BY LIZA STROUT - At the D.L. Moody Fellowship Hall every Tuesday, there is one motto that holds true.

“Laughter is the best medicine, and we have plenty of that here,” said Carol Lucas, a registered nurse who works with the weekly adult respite care group that meets at the First Baptist Church of Boca Grande.

BY LIZA STROUT - Westie Fest was held at the Gasparilla Inn Soccer Field on Sunday, Feb. 12, and it drew almost two dozen fluffy white balls of energy from far and wide.
The dogs, ranging in age from 5 months to 17 years, gathered for the biannual event.

Melissa Heinemann is currently painting murals of island scenes on the walls at South Beach Restaurant. She has just completed the first section behind the stage, and will eventually cover more of the walls in the restaurant.       

The Barrier Island Parks Society invites you to join them for the 16th annual Green Gala at Caesar’s Palace on Friday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Boca Bay Pass Club.

Members of the Lemon Bay Rotary are returning to play the part of croupiers who will be working the craps and blackjack tables, as well as the roulette wheel. The Saint Tone Band will play, and savory foods will be served, courtesy of Chef James Searle. A live and silent auction and a full bar, as well as a wine bar (cash only) will round out the night.

It will be a night fit for any toga-clad emperor or empress. Tickets are $100 per person, look for “Rat Pack” cards hidden around town beginning February 27 to obtain free prizes.

Call 964-0060 for more information.