The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

50-year milestones

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LeisureDays rgbFive couples shared a very special milestone with Leisure Days RV Resort friends, neighbors, and some family members. They will all celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year. Guests enjoyed cake and ice cream while visiting with the couples. From left are, MaryBelle and John Hillier, Ontario; Fran and Frank Roes, Ontario; Kathy and David Butts, Florida; Ann and Don Cooper, New York; and Lisette and Jean-Marc Dubois, Ontario. (Courtesy of Anne Astles)

Get your recipes in!

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On a Saturday evening, our community enjoyed a New England bean “suppa.” The meal was deliciously prepared by a group of volunteers, with Jim Nagle supervising. Betty Dow and Ruth Hudson co-chaired the event.

Recent Monday night euchre champs were June Burgard and Daryl Hyder.

A delicious bean supper drew many residents on a Saturday evening. (Courtesy of Mabel Budzinski)
A delicious bean supper drew many residents on a Saturday evening.
(Courtesy of Mabel Budzinski)

Our Thursday morning coffee hour hosts were Marlin and Marylou Thomas, along with David and Dale Taylor. Alan Bennett gave the invocation, led the “Pledge of Allegiance” and moderated the conversation.

In sickbay were Ron Raymond, Dick Burgess and Deann Harrington. Our condolences to the family of Ruth Shepherd.

Having birthdays were Gerri Shields, Sandy Mann and Jean Schutte. Ken and Sandy Mann celebrated their fourth anniversary.

De-ann Burgess reminded folks to bring their favorite recipes to her or Deannie Bennett to be included in a community cookbook. Men also are encouraged to participate in this project.

Lee Heffelfinger announced our entertainment for March 11 at 7 p.m. — Glenn Johnson. She promises that Glenn is an impressive guitar player, along with his vocal abilities.

By Mabel Budzinski
Gem Estates

Published March 2, 2016

Beauty Accents Studios Specializes In Pampering

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mariellepicforfbBeauty Accents Studios LLC, previously known as Beauty Accents by Marielle, began as a freelance makeup artistry business by Marielle Calabria.  Since childhood, Marielle has enjoyed helping family and friends get ready for special occasions, especially events that celebrate milestones for girls and women.

Besides being a professional makeup artist with over 20 years experience with bride’s  makeup,  special events,  and makeup lessons, Marielle is also a licensed facial specialist who offers a wide variety of  facial treatments that will make your skin feel and look renewed and refreshed. She also gives excellent manicures and pedicures.

Beauty Accents Studios, which opened its doors last summer in Lutz, is much more than just another hair salon.  It offers guests a unique experience that includes a full makeover package, consisting of hair, nails, facials, professional makeup and photography.  Guests can pick and choose the services they want.  The studio is designed to work with women individually or in groups, but gentlemen are welcomed, too!

“We have the perfect setting for a ‘Bridal Party Spa Day,’ ‘Mother-To-Be Pampering Day,’ and ‘Ladies Night Out’ celebrations,” said Marielle.  “We also work with girls getting ready for their ‘Quinceañera’ and host fabulous girl parties for tweens and teenagers.” Having a photography studio on-site is a plus.  “Customers love the makeovers, and we love taking photos that they can post on social media, give as gifts, and share with their loved ones,” said Marielle.

Beauty Accents’ recent Valentine’s ‘Mommy & Me’ event was a success.  Girls, moms, grandmas and aunts were pampered with makeup, nail polish, hair style, and topped off with a professional glamour photo, a perfect Valentine’s gift for dad or their favorite person.

Working alongside Marielle are Selma, Kellee, Viv, and daughter-in-law Maria Andrea, who recently joined the team.  They are a wonderful team full of great ideas.

Beauty Accents Studios is in the Tropical Village shopping center on U.S. 41, across from WalMart and in the same plaza as Breakfast Nook. Its central location is convenient for clientele in Hillsborough and central Pasco.  Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  For appointments, call (813) 803-7375.

Imperial Buffet Best Dining Value In Town

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(l to r) Hibachi chef Damon, Sushi chef Jim, and owner and head chef Tony are perfectionist who demand the highest quality food preparation and  presentation.

Land O’ Lakes newest restaurant — Imperial Buffet in the Village Lakes Shopping Center — is one of the best dining values in town.

In addition to more than 100 traditional Chinese buffet items made fresh every morning, it also offers unlimited Japanese sushi and sashimi, plus a hibachi grill on the buffet line or at your table.

“Only Imperial Buffet gives customers sushi and hibachi at no additional cost,” said Vivian Zhang, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Tony.

At $7.99 for lunch, and $12.99 after 3:30 p.m., dining at Imperial Buffet is a tremendous value. Plus, discounts up to 10% are given to military and church groups. Lunch and dinner for seniors, 65 and over, cost $6.99 and $10.99 respectively.

“You can eat at our restaurant for less money than many fast food chains,” adds Vivian. “Our service is very fast, and buffet lines are always ready to go. We like to say that we’re faster than fast food!”

Kids also love Imperial Buffet because it offers their favorite foods — pizza, chicken nuggets, cream cheese wontons, french fries, ice cream, fried bananas and sugar donuts. And parents love the discounted kids pricing, which begins at $2.99 for ages 3-5, $4.99 for ages 6-8 and $6.99 for ages 9-11. Children under 3 are free.

The story behind Imperial Buffet began last fall when Vivian and Tony bought another Chinese restaurant at the same location.

The couple, which has worked in the restaurant business for more than 20 years, spent three months completely renovating the 7,700 sq. ft. restaurant. They invested $400,000 to create a beautiful, open floor plan with new flooring, walls and interior décor.

Imperial Buffet reopened in January, and area residents have been flocking to the restaurant ever since. Once guests come for the first time, they almost always return because of the excellent food and service, and incredibly low prices.

The restaurant seats 200 in a spacious combination of booths and tables. There is a separate dining room that accommodates 90 that is perfect for private gatherings and community groups.

Vivian and Tony came to the U.S. from southern China 20 years ago. They settled in New York City, and learned the art of cooking and restaurant management. They moved to Florida five years ago, and opened restaurants in Miami, Palm Beach and Tampa before opening Imperial Buffet in Land O’ Lakes.

Tony is the master chef and sets exceptionally high standards for his team, who arrive early every morning to prepare food from scratch, using only the freshest ingredients.

“Tony has very strict management — everything has to be perfect,’ said Vivian, who manages servers and greets guests. We love what we do and enjoy giving our customers the great food at great prices.”

 

21627 Village Lakes Shopping Center Dr., • Land O’Lakes, FL 34639 • 813-909-6055

 

Goofy golfing at Happy Days

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The question really is — if you now expect to have a great time, to act and dress goofy, with old and new friends, on the first Saturday in February — is goofy now the new normal?

Yes.

Yes.

The goofiest man, Randy Guisso, with Alice Guisso.(Photos courtesy of Ian Marwick)
The goofiest man, Randy Guisso, with Alice Guisso.(Photos courtesy of Ian Marwick)

The joy of it all is the release that frees everyone who participates. Instead of caring what your neighbors think of you,  you can again be young at heart and play like your inner child. Whoopee for that kid! We are still young.

Goofy Golf has achieved the above.

Our fourth year blew the doors off the previous three.

This does not mean that park residents are becoming complacent about it.

Oh, no.

What is normal when it comes to the goof?

Our volunteer builders, some new ones tossed into the mix, put on the best array of a dozen new or modified games within our 18, to erase anything normal.

What a day.

More than 144 golfers signed up for the shotgun start. The morning dawned cold, the north winds blew, and a light drizzle at the 18th hole did not deter the fun.

Actual turnout was 132. Goofy is as goofy does.

The ‘goofy’ support team of John and Pat Sweet, Bridget Marwick, Julie Pitts, Murel Tedham, Marg Jay, Joan Wefer, Ron Allgood and Paul Pitts.
The ‘goofy’ support team of John and Pat Sweet, Bridget Marwick, Julie Pitts, Murel Tedham, Marg Jay, Joan Wefer, Ron Allgood and Paul Pitts.

Since we play only 18 teams on the track, the PGA rules get a little battering — actually a beating.

Each foursome is now an eight-some. The pleasure is you now have seven smiling witnesses and critics of your talent at every hole. Laughter is contagious. It rolls all over the park covering every street, for the 2½ hours that it takes.

The best part is that smiles carry on all day, as players rehash the game with anyone who was there.

Even the non-brave loved sitting on their porches sucking on their favorite beverage and laughing at the passing parade of secondhand store rejects.

What does happen with all those outfits? Is there a run on donations on Monday morning at hospice? Oh well, it is what it is.

Prize money is all paid back. Heck a buck is not a lot, but on prize day during the next coffee hour, the place is packed. You almost think coffee and donuts were free that day!

The goofiest team consisted of Ron and Heather Graham, Dick and Heather Sheffield, Ellen and Bob LaForme, and Debbie and Gary Adams.
The goofiest team consisted of Ron and Heather Graham, Dick and Heather Sheffield, Ellen and Bob LaForme, and Debbie and Gary Adams.

Seventy-six golfers were rewarded for their skill — skill has been aggressively removed from this game. The best (lucky) are paid equally with their counterparts, the hardest working (honest) golfers. The best way to think of our golfers is similar to fishermen. One measures smaller, and the other measures bigger. The first timers and casuals compete well and help the team lower the score. That is the beauty. There are no rules what the holes will be and how it is scored. Hip hip hooray for variety, and those happy days.

Now to answer that question.

Goofy at Happy Days is normal for us, and we love it!

Get ready folks, it is coming back in 51 weeks.

By Ian Marwick (the happy scribe)

Published February 24, 2016

 

A celebration of love, and food

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Jim Holmes, Byron and Tina Stritch, and Ron Bell watch the chef perform during a luncheon. (Photos courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)
Jim Holmes, Byron and Tina Stritch, and Ron Bell watch the chef perform during a luncheon.
(Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

Forty-eight residents took part in the Feb. 12 lunch connoisseurs’ outing to Yamato Japanese Steakhouse hosted by Sam and Pat Allen. The people who attended not only received a great meal but were treated to a show by the chefs. Each individual section of the table of approximately 11 people had their meals prepared in front of them by a Japanese chef with great flair. The way the vegetables, chicken, meat and more were cut up created a picture that was beyond words. Our chef was absolutely fabulous and kept the conversation going on what he was doing and when to get ready for a “Kodak” moment.

Pat and Sam Allen hosted a luncheon at Yamato Japanese Steakhouse for Grand Horizons’ residents. (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)
Pat and Sam Allen hosted a luncheon at Yamato Japanese Steakhouse for Grand Horizons’ residents.
(Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

Valentine’s Day was celebrated on Feb. 14 in the community center.  Chris and Jerry Buckley, and Pidge and Bill Elliott were hosts for this lovely occasion. There were approximately 65 people in attendance. The social club provided the meat and everyone else brought a dish. There were several salads, such as tossed salad, macaroni, potato and several others. Included in the dishes there was a vegetable lasagna, scalloped potatoes and more. There were several desserts that were available, and a person could have trouble deciding. In addition to the hosts of the evening, there were several helpers, and they consisted of Robbie Lockard, Rae Rice, Tita Mauk and Don Mattos. Happy Valentine’s Day balloons were at each table with a beautiful centerpiece. Before any table was called to get their food, a blessing was given by Fred Sage. The TV was playing music for dancing if anyone so desired. Everyone who attended had a great time.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published February 24, 2016

Seeing double at Gem Estates

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It was a pleasant, quiet week recently in our awesome neighborhood.

Spitting Image, twin brothers from Ohio, entertained more than 150 people at Gem Estates. (Courtesy of Mabel BudzinskI)
Spitting Image, twin brothers from Ohio, entertained more than 150 people at Gem Estates.
(Courtesy of Mabel BudzinskI)

June Burgard and John Rabb were the top players at an evening euchre game. Our Thursday morning coffee hour hosts were Tim Bargo, Katherine Snider, and John and Bonnie Drouin. Richard Burgess led the “Pledge of Allegiance” and moderated the conversation. Alan Bennett gave the invocation. Richard Burgess and Bob Riggs provided us with a few moments of humor.

In sickbay were Mason Norton, Mabel Budzinski’s great grandson, Deann Harrington, Richard Tolman, MaryKay Lynch and Linda Files. We were saddened to hear Doug Ripley’s brother passed.

Earl Benedict, Amelia Temple, Donna Eastman and Sandy Mann celebrated birthdays.

Approximately 163 people were privileged to be entertained by twin brothers from Greenville, Ohio, known as Spitting Image. Thanks to Lee Heffelfinger and Tess Stacy for bringing this awesome group to us. They were great!

On March 11, the entertainment will be a country music performance by Glenn Johnson. Tickets are available from Lee or Tess.

By Mabel Budzinski

Published February 24, 2016

 

Hurricane winds leave path of destruction

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The Hurricane of 1921 — which struck nearly a century ago — was the most destructive storm to hit Florida since 1848. It made landfall with sustained winds of 115 mph as a Category 3 hurricane, near Tarpon Springs, on Oct. 25, 1921.

Maxine Gause was one of only 10 students attending school that day in Elfers.  She was safe inside the brick school building built in 1914.

Gause remained in the classroom with her mother, who was a substitute teacher.

Sunnybrook Tobacco barn number 3 in Dade City, destroyed by the Hurricane of 1921. (Photo from the Burgert Brothers Photography Collection, November 2, 1921)
Sunnybrook Tobacco barn number 3 in Dade City, destroyed by the Hurricane of 1921. (Photo from the Burgert Brothers Photography Collection, November 2, 1921)

She shares her experience in an account published by Fivay.org, a website that contains a wealth of information about Pasco County history.

She describes the storm blowing open the classroom door.

“So we had to take turns standing against it, a few at a time, until the storm finally eased up. We were frightened!” Gause recounts.

On the same website, Pauline Stevenson Ash recalls her day at school when the storm passed through Elfers: “During that hurricane, most of the windows blew out, and we took turns sweeping out the water, for almost seven hours!”

The Hurricane of 1921 was at its worst in Dade City later that same day, nearly 95 years ago.

The Dade City Banner published headlines that read “Dade City in Path of Tropical Storm,” and “San Antonio Old Times Never Saw the Like.”

Although the Mt. Zion Methodist Church was never rebuilt following the Hurricane of 1921, the Mt. Zion Cemetery still exists today with 16 confederate burial sites. In 1977, the Mt. Zion Cemetery Association was formed for the perpetual care and maintenance of approximately 6 acres, of which many are burial sites of pioneer families from Pasco County. (Doug Sanders/Photos)
Although the Mt. Zion Methodist Church was never rebuilt following the Hurricane of 1921, the Mt. Zion Cemetery still exists today with 16 confederate burial sites. In 1977, the Mt. Zion Cemetery Association was formed for the perpetual care and maintenance of approximately 6 acres, of which many are burial sites of pioneer families from Pasco County.
(Doug Sanders/Photos)

The newspaper was forced to abandon its offices during the storm “…as the building became too tipsy to be comfortable.

“The boys did what they could to protect the stock and cover the linotype,” the newspaper reported.

West of Dade City, the hurricane demolished one of the oldest churches in Pasco County.  The Mt. Zion Methodist Church had been built in 1872 with “hand-hewn timbers and sawed rough boards” according to the historical marker erected in 1980.

The Masonic Lodge had used the church’s second floor as a meeting place.

The storm also flattened the church at Prospect, but, according to the Dade City Banner on May 12, 1922: “The people of the neighborhood have just completed the rebuilding of the edifice and on Easter night had their first service.”

With only 18 telephones of the Pasco Telephone Company still in use, damage reports came in from across the county.

In Odessa, The Lyon Pine company mill reported $15,000 in roof damages.  The Dowling Company mill estimated damages of $30,000 after six of its smokestacks crashed to the ground.

Dade City’s ice and power plant also reported that smokestacks were toppled by the hurricane winds.

High winds blew down a turpentine business and a large stand of trees in Darby.

And, a hotel in Zephyrhills lost part of its roof.

When the Hurricane of 1921 reached San Antonio, it shattered buildings, uprooted trees and flattened the water tanks at Holy Name Academy.

A few lucky families had food and shelter at the St. Charles Inn. Holding a lantern at night, owners guided guests to their rooms.

Built by Charles Barthle in 1913, the St. Charles Inn is a whitewashed building with 1,500 square feet of porches that are supported by six columns. More than $100,000 in renovations have restored the structure as a bed and breakfast, with 62 windows that open and close by encased ropes and weights.
Built by Charles Barthle in 1913, the St. Charles Inn is a whitewashed building with 1,500 square feet of porches that are supported by six columns. More than $100,000 in renovations have restored the structure as a bed and breakfast, with 62 windows that open and close by encased ropes and weights.

Yet, Sunnybrook Tobacco Company, in Dade City, reported the biggest storm damage, losing nine large barns and 110 acres of shade-grown tobacco. The damage was estimated at $100,000.

Established in 1897, Sunnybrook was the largest employer in Pasco County with 500 acres. (Ironically, the company would close its doors after suffering additional losses from the black shank tobacco fungus, and a fire in 1924 that burned up 150,000 pounds of fine wrapper tobacco valued at $200,000.)

The Dade City Banner, on Oct. 28, 1921, also reported $1,000 in damages to the south end of the Dade City packing house and offered this gloomy assessment: “The citrus crop is more than half on the ground, and growers have suffered a great loss.”

Area travelers also encountered fallen utility poles and streets littered with storm debris for several weeks, as well as destroyed bridges, cutting off traffic.

“The Atlantic Coast Line by Trilby was practically the one way out,” according to a Dade City Banner report, published nearly a century ago.

By Doug Sanders

Doug Sanders has a penchant for unearthing interesting stories about local history. His sleuthing skills have been developed through his experiences in newspaper and government work. If you have an idea for a future history column, contact Doug at .

Published February 24, 2016

Zephyr Shores’ milestones

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Every year in January, Zephyr Shore Estates hosts a birthday bash for residents who are age 90 or older. This year, the celebration was for 18 birthday ladies and gents. The guest of honor was Hugh Olive, who is celebrating his 100th birthday. There was a band, and lots of food to celebrate. It is a great blessing, and Zephyr Shore wishes all of them a happy, healthy year ahead. (Photos courtesy of Rose Benedict)

 

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Hugh Olive, centenarian
Some of the ladies and gents celebrating birthdays.
Some of the ladies and gents celebrating birthdays.

 

 

 

Rainbow Village celebrations

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(Photos courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)

Sue Flynn, manager of Rainbow Village, was recognized with a Carefree Value Award for going above and beyond working hand in hand with the team. The park is so proud of her accomplishment, and it was well-deserved. Flynn received a standing ovation when it was announced at an association meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RainbowVillage-Rounds rgbRainbow Village resident Ruthie Rounds, right, celebrated her 96th birthday at a recent Sunday night ice cream social. The entertainment, Seabreeze, gave Rounds an ‘ugly’ stick to play to the music, and she had a good time trying it. Sandra Gilbert-Abel, left, enjoys Rounds’ rendition on the stick.

 

 

 

 

 

RainbowVillage-RedHats rgbThe Rainbowettes Red Hat Ladies celebrated their 10th anniversary at the Village Inn and then had dessert at Loraine Hall’s home.