• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to secondary sidebar
  • About Us
  • Videos
  • Online E-Editions
  • Social Media
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
  • Advertising
  • Local Jobs
  • Puzzles & Games
  • Circulation Request

The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Lutz since 1964 and Pasco since 1981.
Proud to be independently owned.

  • Home
  • News
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills/East Pasco
    • Business Digest
    • Senior Parks
    • Nature Notes
    • Featured Stories
    • Photos of the Week
  • Sports
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills and East Pasco
    • Check This Out
  • Education
  • Pets/Wildlife
  • Health
    • Health Events
    • Health News
  • What’s Happening
  • Closer Look
  • Homes
  • Obits

Parks Ford

Woman’s club forming in Wesley Chapel

March 18, 2020 By Kevin Weiss

When Marie Ambrosino moved to Wesley Chapel last year, she wanted to join a woman’s club for her surrounding community.

After all, she had been involved with GFWC (General Federation of Women’s Clubs) organizations for nearly four decades — most recently with the GFWC Woman’s Club of West Broward in South Florida.

The new GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club was established last month. From left: parliamentarian Marie Ambrosino, secretary Andrea Edwards, treasurer Kim Hanscel, president Cindi Nalon, vice president Shantel Meyers and GFWC Florida District 8 director Kay Taylor. (Courtesy of Shantal Meyers)

With the help of social media, word-of-mouth and some other GFWC connections, the GFWC Woman’s Club of Wesley Chapel came to life.

And, it happened in a mere matter of months.

The club was established in February with 12 charter members. That came less than a month after a group of six GFWC-minded women met for dinner with the idea of forming a new club that puts its focus on the burgeoning Wesley Chapel community. Many of the members had past affiliations with other GFWC clubs, such as the GFWC Pasco Junior Women’s Club.

The group is now in the process of seeking its 510c3 status, and is being sponsored by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.

The new club is actively looking for new members — women over 18 years old. There is no requirement to live in Wesley Chapel.

Though most members are Wesley Chapel residents, the club’s vice president, Shantel Meyers is a Lutz resident, for instance. “I could’ve joined (other) clubs, but I wanted to be a part of joining a whole new group,” Meyers said.

The group welcomes anyone who is interested, said Kim Hanscel, club treasurer.

“If somebody lives in Zephyrhills and wants to come here (to our club) because they travel here all the time, or whatever’s convenient for them, absolutely they’re welcome to come,” Hanscel said.

Kindness and helping others is the group’s purpose, club leaders say.

Ambrosino, the club’s parliamentarian, said the common thread among the ladies is this: “We are women who care about our communities, and that’s our mission.”

She added: “We share the same bond, and that’s just to make our world better.”

The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club is dedicated to community improvement and helping those in need through volunteer service and fundraising events. The organization is likely to focus much of its efforts on domestic violence and awareness, homelessness, hospice, and foster care, among other community issues.

The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club is seeking new members over 18 years old. The group focuses its volunteer efforts on arts, conservation, domestic violence and awareness, education, home life, internal outreach and public issues.

The group is currently brainstorming various club projects for those purposes, as well as fundraisers and events for other local charities, in the way of bingo nights, bunco nights, casino nights, golf tournaments, murder mystery games and so on.

“Everyone in the group is very energetic and looking forward,” club president Cindi Nalon said. “We all just want to jump in and get busy, and do things.”

She added, “I think we’re going to grow quick. We’ve started off quick with 12 members off the bat, and with everything we’ve got going, I think we’re really going to grow.”

Besides working to better the Wesley Chapel community, the group will be mixing in some social activities to build camaraderie — whether it’s seeing a movie, shopping or having dinner together. “We do have fun, as well,” Nalon quipped.

In her short time with the upstart club, Ambrosino has come away ecstatic with her new peer group.

Not only are they “very warm and welcoming,” she said, but they’re also go-getters ready to make a difference.

“This group of women are absolute doers,” Ambrosino said gleefully. “I’ve been thoroughly impressed with them, being in club work for a while and seeing how things go, these girls have jumped right on board.

“I keep telling my friends down south, ‘You’ve gotta meet these girls.’”

In Florida, there are over 9,000 members in over 230 GWFC-affiliated clubs, according to the state chapter’s website.

It’s the many lifelong friendships forged that make each club special, Ambrosino said.

“We help each other, we’re supportive of each other,” she said. “We’re there for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, deaths — the good times and the bad times, and that’s really what life is about.”

The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club meets the first Wednesday of every month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel, 28739 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel. The next meeting is April 1, which will feature guest speaker and member Amanda Markiewicz, director of outreach for Sunrise of Pasco County Inc. — Domestic & Sexual Violence Center.

Attendees are asked to wear teal as a symbol of sexual assault awareness.

For more information, email , or search GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club, Inc., on Facebook.

Published March 18, 2020

Filed Under: Local News, Wesley Chapel/New Tampa News Tagged With: Amanda Markiewicz, Cindi Nalon, General Federation of Women's Clubs, GFWC, GFWC Lutz-Land O' Lakes Woman's Club, GFWC Pasco Junior Women's Club, GFWC Woman's Club of Wesley Chapel, GFWC Woman's Club of West Broward, Kim Hanscel, Marie Ambrosino, Parks Ford, Shantel Meyers, Sunrise of Pasco County Inc. Domestic & Sexual Violence Center

Parks Ford Unveils New Dealership Building

February 20, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

There’s been a lot of speculation about what is going on at Parks Ford in Wesley Chapel, with its main building behind a curtain of construction since last summer, and large modular buildings put in place next door.

“We’ve gutted our old building and are completely rebuilding all major customer touch points, so that we can better accommodate our customers and employees,” said Ron Parks at his dealership on State Road 54, located just east of I-75.

When Parks Ford unveils its new building later this spring, it will feature a larger showroom to display its broad line of vehicles, an expanded and fully covered customer delivery center, and much larger service write-up and customer waiting areas.

“The design of our new building is very progressive, and will enhance the comfort and convenience of our customers and staff,” said Parks.

To limit the inconvenience created by such a major project, Parks Ford put in place modular buildings before construction began last July.

“We had the modular buildings ready to go before we started to make sure our customers and staff would not be inconvenienced by the construction,” said Parks.

This major expansion is just one example of Parks’ commitment to the Wesley Chapel community, his customers and staff. His dealership employs over 100 people, most of whom are long-time employees that live locally and are involved in area schools, youth groups, churches and service groups.

“The culture here is very employee-focused. We know that happy employees provide the best customer service, and I’m very proud that many of our people have worked here for many years,” said Parks.

Heading up the operations team at Parks Ford is Vice President Terry Mullane, who has worked with the Parks family for 25 years and is a partner in the business.

“Terry is the driving force behind our culture at Parks Ford — the person who leads our ship and keeps us on track,” said Parks.

Mullane oversees employee development programs to educate and grow his people so they can flourish in their jobs. This includes employee outreach programs, and hosting team building events, such as bowling parties and family picnics.

“Our employees are the focal point of our operation and paramount to our success,” said Parks. “We empower our people to make decisions, so they can do what’s necessary to accommodate our customers.”

Community Responsibility
Parks takes ‘community’ very seriously, and has a full-time employee whose primary responsibility is community relations. Jennifer Cofini has served in this role for the past eight years, and heads up Parks Ford’s involvement in community organizations and events.

Cofini is the past chairperson of North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, and has been on the chamber’s board for the last six years. She also is involved in Rotary International.

“We are very proud of our partnership with Wesley Chapel High School’s Automotive Academy, which train students for well-paying technical jobs,” said Cofini. “Ellis Adams, our service manager, is on the school’s advisory council, and we’ve hired several academy graduates.”

Parks Ford hosts several Drive 4 UR Community events for area schools and service groups, including Sunlake, Wiregrass and Wesley Chapel high schools, and Double Branch Elementary.

Other organizations the dealership supports are March of Dimes, Helping Hands Food Pantry, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, OneBlood, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

“We give back to the local community because our customers are primarily from Pasco and north Hillsborough counties,” said Parks. “We give back because the community supports us!”

Dealership History
Ron Parks’ father, Jack Parks, spent his entire career in the automotive industry. He opened his first dealership in 1975 in Tampa — a Lincoln Mercury dealership on Florida Avenue, which the family still owns today.

In 1978, Ron joined his father in the family business after careers in banking and real estate. In 1984, they opened their first dealership in Pasco County — Heritage Ford in Zephyrhills, which was seven miles east on State Road 54. In 1999, the Parks moved Heritage Ford to their 15-acre site in Wesley Chapel, and renamed the business Parks Ford.

The Parks wanted to be closer to I-75 so their location would be more convenient for customers. Plus, they believed that central Pasco area was about to explode with new homes and businesses.

“We were the first automobile dealership to recognize the potential in Wesley Chapel and central Pasco,” said Parks. “We are proud to have been the very first dealership in the community, and proud to still be here today under the same family ownership.”

In 2013, Parks expanded again in Wesley Chapel when he opened a Fiat and Alfa Romeo dealership next door to his Ford operation.

In addition to Parks Ford, the Parks family owns Parks Lincoln of Tampa at 10505 N. Florida Ave., and Stadium Toyota at 5088 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Tampa.

“We have a courteous and committed sales staff, as well as professional, expert service technicians, all with many years of experience satisfying our customers’ needs,” said Parks. “They are the reason we give the best service possible to every customer. Please stop by and find out how we can help you with your automotive needs!”

Published February 20, 2019

Filed Under: Auto Section Tagged With: Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, Drive 4 UR Community, Ellis Adams, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Helping Hands Food Pantry, Heritage Ford, Interstate 75, Jack Parks, Jennifer Cofini, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, March of Dimes, North Dale Mabry Highway, North Florida Avenue, North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, OneBlood, Parks Ford, Parks Lincoln of Tampa, Ron Parks, Rotary International, Stadium Toyota, State Road 54, Terry Mullane, Wesley Chapel, Wesley Chapel High School Automotive Academy

Primary Sidebar

O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Grill, Wesley Chapel

Foodie Friday Gallery

Featured Virtual Tour

Molly’s Hatchet

Search

Sponsored Content

Family Fun at Molly’s Hatchet — Axe Throwing, Virtual Reality and Video Games

April 13, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

When the owners of Molly’s Hatchet axe throwing venue in Zephyrhills tell folks they are a family destination, they … [Read More...] about Family Fun at Molly’s Hatchet — Axe Throwing, Virtual Reality and Video Games

More Posts from this Category

Archives

What’s Happening

04/16/2021 – Parenting exhibit

The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, 400 N. Ashley Drive in Tampa, will present “Picture (im)Perfect,” a documentary-style exhibition that shows the everyday ups and downs of parenting, worldwide. Documentary family photographers use raw, unposed, undirected family moments to create visual narratives that elevate family routines to an artistic expression. The display will run from April 16 through May 31, and is included with museum admission. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students/military/seniors. For information and tickets, call 813-221-2222. … [Read More...] about 04/16/2021 – Parenting exhibit

04/17/2021 – Absolutely Avalon

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will host “Absolutely Avalon” on April 17 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 5060 River Glen Blvd., featuring bounce houses, food trucks, musicians, a face painter, interactive games, a rock climbing wall, a laser light show at dusk, and more. Everything is free. For information, call 813-783-1515. … [Read More...] about 04/17/2021 – Absolutely Avalon

04/17/2021 – Arts festival

Support Gulfside Hospice by attending the Charity Festival of Arts on April 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. There will be live entertainment from local talent groups. The arts will be showcased through dance, voice, music, acting, visual art and more, provided by local artists, businesses and organizations. Activities also will include a “take-and-make” project. Admission is $5 per person, for ages 3 and older. For information, contact Leesa Fryer at 727-845-5707 or . … [Read More...] about 04/17/2021 – Arts festival

04/17/2021 – Charity hockey game

The Lakeland Ice Arena and the Tampa Bay Marauders Police Hockey Team will present the Hillsborough vs. Pinellas Police Charity Hockey Game on April 17 at 4:15 p.m., at 3395 W. Memorial Blvd., in Lakeland. Donations will be accepted at the event and throughout the game. All proceeds will directly benefit the families of TPD Master Police Officer Jesse Madsen, PCSO Deputy Michael Magli and HCSO Sergeant Brian LaVigne. Donations also may be made on Venmo: @tampabaypolicehockey or PayPal: . Baked goods and a food truck are scheduled for the event, too. For information, call Tampa police officer Tony Skolarus at 734-564-7643. … [Read More...] about 04/17/2021 – Charity hockey game

04/17/2021 – Earth Day in Spring Hill

WellCome OM Integral Health & Education Center will host its second annual Earth Day celebration on April 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 4242 Lake In the Woods Drive in Spring Hill. The event will feature organic garden presentations; experts in environmental health; locally grown plant sale; plant-based food and nutrition; mind/body class demonstrations; Qi gong; breath work and forms of movement; holistic wellness practitioners and services; and a market with local vendors and artisan handmade items, including natural personal care, herbal and nutritional supplements, local honey, crafts, jewelry, apparel and more. These presentations also are planned: Yoga on the Lawn, 9 a.m. Compost Basics, 10 a.m. Bee Super Powers, 11 a.m. Electromagnetic Fields, noon OM Grown Garden membership info session, 1 p.m. The Power of Earthing, 1 p.m. The Art of Flower Arrangement, 3 p.m. For information, call 352-600-4242. … [Read More...] about 04/17/2021 – Earth Day in Spring Hill

04/17/2021 – Plant event

Bearss Groves, 14316 Lake Magdalene Blvd., in Tampa, will host Mitch Kessler's plant event on April 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be an assortment of specimen and collectors plants, cactus and succulents, and supplies. For a photo preview of plants, visit Facebook.com/kesslerscacti/. For specific plant inquiries, email . … [Read More...] about 04/17/2021 – Plant event

More of What's Happening

Follow us on Twitter

The Laker/Lutz NewsFollow

The Laker/Lutz News
LakerLutzNewsThe Laker/Lutz News@LakerLutzNews·
4h

Local stakeholders seek solutions to opioid crisis. https://buff.ly/3aiV7Nt

Reply on Twitter 1383450705919238144Retweet on Twitter 1383450705919238144Like on Twitter 1383450705919238144Twitter 1383450705919238144
LakerLutzNewsThe Laker/Lutz News@LakerLutzNews·
23h

Family Fun at Molly’s Hatchet — Axe Throwing, Virtual Reality and Video Games. https://buff.ly/3n07Hq3

Reply on Twitter 1383155959493750787Retweet on Twitter 1383155959493750787Like on Twitter 13831559594937507871Twitter 1383155959493750787
LakerLutzNewsThe Laker/Lutz News@LakerLutzNews·
16 Apr

Vaccination efforts continue to expand. https://buff.ly/32yqDmB

Reply on Twitter 1383088030496526336Retweet on Twitter 1383088030496526336Like on Twitter 1383088030496526336Twitter 1383088030496526336
Load More...

 

 

Where to pick up The Laker and Lutz News

Top Stories

Pasco Sheriff addresses local concerns, issues

Zephyrhills councilwoman bullish on town’s outlook

Vaccination efforts continue to expand

June opening anticipated for Dade City bike hub

Union Park Charter Academy has one year to get finances in order

Pasco County Schools preparing for two new STEAM schools

Cleanup collects 37,000 pounds of trash

Divided county board approves apartment request

Groundbreaking held for veteran’s free home

Garden club plans Arbor Day celebration

Flea market lures shoppers with its bargains

Nail salon gets OK, despite neighbors’ objections

Local stakeholders seek solutions to opioid crisis

Secondary Sidebar

More Stories

Check out our other stories for the week

Pasco Sheriff addresses local concerns, issues

Zephyrhills councilwoman bullish on town’s outlook

Vaccination efforts continue to expand

June opening anticipated for Dade City bike hub

Union Park Charter Academy has one year to get finances in order

Pasco County Schools preparing for two new STEAM schools

Cleanup collects 37,000 pounds of trash

Divided county board approves apartment request

Groundbreaking held for veteran’s free home

Garden club plans Arbor Day celebration

Flea market lures shoppers with its bargains

Nail salon gets OK, despite neighbors’ objections

Local stakeholders seek solutions to opioid crisis

Sports Stories

Hillsborough County Parks launches exercise challenge

Hillsborough Fire Museum Clay Shoot

Watch these locals during 2021 MLB season

Charity hockey game

Deep Fried Dash 5K

Copyright © 2021 Community News Publications Inc.

   