Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club were out in force for their annual commemoration of 9/11, to wave flags along the highway. The club was loudly acknowledged by 18-wheeler air horns, and trucks and vehicles of every sort sounding their horns and giving the ‘thumbs up’ signal. The women also delivered gift baskets full of healthy treats to eight local Fire Rescue/EMT stations, to show their appreciation of their service.
Reasons To Smile
Let it Shine!
Out of Zion Inc., is a 501c3 nonprofit focused on providing creative arts programs to children with medical and special needs at no cost to the caregiver. The organization’s 2023 Summer Camp was a one-week intensive creative arts camp at the River of Life Church in Lutz, culminating in a stage show and event, which included drama, dance, drums and choir. The theme, SHINE: Surf’s Up! helped the children explore the sun, sand and ride the waves to discover music and arts. For more information, visit oozion.org.
100-year-old Buffalo Soldier, New Tampa resident honored
Buffalo Soldiers & Troopers Motorcycle Club Tampa Chapter honored World War II Army Veteran and Buffalo Soldier Roy J. Caldwood, a 100-year-old New Tampa resident. On Aug. 13, Caldwood, a Bronze Star recipient, was given the special honor during a ceremony at Grace Episcopal Church of Tampa Palms, 15102 Amberly Drive. Prior to the presentation, the Buffalo Soldier Motorcycle Club did an honorary ride to the church to honor Caldwood.
Caldwood served as a Buffalo Soldier in World War II, encountering German infantry and Third Reich soldiers in Italy. He was a medic, taking care of his brothers in arms in the 92nd Infantry Division Reconnaissance Troop Second Platoon.
“I will say this,” Caldwood told The Laker/Lutz News in May, “it was a hell of a experience, a once in a lifetime experience, and what I learned was how it felt to live in a free society and a colorless society — because in Italy, it was color blind. You never heard the word ‘color’ in the two years I spent in Italy.”
Getting a jump on the holiday spirit
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club may be on a summer hiatus, but some of its members are busy preparing for the fast-approaching holiday by handcrafting greeting cards to be distributed to senior centers, Meals on Wheels recipients, assisted living facility residents and veterans nursing homes. For more information about the club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org or its Facebook page.
Back to school with a smile
Nicholas Chapman was ready to go back to school at the new Angeline Academy of Innovation, as an eighth-grader. The Laker/Lutz News Staff extends its best wishes to all new and returning students, and to parents, for a successful, fun-filled, learning experience!
Lose yourself, in a good book!
National Book Lovers Day is celebrated on Aug. 9 — a day for all those who love to read! Find your favorite reading place and a good book, and sit back, relax and read. Share the joy of reading, too, with young people in your life. Read to the even the littlest of up-and-coming readers, to inspire them to get excited about reading.
Growing stronger every day
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club has displayed a new banner in Lutz, to celebrate its large number of volunteer hours (832,853) and projects (9,667) during just this past decade. The club is devoted to serving its community and well beyond. Thousands of dollars have been raised by the women and distributed to charities and causes too numerous to list. The club is proud of its accomplishments and wants to bring attention to its mission and commitment to serving those in need. These ‘Green Shirt Ladies’ have been in action since 1960. Linda Mitchell, vice president, left, and Elayne Bassinger, president, present the banner to the community. For more information, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org or its Facebook page.
A unique hitchhiker
A GoPasco bus driver snapped this photo along Little Road in New Port Richey. The alligator seemed to be waiting in the shade to hopefully snag a bus ride, to escape the heat.
Diablo is a ‘spicy’ companion
Diablo is a 7-year-old chihuahua from Kentucky. He loves going on walks with his dad and taking naps with his mom. He may only weigh 4 pounds, but he’s a chunky boy at heart and loves all food! He’s a little spicy sometimes, but gives the best snuggles. Diablo lives in Land O’ Lakes with Kasey Taylor.
Making it comfy for potential pets
Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS) and Pasco County Library Systems worked together on June 24 to host a workshop to show willing volunteers and other animal lovers how to make pet pillows. Volunteers met for the workshop at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, and made about a dozen pillows to take to PCAS, 19640 Dogpatch Lane. The pillows will be distributed to smaller and senior dogs and cats awaiting adoption. Animal Services always has animals looking for their forever home and is always accepting adoption applications. To adopt a dog or cat, depending on size and age, cost is $85 or lower. To learn more about the adoption process, visit PascoCountyfl.net/232/Adoption.