On June 1, twelve members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club visited the new Florida Waters Exhibit at ZooTampa. Grace Walter’s son, Shane, is a Zookeeper there. He led the group through the zoo, telling the group the names of each animal and their backstories. Some of the animals are rescues, orphans or at the zoo for breeding purposes. Shane also narrated the Safari Ride. The outing included a Manatee Rescue tour, where members were able to view manatees being nursed back to health.
The Green Shirt Ladies Pose with Zookeeper Shane.Manatee Eating Lettuce.Jelly Fish in the new Florida Waters Exhibit.Aquarium With Coral Grown at the Zoo.Zookeeper Shane Narrating the Safari Ride.Green Shirt Ladies (l-r) Debie Williams, Helen Fornino, Diana Kelly, Dorrien Zilvetz, Darrlyn Caudill, Gina Caper, Karla Wilson , Grace Walters (Shane’s Mother), Environment Chair Lois Cohen, Michelle Haskins.
In May, the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club proudly sponsored its annual fifth-grade essay contest at Lutz K-8 School. Students were invited to write about one of two topics: “If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?” or “What pet would you have and why?” On May 20, members of the Education & Libraries Community Service Program attended the awards presentation, where prizes were presented to the winning students. The winners expressed great enthusiasm and appreciation for the recognition.
Club Sponsors 5th Grace Essay Contest at Lutz K-8 School. (l-r) Education and Libraries Chair Linda Buzzee, Sabrina Scott, Debbie Williams and Cheryl Winegar with the winners.
Ducks were everywhere at the luncheon: on the tables, balloons floating on the stage, and in the centerpieces. GFWC Florida State awards from the May Convention were distributed. Five new members were inducted into the club. It was a “Quacking” good event.
Club President, Linda Mitchell, welcoming everyone to the luncheon.Committee Members display their GFWC Florida State Awards (l-r) Karen Phillips, Tanya Highnote, Barbara Booth, Lucy Albury, Madeline McCulloh, Helen Fornino, Nancy Brahnam, Past President Peggy Andrews, President Linda Mitchell.
Our Club won four 2nd Place Ribbons at the GFWC Florida State Arts and Crafts Competition. (l-r) Dorrien Zilavetz, Lois Cohen and Club Arts and Crafts Chair Pennee Bowen
New Members Inducted Into the Club (l-r) Larinda Forstad, Sandi Soule, Bernice Wilson, Meng Meng Pek, Grace Walters.
One of the Tables Displaying Their Green Ducks and Duck Pond Centerpiece.
Members honored our nation’s fallen heroes by placing flags at 1st Baptist Church Cemetery on School Road in Land O’ Lakes, the Jewish Cemetery on County Line Road and the Lutz War Memorial at 1st St. SW and Lutz-Lake Fern Road. Red, white and blue wreaths were placed at the Heritage Park Memorial in front of the Community Center.
At our Spring Luncheon held on May 28, 2026, at The Groves Golf & Country Club, the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club welcomed five new members during a beautiful and heartfelt candlelight induction ceremony. Surrounded by friendship, service, and tradition, the ladies celebrated the spirit of women coming together to make a difference in our community. The touching ceremony was a meaningful reminder of the club’s continued growth and dedication to volunteerism, fellowship, and community service.
Club Welcomes New Members (l-r) Larinda Forstad, Sandi Soule, Bernice Wilson, Meng Meng Pek, Grace Walters and Linda Mitchell-President.
The GFWC Lutz–Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club proudly hosted a reception honoring the recipients of its annual scholarships. Six young women received $2,000 Club scholarships and two students were awarded $5,000 scholarships from The Lutz Volunteer Fireman’s Fund. These students are from Lutz and Land O’Lakes high schools. It was a joyful celebration, and we are looking forward to the incredible accomplishments these inspiring young women will achieve.
(l-r) Linda Mitchell-President, Katarina Contrabasso, Della Krook, Ava Frederick, Adalyn Scherer, Kayla Rivera, Kylie Meiczinger, Alyssa Hayman, Malia Kirschman and Patty Camunas-Scholarship Chair.
