Avalon Park Sun Wesley Chapel May 2023

Communities Connected for Mental Health: You Belong in Avalon Park

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI, recognizes the month of May as a time for bringing awareness to mental health. The focus of the 2023 national movement is on the message of “Communities Connected to Care.” By coming together, the Avalon Park community can help all its members care for one another and feel a sense of place and belonging and support a culture of strong mental health through the resources available.

Feeling accepted and welcomed by being a part of a community is where a sense of belonging begins. Whether through civic groups, church groups, volunteering with a local organization, or just neighbors who say hi when they see you, having people around you who make you feel safe and comfortable is essential for optimal psychological well-being.

A strong social network is one of those things that may not seem important but can make a big difference when life gets hectic. Having friends and family nearby who can provide emotional support can be a huge boon to your mental health. Furthermore, keeping up with your favorite people face-to-face instead of online keeps you present and connected to your community. It’s also good for them—keeping in touch with friends and family helps prevent depression.

Groups like the local Rotary Club and the Lions Club offer great ways to start building the strong social network, while giving back to the community.

Additionally, spending time with friends, family and neighbors is a great way to stay positive and healthy. Avalon Park offers many opportunities to do just that, from meeting up at the community pool to getting together at one of the many community events, there are multiple ways to have healthy social interactions in the community.

those that cannot afford it. They also curate a regular podcast where different mental health specialists discuss various mental health conditions. As well as other forward thinkers in our community to discuss life skills, growth, and much more. Access the latest episodes online

Another key resource is the accessibility to mental health counselors and therapists in the community. For contact information and listing of the providers in the area, visit the North Tampa Bay Chamber directory here

An alternative way to help mental health is art therapy. According to the Mental Health Foundation, any type of art can boost confidence and make us feel more engaged. It can also alleviate anxiety, depression, and stress. In Avalon Park, we have partnered with the Pasco Fine Arts Council to provide opportunities and resources for people who enjoy the arts. Art Walks, exhibits and event art therapy all are great ways to relieve stress and focus on your mental health.

The benefits of physical exercise far exceed just the physical benefits. According to TheHelpGuide.org it can also boost your mood, improve your sleep, and help you deal with depression, anxiety, stress and more. From joining the local YMCA, to shooting hoops at the amenity center or taking a swim in the pool, there is a wide range of ways to get physically active in Avalon Park.

Access to mental health resources is also key. Projecthinkforward is a non-profit organization based in Avalon Park Orlando, offering sponsored therapy to

With such a variety of organizations and opportunities, Avalon Park is a community where all can feel like they belong. Whether you are living, learning, working, or playing, or maybe even all four, in Avalon Park, you belong here! So, Avalon Park, let’s come together to care for our community this month and every month to ensure everyone feels like they belong!

AND TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK.

TEACHERS AND NURSES (and all health care workers) are very important to our community.

I am often astonished about how much money a lawyer, or a Wall Street banker makes compared to a teacher or a health care worker. I deeply believe lawyers and Wall Street bankers are greatly overpaid and teachers and health care worker are vastly underpaid.

When I see how hard our over-night Nurses, Caregivers and other team members work at Encore Avalon Park’s Assisted Living community, I would love to double or triple their salaries, if I only could. I am very thankful for their hard work, dedication and passion. Over the years I have seen what it means to work around the clock at Encore (which is currently at record occupancy numbers) in order to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents. It takes outstanding people, who care for our elderly. Nurses and health care workers deserve more than our deep appreciation and not just in May but all year around. Especially

reason is that Avalon Park became the most successful (by homes sales) community several years in a row (back when under construction), I always say, the schools. When planning Avalon Park more the 25 years ago, I did not yet have children of my own. Hence, I was surprised to learn from the REALTOR community, that the single most important reason for recommending a community to a home buyer are the schools, new schools, A schools et al.

I am proud to report that Avalon Park has continued to have all A schools, for more than 10 years and on top of that, 2 of them have earned the Blue Ribbon school status, which means they are recognized as one of the 300 best schools in the United States. When I asked the legendary former Avalon Park Elementary Principal Pam Sanders, in 2001, what it would take to have the best schools in Avalon Park. She was quick to tell me: outstanding teachers. And for sure with more than 10,000 student stations in Avalon Park, and all A schools, there is no doubt that we have great teachers!

So, today and every day, I want to say congratulations and THANK YOU to all the nurses, health care workers, teachers and school employees, who work tirelessly to make our community the best that it can be. We appreciate you very much!

EDITOR

DIRECTOR

Update from Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman

winning the inaugural Florida’s Sports Coast Open. This is first of many more professional tournaments to come to the area.

I hope you had a wonderful month of April! As always, I appreciate the opportunity to provide these updates to you from around Pasco County.

I was honored to sponsor a resolution and great presentation for Water Conservation Month. Representatives from Pasco County Utilities, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Tampa Bay Water, Florida Government Utilities Association (FGUA), and the Pasco County Extension Office were on hand to talk about their efforts to conserve water. Make sure you check out each of those organizations’ websites, there are even rebate programs to help homeowners and businesses to conserve more water!

On April 23rd, Sarah Vande Berg Tennis and Wellness Center, not too far from Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, hosted the finals of their first professional tennis tournament. Congratulations to Makenna Jones for

Last month in this column, I discussed an important policy initiative regarding quality control to the many build-to-rent neighborhoods in Pasco. I’m happy to let you know the Pasco BOCC took the first step in making sure these developments bring a quality product to our community. It is a complicated issue with many more details to work through, but I am excited it is moving forward.

Looking ahead to May, there is a joint meeting between the Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas County Commissions. The agenda has not been released yet but it should be an interesting discussion with our colleagues from around the region.

Thank you again for taking the time to read these updates. Remember, you can always catch up on the latest happenings on the Pasco County website at MyPasco.net

About: Commissioner Seth Weightman represents District 2 on the Pasco County Commission. He lives in San Antonio with his wife and two children

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Progress Pictures

For more information on leasing in Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, email: Marketing@AvalonParkGroup.com.

LEARN

WORK

United Kingdom Technology Company Fusion5 to Open Pasco County Location

quality products at affordable prices, so that everyone can have access to the latest technology and improve their quality of life,” said Gandhi Perla, Founder & CEO, Fusion5. “When I was looking for a new location for our assembly line, I saw the number of technical schools and training programs Pasco County had to offer, as well as the area’s potential for future expansion. I knew right away that this was the right choice for our business.”

Pasco EDC is thrilled to welcome Fusion5 to Pasco County. The technology brand, originally from the United Kingdom, is expanding its reach by setting up an assembly line in Pasco County, Florida. The company also maintains a production facility in Frisco, Texas. Fusion5 is leasing a 5,000 square foot building in West Pasco Industrial Park where they will invest more than $250,000 in lease-hold improvements and equipment, and plan to hire 30 employees.

“Fusion5 is no stranger to expanding globally, and we are thrilled they see the additional value and resources Pasco County can continue to provide them with as they grow,” said Bill Cronin, President/CEO, Pasco EDC. “As they continue to look for new markets to export to, we can help through our international program and partnerships, and the company already plans to utilize our local Foreign Trade Zone 193.”

The assembly line will prioritize the production of high-quality and affordable Microsoft Windows Operating System devices made in the United States, which will allow the company to compete with some of the biggest names in the technology industry. The laptops and tablet computers produced at the assembly line will be designed to meet the diverse needs of customers in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Fusion5 currently works with retailers like Amazon, Walmart, among others.

“We strongly believe that technology plays a vital role in people’s lives. That’s why we are passionately committed to providing high-

Perla conducted his own research and site selection process for the new location and contacted the Pasco County Office of Economic Growth and was referred to Pasco EDC. The Pasco EDC will be assisting the company with Foreign Trade Zone and export connections, business to business connections for local products, supplies and equipment, workforce data, and connections to local workforce training partners.

“I am excited to welcome an international company to our growing community,” shared Kathryn Starkey, Pasco County Commissioner. “Fusion5 will take advantage of local training programs for a variety of jobs in fields such as packaging, manufacturing, and quality control. It’s our mission to help grow and retain our own talent to attract companies like this and provide more opportunities for our community. Which is exactly why we have such a strong focus on the talent pipeline here.”

Fusion5’s commitment to providing affordable technology products at an accessible price point is driven by its focus on customer satisfaction. The company understands that the technology industry is highly competitive, and it is, therefore, focused on providing products that are both affordable and of high quality. Learn more about what they do and their products at https://www.fusion5store.com.

Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s Offices Will Feature CARES’ “Pet Project” as May’s Charity of the Month

Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s offices will feature CARES (Community Aging & Retirement Services) as the charitable organization for the month of May. As CARES celebrates its 50th Anniversary serving seniors in Pasco County, all proceeds from the promotional effort will benefit programs run by CARES, and specifically the Pet Project, a program to help the elderly take care of their pets.

CARES provides programs and services that help older adults stay in their homes by providing support to them, their caregivers, and families. The May promotion shines a spotlight on the CARES Pet Project specifically. Donations will help supply pet food, pet care products and other support to assist the elderly in keeping their pets well cared for.

“CARES is very appreciative of this effort by the tax collector’s office,” states Jemith Rosa, CARES President & CEO. “For many elderly people, having a pet means they feel less lonely and socially isolated. A pet is a true companion that gives unconditional love and friendship.”

“It is my belief that a public servant has a responsibility to do whatever he or she can to assist those who are less fortunate,” states Tax Collector Mike Fasano. “It is my honor to congratulate CARES for 50 years of service to our community! The CARES Pet Project is an exciting program that has demonstrated its value to our vulnerable seniors. With this support they no longer must choose between buying medications for themselves or food for their pet. I am excited that we will once again be able to support the neediest seniors in our community.”

For more information about CARES and the Pet Project please contact Jemith Rosa at 727-863-6868 or visit the website www.CARESFL.org For more information about the promotional and charitable giving programs at the tax collector’s office please contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179 or visit www.pascotaxes.com Donations may be mailed to: Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City FL 33526-0276.

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Coming together to create a healthy community

COMMUNITY CORNER