GFWC LUTZ-LAND O’LAKES WOMAN’S CLUB members have donated three copies of a very moving children’s book entitled “Twenty-One Steps”, chronicling the little known history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery, Washington, DC, to be delivered to each of the 3 club-supported local elementary schools.

These books beautifully pay homage to America’s fallen, tell the story of those soldiers who stand guard and give an illustrated history of our “Unknowns” in the 100^th anniversary year (2021) of the first burial of an unknown World War I fallen veteran. 

 

Chair persons Dee Knerr (Civic Engagement) and Faith Sincich (Education) have delivered the books to Lutz, Miles and Connerton Elementary school libraries.

GFWC LUTZ-LAND O’LAKES WOMAN’S CLUB proudly announces the selection of its Volunteer of the Year – BARBARA BOOTH.  Club member Barbara Booth, a Lutz resident, is an outstanding member who contributes her time and talents to all club projects and best exemplifies service through volunteerism.  Regardless of the Woman’s Club project, Ms. Booth is the first to offer her help and skills in organizing and working events, sewing endlessly whether it be for NICU units in area hospitals, Moffitt Cancer Center or providing 100s of covid masks early on in the pandemic to each club member, their spouses and then expanding to school children and ALF facilities.  Her list of service is indeed a long one, done quietly and without applause.  Barbara Booth, the Woman’s Club congratulates and applauds you with this honor for your generosity of spirit, your time and energy to improve the lives and living conditions of so many in our community and beyond.  You are truly our selfless VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR and are very much appreciated.

 

GFWC LUTZ-LAND O’LAKES WOMAN’S CLUB members have selected longtime member, Elaine Pittman, as their Clubwoman of the Year, for her outstanding service within the club and community for many years. Elaine is well-known locally as “The Plant Lady” who is always present in her plant booth at club flea markets and other events.  She propagates her plants and sells them to raise funds for her favorite charity, Christian Social Services in Land O’Lakes.  Over the years, Ms. Pittman has donated 1000s of dollars raised through her plant sales to help support the underserved homeless community through CSS.  

Past President Annette Bellingar presented Ms. Pittman with a commemorative plaque on behalf of the club.

 

GFWC LUTZ-LAND O’LAKES WOMAN’S CLUB members donated sufficient funds to provide for 15 wreaths, laid at the graves of veterans interred in the American Legion Cemetery in Tampa, as part of the national “Wreaths Across America” project to honor our veterans.  Club members attended the moving flag ceremony before respectfully laying individual wreaths and acknowledging each veteran’s name aloud followed by a moment of silence.

GFWC LUTZ-LAND O’LAKES WOMAN’S CLUB members have generously donated food items sufficient to provide Christmas dinners for 15 local families in need.  The foods were delivered to the Lutz Elementary School K-8 Den, which helps to serve its students and families who need assistance at this time.

GFWC LUTZ-LAND O’LAKES WOMAN’S CLUB honored newly elected Club President Elayne Bassinger at a festive Christmas luncheon meeting where Annette Bellingar passed the gavel.  Florida state GFWC President Dianne Foerster, together with a number of state officers, attended the festivities to offer their congratulations and support.  Also installed were the new President’s Board of Directors and her Executive Board.  Ms. Bassinger and her Board will lead this very active community service organization forward in her next 2 year term of office.