Bloom Where You Are Planted
Invest Time, Talent And Treasures In Your Home Town

By Anne Childers

Once again the month of sweethearts is upon us! February, that short month containing Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day,  and leap year status this time around.. February is a transition month; those 29 short days will pretty much represent “winter” in our part of the state. Spring is indeed right around the corner.

  But February is still close enough to January for resolutions to be remembered as you inch toward the time to honor your special loved ones with cards, candy and sentiments. This February, you may want to consider adding another resolution and name to your valentines list. Resolve to fall in love with the place you call home, and help make a difference for your community.
Get the jump on spring, plant seeds and put down roots towards growing a better home town. If you invest a few hours a week to “bloom” where you are planted, there is no telling what may crop up this year to improve life for yourself and other residents in our community.

Opportunities to share your time, talents or treasures are everywhere. Our combined communities of Lutz and Land O’ Lakes are home to residents of all ages. Retirees, seniors, families, teens and children all go about their business in a culturally rich, multi-interested, diverse group.

Sports, scouts, and school programs are obvious hubs for the children to teen set. 
What about area churches, food banks and seniors homes? Make a phone call and make a difference! Don’t think you have any time to spare? Keep reading to find out how one area resident combines business, volunteer work and community service for a win-win recipe that really works.

 Land O’ Lakes resident, Rosie Heim is an Avon Lady, but that is an understatement. Heim is an award winning leadership coach with the 120-year-old company and trains others interested in a part or full time business of their own. While striving to keep her own clients serviced, she reached even further and discovered an opportunity to serve the residents of a local retirement living facility, Horizon Bay.  

Once a month, for the last few years, Heim heads for Horizon Bay, and sets up a portable shopping spree in the lobby. She brings the latest in products, gifts and specialty items. Her visit provides a social outlet as residents, pick up orders, check catalogues, and shop for gifts for family and friends and visit with each other. Staff joins in, and everyone has a better, brighter day. This is still work, but Heim has found the intangible rewards even more precious. “I have met the most wonderful people,” she says. “We share stories, and enjoy each other’s company, and I look forward to this time as much as the residents.”  A slight shift in her approach to getting the job done has made the difference, in the lives of others, and in her own life.  Debbie Bond, the Resident Program Manager at Horizon Bay, is delighted with Heim’s monthly visits, and she extends an invitation to the community. “If you would like to visit and share a story, class or talent with our residents, you are most welcome,” she says. “Please call 813-416-9814, and ask to speak with Debbie.”www.gfwclitzlandolakeswomansclub.org 

If you have the desire to mold lives, then Jan Roberts of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay wants to speak with you. When you volunteer your time to guide and mentor children you change the course of history. Call Jan at 813-997-6881 to learn how to enrich our community one child at a time. It is amazing just how “big” a “little” can make you feel!

 In celebration of its 100th anniversary, Girl Scouts has declared 2012 the Year of the Girl. It’s time to celebrate the power of all girls, everywhere. Volunteer opportunities are available to work directly with girls, or with other adults, such as on a 100th Anniversary celebration committee. For more information on how you can make a difference in girls’ lives, please call (813) 262-1804, or email mdefensor@gswcs.org.

Oasis Pregnancy Center in Land O’ Lakes has several opportunities for volunteers to share time and talents. Call Nancy Davis at 813-406-4965 to find your own perfect fit. …and mark your calendar now for February 6, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Plan to enjoy a great meal at Hungry Harry’s on Land O’ Lakes Blvd. with a percentage of the sales donated to Oasis. Bring your whole family and all your friends, eat in or take out….”volunteering” just doesn’t get any easier than this. 
Consider joining one of our areas Chambers of Commerce, Rotary, or networking groups. The more you learn, the more you can see opportunities for a better, stronger community. 

Rotary meets for lunch at noon every Wednesday at Pagelli’s Italian Restaurant in Wiregrass Mall. There are several events already planned for this year. Stop in, enjoy lunch and mention you saw this article. Chances are you will be invited to get involved in many ways, all making a positive difference in our community.
A great way to choose a volunteer opportunity is to read the pages of The Lola, check the calendar of events on pages four 4 and 5 of this issue  for information about new and ongoing community projects. February is said to be the month of “love” as we celebrate Valentine’s Day, with cards, candy, flowers, and dinners out with a special someone. Love, it is said “makes the whole world go around.” It is volunteers that make the trip worthwhile!