Congratulations to Jean Palmieri, Dianne Finn, Gloria Bucher, Hazel Robles (pictured left to right) and KarenSue Molis and Kay Taylor for being awarded 1st place ribbons at the District Arts and Crafts Competition. Their entries will now advance to state competition in Orlando in May. Gloria Bucher also won “Best in Show” while Dianne Finn won a “Judge’s Choice. 
Club Members Strut Their Stuff
Club members “Strutted Their Stuff” at the February 22nd VSA Fashion Show. Recent members, Maureen Robak and Nancy Taylor joined Aniko Solomonson, Jean Palmieri, Lucy Albury, Hazel Robles and Pat Serio on the runway. Annette Bellinger was again the auctioneer and did a great job of raising the most money for items like Nancy Taylor’s lovely planter or wine bottle holder (no one was sure which). Money raised from the luncheon and 50/50 were presented to VSA Florida. 
Edwina Kraemer is 2018 WEDU Volunteerism Finalist
We are so very proud of our past President Edwina R. Kraemer who was nominated as an honoree and placed as a top finalist in the 2018 WEDU-PBS “Be More Involved” – Mason Dixon Award for Volunteerism. Edwina was nominated for this honor on the basis of her tireless commitment on behalf of Canine Companions for Independence and her volunteerism in GFWC. Although Edwina didn’t win top spot for this award, she placed in the Final 6 amidst a very wide field of outstanding candidates in an online poll covering the entire WEDU-PBS viewing area. We, as a club, salute and congratulate Edwina for her outstanding achievements and accomplishments. Kay Taylor, Nancy Fisher and Candy Jackson, D-8 Director were at the Awards Luncheon to support Edwina and Kay presented her with a lovely bouquet in appreciation. Congratulations, Edwina!!!
Club Congratulates Edwina Kraemer for Dog Fest
GFWC LUTZ-LAND O’LAKES WOMAN’S CLUB congratulates member Edwina R. Kraemer and her team on all their efforts and success in raising almost $36,000 on behalf of Canine Companions for Independence at the recent Dogfest in Al Lopez Park and other fundraising events through the year. Ms. Kraemer has worked tirelessly, through her club and GFWC, raising funds and awareness for this most worthwhile and rewarding project to provide highly trained assistance and service animals to children, adults and veterans with disabilities. 
WOMAN’S CLUB DONATES TO SHELTERBOX CHARITY
GFWC LUTZ-LAND O’LAKES WOMAN’S CLUB recently hosted guest speaker Mike Mira, a “Hall of Fame” Ambassador and Zone Director of ShelterBox, an international disaster relief charity. Mr. Mira gave a very informative presentation on this organization which provides almost immediate aid on the basis of needs when an emergency disaster strikes. ShelterBox is a non-government, non-profit which responds very quickly to new disasters on average every 2 weeks and has deployed response teams and equipment in the U.S. and elsewhere around the globe in hurricanes and other catastophes, providing immediate shelter and necessary supplies to aid victims. Club International Outreach Chair Elayne Bassinger presented ShelterBox with a donation on behalf of the Woman’s Club. 
Club Donates Icemaker to Heritage Park Community Center
GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club has donated a brand new icemaker to the Land O’Lakes Heritage Park Community Center with Club President Karin D’Amico showing it off at a recent meeting. This appliance will be most appreciated and most useful to all the groups which make use of the center and gather there for so many community activities. Heritage Park Community Center is the venue for a good deal of Woman’s Club meetings and events and the club wished to show its appreciation. The Woman’s Club has donated to and supported both the Land O’Lakes Community Center as well as the Lutz Community Center for many decades. 