KEEPING THE NEWS LOCAL & THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED.
JULY 2021
LIVE
VOLUME 2 EDITION 7
Fourth of July in Avalon Park Bike Parade, Apple Pie Bake-Off, Porch Decorating Contest
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LEARN
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WORK
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COMMUNITY UPDATES
Celebrate Independence Day at the annual Avalon Park Fourth of July Festival on Sunday, July 4th, 5-9 pm. This celebration is the perfect event to kick-off the summer fun and will feature face painters, caricature artists, a wet/dry bounce park, community performances, an apple pie bake-off, bike parade and fireworks at 9 p.m.
Blvd. Participants are encouraged to register online. Prizes will be awarded for Most Patriotic and Best Group.
Want to showcase your baking skills? Join the Apple Pie Bake-off for a chance to win awesome prizes. Pre-register online here. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place.
As always there are opportunities for the community participate with a community performance by filling out the Performance Request, set up a Vendors Booth or even showcase your business with a sponsorship.
Get the whole family together to decorate bikes, strollers and wagons and head to the Amenity Center stage at 5:30 pm for the Annual Bike Parade around River Glen
Avalon Park residents are also encouraged to showcase their patriotic spirit all month by participating in the Porch Decorating Contest.
For more information on this and other Avalon Park Events visit AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com or call 813-783-1515.
LIVE ORLANDO
Coffee Hour with BEAT
I do not know, and nobody really can know for sure. However, I am absolutely convinced that real estate prices in central Florida will continue to increase substantially over the next 25 years, well past 2046! That means that if my sense is correct, and you are 30 years old today and own a home with a current value of $400,000, the value of In March 2005 I pubthat home when you lished a Coffee Hour turn 55 will be well over with Beat with the title $1 Million. However, “Homebuyer Beware,” where I warned readers this will not likely happen in a straight line about buying a home over the next 25 years they could not afford. and at times, your home To me, the writing was may have a lower value on the wall, and I foresaw a crash on the hous- in the future than today. ing market long before I continue to be very opsome of the famous economists had the same timistic for central Florida in the long run. As a idea. matter of fact, my group of companies has decidShortly after that preed to concentrate investdiction, the crash on the housing market did ing in real estate in central Florida. Selling our happen in 2007-08 and following. The housing real estate investments in Australia, Canada, bubble burst triggered China and Indonesia, we many to reach out, including a Swiss reporter, have shifted a significant who had discovered my portion of our focus to 2005 article and question the over 10,000 acres of why I made such a pre- land we own in central Florida. diction. With more than 30 years of experience as a real estate entrepreneur in central Florida and around the globe, I believe that I’ve developed a sense for the markets. And as of late, the current state of the housing market, interest rates and economy have people asking, “Will there be another crash like in 2007? Does it not feel like 2006? Will there be a recession? Will there be hyperinflation? Etc.”
HOWEVER, land, home and other prices have increased dramatically over the last year. Caution is always advised when the sky is the limit, although I do not see any reason for a housing price crash at this time in central Florida. In 2006 many homebuyers bought single-family homes for speculation reasons only. This is not the case today. As a matter of fact, there is presently a shortage of
homes all over the United States. There are other forces working, this time I do not think Florida’s economy and state of the housing market will cause a crash, but if tomorrow a large bank in Europe or Asia (and there are several larger than Lehman Brothers with thin capital) fails, and government, wherever it is, does not come to aid in time, then all bets could be off, as we saw in 2008-09. Florida historically and continues to be a fertile place for speculation. If it is too good to be true, we usually are in. So, I urge you to please not speculate with your home, the place you raise your family. It is not primarily an investment, it is a capital good, which you need to be able to afford in good and challenging times. Do not finance shortterm, because of lower interest rates and amortization. These loans are not made for people who cannot afford longterm rates and other conditions.
American Dream, many times renting your home or apartment is financially a better choice, particularly in a volatile market environment. For instance, if you are at retirement age, it may be wiser not to buy a residence, you want to stay flexible. Whether you need to quickly transition to a residential solution with less upkeep and more care like an independent living community or assisted living community or want the flexibility to travel, you do not want to be forced to sell your home at the wrong time in the market, because of another pressing need. Home prices will go up over the next 25 years, I am convinced, but they can as well go down at times. So, my caution from 2005, Homebuyer Beware, remains true, but for different reasons. Do not speculate with your home, purchase within your means and if you cannot, then rent! Happy 4th of July from My Family to Yours!
While ownership of a home is part of the
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.)
July Update from Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore
basketball teams. The Combine brought hundreds of room nights and international media attention to Pasco County! I had the honJune was another busy or to participate in a month throughout Pasceremonial jump ball co County, I greatly before the first game appreciate the opporwith Hasahn French Did you know Pasco tunity to share these updates with you each County is in the top 10 (Saint Louis) and Micah in the state in recycling Potter (Wisconsin). I’m month. I hope you are excited to watch the rate? The Florida Delooking forward to an Tampa Bay Pro Comexciting Independence partment of Environmental Protection ranks bine Presented by FlorDay weekend to celebrate our great Nation’s each county, looking at ida’s Sports Coast grow both public and private in the future as a signafounding with friends ture event! recycling efforts. This and family. is a great job by our community’s recycling Congratulations to our Vaccine rollout is contourism Destination tinuing with all Florid- efforts! Pasco ranked Management Orgaians of age now eligible higher than several nization, Experience counties with much to receive a COVID-19 Florida’s Sports Coast, larger populations. vaccine. Please check for winning five Telout the Florida Departly Awards! The Telly The first week of June ment of Health in PasAwards is the premier co County’s website at brought a new event honor for videos on all pasco.floridahealth.gov to our community, the screens. Florida’s Sports Tampa Bay Pro Comfor all the latest inforbine Presented by Flor- Coast won for two mation. ida’s Sports Coast. The videos, Sports Coast Strong and Game On. A huge congratulations combine brought over This is third year in a 40 NBA-draft eligible to the Pasco County row our DMO has been players from around Animal Services derecognized by the Telly the nation and a few partment. In the last from around the world Awards. few months, Animal to showcase their skills Services has received over $75,000 in national in front of professional July sees the return of grants to help with programs and operations. This is great national recognition for the amazing work that they do every day while saving our taxpayers money.
scallop season for Pasco County! Scalloping is a great family friendly activity to do outside! Pasco’s 2021 scallop season is July 16th through 25th. I hope you enjoy a wonderful and safe Independence Day and July! 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.
LIVE (Cont.)
LEARN ORLANDO
DON ATE
BLOOD 0rd $Gi2 ft Ca e
...and
more!
Sunday, July 4, 2021 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Avalon Park Wesley Chapel All donors will receive a 4th of July T-shirt and a $20 eGift Card! Plus, a wellness checkup including blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening! Appointments are encouraged, please visit www.oneblood.org/donate-now and use sponsor code #57393
LOCAL HEROES SAVING LIVES
Pinecrest Academy says, “Have a great summer! Stay Safe Panthers!!”
ID required. Donors must be at least 16 years old. Those who are 16 years old need parental permission. See website for more details. *One offer per donor, per donation. No cash value. Not-transferable. Not responsible for lost or stolen gift card. If you have recently donated, thank you. Please visit us when you are eligible to donate again. Donor must have successful donation to obtain results. If donor does not have account created in donor portal already, they must provide email address to phlebotomist at the time of registration so account can be created. Donor will receive email post donation with instructions. The same email provided at registration is used to activate donor portal account.
ID REQUIRED
LEARN (Cont.)
July 2021 Virtual Events
WEEKLY EVENTS Tuesdays
Sat July 3
Thu July 15
2:00 PM • Planet Lego
10:00 AM • Summer Reading Craft Videos - Feltie Penguin 6:00 PM • Virtual Summer Reading Storytime - Polar Animals
Mon July 5
8:00 AM • ESOL: English for Speakers of Other Languages* 10:00 AM • Story Strong: A Family Wellness Program 10:00 AM • Tails and Tales Summer Storytime Series 12:30 PM • Virtual Yarn for More*
Wednesdays
All Day • Pasco County Library System is closed today for the Independence Day holiday.
Tue July 6
6:00 PM • Online Book Club*
Wed July 7
11:00 AM • Storytime at Lake Lisa Park 2:00 PM • English Conversation Class 3:00 PM • ESOL: English for Speakers of Other Languages 4:30 PM • Mobile Makerspace at Crews Lake Park: Advanced Coding & 3D Printing*
10:00 AM • Virtual Medicare Part C Seminar with Shine via Zoom 10:15 AM • Virtual Live Storytime with Ms. Shaina and Ms. LauraJungle Safari 12:00 PM • Virtual Medicare Basics with Shine via Zoom
8:30 AM • ESOL: English for Speakers of Other Languages* 6:00 PM • Yarn for a Cause*
10:00 AM • Summer Reading Craft Videos - Tiger Drawing 10:00 AM • Virtual Summer Reading Storytime - Going on Safari 4:00 PM • Tales From the Trail 4:00 PM • Zoom Drawing Lesson: Super Safari*
Thursdays Fridays
10:00 AM • English Conversation Class* 10:00 AM • Storytime Shorts with Ms. Karen and Ms. Kerry
Saturdays
Thu July 8
Sat July 10
10:00 AM • Saturday Morning Medicare Basics with SHINE via Zoom
Mon July 12
All Day • Full STEAM Again
FEATURED EVENTS Thu July 1
10:00 AM • Summer Reading Craft Videos - Dinosaur Eggs 10:00 AM • Virtual Summer Reading Storytime - Prehistoric
Fri July 2 10:00 AM • Storytime Shorts with Ms. Karen and Ms. Kerry 10:00 AM • Regency Park Library: July Teen Book Boxes* 4:00 PM • Hamilton/Animal Crossing Trivia* 6:00 PM • Famous Animal Trivia*
12:00 PM • Medicare SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) Presentation with SHINE via Zoom
Tue July 13
10:00 AM • Storytime @ the Park* 12:00 PM • Lunch & Learn Medicare Basics with Shine via Zoom 5:00 PM • Zoom Reads Mystery Book Club: Confessions of Frannie Langton*
Wed July 14
10:15 AM • Virtual Live Storytime with Ms. Shaina and Ms. Laura - The Bugs and the “Bee”utiful* 12:00 PM • Medicare Part C Advantage Plans Zoom meeting with SHINE
Mon July 19
12:00 PM • Medicare SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) Presentation with SHINE via Zoom
Tue July 20
6:00 PM • Virtual Mystery Book Club: The Long Call
Wed July 21
10:00 AM • Medicare Part C Advantage Plans with Shine via Zoom 10:15 AM • Virtual Live Storytime with Ms. Shaina and Ms. Laura Scales and Tales* 12:00 PM • Medicare Part D Drug Plan Meeting with Shine via Zoom
Thu July 22
10:00 AM • Summer Reading Craft Videos 10:00 AM • Virtual Summer Reading Storytime - Mythical Creatures 6:00 PM • Sustainability Reading Club-Summer Series
Mon July 26
12:00 PM • Medicare Long Term Care Zoom SHINE via Zoom
Tue July 27
10:00 AM • Storytime @ the Park* 5:00 PM • 4th Tuesday Zoom Reads Book Club: The Nickel Boys*
Wed July 28
10:00 AM • Medicare Part C Advantage Plans with Shine via Zoom 10:15 AM • Virtual Live Storytime with Ms. Shaina and Ms. Laura Forest Fun* 12:00 PM • Medicare Basics with Shine via Zoom
Thu July 29
10:00 AM • Summer Reading Craft Videos 10:00 AM • Swamp Sludge 10:00 AM • Virtual Summer Reading Storytime - In the Swamp
Fri July 30
5:00 PM • Haunted Pasco in the Park
NEW RIVER LIBRARY EVENTS
June 28 - July 3 - All Day • Adult Take and Make Kits: Cat Toys June 28 - July 3 - All Day • SRC K-3 Take and Make Kit - Celebrity Critters June 28 - July 3 - All Day • SRC Storytime Take and Make Kit - “Meow”sterpiece Theater June 28 - July 3 - All Day • Teen Take and Make Kits: Shrinky Dinks July 5 - July 10 - All Day • SRC K-3 Take and Make Kit - Safari Stories July 5 - July 10 - All Day • SRC Storytime Take and Make Kit - Jungle Safari July 5 - July 10 - All Day • Teen/Tween SRC Take and Make kits: Pillow Pets July 12 - July 17 - All Day • SRC K-3 Take and Make Kit - Creepy Crawlies July 12 - July 17 - All Day • SRC Storytime Take and Make Kit - The Bugs and the “Bee”utiful July 12 - July 17 - All Day • Teen/Tween SRC Take and Make Kits: Lightning Bugs July 19 - July 24 - All Day • SRC K-3 Take and Make Kit - Fantastic Beasts July 19 - July 24 - All Day • SRC Storytime Take and Make Kit - Scales and Tales July 19 - July 24 - All Day • Teen/Tween SRC Take and Make Kits: Dragon Eggs July 26 - July 31 - All Day • SRC K-3 Take and Make Kit - Swamp Stories July 26 - July 31 - All Day • SRC Storytime Take and Make Kit - Forest Fun July 26 - July 31 - All Day • Teen/Tween SRC Take and Make Kits: Candy Sushi *Registration required. See the online event calendar for more information. All events subject to cancellation or change. Some events may require registration. Please call the library for questions.
New River Library 813-788-6375 www.pascolibraries.org
Scan here to view the online event calendar!
Check out our website for more exciting news! Get involved, even from home!
LEARN (Cont.)
Summer Camps!
Summer is just around the corner! And now is the perfect time to explore the variety of fun, entertaining, and educational activities available in the Wesley Chapel and surrounding communities that will keep you and your kids busy this summer.
COOL KIDS CAMP Get Ready For A Summer Of Making Memories Camp Dates: June 13–July 31, 2021
LEARN (Cont.)
Summer Camps!
SUMMER AND WEEKEND CAMPS are open to campers age 6-17 who have varying disabilities and special needs. We will also be offering sessions for young adults ages 18 – 30. With that in mind, Camp Idlewild focuses on providing fun activities that will foster independence, meet individual needs and promote personal growth in a fun and supportive environment.
WORK ORLANDO
WORK
(Cont.)
SouthState Bank Makes Another Generous Donation to Microloan Program
The SMARTstart Microloan Program offers financial support to businesses who need help starting up.
SouthState Bank, formerly Centerstate Bank, has supported the SMARTstart Microloan Program since it was established in 2012. Recently, they donated $5,000, totaling their overall contribution to the Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) to $40,000 to support small businesses in Pasco County. Skip Skairus, Regional President of SouthState, says “SouthState is pleased to once again contribute to the Microloan Program. When a program like this gives small business owners the opportunity to succeed and create jobs, they can help boost the Pasco County economy as a whole”. One of SouthState Bank’s main focuses is on small business development, from offering support to grow a business to protecting it fi-
nancially. This donation goes right back into the local community to help achieve this mission of helping small businesses. SouthState Bank’s Commercial Relationship Manager, Lee Maggard, serves on the Microloan committee which processes the applications to give loans to those working towards establishing their business. “The Microloan Program has provided support to 58 businesses so far and has created over 200 jobs since its establishment,” said Bill Cronin, President and CEO, Pasco EDC. The SMARTstart program provides assistance to small businesses in Pasco County so they are able to start and establish their businesses. Microloans are given with the goal of strengthening the economy by creating more job opportunities
and starting more businesses locally. The loans can be used on the essentials needed to get businesses up and running, from purchasing inventory and machinery to working capital.
more businesses to grow in Pasco County,” said Cronin.
If your business is interested in learning more about or making a donation to the Microloan Program, visit www.smartstart“The Microloan pasco.com or conprogram allows tact Dan Mitchell, our community’s economy to grow the SMARTstart and donations like Program Director, those from South- at dmitchell@pascoedc.com or 352State Bank sup437-4861. port that mission by providing the funds needed for
PLAY ORLANDO
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.)
50% off enrollment for all new members in July!
Does not apply to corporate memberships. Offer expires on 7/31/2021.
Become a Fitness Member 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 one FREE health and wellness consultation with a degreed and certified personal trainer and one FREE nutrition assessment with a registered nutritionist. Join today!
2700 Healing Way, Suite 101 | Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 813-929-5252
AHWCwellness.com
Wellness Center
LIVE WELL (Cont.)
Wellness with Jen: Summer Exercise I Don’t Wanna! Why? How?
The summer months tend to get crazy with juggling the kids being home or going to a different camp every week, vacations, family, holiday celebrations,… all the things. Juggling a crazy schedule can make it difficulty to keep up with wellness. The benefits of eating right (most of the time- everyone needs a cheat meal/ day) and exercising are endless, but how in the world are you supposed to fit exercising into your crazy, busy summer life as a Mom??
Regular exercise isn’t just about weight control. Exercising regularly can increase muscle and bone health, increase energy, help improve mood, promote better sleep, and increase the desire for time your special someone. Some things that you might not consider when it comes to exercise are that exercise can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve skin health, improve brain health and memory,... The benefits truly are endless. Ok, ok, we know the benefits. Again, how in the world are you supposed to fit it into your hectic life? Well, basically, you find what works for you... Do you do better when you go to a gym or maybe even attend classes? Ok, so if you are a busy mom, you have the option to find a gym with childcare included and just take your kiddos with you, or you can find a time when someone can be with your kiddos while you go the gym. Maybe you get up and go early before everyone else wakes up. Maybe you go over your lunch break at work. Maybe you hire a babysitter a few times per week for some mommy freedom at the gym. Easy peasy,
just get there! And if you don’t have kids, well, then just make it happen when it fits into your schedule.
Do you prefer to exercise at home at your own pace and on your own timeline? This is what works best for me. With this option, you have the freedom to select your own program and your own timeframe. You can choose to find workout videos on YouTube, follow someone on Instagram that streams their workouts, use workout DVDs (Is this still a thing? Or am I just old?!), or you can use an on demand program. I used to use BeachBody On-Demand, and I really enjoyed it. However, when I was pregnant with my son, I wasn’t a fan of the program’s pre-natal workouts, so I began searching for new programs on YouTube. What I really like about this option, is that you can find an instructor that you connect with and follow them. When exercising at home, you have the ability to complete your workouts before everyone wakes up, during nap time, or even include your kiddos in your exercise program. I am not a fan of late night workouts, but some busy folks even choose to complete their workouts after the kids go to bed. Maybe you aren’t quite ready to schedule a formal workout like going to the gym, taking a class, or doing workout videos. That is totally fine. Why not start with a walk 3 times a week? Plop the kids in the stroller, turn on some high energy tunes, and head out for a walk. Make a deal with them that if they hang with you during your walking time, they can play at the park afterwards.
I love nothing more than including my daughter in my workouts. My son is still a bit young, so it is hit or miss on how the workout with him will go, but a 15-month-old doing squats is one of the cutest things ever. Worst case scenario, if you can only fit a few squats, a few push-ups, and a few crunches into your day with your little one by your side, it is better than nothing, and you are providing an amazing example for your kiddos. When possible, nap time is a great time to squeeze in a kid-free workout from home. You find what works for you, and you make it happen. No excuses! The most important thing is that you start at the point that makes sense for you. You choose a routine that works for you and that you can continue with consistently. It is easy to make excuses. It is easy to say that you are too buse. It is easy to say you are too tired. It is easy to say that you will start tomorrow. Throw all of those excuses in the garbage and get started, TODAY!
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 Hope Services
If you know a student or nonprofit deserving of recognition, please email your nominee suggestion to kcarmack@lakerlutznews.com. CINDY BRAY,
Executive Director, Hope Services
PROFILED NOMINEES RECEIVE A $50 GIFT CARD FROM A LOCAL BUSINESS.
CONGRATULATIONS to Hope Services a nonprofit in Wesley Chapel, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Hope Services is a vocational service organization that seeks to find jobs for people living with disabilities. The nonprofit got its start in 2003, when executive director Cindy Bray was helping her disabled daughter, Danica, find employment. “I went with Danica to a program helping people with disabilities find employment,” says Bray, “The program leaders thought I was Danica’s job coach. Long story short, I became their first job coach and worked there for almost two years, and then was encouraged to start my own nonprofit.” And thus, Hope Services was born. Bray and her staff offer many tools and resources for their clients, such as vocational and worksite evaluations, work incentives planning and assistance, work readiness/pre-placement training, on-thejob training, employment and supported services, and mental health counseling. “The first thing we do is get to know our clients, understand their abilities and interests/goals for employment,” says Bray. One of Bray’s favorite success stories is actually with her first client— a young gentleman who was soft-spoken with broken English, walked with crutches and living with polio. “He was my toughest client, yet I was determined that if I could find a successful job for him, then I was on the right path,” says Bray. Bray ended up finding him a job at a factory that produces parachutes for skydiving. The young man’s new job was to burn the threads of the harnesses once they were completely sewn. After he was hired, he looked at Bray and said “I knew you wouldn’t give up on me!” “That is all it took to know I am making
a difference in the lives of others,” says Bray. From that experience, Bray learned that there is a job out there for everyone. One of the most rewarding parts of Bray’s job is her weekly staff meetings. Every time her team meets, they share their “3:13 story,” which is a reference to the Hebrews 3:13 passage: “Encourage one another daily.” “We aren’t able to get together daily, but when we are together, each member takes three minutes and thirteen seconds to share a success story. We either clap, or cry, in joy,” says Bray. Bray not being in the field anymore gives her time to plan for the future of Hope Services. One of those plans includes partnering with the new Wesley Chapel District Parks and Recreation center to start the nonprofit’s first vocational training pilot program this Fall. The nonprofit will have a 1,400square-foot space with a full industrial kitchen. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, they will have trainings to help the clients figure out what career industry they should pursue. The other two days of the week will be on-the-job training at local businesses. Bray expects this program to cost around $75,000 and is always looking for private individuals, businesses and corporations to help support her vision. If you wish to help support the nonprofit, Bray says you can contribute by working with Hope Services, partnering alongside for employment opportunities, donating, and/or volunteering your time and talents. Hope Services also is need of a van for transportation of its clients for its on-the-job training portion of the vocational training program. For more information on Hope Services, visit HopeGetsJobs.com.
WESLEY CHAPEL
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33613 state road 54. • wesley chapel • (813) 783-1515