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.
Reasons To Smile
A time to celebrate our freedom!
Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America.
The Laker/Lutz News staff wishes everyone a safe holiday, whether you are attending fireworks, family reunions, concerts, barbecues, picnics, parades or baseball games!
Lutz Senior Center celebrated
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club celebrated with Lutz Senior Center clients and guests, as the facility was awarded its formal National Accreditation of Senior Service, which is determined by adherence to a strict and comprehensive Standards of Service mandate. Among those attending were County Aging Services Department and Nutrition & Wellness staff representatives, Lutz librarian supervisor Marci LaTorella, American Legion chaplain Don Hinst and Lutz Guv’na Atlas Cortecero. The women provided and served brunch to the seniors and guests to mark the occasion. From left: Pam Blumenthal, Darryln Caudill, Linda Mitchell, Marshal Gibson, Barbara Booth, Melba Pineiro, Mary Anne Lykins, Rose Ann Edwards and Shirley Simmons.
A way of life for this sailor
Petty Officer 1st Class David Andralouis, a Wesley Chapel native, is one of the sailors supporting a 123-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure the safety of Americans, according to a Navy Office of Community Outreach news release. Andralouis joined the Navy 12 years ago and today serves as a mission technician with Trident Training Facility Kings Bay. ‘Serving in the Navy is my way of life,’ Andralouis said, in the release. ‘It’s been a great challenge with great reward.’
Submariners make up only 10% of the U.S. Navy’s personnel, but they play a critical role in carrying out strategic deterrence, one of the most important roles in the Department of Defense, according to the release.
Music, dancing and camaraderie
Hope Services hosted ‘Dance Your Dream,’ a free prom-attire dance party to celebrate people living with disabilities, on May 20, at the Wesley Chapel District Complex.
More than 200 people ages 15 and older delighted in an evening of music, dancing, refreshments, raffles, a silent auction, and Chick-fil-A for everyone.
Adding year-round garden color
The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s club spent an afternoon painting stones to place in the garden the ladies created at Beach House Assisted Living. The residents now can view a colorful butterfly garden with added decorations. From left: Roberta Millard, Nancy Stikes, Esther Dean, Marie Ambrosino, Marcy Shepherd and Kim Hanscel. The woman’s club will meet on June 7 at Atonement Lutheran Church, 29617 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, for those interested in learning more about its community projects.
Deputies rescue dolphin
The mission of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) Maritime Operations Unit (MAROPS) is to make sure all are safe on the water.
In early May, MAROPS corporals were called to assist a different resident: a dolphin calf that was days- or hours-old, alone and in distress.
An off-duty PSO deputy was fishing off the coast of Hudson when he discovered the small dolphin swimming in circles and struggling to get above water to breathe.
The deputy contacted MAROPS and the young mammal was taken by boat to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Ultimately, the dolphin was transferred to the care of SeaWorld Rescue, where it was showing signs of improvement and swimming on its own.
Share the beach!
This World Turtle Day, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) reminds the public that as they enjoy the beaches this Memorial Day weekend, everyone can help sea turtles have a successful nesting season by giving them space, removing beach furniture at night, keeping beaches clean and dark, and never disturbing their nests.
Florida’s sandy beaches provide important spring and summer nesting habitat for several species of federally threatened and endangered sea turtles.
For more information about nesting sea turtles and how to help, visit MyFWC.com/seaturtle.
The votes are in!
Two furry friends have been named winners of Gulfside Hospice’s 2023 Virtual Pet Pageant, raising $6,737 to support the organization’s Pet Peace of Mind program.
Thaddeus, a 10-month old orange tabby cat, was awarded “Most Popular.” The community votes on the winner in this category through donations, and Thaddeus alone brought in $1,500 in votes.
Teddy Bear, a 4-year-old shih tzu, was awarded “Most Photogenic,” determined by a volunteer committee of Women for Gulfside members.
The Virtual Pet Pageant is an annual event presented by the Women for Gulfside to raise funds for the Pet Peace of Mind program that supports Gulfside Hospice patients and their pets during the end-of-life journey. This extra support helps to relieve stress and anxiety for hospice patients and improve their overall quality of life. This program relies entirely on donations.
For more information about the contest or the pet program, contact Carla Armstrong, director of philanthropy, at 727-845-5707, , or visit GulfsidePets.org.