WESLEY CHAPEL
KEEPING THE NEWS LO CAL... AND THE COMMUNIT Y CONNECTED. JUNE 2020
LIVE
Coffee Hour with Beat
VOLUME 1
EDITION 2
PASCO FINE ARTS COUNCIL RETURNS with New Exhibits and Workshops
WORKSHOPS:
“Beginning Drawing” with Shawn Joyce Dell Avalon Park Amenity Center Aug 24 (10 – 3pm) Must sign up by August 17 “Started Powerfully with Polymer Clay” with Ann Larsen Land O’ Lakes (Address provided
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upon registration)
September 11 (10 – 4pm) Must sign up by September 3
LEARN
“Textures and Mixed Media” with Patricia Garrow Avalon Park Amenity Center September 21 (10 – 4pm) Must sign up by September 14
Construction is Completed!
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WORK
Pasco County Commission Chairman
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PLAY
Wesley Chapel Events
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The Pasco Fine Arts Council opens its doors again following an unexpected break due to COVID-19. The Council’s New Port Richey location will open the week of June 15th while the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery in Wesley Chapel will be available as early as July 1st with new exhibits, receptions, competitions, and workshops. About Pasco Fine Arts Council The Pasco Fine Arts Council, Inc. is a public entity created by the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners on September 1, 1978 as a nonprofit organization with the County to encourage community involvement in the arts, provide art education to the community and to be a leader in stimulating art and cultural entities throughout Pasco County. Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s partnership with the Pasco Fine Arts Council began almost one year ago with the purpose of bringing art and cultural events, exhibits and educational classes to East Pasco County. In the past year, this partnership has led to the discovery of local artists, introduced art workshops to the community, and given artists the opportunity to feature their work through new events. Please visit the following schedule for upcoming exhibits and workshops in the Wesley Chapel area.
“Fun with Wire Art” with Melinda Proposki Avalon Park Amenity Center Oct. 3 (10 – 4pm) Must sign up by September 26
EXHIBITIONS: “Something Different Exhibit” by Cindy Vince Tentative Dates: July 1 - August 22 Reception August 21 (6-8)
“Outsider...Artbrut...Cobra...and More Exhibit” by Richard Terrill Tentative Dates: Sept 1 - Oct. 15 Reception Sept 25 (6-8) “Focus” - Photo Competition Tentative Dates: November 1 - 15th Middle School Student to be held at Pinecrest Elem. School in Wesley Chapel Reception Nov 8 (3-5) “Contemporary Fine Art Photography Exhibit” Presented by the UPA Gallery & Hosted by The Pasco Fine Arts Council and Avalon Park Group Tentative Dates: Nov. 9 - Dec 30 Reception Dec. 11 (6-8)
For more information on the Pasco Fine Arts Council, contact Director Jo Baughman at 727-845-7322, pacart4@gmail.com or visit PascoArts.org
“Drawing from Still Life” with Lionel Sanchez Avalon Park Amenity Center Nov 13 (10 – 4pm) Must sign up by November 6
ADDITIONAL WORKSHOPS in West Pasco: “Beginning Drawing” with Shawn Joyce Dell West Pasco Art Center June 27 (10-3pm) Must sign up by June 20 “Wire Art” with Melinda Proposki West Pasco Art Center July 25 (10-2pm) Must sign up by July 18 “Techniques Pastel” with Shawn Dell Joyce West Pasco Art Center Sept 7 (10-3pm) Must sign up by August 31 For further information on these workshops and the instructors, or to sign up in advance online go to: www.pascoarts.org or contact 727-845-7322.
LIVE WESLEY CHAPEL
COFFEE HOUR with
BEAT
The Secret of Success:
Public/Private Partnerships
Over the years many people have asked us why Avalon Park Orlando became one of the most successful and fastest-selling communities in the history of Central Florida. “What is the secret of your success?” To which we can quickly reply: Partnerships.
with the donation of the land for New River Elementary, which is right in the heart of the community. Additionally, February of this year, we entered into another partnership, this time with Pasco County, to develop Downtown Wesley Chapel in Avalon Park. The agreement outlines that AvaWhen undertaking an almost $2 lon Park Group/sitEX will deliver a Billion undertaking like Avalon minimum of $90 million in public Park Orlando, it could not have infrastructure and Class A offices, been done alone. Working on this including spine roads, public parkarticle, I quickly recounted over ing garages, park and ride parking 100 partnerships that we have spaces, transit improvements and engaged in over the years. Avalon bus shelters. Also understanding Park Group has always been pas- the immense need for workspace sionate about partnering with any in Pasco County, a minimum of government entity, private group, 75,000 SF of Class A office space or individual to make the world will be built and have plans that a better place to live, learn, work call for over 200,000 SF in vertiand play. And understanding the cally mixed-use buildings. al suburban development on the importance of partnerships in the same acreage. In addition to the success of Avalon Park Orlando, Upon completion, Avalon Park 230% increase in ad valorem revewe are applying that lesson to what Wesley Chapel will encompass nue, it is anticipated that the small we are doing in the development more than 1,800 acres and will town will create over 2,100 jobs of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. generate close to $198 million in and be home to more than 15,000 ad valorem revenue to the coun- residents. Completely different The public/private partnership ty over a 30-year period. This than the typical strip mall and journey in Avalon Park Wesley translates into an additional $112 subdivision developments have Chapel started in the early 2000’s million more than a convention- seen throughout the County, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will create a sense of place and truly be the place to live, learn, work and play in Pasco County. Another important part of the partnership agreement includes the play component of the community, more specifically parks and recreation. Building on the partnership relationships already formed with the Pasco County Fine Arts Council and the Pasco County Library system, and alongside the quarterly community festivals, monthly movies and food truck nights and various community outreach activities, Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will be designed around and continue to program at its own expense, its own open spaces, while still paying approximately $2 million to Pasco County in park impact fees.
Let’s work together! new car, make it prohibitive to build homes for the middle class Americans), and then at some time build roads and schools, often year after the taxpayer pays for it and the community needs it.” We need to change that. This is why whenever it is possible, we want to build infrastructure like schools, roads and utilities FIRST. It can be done, but it requires long term thinking and out-of-the box strategies. It requires government agencies and the private sector to work together. We all need to think beyond the “next quarter mentality of Wall Street” and the next election of politicians. But again, PARTNERSHIPS are the key to success of many of the world’s most stunning accomplishments. Let’s work together, let’s put behind the “we cannot do it this way” and the “we have always done it that way” mentality.
Hindsight is 20/20. With that in mind Avalon Park Group has its own 20/20 …..we want to bring forward 20 or more Public/Private Partnerships in Pasco County and continue to build on the success of the past. We are proud of our past partnerThe headline “smart growth” is ships and look forward to creatused often but practiced rarely. ing many more. Do you know of And, in the past smart meant, “let’s a need to do something large, big build thousands of homes, have thinking and dreaming undertakdeveloper pay with impact fees ing let me know? I am almost sure (those are going up and sometimes it can only realized if a PARTNERare higher than to pay for a brand SHIP is formed.
LIVE (Cont.)
The North Tampa Bay Chamber has started “The Chamber Road Show” for our members. That is where we go to our members businesses and do a short video where they tell us their hours, what precautions they are taking to protect their customers and whatever else they would like to share. We are posting them on our FB page, our
THE CHAMBER ROAD SHOW Web Site, Instagram and on our YouTube channel. This has been such a huge success for our Members, and we are really enjoying giving our members the exposure they need.
doing meetings? For right now yes, but we are itching for the time that we can actually see our members at events face to face. So stay tuned and we will keep you all updated on what we are doing.
the wonderful video’s of some of our Members. Any member of the chamber just has to call, and we set up a time. We love supporting our members, and the support they have shown to the Chamber.
We are continuing to do our Meetings via ZOOM, and it is working out great. Is this the new way of
Please be sure to check our Web site for upcoming meetings and like our FB page and look at all
NorthTampaBayChamber.com
https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/florida/hyatt-place-tampa-wesley-chapel/tpazc?corp_id=1696
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LEARN WESLEY CHAPEL
CONSTRUCTION IS COMPLETED!
The construction on the building for the Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel is complete and we have our Certificate of Occupancy. Here are our latest updates: • Our teachers have been hired! They come with an average of 10 years of experience. The majority of the teachers have their Master’s Degree. • Furniture will be delivered by the middle of June. • We still have limited openings in all grade levels.
• The school will provide services to students in STEM, Spanish, Art, Music, and Physical Education. We plan to open for visitors July 1. Please check out our Facebook Page and website for more information or email Principal Mielke at amielke@pinecrestwesleychapel.com.
PineCrestWesleyChapel.com
LEARN (Cont.)
New River Branch Library By Amaris Papadopoulos
During these unprecedented times, the Pasco County Library System continues to serve the public with commitment and innovation. Pasco residents are now able to conveniently apply for a library card at pascolibraries.org. With this virtual card, patrons can access various digital resources such as e-books, e-audiobooks, movies, music, crafting tutorials, and more! Additionally, on May 11th, a new curbside delivery service was launched, providing a no-contact safer way for patrons to library holds delivered directly to their vehicles. This has been implemented at all the open county branches—Hudson, Regency Park, Hugh Embry, and South Holiday. As of May 18th, these branches have also reopened with limited capacity. More details on current hours can be found on the library website at https:// www.pascolibraries.org/about-us/ faqs-re-opening-libraries/.
can be returned to any of our open branches—Hudson, Regency Park, Hugh Embry, and South Holiday. Although all in-person programs have been suspended until further notice, New River, along with the other branches, is now offering virtual programming. This also includes an all-virtual Summer Reading Club that will be open to all ages! By using digital platforms, Libraries continues to find innovative ways to provide the public with educational resources and encourage unified engagement through virtual means. For questions about applying for a virtual library card, curbside delivery, reopening details, and Summer Reading Club information, please contact the New River staff at (813) 788-6375 or visit the library website at pascolibraries.org. Visit the Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/pascolibraries for the most recent updates. Although the pandemic has changed how libraries do business, Pasco County Libraries remains a vital part of the community, both in-person and online.
NEW curbside delivery service provides a no-contact safer way for patrons to library holds delivered directly to their vehicles
Remodeling construction at the New River branch continues, with the library slated to reopen in the fall of this year. For patrons who previously used the New River branch as their home library, holds can now be picked up from the Hugh Embry branch in Dade City. For dropping off materials, items
Apply for a library card at pascolibraries.org
June Online Activities Storytimes Ages 0-5: Wednesday at 10:00 AM 6/3 "Kickoff" Royal-Tea 6/10 By the Sea (Pirates and Mermaids) 6/17 My Little Dough-ny 6/24 Dragon-Tales Grades K-3: Thursday at 11:00 AM 6/4 "Kickoff" Royal-Tea 6/11 Go Big or Go Gnome 6/18 My Little Dough-ny 6/25 Dragon-scales and Mermaid Tales Adult Programs: Check calendar of events for times. 6/2 "Kickoff" Royal-Teacup Gardens 6/9 Fairy Jars 6/17 Dream Catchers 6/24 Dragon Egg Nests
Teen Activities: Wednesday at 3:00 PM 6/3 "Kickoff" Mad Tea for Teens 6/10 Trashy Art 6/17 Salty Figures 6/24 Dragon Eggs Tween Activities: Thursdays at 3:00 PM 6/4 "Kickoff" Mad Tea for Tweens 6/11 Trashy Art 6/18 Salty Dough 6/25 Dragon Eggs Add a little bit of body text
Please email daniellel@pascolibraries.org for Zoom links to join in the fun. Kits with supplies and extra activities are available for pick up at Hugh Embry Branch Library at 14215 Fourth Street, Dade City, Florida.
WORK WESLEY CHAPEL
From the Desk of Pasco County Commission Chairman
Mike Moore
From the Desk of Pasco County Commission Chairman
Mike Moore
Pasco County is a community that cares and that was shown in many ways throughout May. I am proud to serve as Chairman of the County Commission and I appreciate the opportunity to provide these updates about what is happening right now in Pasco. On May 20th, I partnered with State Representative Randy Maggard and the Shops at Wiregrass to bring a Farm Share food distribution to our area. In a little over two hours, 700 cars came through the line to receive 33,000 pounds of food, including frozen chicken breasts, fresh zucchini and tomatoes along with other items. Over 50 volunteers coming together early in the morning on a hot
day to distribute food shows how gram. This program reimburses up much Pasco County cares. to $1,000 for businesses that have purchased PPE for their employI want to thank Representative ees. Please visit MyPasco.net for all Maggard and his staff, Farm Share, the qualifying information and to the team at Shops at Wiregrass apply. Our small businesses need and every one of our volunteers your support right now. I ask you for taking time to give back to our join me in using the #SupportPascommunity. co hashtag on social media when you visit one of our small busiThe Pasco County Commission is nesses. working with the United Way of Pasco County for Operation Feed As we continue these recovery Pasco to help get our restaurants programs, please make sure you back to work and supply our food respond to the 2020 Census. An banks. I’m happy to let you know accurate count of our population this program is working well with is incredibly important to make over 4,000 meals served so far. sure Pasco County receives its fair Separate from this program, Pasco share of funding and representaCounty Senior Services Depart- tion over the next decade. You can ment has served over 47,000 meals respond by mail, by phone or onto our critically elderly population. line right now. Visit 2020Census. gov for more Pasco County will continue to information. follow a data-driven approach to reopening in accordance with I also have the Governor DeSantis plan to reopen privilege to Florida. As of this writing, under chair the Pasco 3% of those tested for COVID-19 County Tourist are coming back positive. This is a Development key metric for the plans to reopen Council. Our and Pasco is doing well thanks to team at Expethe efforts of our citizens. I urge rience Florida’s you to continue to be safe by fol- Sports Coast lowing social distancing guide- recently put lines. together an amazing video, We continued our efforts to help We Are Sports our small business community Coast Strong. by approving the Pasco CARES You can check it out by clicking Small Business Personal Protective here or searching Florida’s Sports Equipment Reimbursement Pro- Coast on YouTube.
We know our kids need activities to keep busy with school out for the summer. Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department is planning to operate summer day camps for children this summer. These will operate at 50% capacity to comply with social distancing. We are also opening our athletic fields for use with restrictions for general public use. Youth leagues will be able to use the fields later this summer with an approved safety plan and reservations. Please visit MyPasco.net for all the latest information. Our libraries are continuing their phased reopening. You can now do curbside pickup for materials and make appointments to use computers and study rooms. Please visit PascoLibraries.org to reserve materials or make appointments.
Over 50 volunteers coming together early in the morning on a hot day to distribute food shows how much Pasco County cares!
Finally, I want to once again thank our frontline workers and essential workers for what they are doing every day to serve our community. I am proud of our citizens as we continue to work together to respond to COVID-19.
PLAY WESLEY CHAPEL
Join Us Friday, June 12th at 8 PM Weather Pending
5060 River Glen Blvd Wesley Chapel, FL 33545
ONWARD
There’s a new storywalk in the Avalon Park Wesley Chapel community! Explore the neighborhood to complete the story: “I Took My Frog to the Library”. Beginning at the Amenity Center on 5060 River Glen Blvd. with stops at the Little Free Library, the community clubhouse, and the Cypress Village playground. Please visit our website and Facebook event for more information.
facebook.com/events/edit/540134000221115/ avalonparkwest.com/events/storywalk/
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Amenities
Pool Update The Amenity Center pool at 5060 River Glen Blvd is currently open at 50% capacity during the days of Wednesday - Sunday, 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM. The Community Center pool at 5227 Autumn Ridge Drive is currently closed. The CDD Board will meet on Monday, June 8th to re-evaluate pool hours. New updates will be announced following the meeting. For any questions please contact Rizzetta & Company at mhuber@rizzetta.com or at 813-994-1001.
Coming together to create a healthy community WESLEY CHAPEL
We do not always have the time to make it to the gym, and lately it has not really been possible to do so. But that does not mean we are all out of options. There are many exercises that have proven beneficial to our health and are easy enough to do at home.
Walking
Walking is simple, yet powerful. It can help you stay trim, improve cholesterol levels, strengthen bones, keep blood pressure in check, lift your mood, and lower your risk for several diseases (diabetes and heart disease, for example). Studies have shown that walking and other physical activities can even improve memory and resist age-related memory loss. All you need is a well-fitting and supportive pair of shoes. Start with walking for about 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Over time, you can start to walk farther and faster, until you are walking for 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week.
Jumping Jacks
Jumping Jacks is an aerobic exercise that can be good for your bone health, your heart health, and can even help reduce stress and anxiety. They help increase your heart rate and body temperature, which is why they are usually done as part of warm-up exercises or cardio routine. Jumping Jacks are very simple to do. Stand up straight with your arms at your sides. Raise your arms above your head while jumping on your feet on either side. Make an inverted V shape with your legs as you jump.
Squats
Squats are a strength-training exercise that targets multiple muscle groups such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Squats are great because they make you use the most muscle groups at once.
5 Experts say that the more muscular fitness you have, the greater capacity you will have to burn calories. But form is important. For perfect form, keep your back straight and feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees and lower your rear and the knee should remain over the ankle as much as possible.
Balance Exercise
Almost any activity that keeps you on your feet and moving can help you maintain good balance. But there are specific exercises designed to enhance your balance that prove beneficial to include in your daily routine. Balance exercises can be as simple as balancing on one foot while standing for a period of time or standing from a seated position without using your hands. Other balance exercises include weight shifts and bicep curls with a dumb-
Easy Exercises to Do at Home
bell. Additionally, Tai Chi is a form of movement training that improves stability and reduces the chance of falls.
Lunges
Lunges engage your abdominal muscles and help you achieve a stronger core and build stability. They also strengthen your legs, reduce the load off your spine, and give your hips flexibility. To do a proper lunge keep your upper body straight and your shoulders relaxed. With one leg forward, lower your hips until both knees are bent at a 90-degree angle and line up your knee with your ankles. Keep your body weight on your heels, then switch feet and repeat the same.
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