The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Reasons To Smile

National Compliment Day is Jan. 24

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National Compliment Day on Jan. 24 offers a wonderful way to brighten someone’s day or to give credit for a job well done.  A compliment has a powerful effect. It can instill confidence in a child, or validate someone’s hard work. A compliment not only improves the receiver’s mood, but it also says something about the giver. It tells them you noticed. Whether we recognize someone’s achievement or their classic style, a compliment can go a long way. Give an extra compliment on Jan. 24 or any time one is deserved!

 

Canines earn retirement

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The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) announced the retirement of two of its K-9s — Brasko and Dobies — after their years of dedicated service to the county’s citizens.

K-9 Brasko, a German shepherd, has served Pasco County since May 2015. He was certified in both patrol work and narcotics detection, successfully keeping narcotics off Pasco streets, as well as locating those who were missing and apprehending dangerous suspects.

In both 2015 and 2017, the canine earned first place over 100 dogs in a narcotics detection competition. In retirement, he will remain with his partner, Dep. Adam Tellier, and Tellier’s current K9 partner, Flash.

K-9 Dobies, a labrador retriever born in Hungary, was certified in narcotics detection and began serving Pasco County in 2016, making him the PSO’s oldest serving K-9 at the time of his retirement.

The retriever served in many units throughout his career, including the School Resource unit, where he made frequent visits to schools throughout the county. He also served in the Community Engagement unit.

K-9 Dobies will continue to live in his retirement with his partner, Cpl. Christina Demas, and Dema’s current partner, Knox.

 

K-9 Brasko
K-9 Dobies

Candy houses add color and smiles to festivities

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Church Street Christmas in Dade City offered an abundance of activities, including a Gingerbread Contest with a variety of donated entries from the community. Judges’ winners were Bard Fuller, first place; Nancy Clemmons, second place; and Corin Hall, third place. The Adult People’s Choice winner was Tanner Politi and the Youth People’s Choice winner was Ashley Weits.

(Courtesy of Lucy Avila, Dade City Center for the Arts)

Service initiative helps to spread holiday cheer

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(Courtesy of Sarah Watson, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

The youth of the Land O’ Lakes congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participated in a service project at the Metropolitan Ministries Trinity location. Twenty-six youth and nine adults came together to make a positive impact on the local community. The focus of the project was to provide assistance to Metropolitan Ministries by delivering food and helping with shopping for those in need during the holiday season. The youth also shared the joy of the season by singing Christmas carols. ‘We believe in the importance of giving back to our community and spreading love and joy, especially during the holiday season,’ said RJ Anderson, the JustServe specialist for the church, in a news release.

Providing the ‘tools to help veterans

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(Courtesy of LIberty Manor for Veterans)

Liberty Manor for Veterans was presented with 25 assembled picnic tables donated by ToolBank and Home Depot Tampa. Liberty Manor promotes the developmental and social needs of disabled and honorably discharged veterans who have fallen victim to homelessness. It provides transitional, supported housing and establishes objectives designed to contribute to self-sufficiency. ToolBank’s mission is to serve community-based organizations by providing tools, equipment and expertise to empower their most ambitious goals. For information, visit LibertyManor.org. For more about ToolBank, contact ToolBank USA at 727-239-4601.

Dade City Police swears in cop brothers

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(Courtesy of Dade City Police Department)

The City of Dade City and the Dade City Police Department, welcomed two new brothers to the badge — and these two are actual brothers, too. Dalton Grafafolo and his brother, Hayden, were sworn in as officers at the Dade City Commission meeting on Dec. 12. Operations Capt. Bill Rowe conducted the installation at city hall. The Garafolo brothers are seen here with Rowe and Dade City Mayor Jim Shive, and City Commissioners Lisa Simon, Anne Cosentino and Normita Woodard. Karissa Prindle (not pictured) also has been added as the police department’s second employee in its forensics unit.

Santa and his Elf help to make spirits bright

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club wrapped up its 44th annual Arts & Crafts Show on an upbeat note. Large crowds came out for Christmas shopping and fun, despite some threatening clouds. The Carrollwood Cultural Center orchestra played holiday favorites and visitors enjoyed an array of foods. Local artist Terry Smith was awarded Best of Show in the juried art show. Proceeds from the event will benefit the community through the woman’s club. Here, the club’s own Santa (Les Saland) and his elf helper wife (April Saland) take a quick break for a photo.

Woman’s club is keen on promoting early childhood literacy

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

The Education Committee of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club assembled 130 “Snuggle Bunnies” containing a fleece blanket, a flashlight, book, pencil and a bookmark. Each first-grader at Denham Oaks Elementary School in Lutz received a ‘snuggle.’ A parent shared this photo with the club of her son already enjoying his book bundle after ‘lights out.’

National Chocolates Day is Nov. 29

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There are many creative ways to celebrate National Chocolates Day, including: Eating chocolates, making home-made chocolates, creating a chocolate-themed playlist, hosting a chocolate-themed party, watching a chocolate-themed movie, and sharing chocolates with others.

Busy hands for a busy season

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The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club has entered the busiest time of its calendar year: the holidays. Members delivered more than 200 handcrafted Thanksgiving favors for Meals on Wheels, food donations were destined for the Father & Son Food Pantry, and club members wrapped huge donation boxes in holiday paper for donated Christmas gifts for Meals on Wheels clients. Here, Darryln Caudhill and Marsha Gibson deliver favors to include on meal trays, and these team members wrapped collection boxes for Meals on Wheels.

(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)