The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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

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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IMG_2105
(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