The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Reenactment offers living history lesson

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Re-enactors displayed the mighty force used to fight the enemy during the Civil War Reenactment on the grounds of the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City. (Richard K. Riley)

The grounds of the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City stepped back in time over the weekend for Civil War Reenactments and a Living History Encampment.

Skirmishes emerged from the village and battles took place on the afternoons of Feb. 24 and Feb. 25.

Spectators enjoyed the demonstration, as re-enactors advanced on the battlefield during the skirmishes.

Some in attendance really got into the spirit by wearing period-style clothing to the event.

The conclusion of the battle was signaled by the playing of “Taps,” while war casualties remained strewn about the battlefield.

Members of the 14th Brooklyn New York State Militia gather in their part of the Union encampment. They are Peter Kalloch, of Hudson; Tom Stanton, of Pinellas Park; Pete Kannenberg, of Seminole; Rick Smith, of Summerfield; and Bob Gilliland, of Osprey.
Members of the Alabama Artillery crew drill with their 12-pound howitzer before the afternoon skirmishes. From left: John Butler, of Hudson; Jeff Young, of Apopka; Darin Kerwin, of Fort Myers; and, Rosalind Wheeler, of Valrico.
Some of the attendees for the Pioneer Florida Museum Civil War Reenactment came in their own period clothing to enjoy the day. Doug and LuAnne Taylor, of Zephyrhills, sit in front of Ted Johnson, of Dade City, and Matt DiPalma, of Tampa.
Infantrymen of the H Company of the 37th Alabama infantry ‘stack rifles’ on command for battlefield storage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The flu won’t keep residents down

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The flu bug has been very active here in Gem Estates, but it looks like we are putting it behind us.

There were 87 present at last week’s Thursday morning coffee hour. Today (Feb. 22), we had 127 for this social hour.

Those in sick bay are Mike Mitchell and John Raab.

Crystal Gage and Ryan St. Denis, two of Canada’s skilled performers, are highlighting the entertainment at Gem Estates Mobile Home Village on March 9 at 7 p.m.

Crystal is a very talented songstress and can get you clapping, stomping, laughing and moving along with the beat as she goes from gospel to country and more.

Ryan St. Denis, her partner in life as well as on the stage, is skilled in several different instruments. His main instrument is the fiddle, and he is sure to wow you with fantastic renditions from country, pop, oldies and a polka. 

You don’t want to miss the fabulous duo. The tickets are $10 each. Call Lee at (813) 780-1012 for tickets or further information.

By Mabel Budzinski, Gem Estates

We all scream for ice cream…and tacos, and pancakes

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On Feb. 15, approximately 120 residents came to the community center to enjoy a taco bowl dinner, hosted by Margaret and Andy Castonguay, plus Rachel and Ron Gamache. Ron and Rachel worked side by side with Andy and Margaret, as they will be taking over hosting this great function. In the past few years, Margaret used to make the shells from scratch, but now she is teaching Ron how to make them, and the two made all that were needed.

Frank Fogle and Vivian Sturdevant (Courtsy of Helene Rubenstein)

The entire dinner consisted of meat, and toppings such as diced tomatoes, cheese, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, olives and onions. All of the toppings were placed on a table, so you could add them, according to your taste.

Before tables were called for dinner, Vivian Sturdevant said grace, while a moment of silence was observed.

The helpers that were there to have the dinner run smoothly and efficiently were Ron and Joyce Bell, Rachel and Ron Gamache, Fred and Pat Mengel (who sold the tickets plus helped in the kitchen), Bill King, and Andy and Margaret Castonguay. All the people who attended had a marvelous time and a good meal.

Greg Thomas

Two days later, Feb. 17, our monthly pancake breakfast was held in the community center, and 81 residents attended the breakfast. The pancake breakfast was hosted by Mary and Dave Heim.

Before tables were called, Jim Leitzke said grace, while people in attendance bowed their head in prayer.

The breakfast consisted of pancakes, French toast, sausage, orange juice and coffee. This is all you can eat.

There were helpers in the kitchen: Norma and Paul Oi, Rosie Semian, Linda Rogers, Diane Taggart, Chuck Carlson and, of course, Mary and Dave Heim.

Pat and Fred Mengel

The next day, we had an ice cream social also at the community center. There was a crowd in the center and almost all the seats were taken. There were over 110 people in attendance. 

The ice cream social was hosted by Sandy and Al Lindke, and Greg Thomas. They had several helpers, and they all had a specific job to do. Everything ran smoothly. The helpers consisted of Shirley and Chuck Carlson, Andy and Margaret Castonguay, Chris and Rich Fulton, Ron and Rachel Gamache, Bill King, Al and Sandy Lindke, and Greg Thomas.

There was chocolate and also vanilla ice cream, and you either got one scoop of each or, if you asked, you got two of whatever flavor you wanted. They had all different kinds of toppings, including nuts, cherries, pineapple. bananas, M & Ms, chocolate shots, colored sprinkles, whipped cream, crushed butterfingers, hot fudge and chocolate sauce.

Pictures were taken, and everyone had a delightful time. 

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Sue Parker and Siggi Ziotowsky

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bob Rebarkoff and Jerry Raffa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marty Rubenstein

 

‘An Evening in Paris’ offers tender moments

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Hundreds turned out to ‘An Evening in Paris,’ a Father/Daughter dance, where fathers and their daughters danced the night away. (Randy Underhill)

Whether they were rocking it out, slow dancing, or shuffling to “The Cupid Shuffle,” the daughters and dads at “An Evening in Paris” Father/Daughter Dance were sharing some special moments.

Six-year-old Daniella Rodrigues, of Land O’ Lakes, received her first corsage.

Scott Hancock and his 4-year-old daughter, Amelie, shared a slow dance.

Zoli Summerville and her dad, Cory, of Wesley Chapel, played a game of bat the balloon.

Brooke-Lyn Warren, age 8, of Lutz, gazes up and smiles at her father, Benjamin Warren, as they partake in their first dance of the night.

Whatever they were up to, these girls and their fathers appeared to be enjoying each other, and having a good time.

More than 500 attended the event, on Feb. 16, at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, off Collier Parkway. It was the largest attendance since the tradition began nine years ago.

Besides dancing, the event included movies, formal father-daughter portraits, gift raffles, food and drink.

Numerous local sponsors were instrumental in helping to create the special night for daughters and their dads.

By Randy Underhill

Published February 21, 2018

Six-year-old Daniella Rodrigues, of Land O’ Lakes, receives her first corsage from her dad, Mark Rodrigues, at ‘An Evening in Paris.’
Eight-year-old Piper Osmanson, of Land O Lakes, and her dad, Ben Osmanson, rock out to one of many songs played during ‘An Evening in Paris.’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scott Hancock, of Lutz, holds his 4-year-old daughter, Amelie, for a slow dance during ‘An Evening in Paris’ on Feb. 16.
The Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex was full of music and laughter during ‘An Evening in Paris,’ the ninth annual Father/Daughter Dance held there.

Meetings, music and more

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Jim and Kathel Bedford (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

We had our weekly coffee and doughnut hour on Feb. 7, and we got to socialize with our friends and neighbors. Here is where we catch the news of what is transpiring at Grand Horizons, and we also hear the birthdays and anniversaries of the coming week.

After the coffee and doughnut hour, we held our monthly social club meeting. There was a nice crowd of 40 plus people who attended this meeting where we discussed upcoming events, such as a yard sale that will be held on March 17, and we also talked about possible new events that may take place, such as horseshoe pits.

Pat and Sam Allen

Forty-five to 50 residents went to Golden Corral for our lunch connoisseurs that meet once a month at a different restaurant, on Feb. 9. Each month is hosted by a different person. This month it was hosted by Chris and Jerry Buckley. They did a fine job, and if you have ever gone to the Golden Corral before, you know there are a variety of different foods. They have meat loaf, chicken (fried and grilled), macaroni and cheese, shrimp, pizza, a huge salad bar and so many desserts. There is also a soup bar that usually has two different kinds of soups. In other words, you definitely will not leave hungry.

The following day, on Feb. 10, about 15 to 20 people came to the community center to attend an “open mic” put on my Paul and Freda Williams. The entire performance was nicely done, and several gospel tunes were performed. Some of the songs were “A Mansion over the Hilltop,” “The Great Speckled Bird,”  “Who Am I” and several more. They performed for a little over an hour. and we have an “open mic” in the community center once a month. 

Jerry Buckley

On Feb. 11, 80 residents and guests gathered at our community center for a night of entertainment by the Dukes. Before the show, there was a social hour where there was a table of h’ors douevres, including shrimp, meatballs, deviled eggs, etc. Each couple also brought along a few nibbles for their table, such as pretzels, corn chips, dip, cookies and more.

The show started promptly at 7 p.m., and the Dukes played for three hours — one song after another. The show included memories of the ’50s and ’60s, and it was enjoyed by all. It brought back memories as each song was played.

When “Queen of the Hop” was played, everyone went wild and the dance floor was filled.  When the Dukes played “Oh Boy,” you could actually visualize Buddy Holly with the movements and all.

During the three-hour performance, they took two breaks, and during those breaks there was still music playing in the background, such as “Rock and Roll is Here to Stay.” There was one real cute moment when they sang “Lonely Boy,” and it was partially done in a very high key.

Line dancing was also performed by the dancers in the audience and that is always a big hit for residents and guests of Grand Horizons.

The entire show was not only good, but it was professionally planned. They knew exactly what to play when one song was finished.

By Helene Rubenstein, Grand Horizons

Ranch Days offers ample servings of entertainment, fun

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Maggie Moore, Jerry Stacy and 2-year-old Nevaeh Dow, of Dade City, form a stack in the crowd, while watching The Rick & Jan Show with Snorkel the Pig in the event’s Midway. (Richard K. Riley)

Ranch Days gave visitors a chance to enjoy good music, watch entertaining acts, go for ranch tours and grab a bite to eat, said Kevin Campbell, who along with his wife, Andie, coordinates events at Little Everglades Ranch, 17951 Hamilton Road, north of Dade City.

The event was in its second year, and organizers plan to continue the event next year, because they believe it is an affordable way for families to have a good time, Campbell said.

“It was a beautiful weekend,” Campbell said. “It came off well. We had some great entertainment.”

The event offered everything from a birds of prey act, to a snake show; a tight wire act to live music; and, tours of the ranch.

“Some of the bluegrass and country acts were just amazing,” Campbell said.

Published February 14, 2018

 

Mean Mary, banjoist and song writer, opened the music portion of the 2018 Ranch Days at Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City.
The sun sets behind the Little Everglades, showcasing Little Everglade Ranch’s iconic sculpture, on the evening of Feb. 10.

 

Lightning Realty – Specialized and Personalized

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By Tobi Karch

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Specialized and personalized are two words that best describe Margaret Hassani and her business, Lightning Realty, a residential real estate business based in Carrollwood.

Hassani bravely launched Lightning Realty in 2008, right before the real estate market crashed. She began listing homes for sellers who owed more to their lender than the value of their home, and successfully negotiated many short sales.

Hassani began her real estate career working for a Tampa homebuilder for 12 years. In addition, she and her husband began to buy and manage their own rental properties in 2001. With this comprehensive background, Hassani began to realize that there was a better way to sell homes.

“Do you realize that the process for selling homes hasn’t changed in probably 50 years — throw a sign up, upload it to the MLS and hope it sells!” said Hassani. “I use a different, multi-step process for selling homes—one that builds excitement and anticipation before a home is ever allowed to be shown.”

Specializing in high-quality homes, Hassani employs a unique “home-launch formula,” which Forbes and USA World News have both touted.

“As the number of days on the market increase, the value of a home decreases. However, there are ways to make it sell more quickly,” she explains.

Hassani refers to what large retailers such as Apple call a higher-price frame of mind. “What I do ensures that the seller will have a higher probability that their home will sell for more money,” she says.

“I am a high-quality Realtor, rather than a high-quantity one,” Hassani continues. She works on strategizing and introducing new types of marketing and advertising, in much the same way large corporations do prior to launching a new product.

“My goal is to always get the highest possible price for my client’s home in the shortest amount of time,” says Hassani. “I build curiosity and interest before buyers can see the home. Plus, I show all of my own listings.”

Hassani is optimistic about the health of the North Tampa market.

“The outlook is excellent for sellers this year. Builders have started to ramp up, which means we can expect to see more inventory for sale in 2018, and buyers will have more choices than they did last year,” she says. “Until builders are at full capacity, prices will continue to rise, though at a slower rate than last year.”

 

(813) 766-1501• 

http://www.lightning-realty.com

 

Published February 7, 2018

105 years young…

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In 1913, Hazel Mae Adams was born in Perry, Ohio, one of seven children. On January 18, she celebrated her 105th birthday surrounded by friends and family at Rosecastle of Zephyrhills.

After high school, Hazel worked at the Salem China company from age 16 to 21 when she married the love of her life, Albert Bruckner, in 1934. They settled in Salem, Ohio, where their son, Ronald, was born in 1939.

Hazel and Albert were homebodies, taking only two vacations during their years together. Hazel always had a garden, and loved to can food and bake. She enjoyed crochet, embroidery and sewing.  Hazel and Albert were happily married for 68 years until he passed in 2002, at age 90.

Hazel decided to move to Zephyrhills in 2012 to be near her son Ronald, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. About a year ago, she and her family began the search for an assisted living community nearby, where Hazel would feel at home, and be able to make new friends and enjoy her golden years. When they toured Rosecastle, they knew they’d found the perfect place.

Rosecastle Marketing Director Jennifer Hancock, who organized Hazel’s birthday celebration, said having Hazel as part of their community is a delight.

“We love having Hazel here,” said Hancock. “We believe assisted living is about enjoying life without the worries that come with aging. Our residents are our family, and their concerns and comfort are our top priority.”

A highlight of the party was when Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield presented Hazel with a proclamation from the City. Hazel said the best part was being surrounded by family and friends.

“These milestone events are my favorite,” said Hancock. “Our motto is ‘It’s never too late to live happily ever after.’ Seeing the big smile on Hazel’s face all afternoon tells me that’s true.”

Rosecastle of Zephyrhills is located at 37411 Eiland Blvd., Zephyrhills. They offer assisted living and memory care options. For more information, call (813) 783-8100.

 

Published January 31, 2018

A Place for Community

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When asked what she most likes about managing Zephyrhills Under Par golf course, Aya Burkhart said it’s all about community.

“We’re here for the community. We really are like a family, and that family includes our golfers and their families,” said Burkhart. “Some people come just to talk, some to eat. And of course, to play golf.”

A glance out the clubhouse windows at the lush, rolling green sprinkled with tall oak trees makes it easy to understand the appeal. Golf carts go by as clubs swish and click. The whole scene is quintessentially Zephyrhills.

Burkhart is quick to say it’s not just about golf. Families bring their kids to learn the game, even as seasoned vets play through in leagues.

“We have something to offer for everyone, all year-long,” said Burkhart. “During the winter season, the golf leagues and tournaments are the big draw. In the summer, the club’s early hours and reduced greens fees are very popular.”

Burkhart’s words and smile are as warm as the smell of fresh-baked brownies wafting from the kitchen in the clubhouse. The casual café serves a variety of specialty sandwiches and dogs. Detroit Dogs, Steak House Dogs, Reuben Dogs. If dogs aren’t your thing, you can get a classic Reuben sandwich, or a Reuben Philly Cheesesteak, a classic burger or a dripping fresh patty melt. In the mood for something cold? Go with a freshly made chicken salad sandwich. Thirsty? There’s soda on tap and beer by the bucket. Dessert? Those brownies do smell amazing.“All of our food is made fresh. Handmade,” said Burkhart. As for the low pricing, she chalks it up to Under Par’s penchant for people. As long as the place is bustling with people to talk to, she feels like business is good. “People are our business.”

Zephyrhills Under Par is definitely a place for people. It’s a hub for the community that happens to have 18 holes, beer on tap, and great food at great prices.

Zephyrhills Under Par is located at 39248 B Ave., Zephyrhills, FL 33542, near the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. The 18-hole course features 5,054 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 68. The course rating is 70.0, and it has a slope rating of 113. The golf course opened in 1978. They’re open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Call (813) 782-0714 for more information.

Published January 24, 2018

A Menu For All People

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Dennis, Mireya, Tati, Joseph, Dan, and Shellie

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Here’s one for you: A family walks into a restaurant. The mom wants an upscale seafood entrée and a glass of wine. The kids are thinking more along the lines of spaghetti, or maybe chicken tenders with a soda or chocolate milk. The dad, he just wants a country-fried steak with mashed potatoes.

The solution to this riddle is pretty simple: The family has obviously walked into Franky D’s Family Kitchen in Lutz, where there’s something for everyone.

Twin brothers Dan and Dennis Demarco saw the need for such a place in the community, and decided to tackle it head on. They come well-qualified, too. Dennis has degrees in culinary arts and nutrition from Johnson & Whales University. He and his wife, Mireya, are the ones making the magic happen in the kitchen. Dan and Shellie have the business and marketing end covered.

“So long as they stay out of my kitchen, I’ll do whatever Dan and Shellie ask,” Dennis says, half jokingly. “But seriously, we’re a family. We all work hard at what we do, and we want this to be a place where others can bring their family and friends and enjoy!”

Dennis also prides himself on having a kitchen with no microwave. “All our food is served fresh and cooked properly. No nukes!”

With an obvious sense of family pride, Dan adds that the name “Franky D’s” is a tribute to their father. “He’s truly a wonderful and hard-working man. And, our 50-seat, private meeting room honors our mother, Jackie Mae. Growing up, her kitchen was a place where all were welcome, and no one left hungry.”

Shellie likes to point out that the Jackie Mae room has a large screen TV, that can be used for PowerPoint or other video presentations. “Instead of holding yet another meeting in the ‘bored’ room, why not get your staff out of the office for a change?”

Franky D’s has recently begun serving breakfast as well, making it an ideal place to visit morning, noon or night. So whether it’s a simple burger, or a savory prime rib, there really is something for everyone at Franky D’s.

18450 N. US 41 • Lutz, FL 33549

813-591-6139 • Franky-Ds.com

Published January 17, 2018