The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Wearing of the green for St. Patrick’s Day

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We had close to 90 people in our community center March 16 for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration that was hosted by Margaret and Andy Castonguay. Tickets were sold entirely by Pat and Fred Mengel, and they did a fine job of announcing it at our coffee/donut hour every Wednesday.

From left: Bill King, Linda Rogers, and Joyce and Ron Bell helped out in the kitchen.
(Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

Before tables were called to receive their food, grace was said by Galen Parker, and he did a fine job of it, while the people in attendance observed a moment of silence.

We also had a “special” treat when a St. Patrick’s Day poem was presented on our TV screen. This was provided by Rae Rice, and it was a nice touch. Our thanks go out to her, as it was a cute poem and kept our attention.

The tables were then called and people went up to get their delicious meal, which consisted of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, turnips and onions. There was also a nice bread basket on each table, and for dessert we had an apple turnover.

A few volunteers, from left: Fred and Pat Mengel, and Andy and Margaret Castonguay.

The helpers in the kitchen were Bill King, Linda Rogers, Ron and Joyce Bell, along with Pat and Fred Mengel, and Andy and Margaret Castonguay. Once again, they did a great job, and everything ran smoothly.

As usual, conversation was flowing, and several people were dressed in hats, stockings and/or ears, and all, or most, of the people were wearing green.

A few days later, on March 18, Mary and David Heim had a pancake breakfast for 55 residents and guests.

Pat and Ron McQuillan make a St. Patrick’s Day toast, sporting green from head to toe.

Before tables were called, Jim Leitzke said grace.

Then the breakfast was served, as each individual table was called upon.

The breakfast consisted of pancakes, French toast, sausages, coffee, tea and orange juice. If someone wanted seconds, they could get seconds, as long as everyone else was served.

There were several helpers in the kitchen, and they were Dave and Mary Heim, Pat Bond, Tom Carter, Diane Taggart, Rosie Semian and Linda Rogers.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published March 29, 2017

Welcoming spring to Gem Estates

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Monday evening euchre winners were Dorothy Massoll and Larry Sharp.

Residents enjoy the spring weather and try their hand at corn hole.
(Courtesy of Mabel Budzinski)

On Wednesday morning, Bruce Hudson won three games at shuffleboard.

About 122 folks attended coffee hour on Thursday morning. Dave Hunt gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Linda Files moderated the conversation, and Dick Burgess provided a bit of humor.

Remember, your Project Dark House forms are due this month.

Ron Raymond heads up the maintenance committee.

My pick for volunteer of the week is Ron Raymond. Ron is chairman of the maintenance committee, works Wednesday evening bingo, works with the kitchen crew and anywhere he is needed.

Gem Estates residents enjoyed an afternoon of good food, good friends and good weather for outdoor games at their spring celebration.

By Mabel Budzinski
Gem Estates

Published March 29, 2017

Your trusted Air Conditioning and Plumbing Expert

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Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Ron Ierna, a respected and longtime HVAC technician in Pasco and Hillsborough counties, has established Lakeside Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Land O’ Lakes.

The business is located on Bell Lake on U.S. 41, on a site previously occupied by Bay Area Water Sports. Ron closed on the waterfront property in January, which includes a renovated 2,500-square-foot commercial building and parking area with fast access to Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

“Our location is ideal, because it is the center of the market area we service in Land O’ Lakes, Lutz and Wesley Chapel,” said Ron. “Plus, it’s a beautiful setting on a lake that I’m personally attached to.”

Ron is a native of the Lutz/Land O’ Lakes community and is a graduate of Land O’ Lakes High School. He learned to ski on Bell Lake as a teenager, and today his three children ski on the lake after school and on weekends, just as he once did.

In addition to Lakeside’s high visibility on U.S. 41, which has 45,000 vehicles a day passing by, the business is also next to Larry’s Deli – the iconic Land O’ Lakes deli.

“I’m not sure what’s better — being on Bell Lake or being next to Larry’s,” laughed Ron.

Before establishing Lakeside Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, Ron was a partner in a HVAC company based in Lutz.

“I’m taking all that I’ve learned from my previous business, and applying it to make Lakeside successful,” said Ron, who has been a licensed HVAC technician for 22 years.

Ron plans to keep his new company small, which he says will allow him to provide quality customer service and offer low prices.

“After 22 years in the business, I’ve seen every problem there is, and can quickly and accurately assess the best course of action when someone calls with a problem,” said Ron.

Lakeside Heating, Cooling & Plumbing employs licensed technicians and highly skilled craftsmen who specialize in designing, engineering, servicing and installing HVAC systems and water heaters. Ron identifies the following as his core business principles:

* We always tell you up front what your cost will be to complete your job correctly

* Your experience with us will be enjoyable and hassle-free

* If we make a mistake, we will correct it to your satisfaction

* You get an exclusive written guarantee

* If the equipment we install does not function to factory specifications, we will remove the unit and replace it with a new one

* We always cover your floor with drop cloths or runners, or wear floor savers

* We always clean up the work area and never leave a mess

“We take our responsibility very seriously when you place your trust in us,” said Ron. “Please give us a call for your A/C service needs, and see what you’ve been missing.”

(813) 444-9474 • LakesideComfortPros.com

4608 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639

 

 

Contagious Attitude Brings Results

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Your Best You team: Dr. Shani Davis, Jacki Krone, Kristen Walski

By Will Plazewski

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

From the moment you walk into Your Best You P.A., you can feel that it’s a different kind of medical clinic with a different kind of attitude. Heck, it even smells different, courtesy of an aromatherapy diffuser puffing away in the lobby.

With a focus on primary care and diabetes treatment/management, that’s the way Dr. Shani V. Davis, Ph.D., ANP-BC, CDE and her team intend it to be.

Dr. Davis, a nurse practitioner for nearly 16 years, with the vast majority of it in endocrinology, has also worked, presented and instructed on Advanced Diabetes Management Strategies throughout Florida. Beyond all of her qualifications, you’ll find genuine concern and a positive attitude that comes naturally to her. In fact, it’s downright infectious.

It’s clear that Dr. Davis really does connect with her patients, which would explain her fiercely loyal following. Your goal is her team’s goal. More specifically, their aim is to assist patients with setting and reaching their own individual health-related outcomes.

“Each patient comes from a different background, has a different set of circumstances, and a different goal or goals. One is no more valid than another,” said Dr. Davis.

This kind of approach is especially important in the management of chronic diseases like diabetes. Once a person’s goals are set, the team designs plans of treatment, management and education for that individual.

“Be it chronic disease care, health empowerment education, or geriatric wellness, we’ll meet you where you are and help you to move toward your health objectives, on your terms,” she added.

Appointments can be made online or by calling, and walk-ins are also welcome. Dr. Davis invites you to come in for an initial consult, so her team can get to work on the best plan for you.

813-936-2609 • www.YBYClinic.com

Clinic Hours: Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Visit us online, or call to schedule an appointment

 15511 N. Florida Ave., Suite 502,

Tampa, FL 33613

(.5 miles north of Bearss Ave)

Sharing meals and good company

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Don and Ginny Jennings, left, and Sue Medise and Tom Medise at Shells Seafood Restaurant.
(Courtesy fo Helene Rubenstein)

The monthly Ladies Lunch Bunch met March 7 at Papa Joes, and the women that attended seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves with all the conversation among them. Carla Jones was the hostess of this function, and she did a very nice job.

I spoke to Carla, and she told me 14 people showed up, and the restaurant supplied them with a separate room. Carla went on to say that there were two waitresses who took care of their group, and they were very attentive.

The menu was varied, and some of the dishes consisted of a Cobb salad (tremendous); a sample plate, which included several foods; seafood dishes; and, even a seafood pasta delight.

A table for four, from left: Tom McKain, Lynne-Rae Dyson, Vic Dyson and Pat McKain.

Their “special” drink was strawberry sangria and several women had this.

Everyone seemed to enjoy their lunches, and because some plates were so large, there was food to take home, so they could reminisce about the good times.

A few days later, on March 10, the lunch connoisseurs went to Shells Seafood Restaurant, and it was hosted by Karen and Bill Donlon.

Of course, a giant shell on the outside of the restaurant told us that we were in the right place.

There was a nice crowd of 40 people who enjoyed being with their friends and neighbors.

Marty and Helene Rubenstein
(Courtesy of Tom Carter)

Once again, there was a variety of food, including chicken with veggies, clam chowder (that I heard was absolutely scrumptious), pasta and various seafood.

Before dinner was served, Galen Parker said grace, while the rest of the people observed a moment of silence.

We always have the lunch connoisseurs once a month, and most everyone looks forward to it. It is a nice way to get together.

In the meantime, back at Grand Horizons, we are getting ready for our new resident phone directory. This directory, in addition to phone numbers, will have pictures of residents. This is good, as we can now place a face with a name.

Nancy Martin is making the appointments for the pictures to be taken, and Karen Donlon is heading up the committee.

It is always nice to have a fresh directory.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published March 22, 2017

Service in many ways

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The Monday evening euchre champs were Pat Reinbold and Ron Raymond, who had bragging rights for a week.

Dave Roberts and Cliff Leonard were three-game winners at Wednesday morning shuffleboard. Way to go fellows!

On Friday evening, we were privileged to have Terry Connelly provide the entertainment. HIs voice was amazing, the songs celebrated all types of music, his jokes were hilarious and his presentation was simply perfect.

My selection of volunteers to highlight the week are Lee and Russ Heffelfinger. They have been our entertainment coordinators for several years and announced that they will be retiring from that position.

I wonder if she intentionally saved the best entertainment this year for her last pick?

The Heffelfingers have served our community in many capacities.

By Mabel Budzinski
Gem Estates

Published March 22, 2017

 

A winter of camaraderie at Sweetwater

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The residents of our ‘Sun RV Resort’’ have enjoyed another winter season together. Bonnie Kae Rindfleisch, guest services, often heads up monthly special events, supported by ‘Sun.’

Dale and Rhoda Hunt were crowned Sweetwater’s 2017 king and queen.
(Courtesy of Cinda McCormick)

Our new king and queen, Dale and Rhoda Hunt, were inaugurated at a Coronation Dance Jan. 13, featuring “Pure Country Gold.” Dale is also our Running Water Club president this year, and Rhoda is the secretary.

An Oldie-Wed Game took place Jan. 29, organized and run by Cinda McCormick.

There was a long-term resident recognition at the Feb. 9 morning coffee/donut time, and the Valentine’s banana split social was excellent!

The outdoor music jam space was used at nighttime for a concert with “The Legends” Feb. 10.

Every Tuesday afternoon, various performers, from many parks, entertained on our outdoor stage from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with hot dogs and soft drinks sold beforehand. There also was a 50/50 drawing near the end of each afternoon. The last jam of the season was March 14.

Tuesday afternoon Sweetwater music jam’s ‘hot dog guy,’ Roy Fournier.
(Courtesy of Dale Sanders)

A concert was held Feb. 11 featuring The McGuires, a gospel duo from Perth-Andover, New Brunswick, Canada. Todd McGuire is a nephew to our own Norm McGuire, and Norm made all the arrangements. Norm and his daughter, Margaret, sang a song with his nephew and wife, Penelope, during their performance.

The McGuires have been performing at parks and churches in Florida, and recently toured Georgia and Tennessee. They have been nominated for the East Coast Music Award for Gospel Record of the Year.

There was a birthday and anniversary evening Feb. 12, and we enjoyed listening to Richard Woodworth, who has an extended collection of inauguration/presidential history memorabilia and many stories of moments over the years.

Judy Dishon was recognized, along with her husband, Tom, with the ‘Sun’ Resident Appreciation Award.
(Courtesy of Cinda McCormick)

We also had our Canada Day parade and luncheon again this year on Feb. 16, with a special focus of celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary.

Our first annual Golf Cart Rodeo was Feb. 25, and was enjoyed by about 80 people. Best buddies, Norm and Roy, hammed it up and won the top award, making the event more enjoyable for everyone. They were seen with green leis, just like the Formula 1 drivers.

All winners won a gift certificate and a tiny trophy.

The organizer, Judy Dishon, may consider a scavenger hunt for future events. She was glad to get so many people involved in something different – whether as participants or volunteers.

Rhoda organized an all-day shuffleboard tournament of 19 teams Feb. 28, and lunch was offered as well. The winning team got 252, the highest score you can get in shuffleboard, apparently!

Sweetwater’s first annual Golf Cart Rodeo winners, Norm McGuire and Roy Fournier.
(Courtesy of Cinda McCormick)

One of the programs that had been resurrected this year was a monthly park potluck dinner, on the second Sunday afternoon of the month. The February meal was well-attended and enjoyed by all.

On the evening of March 5, our own David Kai, accomplished keyboard/piano player who plays in our Sunday Christian Fellowship music with “The Legends,” was featured. He also was an accompanist at the weekly music jams.

There was an Appreciation Day Park Picnic March 7, along with the usual music jam.  Residents were recognized for their contributions, with a box of chocolates and an appreciation sign at their home.

Our Sunday evening ice cream socials were organized this season by Cindy Walton, and she did a great job, with a variety of after-treat speakers/entertainers.

By Judy Pearce
Sweetwater RV Resort

Published March 15, 2017

A musical show from yesteryear

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An egg-in-a-bag breakfast started off the day on March 4. It was thoroughly delicious and run very efficiently. Nearly 100 people were served.

Before breakfast began and tables were called up to create omelets, Galen Parker delivered grace. He did a very nice job, while the crowd of people observed a moment of silence.

Helene Rubenstein gets a hug from entertainer Rich Wilson.
(Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

Tables were then called, and guests prepared their own omelets, choosing from ingredients that included bacon, ham, cheese, onions, mushrooms, green peppers and Jalapeno peppers. Also available were sausage gravy, biscuits, hash brown potatoes, and coffee and orange juice.

The volunteers who helped included Jim and Judi Leitzke, and their granddaughter, Heather; plus, Doris Sutfin, Sue and Galen Parker, Carol and Clayton George, Ed Goldstein and Lynne-Rae Dyson.

Later that evening, about 84 people gathered at the community center to enjoy a show by Rich Wilson. He performed a variety of talents and kept people laughing in their seats.

Gary Wilcox introduced the entertainer, who was dressed in a snazzy blue jacket over a black vest, slacks and black shirt. This was a class act, and we were in for a delightful experience.

He sang several hit tunes intermingled with a variety of jokes.

He started the show by singing “For Once in my Life,” and sang it with much emotion and feeling.

Rich Wilson performed a variety of hit tunes, intermingled with a few jokes.

He continued the show with several more songs, including some country tunes, such as Johnny Cash‘s “Folsom Prison Blues” and an excellent job of “Dixie” by Ronnie McDowell.

There was also audience participation during a medley, which included “Blueberry Hill” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You.”

Rich continued with some Elvis songs such as “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” with all the shaking and various movements.

He proceeded with several more jokes and recognizing several people in the audience, and then sang a Dean Martin song entitled “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head.”

After that, he went to some old songs, such as, “SH Boom SH Boom” and “Little Bitty Pretty One” to clapping and audience participation. The audience sang all the ‘mmms’ and ‘ahs’ at the appropriate time.

He sang a lovely version of a Buddy Holly song called “True Love Ways.” This was sung with such enthusiasm and emotion. It was truly lovely.

The entire evening kept us at the edge of our seats, and he sang his heart out on a Neil Diamond song entitled “Sweet Caroline,” along with all the antics that you would expect.

There were several more songs, including Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again,” Charlie Pride’s hit, “Kiss an Angel Good Morning,” and several more.

The audience sang along with Rich on a Neil Sedaka tune called “Breaking Up is Hard to Do” and Conway Twitty’s “It’s Only Make Believe.”

He performed several other songs, but the one that stood out was a Louis Armstrong song entitled “What a Wonderful World.” He did a masterful job of it.

A tribute to the vets was given, and they were recognized in the audience as well.

He also mentioned that we should not only give our thanks to them, but their spouses as well.

The final song, “God Bless America,” was followed by a standing ovation.

Ed and Gary presented several door prizes, including a basket that was created by Barb Livingston and won by Bobbie Forschner. Other prizes were won by Bob Weinle and Chuck Carlson.

In addition to Gary Wilcox and Ed Goldstein, who presented the show, there was additional help that included Carol Wilcox, Donna Quinn and Eileen Goldstein.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published March 15, 2017

He Feels Your Pain

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By Will Plazewski

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Dr. Carlos Carrazana’s interest in the chiropractic field came as easily to him as falling off a horse –repeatedly, that is.

While growing up in Cuba, he competed in equestrian events at the youth National Team level. A few years later, he found himself in a rowing crew at the National Team level, while at the same time completing his primary university studies.

“Athletes get injured,” he states rather matter-of-fact. “It’s part of the process.”

Quite literally, it was Dr. Carrazana’s own injuries and treatments that led him down the path to earn degrees in physical education, then message therapy, and later in life, chiropractic medicine.

His 29 years in these interrelated fields have taken him around the globe to Canada, England, Germany, California, Georgia, and for the past seven years, Florida.

Of course, he’s fluent in both Spanish and English, but because of his extensive studies, you might say he’s most fluent in the human musculoskeletal system.

In February, Dr. Carrazana opened a new chiropractic clinic in Land O’Lakes, in a plaza on U.S. 41 at the Dale Mabry Apex, located just north of St. Luke’s Dental.

While Dr. Carrazana’s fully licensed clinic has the capacity to treat a wide variety of conditions, he specializes in injuries sustained from auto accidents and sports injuries.

Be it a corrective adjustment, or a complete chiropractic orthopaedic exam, Dr. Carrazana is here to help you on the road to recovery. Plus, he personally knows from his injuries what’s needed to get through the toughest injuries.

“From neck and spinal injuries, to nagging problems in the extremities, believe me when I tell that I’ve been there, too,” he said. “I want to help.”

Hablamos Español

(813) 591-2506 • CarrazanaChiropractic.com

Clinic Days: Monday–Friday • Call to Schedule an Appointment

1930 Land O’Lakes Blvd, Suite 16

Lutz, FL 33549

(next to The Great Catch restaurant)