The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Cruising and gambling in New Jersey

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Our trip to Atlantic City started on a Saturday. We got an early start and drove to Tuckerton, New Jersey, where we saw the Tuckerton Seaport. Here we took a self–guided tour that allows you to enjoy a detailed experience of the seaport.

We saw the recreated maritime village ending with the Tucker’s Island Lighthouse. Each building depicted the different trades of the baymen, those industrious people who made their living in and around the Tuckerton area. We stepped back in time to a place where men and women lived and worked, on and by the water, their lives being dependent on the sea.

Atlantic City Aquarium (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)
Atlantic City Aquarium
(Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

From here, we went to the Atlantic City Aquarium. This is a historic basin waterfront park. There were 17 aquarium tanks and nearly 50,000 gallons of water in and around the basin. Also, there was a 25,000-gallon tank featuring fish of the New Jersey Coast, including sharks.

The aquarium consisted of three floors with artifacts and computers filled with information. There were also diving helmets and equipment from notable collectors.

From there, we were off to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. Here we learned how they rescue, rehabilitate and release marine life.

Inside the stranding center, they showed us pictures of three different seals that were brought in for one reason or another. There was a baby gray seal that suffered from an extreme act of malicious intent, while another was brought in because of shark bites, and still another with an eye infection. When they first arrive, they are treated by a vet, then placed in an individual pen and, finally, into the pool where the animals are reacquainted to life in the sea, before their release. After we finished our visit, we went back to our place for the night.

Sunday was a lovely day. We decided to go to Wildwood, New Jersey, as we heard so much about it.

Before I go and tell you about how beautiful Wildwood was, we must tell you about the Silver Bullet. This was a speedboat and an actual thrill from start to finish. If you know how it feels to be a racecar driver, then you will just begin to experience the Silver Bullet.

We also got to see dolphins, as the captain expertly spotted them. Everyone on the boat watched the dolphins play, glide and cavort alongside the Silver Bullet. The captain supposedly gave us a special treat, and being that it was a speedboat, we should have expected it, but, we didn’t — the captain zigzagged the boat and, of course, that created a huge wave of water that covered everyone in the boat and not only the people in the back. Everyone! Water was splashing everywhere, and I do mean everywhere! We were sitting almost halfway, and we got drenched. It was a pure delight, and I loved it. The trip lasted about 1.5 hours, but it will be an experience not easily forgotten.

Once the boat got back and docked, we took a nice long walk on the boardwalk in Wildwood. Wildwood is like what Atlantic City was 35 or 40 years ago. There was much action going on the boardwalk and different stores to browse in. There are many games on the boardwalk and something for everyone.

Since it was growing late, it was back to the motel in Atlantic City.

Monday we were on the road to Cape May. This was more than an hour ride on the ferry that brought us to Delaware. Once here, we had the option of taking any one of two tours. Each tour is by bus, but one tour is to the historic district, while the other goes to the streets with many outlets. We took the historic tour where the bus takes you to the historic district and you can then wander the streets at your leisure. You can return at anytime with the understanding that the bus goes at specific times and the ferry departs on others.

We had a fun-filled day, and once we boarded the ferry for our return ride to Cape May, we were so exhausted, we just slept for the return trip. When we returned to our car, we traveled the entire length of the streets that bordered the water. At the very end, there was a small boardwalk, so we parked our car and walked it. We did some more browsing and then rode back to our motel.

Tuesday came by so quickly. It seemed that we barely got any sleep. Since the weather was so hot and steamy, we both decided that this would be our last full day in Atlantic City, so we were prepared to get out and do some “gaming,” and then go to the Gardens Basin (where the aquarium was located) and take a dolphin watch cruise.

In the morning hours, we went to the far end of the boardwalk where there were casinos bunched together. I think we visited them all and had such a good time that we thought we would miss our dolphin watch on the boat called Cruisin 1. Glad we didn’t, as this ride proved fruitful. We saw more dolphins then you can count on your fingers. There were more on this trip then we saw on the Silver Bullet. Once again, we saw them frolicking around and playing. They followed our boat for quite some time, and we loved seeing them ride the waves. True, we had our cameras, but we were content to watch them through our eyes. This was supposed to be a 1.5-hour ride, but ended up a little longer as the captain kept on finding more of them. Well, like all good things, it came to an end, but this dolphin watch trip and the Silver Bullet are two trips that will remain in our minds for a long time to come.

We still had several hours left before night and when we would turn in, so it was back to the boardwalk, and this time we tried our luck at the casino at the other end. Still no luck, so we just browsed around and then went back to our motel to get ready to leave the following morning.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published June 3, 2015

Starting the morning off with a smile

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With the warmer weather approaching, many residents return to their summer homes for several months, while still others take motor trips with their campers, RVs or cars for several weeks at a time. Some of our friends may be leaving to go to California or other states, while others may be taking a camping trip.

Marty and I returned from a relaxing trip to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and are now in Connecticut.

Marty and Helene Rubenstein appear to be enjoying the sunny skies in Aruba, emphasis on the word ‘appear.’ (Photo Provided)
Marty and Helene Rubenstein appear to be enjoying the sunny skies in Aruba, emphasis on the word ‘appear.’
(Photo Provided)

While in Connecticut, we went to a Vacation Fair where we got loads of literature for future trips. It was a fun day, but very hectic.

There was a booth where they took your picture, put it on one of several backdrops and emailed it to your computer. This is how Marty and I received a picture of us “in Aruba,” as this is the backdrop we asked for.

We got many brochures from the fair, and Marty is working on planning future getaways, whether for a few days or a week.

In the meantime, back at Grand Horizons, they are still having activities — maybe not as much, but they are still having a good time.

On April 25, they had a pancake breakfast where sausages, pancakes and French toast were served. I heard from Rosie Semian, and she said that more than 70 people attended and enjoyed the breakfast. Since it was blueberry season, there was an option of blueberry pancakes for this time. They were going to try once again on May 16, depending on the number of people that would attend, as more residents may be away for this date.

Then there is water aerobics. We had this activity on the calendar for several months, but when it got colder in Florida, they stopped it. But now that the weather is warm once again, this fun and healthy activity is back on the calendar,

On May 5, approximately 12 women went to ABC Pizza for a great lunch. I spoke to Joyce Bell, and she said there was a nice turnout considering all the residents who have left for the summer months. She went on to say that one new person also came, and she liked it so much that she asked when and where the next luncheon was. Joyce explained to her that as time progresses, she should check either the new newsletter or in our community center. So, as you see, Grand Horizons is still keeping busy.

In addition to the above-mentioned activities, Colleen Crandall is doing an excellent job with paper crafting. They work on several different items such as cards and more. Also, she will welcome any new ideas. She looks forward toward any new people with ideas or if people just wish to join.

In the meantime, a Memorial Day picnic and potluck is being planned for May 25. This will be hosted by Sandi and Al Lindke, with Jim and Judy Fischer cooking the burgers. All the meat and the buns will be provided by the Social Club. The residents will bring in individual dishes. More on this in a later post.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published May 20, 2015

Turn your yard trash into landscape treasure

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Composting is a wonderful way to turn yard trash into a landscaping treasure. Composting doesn’t need to be difficult. It can be as simple as taking fallen leaves and using them in the landscape beds, instead of purchasing mulch. Over time, the leaves will decompose resulting in organic matter that is full of nutrients and beneficial in maintaining healthy plants.

Compost offers many benefits for your lawn and garden.

There are different ways to create compost to help your landscape thrive. This is one example of a composting bin. (Courtesy of Jim Moll)
There are different ways to create compost to help your landscape thrive. This is one example of a composting bin.
(Courtesy of Jim Moll)

Compost helps condition sandy soils, helping them retain moisture and plant nutrients, and compost helps improve drainage in clay soils.

Compost supports beneficial living soil organisms, like worms.

And, a lesser-known benefit may be the reduction of a soil-borne fungal infection, called take-all root rot in turf grass.

Composting systems can be divided into three categories: stationary bin, tumbling bin, and the no bin or heap-method.

The heap method has no cost, as no equipment is needed. Compostable materials are simply placed into a heap with material added, as it accumulates.

Stationary bins can be as simple as recycled wooden pallets wired together to create a bin, or they can be heavy gauge wire mesh, plastic, or even made from cement blocks. With some stationary bin systems, you can add a second or even a third bin next to the first bin to transform the single bin into a multi-bin system which makes turning the decomposing organic matter easier. Some offer lids and/or fine wire mesh to keep out animals.

A food-grade 55-gallon barrel with air holes made along the sides of the drum and a stand with a pipe that fits into the center of the barrel makes a great tumbling bin. The barrel can be tipped end-over-end easily, which aerates the material, speeding up the decomposition process.

There are many ready-made tumbling bins.

Which type is better? Each type has pros and cons. Some tumbling bins are costly, many stationary bins have a fairly limited capacity, and other bins, such as those made from cement block, are permanent fixtures in your landscape.

What can be composted?

It may be easier to say what cannot be composted: no meat, grease, bones, diseased plants or weedy plants that have seeds/fruits, pet or human waste.

Most anything that is plant-based can be composted. For example leaves, grass clippings, vegetable scraps, coffee grounds (including the paper filter), sawdust from nontreated wood, and even newspapers can be composted.

Particle size plays a role in how quickly something will decompose, so some items will decompose more quickly than others.

Very small particles, like sawdust, will break down more slowly, due to packing, which slows oxygen moving between particles.

Oxygen is essential for the microbes to survive and decompose organic matter. If the particle size is large, like a tree branch, corn stalks, etc., it will take the microbes a long time to break down the material.

Also, there is something called the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, known as the C to N ratio. This might sound technical, but it’s really not.

Carbon materials are also called “browns” and are usually woody by nature and take more time to decompose.

“Browns” include fallen leaves, woodchips, straw, sawdust from nontreated wood, and newspapers. Items high in nitrogen, also known as “greens,” help speed the decomposition of high carbon “brown” items.

“Greens” include untreated grass clippings, animal manure (i.e. horse, rabbit), vegetable scrapes, egg shells, citrus and coffee grounds.

Mixing “brown” items and “green” items will speed the decomposition process.

While mixing, add water if the items are dry; decomposition occurs more quickly if the items are just barely moist, but not wet. You may need to add water to your pile from time to time to keep it moist. During heavy rains, you might want to cover the bin/pile so your compost doesn’t become soggy.

How often should you turn the pile?

The more frequently you turn it and the hotter you keep the composting materials, the faster the breakdown of the material.

“Hot-composting” methods require frequent attention to the compost pile. The microbes in the compost will naturally cause the temperature to rise. The pile should be turned when the temperature reaches 140 degrees. Special compost thermometers can be purchased at garden centers and on the Internet.

Should the pile cool down to 100 degrees, it should be turned to encourage reheating or new compostable materials added to restart the heating of the compost pile.

Hot-composting methods can destroy most disease causing organisms and weed seeds. Some people will take a “less is more” approach to composting. This is a method where the items to be composted are placed into a bin or in a heap and left to decompose on their own without turning or paying much attention to the pile.

This “cold-composting” method takes time, typically requiring two or three years for the compost to fully decompose. While cold composting is easier, you are more likely to get insects and pests in your compost.

A couple of final tips: Place your bin in a location that is easy to access, and consider the shade for your comfort when you turn the compost or need to load it into a wheelbarrow for use in your landscape.

Also, you should check your homeowner’s association (HOA) rules. As long as you follow the rules of your HOA, most will allow a compost unit in the backyard.

Jim Moll is with the University of Florida/IFAS Pasco County Extension Office and is the Florida Friendly LandscapingTM Program coordinator, funded by Tampa Bay Water. For more information, call (352) 518-0470, and check for upcoming classes and workshops at http://pasco.ifas.ufl.edu/events_calendar.shtml. To learn more about composting go to http://sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu/compost-info/.

Published May 13, 2015

 

Trip includes majestic views and great entertainment

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Marty and I said “goodbye” to all our friends at Grand Horizons, as we headed home to East Hartford, Connecticut.

But before heading home, we made a side trip to Cherokee, North Carolina, to see and experience Indian dances that were being presented in front of several souvenir shops. We had our pictures taken with the dancers and the performance was truly magnificent. Their colorful costumes were quite a sight. We went in the shops to see the wares, which were varied, including some that were quite unique. We also got to see an Indian reservation with all the activity that goes on in a village.

We then proceeded to Qualla Arts and Crafts Inc., to see all the various things that are sold there. There were many items, including baskets of all different shapes and sizes. Cherokee beadwork requires great patience and hand-eye skills. You can see this work, plus more, as you view the pieces in the shop. Qualla Arts represents more than 350 enrolled tribal members, whose works express Cherokee spirit with the highest skill. This was an amazing place, and we are so glad we got to see it.

We spent the night in North Carolina and the next day, while traveling through the Great Smoky Mountains, we saw lots of wildlife and many flowers plus beautiful and breathtaking scenery. There are many different type of trees that create a beautiful picture. Endlessly attractive waterfalls are seen several times around each bend in the road while driving, and the landscape includes many log buildings.

After viewing the Great Smoky Mountains, we went to a bear zoo that was located outside the park. In the bear zoo, we got to see and feed some baby bears and got to see the big bears that were in an enclosure, but we were able to throw pieces of food to them.

Now on to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. They are relatively close to one another so we stayed in the Pigeon Forge area and traveled to Gatlinburg when necessary.

Once here, we attended shows. They were all done in extremely good taste, and the first show that we saw was “The Comedy Barn Theater.” This had us in stitches from the moment we entered until we left. They have a talking dog, and this was so funny. The show was high energy, fast paced and loads of family fun. There was audience participation. Loads of kids were called up for different skits, and this just added to the enjoyment. There was singing, dancing joke telling and more.

The next day we went to a show that was at the Smoky Mountain Opry called The Blackwood’s. While they performed various types of music such as country, pop and more, they also sang gospel music, and they did a fabulous job of it. This show was outstanding and had the entire audience clapping to the music.

After this show, we went to the Island, which is located in Pigeon Forge and saw the wheel. This was a fun ride with beautiful views from the top. It is like a Ferris wheel where it goes round and round. From the wheel, we got to see the entire park. Once we disembarked from the wheel, we took a walk through the Island and saw the many stores and other attractions.

Later that afternoon, we went to the Hatfields and McCoy dinner show. While we had dinner the Hatfields and McCoys were performing. It seems there was a long-standing feud between the two. We (the audience) were to help the two family settle their dispute. There was dancing, singing, comedy and mighty feats of strength. While it was approximately two hours long, the show was so fast paced that it seemed to fly by.

The next day, we went to another show that was also at the Smoky Mountain Opry Theater. This was the ultimate variety show, as it included a talented cast of singers, dancers, comedians, musicians and jugglers in the Smoky Mountains. The costumes were quite dazzling, and the special effects added to the show. Performers were dropped from the ceiling on a suspended rope or chair. It was truly amazing.

We also went to Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg. Here we saw stingrays, coral reefs and more. We walked through a tunnel that was underwater, and we saw the world’s most spectacular shark habitat.

After we saw the aquarium, we went to the Country Tonight show. This show was also fast paced and really high energy. There was singing and dancing. The costumes were absolutely beautiful and, here again, the afternoon just flew by.

That night, we again drove to Gatlinburg to attend the Sweet Fanny Adams Theater. This is a terrific show. Every time we go to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, we make it a point to attend Sweet Fanny Adams. The shows are quick-witted sensations and filled with the broadest of humor and the silliest of slapstick. It is a two-hour show and full of fun and audience participation. Toward the end of the show, they have a sing-along and everyone joins in. That night we went to the Dixie Stampede. Here the seats are in a horseshoe around an arena where the performance on horses is held. Before the actual show, there was a pre-show held in the saloon. Dinner is also served on a table that is in front of each seat. While I can say the meal was delicious (served without silverware), the show was outstanding. It was the North vs. the South, and people in the audience were cheering them on.

The following morning we went to Knoxville, and by lunchtime we went on a riverboat that also had a buffet lunch. The time just flew by, as the trip was delightful. It was an hour-and-a-half trip and was so relaxing.

We went browsing in the stores for the rest of the day and saw the World Fairgrounds and the Sunsphere. We stayed one night, and the next morning took the trip home to Connecticut.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published May 6, 2015

Beyond Tax Day

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On April 18, Luella Wheeling hosted an After Taxes Potluck and many residents joined in on the fun. There were enough people to fill four tables; approximately 35 people celebrated with this potluck. On this particular day, they could wear their oldest clothes showing us how Tax Day affected them. I spoke to Luella, and she told me that the tablecloths had “IRS” printed on them, and the centerpieces were Form 1040 instruction booklets.

Greeting card makers seated from left, Colleen Crandall, Rosie Semian, Tina Stritch, Mim Gardner. Standing, from left, Brenda Mundis, Cheryl Leone and Diane Taggart. (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)
Greeting card makers seated from left, Colleen Crandall, Rosie Semian, Tina Stritch, Mim Gardner. Standing, from left, Brenda Mundis, Cheryl Leone and Diane Taggart.
(Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

Since this special day was on a Saturday, Marty and I were unable to join them, as we were on the road to the Great Smoky Mountains for a week and then home to the cold, and possibly snow. But we were with them in spirit.

The greeting card ladies, consisting of Colleen Crandall, Mim Gardner, Rosie Semian, Barb Janelle, Doris Sutfin, Sam Sage and Tina Stritch, were invited to Zephyr Haven for a volunteer dinner on April 15. They were being honored for making greeting cards for three different assisted living facilities.

This group of women makes approximately 1,500 cards a year and, from what I heard in the past, these cards make a lot of residents happy.

When going to the craft room at Grand Horizons to take a picture of the ones that were going to the volunteer dinner, I happened to see a group that was in the progress of making birthday cards. They all seemed to be having a great time, and they definitely knew what they were doing. The card makers were Cheryl Leone, Brenda Mundis and Diane Taggart. Colleen showed me what they were working on, and they were absolutely beautiful.

The work that they do puts a smile on many faces. Good going, and keep up the good work.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published April 29, 2015

Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks

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Don's DogsBy Meaghan O’Neal

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Don Grady, owner of Don’s Dogs, is a dog trainer that has a unique and effective perspective on dog training.

Don’s wife, Valerie, and family always told him that he should become a dog trainer because of his love for dogs and natural knack at training them. According to Don, he, “thought they were crazy” because he didn’t have any formal training. Don is a classically trained chef and worked in the culinary industry until the recession hit. Knowing that he had a gift for training, his wife submitted an application for him at a local pet store and it was during this job that the idea for Don’s Dogs was born, and he decided that he would like to do training on his own.

As a trainer, Don primarily focuses on obedience training. He also trains dogs with behavioral issues, such as shyness, aggression and fear anxiety. “I’ll teach any dog,” says Don, “it doesn’t matter how old the dog is.” He’s been very successful with older dogs, including his 14- year-old Border Collie mix named Zoey. Don claims that every day he “proves that the old adage ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ is simply not true.”

In addition to teaching obedience, Don has begun training his other dog Abby, a mixed breed that he rescued, in Agility, an obstacle course for dogs. As the dogs run through the course, the trainer runs with them and gives them cues. Don describes it as a “dance between dog and owner” and says that it’s a great exercise for high-energy dogs that are well trained in obedience. Since he’s started training Abby in agility, Don has noticed her become calmer, which he attributes to her being able to have another outlet for her intelligence and energy.

When a customer begins training with Don, he goes to their home first since that’s where the dog and owner are most comfortable. Once he feels that the dog is adequately trained at home, he will take customers and their dogs on “field trips” starting with places with few distractions and moving to places with greater distractions. The final training sessions are in areas such as The Shops at Wiregrass where there is a high level of activity. Don says, “My thought is that if the dog can focus on you at Wiregrass on a Sunday afternoon, they should be able to do okay when you’re on a walk or at your house.” Seeing a dog’s progression in training is one of his favorite parts of the business.

More important to Don, however, is when he starts to see the training make sense to the owners. In the past few years of training dogs, Don has found that training owners is the hardest part of the job. His absolute favorite part of training is when owners have their “aha” moment. According to Don, “When they finally understand that they need to speak to the dog in a language the dog understands, training becomes easy.”

Don considers the beginning of his business an accident since he is just finding his calling. However, his greatest fulfillment in work so far has been found in his training dogs and owners to coexist and experience life together.

To set up a training appointment or find out more about Don’s Dogs, contact Don at (813) 784-2698.

Barbers International Specializes in International Styles

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FB_IMG_1425051861783By Anne Childers

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Mike Singh first learned his extraordinary barber skills in New York City, where he worked with all nationalities as he perfected his talents and experiences. But Florida proved to be the right location to open his own business.

Now with over 15 years experience, Mike and his wife and business partner, Caren Badrudeen Singh, have opened Barbers International to bring all that big city style to Tampa. The salon is centrally located on Nebraska Avenue, between Busch Boulevard and Fowler Avenue.

“We are gender friendly and cater to all races and ethnicity, including West Indian and Guyanese,” Mike says.

The large, nine-chair salon is immaculate and comfortable. It is staffed by seven talented barbers and two cosmetologists/stylists, all who stay busy providing color, cuts, dreads, extensions, waxing and facials for men and women.

Stylist Mica specializes in braids, cornrows and kinky twist. Caesars, fades, blowouts and comb-overs are all in a day’s work for this talented crew of barbers and stylist. Ray-hawks and other sports cuts are another popular specialty.

Barbers International also is home to two additional artists — tattoo artist Andy and graphic artist Angel, both who work with the Singhs to perfect designs for clients. Their creative work can be seen on hair, skin, business cards and T-shirts for a total branding and personalized style for anyone looking to really stand out in business or personal life.

Also operating from Barbers International is Caren’s specialty business, Elegant Occasions.

“At Elegant Occasions, we take hair design and makeup to our clients for special events and weddings,” Caren says. “In fact, we recently traveled to Miami to provide all the on-site hair styling for a complete wedding party.”

Barbers International is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and will stay open as long as there are customers in the shop. Children and adults with special needs are given preferential service with minimal waits. Walk-ins are also welcome, and pricing is competitive.

“Let Barbers International give you your best look and style yet,” says Mike. “We are here to make you as beautiful as you feel.”

(813) 402-2814 • 10509 N. Nebraska Ave., Suite #5, Tampa, FL 33612

What are those patches on my trees?

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They’re likely lichens, and they’re not harmful

It’s spring, and you’re out in your garden enjoying the flowers and making plans — and then you begin noticing problems.

When you glance at a nearby tree, you may see patches all over the trunk, bark and stems. These patches, or spots, are commonly white or green, but sometimes they are gray, pink, red, yellow or lime green. They may appear crusty, shrubby or leafy.

These lichens are sometimes called British soldiers, because they resemble the red uniforms worn by soldiers during the Revolutionary War. (Courtesy of Nicole Pinson)
These lichens are sometimes called British soldiers, because they resemble the red uniforms worn by soldiers during the Revolutionary War.
(Courtesy of Nicole Pinson)

Although they look like some type of harmful organism, they are, in reality, harmless lichens, pronounced lī-kens.

Lichens are not plants. They do not have a vascular or circulatory system that moves water and nutrients. They do not have roots, stems or flowers, either.

Actually, lichens are made up of two organisms that live together: an alga and a fungus. The lichen relationship is unique. The alga makes food for the lichen through photosynthesis, but it cannot live on its own.

The fungus provides protection and helps anchor the alga. The fungus also prevents the alga from being damaged by too much light.

Lichens are able to live in diverse, even difficult, places. You can find lichens attached to rocks, cliffs, tree bark, bare soil, fence posts, concrete walls and gravestones.

Since they lack a vascular system, lichens get their nourishment from rain, fog, dew and moisture released by plants and debris.

Lichens do not parasitize or harm the structures or plants they are living on. The common “deer moss” found on bare soil in natural areas, such as in state and county parks, is actually a lichen.

Lichens grow slowly, only a few millimeters per year, and they can live for thousands of years. Because of their long life spans, scientists measure lichens and use this information to date rocks and events.

Lichens provide many benefits. They are a food source for animals. They provide protective camouflage. They are useful in tanning and dyeing cloth. In some parts of the world, they feed large herds of caribou. Lichens supply nesting material for birds and mammals. In some cultures, lichens are used for medicine and as a minor food source.

As they grow over bare rock, they help collect organic matter, which builds and replenishes the soil over time. Lichens are also associated with good air quality. Lichens reproduce asexually, most often when pieces break off and start new lichens. Or, they reproduce sexually through spores. Because pollution can affect their growth and reproduction, lichens may not grow in highly polluted environments. For this reason, they are at the center of worldwide research studying the relationship between lichens and air pollution.

Although lichens are often mistaken as disease or fungus, they are harmless.

As we always say in Florida Friendly LandscapingTM and pest management, identify the “pest” first before selecting controls.

If your tree appears stressed or unhealthy, consider other factors such as planting depth, drought, disease, insects or water. And if you see a lichen, remember you don’t need to do anything to “treat” it.

For additional information, contact or (813) 744-5519, Ext. 54145.

Nicole Pinson is an Urban Horticulture Agent in Hillsborough County.

This column used information from “Lichens” by Gary H. Brinen of Alachua County Extension, http://alachua.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn_and_garden/fact_sheets/lichens.shtml.

Published April 22, 2015

Food, glorious food

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It sure is getting real close to when the snowbirds leave, but there are still activities at Grand Horizons.

While we may have the old standbys such as bingo, mahjongg, card games and more, we also have outings for the women, and we had one on April 7 at Maggiano’s. From what I understand, the ones who attended had a pretty good time. From the different things that I heard, the menu was varied and the food was delicious.

Writing group members, from left, Helene Rubenstein, Barbara Sullins, Nancy Martin and Nancy Lay get together at Blackstones Reef and Grill in Zephyrhills. (Courtesy of Blackstones Reef and Grill)
Writing group members, from left, Helene Rubenstein, Barbara Sullins, Nancy Martin and Nancy Lay get together at Blackstones Reef and Grill in Zephyrhills.
(Courtesy of Blackstones Reef and Grill)

I spoke to Marilyn, and she told me that not only did the people have a good time, but also with certain dishes on the menu, you got two of those dishes — one to eat at the restaurant and the other to take home.  What a sweet deal this was, as you got to relive the outing once you are at home. It sure sounds good to me. There were about 12 people who attended, hosted by Marilyn Webb and Rox-Anne Lamphere. They did a very good job, and our thanks go out to them.

On April 9, we had an HOA meeting in the community center. In this meeting, a lot of news was discussed. Considering that many people had already left to go to their winter homes, the attendance was pretty good.

The following day, April 10, we gathered for a lively game of shuffleboard and, as always, had much fun. Later on, during the day, the residents went to a lunch connoisseur at Bahama Breeze and had a lovely time.

I spoke to Dave Billig, who hosted this event along with Joyce Billig, and he mentioned how everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, and the manager of the restaurant brought out appetizers for the group. This was a very nice touch. There were 29 people who got to enjoy this lunch.

Four people from the writing group got together on April 13 at Blackstones Reef & Grill restaurant. We had a lively discussion before, during and after the lunch. The menu had a variety of things to order.

After a lovely lunch, we grouped together in the lobby for a picture and Cheryl, the general manager, took our picture. This marked the end of a lovely lunch. We then proceeded to the home of Barbara Sullins for our readings of our individual stories.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published April 22, 2015

Busy week leading up to Easter

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On March 31, there was an open house at Betty Hatch’s home to honor Loris Weber’s return to Michigan. Loris is moving, and this open house gave the opportunity to several of her friends to see her before the big move. There was a lot of conversation and several pictures were taken. Our sincere thanks go out to Betty and the ones who helped her prepare this event. We also wish Loris the best in the future.

Loris Weber, center, enjoys a chat with Rae Rice, left, and Carla Jones at an open house in her honor before she moves back to Michigan. (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)
Loris Weber, center, enjoys a chat with Rae Rice, left, and Carla Jones at an open house in her honor before she moves back to Michigan.
(Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

On April 1, we had our weekly coffee and donuts, and Gary Wilcox filled in for Rich Fulton in giving the news of the week. He gave us the anniversaries that occurred in this time period, in addition to the birthdays. Gary also gave us the thought for the day that he does every week, but this one was so funny that it really made you laugh. We also heard from several others on new things that have been happening in our park.

When the coffee and donuts were over, several of us played shuffleboard. It was changed to earlier on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays because of the heat. I guess it was a good idea, as we almost beat the hot and humid weather.

On April 2, approximately 30 people were in the community center attending a social club meeting. Several things were discussed at this meeting, and if anyone had a question, this was the time to clarify it. We discussed old and new events. It was a relatively short meeting, but it told you most of the information that people were thinking and questioning.

On April 4, Jim and Judi Leitzke, and all the helpers of the egg n’ bag event, put on a breakfast that we thoroughly enjoyed. All of the helpers included Ken and Cheryl Leone, Galen and Sue Parker, Clayton and Carol George, Doris Sutfin, Jane and Maurice Thayer, Fred and Sam Sage, and Colleen Crandall. We also wish to recognize Jim and Dora Mae Sinner for helping out in the past.

Fred Sage did the prayer before the breakfast started, and he did a fine job. About 90 residents took advantage of this breakfast and had a meal that was delicious. As usual, there was much conversing going on and visiting residents that were at other tables. We always have a great time at both breakfasts (egg n’ bag and pancake), and this was no exception. I did speak to Jim, and he mentioned that this was the last egg n’ bag of the season, and it will start up again in November with a dedication to all the veterans.

On April 5, you were able to find approximately 90 residents and visitors in the community center for an Easter dinner that was put on by Del O’Hara, with Andy Gisondi, Bill Donlon, Bill and Donna Quinn, and Ken and Cheryl Leone as helpers. It was a potluck and different plates were brought in. Everything was delicious. It was a lovely affair, and Andy started off with grace before dinner. We thank all the helpers who did a fine job on presenting this dinner.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published April 15, 2015