Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Before the show even started, Terry Gardner (the host of this show plus other entertainment) gave a nice speech in which he thanked all the helpers. It was a nice touch, and then the show began.

They came back, and everyone who saw them last year knew what to expect, and they weren’t disappointed. They were here on March 7, 2014, and they were so well received, that many people asked for their return. It was granted on March 21, 2015, and many people, residents and visitors came for the show that they looked forward to.

Both, Frank (Damion Fontaine) and Dean (Scott Brotherton) put on one heck of a performance. They also were dressed well, with Frank and Dean both wearing red bow ties with a red handkerchief and a tuxedo, while Dean also wore a red cummerbund. Frank donned a lovely fedora that Frank is so well known for.

The show started with Dean singing “You’re Nobody Til Somebody Loves You,” and Frank joined in. It was the perfect start to a great show.

Of course, in between the different songs, several jokes were told that had everyone laughing.

Frank then sang a couple of solo tunes like “Fly Me to the Moon” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” During this last song, Frank went through the audience and shook hands with many there.

Dean followed with a big hit called “Memories are Made of This” with many antics and motions that originally went with the song. Following this performance, Frank performed a classic Sinatra song entitled “Young at Heart.”

One special performance was done by Dean from Casablanca called “As Time Goes By,” and he ended the song with the words, “Here’s looking at you kid.” He followed this song with “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

Frank did a fine job with “The Lady is a Tramp,” and then Dean and Frank did a great rendition of “King of the Road” while the audience was snapping their fingers and clapping along.

Dean did a lovely performance of “Tiny Bubbles,” while Frank was in the background and joining in on the song. During this song, there was much audience participation.

Frank then sang a lovely version of “The Summer Wind,” “Love for You and Me,” “My Way,” and so many others.

Dean performed a lovely rendition of “Mona Lisa” and did a marvelous job of it in addition to the 1965 Dean Martin hit entitled “Everybody Loves Somebody.” A funny and cute time was when Dean twirled the fedora that was on Frank’s head and when the hat was on backwards, this was when Frank sounded like Louis Armstrong. But, if the hat was forward, he had Frank’s voice. Frank did a marvelous job at this and had many a person in stitches.

Frank and Dean sang “Luck be a Lady Tonight,” “The Best is Yet to Come,” “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head,” and others.

Dean performed a Tony Bennett signature song entitled “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” and he did it with much emotion.

The show ended with Frank and Dean mentioning the men who served in the armed forces and then sang “America” while they both stood. Dean then sang “Coming to America,” while the audience applauded. Then, of course, Frank performed “New York, New York,” while Dean was in the background taking some pictures and singing the chorus with Frank.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published April 1, 2015

On March 12, we had our HOA meeting at the community center.  We discussed old and new business. There was a large turnout of approximately 70 to 80 people.

After the meeting, many people stayed to play euchre. I used to play this game, and it is fun and from what I understand, there are now many residents who play this competitive game. So if you are looking for a fun-packed game, any resident and/or visitor of Grand Horizons can come and join them.

On March 13, we had our monthly lunch connoisseur at Francesco’s in Dade City. Galen and Susan Parker hosted this luncheon with help from Sam and Fred Sage, and I must say they did a marvelous job. About 38 people had a lovely afternoon with a menu that had a little of everything. It is hard making a decision.

After the luncheon, we could go shopping in Dade City, as there were plenty of shops, and there definitely was something for everyone, or we could go directly back home.

On March 15, there were about 72 people at the community center. It was on this day that we had an ice cream social hosted by Andy Gisondi, Del O’Hara, and Tom and Laurie Carter. Everyone enjoys their ice cream, and they had ice cream sundaes in addition to root beer floats.

Every topping imaginable was there and some of them were strawberries, cherries, bananas cut in slices, pineapple, coconut, chocolate and caramel syrup (regular and lo-cal), whipped topping (also regular and lo-fat), sprinkles in color and chocolate, nuts, miniature marshmallows and more. It was pure heaven, and we got to see several creations that were made by individuals that were overflowing with this special dessert.

Before tables were called to get their ice cream or floats, they also had a table filled with delicious cookies made by Andy and Del, lemonade and coffee.

It was done to perfection, and all who came to this ice cream social had one terrific time.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published March 25, 2015

With all the snowbirds leaving for the summer months, we still had a big turnout on March 4 for coffee and doughnuts. There were quite a few of the residents there to get the news of the week. Of course the birthdays of the week were announced and recognized along with any anniversaries. There was much conversation going on, and it is a good way to relax and just enjoy the company.

On March 5, we had a social club at the community center. Here again, a nice turnout showed up to hear the old and new news. Also, they talked about what is planned for the future. For example, they are thinking about a karaoke night. Discussions would follow if anyone cared to talk about it and possibly make some suggestions.

Later that night, several people got together for a game of cribbage. This is a fast-moving game and so much fun. You have to make decisions on what to discard and what to keep.

In the meantime, across the room, several women were playing mahjong. This game, like cribbage, makes you stop and think. Anyone who joined in for either game had a pleasant time.

There also was card making going on in a different room in the center. Here, the people make greeting cards for rest homes and shut-ins.

On March 6, some people attended the quilters and there was a game of shuffleboard afterward. I never went to the quilters before, but they do some amazing work. The work they do is just spectacular, and they have entered various contests and have done quite well.

On the other hand, I have gone to shuffleboard before, and we always have a good time. Usually you can get up to 20 people to attend. Sometimes, depending on the weather, we get more.

But my husband and I attended the Strawberry Fest on this particular day to see some shows and just have a delightful time. The food is absolutely yummy.

In the afternoon, we saw Loretta Lynn. If you are not familiar with her, she is a country star and has been for many a year. Her big hit is “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” and she sang this plus many other hits.

At Grand Horizons on March 7, many residents were in the community center for our monthly egg n’ bag. This is always entertaining and delicious.

If you walk in the center, you will hear all types of discussions going on, and with well over 100 people, there is buzzing throughout the room. It seems like everyone has a topic of conversation, and they all contribute to a good time. We had a great breakfast and real good company.

On March 10, we had several women attend our reading class that we have monthly. This month, we went to Marilyn’s home to discuss the book that we read for the month.

It was an interesting discussion and brought a new meaning to the book.  The book was titled “The Alchemist,” and there was a fascinating discussion about it.

We broke for some goodies after the discussion, and there were a variety of them. Decisions, decisions on what to have! One was more delicious than the rest.

During this time, there was also a lively game of pinochle being played in the center. As I mentioned before, this is an amazing game and definitely keeps you on your toes.

At night, we had bingo played in the center. There is always a nice size crowd attending, hoping it will be their lucky night.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published March 18, 2015

On Feb. 28, about 90 people had a great breakfast of pancakes, sausage and French toast to start the day. I wasn’t there, but I heard only good things about it. People were saying that the pancakes were fluffy and so tasty. I can just visualize them.

Later that night, our community center had a comedy night. Cheryl Leone was hosted it and she brought in two videos of a live performance with Jeff Dunham and his friends, in addition to some delicious popcorn. I never saw Jeff Dunham before, and my husband and I, plus the rest of the audience, were in for a treat. The show was so funny, and there were plenty of laughs circulating throughout the center. He did a fine job at ventriloquism and comedy.  The weather kept many people away, but the ones who attended were glad they came.

On March 1, we had our second Volunteer Appreciation Day. It started last year, and they hope to have it annually.

As we entered the community center, we found a salad bowl with fresh crispy salad to put in the bowl. We then had either lasagna or spaghetti, whichever we wanted. Along with the main course, we had delicious garlic bread and meatballs.

Cheryl Leone and many helpers hosted this special day. The helpers consisted of Bill and Donna Quinn, Diane Keefe, Chuck Carlson, Carol Wilcox, Ken Leone, Clayton and Carol George, and quite a bit of additional help. They did a great job, and we thank them. Without the volunteers, our community would not be as wonderful as it is. There was a tremendous turnout of about 85 people who attended this function.

On March 3, there was a luncheon for the men where they went to Hooter’s. There was much conversation and all had a very good time. I don’t know what transpired there, but the guys came back in a very good mood.

On the same day, several women were at O’ Brien’s. The ride to Plant City, where the restaurant is located, was a lovely ride on a beautiful day. The menu was quite varied, and the food was delicious.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published March 11, 2015