The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Teens make vehicles out of food at the New River library

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Teens recently used their ingenuity to make vehicles out of a food at the New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel. The library provided the materials for the challenge, to see which vehicle could go the farthest.

Fourteen-year-old Imani Thompson, of Wesley Chapel, right, glances at her 16-year-old sister Afiya, as they build vehicles using edible materials. The teenagers used marshmallows, candy, chocolate chips and other goodies to build their vehicles. (Christine Holtzman)
Fourteen-year-old Hailey Gilding, of Wesley Chapel, opens a package containing a brownie that will be used as the chassis of her edible vehicle. When the competition was over, the kids were able to eat their creations.
Fourteen-year-old Arielle Cooper, of Wesley Chapel, right, concentrates before launching her vehicle down the ramp, as Casey Abbott, New River Branch Library’s teen librarian, left, watches. Cooper, the president of the Teen Advisory Board, encourages new members to join their group. It meets at the library on the first and third Thursdays of each month.

Italian potluck at Grand Horizons

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On Feb. 24, we had our monthly potluck. This was the first potluck that was hosted by Ilene Nutting, and she did a great job. Nancy Huey previously put on the potluck, and she had for quite a while, but now has turned over the reins.

Ilene Nutting setting up for the big sale. (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

It was just this month that Ilene Nutting started to host it. She had some help and all did a fine job. Her main helpers were Donna Quinn and Gary Douglas but, according to what Ilene said, there were so many helpers to organize things and clean up that she was overwhelmed by it.  They knew what had to be done and went about it.

When speaking with Ilene, I mentioned that the potluck was a success, and she promptly added, “That is because of the many cooks and the variety of dishes.”

Andy Castonguay mans the cashier’s table.

Jim Leitzke said grace before the meal started while we bowed our heads in silence.

There were approximately 75 people who enjoyed a nice Italian meal. There was an eggplant parmesan dish, stuffed shells, chicken parmesan, green bean casserole, Watergate salad and so much more.

As for desserts, there was a variety: Italian cookies, chocolate chip cookies, pies, cakes and candies. If you wanted more, you could go back. Ilene also mentioned that if we knew of any shut-ins, we could make a plate of the main dishes and one for desserts for them. I thought that was a nice touch.

After the luncheon and the cleanup, a trivia game competition was featured by “The Trivia Wizards,” with Dick and Connie Kingsbury (booked by Gary Wilcox). From what I understand, the trivia game was lots of fun and it featured a variety of questions.

Germaine Marion and Jerry Raffa hit the dance floor.

On March 2, a community sale was featured at the community center and at individual houses.

As it has been in the past, a variety of things were for sale. Some things we have looked high and low for were found at this sale.

There was also a bake sale and a book sale. There was a food sale where you can grab a hot dog, fries and a soda for a quick lunch. That way you wouldn’t miss anything.

It definitely was a delightful day, and at night at our community center, we saw a show that was put on by Skip Swackhamer and Mel Heman. This show was presented by Gary Wilcox. There were approximately 55 residents and visitors attending.

It was a fun way to end the day as country, rock & roll, blues and requests were played. Many couples were on the floor and danced to the music.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Having fun in downtown Zephyrhills

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The seventh annual Paulie Palooza drew hundreds to Fifth Avenue in Downtown Zephyrhills for food, music and fun on Feb. 23 The event, held at Main Street Zephyrhills, featured live music throughout the day, food trucks, vendors, face painters, auctions and drawings for prizes donated by local businesses. Proceeds from the event benefit Gulfside Hospice and help support patient care and bereavement services for Pasco County residents.

Cork Welsh, of Zephyrhills, right, dances with his wife of 39 years, Kelly, to the live music of the band, Backwaters Own. The couple came to the festival with friends. (Christine Holtzman)
A row of 1960s Mini’s line a section of Fifth Avenue in downtown Zephyrhills during the seventh annual Paulie Palooza festival. Dion Jardine, of D.J. Mini Parts of Wesley Chapel, organizes area meet-ups for enthusiasts of these classic cars.
Donning a cowboy hat and a smile, 10-year-old Logan Farmer, of Zephyrhills, waits for his mother, Amanda Clayton, as she parks the car. The mother and son had been in the convenience store when they saw the Paulie Palooza festival in progress and decided to check it out.
Six-year-old Peyton Thomas, of Zephyrhills, left, and her 5-year-old sister, Braelee, watch their aunt, Autumn Kimura of Tampa, as she packages freshly made kettle corn into a bag for a customer. Kimura and her step-father own Monkey Business Concessions.

 

Just in Time for St. Patrick’s Day

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A brief history of corned beef and cabbage:

Eating corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day seems to go hand-in-hand with this day — almost as naturally as shamrocks and wearing green.

Many restaurants feature the meal as a menu special, which is sometimes so popular that it sells out.

Carrots and potatoes often accompany corned beef and cabbage, a dish often served on St. Patrick’s Day. (Courtesy of Sheri Bresin)

But, how did this tradition start, and is this truly an Irish dish?

There is a lot of history to it, but I will keep it concise.

If anything, the vegetables in the meal are more authentic to Ireland than the meat.

The cabbage is grown in many varieties in Ireland and is available almost year-round. Additionally, you will find carrots and potatoes in a corned beef and cabbage dish, which have also been Irish staples. They have grown well there, because of the soil and climate, for centuries.

But, cooking the corned beef and cabbage dish as a way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is more of an Irish-American tradition. Meaning, if you travel to Ireland on March 17, don’t expect to see this meal being served (Just like you wouldn’t see General Tso’s chicken on a menu in China).

According to the Smithsonian Magazine, pork was (and still is) the main animal product consumed in Ireland hundreds of years ago, as beef was more expensive and out of reach for most. Also, cattle were used solely for milk and to help with farming, and would only be eaten if a cow was too old to work or produce milk.

When the Irish immigrated to America starting in the late 1700s, though, they could enjoy beef, where it was more affordable and accessible.

In fact, the Jewish delis in New York City introduced them to corned beef.

The saltiness of the corned beef paired well with the plain flavors of the cabbage, carrots and potatoes they were so familiar with back home.

If you have any leftovers from your corned beef and cabbage, you make want to make some Reuben sandwiches.

And, with St. Patrick’s Day being a religious holiday in Ireland, the Irish immigrants celebrated this day to recognize their heritage with a meal that connected their new homeland to their old one.

So, you might be wondering: Why do we call it corned beef?

The corned beef comes from brisket, which is a tougher cut of meat from the front of the cow. To make it tender, it is cured (preserved) with large grain pieces of salt, or “corns of salt.”

So there are a few fun facts for you. It’s not quite the Irish cuisine most of us assume, but something that started right here in the United States, and with a completely different immigrant population playing a role, no less.

By Shari Bresin

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County 

Recipes
This is a recipe that my (Irish-American) father-in-law makes using the slow cooker:

Ingredients

1 large onion, chopped

4-5 pounds of corned beef brisket

12 oz. can of dark beer

1 Tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon of thyme

Seasoning packet (optional/usually included with the brisket)

4-5 carrots, halved and cut in ¾-inch slices, rinsed

½  large head of green cabbage, cut into wedges, rinsed

2.5 pounds of whole red potatoes (or any preferred type of potato), rinsed

Directions
Put chopped onions on the bottom of the crockpot

Place the corned beef brisket fat-side up

Mix the beer, brown sugar and thyme, and add to crockpot

Add seasoning mix (optional)

Cook on low for 8 hours

About 10-15 minutes before the meat is done, take 1 cup of the juice from the slow

cooker to boil the cabbage and carrots in until soft (about half an hour)

Boil the potatoes until soft

Let meat cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing (veggies may still be boiling as the meat

cools)

Feeds six people

Have leftovers?  Great. Don’t throw it out just yet (unless it’s been in the fridge for 4 days). Use the extra meat to make a Reuben sandwich. This classic sandwich has many variations, but here is one simple way to make it:

Ingredients for one Reuben sandwich
2 slices marble rye bread (or another type you prefer)

2 Tablespoons Thousand Island dressing or Russian dressing (Russian dressing is typically spicier)

2 slices of Swiss cheese

2 Tablespoons of sauerkraut from the bag or can (but canned tends to be too salty for some)

1/3 pound corned beef, thinly sliced if preferred

1-2 teaspoons cooking oil (enough to coat the pan)

Directions
Spread the dressing on each slice of the rye bread

Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each slice of bread

Add the sauerkraut on top of each slice of cheese

Add beef on one bread slice and then stack slices together to form sandwich

Coat pan with oil

Cook on one side until golden brown, then flip to other side until golden brown

Put lid on to help the cheese melt

Published March 06, 2019

Pasco County Fair delivers food, music and thrills

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The Pasco County Fair has always prided itself on its focus on family fun, in a safe environment, and this year’s fair fulfilled that mission.

The Ferris wheel, one of the most popular amusement rides, was positioned in the center of the fair to give riders a 360-degree view of all the activity below. (Fred Bellet)

It featured a parade through downtown Dade City, with the theme of “Thrills, Squeals and Ferris Wheels.”

There were the usual fair favorites, too: Food, music, rides, competitions and shows.

Hungry fair-goers could choose tasty offerings such as gyros, French fries, corn dogs, roasted corn and, of course, cotton candy, candy apples, elephant ears, funnel cakes, cinnamon roll, and much, much more.

There were gospel and bluegrass concerts, roving entertainers, racing pigs and other shows.

Art was on display, and kids showed off their prize heifers, bulls, rabbits and other animals.

There were lots of rides on the Midway, too.

The fair, put on by the Pasco County Fair Association, has played an important role in community life in Dade City for decades, and has attracted people from far and wide to enjoy its offerings.

It carried on that tradition, again, in 2019.

Published March 06, 2019

With her parents close-by, 6-year-old Layla Huffmier, of New Port Richey, sneaks up on Pasco County Fair Ambassadors Marion Panek, left, and Wayne Panek, of Spring Hill. The youngster was waiting for her parents Nathan and Julie Huffmier to decide which exhibit they were going to check out first. As ambassadors, the Paneks provided information to fair-goers from their booth near the main entrance.
Hungry fair-goers treated themselves to pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, corn dogs, egg rolls, cotton candy, candied apples and more at the Pasco County Fair food court.
Six-year-old Lily Bolton, of San Antonio, has her sights on the fair’s amusement midway on opening day. But first, a quick stop at the food court for some French fries with her cousin, Kiki Sears.
Ernest Lee, also known as ‘The Chicken Man,’ brought his brand of art to the fair. He worked on a number of acrylic paintings in the exhibit hall and painted requests he received from fair-goers.

 

One-year-old Brayden Doyle snoozed through the line, while his mom, Tori Doyle, of Riverview, and cousin, Robin Wilks, of Zephyrhills, navigated his stroller through the main gate during the opening of the Pasco County Fair.

 

 

 

Storyteller entertains children at Lutz Community Center

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Professional storyteller and puppeteer Katie Adams had children spellbound, as she told them a story about Anansi, a mischievous spider at the Lutz Community Center, 98 First Ave., N.W.

After the show, storyteller and puppeteer Katie Adams, of Katie Adams’ Make Believe Theater in Tampa, shows the children in the audience how they will be able to make their own spider puppet at home with supplies she provided. The event was made possible by funding to the Lutz Branch Library from the Tampa-Hillsborough County Children’s Library Foundation. (Christine Holtzman)
Anansi the spider hangs from his web on the great Baobab tree while talking to a pair of birds during a performance by professional storyteller and puppeteer Katie Adams at the Lutz Community Center. The show, on Feb. 25, which included puppets, came from a collection of three African tales about a mischievous spider.
Two-year-old Carolina Mellor, of Wesley Chapel, giggles with her mother, Alissa Rodriguez, after the Katie Adams’ Make Believe Theater performance of ‘The Red and Green Hat.’

Hundreds compete at Pasco Special Olympics Summer Games

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Athletes from 18 Pasco County schools converged on the campus of Wesley Chapel High School, 3651 Wells Road, to compete at the Pasco County Special Olympics Summer Games on Feb 22. Events included walks, runs, races, bocce ball, cycling, soccer, and softball and tennis ball throws.

The Thomas E. Weightman Middle School Special Olympics team walks around the track at Wesley Chapel High School during the opening ceremony of the Pasco County Special Olympics on Feb. 22. (Christine Holtzman)
Fourteen-year-old Jake Blocher, an eighth-grader at Dr. John Long Middle School, gets a high-five from Lucy Domenech, of Wesley Chapel, as he competes in a cycling heat. Domenech and her daughter, Melissa Aldajuste, left, were at the games to support Aldajuste’s daughter, Mikayla, who was competing in another event. Grady Beagle, the adaptive physical education coach at John Long Middle, is on the right.
Six-year-old Jayshawn Harris, left, and 6-year-old Michael Rodriguez bond over a cloud of bubbles from a bubble-making machine. Harris is in first grade at New River Elementary, and Rodriguez is in first grade at Sand Pine Elementary.

Quilt show winner

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(Courtesy of Becky Busdeker)

Leisure Days RV Resort wants to thank everyone who attended the Leisure Days Quilt Show on Feb. 22. Larry Sproessig was the winner of the beautiful quilt made by the Leisure Day Quilters. From left: Shelly Shaw, Larry Sproessig and Helen Renaud.

An Irish night at Grand Horizons

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On Feb. 16, approximately 90 people (residents and guests) met in our community center to see a show put on by Cahal Dunne, “Ireland’s Happy Man.” This was one terrific show that included many types of music and several songs.

Before each song was performed, Cahal told a small story of how it came about. Some were touching stories that really got to you, while others were cute and snappy.

Cahal Dunne plays the flute during one of his Irish songs. (Marty Rubenstein)

He started off with a country Irish tart and song, complete with a dance step.

The first song that he performed on his white piano was entitled “Mary, Did You Know?“ He did a beautiful job on this song, complete with little antics of expression.

During the evening, he did several more, including a country song by George Strait called “I Just Want to Dance with You,” and this included some audience participation while he played it on the piano.

He then told us a story, which was quite touching, about a “special” student named Sara. As he told the story, chills ran up and down my body. Everyone was quiet, as they listened to the story. He then proceeded to sing the song called “An Angel for Sara.” In the song he related precisely what he told the audience in the story about a teacher stating that Sara was “special.”

One of the cute and funny songs was entitled “On the Internet,” which was priceless the way it was presented. By this I mean he had expressions that spoke volumes. Everyone in the audience had quite a chuckle.

Cahal Dunne using a baster to enhance a song.

When he first started the show, he was wearing a lovely jacket with blue and, then he changed to a green jacket. He proceeded to sing “The Galway Girl,” originally by Steve Earle. He not only played the piano but also the flute and, once again, with intermittently good antics. This was a lovely song, and the audience definitely showed their appreciation.

There was one really cute moment where he sang “The Pheasant Plucker” with no music, but the song had us in stitches.

Also performed was “Danny Boy,” while he played on the piano and sang the song. It was a fantastic performance.

“A Daisy A Day” was a beautiful love song and was performed on the piano. At this point, he changed into another jacket, which looked like a Liberace jacket with all sparkles.

He performed the “MIA” song that definitely brought a tear to many an eye. As with the other songs, before he sang, he told a story that touched our hearts. A cute moment was when he sang and played, “When You Wish Upon a Star,” and also used a baster when humming.

Cahal Dunne belting out a song.

Another moment stood out when he sang “The Menopause Song.” This was simply adorable, and in the song “hot flashes” was mentioned along with the pulling of blankets plus the initials for Punish my Spouse. Yes, this was supposedly the worst song, but the best of humor.

He also performed, on the piano, a tribute to the Eagles, including “Desperado” and “Heartache Tonight.”

Once again, he changed jackets and wore a Scottish jacket to perform a cute and clever song called “The Scotsman.” This was performed with no music, but clapping from the audience.

A few more songs and then another jacket went on his back, and this was a black jeweled one. He performed “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” “Run Around Sue” and “ In the Still of The Night.”

The last one performed was to “Shooby-doo’s”  by the audience in the appropriate spaces.  The audience went wild and loved the entire performance.

He put on one last jacket — a patriotic jacket, and sang the song called “The Journey,” which was a song of life.

Also, he had a drawing and one lucky person got their choice of either a CD or a book.

Everyone went home in a great mood after the show.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Bexley Is Showcase Community At This Weekend’s Parade of Homes

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It is estimated that homebuyers visit 10 homes before they find “The One.” Potential buyers will have a chance to walk through dozens of model homes at the annual Tampa Bay Parade of Homes, which is being held the first two weekends in March.

This year, Bexley by Newland Communities will play a prominent role as the featured Showcase Community. Seven models representing three of Bexley’s award-winning builders will be on display during this popular two-weekend event.

“We’re honored to be this year’s Showcase Community, and to have the opportunity to show potential homebuyers what the Bexley lifestyle has to offer,” said Pam Parisi, vice president of marketing for Newland Communities, developer of Bexley.

The Bexley Club is a popular meeting place for residents and the surrounding community.

The Parade of Homes is an exceptional time to see the floor plans, interior designs and architecture of model homes, which are also judged by a panel of industry experts.

Featured homes in Bexley will include models from popular builders Cardel Homes, David Weekley Homes and Homes by WestBay.

Parade visitors can tour Cardel Homes’ Henley and Savannah models. The two-story, four-bedroom Henley provides more than 3,900 square-feet of living space, while the four-bedroom Savannah floor plan features three baths and more than 3,300 square feet of living space in a single-story design. Both models have three-car garages and have been newly decorated.

David Weekley’s Stonebrook model is a two-story home with four bedrooms, 3.5 baths and a rear entry two-car garage. This popular builder’s newly designed Tangelo floor plan features four bedrooms and 3.5 baths in a single-story home with just over 3,000 square feet.

The Sandpiper and Cypress models from Homes by WestBay offer stately four-bedroom and two to 2.5-bathroom floor plans. The one-story Sandpiper provides just over 2,000 square feet and a two-car garage, while the Cypress is a two-story floor plan with more than 2,700 square feet.

As one of Pasco County’s premier master-planned communities, homeowners at Bexley have access to a wide range of amenities and activities.

The central hub of the community is The Bexley Club. This lakeside clubhouse is a popular meeting place for residents and the surrounding community. Many come in to enjoy great food at the Twisted Sprocket Café, which serves breakfast, gourmet lunches, desserts, smoothies, wine, craft beer and coffee drinks.

Next door to the clubhouse, Suncoast Trailside Bicycles sells a variety of bikes, including mountain and electric bikes, gear and clothing. The shop also offers repairs. If you’re looking to cycle around the community or hit the Bexley BMX pump track, you’ll find everything you need at this one-stop shop.

In addition to two resort-style pools and a fitness center, residents also enjoy miles of multi-surface Avid™ trails, ideal for walking, biking, jogging and strollers. Fit Stations located along the trails add fun and variety to workouts.

Want to know what it’s like to live at Bexley? Sign up for the “Resident for a Day” program, which lets prospective homebuyers utilize many of the community’s amenities to get a true feel for what it’s like to live there.

“We love giving people an opportunity to experience life in Bexley firsthand. The Resident for a Day program gives prospective buyers an opportunity to enjoy the amenities, talk with residents, and see for themselves why so many families have chosen to make Bexley their home,” said Parisi.

Bexley’s Parade of Home models are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Friday and Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., on Sunday. A guide to the models is available onsite at The Bexley Club, or download a copy at TampaBayParadeOfHomes.com.

For more information, visit BexleyFlorida.com, or call (813) 425-7555.