just need a little something natural to help ground you and help you take a deep breath, and know when you might need a little more. If you are experiencing feelings of anxiety that have reached a point that you might need to seek the attention of a medical professional, DO NOT ever hesitate to do so. Seeking out

medical guidance shows strength and self love. Know yourself, know your limits. *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 found to be successful for myself and that of my family. I empower everyone to do their own research and decide what 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 Spring, 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 Alanis Sophia

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 Alanis Sophia, a 19-year-old Dade City teenager and graduate of Pasco eSchool, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Sophia recently competed on ABC’s hit television show, “American Idol.”

Sophia’s first audition premiered on Feb. 28, when she performed a rendition of “Anyone” by Demi Lovato, in which she secured a golden ticket to advance to the next round of the competition series. Her audition has an outstanding 1.5 million views on YouTube.

The opportunity has been a “dream that came to life,” Sophia said in a recent phone interview with The Laker/Lutz News. “Ever since I was little, I always wanted to be in the show.”

Sophia ended up making it all the way to Top 16 — an impressive accomplishment very few can achieve. While recently eliminated from the competition, Sophia is still keeping up with the huge momentum the show gave her.

Her Facebook page boasts 385,000 followers, while her Instagram page sits at over 108,000 followers.

She’s taken advantage of the time to record videos on YouTube, to join TikTok, to do more songwriting and to record covers.

Sophia plans to continue to release her own music, which she hopes will connect with people to “change their lives or make them escape from any type of situation that they’re in, just for a couple of minutes.”

Sophia was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, but moved with her family to Wesley Chapel

around age 5, and then to Dade City a few years after that. She still lives in her childhood home in the quaint East Pasco town with her parents and three siblings, and three dogs.

She leans heavily on her parents, Carlos and Katherine, for advice and comfort.

“They’re my support system,” said Sophia, “Anything to make my dreams come true — they would do that.”

Between working part-time and studying media communications at Full Sail University, the self-described homebody mainly spends the days fine-tuning her craft.

She aims to write at least one song every day, to keep her writing skills up to date.

She practices singing and dancing choreography in her bedroom, and records covers and other content to post to her social media pages. She also is learning to play guitar and piano.

Sophia recently thanked her fans on Instagram for their immense support during her American Idol journey.

“You guys are so incredibly kind and I truly appreciate each and every one of you,” said Sophia.

She also thanked American Idol for the experience.

“I have made so many connections and built such amazing new friendships, all because of you,” she said, “I have learned so much and grown, not only as an artist but on a personal level, as well.”

To stay up-to-date with Sophia’s musical journey, follow her on Facebook and Instagram at @alanissophia.

Photo courtesy of Gigi Stevens/Freemantle.

WESLEY CHAPEL

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33613 state road 54. • wesley chapel • (813) 783-1515

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is hosting a variety of fun and artistic events this month beginning with a brand-new art show featuring the beautiful watercolor work of local artist, Anita Mead. Anita’s work will be on display Monday – Friday, 9 am – 5pm at the East Pasco Arts Gallery until May 28th and her Artist Reception will take place on Friday, May 14th, 6 – 8 pm. For a chance to meet the artist and enjoy live music, wine and appetizers, RSVP to the Artist Reception at info@avalonparkwesleychapel.com.