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Rotary Club of Land O' Lakes

Library helps people who want jobs, or to volunteer

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The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library recently was a hub — for those seeking opportunities for paying jobs, or to volunteer.

In fact, the library has a series of events this month, which is set aside as Career Development Month, focused on helping people find work.

On Nov. 7, a  CareerSource Pasco-Hernando bus was parked outside the library, located at 2818 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes. Inside the bus was an array of computers to help people find employment opportunities.

David Hamilton, an operations manager for CareerSource Pasco-Hernando, offered patrons at Land O’ Lakes Branch Library advice for using computers to search for jobs. (Brian Fernandes)

David Hamilton is the local CareerSource operations manager who was there to help those dropping by The Mobile One Stop bus.

“My thing is to make sure I can help them apply for the job they want to apply for,” Hamilton explained. “I am looking at the general employment skill and that’s everybody, from no particular education, up to [a] bachelor’s degree.”

His aim is to help applicants find work they would be passionate about, as opposed to showing them a general list of what’s available.

As a 26-year career advisor, Hamilton helps others to create or polish up their resumes and cover letters.

It’s important to use correct grammar and punctuation, he said.

Cover letters, he added, should provide fresh content and not be redundant to what’s in an applicant’s resume.

Job applicants need to research a potential employer before creating the cover letter. It should tailor what that employer is seeking.

Hamilton then noted that Pasco County’s major employment category is retail and service, followed by health care.

But, he also pointed out that there’s more demand for nurses looking for work than for retail store managers.

He said he was there to assist people who may need technical help.

Hamilton also mentioned that those seeking jobs include youth entering the workforce for the first time, those who have been laid off and those moving to a new region.

He did mention that finding a position is more challenging for middle-age job seekers because they’re competing with a younger generation.

Pasco County’s current unemployment rate is at 3.3%,  a drastic decline from its 12.7% peak a decade ago, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

And, with the holiday season approaching, Hamilton expects an increase in job openings.

While Hamilton was helping others find paying jobs, another discussion was taking place inside the library.

At the Social Seniors event inside, those gathered had the chance to learn about multiple ways to become a volunteer.

Social Seniors is geared toward those 55 years old and older who want to take a more active role in their community.

“The Social Seniors is a chance for them (patrons) to come socialize, get some refreshments, maybe learn something new,” said Catherine Seavey, a library branch attendant who helps oversee the program.

Generally, the program allows people age 55 and up to play cards, watch movies, be part of a book club or take part in learning activities.

The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library also has partnered with Pasco County Senior Services and the Seniors in Service organization, to help those seasoned in age, stay productive.

Attendance at monthly meetings tends to go up when there is a guest speaker, and on this particular day, there were speakers offering advice on how to stay engaged through volunteering.

After retiring, Rick Buzzee, of Land O’ Lakes, joined the Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes to be involved in efforts to promote education, diminish poverty and help with community efforts.

“I think you have to stay mentally alert and mentally productive,” Buzzee said, adding there’s a correlation between good health and staying active.

Career Development Month
Where: Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes

When:

  • Personality Development Personality Tests, Nov. 15 from 2 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
  • Building a Professional Presence online, Nov. 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Dress for Success, Nov. 18 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • AmSkills Mobile Innovation Station, Nov. 19 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Mock Interviews. Nov. 21 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • CareerSource Mobile One Stop bus, Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Resume workshop on Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Cost: Free

Info: Call (813) 929-1214

Published November 13, 2019

‘Traditions’ goes on, despite rain

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Traditions on the Green didn’t let the forecast of a rainy day wash out the Dec. 1 event. Instead, it shifted from its planned location at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park to  Sanders Memorial Elementary School, at 5126 School Road in Land O’ Lakes.

Diana Journy, left, and her daughter, Elizabeth Richardson, browse the dozens of raffle prizes up for grabs during the ‘Traditions on the Green’ program. The Land O’ Lakes residents were at the concert to watch a performance by Elizabeth’s daughter, Journy — whose name honors the family’s name. She is a cheerleader at Pineview Middle School. (Christine Holtzman)

The Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes, which hosts the free holiday event, made the call to bring the concert indoors — instead of cancelling it.

Sandy Graves, who has been involved with the event for its 11-year history, said this was the first time it has been held at a different venue.

“The school district worked well with us to make sure that we had a place to hold this event,” Graves.

And, she told the audience that it would still be OK to call the event ‘Traditions on the Green,’ because the benches in the auditorium were green.

The change in location didn’t deter the crowd or its enthusiasm.

Hundreds of people were there to enjoy performances from Denham Oaks, Sanders Memorial Elementary and Lake Myrtle Elementary schools, Pine View Middle School and the Land O’ Lakes High School. Santa Claus dropped by, too.

Those attending could buy chances on raffle prizes, such as gift cards and gift baskets. Among the items up for grabs were two cookbooks donated by Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano and an official flag that once flew over the U.S. Capitol, which was donated by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis.

Proceeds from the chance drawings benefit schools taking part in the event.

By Christine Holtzman

Published December 12, 2018

The Land O’ Lakes High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Jonathan Mulder, performs ‘Deck the Halls’ during the Traditions on the Green concert on Dec. 1.
While her father, Darnell, records the Pine View Middle School dance club performance with his cellphone, 10-month-old Aubrey Meadows, of Land O’ Lakes, explores the crowd from over her dad’s shoulder. The family, including mom Jennifer were in attendance to see Aubrey’s older sister, Danaye, perform with Pine View Middle’s dance club.
The Pine View Middle School afterschool dance club, directed by instructor Nicole James, delighted the audience with several high-energy performances during the evening, including a dynamic routine set to Earth, Wind, & Fire’s hit song, ‘September.’
Ten-year-old Nicholas Hunter of Land O’ Lakes, center left, and his 8-year-old cousin, Keegan Price, right, are focused on the stage as they watch Keegan’s sister, Savannah, perform with the Pine View’s afterschool dance club.

 

Emerging commercial markets in Pasco County

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It doesn’t take a master’s degree in economics to see that Pasco County’s commercial real estate market is going strong.

Take a drive down the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor, and you’ll see new developments popping up, and for sale property signs planted everywhere.

As spaces along that corridor become too expensive or less available, more activity is expected along U.S. 41 and Wesley Chapel Boulevard, and U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills near the end-point of the State Road 56 extension, predicts Jim Engelmann, a broker with Commercial Partners Realty Inc., who will be moderating a fall forum on commercial real estate in Wesley Chapel on Oct. 18.

Jim Engelmann, a commercial real estate broker, will be the moderator at a commercial fall forum on Oct. 18 in Wesley Chapel. (B.C. Manion)

“It’s a really good time to lock in in Zephyrhills right now,” Engelmann said, because the prices will increase once the State Road 56 extension is done.

“It’s a fantastic time to buy right now.”

“There’s not a lot of high-quality office space available in Zephyrhills right now. There is some, but there’s not a lot.

“What’s going to happen is that slowly, people are going to buy and either remodel, or they’re going to buy, demolish and rebuild.

“They’ll start to put up better quality over there, but that’s 10 years down the road.”

“The challenge we’re starting to see along (U.S.) 41 now is that the property that’s available doesn’t match up with what the users can pay, in a lot of cases,” he said.

“What you see right now is a lot of owners who are not willing to develop the property. It’s just a piece of bumpy, flat land,” he added.

Engelmann also noted that Pasco County has been taking steps to attract more commercial development.

“Pasco is doing some really good things to bring business into the county. They’re doing incentives,” said Engelmann, who is president-elect of the Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes and a board member on the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

Pasco County waives mobility fees for some target industries and offers loan forgiveness for projects meeting specific criteria, he said.

Engelmann also noted that Wesley Chapel continues to be a hot market.

Wiregrass Ranch continues to attract interest, Engelmann said, praising the approach the Porter family has used to promote quality growth.

“It’s incredible what they’re doing out there,” he said. “They’re being smart about what they’re doing.”

Looking to lease commercial space?
Jim Engelmann, a commercial real estate broker, said these are some things you should keep in mind:

  • Know what the rent includes.

Who pays for janitorial services? Who pays for water and sewer?

Who maintains the air conditioning and heating?

“If you are responsible for the air conditioning, you need to find out: Do you have service records on the air conditioning?

“Have you had a bi-annual inspection and upkeep? If they haven’t, I would push back on that, as a renter.

“You have to protect yourself as a tenant, to make sure the property has been maintained adequately.

  • Before leasing, talk to other tenants.

“A lot of people won’t do that. They don’t want to bother anybody.

“You know what? Every tenant wants to tell their story. If you go ask somebody, ‘How do you like it here?’

“They will tell you whether or not they like it. They’ll tell you the five or six things you need to be aware of, with that landlord.

“People who have already experienced those things that go wrong, let them tell you what went wrong.”

  • Be sure the property meets your needs.

“If you have an office and people come to you, you’re a destination for them, it doesn’t matter what the traffic is like. But, if you are a retail user looking for drive-by traffic, you’ve got to know what the traffic counts are out on the street in front.

“Go sit there during the day. See what type of traffic flow there is.”

  • Have your attorney check out the lease.

“Every single lease is completely different. I’ve seen two-page tenant leases; I have seen 40-page tenant leases for the exact same type of property.”

  • Remember, everything is negotiable.

“There is nothing in a lease that is not negotiable. Every term, as far as payments, security deposit, when you pay, how much your share of something might be. Everything is negotiable.”

Also, don’t rule out a space, even if it seems too pricey.

“A lot of times people will look at a price of something listed online, and they’ll see that it’s $37 a square foot, (and they’ll think) ‘Yeah, but you know I can only afford $32, so I’m not going to bother calling.’

“You know what? If it’s been on the market six months, eight months, a year, they’re going to talk to you.

“It’s always worth the phone call.”

Commercial Fall Forum
Where: Hilton Garden Inn in Wesley Chapel, 26640 Silver Maple Parkway
When: Oct. 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: $20 for members of Central Pasco Association of Realtors; $25 for others (fee includes lunch)
Details: This forum features a variety of topics related to commercial real estate and will include several speakers.
Info: (813) 948-6966

Published October 17, 2018

Land O’ Lakes has its own Rotary Club, again

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After being a satellite of the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon club, the Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes has regained its independent status.

The Land O’ Lakes organization had existed for years, then merged with the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon, and then became a satellite club.

It took some time to reach the required membership level, but the Land O’ Lakes Club is a standalone club again, said Sandy Graves, president of the revived Land O’ Lakes Rotary Club.

These are the original members that started the club, from left, Larry Giannone, Elayne Bassinger, Sandy Graves, Terri Dusek, along with Perry Bean, who is district governor of Rotary.
(Courtesy of Dave Wright)

“You have to have 20 to officially charter,” Graves said. “We’d get real close and then a couple would quit, or move or whatever.”

The group wanted to be on its own so it could focus on needs in Land O’ Lakes, as well as helping in broader efforts, Graves said.

“We need the Rotary in Land O’ Lakes again. Land O’ Lakes needs a strong civic organization,” Graves said.

Rotary provides the opportunity to do a lot of good, not only locally, but in the nation and the world, as well, Graves said.

Now that the club is official again, it is on the Rotary Club locator, which makes it more visible, she said. “People who are coming in that were Rotarians somewhere else, or want to join Rotary, they’ll be able to find us easier,” she explained.

The club meets on Fridays at 8 a.m., at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Meetings include breakfast and generally last for an hour.

Anyone who is interested in joining the club can come visit a few times for free to find out more about it before deciding if they want to join, Graves said.

“We want people who are committed,” Graves said.

Besides Graves, other officers of the club are Jim Englemann, president-elect; Barb Goiran, secretary; and, Elayne Bassinger, treasurer.

The group also has a membership committee, a foundation committee and a public relations committee, Graves said.

One of the club’s projects involves purchasing weather-resistant outdoor instruments, which will be placed at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, Graves said.

They’re oversized instruments, which can be played by children and have even been known to be played by adults, she said.

“These instruments are very good for kids with autism or Tourette’s Syndrome,” she said, because they can be soothing and can help them with their concentration.

Graves estimated it would cost about $10,000 to purchase the instruments, but added that could be more or less, depending on how many and what type of instruments are purchased.

The group recently raised $1,200 through a fundraiser.

The money came from a chance drawing for a five-hour scalloping trip for four, sponsored by Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells Jr.

Graves hopes the club will be able to secure a matching grant for the funds it raises to help purchase the outdoor musical instruments.

The club also is planning to do a Land O’ Liberty Salute, which involves decking out trees in the median of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard with red, white and blue ribbons — as a gesture of patriotism, in time for the Fourth of July.

The club also will be involved with Traditions on the Green, at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, an annual tradition which features holiday music by local schools.

Graves encourages anyone who is interested in learning more about the Land O’ Lakes Rotary Club to come to a meeting.

Being part of the organization can be a rewarding experience, Graves said.

“It’s like anything in life. You know, the more you put into it, the more you get out of it,” she said.

Published June 13, 2018

Land O’ Lakes revives Rotary Club

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The Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes used to operate independently.

Then, the club merged with the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon, and now the Land O’ Lakes group has become a satellite club of the Wesley Chapel group.

As the Land O’ Lakes group gains strength, it plans to become a stand-alone club again, said Terri Dusek, who chairs the committee for the current satellite group.

Jodie Sullivan and Colleen Beaudoin are having a good time at the kick off celebration of the Land O’ Lakes satellite club of the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club. (Photos courtesy of Terri Dusek)
Jodie Sullivan and Colleen Beaudoin are having a good time at the kick off celebration of the Land O’ Lakes satellite club of the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club.
(Photos courtesy of Terri Dusek)

The group wants to function as a Land O’ Lakes club because it recognizes needs within the Land O’ Lakes community, and it wants to play a role in helping to meet them, Dusek said.

For instance, one idea is to provide some outdoor musical instruments that can be used by both children and adults at the new playground at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, said Sandy Graves, a member of the satellite club.

That’s just an idea at this point, but it could become one of the club’s projects in the future, she said.

The Land O’ Lakes group also would like to take over the duties of serving a Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day at the Keystone Community Church, on State Road 54 near U.S. 41, Dusek said.

“The reason it’s a ‘Why now’ to be quite honest with you is because when I joined the Rotary, I thought I was joining the Land O’ Lakes Rotary, and then I found out I was joining the Wesley Chapel Rotary because they had merged,” Dusek said.

She didn’t have a problem with it, but she realized that the service projects the club was doing were in Wesley Chapel, she said.

Harry Wright, also known as Hungry Harry, is ready to greet people at the Land O’ Lakes satellite Rotary Club gathering on Sept. 18.
Harry Wright, also known as Hungry Harry, is ready to greet people at the Land O’ Lakes satellite Rotary Club gathering on Sept. 18.

That made sense, because that’s where the club met, but she felt there were needs in Land O’ Lakes that a Land O’ Lakes club could address.

“We feel there’s plenty to do in Land O’ Lakes,” Graves agreed.

As the economy improves, the women thought it made sense to revive the service club.

“I think we needed to re-energize,” Graves said.

So far, the group has about 20 members, but it hopes to attract more, Dusek said.

Joining the group costs about $1,000 each year. That covers the weekly breakfasts, and a portion goes the Rotary Foundation and to Rotary International, she said.

The group’s goals are still being formulated.

And, while it builds strength, it will continue to be a satellite of the Wesley Chapel Rotary, Dusek said.

“We have the support of the Wesley Chapel group, which has a little bit over 100 members now. If we need assistance, or we need help from them, they’re like our mother club, and they will give us assistance,” Dusek said.

“They help us get off the ground, until we’re solid. Then we can charter our own new club, if we so choose to at that time,” she added.

“It’s just a great organization,” Dusek said.

“If you are looking to feel good by spreading the love and helping other people, that’s really what Rotary is all about. ‘Service above self.’ That’s our motto,” she said.

The Land O’ Lakes group meets on Fridays at 8 a.m., at the Lake Padgett Estates East Clubhouse, at 4533 Savanah Way. It is right off Collier Parkway in Lake Padgett Estates East.

The meetings include breakfast served by Lake Padgett Bistro.

For more information, contact Dusek at (813) 340-7973 or .

Published September 23, 2015