Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Quietness settling in at Gem Estates

April 27, 2016 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

A gentle form of quietness is settling over our own little paradise. It has been an awesome season.

The Monday evening top euchre players were Mary Kay Lynch and Ron Raymond. Richard Peske won three games at Wednesday morning shuffleboard. Congratulations to those who won this week’s bragging rights.

Our Thursday morning coffee hour hosts were members of the Stepping to The Beat exercise group: Ellie, Katherine, Sharon and Phyllis, along with Joanne Wight. Bill Files gave the invocation and led the “Pledge of Allegiance.” Linda Files moderated the conversation.

Deannie Bennett and Karen Wyant celebrated birthdays.

Safe travels to all of you heading north this week.

By Mabel Budzinski

Gem Estates

Published April 27, 2016

Lutz resident creates ‘Hot Date Tree’

April 27, 2016 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

At first glace, Catherine Tucker’s new gadget doesn’t look like a useful kitchen tool. It looks like a metal cone, or the top of a missile, or maybe something the Tin Man from “The Wizard of Oz” would wear.

In reality, it’s carefully designed to provide a better cooking surface and presentation for dates and other appetizers.

For Tucker, it was her dates wrapped in bacon, a frequent hit at parties, that needed to be prepared differently.

“I was getting tired of cooking those on a sheet tray and transferring them to a platter,” she said.

Now she has a different system altogether.

She invented the Hot Date Tree, a stainless steel cone with small holes that are a perfect fit for anything an inspired cook can put on a toothpick. Tucker cooks the dates and displays them for eating using the same device.

She now sells it to the public as well, both on her own website and online retailer Amazon.com.

Catherine Tucker takes her bacon-wrapped dates out of the oven in her Lutz home. She cooks and serves them using her invention, the Hot Date Tree. Michael Murillo/Photo — Catherine Tucker takes her bacon-wrapped dates out of the oven in her Lutz home. She cooks and serves them using her invention, the Hot Date Tree.
(Michael Murillo/Photo)

Tucker, who was a postal worker in Lutz and has lived in the area for more than 35 years, said that her Hot Date Tree has uses that go beyond its name, or even appetizers.

It’s a suspension steamer that allows a host to cook shrimp or vegetables using the provided skewers. It’s also a vertical chicken roaster, which keeps the meat away from the grease and fat that accumulates in a pan.

Having multiple uses is an important characteristic for her invention. One of her cooking idols, television star Alton Brown, prefers cooking devices that serve multiple purposes, she said.

As a self-described “foodie,” Tucker wants to market something that would please some of the famous culinary people she’s met over the years, such as Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck and Julia Child. She even keeps photos of them in her kitchen, where she not only cooks, but also found the inspiration to create the Hot Date Tree.

Even though she created the device a year ago, it’s a new business for her.

Just a couple of months after she received her first shipment of Hot Date Trees, Tucker suffered a serious accident when the cable snapped in her home elevator, and she fell the length of one floor.

She realizes the injuries could have been life-threatening.

Still, she shattered several bones, spent two months in the hospital, and weeks afterward in a nursing home and rehabilitation.

Nearly a year later, she still attends therapy several times a week, and uses a wheelchair, walker or cane to get by.

The recovery process has been a difficult one, especially for a woman who was an active letter carrier and used to restore homes as well. Now, even basic tasks like getting around the house can be a challenge.

“I’m just trying to walk. Simple things like that,” Tucker said.

Now that she’s improving and can drive again, she’s trying to focus on marketing her invention.

Starting a business can be expensive, with thousands spent on inventory and pursuing the necessary patent.

But, the end result is a device that not only makes life easier when she creates and displays her bacon-wrapped dates, but also could be the beginning of a valuable business.

It’s a device that shows off her creativity, and she hopes it would make her cooking heroes proud.

“It makes me feel like Julia Child, on the next wall over there, is looking over me,” Tucker said.

The Hot Date Tree retails for $29.95 and includes two skewers. For more information, visit HotDateTree.com, or contact Tucker at (813) 245-3968.

By Michael Murillo

Published April 27, 2016

Learning to help save a life

April 20, 2016 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

On the morning of April 5, a CPR class was held in our community center. Approximately 50 residents attended. It was very informative, and even if we learned one thing, it was well worth it. This program was presented by Florida Hospital Zephyrhills and arranged by Brian Heidman.

From left, Helene Rubenstein, Cathy Taverna and Luella Wheeling share a joke before their meals arrive. (Courtesy of Kathy Cribbs) — From left, Helene Rubenstein, Cathy Taverna and Luella Wheeling share a joke before their meals arrive.
(Courtesy of Kathy Cribbs)

Much of what we had learned in our youth is now obsolete, and has been replaced by new techniques and technology. The class was followed by a brief question-and-answer period, which also permitted us to try CPR on a dummy that was on the stage.

Coffee and donuts followed. Ron and Joyce Bell took care of preparing the coffee, while Larry Wills picked up the doughnuts and was the liaison for the communities. Our thanks go out to Brian for arranging this important class.

Later the same day, approximately 30 women attended a luncheon at Scotland Yards. The place had large painted windows and chandeliers. The dining room was so pretty with the views from the windows adding to the attraction. One such view was cardinals in a nest.

When you put 30 women together, you can imagine the different and varied discussions going on.

The luncheon was hosted by Rosie Semian and our thanks go out to her.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published April 20, 2016

Resident wins years of jerseys

April 20, 2016 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

What do you do on a rainy Saturday afternoon? If you are Don and Ann Liddy, you organize a dance. Thanks to them both for providing the music and inspiration for an enjoyable afternoon.

Captured on the jumbotron at a Tampa Bay Lightning game, Jim Toth is congratulated on his win after a shoot-the-puck promotion. (Photos courtesy of Mabel Budzinski) — Captured on the jumbotron at a Tampa Bay Lightning game, Jim Toth is congratulated on his win after a shoot-the-puck promotion.
(Photos courtesy of Mabel Budzinski)

Gem Estates residents Jim and Jan Toth are avid hockey fans. They are season ticket holders to the Tampa Bay Lightning games. Recently, Jim was randomly chosen to participate in a promotion to win team jerseys. Each participant had to shoot a puck from center ice through a 2-foot-6-inch slot into the net.

The first competition took place between the first and second periods of the last home game for the regular 2016 season. Jim and one other participant made the shot. They then came back between the second and third periods for another shootout. Both missed their first shot. Jim made his second try, and the other competitor missed. Jim was the winner of the event and won a Lightning jersey each year for the next 30 years! Congratulations to Jim, who was expected to receive his first jersey in time for the upcoming playoffs.

Don and Ann Liddy organized a dance party to pass a rainy afternoon.

The Monday evening top euchre players were Cesema Wiggins and Ron Raymond. Mae Slipp was a three-game winner at Wednesday morning shuffleboard.

Our Thursday morning coffee hour hosts were Tom and Fran Galvani, Sharon Krenz, and Walter and Rita Kissel. Linda Files gave the invocation, led the “Pledge of Allegiance” and moderated the conversation. Everyone was glad to have Richard Burgess back and enjoyed his bit of light humor.

Betty Dow and Opal Armstrong are in sickbay. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

George Lynch and Bob Riggs are celebrating birthdays.

Safe travels to those who will be traveling this week.

By Mabel Budzinski
Gem Estates

Published April 20, 2016

Growing orchids can be easy

April 20, 2016 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

I often get calls from residents where I’m asked to provide a list of “easy” plants.

The truth is, any plant is technically “easy” to grow once you understand its needs.

However, after attending a seminar by one of my master gardeners, I was reminded of the beauty and simplicity of growing orchids.

I would highly recommend orchids as an “easy” plant.

Cattleyas are widely grown because of their showy flowers and long life. (Photos courtesy of Jack Morgan, UF/IFAS Pasco master gardener) — Cattleyas are widely grown because of their showy flowers and long life.
(Photos courtesy of Jack Morgan, UF/IFAS Pasco master gardener)

Orchids are relatively pest free, and make beautiful indoor and outdoor additions to any home. There are thousands of orchid species and more hybrids than one could count. Some orchids are terrestrial species, which means they are ground dwellers. There are others that don’t require soil and grow on trees, and those type of plants are known as epiphytes.

Epiphytes are not parasites, as they only use the tree as a structural support.

There are three categories of epiphytes that I find most interesting and “easy.” The Vanda orchids produce bloom spikes capable of lasting three weeks or more. The flower colors vary from browns and greens to pink, blue, purple, white and even black or gold. You would most readily recognize these orchid flowers in the welcoming leis of Hawaii among other orchid species.

The Cattleyas are probably the most widely grown, and are very popular due to their showy flowers and long life. Flower colors range through the basic colors, except for blue, and can be found in striking bold hues to almost pastel shades. There are single and double blooms, and some even have a light, airy fragrance that won’t overwhelm the senses. There are Cattleyas that produce up to 20 flowers that are 3-inches wide, while others put on a dramatic show with 7-inch flowers clustered into groups of four or five.

Cattleyas usually only flower once a year — in the spring or fall — and their flowers generally last up to six weeks depending on the species and cultivar.

Phaleanopsis produce a long spray of 10 flowers to 20 flowers, anywhere from 3-inches to 4-inches in diameter.

The third type of epiphytic orchid that I consider “easy” would be the Phaleanopsis, or “moth” orchids. These are great for beginners as they can endure even the brownest thumb. These orchids produce a long arching “spray” of 10 flowers to 20 flowers anywhere from 3-inches to 4-inches in diameter. Beautiful pinks, yellows, oranges, whites and those with pops of intermingled colors are common.

When in full bloom, these resemble moths fluttering en masse and can be quite stunning. These orchids normally bloom for up to one month in winter or early spring, but with optimal pruning and growing conditions, they can be induced to flower continuously.

Caring for orchids is quite easy. Key tenets of orchid care involve: temperature, light, nutrition, moisture and air movement.

A simple fertilizer for orchids, like 18-18-18 or 20-20-20, and fish emulsion applied to the roots will be plenty in terms of nutrition. Simply dilute the fertilizer into the water system you use to maintain moisture.

The amount of moisture varies slightly for each type of orchid, based on where it’s located. An orchid that gets more light than another might require more water, or when the temperatures decrease, moisture requirements might drop.

Keep an eye on the roots. Orchid roots should be slightly green – a light green and plump. When orchids need water, the roots tend to become gray and dull, and even wither slightly. That’s a sure sign they need moisture. A spray bottle will do nicely, as will a gentle drink from a hose. Direct the water right onto the roots (to avoid leaf spots) and soak Vanda roots daily in summer and every other day in winter. Water your orchids early in the day to allow the extra moisture to evaporate and discourage fungal growth.

Cattleyas are a bit more tolerant of drier conditions and can be watered two to three times per week – just keep an eye on the roots for stress to know when supplemental moisture might be needed.

Vanda orchids produce bloom spikes that can last three weeks or more.

For the Phaleanopsis orchid species, water them weekly – maybe twice per week. These orchids like to be moist, but not wet.

When it comes to light, most of the orchid types mentioned in this article like 50 percent to 70 percent shade, so screened porches work nicely.

For the Vandas, a bit more light is best, so that they receive 40 percent to 50 percent shade.

As for temperature, never let your Vanda orchids get below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, as it might be fatal. For the Cattleyas and Phaleanopis varieties, temperatures down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or 50 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods will not be harmful.

A freeze warning might prompt some protection for exposed orchids, but otherwise these are quite hardy.

Another key to growing orchids is to promote air movement around the roots. Even orchids living in pots need course textured growth media, like pine bark (orchid potting mix) to allow for plenty of oxygen to reach the roots.

Hanging orchid baskets are a beautiful way to display orchids while allowing the roots to be exposed to the air.

As long as orchids have course textured growing media (bark, not potting soil), most will thrive.

Once the mix has broken down into fine particles, it’s time to repot the orchid into a courser mix. There’s really no right or wrong pot for an orchid — as long as the roots have air, moisture and nutrients, and the leaves have the right amount of light.

The only precaution I might offer about growing orchids is to be sure you’ve got plenty of space.

Orchids are enchanting and addictive, not to mention “easy” to grow.

For more information about orchids, or other horticultural needs, call the University of Florida/IFAS Extension Pasco County Office at (352) 518-0156. For upcoming seminar announcements and registration, go to Pasco.ifas.ufl.edu.

By Whitney C. Elmore

Dr. Whitney Elmore is the UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension Director and an Urban Horticulture Agent III.

Published April 20, 2016

No shortage of cakes, celebrations

April 13, 2016 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

From left, Rae Rice, Tita Mauk and Robbie Lockard attend the party in the cul-de-sac. (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein) — From left, Rae Rice, Tita Mauk and Robbie Lockard attend the party in the cul-de-sac.
(Photos courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

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.

From left, Chris Buckley, Jim Holmes, Barb Holmes, Sandy Lindke, Jerry Buckley and Al Lindke wear the colors of spring

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

Bill Quinn and Galen Parker attended the street party in honor of March birthdays.

Did Mim and Terry Gardner find these eggs or take the table decorations?

Gearing up for pancakes

April 13, 2016 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Monday night euchre top scorers were Cesema Wiggins and Roger Ward.

Bruce Hudson won three games at Wednesday morning shuffleboard.

Volunteers and spouses were recognized for their hard work around the park at the the maintenance committee’s picnic. (Courtesy of Mabel Budzinski) — Volunteers and spouses were recognized for their hard work around the park at the the maintenance committee’s picnic.
(Courtesy of Mabel Budzinski)

Our Thursday morning coffee hour hosts were Howard and Paula Beck, George and Mary Kay Lynch, and Linda Mapes. Marlin Thomas gave a stirring invocation. Linda Files led the “Pledge of Allegiance” and moderated the conversation for the 103 in attendance.

Those in sick bay or recovery include Richard and Dea-ann Burgess, Vicki Bluhm and Mary Pardee.

The maintenance committee had a picnic for its volunteers and spouses. Many thanks for all the work they put in to make our community so special.

In preparation for the summer months, remember to arrange for lawn care, if you will be traveling.

We will have a pancake supper on April 16 at 5 p.m.

By Mabel Budzinski
Gem Estates

Published April 13, 2016

Las Vegas comes to Grand Horizons

April 6, 2016 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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.

Sally Langwah, portraying Celine Dion, sings to Ron Walker. (Photos courtesy of Marty Rubenstein) — Sally Langwah, portraying Celine Dion, sings to Ron Walker.
(Photos courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

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.

‘Julie Andrews’ sings a song from the hit ‘The Sound of Music.’

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.

Ray Langwah, as Willie Nelson, serenades Luella Wheeling.

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.

Sally Langwah sang and danced as Marlene Dietrich at the final show of the season.

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

A busy agenda for residents

April 6, 2016 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The kitchen crew worked hard to prepare an Easter dinner for more than 140 people. (Photos courtesy of Mabel Budzinski) — The kitchen crew worked hard to prepare an Easter dinner for more than 140 people.
(Photos courtesy of Mabel Budzinski)

Monday night euchre saw some tight games with Mae Slipp and Dorothy Massoll tying as top players for the ladies. Paul Griffin and Daryl Hyder tied for champs for the men.

Our Thursday morning coffee hour hosts were Ernest and Beverly Martin, Keith and Carolyn Babbitt, and Russ and Lee Heffelfinger. Alan Bennett gave the invocation, and Linda Files led the “Pledge of Allegiance” and moderated the conversation.

In sick bay are Dick Burgess, Carol Farnsworth and Norma Munsulick’s daughter, Bonnie.

Linda Files, with her back to the camera, is Gem Estates’ new president. She greeted everyone who came through the door for Easter dinner.

On March 27, our marvelous kitchen crew prepared a delicious Easter dinner for 147 residents and guests. And, our new president, Linda Files, greeted everyone as they entered the clubhouse.

By Mabel Budzinski
Gem Estates

Published April 6, 2016

Puttin’ on the green for St. Patrick’s Day

March 30, 2016 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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.

From left, Andy and Margaret Castonguay, Chuck Carlson, Joyce and Ron Bell, Linda Rogers, and Carol and Clayton George. (Photos courtesy of Marty and Helene Rubenstein) — From left, Andy and Margaret Castonguay, Chuck Carlson, Joyce and Ron Bell, Linda Rogers, and Carol and Clayton George.
(Photos courtesy of Marty and Helene Rubenstein)

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.

Norma Oi and Sam Sage sell handmade cards at Grand Horizons’ community sale.

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