Fire destroyed a hot tub and damaged a home on Lariat Loop Wednesday evening.

Fire crews rolled to the 9:30 p.m. blaze and found the tub and outside deck fully engulfed, with flames spreading to the residence. They were forced to remove roofing materials and exterior siding to gain access to pockets of burning embers, Chief Jim Walkowski said.

No injuries were reported, and cause of the blaze is under investigation.

Estimated property loss was $15,000, and content loss $3,000.

Caregivers need flowers

Transportation to the doctor is vital, but cheering are Flowers from the Heart .

A project by that name, sponsored by Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, is taking flower donations from local gardens for bouquets to deliver to those without family or who might otherwise not receive flowers.

“Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers does a lot of wonderful things,” said Susan Hayes, Flowers from the Heart founder, “but it’s the one program that goes beyond need to just joy.”

Winslow Hardware is taking donations Monday through Thursday during store hours, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Volunteers create bouquets wrapped in ribbon and tissue and deliver them with a personal card.

The nonprofit Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers helps the elderly and disabled with transportation, short-term assistance or companionship. Whether a person is in a skilled nursing home, senior housing or a private home, IVC helps people “maintain dignity and quality of life,” said Cheryl Boal, assistant director for IVC.

Hayes and her husband Jerry started the flower program around 1997 with Mary Hall, owner of Winslow Hardware, “to be able to give somebody something not necessary, but which brightens up their day,” Boal said.

Flower duties were recently handed off to IVC volunteers. Boal hopes that in addition to flower donations during the summer, people will also donate money in the winter months for purchases of seasonal plants. In the past, IVC has received winter flowers from local grocery and flower stores.

“The most wonderful part is that flowers come from the community,” Hayes said.

Anyone who knows an elderly resident or other person who does not usually receive flowers but would appreciate getting them, may call IVC at 842-4441.

– Tina Lieu

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