Reasons To Smile
Putting a spotlight on the environment
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club provided craft materials and instruction to kids at Crews Lake Wilderness Park, in celebration of Earth Day. The youth learned the importance of monarch butterflies in the ecosystem and about tagging the butterflies to track their annual migration and life span. Visitors also could see real butterfly eggs on a milkweed flower and craft their own beaded caterpillars on leaves. Club members Karen Phillips and Helen Fornino participated and showed the learning materials and craft used to help bring awareness to the environment.
A showcase of talent, and imagination
The Chalk Art Festival, held at the KRATE at the Grove in Wesley Chapel, gave about 10 artists the chance to show off their talents — and imaginations — through works of chalk art on parking spots. See more photos in story above.
A basket full of treats
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club delivered Easter gift baskets filled with treats to the libraries the club supports, in Land O’ Lakes and Lutz. The women wanted to express their appreciation of the libraries’ service and contributions to the community, especially during Library Workers’ Month. To learn more about the club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org or its Facebook page.
Sheriff’s Office welcomes K-9 Hondo
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) has announced its newest member — K-9 Hondo, a German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois cross, born on March 1, 2021. Hondo has completed certification for patrol work and also will be a member of the SWAT team. Deputy Alex Mason, who also is new to the K-9 unit, is Hondo’s partner.
Happy Easter from The Laker/Lutz News Staff
Dogs Days brings smiles, and barks, to Dade City
The 13th annual Dogs’ Day in Dade City brought out its usual crowd of dogs, and owners, to Agnes Lamb Park on March 18, attracting several businesses and local organizations to the event. Dog-Mania & Cats, Dade City Animal Clinic and Nutrena Farmers Feed Depot were part of Dogs’ Day activities, including costume contests, a dog parade, talent portions and even an ice-cream eating contest that pairs the dogs with the humans (who eat yogurt). Ava Larkin’s dog, Luna Belle, was named Dog Mayor, which is awarded to the person who raises the most money for the fundraiser and then has the honor of having his or her dog named Dog Mayor for a year. Sponsors for this year’s event were The New Barker, an online dog magazine and the Green Door on 8th.
Local artists shine at fine arts show
The Zephyrhills Art Club (ZAC) hosted a Fine Arts Show on March 10 and March 11, featuring the works of numerous local artists.
The show was held at First Baptist Church in Zephyrhills. In addition to the artwork, the event featured raffle baskets, silent auction items and a ZACporium that housed a collection of used frames, art books, canvas, easels, art supplies and other art-related items available for purchase.
The art club is an organization of artists who work together to enhance the appreciation of fine art in the communities and to provide for the promotional and educational needs of artists, according to its Facebook page.
Winners in various categories were:
- Abstracts: Judy Rogers, first place
- Abstracts: Sue Rhinehart, first show winner
- Animals: Patricia Lynn Ashford, first place
- Best of Show: Thomas Gale
- Flowers/Still Life: Elaine Marisch, first place
- People: Sally Yoder, first place
- People’s Choice: Sandra Lallemand
- Portraits/Miniatures: Kelly Colton, first place
- Sculpture: Virginia Drouillard, first place
- Seascapes: Thomas Gale, first place
Published March 22, 2023
A budding naturalist
Who’s ready for a game of kickball?
Employees from the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Office squared off against employees from the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office in a kickball showdown on Feb. 26 at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, with the Supervisor of Elections Office pulling off the victory.
Teams from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and Tax Collector’s Office had been expected, but were unavailable for the tournament.