Photos of the Week

The New River Branch Library, at 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, is hosting a variety of activities and crafts on Wednesday evenings, geared toward students in grades eight through 12.  Recently, the library had a Teen Game Night, where those attending played classic board games, such as Monopoly, Battleship and Mario Kart. They also had a chance to enjoy snacks and meet potential friends. For more information, call (813) 788-6375.

 

The middle school students enrolled in the criminal justice program at Cypress Creek Middle High School, in Wesley Chapel, recently got a first-hand look at what it takes, physically, to become a law enforcement officer.

The students participated in a timed fitness test, modeled after the same course that is given to candidates in the police academy. The test, known as the PAT (Physical Abilities Test), featured simulated calls to dispatch, entering and exiting a vehicle, a couple of 220-yard sprints, an obstacle course, and the firing of a dry weapon with each hand. The students had six minutes and four seconds to complete the course.

The school’s Criminal Justice Academy is the first of its kind geared towards middle school students, and focuses on the exploration of criminal justice and the skills required to enter the field of law enforcement.

In observation of Ramadan, which this year is observed from May 5 to June 4, the Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, hosted a free event to celebrate the Muslim holy month.  The event featured a book reading and a slideshow history of Ramadan, followed by a canvas painting craft. Ramadan, which is observed by millions of Muslims worldwide, is a period of fasting that lasts from predawn to sunset. The fast is intended to bring the faithful closer to God. Muslims also use this time to focus on charity, to help the less fortunate.

Large crowds enjoying the sunny weather found their way to The Market Place at Hibiscus Park in Dade City, at Seventh Street and Bougainvillea Avenue. The market concluded its fifth season on May 4. It featured vendors selling handmade goods, jewelry, vintage treasures, bath and beauty products, and home-cooked Mexican food. There also was an opportunity to take part in a chance drawing for a large bath and body themed gift basket, donated by the Dade City Garden Club, to benefit the Dade City Youth Council. The Market Place will debut its sixth season in October.

Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que and Hunters in Christ’s Kingdom hosted a family fishing tournament on May 11, on Lake Padgett, accessed from behind the Hungry Harry’s restaurant, at 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The tournament was open to the public and to all ages. Lessons were available for beginners wanting to learn how to freshwater fish. Seven boats, all belonging to volunteers, made short offshore fishing trips throughout the event. Prizes were awarded to the top fishermen in several categories. The event was organized by Jonathan Fisher of Land O’ Lakes, and proceeds go toward the ministry work of the nonprofit organization, Hunters in Christ’s Kingdom, where Fisher serves on the Board of Directors.

The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, recently hosted a tie dye with Sharpie markers event, as part of its ‘Try it Tuesdays’ program. The free event encouraged children to use their imagination and use colorful markers to draw their favorite pictures on a cotton bandana. When the kids were finished, Karen Allen, the youth services librarian sprayed the masterpieces with rubbing alcohol — bleeding the colors to create a tie dye effect. The program meets every other Tuesday, and gives school-age children a chance to try something new and exciting.

Moms — they’re the ones who get up early in the morning to give the kids a ride to swimming, or to ball practice, to quiz them for tests, or help with a million other things. They’re in the carpool line at school. They’re at the grocery store stocking up. They’re in the kitchen making dinner, and then they do the dishes. They do the laundry. They organize family trips. They show support at ball games, before prom, at graduation.

Rayliris Green, of Land O’ Lakes, walks next to Jayden, her 7-year-old son, as he bicycles during a recent evening. Asked what makes his mom special, Jayden responded: ‘My mom is so beautiful, she is so kind to me. She takes care of me, and is always there for me.’ (Christine Holtzman)

So, as Mother’s Day approaches — it’s on May 12 this year — we wanted to celebrate some of the small daily moments that moms recently shared with their children within the communities served by The Laker/Lutz News.

The Teen STEAM program at Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, recently held a drone obstacle course event. Behind the controls, these teens were in charge of flying their mini drone through several hoops and obstacles to earn a prize. Flying experience wasn’t necessary to compete in this free event. The Teen STEAM program meets weekly at the library with different activities geared toward youths, ages 12 to 18. For more information about the Teen STEAM program, call (352) 567-3576.

Three friends recently enjoyed an evening of fun while getting some fresh ‘air’ at the Land O’ Lakes Skate Park, which is part of the recreation complex at 3032 Collier Parkway. The young men, all riding scooters, performed numerous tricks and maneuvers — both on the ground and in the air. There is no cost to use the park. Safety gear is strongly recommended.