The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Get-togethers offer fun times

By

At a recent Monday night euchre game, Mae Slipp was the winning lady. Larry Sharp and Carl C. tied, receiving bragging rights for the men.

On Wednesday, there were two three-game winners: Clifford Leonard and Dave Roberts.

There were 117 people who attended the Thursday morning coffee hour. Alan Bennett moderated the conversation. Wayne Getchell gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Dick Burgess shared a bit of humor.

Those in sick bay were Ed Morehouse, Linda Files and Deannie Bennett.

Butch Weiss was thanked for doing an excellent job heading up our recycling program. We have an awesome amount of volunteers in our community, and each week I will try to mention one.

Remember the fairies that visited Gem Estates last season? Be aware that butterflies are coming.

The Sugarbear Band was here on Jan. 6, and provided an evening of enjoyable music, and our park-wide rummage sale was Jan. 7.

By Mabel Budzinski
Gem Estates

Published January 11, 2017

Making Women Beautiful For 50 Years

By

The Hair Port’s staff: Seated on bench (l to r): Brooke Gill, Cindy Caron and Linda Villar. Back row (l to r): Rebecca Barnes, Nina Edmisten, Tammie Brandl, Wanda Smith Sara Barnes and owner Judi Barnes.

Judi Barnes has been making women beautiful in Land O’ Lakes for more than 37 years.

The owner of two Land O’ Lakes hair salons — The Hair Port for the past 12 years, and before then, County Terrace for 15 years — Judi has been a hair stylist since 1966 when she graduated from DeVrys’ School of Beauty in Indiana. She eventually relocated to Tampa, where in 1969 she opened her first salon in Port Tampa.

Judi moved to Land O’ Lakes in 1979 and is proud to be the hair stylist for multiple generations of local families.

“I’m taking care of grandchildren — even great grandchildren — of women whose hair I’ve been doing for over 30 years,” says Judi. “I love making people happy in their appearance and in their hearts.”

When Judi moved to Land O’ Lakes, she wanted to open a shop with a family atmosphere where stylists could work together in a friendly, happy environment without gossip and where stylists and customers treated each other with respect.

“I wanted to take the best things about our industry and create beauty and happiness for others,” said Judi.

Today, The Hair Port has seven stylists, with most having over 30 years experience in the beauty field. Working the front desk is the mother-daughter team of Rebecca Barnes (mother) and Sarah Barnes, who are Judi’s daughter-in-law and granddaughter.

“We all work together as a team to take care of our clients and their comfort,” said Judi.

The salon’s highly skilled and talented stylists gladly back each other up and make sure all customers are treated like VIPS. Clients also appreciate The Hair Port’s affordable prices.

“Excellence in hair care does not have to be expensive,” said Judi.

Unlike many hair salons today, The Hair Port still offers weekly shampoo and set for clients who like a firm, longer-lasting hairstyle.

“Roller setting and teasing were something they taught in school 30 years ago. But today, they are almost a lost art,” said Judi. “There are many ladies who count on us every week to shampoo and set their hair for the weekend.”

The Hair Port is a full service salon, including barber services and braiding by appointment. While most clients schedule appointments, the salon also welcomes walk-ins. Professional products used are by Redken, Paul Mitchell and Matrix.

“While we have a very steady clientele, we always welcome new customers,” said Judi. “Please call for an appointment — we know you’ll love our services and our prices.”

Take your choice: card games, exercise or coffee

By

Although our residents had a busy week preparing for Christmas, they still had time to enjoy their weekly activities.

Ellen Raymond, a member of the kitchen crew, prepares meals for shut-ins.
(Courtesy of Mabel Budzinski)

Recent Monday night euchre weekly winners were Ellie Brookins and Carl.

The exercise groups were going strong on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

On a Thursday morning, 109 folks attended coffee hour where Alan Bennett moderated the conversation, Wayne Getchell gave the invocation, and Richard Burgess gave us all a chuckle or two with his witty humor.

Those in sick bay include Edward Morehouse and Linda Files.

Our fabulous kitchen crew provided a delicious meal for 148 residents, guests and shut-ins.

By Mabel Budzinski
Gem Estates

Published January 4, 2o17

No More Waiting With Experimac

By

Friends since college, Mark Berry, left, and Chris Grace, opened their Experimac store last July in Carrollwood. (Photo by Will Plazewski)

Instead of standing around in the electronic sections of big box stores, or waiting in long lines at the Apple store in a mall, you can skip those tedious waits and head to Experimac’s store in Carrollwood for fast service, expert advice and refurbished Apple devices.

Experimac’s focus is on repairing, buying and selling Apple products. It offers same-day service, and often fixes problems while a customer waits.

Its highly trained Apple technicians talk face-to-face with customers about their problems. They never send a phone, tablet, computer or laptop off for repairs like other service centers, which may leave one without their device for a week or longer.

Experimac performs all out-of-warranty repairs on Apple devices, including upgrading higher storage capacity, installing more memory (RAM), replacing logic boards and performing just about any Apple repair that’s needed.

All device sales and repairs come with a 90-day limited warranty that can be used on any repair or exchange at Experimac’s Carrollwood store.

In addition to fast, expert service, Experimac also saves customers significant money, especially when compared to new Apple products.

The store’s selection of pre-owned, fully wiped and tested Apple laptops, tablets and iPhones sell at about 60 percent the cost of new products. It also stocks a variety of new accessories, including cases, chargers, adapters and other high-demand connectivity products.

Mark Berry and Chris Grace own Experimac. Friends since college, the two were exploring technology opportunities when they came across Experimac.

“We were immediately impressed by the company’s franchise model, as well as its Apple-only niche,” said Chris. “A big part of what drew us to Experimac was the well-documented, owner-loyalty found among Mac users — people like us,” said Chris.

The partners opened their store this past summer and are drawing rave reviews from customers in Hillsborough and Pasco County. But they’re not stopping there.

Chris and Mark are planning to offer after-school technology education classes, and aim to become more than just another retail store and service center.

“Of course we want our business to succeed,” said Chris, “But for us, true success has as much — or even more — to do with our ability to contribute to the goodwill of our community at large, and become fully vested partners with our customers.”

813-280-2620 • experimac.com/north-tampa-fl/

11209 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. • Tampa 33618

 

Singing in the holiday at Grand Horizons

By

The holiday season continues, and on Dec. 7 we had our weekly donuts and coffee hour. Even though several people could not join us (as they were on a cruise), we still had a nice turnout. We celebrated birthdays and anniversaries that were being held the following week, and we heard recent news. There was much conversing, and everyone had a nice time.

Hoping to start a tradition, residents performed carols throughout Grand Horizons.
(Photos courtesy of Marty Rubenstein and Adrianne Ayres)

On Dec. 10, Marty and I took the Tour De Clay 2016. The event consisted of visiting and touring four pottery studios. It was very interesting and included several demonstrations.

Each place had a kiln and had objects in it that were fired. The items that we saw were beautiful and nicely made, such as vases, cups, magnets, bowls and so much more.

Sandy and Al Lindke hosted a block party in the cul-de-sac on Dec. 15, and they were prepared with campfire heaters, if necessary. It turned out to be a beautiful day, so they didn’t need them, but it was nice to know the heaters were there, just in case.

Sandy Lindke, along with her husband, Al, hosted a cul-de-sac block party for the Grand Horizons residents.

There was a nice crowd of 50 people, and each brought something to share. There was an assortment of dishes that consisted of finger sandwiches, pizza, deviled eggs, chips, dips, cake, cookies and more. Again, because several people were away on the cruise, this was a very nice turnout.

They also collected canned goods and gift cards for the United Methodist Church food bank. It was a collection of many types of foods and food cards. The church food bank helps mostly the elderly.

On Dec. 16, a “Yankee Gift Exchange” was held at one of the homes in the development. This was our third annual Christmas Cookie Exchange. Approximately 15 women attended this function and had a very good time eating, conversing and exchanging gifts.

We each brought with us some cookies and a gift that was “Christmassy.” As each person opened up their gift, the appropriate “oohs and ahs” were heard around the house. This party, or cookie exchange, was hosted by Sharon Blair and Rox-Anne Lamphere. It was done to perfection, and we all had a variety of cookies to munch on. We all went home filled to capacity.

Barbara Holzapfel and Micki Diemicke were a couple of the many guests at the Lindkes’ block party.

On Dec. 17, we had an egg n’ bag breakfast at the community center where a really large crowd of 90 plus people gathered for a good meal to start the day. This function was hosted by Jim and Judi Leitzke and several helpers. The helpers were Ed and Eileen Goldstein, Sue and Galen Parker, Carol and Clayton George, and Bill and Ginny Sarver.

Considering the fact that the cruise had just ended, it was an extremely big crowd. There was so much conversation going on. In addition to the omelets, there were hash brown potatoes, biscuits and gravy, butter, orange juice and coffee.

Jerry and Chris Buckley relax at a block party hosted by Sandy and Al Lindke.

On Dec. 21, we had something special, which was done for the first time and hopefully for years to come. It was caroling around the development with a cute dance step included. The people who all joined in wore Santa hats, and they did a marvelous job of caroling.

This was started by Barbara Livingston, and it sure looked like everyone had a nice time.

There were approximately 12 carolers. The people who did the caroling were Chick and Annmarie Shackewyc, Gary and Carol Wilcox, Tony and Nadine Guetti, Dave and Barb Livingston, Sam and Pat Allen, Cheryl Leone and Joan Fisher.

The caroling included a variety of songs, and they went in the community center and performed, in addition to houses around the development.

We were only spectators, but we loved it.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published December 28, 2016

 

Home of the Year

By

Gerald Batzel, of Countryside Drive in Timber Lake Estates, received the Timber Lake Estates Beautification Home of the Year award. Batzel received a certificate, a flag to display, and a cash award of $150. The winner was chosen by a committee from the four quarterly winners of 2016. (Courtesy of Jo Ann Buley)

Sprucing up the park as residents return

By

 

Gail Baker displays a wreath created at a get-together.
(Photos courtesy of Jean Lane)

Many of our residents have returned from up north for the winter.

The mulch was replaced around trees and shrubbery in November, and on Dec. 5, we started with a community-wide pool cleaning. Volunteers from the park helped power wash the pool, the walls, and spruce up the pool area.

Casa Del Sol’s first breakfast was Dec. 9, and many people enjoyed a delicious breakfast prepared by the men in the park. A special thanks to the men who prepare a breakfast every other Friday. This is a park-wide breakfast, and every resident is invited to attend.

Alice Brandel joined the ladies in the park to create wreaths.

On Dec. 15, the ladies in the park had an impromptu wreath-creating get-together. Several ladies joined in and had a good time.

By Jean Lane
Casa Del Sol

Published December 21, 2016

 

 

The holidays were made for food and fellowship

By

That beautiful time of the year is upon us once again, and Grand Horizons is celebrating it in style.

Sandy Lindke proves you are never too old for a visit with Santa.
(Courtesy of Adrianne Ayres)

We had our Friday Connoisseurs on Dec. 2 at the Black Rock Grill in Tampa. There were 26 of us in attendance and, being that there is much going on during this time of year, it was a pretty good turnout.

I can’t speak highly enough about this restaurant, as it not only had a varied menu and something for everyone’s taste buds, but it is also known for the black stone. This is an 8-inch square stone that is super-heated and placed on your table so your steak is prepared the way you like it. Ginny Sarver hosted the outing, and we all enjoyed this restaurant.

The following morning, there was a pancake breakfast. It included all the pancakes, French toast and sausage that you wanted, plus coffee.

Wearing their Christmas finery, Judi and Jim Leitzke are ready for the Christmas party.
(Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

There were approximately 50 people in attendance. The breakfast was hosted by David and Mary Heim, and their helpers included Linda Rogers, Diane Taggart and Tom Carter. Before the breakfast started, Jim Leitzke said grace.

That night, there also was a Christmas party. It started off with a golf cart parade of 22 golf carts. All of them were decorated in some way, shape, or form, while several of them were decorated all over and made for a beautiful sight, while going through the development past each individual house.

After the parade, everyone from the parade met at the community center where others already were gathered. There were about 100 residents attending this party.

Rudi and Lamar Lawson look forward to the cookies being served.
(Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

We had hot chocolate and cookies. The table was full of all sorts of cookies, cake and candy.

There was also a Santa Claus who gave out candy canes to the women, and everyone got to socialize.

Joyce Bell presented donations collected from throughout the community to Beth Akers, a representative from Meals on Wheels. Beth was very appreciative and offered a few words in thanks.

Helene and Marty Rubenstein at the Grand Horizons’ Christmas party.
(Courtesy of Adrianne Ayres)

The party was hosted by Joyce Bell with several helpers and was absolutely beautiful. The helpers were Chris Fulton, Rosemary Semian, Karen Donlon, Terri Satterlee, Lynne-Rae Dyson, Robbie Lockard and Ron Bell. All the people who worked on this Christmas Party did a fine job, and everything was done to perfection.

The following day, the Ladies Lunch Bunch had their luncheon at the Cheesecake Factory.

The 25 women who attended had a marvelous time. I spoke to Joyce and she told me that they each had a delicious meal, and most of them had cheesecake. Quite a few took their pie home to “relive” the afternoon. She also told me that many women went earlier to go shopping or did their shopping after lunch. It was a fun and friendly group.

The outing also was hosted by Joyce Bell.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published December 14, 2016

Residents can take their pick of activities

By

Every week more activities are starting, and our residents can be as busy as they want to be.

Monday night euchre begins at 6:30 p.m. Many participants arrive at 6 p.m., to “practice.” This past week’s winners with bragging rights were Mary Kay Lynch and Larry Sharp.

If you would like to learn to play this game, there are a lot of good players who are excited to teach newcomers.

Tuesday night at 6 p.m., Deann Harrington heads up the marble game. Shuffleboard is on Wednesday at 10 a.m. This week, Marlin Thomas was a three-game winner.

Karen Wyant hosts chair exercises at 9 a.m., on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and Ellie Brookins follows up with “Stepping to The Beat” at 10 a.m.

Last Thursday morning, 108 residents enjoyed coffee, donuts and conversation. Linda Files opened the gathering by asking Wayne Getchell to give the invocation. Richard Burgess added a bit of humor and started our day with a good laugh.

Watch the marquee for upcoming activities, which will include a golf cart and bicycle parade on Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. Lineup will begin at 5 p.m.

There will be a cookie social in the clubhouse following the parade.

Our first “special ” entertainment will be The Sugar Bear Band on Jan. 6. Tickets are $10 for the show, which will begin at 7 p.m. See Lee Heffelfinger or Tess Stacy for tickets.

Also, Bingo starts the first Wednesday in January.

By Mabel Budzinski
Gem Estates

Published December 14, 2016

Fashion and food on the agenda

By

There was a fashion show on Nov. 17 at the community center, with many women and men viewing clothing presented by Bon Worth.

There were six models in all, and each model wore three different outfits. The models were Terri Satterlee, Pat Mc Kain, Elaine Hilton, Mim Gardner, Joyce Bell and Rosemary Semian.

Skip Frye is a professional guitar player with a style like Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. (Courtesy of Gary Wilcox)
Skip Frye is a professional guitar player with a style like Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
(Courtesy of Gary Wilcox)

About 40 people attended the show. Cookies and brownies, along with coffee and tea, were served.

The fashion show was hosted by Rosemary Semian, and our thanks go to her for a lovely show.

A pancake breakfast was held on Nov. 19 at the community center and was attended by 71 residents, who enjoyed the breakfast.

Jim Sinner said the blessing before the meal of pancakes, French toast, sausage, orange juice, coffee and/or tea. There was also regular syrup in addition to sugar-free syrup. You could have all you cared to eat, and it was hosted by Mary and David Heim.

Germaine Marion and Jerry Raffa (back row) with Marion’s children and grandchildren, Kevin Moore, Roxanne Moore, Fabian, and Kaleigh Moore. (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)
Germaine Marion and Jerry Raffa (back row) with Marion’s children and grandchildren,
Kevin Moore, Roxanne Moore, Fabian, and Kaleigh Moore.
(Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

There were also many volunteers that included Linda Rogers, Rosemary Semian, Tom Carter. Diane Taggart, Rosemarie Weingartz and Walter Barr. They did a very nice job, and our thanks go out to all of them for a lovely breakfast.

Later that night, there was a show/dance at the community center. The name of the show was the Skip Frye Group, hosted by Gary Wilcox. I spoke to Gary and he was nice enough to tell me a little about it.

He said that all who attended had a very good time. He went on to mention that more than 65 people were there that night to enjoy the music and dancing. Also mentioned was the fact that Skip and his wife, Nancy, put on a wonderful three-hour concert, playing a variety of songs from yesterday to today.

Frye is a professional guitar player with styles like Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Thanks goes out to all our volunteers!

A day of thanks
There were 104 people, including residents and guests, at the community center on Nov. 24, to observe and celebrate Thanksgiving Day. The dinner was hosted by Margaret and Andy Castonguay, and several helpers.

From left: Margaret Castonguay, Clayton George, Carol George, Andy Castonguay and Vic Dyson (forefront) lend a helping hand for a Thanksgiving dinner. (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)
From left: Margaret Castonguay, Clayton George, Carol George, Andy Castonguay and Vic Dyson (forefront) lend a helping hand for a Thanksgiving dinner.
(Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

Before the dinner even started, grace was said by Cookie. He did a fine job. The dinner consisted of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, squash, green beans, cranberry sauce, pickles, rolls, butter, and dessert of apple and pumpkin pies with a dab of whipped cream. The meal was delicious and the turkey was moist. They served either white or dark meat – your preference.

There were several helpers, and they consisted of Carol and Clayton George, Mim and Terry Gardner, and Vic and Lynne-Rae Dyson. Everybody had a specific job to do, so everything ran smoothly.

In addition, I found out that the entire crew met the previous night to set up tables, clean the turkeys and put them in the oven to cook. Everyone outdid themselves and put on the perfect meal. After the dinner, we sat around and talked for a while.

Helene and Marty Rubenstein look forward to a Thanksgiving meal at Grand Horizons. (Courtesy of Adrianne Ayres)
Helene and Marty Rubenstein look forward to a Thanksgiving meal at Grand Horizons.
(Courtesy of Adrianne Ayres)

Later that night, several people returned for a game of euchre. I used to play this game, and I can truthfully say that it is a fun game, and it definitely keeps you on your toes. Of course, during the game, the people who are playing kept up a friendly conversation with much banter.

We had dominoes on Nov. 28, and, as always, it was loads of fun. There were several of us that joined in on this lively and fun game. Seeing that it was during the holiday season, quite a few of us showed up.

As the game progressed, you can hear people saying things like “My train just fell off the track,” “I have a mighty small train” and more.

One thing was for sure, everyone had a good time.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published December 7, 2016