The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Serving up a beautiful Christmas

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The week of Christmas was very busy at Rainbow Village. Dick and Sandy Abel had the large trailer all trimmed with Christmas decorations, waiting for Reggie Short to hook it up to his truck. Then, the Rainbow helpers put some picnic tables on it so the carolers could sit and sing the carols, while we went up and down the lanes in Rainbow Village singing to all those that were waiting to listen. It was a lot of fun sharing the “Reason for the Season” along the lanes in Rainbow Village.

The Christmas eve choir helped celebrate the birth of Jesus. (Photos courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)
The Christmas eve choir helped celebrate the birth of Jesus.
(Photos courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)

Our worship service choir was in charge of our Christmas Eve service. Our choir director, Bev Were, brought a really nice program from Canada. A very memorable moment was when Laureen Hutt sang “Mary, Did You Know?” to the mother of baby Jesus. The choir sang and the congregation sang along with the carols that were sung. It was a beautiful service to help celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Doug Jones prepared our annual Christmas ham dinner. In addition to the ham, each person brought a dish to share for a table of 12. The tables were beautifully decorated. We had a full house for the Christmas dinner. Our Rainbow Village family is very special at this time of year, especially when our families are scattered all over the country. A big thank you to Doug for all of his work. Thanks to all who helped set up tables, clean up and serve, and to those that prepared meals for our shut-ins.

Rich Berkheiser lead the singing, with the help of Sandy Abel, while caroling around the resort on Christmas Eve.
Rich Berkheiser lead the singing, with the help of Sandy Abel, while caroling around the resort on Christmas Eve.

The big winners in our Christmas lighting contest were Jerry and Debbie Kirsch for the best decorated mobile home, and Jay and Karen Sharon for the best decorated RV. Congratulations to the winners.

We at Rainbow Village hope the New Year will be great for you all.

By Sandra Gilbert-Abel

Published January 6, 2016

Leisure Days’ residents have the spirit

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LeisureDays-afghans rgbLeisure Days demonstrates the art of giving
Leisure Days’ KC Busy Hands made and donated afghans for babies and new mothers to the Zephyrhills Pregnancy Care Center for Christmas. They also donated more than 300 hats to local children for Christmas. Paul and Karen Bovee have entertained residents of local nursing homes for 10 years through their Nursing Home Mission, and they also delivered afghans provided by Busy Hands. Back row, from left, are Fran Roes, Margaret McLean, Paul Bovee, Karen Bovee, Sandy Held, Evelyn Tunn, Vornie Colbath, Laurelyn Deans, Gloria Martin. In the front row are Carol Kruse and Betty Hobson.

LeisureDays-Bastarache rgbShowing off holiday spirit at Leisure Days
Taking part in the Christmas parade at Leisure Days RV Resort were, from left, Diane Bastarache, Artie Shaw, Bill Martin, and Dylan Mize as an elf.

Warm winter weather prompts blooming confusion

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The peaches are in bloom, the aroma of flowers fills the air – spring has sprung.

But, how can that be?

It’s only January.

The calendar says it’s winter, but our gardens are acting like it is spring.

With temperatures 15 degrees to 20 degrees above average for this time of the year, it’s easy for plants, and for us, too, to be tricked by Mother Nature.

It’s all due to this unusually strong El Niño pattern.

This photograph of a cluster of blooming pink azaleas was taken in December. Normally, they do not flower until March or April. (Courtesy of Whitney Elmore)
This photograph of a cluster of blooming pink azaleas was taken in December. Normally, they do not flower until March or April.
(Courtesy of Whitney Elmore)

Warm soil and air temperatures have conned normally fall blooming plants into blooming longer. And, spring blooming plants are flowering way before normal.

Flowerbeds are jumping, cold season veggies are lagging, and trees are budding out.

While it’s not necessarily “good” for plants, most will endure — and in the long run they won’t be harmed.

However, the consequences of a mild to non-existent winter for our plants will most likely result in less than vibrant color displays and reduced flowering in spring and summer.

Plants are using their stored food reserves to bloom now, which will cause them to be sluggish later on. But, plants will restore and replenish food reserves in summer, so we should experience a more normal blooming pattern starting next fall — if the weather cooperates.

But, just because the plants will most likely survive to bloom again doesn’t mean we shouldn’t help them along.

Since the plants are currently very active, keep watering, if necessary, as you would in the spring.

Since we are in the dry season, actively growing plants will need supplemental irrigation.

Don’t rush to prune out-of-season plants. Pruning triggers all sorts of hormonal responses, which tell plants to grow.

Telling a plant to grow succulent and vulnerable tissue, when some sort of winter weather in inevitable, is a sure way to harm tender tissue when that cold finally arrives.

The same goes for fertilizers – don’t fertilize, which also stimulates growth.

All we can do is gently help them through the unusual weather and prepare them for summer.

For now, enjoy the warm temperatures while they last.

By Whitney Elmore

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

Published January 6, 2016

Christmas traditions kept alive for residents

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Rainbow Village looks like Christmas with most of the homes decorated with beautiful lights. It is so much fun walking up and down the streets admiring how the residents have decorated their homes. There were prizes for the best decorated home and trailer. It sure was hard to pick a winner!

Gail and Tony Andrade with Buffalo Bob, who entertained at the Andrades’ going-away party after 23 years at Rainbow Village. (Photos courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)
Gail and Tony Andrade with Buffalo Bob, who entertained at the Andrades’ going-away party after 23 years at Rainbow Village.
(Photos courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)

Tony and Gail Andrade were honored at one of our ice cream socials. They have been residents for 23 years and, due to some health issues, are going home to Maine. Tony was very involved in organizing our shuffling teams, and we will always remember Tony for his great spaghetti dinners. We wish them the best and will miss them.

Judy Lykins and Ellie Sawyer co-chaired our annual “Christmas Cookie Exchange” this year. These ladies have refreshments and punch for the ladies that donate cookies, and they decorate the tables so prettily. The residents bring two-dozen cookies: one dozen to donate to Meals on Wheels, and one dozen to share. They also can pick out a dozen to take home. They collected over 125 dozen cookies for Meals on Wheels. A big thanks to Judy and Ellie for hosting this event for Meals on Wheels.

George Raab provided the music for our Christmas dance recently. The hall was beautifully decorated for Christmas. A large crowd attended. The electric slide was one of the favorite dances during the evening. A big thanks to George Raab for his great music, and a big thank you to the dance committee for all their work so we could dance the night away.

Pat Woolaver and Patti Hill wore their Christmas hats at Evie McMann’s Tea.
Pat Woolaver and Patti Hill wore their Christmas hats at Evie McMann’s Tea.

Our annual “Evie McMann’s Tea” was held at the social hall with Sue Flynn, our manager, and Vicki Arndt chairing the tea. We were greeted at the door by Nancy Pollack wearing the dress that Evie wore 24 years ago, when she started the tea from her little trailer serving fruit cake, sticky buns, and lots of cookies and tea. It has continued each year in her memory. Sandwiches, chips, cookies and tea were served. The entertainment was a bell choir from local churches, directed by Vicki Arndt, performing some beautiful Christmas songs. We ended the afternoon with singing Christmas carols, a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. The ladies brought gifts to share with the pregnancy center. Thank you to all who helped to continue Evie’s tea.

The Rainbowettes Red Hat Ladies enjoyed a night at The Shops at Wiregrass light show, and we ate dinner at the Red Robin restaurant. It was a beautiful night seeing a great light show, especially great music from a local Methodist church.

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to all!

By Sandra Gilbert-Abel
Rainbow Village

Published December 30, 2015

Christmas in shorts

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It is not hard to sit back and enjoy these warm, sunny days. Yes, it was Christmas week, and yes, we should have be thinking of friends and relatives up north freezing and shoveling. But, the truth is that we were having an exceptional December in Florida and our northern friends were also. This did not stop the enthusiasm for special events over these weeks.

The regular activities, however, go on as usual. The only noticeable difference, at the conclusion, were the happy faces, warm hugs and/or handshakes, and the heartfelt “Merry Christmas” wished to all. Wonderful!

Waiting for a ride are, from left, John Sweet, Rick Carrey and Ron Graham. (Courtesy of Ian Marwick)
Waiting for a ride are, from left, John Sweet, Rick Carrey and Ron Graham.
(Courtesy of Ian Marwick)

Christmas, as always, was celebrated at Happy Days starting with a craft sale on a Saturday morning. This year, for the first time, it was open to the public and was a commercial success for the crafters and also the hot dog lunch. The hall was quickly turned around for the evening annual Christmas party. This is always a favorite with residents. A mixture of why we celebrate Christmas is combined with the joy of spoofing ourselves, Santa and Mrs. Claus, surprise $5 gifts and, of course, more food. Thanks to Dennis and Paula Cosmo. The hit this year was performed by two former presidents who demonstrated why politicians are fodder for comedians. It is hard to imagine “The Night Before Christmas” as a slightly off-color routine, but you had to be there. Three cheers for Linda Jenkins and Phil Knaack.

On Saturday evening, our ad hoc carolers toured the park serenading those who are not as mobile, and entertaining all. Cookies and refreshments on the tour were appreciated, to keep the pipes moist. As usual, it was also the judging and awarding of individual lighting displays.

Some of us were expecting visitors from the not-so-frozen north over the week, packing bathing suits and sunglasses. However, we enjoyed family and friends wherever they were, remembered the true meaning of Christmas, and gave thanks for the goodwill of man and the freedom we enjoy.

From all the residents, and management of Happy Days, hope you had a very merry Christmas.

By Ian Marwick (the happy scribe)
Happy Days RV Resort

Published December 30, 2015

 

Christmas spirit on display

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On Dec. 12, we had our annual golf cart parade. Approximately 12 carts circled our development at Grand Horizons. The parade went at a pace where anyone could view it. Brian Heidman led the group and did a terrific job.

One of the gaily decorated golf carts in the annual parade. (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)
One of the gaily decorated golf carts in the annual parade.
(Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

Each cart was decorated very nicely, but only six decided to be judged. There were three winners. Those in the top three were Jim and Judi Leitzke, Paul and Carolyn Ray, and Ron and Joyce Bell. Each couple received a trophy and had their picture taken. The trophies were donated by Andy and Margaret Castonguay.

After the parade, we all gathered in the community center where there were goodies plus coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Fletcher Music had a sing-a-long and presented a free CD plus two certificates for a six-week course of beginner lessons.

Joyce Bell also presented a check to Beth Aker, director for East Pasco Meals on Wheels. This is a fundraiser that Grand Horizons has donated to for the past four years.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published December 30, 2015

 

Cold weather, bonfire and street party

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On Dec. 19, about 55 to 60 people gathered at the cul-de-sac for a party organized by Al and Sandy Lindke. Everyone who attended had a great time on a very brisk day. The people that joined in on the festivities were dressed in sweaters, coats, mufflers and/or sweatshirts. Some people came in shorts. They all sat around a bonfire that was set up. There were three tables of food and several dishes, including a dessert table filled with loads of goodies.

A table of goodies drew some hungry folk. (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)
A table of goodies drew some hungry folk.
(Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

There also was a collection of nonperishable foods or gift cards to a supermarket, which was was presented to the First United Methodist Church of Zephyrhills. The church serves 80 families a month.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published December 30, 2015

‘Twas the week before Christmas

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It was not really the week before Christmas; it just felt like it.
More lights by the armful were springing up on eaves and plantings each evening. The favorite this year seems to be the light showers in the trees and on trailers thrown up by a little plugged in canister. Is this the end for light strings and shaky ladders? We’ll wait and see.

RVs, thought to be inanimate, miraculously sprouted all sorts of garlands, bows, banners and, of course, winking, blinking and no, not nodding, lighting displays. They transformed themselves into a friendlier version of those road huggers, happily filling their lots with Christmas cheer. It always amazes that this magic month changes not only the attitude of people of goodwill, but also the day-to-day objects in our Florida snowbirds’ lives. Hooray, for happier days.

The park’s first craft sale was deemed a huge success. (Courtesy of Ian Marwick)
The park’s first craft sale was deemed a huge success.
(Courtesy of Ian Marwick)

Speaking of Happy Days, this has been an exciting week starting at the monthly Monday morning business meeting/coffee hour. Free coffee and Hole In One donuts always bring out the crowd. Being the first this year, it was a little longer than usual with old and new business filling the agenda, but we all survived. Whoopee, the best part was reviewing the upcoming weekend activities — our first annual Christmas craft sale was coming Saturday morning and would be open to the public, and the arrival that evening of both Santa and the park Christmas party.

As a new adventure, the craft sale was deemed a success. No parking problems occurred, no fender benders (with only one close call), and no complaints about Happy Days hospitality. It also was a commercial success for our crafters and the hot dog crew of chef Boy R Roger, Roger and Helen Yerdon, Toni Fisher, and Ian and Bridget Marwick. Next year, our experiences will build a larger venue for crafters. Thanks to all our new friends in Zephyrhills that stopped in and supported us. Hip, Hip, Hooray!

Santa and Mrs. Claus (Dennis and Paula Cosmo) and Bill Wellivere, center, at the Christmas party. (Courtesy of Debbie Lee)
Santa and Mrs. Claus (Dennis and Paula Cosmo) and Bill Wellivere, center, at the Christmas party.
(Courtesy of Debbie Lee)

What can be said about the annual Christmas party? It again was a huge success not only for the Christmas message, the tomfoolery and the food, but another chance to socialize. Our emcee for the night, Bill Wellivere, had things mostly under control. Brenda Knaack read the story of Christmas to lead the evening off on the right track. Santa and Mrs. Claus suffered on this sweltering night, but made a visit anyway, in a red convertible? Rudolph got lost. However, as most party nights, it quickly slipped away with the presentation of “The Night Before Christmas” by two former presidents, Linda Jenkins and Phil Knaack. The old adage that politicians sometimes make better comedians than administrators was proven by these two. Modesty restricts, but if you were there you know, and if you were not, you should have been.

Oh well, that was the end of the week before the week before Christmas. Is that caroling in the distance? Hey, the official week before is now starting. Wait up, we are coming.

By Ian Marwick (the happy scribe)

Published December 23, 2015

Rich Wilson visits Grand Horizons

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A crowd of 156 people entered a beautifully decorated community center at Grand Horizons on Dec. 11 to see a great show. The decorations were ornaments and miniature Christmas trees set up along the stage. Before Rich Wilson came out to perform, we had a special treat — Santa and Mrs. Claus coming through the center and shaking hands with many people. Afterward, they posed with several couples, while Terry took their pictures.

Rich Wilson entertained a crowd with Christmas songs, Elvis songs, a tribute to veterans, and more. (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)
Rich Wilson entertained a crowd with Christmas songs, Elvis songs, a tribute to veterans, and more.
(Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

Rich looked great wearing a three-piece tux and a white dress shirt. He sang many songs that were interspersed with holiday melodies. He sang such songs as “For Once in My Life,” “Goody, Goody,” “Close To You” and much more. He also treated us to several Elvis tunes such as “Don’t be Cruel,” “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” and others, and he included some shaking and loads of rhythm.

The show consisted of many Christmas tunes such as “Walking in a Winter Wonderland,” “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Blue Christmas” and so many more. At one point in the show, Rich sang “New York, New York.” That was a Frank Sinatra song, plus he had a few dance steps thrown in. He also performed a wonderful rendition of “I’m Walking,” which was a hit for Fats Domino.

There was audience participation when Rich performed the song “Sh Boom (Life Could be a Dream),” along with clapping from the audience, and swaying back and forth. A lovely performance of “Blue Velvet,” which was a big hit for Bobby Vinton, was also presented to us.

Rich called up a person from the audience by the name of Dick Dee, who performs in the Country Breeze Band at the New River Church, to sing the song, “A White Sport Coat and a Pink Carnation.” This was a big hit for Marty Robbins, and the two of them did a great job.

At this time in the show, a tribute was made to all the vets, and each group of the services was recognized. It was an honor to be in their presence.

Rich also did a very cute rendition of “Rindercella” that Archie Campbell made famous. A fantastic job was done, and the audience was laughing from the very beginning.

At the end of the show, after Rich sang other Christmas songs such as “The First Noel” and a few others, Terry Gardner did a reading. It was a great evening and one we will well remember.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published December 23, 2015

 

Holiday gift ideas for your favorite gardener

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With the holiday shopping season almost over, you may be trying to figure out just what to give to your favorite gardener.

A few tools are on my list of essentials.

To start, my absolute favorite garden tool is a scuffle hoe. These implements are very familiar to farmers.

The work of gardening can be made easier with the proper tools, so if there’s a gardener on your gift list, a tool might be just the thing to help him or her to have happier times in the garden. (Courtesy of Nicole Pinson)
The work of gardening can be made easier with the proper tools, so if there’s a gardener on your gift list, a tool might be just the thing to help him or her to have happier times in the garden.
(Courtesy of Nicole Pinson)

A scuffle hoe is a special type of hoe with a square-shaped blade. These hoes help you edge landscape beds and remove small weed seedlings, simply by pushing the blade back and forth over an area. It’s easier on your back, and is a very powerful tool to keep beds and borders weed free.

My second favorite tool is my wide, metal trowel.

An avid weeder, I enjoy seeing progress as I move through the garden and dig out weeds. Nearly every gardener has reached down to pull out a weed, and become disgruntled when the top of the weed snaps off, only to leave the pernicious root behind. Having a trowel handy prevents this from happening, and enables you to dig a few inches into the soil, and pop out the weed quickly and effectively.

And, when you’re weeding, you may want a kneeler. Kneelers are foam pads that you rest your knees on. I have a few kneelers, but a large piece of cardboard always works in a pinch.

Last year, my husband bought me a great pair of gloves for Christmas. The gloves are Black and Decker gauntlet gloves, and they snap at the wrist so you have the option to wear them either as regular gloves for protecting your hands, or as gauntlet gloves to protect your hands, wrists and arms. These tough gloves extend all the way up to your elbow. They have proved invaluable to me when pruning my bougainvillea each year. Whereas, before I was a human pincushion, I am now more like Edward Scissorhands, and beautiful bougainvilleas result.

No matter what size your yard, a wheelbarrow can be a big help.

Wheelbarrows can move plants, mulch, bags of soil, compost and debris. They store nicely against sheds and walls.

A watering tin and gardening gloves at a home garden.
A watering tin and gardening gloves at a home garden.

Another favorite tool is a hand-held pruning saw. These small, lightweight saws are capable of cutting through branches too thick for pruners. My pruning saw is used every year to cut back yellow cassia.

Since I am away from home a lot, I have become a big fan of a simple, bell-shaped glass cloche and saucer for seed starting. The glass cloche covers peat pots or small containers of soil and seeds. Recently, I harvested basil seeds from spent flowerheads. I sprinkled the seeds on soil in a small plastic pot, and placed the pot on the saucer under the glass cloche. Located in bright, indirect light (on a patio table under a live oak tree), the basil seeds quickly germinated. The glass cloche provided constant humidity for the seeds. Fast forward a few months, and there are several new basil plants to plant or share. With nearly no effort, the seeds started because the cloche acted as a terrarium. You can find a cloche at arts and crafts stores, or repurpose other glass containers.

Last but not least, another favorite garden tool is a green, rectangular floral frog. Floral frogs come in many different sizes and shapes. They are used on their own, or placed in larger containers.

Floral frogs are made of metal pins or squares. You place flower stems in the pins or squares, and they hold the stems upright. I’ve created many informal bouquets in my office, gathering flowers and leaves from the Extension teaching and demonstrations gardens, and placing them in my simple, green frog.

Other best picks for gardeners: hand scrub, solar globe lights, wind chimes, birdhouses, and watering cans.

Almost every year, my husband and friends get me something related to gardening.

When I look at my garden, these gifts remind me all year of my loved ones who gave them to me. Happy holidays!

For additional information, call (813) 744-5519, ext. 54145.

By Nicole Pinson
Nicole Pinson is an Urban Horticulture Agent in Hillsborough County.

Published December 23, 2015