The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Imperial Buffet Best Dining Value In Town

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

Goofy golfing at Happy Days

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

Yes.

Yes.

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

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

Goofy Golf has achieved the above.

Our fourth year blew the doors off the previous three.

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

Oh, no.

What is normal when it comes to the goof?

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

What a day.

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

Actual turnout was 132. Goofy is as goofy does.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now to answer that question.

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

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

By Ian Marwick (the happy scribe)

Published February 24, 2016

 

A celebration of love, and food

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

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

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

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

By Helene Rubenstein

Published February 24, 2016

Seeing double at Gem Estates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Mabel Budzinski

Published February 24, 2016

 

Hurricane winds leave path of destruction

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

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

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

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

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

She describes the storm blowing open the classroom door.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Doug Sanders

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

Published February 24, 2016

Zephyr Shores’ milestones

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

 

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

 

 

 

Rainbow Village celebrations

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(Photos courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

Colorful treasures on display

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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

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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

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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