The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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)

Slip away to Safety Harbor, a ‘secret little hideaway’

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When I told a friend at work years ago I lived in Safety Harbor, he said, “Ah, Safety Harbor. It sounds like a place where nothing bad ever happens.”

Safety Harbor, in northern Pinellas County, is home to 17,139 residents, and lots of festivals, including the Seafood Festival, March 10 through March 12.
(Karen Haymon Long)

It sometimes seems that way still. With a crime rate less than half that of Florida’s, this little town on the northwestern edge of Old Tampa Bay is the perfect place to take long walks, picnic in a picturesque park, or pick up a book from one of the Little Free Library boxes scattered around town like whimsical birdhouses.

Locals seem to like that the town has only 17,139 residents, and that they often run into neighbors at Main Street’s 3rd Friday Music Series or at Market on Main every Sunday at the gazebo.

The Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce even advertises the 4.92-square-mile town as a “secret little hideaway,” – that for years did not have one single cellphone tower.

Safety Harbor will have a sidewalk chalk art festival March 18 and March 19.
(Courtesy of Marcia Biggs)

It doesn’t have as many restaurants, breweries or shops as its more glamorous sister city, Dunedin, but it has plenty of options to please visitors looking for quiet walks, good places to eat and to fly kites.

Some residents are so proud of Safety Harbor, they nicknamed themselves “Harborites,” and, to celebrate the town’s 100th birthday this year, they launched a literary journal and a project to collect video town memories. They’ve also planned 100 centennial events, including those the town usually hosts annually.

The town’s jewel is Philippe Park, a Pinellas County park just 1 ½ miles north of downtown, bordering Old Tampa Bay. It has a boat ramp, picnic shelters and tables, playgrounds, paths along the bay, and plenty of places to launch kayaks and paddleboards.

A canopy of ancient oaks arches over the park’s main road, leading toward a 20-foot temple mound used by the Tocobaga tribe, which left the area in the mid-1700s. The top of the mound offers million-dollar views of the bay and is a popular setting for weddings. On weekends, especially, the park teems with bikers and walkers, many with dogs – on leashes, a park rule requirement. Birdwatchers are likely to see great blue herons, night herons, snowy egrets, osprey and the rarer roseate spoonbills. We once even saw a flock of flamingoes, just south of the park.

Safety Harbor City Marina, near the city’s pier and just south of the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, is home to mostly sailboats.

We like to leave our car at the park and walk south along a bayside sidewalk to downtown to see manatees from the municipal pier, just south of the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa. Then, we have lunch in town before walking back.

Often, between November and early May, four or five manatees float in the bay right next to the pier. On a recent visit, a Washington State visitor looked amazed to see five manatee faces — bursting from the water for air.

A boy named Colin peered over the pier railing and called out “I love you, manatees’’ repeatedly, while fishermen took time out from cast netting for mullet to watch the manatee show.

Meanwhile, in Veterans Memorial Marina Park, between the pier and the Safety Harbor City Marina, families picnicked under a shelter, enjoying the bay breezes.

Manatees can be spotted from Safety Harbor’s municipal pier, often between November and early May.

The town’s annual seafood festival – this year March 10 through March 12 – in Waterfront Park, across from the marina, attracts visitors from throughout the bay area. Safety Harbor prides itself on its festivals, featuring everything from arts and crafts to a sidewalk chalk art festival March 18 through March 19, a British car show Oct. 21, and a wine festival Nov. 4.

From the marina, it’s an easy walk to Main Street and to the town’s restaurants – from Whistle Stop Grill and Bar, known for fried green tomatoes; to Bar fly, a locals’ favorite, with a popular Taco Tuesday; to the pricier critics’ pick, Parts of Paris, a French bistro serving smoked frogs legs, duck confit and other delicacies.

Tupelo on 4th, a boutique in a converted house in Safety Harbor, sells home décor, jewelry and women’s fashions.

Two pizza restaurants, a barbecue place, a Latin American cantina and Green Springs Bistro, known for tasty bison burgers, are among other options.

The Syd Entel Galleries and Susan Benjamin Glass, at 247 Main St., is worth a visit, with art shows, as well as artwork, glass and jewelry for sale. And, we like Tupelo on 4th, a boutique in a turquoise house with a tin roof that sells home decor, jewelry and women’s fashion.

But mostly, we go downtown to stroll, to manatee watch and to eat lunch. One day, we bought tasty sandwiches at The Sandwich on Main and picnicked in Veteran’s Memorial Marina Park. The sandwich shop’s motto: “We Got It Good” – a sentiment that might well describe Safety Harbor itself.

If you go:
Safety Harbor is in northern Pinellas County, off McMullen Booth Road. Its downtown is roughly south of State Road 580 and north of County Road 611.
Philippe Park is at 2525 Philippe Park Parkway. Hours are daily 7 a.m. to dusk, and closed only the Friday after Thanksgiving and on Christmas.
For events, including those for the city’s centennial, and for dining options, visit CityOfSafetyHarbor.com.
For a map of downtown, see SafetyHarborChamber.com, or stop by the chamber of commerce, at 200 Main St., for free visitors’ guides and attraction brochures.

By Karen Hamon Long

Published March 8, 2017

Local, fresh and healing foods

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Special to The Laker/ Lutz News

Bernard Wong has been a professional chef for more than 25 years. He and his wife Vicky Lin were thriving in the New York City baking industry for many of those years. But when their daughters Alexandria and Isabella were born, they decided to make a change.

“We enjoyed the city. There are so many culinary influences from all over the world.” said Lin. “But it wasn’t the best place to raise a family.”

So, two years ago, they packed up their bakeware and purchased a 17-acre farm in the rolling hills of Dade City. They faced challenges adapting their gardening methods to Florida’s subtropical climate, but are pleased with the results.

“We are committed to using only foods grown without pesticides or artifi
cial ingredients,” said Lin. “We’ve spent the past two years cultivating our farm so we can honor that commitment.”

Adhering to a “farm to table” philosophy, the couple grows the produce they use to create their fusion-style menu of breads, cakes, and desserts. These include sweet potatoes, pumpkin, taro, mangos, sunflowers, and the leaves of the moringa tree.

Known for its antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties, Moringa oleifera has gained popularity as a miracle food. Customers are intrigued by the green-tinted cakes, breads, and even chicken noodle soup made with the tiny leaves.

“Nature provides so many healing foods,” Lin explained. “We love to incorporate these into our menu. We are what we eat, so if we eat healthy foods, we are healthy.”
That philosophy is evident in their menu. Homegrown sunflower leaves are dried, ground and transformed into sunflower tea mousse cake. Lemon raisin twists are made with fresh lemons. Fresh pickled daikon finds a home on barbecue pork buns and chicken sandwiches.

The menu changes with the seasons, guaranteeing exciting new delights throughout the year. All natural fruit smoothies are a recent addition, and the couple plans to offer a farm fresh salad bar during the summer months.

Located at 38201 10th Avenue, Zephyrhills, the Living Food Bakery and Café is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday. They also offer catering and will create al occasion cakes and gift baskets on request by calling (813) 715-0622.

 

The Great Hands People Striving for Function Restoration of the Hand and Upper Extremity

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By Will Plazewski

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Dr. Luis A. Laurentin-Perez’s enthusiasm and love for his work is palpable when you first meet him. His vast experience has taken him all over the world, and as a result he’s fluent in English, Spanish, French and Italian. His 26 years of experience is pretty impressive, too.

With all of that being said, the doctor is rather reluctant to boast. He says he’s merely grateful for the ability to use his gifts to serve others, especially children.

The humble doctor and his dedicated staff at Hand Care Specialists of Wesley Chapel use the latest practices and technologies for ailments of the hand and upper extremity.

They treat a wide variety of conditions for patients of all ages, including fractures, burns and open wounds; as well as nerve, tendon and vascular injuries. Dr. Laurentin, who additionally is a fully licensed plastic surgeon, also performs pediatric reconstructions in children suffering from congenital deficiencies.

“Our arms, elbows, wrists and hands help us in all of our daily activities, be work or play. When there’s a problem, it can greatly affect our quality of life,” said Dr. Laurentin.

“Whether your particular condition is acute or chronic, and whether the needed approach is conservative or surgical, we can help. We want to help.“

Whether you or someone you know suffers from tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome, a sports injury or even trigger finger, call for a consult and learn how Hand Care Specialists of Wesley Chapel can make a difference in your quality of life for years to come.

Hablamos Español

(813) 895-5581

HandCareofWC.com

Clinic Days: Monday–Friday

Call to Schedule an Appointment

 2050 Ashley Oaks Circle, Suite 101

Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

(across from Sam’s Club)

Dinner, dancing and rock ‘n’ roll

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About 100 people were at the community center on Feb. 12, to see the Dukes perform, and eat dinner.

Joyce and Ron Bell enjoyed the music of the Dukes.
(Courtesy of Ed Goldstein)

The dinner included chicken cordon bleu a la orange, rice pilaf, string bean almondine, and valentine cupcakes which were prepared by Ed and Eileen Goldstein. There were quite a few helpers, and they were Tom Carter, Nancy Huey, and Robbie and Doug Lockard.

The Dukes were booked by Gary Wilcox, and the helpers for the dance included Chick and Annmarie Shackewyc, Cheryl and Ken Leone, Barb and Dave Livingston, Ed and Joan Fisher, Bill and Donna Quinn, and Gary and Carol Wilcox.

This was the first dinner and dance presented at Grand Horizons and, from what I understand, it went over very well.

Jerry Raffa stands next to the birthday girl, Germaine Marion, who was surprised with a cake.

It was Germaine Marion’s birthday, and Jerry Raffa brought along a sheet cake to celebrate her birthday. I understand she was quite surprised. Good going, Jerry!

Since we were unable to attend because of previous commitments, we sure hope they have it again.

The dinner started off with Gary Wilcox saying grace.

After the dinner, the dance began and, with the Dukes playing, everyone had a great time. The Dukes played old rock ‘n’ roll tunes, while there was line-dancing on the floor. There were various songs and tunes that the Dukes did, and it sure kept things hopping.

In addition to dancing and dinner, from what Eileen Goldstein told me, they had a drawing for a basket that was put together by Cheryl Leone. Since I happen to know that Cheryl is pretty good at crafts, I can just imagine the basket.

Nancy Huey with Ed and Eileen Goldstein in the kitchen.

I spoke with Cheryl, and she told me the basket that was awarded to a lucky winner included several scratch-off tickets for the lottery and some cash. So, all in all, it sounded like it was a good night.

A pancake breakfast was held at the community center on Feb. 25, and 81 people attended.

Before breakfast was served, grace was said by Jim Leitzke.  Afterward, the tables were called up for pancakes, French toast and sausages.

This breakfast was hosted by Dave and Mary Heim with lots of helpers in the kitchen, including Pat Bond, Tom Carter, Linda Rogers, Rosie Semian and Diane Taggart.

There will be another show at Grand Horizons on March 4. Rich Wilson will be coming. We have seen him previously and know that we are in for a treat. Residents, along with guests are welcome.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published March 1, 2017

A new marriage to celebrate

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Charlotte and Rusty Siler celebrate their marriage with Gem Estates’ residents.
(Courtesy of Mabel Budzinski)

Monday night euchre champs were June and Carl. On Wednesday morning, Dave Roberts was the only shuffleboard board player to win three games.

This week, the volunteer I chose to thank is Loretta Green. Loretta has been the chairman of our clubhouse sale for several years. She also oversees the preparation and serving of the food for the Friday evening residents’ preview, and the public sale.

Our congratulations to Rusty and Charlotte Siler. Following their wedding, friends and neighbors gathered to celebrate with them. Deannie Bennet made a gorgeous wedding cake.

Deannie Bennet made this wedding cake for Charlotte and Rusty Siler.

Jim and Karen Nagle, along with their kitchen crew, provided a delicious meal.

On Feb. 9, quilters got together for the first quilt therapy session at Gem Estates. A dozen talented ladies brought their artistic creations to share with the group, leaving everyone delighted and inspired.

The quilters shared their knowledge with talk of patterns, techniques, projects, tools and cleaning methods.

A few brave ladies were just beginning. Everyone is eager to learn from each other.

A second quilt therapy session took place Feb. 23 in the clubhouse.

By Mabel Budzinski
Gem Estates

Published March 1, 2017

Chinese dragons and goldfish

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While several activities were going on in our community, on Feb. 3, a few of us that live at Grand Horizons decided to attend a Johnny Ellis show at the Elks Club.

It was a great show and, while he played a variety of music, it was mainly country. We have seen him several times, and it almost seems like it is a different show each time. He has a very good band called “The Has Been Band,” and each one in the band has a different talent and plays so well.

Chester Cuttshall, who plays the steel pedal guitar, has played with several major performers. He sang some solos and sings quite well.

Dave and Jenny Molinek joined in on the fun during lunch at Lings.
(Courtesy of Helene and Marty Rubenstein)

The drummer, who was excellent, had played with Elvis.

There are also a few women performers who sing rather well alone and also when singing a duet with Johnny.

The week was filled with many activities, some that I have previously mentioned, but on Feb. 10, about 40 or more people attended the Friday Connoisseurs at Lings Buffet, in Lakeland.

When we entered Lings, beautiful chandeliers and several fish greeted us.

We started off with Galen Parker saying grace before the meal, and after this, we all went on the buffet line to get our soup and/or select from the many Chinese dishes.

There was quite a variety — too many to list, but some of them included pineapple chicken, fried rice, ham, chow mein, orange chicken, shrimp, lo mein and so much more. If anyone was hungry when leaving Lings, it was their own fault.

It was a nice crowd, and we had fun conversing and taking pictures.

This outing was hosted by Sam and Pat Allen, and they did a lovely job. Rudi Lawson volunteered to help out and also did a splendid job.

Before closing, I want to mention to everyone what is coming in the future.

On Feb. 25, Grand Horizons is having a rummage sale at the community center and at some individual houses. The hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will be hosted by Andy and Margaret Castonguay.

In addition, Linda Tutin will be selling books, and Brian Heidman will be selling CDs.

Mim Gardner will present a bake sale, and Chuck Carlson and Ron Bell will be cooking hot dogs and fries.

Come one, come all to this rummage, bake, book, CD and lunch sale. I am sure you will find a treasure somewhere among everything.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published February 22, 2017