Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Many people were in our community center on Easter Sunday for an egg hunt. Brian Heidman hosted this activity, and I, for one, had a delightful time. It was fun trying to locate plastic eggs that contained a slip of paper, with a prize written on it, tucked inside each egg. The decorations that were in the center of each table added a nice touch, with other color eggs in a basket and posters on the wall. There was also cake and coffee served. The cake was delicious and picked up by Chris Buckley. There was quite a bit of conversation going on, and we caught up with the most recent news. It was lots of fun, and I hope a tradition that will be carried out in the following years.

The following day, there was a street party in the cul-de-sac. This gathering of approximately 70 people was held to celebrate the March birthdays. Al Lindke and Rae Rice’s birthday happened to be on the day of the party, which was hosted by Sandy Lindke and Ernie Rice. The cake was delicious, and they served ice cream, along with several pies. In addition to this, a tent was set up, which was quite lovely when completed and was good in case it rained.

On April 2, an egg n’ bag was held at the community center and approximately 100 people were served a delicious breakfast. This was the last egg n’ bag of the season, and a huge crowd attended. Jim Leitzke said the blessing before the meal. There was one couple that just moved to Grand Horizons, and they were introduced. The couple was Monte and Karen Floyd, and they were shown how Grand Horizons’ residents have a good time. The helpers included Sue and George Richardson, Carol and Clayton George, Sue and Galen Parker, Jane and Mark Maurice, Vic and Lynne-Rae Dyson, and Judi and Jim Leitzke.

On April 3, there was a farewell get-together for Fred and Sam Sage. There was a tremendous showing, as everyone gathered to wish them well. Several people said a few words about an amusing anecdote from the past. They served cake and coffee. Everything was done in fine taste. Quite a few pictures were taken and much conversation went on. Rosie Semian put together this opportunity to wish the Sages well with help from Joyce Billig, Chris Fulton and Chuck Carlson. The pastor from Fred’s church said a prayer for the couple’s safe journey.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published April 13, 2016

On March 19, 125 people gathered at our community center to see the last show of our season, hosted by Terry Gardner. It was a great show, and one that we will long remember.

It started with Terry Gardner introducing the act, and then Sally and Ray Langwah proceeded with the show. Sally started the show by singing some Shania Twain songs such as “I Feel like a Woman” and “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under.” Sally sang these songs with a white top hat and a stunning white jacket over her black dress. She also sang “From This Moment On” and dedicated it to the couples that had an anniversary in March. While she was singing, there was some dancing in the aisles.

Ray then appeared as Willie Nelson with braids and a red bandana. He sang his hit entitled “All of Me,” and sang part of the song to Rosemary Semian. The entire performance was done nicely, and he did a fine job. After completing the song, he introduced the next guest singer, “Celine Dion.“ Sally came out in a stunning blue gown and sang the song “I’m Alive.” She did an excellent job of it. It made me feel like I was in Las Vegas, and I am sure others felt the same way.

After this song, Ray came out again to perform Willie’s big hit, “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.” During this routine, Robbie Lockard danced with Ray. They both did a terrific job.

Once again, Sally came out to the stage, but this time as “Marlene Dietrich” wearing a black shimmering dress with a black jacket and black top hat, and sang “Falling in Love Again.” It was lovely, and when she danced with Gene Verwiebe, it was a very nice touch. She also sang “Lili Marlene” while singing and dancing with Lamar Lawson. They both did a great job in getting everyone involved.

The next performer was “Julie Andrews.” Sally did a fantastic job in singing songs such as “Sound of Music” and “The Lonely Goatherd.” They had the audience clapping and swinging in their seats.

While Sally was getting changed, Ray came out to perform for us the song, “What a Wonderful World.”

After a terrific performance, he introduced the next guest, “Charo,“ the coochi-coochi girl. Sally performed “La Bamba” and, of course, there was audience participation. She completed this set with the song “Hot, Hot, Hot” and had most of the audience perform a conga line. All the people in the community center loved this. If they weren’t on the line, they were in their seats clapping and singing.

Sally did a quick change behind the screen that was onstage and then appeared all dressed up as “Marilyn Monroe.” She wore a white dress, which was very classy, and started off with a joke (that only Marilyn can tell) and then sang the song “My Heart Belongs to Daddy.” After this song, she brought up Galen Parker, who was celebrating his birthday in two days, and sang to him “Happy Birthday Mr. President.” The rest of the people in the audience joined in.

Ray then came onstage to sing a Willie Nelson hit entitled “City of New Orleans,” and while performing this song, he floated through the audience and shook several hands.

He then introduced the next performer, “Cher.” Sally came out in a lovely green gown and performed the song “Always on my Mind” with Ray. They were so cute together, and they did a superb job.

Sally now brought up to the stage John Mauk who had Sonny’s spot. He was given a special jacket with glitter and donned a wig. He made the perfect Sonny. They then performed the song “I Got You Babe,” with Sally singing most of the song, but John joined in with “I got you, babe.” The crowd thoroughly enjoyed this performance. Ray then came onstage once again for his final song which was “On the Road Again.” Before he performed the song, 12 bandanas were given out, and those 12 women, who received a bandana, stood by the stage waving them while Ray sang.

Terry Gardner then read about the veterans, and Sally sang about each individual branch of the service, while the people that were in that particular branch stood and got recognition. The show ended with Sally singing “O Canada” and “God Bless America,” while everyone stood and sang.

The entire show was done in good taste, and everyone had a great time.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published April 6, 2016

On March 11, Grand Horizons had its monthly lunch connoisseurs at Shell’s Seafood Restaurant in Tampa. The luncheon was hosted by Bill and Karen Donlon, and I understand they did a fine job. Since I wasn’t there, Bill was good enough to tell me about it. He mentioned there were more than 50 people who enjoyed their lunch, as there were many different and delicious dishes to choose from. Conversation was flowing freely, and it seemed like everyone had something to say. Whenever a group gets together from Grand Horizons, they always have a super time.

Among the people in attendance were Fred and Sam Sage, who will be moving to Kentucky. We all wish Fred and Sam the best. This was their final lunch, which they had originally started about 12 years ago. They are handing over the reins to Al and Sandy Lindke.

Our thanks go out to Bill and Karen Donlon in hosting the event, and to Fred and Sam Sage who got this together in the first place.

On March 12, we had our community sale, along with books, puzzles, baked goods, and a quick lunch for anyone who wanted to take a break before more shopping. There was a variety of items for sale, and a good selection of books. Some of the books were brand new and a great addition to the books you already had.

There also were quite a few sales at individual houses. There were items such as furniture, jewelry and more. This was a day that we had waited for, and it proved to be a real success.

On March 16, Grand Horizons had a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. It was hosted by Margaret and Andy Castonguay, and approximately 95 people attended, and were treated to a great meal consisting of corned beef, cabbage, carrots, onions, turnips, rolls and a tasty apple turnover for dessert. Before tables were called to get their meals, Vivian Sturdevant said grace. The crew of helpers in the kitchen consisted of Margaret and Andy Castonguay, Joyce and Ron Bell, Clayton and Carol George, and Linda Rogers. Fred and Pat Mengel sold all the tickets.

As usual, conversation was flowing and several people were dressed with hats, and all or most of the people were wearing some form of green.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published March 30, 2016