Wesley Chapel Magazine - May 2024 Edition

Vlasta Smola ART

Wesley ChapelMAGAZINE

Craig Bennett, MD (General ortho/Spine)

Jared Salinsky, DO (General ortho/Sports)

George Kardashian, MD (Hand/Elbow)

Juan Raposo, MD (Totals/Revisions)

Kirill Ilalov, MD (Spine)

Dragomir Mijic, DO (Shoulder)

Dolfi Herscovici, DO (Foot/Ankle)

Alexander Pappas, DPM (Podiatrist)

Huy Nguyen, MD (Physiatry/General)

Christopher Reyher, MD (Physiatry/General)

Kenton Panas, MD (Sports, shoulder, hip, knee)

Korey Yngstrom, DO (Hip/Trauma)

Patrick Dermarkarian, MD (Spine Surgeon)

T8TH ANNUAL FREEDOM RUN IS BACK IN PASCO

MAY 4TH, 2024 AT WESLEY CHAPEL DISTRICT PARK

The Freedom Run keeps growing as a community event

he 8th Annual Freedom Run, The Race Against Poverty, will be held on May 4th, 2024 at the Wesley Chapel District Park. The purpose of the 5k/10k run is to build awareness for people living in extreme poverty. All net proceeds of the run are used for building houses for families in need. So far the Freedom Run has built homes in the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, the Philippines and El Salvador.

“We’re very excited to be hosting this race for the third time right here in Wesley Chapel,” shared Eric Lehmann, Freedom Run Race Director. “Pasco County has been great to work with, and we really appreciate their endorsement at the Wesley Chapel District Park. This 5k and 10k event helps a great cause as families that are living in abject poverty are able to be lifted up and be given a home."

2017 was the first year of the Freedom Run. The first few runs were held in Hillsborough County. Over the past 7 years, hundreds of runners and sponsors have participated in this event. This year, fourteen corporate sponsors and community partners have stepped up to the starting line to back the event. We are especially grateful to our title sponsor, Coastal Properties Group International and Christies International Real Estate. (margotsells.com)

“As architects, we seek to improve the lives and wellbeing of our community. Supporting organizations that raise awareness and funds to build homes and structures for those in abject poverty is in alignment with our mission to Create : Transform : Inspire.” expressed Justin Kimmich, race runner and owner of Kimmich Smith Architecture, sponsor of this year's race.

The fee to run is $35 for the 5k and $45 for the 10k. All runners will receive a finisher medal and athletic performance shirt. There are also first place trophies for each age group (two year increments for kids and five year increments for adults). The race is professionally timed for the 5k and 10k runs, but walkers are also encouraged to participate in the 5k event.

The 8th Annual Freedom Run 5k/10k will be held on May 4th, 2024 at the Wesley Chapel District Park at 7321 Boyette Rd, Wesley Chapel, FL 33545. Check-in is at 6:30 am with the events beginning at 7:30 am. Runners may sign up at http://www. thefreedomrun.org

Pasco County Parks Announces Summer Day Camp Registration

~~2024 online camp registration~~

Summer fun is almost here!

Mark your calendar to sign up for the 2024 Summer Day Camp through Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources.

Registration has begun!

WHAT: Pasco Parks 2024 Summer Day Camp

WHEN: Monday to Friday | June 10 – July 26, 2024 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

WHO: Kids ages 5 to 13 | Various locations

HOW: Register ONLINE

only | Space is limited

Pasco County residents can register for the full, seven-week program.

Creating an account before registering is required here: mypas.co/PascoCreateAccount.

Pasco County also offers an inclusive Exceptional Play in Camp (EPIC) for children, ages 8 to 15, who may excel with additional support.

For more 2024 Summer Day Camp information, including a list of locations,

EPIC Camp details, camp capacities, costs and financial assistance, please visit: mypas.co/ PRNRSummerDayCamp

Based on the series by STEPHEN HILLENBURG Book by KYLE JARROW

Musical Production

Conceived by TINA LANDAU

Original Songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A., Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, T.I. And Songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny & Andy Paley

logos, and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

Additional Lyrics by Jonathan Coulton

Additional Music by Tom Kitt

Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards Program

Does your landscape have what it takes to win? Enter soon to find out!

The Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards, sponsored by Tampa Bay Water, UF/IFAS Extension and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, were created to recognize individuals and businesses committed to conserving our water resources, protecting the environment by using Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) principles and including an attractive design. There are nine FFL principles which include: right plant right place, water efficiently, fertilize appropriately, mulch, attract wildlife, manage yard pests responsibly, recycle, reduce stormwater runoff and protect the waterfront. Many of these principles are used as part of the landscape evaluation process for this awards program.

The University of Florida/Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM teams in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas Counties and their County/City water departments evaluate your county’s landscapes using specific criteria which includes the following and more:

Landscape Design and Plant Selection: organic/plant-based mulch is applied 2-3 inches deep throughout the plant beds, plants with similar maintenance and water requirements are grouped together, no strips of grass less than four feet wide

Stormwater Runoff Prevention: use of rain collection devices, gutter downspouts and roof runoff are directed onto mulched/planted areas, no bare areas in the lawn/landscape which are subject to erosion

Efficient irrigation: landscape exists primarily on rainfall or watered only as needed with an irrigation system

You can view photographs and watch short videos of past winners at: https://awards.tampabaywaterwise. org/. The deadline for entries is June 30. Complete your application now, which will take about five-ten minutes; then submit on-line at the link above. Attaching a photo or two is helpful. On-site landscape evaluations will be scheduled and conducted in June, July and August with homeowners and business owners. Winning entries will receive a beautiful, handmade mosaic steppingstone for homeowners or a plaque option for businesses. Feedback is provided to all that enter the awards program.

Today is a great time to complete and submit your application. We hope to receive your entry soon! Thanks in advance for participating. If you have questions regarding the Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards program and live in Hillsborough County, please contact me. If you live in Pasco or Pinellas County, contact your Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM (FFL) program coordinator.

For more information about the FFL Program, assistance with gardening and irrigation system-related questions, contact the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County at 813-744-5519 and visit our website at: https://sfyl. ifas.ufl.edu/events/?location=hillsborough for upcoming workshops.

Contact Lynn Barber at: barberL@hcfl.gov

Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Agent

Swimming Lessons

50% off at LA Fitness New Tampa

Pasco County Extension Offering Junior Master Gardener Classes ~~Summer program

for kids beginning June 5th~~

HUDSON, FL ---- Do you have a scholar ready to grow their gardening skills? UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension invites you to help your child blossom by signing up for the Junior Master Gardener Youth Education Summer Series beginning Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

WHAT: Junior Master Gardener @ Youth Educational Summer Series Ages: 8-11

WHEN: June 5 to July 31, 2024 Wednesdays @10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Hudson Library 8012 Library Road Hudson, FL

Register today: mypas.co/JMGSummerSeries2024

Topics of Discussion: Gardening Florida-Friendly Horticulture Insects

Plant Propagation Fruits

Much More!

The program cost is $65 per child, which includes all activity materials and books.

For more information on UF/ IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension, call us at 352.518.0156 or visit mypas. co/UFIFASPascoExt. UF/IFAS Extension is an equal opportunity institution.

VlastaSmola InBeauty’sThrall

VlastaSmolahasmadeartthefabricofherlife.Aftermovingtothe UnitedStatestoreceiveherMAinCommunicationArts,shehada briefcorporatecareerinmarketingandgraphicdesign.Hertrue passionwasrootedinthefinearts,however,andbeforelongshe foundherpaintingaspirationsreignited.

Throughherartworksheseekstocreateexamplesofmodern mythology,exploringthedualitiesoftheconsciousandunconscious states.Butalways,thereisbeauty.Itspower,itsmystery,itscomplete denialofcommonsensecaptivatesSmola,andshe,inturnmust captureitonhercanvas.

Thoughshestudiedfiguredrawing,characterillustration,andfashion illustrationattheArtInstituteofChicago,Vlasta’sremarkable paintingskillsarealmostentirelyself-taught.Shedevelopedher techniquesthroughtrialanderror,andthoughSmolaworksmainlyin acrylic,theskillsshetaughtherselfareonesgenerallyemployedby oilpainters.Meticulouslybuildinghercolorsinloosewashesusing hair-thinbrushes,shespendshoursuponhoursweavingvisual narrativesintheminutestdetail.Wesetouttolearnmoreaboutthis talented,compellingartist.

Whatdoesmagicalrealismmeantoyou,andwhatisitabout thatstyleofpaintingthatresonateswithyou?

Despiteincludingcertainmagicelements,magicalrealismis generallydifferentfromfantasybecauseitusesasubstantialamount ofrealisticdetailandemploysmagicalordreamlikeelementsto makeapointaboutreality.Iemploymagicalrealismtotransform realityeversosubtly,inawaythatblursthelinebetweenrealityand imagination.Manyofmypaintingsoftenexploreadream-conscious state–designedtoincreaseadepthofperceptionanddevelopa poeticworldview.

Youhavetraveledextensively…Dotheseexperiencesinfluence yourwork,andifso,inwhatways?

IgrewupinSovietcontrolledUkraine,soIhadlittlefirst-hand experiencewithfreeexpressionandthewiderartworld.Myinitial journeyacrossEuropeaftergraduatingfromuniversityinUkraine gavemethechancetodirectlyexperiencetheworldmasterpieces thatshapedmoderncultureandcivilization.Inparticular,thebeauty ofSpanishnatureanditsimmeasurableculturalheritagehavehadan

undeniableimpactonmychoicesforyearstocome.Duringmytime inSpain,IdecidedtolearnSpanishasmythirdforeignlanguage-whichbroughtmeto“ComoAguaParaChocolate"(LikeWaterFor Chocolate)byLauraEsquivel.Thisinturnledmetodiscoveringand joiningtheworldofmagicalrealism–fromLatin-America’sGabriel GarcíaMárquezandIsabelAllendetoJapan'sHarukiMurakami...to myartwork.

Howdoesitfeeltofinishapainting?Areyouimmediatelyready todiveintothenextone,ordoyouneedalittletimetoreflect andregroupafterwards?

Thetruthis,normally,Idon'tfeelthatIhavefinishedmypainting. There'salwayssomethingthatcanbedevelopedorimproved,Ijust knowthatImuststop,eventually.Thenextpaintingstartslong beforeIputtheblankcanvasontheeasel.Ialwayshaveconcepts developing–intentionallyorinthebackofmymind–forafew paintingsatthesametime.Somanyideas–solittletime!

Arethereautobiographicalelementsinyourpaintings,andifso, areyouwillingtosharehowyourevealyourselfinthem?

Yes,everypaintingisaself-portraitonewayoranother.It'saboutmy aspirations,sentiments,hopes,desires–somesecret.IguessIeven choosemymodelssomewhatlikemyphysicaltype.IpaintwhatI knowandwhatIlove–dance,swim,fashion–andwithabitof magic,thefamiliarelementshelpmecreatenewallegoriesand stories.

Birdsarearecurringthemeinmanyofyourpaintings.Dothey holdparticularsignificanceforyou,andifso,whatdothey symbolize?

Throughouthistory,birdshavebeenviewedasanimalsofspecial valueandhavebeenendowedwithmeaningsoftendrawnfrom legendsandstoriesthathaveenduredovermanygenerations.They havebeenusedinfolkloreandpoetrytoallegoricallyportrayhuman flawsandvirtues.Birdslendthemselveseasilytotheideaofmagical realism,theyareconsideredomensbothforgoodandill,andare sometimesthoughttobethemessengersofthegods.Tomethey symbolizeunbridledfreedom,harmony,nobility,bravery,hope, wisdom,andevenmystery.Whohasn’tdreamedofflying?

Whichartist(s)mostinspireyou,andwhatisitspecificallyabout theirworkthatyouadmire?

IwouldsayPre-Raphaelites–particularlyJohnEverettMillais.Their loveofnature,theirmasterfulrenderingofprofoundhuman emotions,andtheirsharp-focustechniqueofshowingeverytiny

detailinspireme.OneofthetechniquesthatIoftenusewas developedbyMillais–paintinginthinglazesofpigmentoverawet whitegroundinthehopethatthecolorswouldretainjewel-like transparencyandclarity.Additionally–throughtheworksofthePreRaphaeliteBrotherhoodandtheirreferences–onecanlearnalot aboutliteratureandhistory.

Arethereanysubjectsorstylesofpaintingthatyouhavenotyet exploredandwouldliketo?

Mostofmypaintingsaredoneinacryliconcanvas,Ihavealso workedextensivelywithwatercolors.ThemediumthatIhaveshied awayfromuntilrecentlyisoils,mostlyduetothelongtimetheytake todry.Water,waves,andtheunderwaterworldfascinateanddaunt measapainter.Itismygoaltolearnto"gowiththeflow"andget moreconfidentpaintingtheshape-shiftingfluidityofwater.

Born in Ukraine, Vlasta Smola has made fabric of her life. After moving to the States to receive her MA in Communication Arts, she had a brief corporate career keting and graphic design. Longing to rekindle passion for art, she returned to her painting tions.

Beyondcreatingabeautifulimage,whatdrivesthenarrativesof yourpaintings?Doallofyourpaintingscontainabackstory?

TheideasformypaintingscomefromtheexperiencesthatIhave lived,fromthebooksthatIhaveread,evenfromthedreamsthatI havehad.Sometimes,theykindofbreakfreefrommeanddevelopby themselvesasIstartpainting.So,yes,mypaintingsallcontainastory.

This reunion brought a new direction for her work: To create inspired imaginative art. A frequent subject of Vlasta's narrative are birds and their or mythological interaction with the human universe. She strives to depict the dualistic nature of reality conscious / subconscious states of mind. She creates examples of modern mythology, and her paintings often explore a dream-conscious state designed increase a depth of perception and develop a world view.

Beauty is the main reason and purpose for Vlasta's art. Beauty is power. Beauty is mystery. It denies mon sense. Vlasta spares no obstacle to both lenge and express the power and mystery of beauty.

EDUCATION

VlastaSmola’sartworkisrepresentedlocallyby SoftWaterGallery 51522nd StreetSouth,UnitF StPetersburg,FL33712

515 22nd Street S., Unit F St Petersburg, FL 33712

14 May/June 2024

The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL, Drawing, Character Illustration, Fashion Illustration The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, MA in Commu nication Arts with Honors. Chernovtsy National versity, Ukraine, BA in English with Honors

Vlasta Smola's original art may be viewed Soft Water Gallery

VLASTA SMOLA

Aluna's Zodiac

By Aluna Michaels

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) – Happy birthday Taurus! Your year starts with lots of prosperity blessings! You can make money doing things you love, and if you’re in a relationship, your partner will flourish too. Also meditate on body image and be grateful for the amazing tasks your body accomplishes each day. Big shifts happen in your career all year long. As Pluto retrogrades, keep the big picture in mind and don’t worry about temporary delays in your ascent to greater success!

Gemini (May 21 – June 20) – Jupiter is in your sign for a whole year, bringing you financial abundance, love, and great times! It’s a new twelve year cycle. Medi-tate on gratitude for what you have now, and also set higher goals. Your optimism helps you see what’s possible. Relationships can heal. If single, you can fall in love with a very positive-minded person who resonates with your value system. Pay attention to dreams or little ideas that pop into your head during the day; your intui-tion is powerful!

Cancer (June 21 –July 22) – Deep forgiveness is possible, even for things you always thought would never heal. It’s always a balance to keep healthy boundaries as you release past wounds. But Jupiter and Pluto are showing you a path to inner freedom. You can also have financial breakthroughs, especially about debt. Meditation brings insights that can resolve eating, health or stress issues. As always think kind thoughts about your body!

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) – Pluto moves retrograde, illuminating how to heal toxic relationships patterns. Confide in trusted friends who can give you gentle, yet clear feedback to help you clean “your side of the

street”. At the same time, you’ll have courage to keep your partner accountable for poor behavior. A surprising re-naissance of love can follow these mature confrontations. Also, plan fun time with friends, as Jupiter enters a new sign and wants you to enjoy yourself and play!

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) – It’s an amazing work month! You can have an in-credible job offer or a long-awaited promotion. You can also have a pay raise or bo-nus! These good events restore faith in the Universe and help you end the critical inner voice that’s been piecing on you lately! If you’re having health issues related to stress, meditate on what’s working well in your body. From that space of gratitude, send compassion and love to troubled areas. You’ll have intuitive solutions. You’ll also have patience to set loving disciplines with food that reap rewards fast, and don’t make you feel punished or deprived.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) – Like Virgo pals, you’re having a spiritual healing. Maybe for the first tim in twelve years. You can feel that the Universe is on your side and that you can surrender to the kindness that surrounds you. You can also be developing a strong, intimate relationship with someone new who matches your val-ues and life goals — or deeply shifting a current partnership to it can reach it’s tru-est potential. In general, you’re healing your ability to receive love. Your heart is ready to trust again, and to thrive!

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) – Jupiter’s change of sign brings much healing about betrayal and relationship disappointments. You can also resolve issues around debt and money. It’s the start of a twelve year cycle, so be optimistic and allow your heart to open again! In order to feel safe,

dive deep in meditation. Allow your sorrow to rise to the surface without judgement. Cultivate self-compassion. You’ll feel a shift. You can balance strong, healthy boundaries with hope and joy!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) – You can make strides in negative self-talk! Observe your humor, since your “inner mean girl” often masquerades as a jokester. Meditate and appreciate your vulnerabilities. Have compassion for the goof-ups you’ve made. You can be starting a relationship with a fantastic person, and you de-serve this healthy bonding opportunity! If partnered, amazing healing potential puts you on a more fulfilling path together.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) – You can have many breakthroughs with work and money! Meditate on deserving good things in your life! You deserve health, wealth, peace of mind and self-compassion! The kinder you are to yourself in your mind, the more you’ll notice things flowing easily for you. Pay attention to your dreams. There will be images and messages that inspire you! Also, plan a massage or some type of healing treatment.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) – You have strong people skills, and of course you’re an amazing intellectual, but allow yourself to fall in love! You can be emo-tionally guarded to protect your vulnerabilities, but this is a once in a twelve year opportunity to open your heart on a deep, yet fun and playful level! You can be in a new couple, or start a renaissance with a longtime partner, but either way, let it happen!

Also meditate on being loving and gentle with yourself. It might seem goofy, but it’s a “nutrient” your inner self is craving.

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20) – This month holds deep healing for any childhood issues. Meditate to see blessings from your upbringing and your lineage. You don’t have to excuse inexcusable behavior, but you can still cultivate gratitude for your past, since it has all made you who you are today. On the lighter side, it’s a nice time to have a party in your home, or redecorate in a fun way. You can also have a wonderful job opportunity, raise or bonus!

Aries (March 21 – April 19) — Reconnect with friends who support your spiritual goals and who are also lighthearted and positive! Meditate on affirmations about your strengths, especially when it comes to prosperity and abundance. the Financial flow really opens up these next few months! If single, you can start a new relationship that is loving, fun and fulfilling! Current partnerships can also have a sense of renewal and connection.

Aluna Michaels is a second-generation astrologer. She also holds a Masters in Spiritual Counseling and has been teaching and consulting for more than three decades. Her book “Spiritual Gifts of the 12 Astrological Signs” is now on Amazon in Kindle version and as an E-book on her website. Aluna is available for appointments in her home, by phone or Zoom. Call (727) 239-7179 (landline, so no texting!) or call/text (248) 583-1663 or visit www. alunamichaels.com

Expert

Care

When does the human spirit show up? When minutes matter? In moments of bravery? In an expert’s hands? Maybe there’s no way to measure the human spirit, but we see it every day in our AdventHealth Emergency Rooms. If you or your loved one are injured or experience chest pain, stroke symptoms or severe stomach pain, go to your closest ER in Pasco County. We’re here 24/7 to help you feel whole.