The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Relaxation and Beauty belle âme Day Spa & Salon

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Natural and Organic Beauty Treatments

After 21 years in information technology management for a large financial services firm in the Tampa Bay area, Lisa Huston was ready for a career change. A life and health changing experience with massage therapy led to her new passion: operating a European-style luxury spa featuring organic and natural products.

“I had suffered physically from the effects of a stressful, high pressure job for years. The long hours were taking a toll on my body, as well. I had chronic back and leg pain for a long time. I tried a variety of medical treatments, but nothing really eliminated the pain,” said Ms. Huston. “Trying to find some relief, I visited a new massage therapist who did body work. Literally from the first session, my pain improved. Soon, the limp I’d had for several years disappeared, and I was walking normally again.”

That dramatic change inspired her new career direction. She decided to start a spa and salon dedicated to helping clients de-stress, relax and look great, using all natural and organic products. Ms. Huston had visited some of the best spas in the world in her travels, and she wanted to make that experience available locally. She named the spa “belle âme” – “beautiful soul” in French.

belle âme Day Spa & Salon is housed in its own 3,300 square foot building at the back of Osprey Cove, away from traffic. Clients are transported into a different world the moment the moment they walk through the door of the area’s premier day spa. The spa offers different types of massage therapy, body wraps, manicures, pedicures, facials, microdermabrasion, Photon/LED treatments, eyelash extensions, waxing services, PEMF treatments and a full-service hair salon. Packages of multiple services are available. Spa and salon services, which are available to both women and men, are performed by some of the most talented professionals in the area.

All services provided by the spa use natural or organic products. “People are becoming aware that many beauty products contain ingredients that are potentially harmful,” said Ms. Huston. The spa also sells natural and organic products by Oway, Surface, Bella Luccè and Skin Script Rx in its retail area, so that clients can have those same products available for use at home.

Another goal Ms. Huston had in opening the spa was to create a place that would be fun for group events. “We love hosting groups, and we love working with our clients to plan their special events at the spa,” she said. “It’s so rewarding to see a group of friends have a great time relaxing here.”

As a way of giving back to the community, belle âme Day Spa & Salon also has a program called “belle âme Gives Back.” Local charitable organizations who schedule an event with the spa that day receive half the proceeds from all services performed. All of the events held to date have been very successful. Anyone interested in scheduling a “belle âme Gives Back” event is welcome to contact the spa for more information.

Future clients can learn more about belle âme Day Spa & Salon’s service offerings by visiting http://belleamedayspa.com or by calling 813-949-8400.

Delivering Excellence

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Store owner Cathy Charlton (l) with sales associate Claudia Fantasia

By Will Plazewski

Special to The Laker / Lutz News

If great things really do come in small packages, then The UPS Store in Land O’Lakes is the epitome of that expression.

Between shipping, in-store printing and postal needs, the place is a veritable one-stop shop of small business services.

Whether it’s a rubber stamp, document finishing, or laminating and binding, they can do it all.

“We are in the business of saving people time, but with shipping prices direct from UPS, we can save you money as well,” said store owner Cathy Charlton.

Opened next to the Publix in Arbor Square at Connerton since December 2016, The UPS Store offers many other services as well, including notary, passport photos, estate packing, custom crating and shipping freight items, like furniture and fine china.

“You’d be surprised at how much china we ship for people,” Charlton said. “I was initially amazed myself.”

Cathy and her husband Kirk have been UPS Store owners since 2009. The new Land O’ Lakes store is their third, joining the Zephyrhills branch and a Carollwood storefront as well.

“We’ve always been committed to providing convenient small business solutions with personalized customer service,” she said, “and, our new store is no exception.”

(813) 575-9196

landolakes-fl-6830.theupsstorelocal.com

Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:00 am – 6:30 pm

Saturday 9:00 am –2:30

 7842 Land O’Lakes Blvd.,

Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638

(1 mile north of Land O’Lakes High School on US 41)

Blueberry pancakes make for a happy time

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(Courtesy of Adrianne Ayres)

Nearly 80 residents and guests were at the Grand Horizons’ community center on April 22 for the last blueberry pancake breakfast of the season, hosted by David and Mary Heim. The breakfast included pancakes, French toast, three sausages, and orange juice, coffee and tea. Jim Sinner said grace, and everyone bowed their heads for a moment of silence. The breakfast crew included, from left, Pat Bond, Tom Carter, Mary and Dave Heim, Rosie Semian and Diane Taggart. Not pictured: Linda Rogers.

Looking forward to another season

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While the season is starting to dwindle down, Grand Horizons still has some activities going on.

From left, Jim Holmes, Bob Rebarkoff, Pauline Rebarkoff and Barb Holmes enjoy each other’s company before lunch in Zephyrhills.
(Courtesy of Marty and Helene Rubenstein)

One such activity is the lunch connoisseurs which is held once a month. So many of us look forward to it. This is when some residents and/or guests get together the second Friday of the month and go to a specific restaurant that someone chooses. This month, we all gathered at the Fresh Country Café in Zephyrhills on April 14. We had 36 people at the restaurant, and we were given a separate room.

The waitresses were very nice and helped out if someone had a question. Marty and I hosted the luncheon, and we all had a delightful time.

There was much conversation, and pictures were taken.

From left, Nancy Martin, Eugene Martin, Jerry Raffa and Germaine Marion look forward to a Fresh Country Café lunch.

Before the orders were taken, Galen Parker was nice enough to say grace, while a moment of silence was observed by the rest of the attendees.

The menu consisted of a variety of foods, including appetizers, salads, sandwiches, seafood and Cuban specialties. There was also a dessert at the end of the meal of ice cream or pudding.

We then took our leave and made the short trip home, as the restaurant wasn’t too far from our development. All in all, it was a nice afternoon.

There was entertainment at Grand Horizons on April 15. It was hosted by Gary Wilcox, and it was a bon voyage/tax day dance in the community center.

There was a very good turnout of residents and friends.

From left, Tom and Laurie Carter with Helene Rubenstein and Marty Rubenstein, hosts of the lunch connoisseurs get-together.

The Double Density Band performed for three hours with a wonderful variety of music.

Ralph and Sandra McCarthy are two very talented performers who have been entertaining people since 1996. Ralph is a professional guitar player and performed hit songs from B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Carlo Santana. Sandra handled the keyboards and many of the vocals from rock and roll, bluegrass, country and standards.

This was the final entertainment function at Grand Horizons until October.

From left: Chuck Carlson, Jim Leitzke, Judi Leitzke and Shirley Carlson await their lunch at the Fresh Country Café.

Since we were not there, Gary was nice enough to supply the above information.

There were close to 50 people who enjoyed the dance, and we look forward to going in the future.

I spoke to Eileen Goldstein and she added that the place was decorated in pastel tablecloths with centerpieces. She mentioned that everyone had a great time, and the band played until 10 p.m. From what she also said, the band ended the evening with a Connie Francis song.

Now, we just wait until the next season starts.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published April 26, 2017

Dual birthdays to celebrate

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Several women attended a luncheon April 4 at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse that was hosted by June Weinle. This was a nice gathering considering that many people have already left for their winter homes.

Diane Taggart and Rudi Lawson celebrated their birthdays on the same day.
(Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

We all sat at a long table. There were 16 of us, it was a lively group and we all had a great time.

The menu was varied, and everyone had a tempting dish. There was much conversation going on and friendly bantering.

Pictures were taken, and there were two women who were celebrating their birthdays the following week.

The restaurant was lovely. Some women had desserts, and they sure looked yummy.

Sue Parker and Siggi Ziotowsky catch up during lunch at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse.

Our thanks go to June who organized this luncheon.

At our community center, we had a coffee/doughnut hour on April 5. There was a crowd gathered for this and conversation was heard throughout the center.

We also heard the highlights of the week to come and any birthdays and/or anniversaries that were coming up.

After the meeting, the social club met and discussed the activities that we can expect for the summer, like ice cream socials, which are always fun. It sounds like everyone will have a fun time, and we will be with them in spirit, as we are going to Tennessee for a week and then home to Connecticut.

Judy Fischer, Sue Richardson and Donna Lynn Urbshott (sitting) attended the ladies lunch.

Residents gathered in the community center on April 10 for a weekly game of dominoes. We had quite a crowd there on Monday night. There were several tables of either four or five players.

Again, there was much discussion, and at times, when we accidentally knocked the train over, we mentioned that our train was out of commission.

We always have fun at Mexican train, and this day was no exception.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published April 19, 2017

A casual meal with friends

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Things are quiet in our bit of paradise. Several neighbors have returned to their northern homes. Jim Nagle and his awesome kitchen crew hosted one last walk-in breakfast. What a nice, convenient event to get pancakes hot off the grill with no pressure to arrive at a certain hour! (Courtesy of Mabel Budzinski)

All good things must come to an end

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The time has come! Do you recall me saying that we have an “Egg in a Bag” (formerly Egg N’ Bag) once a month? Well, this was the last one of the season. I guess all good things must come to an end.

Kitchen workers, from left: Carol George, Sue Parker, Judi Leitzke, Galen Parker, Clayton George and Jim Leitzke.
(Courtesy of Adrianne Ayres)

Because of the fact that the season is starting to wind down, and many of our residents have already returned to their summer homes or have taken extended getaways, the attendance is starting to dwindle. Still, for the last “Egg in a Bag” on April 1, more than 80 people were served.

It started with Galen Parker saying grace, while the rest of the people bowed their heads and observed a moment of silence.

Tables were then called to make their omelets from various ingredients on the table. There was bacon, ham, cheese, onions, mushrooms, green peppers and Jalapeno peppers.

The breakfast also included sausage gravy, biscuits and hash-brown potatoes, plus coffee and orange juice.

The ingredients that you chose were added to the eggs or egg beaters already in a cup.

At the end of the line, the entire contents of the cup were put in a bag, and the bag was then sealed, and you took it to the cooks to prepare it.

Several minutes later, a delicious omelet was presented to you.

The helpers and kitchen helpers included Sue and Galen Parker, Clayton and Carol George, Jim and Judie Leitzke, and Doris Sutfin.

Our sincere thanks go out to all of them. They did a wonderful job on this particular day, and the entire season.

Ten residents met at the community center April 3 to play a game of Mexican Train.

It may have been a relatively small group, but we all had loads of fun and, as usual, we had a nice conversation among us.

We had two tables of five, and it was a nice little group.

We always have fun at dominoes, which is held once a week on Mondays.

This particular game was introduced by Eugene and Nancy Martin, and it is one of our favorite activities at Grand Horizons.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published April 12, 2017

 

Another wonderful season at Sweetwater

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Our Sun RV Resort Appreciation Day Picnic was March 7 and was enjoyed by all who attended. It was a beautiful day of games and prizes, food, drink and music.

Ron and Rita Jenkins say goodbye to Sweetwater RV Resort after more than 20 years.
(Courtesy of Cinda McCormick and Dale Sanders)

Afterward, many people went to Skydive City to watch our own Judy McGuire jump for her 60th birthday. She had been scheduled to jump several times in the days before, but the weather wasn’t cooperating.

This day, despite low cloud coverage, she was determined to meet her “bucket list” wish, and she did. She was all smiles before and after, and said it was an amazing experience.

Many people were present, and a more experienced jumper, from two years ago, Cheryl Kidd, congratulated Judy. Cheryl jumped for her 70th birthday “bucket list” as well. Have we started something here?

The ninth annual Twisted Stitchers’ Quilt Show and Tea was March 8, and it was enjoyed by a roomful of people, mostly ladies. Gifts and cookies were donated by members.

Vivian Ryburn, the group’s founder, still quilts and keeps in touch from her home in Kansas, but she isn’t able to come to Florida anymore.

Participants particularly enjoyed being able to pick out their own gifts from the table this year.

This group of quilters is actually waving at their founder, Vivian Ryburn. They all worked hard on their projects to display at the annual quilt show and tea.

Linda Cavanaugh won the raffle quilt made this season by group members.

The proceeds from the raffle helps buy material and supplies for next year’s group project.  Many categories and prizes were awarded, all judged by the attendees this year.

Our Ice Cream Social on March 12 also included Bluegrass Gospel music, with Catherine and Fred Lawrence, “Gator Creek,” and friends.

Catherine highlighted appreciation for Ron Jenkins, bass player, for his last and 14th season playing with them in Sweetwater.

Walter Kidd takes picture of Judy McGuire after her 60th birthday ‘bucket list’ jump.

Ron actually met Catherine and Fred in Nova Scotia, Canada, at a festival, and they kept running into him afterwards. Finally, he suggested they bring their RV down to Sweetwater, and they have been coming here every season since. He actually had two bookings waiting for them when they arrived that first year, and it’s never stopped.

Ron and his wife, Rita, have now sold their place in Sweetwater and have returned home. Rita will also be missed, especially for her comedy in the pool and on the stage. Ron has also enjoyed accompanying, with bass, for Don on fiddle and Wayne on guitar.

A St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Lunch on March 17 was held at Settlers’ Rest. Next year will be Sweetwater’s turn to host again.

Doris Steele has been involved as chair/co-chair/adviser of this parade for five or six years, and she has wintered in Sweetwater for over 20 years now. Her main focus is for everyone to have lots of fun!

Cinda McCormick, riding with her friend, Edie Frye, won first prize in the ‘single bike’ category.

Again, this year, the group with Doris in it won Best of Show for their “Hillbilly Shotgun Wedding.” The group included the pregnant bride, kilted groom, pastor, parents and wedding party.

When they arrived at the judge’s table, they had a whole routine ready for them, in order to get the idea of what they were all about. I guess it worked!

Our own Cinda McCormick, one of two volunteer park photographers, won first prize for “single bikes.” Many other awards were given out to people in different categories at the lunch banquet.

Gladys Sanfason, 96 years old, sat on her walker watching the parade, with friends (old and new) around her. Gladys will be 97 years on July 4, and she had her home moved to Sweetwater 11 years ago, from another park.

The ‘Hillbilly Shotgun Wedding’ won Best of Show at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Doris Steele, center, was the bride.

She is able to stay nine months now, since there is always family and friends around to help her. She does fly back and forth to Maine for three months of the year.

Gladys was born in England, and her family, including her sister who is now 99 years old, moved to Massachusetts when she was 6 years old.

Gladys keeps very active and feels that’s a good reason why she’s doing so well.

She plays poker and Mexican train twice a week, swims and plays bingo once a week.

She attends any socials and music entertainment/jams that interest her, and she still taps her feet when some of the familiar line-dancing songs come on. She remembers all the steps!  Gladys facilitated line-dancing classes at Sweetwater shortly after she arrived.

By Judy Pearce
Sweetwater RV Resort

Published April 5, 2017

Grand Horizons recognizes its volunteers

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Our fourth annual Appreciation Luncheon was held March 25, at the community center. I wasn’t able to go because of a previous commitment, but I spoke to Joyce Bell, and she gave me the following information.

She told me the people were greeted with posters saying “Thank you” hanging in the clubhouse and there were quite a few signs.

It was a lovely afternoon and was quite festive.

Front row, from left: Mim Gardner, Shirley Carlson and Ron Bell. Back row, from left: Chuck Carlson and Joyce Bell.
(Courtesy of Rae Rice)

She went on to tell me that she thanked the many volunteers for their time and services, and mentioned the fact that Grand Horizons is what it is today because of the many hard working and dedicated volunteers in the community.

The menu included ham, baked beans, Cole slaw, potato salad, breads and many condiments and fixings. Beverage and dessert were also included. The dessert was ice cream and mini turnovers.

The luncheon started with Galen Parker saying grace before the meal.

After grace, the tables were called upon for their food.

Everybody left fully satisfied, as they were also able to go back for seconds, after everyone was served. If anyone left hungry, it was their own fault, as there was plenty to eat.

The hosts were Chuck and Shirley Carlson, Mim and Terry Gardner, and Ron and Joyce Bell.

Many pictures were taken, and our thanks go out to the ones who presented this luncheon. It was very nice, and I am sure that all who attended had a very good time.

From what was also mentioned, the crew is already starting next year’s event.

There were 65 people in attendance, and considering that many people already went back to their winter homes, it was a nice turnout.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published April 5, 2017

 

Country Aire hosts musical picnic

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Band members, from left: Lauren Harvey on bass, Phil Sarlo on banjo and Dean Johnson on guitar.
(Courtesy of M. Kay Nanian)

Country Aire Manor residents enjoyed an annual picnic hosted by the park owners on March 25, but this one had a twist.

Approximately 150 residents enjoyed a buffet meal served by two of the park owners: Elizabeth Nanian Mitchell and Debi Nanian Welch, plus Raechel Bosquez, park secretary. Much of the behind-the-scenes work in the kitchen was carried out by Michael Mitchell, maintenance manager; his son, Thomas; and, George Welch, former park manager.

Now the twist. This year’s picnic had the added attraction of a bluegrass band, with Lauren Harvey on bass, Phil Sarlo on banjo, and music store owner Dean Johnson on guitar. The mobile home and RV residents responded enthusiastically to well-known songs, such as “Dueling Banjos,” by clapping along, in rhythm, to the duet of Sarlo and Johnson. Others sang along to familiar tunes.

Partners Debi Nanian Welch and Liz Nanian Mitchell serve cake at Country Aire’s annual picnic.

In the words of retired Air Force flight mechanic Paul Proctor, “We have never had so many people show up, as we had today! The food was great, but this time a band was provided, and my wife wanted to get up and dance.”

Country Aire Manor is a 55-plus, deeded mobile home subdivision and recreational vehicle park. It has been located in Dade City since 1979.

By M. Kay Nanian
Country Aire Manor

Published April 5, 2017