The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Another season coming to a close

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On a recent Monday night, Mae Slipp and Larry Sharp were the euchre players who won bragging rights for one week.

The Zephyrhills High School band and cheerleaders entertained at the Relay for Life survivors’ dinner attended by Mabel and Sy Budzinski. (Photos courtesy of Mabel Budzinski)
The Zephyrhills High School band and cheerleaders entertained at the Relay for Life survivors’ dinner attended by Mabel and Sy Budzinski.
(Courtesy of Mabel Budzinski)

I was delighted to hear Myrna Monser won three games at Wednesday morning shuffleboard. Myrna has been playing shuffleboard for about six years, and this is her first three-game win. Congratulations, Myrna!

Thursday morning coffee hour hosts were Harold and Paula Beck, with George and Mary Kay Lynch. Deann Harrington opened the social hour with an invocation before leading the “Pledge of Allegiance” and moderating the conversation.

Our neighbors in sick bay include Richard Burgess, Alan Bennett, Carol Farnsworth and Vicki Bluhm. We also remembered those folks affected by the floods in Louisiana.

Celebrating birthdays were Tom Clevenger, Tim Bargo and Ed Gooderault.

Welcome to new owners Ken and Nancy, and Roger and Debbie.

Please remember to fill out your “Project Dark House” forms, and leave them in the designated box in the clubhouse.

The final entertainment for this season was Glenn Johnson. Lee Heffelfinger introduced him, and then, with his magical guitar skills, we were provided a very pleasant evening. During intermission, Glenn chatted with members of the audience, including Beverly Martin and Don Liddy.

My husband, Sy, and I were privileged to attend the survivors’ dinner for the Zephyrhills Relay for Life. We would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the Zephyrhills High School band and cheerleading squad for their contributions to this awesome event.

By Mabel Budzinski
Gem Estates

Published March 23, 2016

A love for ice cream during the winter

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We started the week out with the regular activities like coffee and doughnuts on Wednesday, where a nice crowd of people attended to hear the birthdays and anniversaries of the coming week, and to recognize those people. We mostly get to mingle over a cup of coffee and have a delicious doughnut.

Eugene and Nancy Martin already devoured their ice cream at the social event. (Photos courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)
Eugene and Nancy Martin already devoured their ice cream at the social event.
(Photos courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

On March 5, we had our egg n’ bag event. I have spoken about this before, as it comes on the calendar once a month, and any and all who attended are treated to a lovely breakfast of omelets, potatoes, biscuits and gravy, and juices. There is always good attendance at this event, and this time was no exception as they served approximately 80-plus people. Fred Sage said the blessing before the breakfast started.  Jim and Judi Leitzke hosted this with helpers Clayton and Carol George, Galen and Sue Parker, Pauline Gadbois and Doris Sutfin. Our sincere thanks go out to all of them.

Rich Fulton, Ron Bell and Dale Satterlee prepare to dish out the flavors of ice cream.
Rich Fulton, Ron Bell and Dale Satterlee prepare to dish out the flavors of ice cream.

On March 6, there was the ice cream social that several people were anticipating for quite some time. There were approximately 90 people in the center enjoying eating their delicious bowls of ice cream. There was plenty of ice cream and several toppings, including whipped cream, strawberries, cherries, cut-up bananas, sprinkles, pineapple and several syrups, including hot fudge. It was a nice afternoon with plenty of conversation. The hosts for this outing were Joyce and Ron Bell, Chris and Rich Fulton, and Dale and Terri Satterlee. They did a great job, and thanks go out to them.

We are also getting ready for our yard, bake, and book and puzzle sale that will be at our community center on March 12. You may be able to find your treasure on this day. The sale is open to the public.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published March 16, 2016

Terri Satterlee, Chris Fulton and Rich Fulton dig into their ice cream bowls.
Terri Satterlee, Chris Fulton and Rich Fulton dig into their ice cream bowls.
Marty and Helene Rubenstein finished their tasty ice cream bowls. (Courtesy of Adrianne Ayers)
Marty and Helene Rubenstein finished their tasty ice cream bowls.
(Courtesy of Adrianne Ayers)

Providing comfort for children

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LeisureDays rgbGulfside Hospice recently partnered with Sun Coast Kids Place for a weekend camp for children. Rabbi Aaron Lever, Gulfside’s counseling services program manager, and Gina Connell, volunteer services specialist, visited Leisure Days RV Resort, and along with the afghans and quilts, they were given numerous stocking hats for clients, along with cuddle pillows and handmade stuffed animals. More than 50 children received a special gift from Leisure Days RV Resort residents. Each child was given an afghan or quilt, all made through the Busy Hands program at Leisure Days RV Resort. (Courtesy of Anne Astles)

Residents go back in time

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We snowbirds traveled back to the 1950s at our “At the Hop Dance.”  We each got our pictures taken in a pink convertible dressed in our timely attire, which consisted of poodle skirts, jeans, T-shirts, saddle shoes and sneakers. David Teague played a lot of the old songs, and we had a great time jitterbugging, doing the twist, line dancing, doing the chicken dance and enjoying lots of slow tunes. A big thanks to Cathie Draheim, Vicki Arndt and their great committee for a wonderful time of reliving our high school days.

Residents dressed in their 1950s finest for the ‘At the Hop’ dance. (Photos courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)
Residents dressed in their 1950s finest for the ‘At the Hop’ dance.
(Photos courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)

Our 25th annual chicken dinner was a sell-out crowd. The cooks had to scramble to find a dry place to grill the chickens. They set up in the car wash, and it worked out great. It takes a lot of people to plan and prepare this delicious meal. A big thanks to Judy May and Alice Sikkenga for chairing a fabulous meal.

Carefree’s “Got Talent” contest was held recently with four contestants. The winner was Nicki Purcell, and the runner-up was Joan Crow. The other contestants were Richard Berkheiser and David Mallaber. They were all very talented. The winner will compete at the Lakeland Center for a $5,000 prize. Good luck!

Two of our residents recently won a paid-in-full trip to the Grammy’s in California. Carol and Delmar Baker had a wonderful experience on this trip. It was sponsored by MasterCard. They came back from California with lots of wonderful memories of the trip. Congratulations to them!

By Sandra Gilbert-Abel
Rainbow Village

Published March 9, 2016

Contestants in Carefree's ‘Got Talent’ show were Joan Crow (runner-up), Nicki Purcell (winner), David Mallaber and Richard Berkheiser. 
Contestants in Carefree’s ‘Got Talent’ show were Joan Crow (runner-up), Nicki Purcell (winner), David Mallaber and Richard Berkheiser. 
It takes a small village to cook, prepare and serve the annual chicken dinner.
It takes a small village to cook, prepare and serve the annual chicken dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carol and Delmar Baker were winners of a paid-in-full trip to the Grammy's in California.
Carol and Delmar Baker were winners of a paid-in-full trip to the Grammy’s in California.

Grand Horizons thanks volunteers

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On Feb. 27, approximately 65 to 70 people descended upon the community center to celebrate Appreciation Day.

Joyce and Ron Bell get ready to prepare food for the many volunteers. (Photos courtesy of Adrianne Ayres)
Joyce and Ron Bell get ready to prepare food for the many volunteers.
(Photos courtesy of Adrianne Ayres)

The people who attended were greeted with posters saying “Thank You.” It was a festive afternoon and started off with a prayer by Jim Leitzke.

I wasn’t there, but Joyce Bell was nice enough to tell me exactly what transpired.

Brian Heidman read a list of what all the volunteers do to help, and this was followed by Joyce Bell reading a poem on volunteering.

Then, there was a lovely meal that consisted of hamburgers with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and other toppings and condiments, potato salad, coleslaw, and baked beans with franks that were cut up and mixed in.

For dessert they had four different kinds of strudel, in addition to ice cream cups for all. Everyone had such a good time that they sat around and talked after the meal.

Our thanks go out to the workers on this day. They were Chuck and Shirley Carlson. Ron and Joyce Bell, Judi and Jim Leitzke, and Mim and Terry Gardner.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published March 9, 2016

Dave and Linda Tutin, and Nancy and Eugene Martin at the celebration for volunteers.
Dave and Linda Tutin, and Nancy and Eugene Martin at the celebration for volunteers.
Andy and Margaret Castonguay attend Appreciation Day at Grand Horizons
Andy and Margaret Castonguay attend Appreciation Day at Grand Horizons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tom and Laurie Carter, Del O’Hara and Andy Gisondi at the volunteer appreciation lunch.
Tom and Laurie Carter, Del O’Hara and Andy Gisondi at the volunteer appreciation lunch.
Vic and Lynne-Rae Dyson share in the festive afternoon for volunteers.
Vic and Lynne-Rae Dyson share in the festive afternoon for volunteers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Judi and Jim Leitzke take a break from helping before serving lunch.
Judi and Jim Leitzke take a break from helping before serving lunch.

 

A week in review

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Last Monday evening’s euchre’s top players were Cesema, MaryKay Lynch and John Rabb. They won bragging rights for the week.

Wednesdays storm, with lots of rain, washed out the shuffleboard games.

Our Thursday morning coffee hour hosts were Carol Brooks, Sue Lietz, Bruce and Ruth Hudson. Bruce Hudson gave the invocation. Vice President Deann Harrington led the “Pledge of Allegiance,” moderated the conversation and provided a bit of tasteful humor.

Richard Burgess is currently in sickbay, and in recovery, following surgery, are Ron Raymond and Deann Harrington.

John Brogan is celebrating his birthday.

Lee Heffelfinger gave us information about an eight-day Caribbean cruise she will host in January of next year.

Upcoming events include the Glen Johnson concert on March 11, and a traditional boiled dinner celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on March 17.

By Mabel Budzinski
Gem Estates

Published March 9, 2016

Being safe in your garden

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Although we love spending time in our gardens, many things can harm us when we are working outside.

So, it’s important to use precautions while we’re doing our garden chores.

I know this from experience.

Protect yourself when working in your Florida garden by wearing long sleeves, long pants, a hat and sunscreen. (Photos courtesy of Nicole Pinson)
Protect yourself when working in your Florida garden by wearing long sleeves, long pants, a hat and sunscreen.
(Photos courtesy of Nicole Pinson)

Some plants, such as bougainvillea and pygmy date palms, have thorns that can puncture your hand or finger joints.

The residual plant matter from the thorns can lead to an infection called thorn synovitis.

I know this, because a thorn punctured my knuckle as I was pruning bougainvillea. My finger swelled, I lost range of motion and was in pain for weeks. Eventually, I had to see an orthopedic surgeon about the infection. Now, I always wear my gauntlet gloves when working with thorny plants.

And, that’s just one of the hazards you can encounter while gardening.

Here are some things to keep in mind to help you stay safe.

  • Protect yourself from sun exposure.

Wear long sleeves and long pants, stay hydrated, stretch and take frequent breaks. Wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen afford more sun protection.

  • Read the labels of pesticides, fungicides and herbicides.

The label is not only the law, but it also provides you important information about how to protect yourself with personal protective equipment and clothing, if needed.

The label provides directions for use and environmental hazards such as minimizing exposure to nontarget organisms like honey bees.

Take the time to read pesticide, herbicide and fungicide labels.
Take the time to read pesticide, herbicide and fungicide labels.

In addition, the label will provide information about re-entry periods or

Preharvest intervals (PHI). A preharvest interval is the minimum amount of days that must be observed between the date of the last application of the pesticide and the date of harvest, which means you must wait that amount of days before you can harvest the fruit or vegetable.

Another important piece of information is called APP, or the maximum number of applications allowed per crop per year.

  • Avoid stings

Many of our native bees, wasps and flies are important pollinators and should be encouraged to visit your garden. However, some may sting when provoked, or when their nest is disturbed. To help avoid stings, don’t walk barefoot in the yard; keep sweet drinks and foods covered; pick fruit as it ripens and dispose of rotten fruit; move slowly, and don’t swat at bees or wasps that are foraging for food. It’s also a good idea to wear insect repellant, and avoid mowing the lawn or working in the garden when bees and wasps are active.

  • Prevent other bites and beware of poisonous plants

You can protect yourself from stinging caterpillars, venomous snakes, biting spiders, mosquitoes and poisonous plants by not handling something you cannot identify. Learn to recognize poisonous or venomous plants and animals — such as poison ivy and pygmy rattlesnakes. Keep your garden free of debris piles, weeds and standing water, too, to reduce hiding places and habitats.

  • Wear gloves

Be sure to protect your hands when working with sphagnum moss and around plants with thorns. A fungus called Sporothrix schenckii can cause the disease sporotrichosis, also known as the rose gardener’s disease or rose thorn disease. This fungus can be found in sphagnum moss and peat moss, and may enter the body through cuts or skin punctures, causing lesions.

This disease is rarely life-threatening and can be treated with antifungals, but gardeners should be aware of this potential threat when working with peat or sphagnum moss.

  • Look out, below

It’s a good idea to find out what’s below ground before you begin digging.

You can call Sunshine 811, a nonprofit organization that notifies utility companies where you plan to dig, so they can come out to your property and mark underground cables and pipes. This can protect you from potential damages and can help to keep you safe.

This process usually takes a few days, so call well in advance of your project.

Of course, these are just a few tips to help you along.

If you are injured or suspect you’ve been bitten by a venomous snake or spider, call 911.

If you or someone you know has ingested a poisonous plant, call the Florida Poison Information Center at (800) 222-1222.

And, if you have other questions, or need help identifying a plant or an insect, call your local Extension office.

By Nicole Pinson

Nicole Pinson is an Urban Horticulture Agent in Hillsborough County. She gratefully acknowledges Gerri Almand, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Master Gardener, for her help in preparing this article. For additional information, you can reach Pinson at (813) 744-5519, ext. 54145.

Published March 9, 2016

February was a blast!

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The event of the season, “Goofy Golf,” literally ate up the first week throughout the park, even though the game was played on Feb. 6.

Dick and Natalie Hartstein in their finery for ‘Goofy Golf.’ (Photos courtesy of Ian Marwick)
Dick and Natalie Hartstein in their finery for ‘Goofy Golf.’
(Photos courtesy of Ian Marwick)

Volunteer builders, our stalwarts, produced their version of what a mini golf game should be. And, did they ever. Twelve games of the eighteen were new or reworked to change the flavor. Each street had to have one hole with the aim to complete the game in 2-½ hours. With four years now under the belt, creativity is still bubbling in the hearts of man (sorry girls, non-gender meant). Although, maybe next year? Holy Moly, that would put the cat among the pigeons.
Anyway, the outfits, the styles and innovation attempting to look ridiculous, was fantastic. Thanks to all who jumped in with both feet to laugh at themselves and their neighbors. The reaction was unanimous. Fun, fun, fun. Whoopee!
The Goofy Awards at the Monday coffee hour recognized, with cash, 76 of the 132 that braved the elements, cold winds and drizzle before the last hole was played. The best and the “hardest working” are treated equally. There are no losers at Happy Days. Where can you go and have a ball (golf, of course) for a buck? Secret rumblings are coming out that plans are already afoot for next year. Can you wait?
Heather Graham and her “scoopers” did it again at the ice cream social, dishing up bowls topped with a cupcake for 154 dessert monsters. Great job, and only a buck. And, to keep the competition among the food chairmen (sorry, persons), Jim Grant and his super-efficient crew served a full breakfast, including biscuits and gravy for three bucks, and fed 157. What can be said? We have super, unsung volunteers at Happy Days. Hip hip hooray!
Wrapping it up was the Valentine’s Dance. Where do all those red clothes come from?

Ken Knight ‘shooting a turkey’ during a shuffleboard outing.
Ken Knight ‘shooting a turkey’ during a shuffleboard outing.

Everyone looked years younger with their mates on arm waltzing away the evening. Heck if it was not for mirrors, in our mind’s eye, we still are. Next year, the resolution should be to take them off the walls and live the dream.
The “Craft Gals” sponsored a potluck dinner. More than 90 happy eaters took advantage of the great spread. As usual, with our penchant to eat, no one left hungry. Great job, gals.
And finally, turkeys were again in season on the shuffleboard courts, a lot quieter than a shooting range though. Ken Knight, with another great crew, watched the action pare down to the winners. First place went to Bill Nickson from California with 117; Ken Knight from Michigan and Don Goyette from Massachusetts tied at second place with 100; fourth place was Kyle Benjamin from Michigan with 89; and fifth place went to Bob Weston from Missouri, Del Gregg from Pennsylvania and Bob Hoffman from New York with 85. Thanks to all that helped and played
February had lots to offer and wear out even the strongest. Take those vitamins, and get ready for March.

By Ian Marwick (the happy scribe)
Happy Days RV Park

Published March 2, 2016

 

Grand finale at Rainbow Village

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Our last show of the season was our own Steve Jeffris. He always has a great show, and you never know what he has planned for our manager, Sue Flynn. In previous shows, he had the Zephyrhills High School band march down the aisle in our social hall; another show, he had barbershop singers sing to Sue; and another time, a waitress delivered flowers on skates. It has been fun wondering what he will do next.

Steve Jeffris with Sue Flynn and the ushers at his show. (Photos courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)
Steve Jeffris with Sue Flynn and the ushers at his show.
(Photos courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)

Well, Sue decided to surprise him first by wearing bells and then presented him with a tree full of “Rainbow” money, rules of the park, an orange scarf just like the ones handed out to the dogs in the resort (so as not to bother him), and a large key to Rainbow Village as our honored resident.

Steve, in turn, had two cupids come down the aisle with their magic wands, throwing kisses and giving kisses to some gentlemen. They also presented her with flowers and candy. Steve is a resident of our resort, and it was all done in fun.

Thank you, Steve, for a night full of music and fun!

By Sandra Gilbert-Abel
Rainbow Village

Published March 2,2016

 

Les Craig gets a kiss from Cupid, portrayed by Steve Jeffris’ wife, Sharon.
Les Craig gets a kiss from Cupid, portrayed by Steve Jeffris’ wife, Sharon.
Sue Flynn, Rainbow Village’s manager, presents a money tree to Steve Jeffris.
Sue Flynn, Rainbow Village’s manager, presents a money tree to Steve Jeffris.

Two-stepping and waltzing through Grand Horizons

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More than 110 people gathered at the community center on Feb. 20 to be treated to a show put on by Crystal Gage and Ryan St. Denis. The show was booked by our entertainment director, Terry Gardner. Our thanks go out to him for a good and entertaining show.

Ryan St. Denis makes the fiddle ‘talk’ to the audience during a performance. (Photos courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)
Ryan St. Denis makes the fiddle ‘talk’ to the audience during a performance.
(Photos courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

The show led off with “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” which was dedicated to Andy Castonguay. It was quite a sight to see Crystal singing this song and Andy joining in with a few words.

In between each song that Crystal or Ryan sang, short stories were told and there were many jokes. At one point in the show, Crystal dedicated the song “What I Like About You” to several men in the audience who are bald, or approaching baldness. Crystal went around the audience rubbing the bald heads that she saw. It was a cute part of the show and had the entire audience laughing.

She then proceeded to sing the song “Crazy,” which was a huge hit for Patsy Cline. She did a beautiful job, and everyone enjoyed it. Crystal then called Jim Leitzke to perform a Dolly Parton song with her entitled “Why Did You Come Here Lookin’ Like That?” When I say that Jim was called to the stage to perform with Crystal, it was done with a lot of shaking going on. The crowd sure appreciated this, and they let them both know with the applause and the laughter.

Crystal and Ryan then performed the song “Islands in the Stream.” This was a big hit by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. They both did a superb job.

Ryan then showed us how well he plays the fiddle and guitar, as he played several songs. One was “Maple Sugar,” which he did a really good job on, and then proceeded with “Listen to the Mockingbird” and did a fabulous job on “Cotton-eyed Joe.” Crystal and Ryan did a two-step to that tune, and they did an excellent job of it.

Crystal Gage puts a lot of emotion into her songs during a show.
Crystal Gage puts a lot of emotion into her songs during a show.

Ryan also performed “Alabama Jubilee” on the guitar. The people that were in the audience got to see his special moves and hear the notes on the guitar.

A polka was then played, and there was audience participation with the crowd clapping and swinging in their seats.

We got to hear the “Tennessee Waltz.” When this was performed, there was dancing in the aisles.

Crystal and Ryan did a fine rendition of “Hey, Good Lookin’” and “May the Circle Be Unbroken” and, once again, with audience participation.

When Crystal sang “I want to be a Cowboy Sweetheart,” she not only did a very good job of it, but she had Margaret Castonguay do the yodeling. Between Crystal and Margaret, the song was a success.

Ryan then played “Orange Blossom Special” and showed us more of his playing the fiddle.

Crystal then had the entire audience stand up and shake, while she sang “Rock Around the Clock” and danced with Ron Molnar. That was a nice touch, and Ron really danced up a storm.

A tribute to the veterans was given, and the song “God Bless the U.S.A.” was performed.

Crystal and Ryan closed the performance with a gospel song entitled “How Great Thou Art” to a standing ovation for a terrific show.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published March 2, 2016