Monday, May 28, 2012
Our deepest thanks to the men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedom, and to the families they left behind.
Since 9/11, 6,442 Americans have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. At 12:01 p.m. today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veternas of America will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, and they are asking the nation to join them by observing a moment of silence. You can sign the pledge to go silent on the IAVA website. Happy Memorial Day. May the children and families of those who paid the ultimate price for our nation's freedom take some comfort in our gratitude.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
A Bay area author and former military threat analyst pens books that help the youngest members of military families cope with deployment and injury.
Memorial Day gives us pause to honor those who have given their lives to protect our freedom. But there are others who make tremendous sacrifices for us, as well: the children of those heroes. When a soldier is deployed, the effect on his or her family can be profound. When that soldier is injured or killed in combat, the effect can be devastating. A Bay area author and former U.S. Central Command threat analyst has written two picture books to help military children cope with a parent's injury and take pride in the work they do. Kristen Zajac left government work behind after her twins were born in 2008, but her passion for those she left behind remained strong. When she realized there were not many books available for children of wounded…
Friday, May 25, 2012
Law enforcement and state agencies offer some suggestions for enjoying the area's waterways safely this summer.
More than 60 percent of boating-related deaths in 2011 were caused by drowning. That's reason to review these five safety tips before heading out on the water this Memorial Day weekend in Pasco waterways or elsewhere. 1. Wear a life jacket. Life jackets should be tested for wear and buoyancy at least once a year. 2. Safety Checklist. Follow the vessel safety checklist to help keep your boat safe. This includes having items like a fire extinguisher and a whistle on board. 3. Know where you are going. Know your vessel, the area, tide times and depths of the water. 4. Operate your vessel safely. Slow down in congested areas and no wake zones. Here's a summary from the FWC of state boating regulations. 5. File a float plan. Always let someone …
Want to honor those who have served and sacrificed? The Lutz Patriots collect items for soldier care packages every Friday afternoon.
Memorial Day, originally called Remembrance Day, was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. If you're looking for a way to honor those who have given their lives for our freedom, consider making a donation to those still in harm's way. Founded in 2003, the Lutz Patriots assemble at the Old Lutz Schoolhouse, 18819 US 41, every Friday to wave to passing drivers and collect donations for soldier care packages. "Your contributions are heartfelt and a necessity as a positive morale booster for the soldiers throughout our unit. Our time here in Afghanistan feels a little shorter each time we open a package from back home. We would not have the …
Here's what's happening around the Bay area Friday - Monday. Have a safe holiday!
Free Admission to Florida Aquarium: Active duty or retired Military can get two free tickets to the aquarium all weekend. Up to four additional family members can buy a discounted $10 admission ticket. Must present military ID. Veterans Artwork and Reception: The Gallery at the Carrollwood Cultural Center, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital and Operation Helping Hand are presenting Star Spangled Art, an art show of works by current and past patients of James A. Haley Veterans Hospital. Star Spangled Art will be on display at the Gallery at Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, through June 4, and is free to view during normal business hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. An open …
The festivities were moved from the Fourth of July to this weekend.
This year’s GaYbor Days celebrations have been moved to Memorial Day weekend, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The festivities began Thursday, May 24, and will continue until Monday, May 28. Usually, GaYbor Days are planned for the weekend before Independence Day, but the GaYbor District Coalition moved the events to avoid conflicts with the happenings scheduled for St. Pete Pride, which takes place the last Saturday in June, the local newspaper reports. For more information, visit www.mcfilm.co.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Here's what's going on in Land O' Lakes and the Tampa Bay area for Memorial Day weekend.
Free Admission to Florida Aquarium: Active duty or retired Military can get two free tickets to the aquarium all weekend. Up to four additional family members can buy a discounted $10 admission ticket. Must present military ID. GaYbor Days: This year’s GaYbor Days celebration has been moved to Memorial Day weekend. The festivities begin Thursday, May 24, and will continue until Monday, May 28. Start your Memorial Day weekend off by showing your support for the military. The Lutz Patriots accept donations for soldier care packages during their weekly Friday evening flag wavings at the old Lutz school from 4:30 - 6 p.m. Check the website for a full list of needed items. And check out this great blog post while you're at it. Wine Festival: …
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Myrtle Lake Baptist Church invites the community to enjoy free food and entertainment Sunday, May 27.
Memorial Day is Monday, and a local church is honoring Pasco County's first responders with an evening of community fun. The Big Event, hosted by Myrtle Lake Baptist Church and Wesley Chapel Nissan, will feature free food, a concert by Above Gray Skies and an outdoor screening of "Courageous," as well as a bounce house for the kids and free drawings for prizes. "We wanted to give back to our community and to the ones who risk their lives daily to keep our community safe. Since 9/11, Memorial Day has become more than just remembering those in our military who sacrifice daily for our way of life, but to all the first responders who give selflessly for our freedom and protection," associate pastor Huey Bratton said. The film "Couragous" deals…
Monday, May 14, 2012
Do you have a favorite place in town to take a break from the kitchen and relax on Memorial Day?
Barbecues, swimming pools, time off work and school. Summer is almost here, but first we get to enjoy a long, lazy Memorial Day weekend. In case you forgot, it’s coming up faster than you think. Memorial Day 2012 is May 28. With that in mind, we turn this week’s Readers’ Choice poll over to a very important topic: where to go for the best Memorial Day eats and drinks in town? Here are a few of our favorites: Voting in the poll below is open until 9 a.m. on Friday. Ties will be broken based on the rules spelled out in the PDF that’s included along with this story. We’ll declare the winner on Friday, May 18. So vote for your favorite place to stock up on sporting gear! And don’t forget to tell us in the comments section why. See the attached…
Donna McDine
3:36 pm on Monday, May 28, 2012
Kristen Zajac is a true inspiration! Thank you for this wonderful article of her! Regards, Donna McDine more ›