The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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

Coffee hour and a concert

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On a recent Monday night, June Burgard and Charlie Strum won bragging rights among the euchre players.

Ed Czysz, left, sold many of the concert tickets for the show Fred Thompson performed, along with Debbie Myers.
(Courtesy of Mabel Budzinski)

The Thursday coffee hour was opened with Alan Bennett giving the invocation and leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

Linda Files moderated the conversation.

We were saddened to hear Neva Roy has passed away. Beverly Martin, Joyce Anderson and Lee Heffelfinger were in sick bay.

Our clubhouse was packed for the concert given by Debbie Myers and Fred “Tommy” Thompson.

Audience member Cliff Leonard was chosen to participate in the show.

By Mabel Budzinski
Gem Estates

Published February 22, 2017

A taste of what’s to come

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The first Saturday in February rolled around, and approximately 106 people gathered at the community center for an egg n’ bag breakfast. It definitely seemed like a large crowd, and everyone was socializing. The breakfast was hosted by Jim and Judi Leitzke and many helpers, which included Galen and Sue Parker, Joan Lawrence, Doris Sutfin, Vic and Lynne-Rae Dyson, and Clayton and Carol George.

Karen Donlon (sitting) and Linda Rogers were part of the ladies’ luncheon at Ford’s Garage.
(Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

I know I have said it before, but without all the people volunteering, we wouldn’t have things run so smoothly and efficiently.

It started off with Galen Parker saying grace before the meal, and you could literally hear a pin drop.

Once grace was said, tables were called up so guests could prepare their omelets. This is done from an assortment of ingredients that includes bacon, ham, cheese, onions, mushrooms, green peppers and Jalapeno peppers. Once you get all the ingredients you desire and everything is put in a bag, you go over to another counter where the bags are cooked.

The end result, sometime later, is a delicious omelet. There also are hash-brown potatoes, sausage gravy and biscuits, plus coffee and orange juice.

In addition to the lovely breakfast, Gary Wilcox and Chick Shackewyc showed us two promotional videos of the acts that are coming to Grand Horizons. In other words, it was a taste of what’s to come.

The first video was of Rich Wilson, and he will be coming to Grand Horizons on March 4. The other video was of Eric Kearns, an impersonator, who will be coming at a later date.

June Weinle celebrated her birthday with an ice cream and brownie.

The videos looked good, and we sure hope Marty and I will be available to attend both of these shows.

We had our usual entertaining game of dominoes on Feb. 6. Once again, there were several tables and much fun. We always look forward to this night.

Twenty ladies from Grand Horizons attended a luncheon at Ford’s Garage, in Brandon, on Feb. 7. This luncheon was hosted by Rosie Semian.

The restaurant was quite unique, as it has cars to greet people as they enter the parking lot, and tires that were lined up on a top shelf inside the restaurant.

The menu was quite varied, and since a birthday was being celebrated, ice cream on a brownie was served to June Weinle. It was so good that she ate most of it.

Everything was delicious, and everyone went home happy and content.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published February 15, 2017

Quilt show a success

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(Courtesy of Becky Busdeker)

Shown are some of the 50 quilts that were on display at the Leisure Days RV Resort in Zephyrhills on Feb. 4.  A crowd of 250 descended upon the clubhouse to take a look at the handiwork. Leisure Days thanks the 25 volunteers that made the quilt show possible.

 

Neighbors saving neighbors

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The general membership meeting, held last Monday evening, was well-attended.

Twenty-two residents completed training for the Neighbors Saving Neighbors program. The training was provided through Bayfront HealthCare Dade City. Our instructors, Wayne, Pete and Randy, were excellent with their presentation and the guidance of each participant through the certification process.

Bruce Hudson and David Roberts both won three games of shuffleboard on Wednesday morning.

My pick for volunteer spotlight this week is Ed Armstrong. Ed opens our clubhouse each morning, does the janitorial chores and locks the doors in the evening. He is a vital member of the clubhouse sales team and helps with the New Year’s Eve celebration. He also participated in the Neighbors Saving Neighbors training.

Gem Estates hosted the Debbie Myers concert on Feb 10, a board meeting on Feb. 13, and a potluck supper on Feb. 14.

There will be a pancake supper on Feb. 17 at 5 p.m., a Valentine’s dance Feb. 18, and a New England Bean Supper on Feb. 25 at 5 p.m.

By Mabel Budzinski
Gem Estates

Published February 15, 2017

Welcome to the Family

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General manager Aya Burkhart (center, in white) and her entire Zephyrhills Under Par family.

By Will Plazewski

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Since it opened in 1957, the course itself has been known by many names — Airport Links, Zephyrhills Municipal Golf Links and City Course.

While its official name is actually Zephyrhills Under Par, as far as the course’s staff is concerned, it could just as easily be called Family Links, because that’s how they view each other and their guests.

Ask Course Manager Craig Sexton about the numerous leagues he hosts, and he gets off topic boasting about the weekly lunch specials prepared by Denise McKillip and her kitchen staff.

McKillip is just as likely to talk about the wonderful job that Course Superintendent John Husar does keeping the course in excellent shape, as she is to boast about the restaurant’s variety of tasty soups and tasty specials.

And, so it goes.

Everyone on General Manager Aya Burkhart’s staff works very hard, and it’s no secret they’re very proud of each other’s efforts to create a great experience for their guests.

“We really are like a family, and that family includes our golfers,” said Burkhart. “Most everyone is on a first-name basis around here.”

That says a lot, because during the winter season, Zephyrhills Under Par hosts many weekly golf leagues from the area’s numerous adult-living communities. Plus, its 35-seat banquet room is frequently used for various HOA meetings and private parties.

Expanding on their family theme, Sexton talks about what a great place the 60-year-old, city-owned course is for beginners and junior golfers. During the summer, golfers age 12 and younger play for free, when accompanied by a paying adult golfer.

“The course is very forgiving for those still learning the game,” said Sexton. “Plus, golf is an excellent way for kids and parents to unplug from all their digital media, get off the couch, and get some fresh air.”

Zephyrhills Under Par is located just west of the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport and Skydive City. Local pilots and parachutists enjoy the birds-eye view they get of the scenic course.

In fact, Husar recalled one jumper in particular who had the best view ever when he drifted off course and onto the links. “There he was, dangling from one of the trees near (holes) 13 and 14,” he said with a grin.

813-782-0714 • zephyrhillsgolf.com

39248 B Ave. • Zephyrhills, FL 33542

(next to the airport)

Tee-times daily between 6:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Expert, professional service

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Owners, Marius & Angelina Ferezan

Owning their own business is a dream Marius and Angelina Ferezan have shared since they married six years ago. They wanted a business where they could offer excellent customer service and give back to their community.

The couple researched many franchise opportunities, but when they discovered The Flying Locksmith, they knew it fit their goals perfectly.

“The Flying Locksmith is a 70-year-old company with an outstanding customer service reputation,” said Marius. “When we saw it was offering franchise operations outside of its home base in Boston, we jumped at the opportunity to become one of its first locations in Florida.”

Because family was close-by, the couple chose Tampa as the location for their Flying Locksmith franchise, and opened their company last August. It serves families and businesses in central Tampa, and the northern suburbs of Lutz, Land O’Lakes and Wesley Chapel.

“It’s great to finally be open and helping people with their locksmith and security needs,” said Angelina.

The Flying Locksmiths began in Boston 70 years ago by a WWII veteran and pilot, who handed it down to his sons. The sons, and now a third generation, run the company with a synergistic combination of old world locksmith experience and new world technology.

The company has grown to become the largest locksmith service in the northeast, and only recently began franchising its successful formula to other areas of the country.

Customers value The Flying Locksmith because of the expertise and reliability and its technicians, and for its extensive inventory of parts and accessories. They especially like that technicians undergo a security background check, wear professional uniforms and always present identification.

“When you allow a service person into your home or business, you want to be sure there are no security concerns,” said Marius.

When customers call The Flying Locksmiths, there is always a live operator who answers and quickly dispatches technicians when needed.

“The company has over 100 years of combined experience in the field. If one tech hasn’t seen a particular lock, it’s highly likely someone else has,” said Marius.

“Focusing on the needs of our clients, and exceeding their expectations, is our primary goal,” said Angelina. “We also want to educate our customers and our communities about the importance of physical security.”

Be sure to call The Flying Locksmiths for all your security needs. Services include home and vehicle lock outs; deadbolt lock rekeying; master key systems; keyless entry solutions; safes and filing cabinet locks; door repair and replacement; and alarm and surveillance systems.

813-377-3674 • flying locksmiths.com/tampa-central

Busy hands make quilts, play games

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There is one activity that has been going on for some time that I never mentioned, for the simple fact that I never attended it and I am not creative like the women that go to this on a regular basis. But, I must say that it is a great group who do wonderful and thoughtful things.

It is the Grand Horizons Quilters Club, and they meet every Friday at 9 a.m., in the community center.

I spoke to Pat Mengel, and she was nice enough to give me the following information.

Members of the Grand Horizons Quilters Club are, standing from left: Pat Mengel, Pat Otto, Pattie Molnar, Joyce Billig, Betty Ball and Carolyn Ray; and, sitting is Jeanice Dalman.
(Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

She told me that it is a very easy-going group of 12 women quilters who like to share ideas, learn new techniques and do several projects.

Most of the quilters in this group have had many years of experience, but still enjoy learning from each other.

She went on to say that it is always nice when they have a show, and talk about their completed bed quilts, lap quilts, bags, table runners and whatever they have made.

Pat ended by saying that some of the lap quilts they have made together have been donated to Moffett Cancer Center, Dade City Hospice, and Heartland of Zephyrhills.

I must state that they are doing superb things. I am sure everything is more than appreciated.

We had our weekly game of Mexican Train on Jan. 30. Attendance had picked up from previous weeks, as people had come back from their various trips.

We had a nice gathering of residents, and we ended up having several tables of four to five people at each table.

Of course, once the game starts, you can hear bits of conversation from each table, plus friendly bantering.

One game usually lasts between 2 hours to 2½ hours. It is a fun night.

On the afternoon of Jan. 31, a friendly game of pinochle was played in the community center.

I wasn’t here on this particular day, as I had a previous engagement, but I can truthfully say that pinochle is a fun and lively game.

It is usually played men against the women, but it can differ depending on the number of people that play.

If you have never tried pinochle before, you may want to give it a try. It is loads of fun.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published February 8, 2017