The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Reasons To Smile

100-year-old Buffalo Soldier, New Tampa resident honored

By

(Courtesy of Diane Royer)

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

By

(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

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

By

(Courtersy of Kim Chapman)

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!

By

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

By

(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

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

By

(Courtesy of Pasco County)

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

By

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

By

(Courtesy of Pasco County Animal Services)

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.

A time to celebrate our freedom!

By

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

By

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.