The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Community Service Is Top Priority For Williams Automotive Group

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The Williams Automotive Group does much more than just sell and service vehicles from its Wesley Chapel and north Tampa dealerships.

It literally touches the lives of hundreds of people in Pasco and Hillsborough counties by providing meaningful careers for its associates, and by helping people in need through its volunteer and financial support of several local charities.

“It all begins with the commitment of our owners, John and David Williams, who have shown exceptional loyalty to their employees and community since they bought Wesley Chapel Toyota in 2008,” said Therese Bottino, who heads up marketing for the business.

“Active community involvement is so important that it is the most important core value on our mission statement,” she continues. “This commitment comes from the very top of our organization, and we live it every day.”

Williams Automotive Group employs 460 people between its four dealerships — Wesley Chapel Toyota, Wesley Chapel Honda, Lexus of Wesley Chapel and Tampa Honda. Most of its associates live close to their work and are active members of the community.

“We are much, much more than just a car dealership,” said Eric Johnson, director of community partnerships for Williams Automotive Group. “Our first commitment is to make a difference in our community by giving our associates an opportunity to get out and serve.”

Johnson joined the company eight years ago in his outreach role, and was the first full-time community liaison in Pasco’s vibrant automotive market along the State Road 54/56 corridor.

Johnson’s primary responsibility is to identify area nonprofits deserving of help, and then develop programs to help by setting up volunteer events that make it easy for employees to become involved.

“We believe everyone has a desire to serve,” said Johnson. “My job is to create the opportunity by coordinating what support is needed at the charity, so all our associates need to do is sign up and show up.”

In 2018, Johnson set up volunteer programs with 10 different local charities, and had a recording-setting year for employee participation.

“Last year, we had 175 team members volunteering their time to serve at 41 different events,” said Johnson. “That works out to almost one event a week!”

An example is the volunteer work employees do to support Everyday Blessings, a foster home in Thonotosassa whose primary mission is to keep sibling groups together.

“Our associates get to know these kids personally by taking them shopping, signing up for Bingo nights and helping at fundraising events,” said Johnson. “Most of our volunteer events are three to five hours, and employees are given the flexibility to volunteer by adjusting their work schedule.”

Williams Automotive Group works with a variety of charities, so employees can choose to support those that interest them most.

“We have groups that focus on children, others that work with veterans, and those that serve the homeless and hungry,” said Johnson.

“Managers and hourly workers work side-by-side, and it’s a great way for our associates to get to know each other on a more personal level,” add Bottino. “We also encourage associates to invite their favorite customers to volunteer alongside them.”

Ronald McDonald House was the first charity that the company worked with. It added Habitat for Humanity the following year, and continues to welcome new charities every year.

In 2018, charities supported by Williams Automotive Group included:
Everyday Blessings Foster Home
Feeding Tampa Bay
Habitat for Humanity
Hillsborough Education Foundation
Metropolitan Ministries
Pasco Education Foundation
Ronald McDonald House
One Blood
Support The Troops
Trinity Café

In addition, the company has pledged $500,000 to the Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, which supports cancer research, patient care and education initiatives.

“We set aside for Moffitt a percentage of the sale for every vehicle sold, which our company matches 100 percent,” said Bottino. “I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been touched by cancer, and we are blessed to have Moffitt in our community helping cancer victims and their families.”

Williams Automotive Group believes that people who volunteer their time to help others make for outstanding employees.

“We truly believe that people feel better about themselves when they give back and serve,” said Johnson. “We encourage people to serve by making it easy for them to volunteer.”

Every year the company recognizes its top employee volunteer with its prestigious Volunteer of the Year Trophy. The 2018 winner was Patrick Welsh, a detailer at Wesley Chapel Honda, who has worked at the dealership for less than two years.

“Seeing Patrick receive the volunteer trophy was exciting because it shows that even newer employees can jump on board to volunteer their time and make a difference,” said Johnson.

Because Williams Automotive Group is family owned, it has the ability to make decisions quickly in all aspects of its business, including charitable giving, without the corporate layers often found at other dealerships.

“We see ourselves as your friends and neighbors, and show it every day by our very real commitment to the community,” said Bottino. “Many customers tell us they buy from us because of our charity work, and that makes us very proud.”

Published January 16, 2019

Creating art, using everyday objects

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A class at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, recently had a chance to learn how to transform an ordinary wine glass or bottle into a work of art. Helen McDaniel, who taught the class, demonstrated how to paint designs on glass. The teacher, who is a snowbird from Ohio and a part-time Land O’ Lakes resident, collects bottles in Ohio for the class, and her daughter, Diana, flattens them out — using the intense heat from a kiln. The library offers classes and activities appealing to people with all sorts of interests.

Instructor Helen McDaniel, left, offers first time flattened glass bottle painter Yvonne DeFant, of Land O’ Lakes, a few pointers on painting flower petals. (Christine Holtzman)
Genevieve Khan, of Pennsylvania, right, shows her completed artwork to her daughter, Anisa Khalil, of Land O’ Lakes. Khan accompanied her daughter to several classes at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library and the Foundry Makerspace.
Susan Breakiron-Lowe, of Lutz, paints a series of small flowers on her flattened piece of glass. She frequently takes part in classes at the library.

A sweet and spicy event

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The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village hosted Raising Cane, a Sweet and Spicy Event, held on Jan. 12 — offering event-goers a chance to watch syrup being made, to sample chili and to check out goods offered by a variety of vendors. Shown here, George Craciun, of Thonotosassa, center, plays banjo with some members of the Barking Dogs Band. Jim Strickland, show host of 88.5 WMNF, is on the left, and, guitarist Bill Dudley, of Dade City, is on the right. The group, which consists of six men, performed ‘Old Time’ music throughout the day.

(Christine Holtzman)

Potluck, gift-swapping and horse racing

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On Dec. 23, a potluck was held in the community center, and Nancy Huey and several helpers arranged the whole thing. The helpers consisted of Rachel Gamache, Karen Donlon and Carol Jones.

There were approximately 88 Grand Horizons residents, friends and family who attended. Nancy Huey and her helpers did a marvelous job.

Betty and Tom Cooper (Courtesy of  Helene Rubenstein)

The afternoon started with Jim Leitzke giving ‘Grace,’ while the people in attendance bowed their heads in a moment of silence.

Each table had a number on it, and Nancy called each individual table to get their soups and sandwiches.

There were several varieties of soup such as minestrone, broccoli cheddar, chicken tetrazzini, chowder and others. The soups were delicious, and nice and hot on a relatively cool day.

The sandwiches included turkey, ham and roast beef.

The meal was really good, and the social club provided it.

Jockeys with their reindeer-named horses. (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

The meal was topped off with desserts. There was peanut butter pie, chocolate chip cookies, cherry cheesecake, apple squares, candy and so much more. We could go back for seconds on the entire meal. Needless to say, everyone was quite contented.

Nancy Huey had a special surprise for us. The women got in a circle, holding the gift they brought in, and passed it around the circle to a specific song that was playing. When Nancy said to stop, the gift you were holding was the one you got. If, by chance, you got to hold your original gift that you brought in, then it was exchanged.

Then the guys did the same. It was loads of fun and our thanks go to all who helped.

After the gift exchange, horse racing, hosted by Rita Gattos, took over. Each horse was named after a reindeer, such as Cupid, Vixen, Blitzen and others. It was played with three die, and that distinguished the amount of spaces the horse moved. There was a jockey for each horse. We stayed for the first race and it was pretty exciting. The game was still going on after we left.

Marty and Helene Rubenstein (Courtesy of Rita Gattos)

On Dec. 31, 2018 a New Year’s Eve dance was held in the community center, and 56 friends, neighbors and residents attended a fantastic show with Billy Cole performing.

Ron Gamache was the host for this dance and, from what I understand, everyone that attended had a great time.

Billy Cole took requests and did a variety of songs, including rock n’ roll, country, easy listening and more.

Rita and George Gattos

Everyone who attended brought something to share with the table and, therefore, had a huge variety of goodies.

From what Joyce Bell told me, the decorations were superb, as they had chair coverings in black with a red ribbon on the chairs and banners saying, ‘Happy New Year,’ hanging on the walls, and a Christmas tree gaily decorated in the corner of the community center. There also were noisemakers and hats on the tables at each individual setting.

It sounded like everyone was in a party mood and had a great time. Our sincere thanks go to Ron for the planning.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Practice makes perfect

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Thirteen-year-old Ayberk Babacan, of Wesley Chapel, brought in the New Year by practicing some soccer moves with his father, Ercan, at Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road.

 

Ayberk Babacan, 13, used some of his winter break to polish up his soccer skills. He’s shown here practicing a soccer move known as a chest trap. He plays the striker position for a Wesley Chapel U14 team. (Christine Holtzman)
After performing a soccer move known as a chest trap, 13-year-old Ayberk Babacan, of Wesley Chapel, strikes the ball in the air using his head.
Thirteen-year-old Ayberk Babacan, of Wesley Chapel, juggles a soccer ball at Wesley Chapel District Park.

Doing a little ‘one-on-one’ training

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Basketball trainer Bruce Price, of Tampa, left, and Ty Webster, of Land O’ Lakes, took advantage of the winter break to do a little basketball training on one of the outdoor courts at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, at 3032 Collier Parkway.

The 11-year-old Webster was picking up some pointers during a training session with Price, who has played pro ball in the states, as well as Europe, and has been a trainer for 4 years.

Basketball trainer Bruce Price, of Tampa, left, runs through an exercise called a ‘dummy defense’ with 11-year-old Ty Webster, of Land O’ Lakes. Price, a former professional player, offered the benefit of his experience during the training session. (Christine Holtzman)
Trainer Bruce Price, of Tampa, left, watches as Ty Webster, of Land O’ Lakes, dribbles up to the basketball hoop to take a shot. Webster plays both the guard and forward for a summer league team in Odessa.
Eleven-year-old Ty Webster, of Land O’Lakes, left, drives in for a ‘lay-up’ while his trainer Bruce Price, of Tampa, shouts words of encouragement. Webster’s father, Ty Sr., said that his son enjoys basketball and wanted to get one-on-one training to up his game.

Leisure Days prepares for quilt show

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(Courtesy of Becky Busdeker)

The quilters of Leisure Days RV Resort, 34533 Leisure Days Dr., Zephyrhills, on Morris Bridge Road at State Road 54, will host their 14th annual quilt show Feb. 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The cost is $5 to view quilts created by individual quilters, wall hangings and specialty quilts from family treasures. For additional informations, call (813) 395-5706. Shown, from left: Peggy Goodmurphy, Shelly Shaw and Helen Renaud with the club’s current project.

2018: A great year for photos

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Editor’s note: Here is a look at some of the moments of community life captured during 2018 by Christine Holtzman, a regular contributor to The Laker/Lutz News. We love to share your stories through photos, so please feel free to let us know about upcoming events that can help us record life’s big and small moments, by sending an email to .

Dancers at the Summer Sock Hop at the Lutz Senior Center are living proof that age is just a number and you’re only as old as you feel. About 90 people turned out for the dance, on Aug. 25, at the senior center, 112 First Ave., N.W. Lutz residents John Gallucci and his wife, Marta, dance to an upbeat number at the sock hop. The Galluccis, originally from Argentina, were childhood sweethearts and have been married for 48 years.
Roman Sercu, of Wesley Chapel, waits his turn to refill his cup with more paint during the Idlewild Baptist Church’s Student Ministry’s annual Color War on Sept. 5 at the church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., in Lutz. The 12-year-old took part in the Color War with his travel baseball team, the Marauders.
Despite the large crowds, 4-year old Kyle Floyd, of Lutz, is able to share a quiet moment in the pumpkin patch with his dad, Jason, while enjoying a frozen treat during the 11th annual Family Fun Festival hosted by the Seal Swim School,19509 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz. Hundreds turned out for the fall event, which also included pumpkin painting, arts and crafts, food, music, a bounce house and a costume parade. Proceeds from pumpkin sales and the festival help promote water safety and the school’s special needs program.
Floating atop a giant and colorful unicorn raft, 6-year-old Harper Gabbard, of Land O’ Lakes, navigates her way across the swimming pool, in the Connerton community. Harper and her family met up with their neighbors for an afternoon of swimming to beat the summer heat.
Covered from head to toe with paint dust, Isaac Cabrera, a student ministry intern from Land O’ Lakes, takes a moment to pose for a picture while the middle school students engage behind him during Idlewild Baptist Church’s Student Ministry’s Color War, in Lutz. Andrew Evans, the church’s middle school pastor, said they stage the event to give people a chance to see who they are, what the student ministry is about and to share the gospel — all while having fun.
Four-year-old Isabella Whitman, of Land O’ Lakes, has some afternoon fun in the sun with bubbles at the Lodge Playground located in the Wilderness Lake Preserve neighborhood.

 

 

 

2018: A great year for photos

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Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, at 37015 Orange Valley Lane in Dade City, had a Blessing of the Animals service on Oct. 7 to commemorate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, who was known for his affinity for animals. People brought their animals to be blessed, and shared a potluck meal together. Rio, a Biewer Terrier, gives his attention to Pastor Mark Reiff, left, as the pastor gives the dog a blessing. The canine’s owners Larry Comer, back, and Marcia Alexander look on. Pastor Reiff said that the event is important because the word ‘animal’ comes from the Latin word ‘anima,’ which means ‘spirit.’ ‘Every living thing has the spirit in them,’ he said. ‘We have an obligation to the anima of the Earth to do this.’ (Christine Holtzman)

Nine-year-old Trenton Kienitz, of Zephyrhills, soars through the air on his scooter while practicing his ramp jumping skills at Zephyrhills Skate Park. The park is located at 29th Street and Alston Avenue, and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
As afternoon temperatures soared, 4-year-old Clence Poe, of Zephyrhills, jumps joyfully on top of a water jet. He was at Waterplay at Zephyr Park, 5039 Fourth St., in Zephyrhills, with his mom, aunt and cousin. They had been playing at the playground and came to cool down under the refreshing water sprays at the park.
Mr. Tommy jokes around by hiding in the crowd at the New River Library, during his introduction before the show began. Mr. Tommy, also known as Tommy Girvin, is a Wesley Chapel resident. He also is known as a longtime lead guitarist and musical director for the rock singer Eddie Money.
Do you think 6-year-old Sam Benson is enjoying his ice cream cone? Here’s a clue: Check out that ear-to-ear smile. Sam, his mother and grandparents went to the ice cream shop to celebrate the last day of school.
Feeling the upbeat vibe, Sandra Gonzalez, left, and her husband Luis Orduz, who live in Town N’ Country, are both originally from Columbia. Here, they are dancing to Salsa music being performed during the Latin Festival on Sept. 29 at the Avalon Park West community, 5227 Autumn Ridge Drive in Wesley Chapel. The festival also included food trucks, bouncy houses, vendors and children’s activities.

 

Cypress Creek plaza still expanding

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The pace of development at Cypress Creek Town Center is picking up, with new shops and restaurants under construction at two sites within the town center.

Most of the action is taking place along Sierra Center Boulevard, a main artery that cuts through the town center, which is located at State Road 56 and Grand Cypress Drive. Two new shopping strips, each fronting Sierra Center Boulevard, will significantly boost the retail development.

Signs staked amid construction activity herald the coming of HomeGoods, Five Below and Burlington. County records also show additional shops will open, including Hobby Lobby, Sleep Number, Pacific Dental, Verizon Wireless, Dollar Tree and America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses.

Restaurants include Blaze Pizza, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Walk-on’s Bistreaux & Bar. Earth Fare, a specialty grocery store, is coming, too.

The town center is part of a mixed-use project of retail, offices, hotel and residential under development by Sierra Properties Inc.

The new retail at Cypress Creek will add to established shops and restaurants that line the south side of Sierra Center, including Men’s Wearhouse, Great Clips, T-Mobile, Noire Nail Bar, Ford’s Garage, Bahama Breeze Grill and Chuy’s Tex-Mex.

Even here, new retail is coming, including Sweetea Café. The restaurant’s menu will have freshly brewed bubble tea, and homemade Vietnamese food and snacks.

The new 130-room Hyatt Place Hotel & Sierra Conference Center opened recently at the far eastern end of the boulevard.

On the south side of State Road 56, Sierra Properties also will gain an Aldi grocery store, at 2215 Sun Vista Drive, on a parcel fronting the Tampa Premium Outlets.

The bounty of new shops, restaurants and offices at Cypress Creek represents a fraction of the development rush that is remaking Pasco County.

It is all part of the warp and weave of bringing a mix of retail, office, hotel, industrial and retail to a county with a long-held reputation as a bedroom community.

Development is bringing rooftops, retail, offices, manufacturing and jobs to the county.

“That’s refreshing,” said Bill Cronin, president/CEO of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.

More development brings new residents, more jobs and added amenities, and it all adds up to a county where people “live, work and play,” Cronin said. “They don’t have to get on the road every day. They don’t have to make the commute.”

More development is on the way in the area surrounding Cypress Creek Town Center, too.

One recent arrival is At Home Décor Superstore on an outparcel at Tampa Premium Outlets.

To the immediate west of Cypress Creek, Brightwork Crossing is well under construction of up to 350 apartments. A WaWa gas station and El Dorado Furniture store also are planned.

The Shoppes at Cypress Creek is being proposed for development at the northwest corner of State Road 54 and Old Cypress Creek Road. Site plans filed with the county last summer show two 9,000-square-foot buildings separated by a breezeway. A “quick service” restaurant also is proposed for an outparcel at the site.

The following stores are scheduled to  open in 2019 at Cypress Creek Town Center:

Hobby Lobby
Plans are for a February 2019 opening, according to an email from Hobby Lobby representatives.

Hobby Lobby is primarily an arts and crafts store, but it offers a broad array of merchandise and hobby materials, including picture-framing, jewelry-making, floral and wedding supplies, cards and party favors, and home accessories.

The Oklahoma-based national chain began with a $600 investment in a home-based venture by owners David and Barbara Green. They opened a 300-square-foot store in Oklahoma City in 1972, according to the company’s website. Today, Hobby Lobby has more than 800 stores in 47 states.

Burlington
Burlington traces its roots to 1924 and a wholesale operation selling women’s coats and junior suits.

Its first outlet store opened in 1972 in Burlington, New Jersey, according to the company website.

Today, Burlington sells clothes, shoes and other accessories at discounted prices to women, men and children.

HomeGoods
The Massachusetts-based discount home furnishing store is part of the family of TJX Companies Inc., which includes TJ Maxx.

Five Below
Five Below sells everything from cellphone cases and chargers to yoga pants, footballs, candy and seasonal items for Halloween, Easter and Christmas.

Sleep Number
The Minnesota-based national chain sells mattresses, beds and bedding.

Pacific Dental Services
The California-based chain provides a full-range of dental services. It has more than 630 offices in 20 states.

Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless sells phones and accessories, as well as tablets and “fitbit” products.

America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses
America’s Best offers discounted services, including eye examinations, glasses and contacts.

Dollar Tree
The discount store traces its roots back more than 60 years to the Ben Franklin Variety store, and a concept of selling products for $1. It offers a wide array of products, including drinks, toys, candy, school supplies, home décor, gifts and cards.

Chipotle Mexican Grill
The Denver-based fast-casual restaurant is known for its burritos and tacos, and a philosophy of preparing meals-to-order with fresh ingredients. The company has more than 2,000 restaurants nationwide.

Walk-on Bistreaux & Bar
Walk-on Bistreaux & Bar is a New Orleans-based sports bar that is co-owned by New Orleans Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees. It was founded by business partners who were walk-ons to the Louisiana State University’s basketball team. They opened their first restaurant near LSU’s Tiger Stadium.

Blaze Pizza
Blaze Pizza is a California-based fast-casual restaurant that serves made-to-order, fresh-from-scratch pizzas.

Earth Fare
The North Carolina-based specialty grocery store stocks its stores with organic, natural and local foods.

By Kathy Steele

Published January 2, 2019