The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

A celebration of love, and food

By

 

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

By

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

By

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

By

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)

 

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

 

 

 

Rainbow Village celebrations

By

 

RainbowVillage-Flynn rgb
(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.

Colorful treasures on display

By

Quilts of all ages, all sizes and all color combinations were on display at the 11th annual Leisure Days Resort RV Park Quilt Show. More than 50 quilts were on display in the hall. Out in the lanai, guests could admire the colorful quilts designed for veterans.

Doris Withrow and Gay Ferguson helped at the ‘Instant Win’ table, a very popular spot during the quilt show. (Photos courtesy of Anne Astles)
Doris Withrow and Gay Ferguson helped at the ‘Instant Win’ table, a very popular spot during the quilt show.
(Photos courtesy of Anne Astles)

While many quilts were designed by the Leisure Days’ quilters, several were family treasures residents brought for the show. Marie Henhoeffer, coordinator, said one resident displayed a quilt that was more than 60 years old. Karen Mize, park manager, added her quilt which she received as a very young child from her grandmother.

More than 270 people visited the show, where they admired quilted purses, jackets and wall hangings, many created by the Leisure Days’ quilters.

Phyllis Schwanz demonstrated the art of hand quilting.
Phyllis Schwanz demonstrated the art of hand quilting.

The instant win table was very popular.

Phyllis Schwanz attracted a great deal of interest, as she demonstrated the art of hand quilting.

There is always a quilt set up in the quilting frames in the clubhouse, for residents interested in hand quilting.

The show is a park-wide event. Henhoeffer said well over 50 volunteers assisted, setting up, during the day in the hall, controlling traffic and cleaning up after the show.  “We had a lot of our new residents involved this year,” she said. “Everyone is willing to help.”

The Leisure Days’ quilters meet every Monday morning at the clubhouse, and are now busy planning for next year’s show.

By Anne Astles

Published February 17, 2016

Get-togethers a mainstay at Grand Horizons

By

We started the week by attending a social club meeting that in the community center on Feb. 4.  The meeting was very informative, as they not only discussed last month’s events, but we also got to hear about the new activities that they planned for all the residents. We were also able to give our input. In the future, they were talking about an ice cream social, a community yard sale, appreciation day and more. Brian Heidman, who is president of the social committee, headed this meeting. It seemed like a nice crowd was gathered.

From left, Joyce and Ron Bell, and Jim and Judi Leitzke prepare for Super Bowl 50. (Courtesy of Bob Blais)
From left, Joyce and Ron Bell, and Jim and Judi Leitzke prepare for Super Bowl 50.
(Courtesy of Bob Blais)

The egg n’ bag on Feb. 6, was very popular, with 114-plus residents served.  This is always a very big event where everyone has a great time. Fred Sage said the blessing before the meal. Then, tables were called for the people to prepare their bags with eggs and other ingredients such as cheese, onions, peppers and more. The people attending sit and socialize, while waiting for their omelets to be ready. The hosts for the egg n’ bag are Jim and Judi Leitzke, and the crew of helpers were Fred and Sam Sage, Linda Rogers, Doris Sutfin, Clayton and Carol George, Wally Carlson, and Sue and Galen Parker.

The following day, Feb. 7, there was a super bowl party in the community center. Since I didn’t attend, the hosts of this party told me a few words about it. They mentioned that 26 fans came to watch and celebrate Super Bowl 50. They enjoyed a variety of food from chips to pulled pork and even traditional wings. It was hosted by Bob and Sandi Blois, Clayton and Carol George, and Jack and Pauline Gadboi. Our thanks go out to them on arranging this get-together.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published February 17, 2016

As fit as can be, in Gem Estates

By

A recent Monday night yielded top euchre players — June Bouchard for the ladies, and a tie for the men of Ron Raymond and Richard Peske. And, on a Wednesday, Marlin Thomas was a three-game shuffleboard champ.

Ellie Brookins leads a ‘Stepping to the Beat’ exercise class. (Photos courtesy of Mabel Budzinski)
Ellie Brookins leads a ‘Stepping to the Beat’ exercise class.
(Photos courtesy of Mabel Budzinski)

Our Thursday morning coffee hour hosts were Floyd and Beverly Becker, Roger and Jan Becker, and Gene and Joyce Anderson. Bruce Hudson gave the invocation. Richard Burgess led the “Pledge of Allegiance” and moderated the conversation.

Linda Files is in sickbay.  Deann Harrington, Mel Reinbold, and Rusty Siler’s daughter, Rebecca, are in recovery.

Those celebrating birthdays included John Trundy, Marlin Thomas and Ellie Brookins.

Gem Estates is privileged to have three outstanding exercise groups. All three meet each week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Ann Casey leads yoga at 8 a.m., Karen Wyant leads the chair exercise group at 9 a.m., and at 10 a.m., Ellie Brookins leads “Stepping to the Beat.”

By Mabel Budzinski

Published February 17, 2016

Want to go to Ren Fest for free? Keep reading.

By

It’s time to party like it’s 1399.

When you think of a Renaissance Festival, you might think of jousting, medieval-style costumes, arrows, swords and people eating turkey legs. And guess what? That’s exactly what you’ll find at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival, 11315 N. 46th St.

A sword fight on a giant chessboard? It must be the annual Bay Area Renaissance Festival. (Photos courtesy of Bay Area Renaissance Festival)
A sword fight on a giant chessboard? It must be the annual Bay Area Renaissance Festival.
(Photos courtesy of Bay Area Renaissance Festival)

Now in its 38th year, the festival sits in an area near the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa that has been converted into a European “village,” complete with all the characters you might find in that era.

And, the people tend to stay in character, too. Don’t ask them about websites and cellphones. They’ll look at you like you’re speaking a foreign language. But, if you want to catch a human chess match or some jesters on a stage, they can point you in the right direction.

There are actually several stages, located throughout the village, with shows running throughout the day. Some are musical, some are muddy, and others are slapstick comedy. There’s usually a performance going on somewhere.

In addition to the aforementioned jousting and human chess, there’s also gypsy dancing, magic, traveling fairies, puppets, games of skill, and activities for younger visitors.

Plus, there are rows and rows of vendors selling items you don’t often come across in the 21st century.

It’s nice to walk around the festival and see all the different shows, games and events happening at the same time.

It’s not fancy, but the people are friendly, and it almost feels like you’re really in a small village from ages past, filled with colorful costumes and plenty of things to do. That includes the visitors, who also dress up in pretty elaborate costumes sometimes. It’s not required, but if you have something that fits in with the time period, you’ll feel right at home.

It’s not exactly like old times, of course.

There are no famines or plagues to worry about, for example. So think of it as a visit to the past, only with plenty of food and drinks. And portable bathrooms, too. There’s something to be said for modern conveniences, right?

Knights will battle it out each weekend at the festival.
Knights will battle it out each weekend at the festival.

Unfortunately, there’s another modern aspect to the Renaissance Festival: At nearly $21 for adults, there’s no sign of 14th century pricing to be found. It’s a fun time, but not a cheap one.

Unless you read this column, that is. Because now you know that this weekend, Feb. 20 and Feb. 21, you can get in absolutely free. All you have to do is donate a little blood and you get a free pass to the festival. That’s worth a few minutes with the leeches, right?

I’m just kidding about the leeches. It’s a normal bloodmobile. But, it’s a great way to save a lot of money and donate to a good cause at the same time.

That’s a good weekend to attend the festival, too.

On Feb. 20 and Feb. 21, the theme is “Highland Fling,” which includes Celtic dancing, a kilt competition and the Highland Games, which are part of a strongman-type contest. That means watching feats of strength and heavy lifting while you enjoy a turkey leg. Hey, those can be heavy, too.

So, if you want to enjoy an annual tradition with plenty of games and entertainment, you can do it for free and help your community at the same time. No matter what century it is — saving money is always a smart move.

The Bay Area Renaissance Festival runs Saturdays and Sundays through March 20. Parking is free. For a complete schedule, visit BayAreaRenFest.com.

By Michael Murillo

Do you know of a fun event or location that might be a good fit for On the Cheap? Email Michael at . Keep it cheap, please.

Published February 17, 2016

Leisure Days happenings

By

(Photos courtesy of Anne Astles)
(Photos courtesy of Anne Astles)

On the catwalk at Leisure Days
The ladies of Leisure Days RV Resort recently viewed the latest fashions from the local BonWorth store. Six models were dressed in sportswear and casual dress. Mimi Cass Clark, of BonWorth, moderated the event, with the assistance Allison Werther. Bill Meyer, of Fletcher Music Centers in Zephyrhills, provided the background music for the models. With Mimi Cass Clark, right, are the models, from left, Vornie Colbath, Helen Renaud, Janice Kunz, Lila Wegener, Rose Knapp and Donna Moulton Worth.

 

LeisureDays-kids3 rgbReady for cooler weather
All prekindergarten and second grade students at West Zephyrhills Elementary School recently received handmade hats from the KC Busy Hands of Leisure Days RV Resort. During the past year, more than 600 hats have been donated to the school. All the yarn is donated by the participants and other generous residents of Leisure Days.
LeisuereDays-kids

LeisureDays-kids2