The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

It’s Christmas, and roads will be packed

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Records might only date back to 2001, but AAA is projecting the holiday travel volume to be the highest it’s ever tracked, with 98.6 million Americans journeying at least 50 miles away.

That’s up 4 percent from the 94.8 million people leaving home last year between Dec. 23 and Jan. 4.

A vast majority of those drivers — 91 percent, actually — will take to the road, also up more than 4 percent from last year. Air travel is growing a little bit, too, up 1 percent to 5.7 million. Helping all of that is the fact that gas is at its lowest point since 2008, when regular unleaded ran just $1.65 per gallon.

Florida will have a good chunk of those travelers — nearly 5 percent of the national total — with 4.6 million taking cars, 270,000 traveling by air, and a little less than 200,000 finding another way to travel. Although hotel and car rental rates are up nearly 5 percent, airfares have fallen 7 percent.

“This year, more Americans will join friends and family to celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year than ever before,” AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins said, in a release. “Continued growth in consumer confidence and disposable income, an extended holiday period, and low gas prices should drive expected travel volumes to the highest level we have ever seen during the year-end holidays.”

Gas prices have dropped significantly in the past year. On New Year’s Day in 2014, for example, gas averaged $3.32 nationally. Today, it’s $2.55 — down 68 cents.

“Gas prices should continue falling through the rest of the year,” Jenkins said. “Prices are dropping at around 1 to 2 cents a day.”

With so many people on the road this holiday, AAA is asking drivers to be extra diligent looking for and avoiding impaired drivers. In fact, 1-in-8 drivers who drink at least occasionally reported having driven when they thought their alcohol level was at or above the legal limit, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

That same survey also revealed that 91 percent of drivers consider impaired driving to be unacceptable, with 42 percent reporting that drunk drivers are a bigger problem today compared to three years ago.

“Despite the ubiquitous warnings about drinking and driving, especially during the holiday season, an average of one alcohol-impaired driving death occurs every 45 minutes,” Jenkins said.

Pasco sets up Christmas tree recycling locations

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In what might be the biggest holiday recycling effort of the year, Pasco County officials are asking residents to recycle Christmas trees by bringing home to one of several locations between Dec. 26 and Jan. 7.

“I have copies of old news articles going back to Dec. 28, 1995, that indicate this was a recycling tradition for at least five years before that date,” said Jennifer Seney, Pasco’s recycling coordinator, in a release. “We recycled 1,330 Christmas trees in 2013.”

Trees brought to the drop-off points will be chipped and made into mulch for landscaping purposes, officials said. It’s asked that those bringing trees remove all tinsel, metal hooks and decorations before bringing them to a station.

Locations east of the Suncoast Parkway include:

• John S. Burks Memorial Park, 1322 Gene Nelson Blvd., in Dade City
• Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes
• Sam W. Pasco Recreational Complex, 9835 Chancey Road in Zephyrhills
• Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road in Wesley Chapel

“Trees are chipped and made into mulch for many different uses, like covering hiking paths, weed control and landscaping accents,” Seney said.

Also, decaying trees can make a strong wildlife habitat if used in a brush pile, she said. “Of course, this only works where the homeowner has the space and time to let nature take its course.”

Questions or requests for information can be directed to Pasco County Recycling at (727) 856-4539, or by visiting PascoCountyUtilities.com.

A shy boy’s singing debut made Christmas memorable

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When my son was a little older than 3, the blond-headed, blue-eyed tyke was extremely shy. Whenever someone he didn’t know well would drop over, Michael would try to hide behind me.

That is until one Christmas when we had a house full of visitors.

Michael always was pretty shy … until you asked him to sing a song.
Michael always was pretty shy … until you asked him to sing a song.

My brothers were there, and my grandfather and step-grandmother were too. So were my uncle and his pregnant wife, my parents, my husband and our three kids.

I had mentioned to my brother, Tom, Michael’s tendency to shy away from people. So during our gathering, Tom asked Michael, “What’s your favorite song?”

Without missing a beat, Michael said, “Sunshine on My Shoulders.”

“Can you sing it?” Tom asked.

And, much to the surprise of both my husband and me, Michael began singing — and he knew nearly every word.

When he finished, we all applauded, and Michael blushed and raced out of the room. Michael’s performance of that John Denver song made that Christmas one that I’ll never forget.

– Kathy Welton

Kathy Welton joined The Laker/Lutz News in 2007. She handles a wide array of administrative and circulation duties, including dealing with delivery issues, mailing published advertisements to those who placed them, and keeping track of office supplies.

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A royal Christmas fit for a princess

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Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, I dreamed that I was a princess.

I was 10 years old, and pink and purple were the colors that shimmered and shined for me.

I wanted a bedroom fit for a princess. I wanted pink walls and a full-sized white canopy bed with layers of purple ruffles, white nightstands with small lamps that were fitting, and a white fur rug to place my princess feet upon. This was a Christmas wish.

As the gifts started going under the tree, I would try to figure out which part of my princess room could fit into the box. The day arrived when a very large, but flat, gift appeared. Could it be my princess bed?

My parents asked me if I really thought a big canopy princess bed could fit into such a box. How could it? I knew they were right: No way a bed could fit into that box.

Why should Christmas come to our home when my one and only wish was not coming true?

Christmas morning came anyway. The house was full of soft and glowing lights from the tree and decorations, hot chocolate was in our cups, and beautiful Christmas music was playing throughout the house. Everything was beautiful, and we were all happy and dancing around, enjoying our Christmas Day.

I told my mom that it didn’t matter too much that I would not have a princess room, and that I still liked Christmas Day.

She smiled and winked at me. She told me that I have been a princess since the day I was born, and I didn’t need some silly bed to prove it.

We gathered around the tree, and I was instructed to open the first and largest gift. I opened an end and peeked inside. There was a picture of the most beautiful canopy bed I had ever seen. It was not just white, but trimmed in gold. I was so overwhelmed, I cried.

There was no way that a bed was inside. My parents had convinced me it could not be. The box was opened, and piece-by-piece, it came out to make my complete full-sized princess bed.

Not only that, I had a matching dresser, two bedside stands, white shimmering lamps, and layers upon layers of purple bedding, canopy and curtains.

Within a week, my beautiful pink and purple princess room was complete, right down to the white fur rug. I still remember the way it looked.

But the best present I received that Christmas was not that, it was the memory of those words my mother spoke.

– Carolyn Bennett

Carolyn Bennett joined The Laker/Lutz News in 2004. She is responsible for processing advertising copy for production, and ensures ads are scheduled and running correctly in the paper. She also is the paper’s customer service representative and sales assistant.

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The spirit of giving comes full circle

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Some of my favorite memories of Christmas are the parties that my mom’s company threw every year for children of struggling families.

My brothers and my sister and I were always eager for the annual event, which included lunch, a movie with popcorn, and a present from Santa. We would get dressed up for Christmas, and would be excited, never knowing what present we would receive.

We lived in Flint, Michigan, the hub of the automobile industry. My mom worked at General Motors and was bringing up four children on her own. She couldn’t afford big Christmas presents, and while we never went hungry, we sure ate a lot of hamburger casserole meals.

We loved mom’s company party. We hardly ever got to go to a movie, and if we did, we never got popcorn. Plus, the gifts were always things we enjoyed.

Those holiday parties made a real difference in my life, and to this day, they have inspired me to want to bring cheer to children who otherwise might not receive Christmas presents.

For years, my family and I have taken angels from our church’s tree to provide presents for one girl and one boy. It’s been our tradition for my two children to go with me to shop for these presents, because we wanted to be sure to select the perfect gifts.

I also wanted to teach my children to be aware that there are others who are less fortunate, and the importance of sharing with them. I want the children who receive presents from our family to have the same happy feelings that my mom’s company party gave to me.

– Terri Williamson

Terri Williamson is a senior account manager. She joined The Laker/Lutz News in 2003, and she establishes, maintains and strengthens relationships with local businesses and helps them with their marketing efforts.

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Making wonderful memories at the holidays

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I have many wonderful Christmas memories, but two in particular stand out.

Getting together for a hayride was always a fantastic way to get into the holiday mood. We held these rides during the holidays for years in our Wesley Chapel neighborhood.
Getting together for a hayride was always a fantastic way to get into the holiday mood. We held these rides during the holidays for years in our Wesley Chapel neighborhood.

The first was when I was in college. My family had moved to Florida from Ohio a few years earlier, and when we went back to visit for the holidays, our family had grown too large for all of us to stay at my grandparents’ house.

My parents had this great idea and rented two cabins at Mohican State Park. They drove up early, and since we were only staying there a few days, my mom brought just a handful of small Christmas decorations to make the cabin look a little festive before the rest of the family arrived.

They didn’t have room to bring a tree, so my mom jokingly said that if we saw a tree lying in the road to bring it with us.

My sister, brother and I were driving up to the cabin, and sure enough, there was a beautiful blue spruce tree on the side of the road.

My mom couldn’t believe it.

We put the tree up and hung a few ornaments on its branches. It was such a simple tree, but it meant so much to all of us to have it for our Christmas celebration.

It was a cold winter that year, and the blanket of fresh snow on the ground outside the cabins was absolutely gorgeous.

I will never forget how beautiful it was for our family to be in those cabins in the middle of the woods, as if we had the whole place to ourselves.

There were no stores or restaurants nearby, just our family spending time together creating wonderful memories.

My other favorite Christmas memory is from when my daughter was little. My husband had this terrific idea of having a hayride from our house in Wesley Chapel.

It was a great way to bring lots of family and friends together the week before Christmas to just have some fun.

After we decorated the trailer with garland, the kids had an awesome time breaking the bales apart and spreading hay everywhere. Sometimes it seemed like there was more hay on our driveway than on the trailer, but it was great to see them have so much fun.

We wore Santa hats, rang our jingle bells, and sang Christmas carols while we rode the streets of our neighborhood.

Each year it got bigger, and we even had to add another trailer so everyone could ride. After the hayride, we had a big cookout, and to make it even more special, Santa arrived and handed out gifts to all the children.

It was such a huge success that we had it for several years.

It was a fantastic way to spread holiday cheer. It was intended for the children, but I am pretty sure that the adults had just as much fun.

I know I did.

– Mary Eberhard

Mary Eberhard joined The Laker/Lutz News in 2003. She is the accounting manager and handles invoicing, accounts payable and accounts receivable.

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A crazy cold, yet warm Christmas

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Anyone remember Christmas Eve 1989 here in Tampa Bay?

My husband Gary and I were married for only two years, and it was the first year in our new home in Lutz.

It was crazy cold that year. As people switched on their electric heaters, plugged in their Christmas lights, and turned on their electric stoves, the resulting power shortage caused rolling blackouts.

The house would be full of light and warmth for about an hour, and then poof — everything was dark. There was no way to know how long we would be without light.

Typically the power would be out for an hour or two, but sometimes it would be out for three.

We were forced to sit and relax by candlelight, and we found ourselves engaged in pleasant conversation. We had no idea when we would receive the glorious gift of electrical power again.

When the power went back on, we would jump up and do as many tasks as we could that required electricity. I ran the vacuum, cranked up the heat, used multiple burners on the stove, and heated the big oven and the toaster oven at the same time.

We didn’t know how much time we had before cold darkness would return. Just as abruptly as lights went on, they’d go out again, and we’d be back in the darkness, fumbling around in a search for lighters, candles and flashlights.

While in the throes of it, it felt like the rolling blackouts during the holidays were a curse. Looking back, however, it’s easy to see that the loss of power was not a burden, but a gift.

It was a blessing to spend those interludes between our frantic bursts of activity savoring the company of each other.

– Suzanne Beauchaine

Suzanne Beauchaine is an account manager with The Laker/Lutz News, joining the paper in 2013. She seeks to listen to customers to ensure their advertising meets their marketing needs.

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The holiday season done in style at Grand Horizons

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The holidays are fast approaching, and many celebrations are going on at Grand Horizons.

We started off with a Christmas luncheon for the women at The Cheesecake Factory in Brandon on Dec. 2. The luncheon was hosted by Joyce Bell, and it certainly was done to perfection.

Robbie Lockard and Joyce Bell can’t wait to dig into their desserts at The Cheesecake Factory. (Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)
Robbie Lockard and Joyce Bell can’t wait to dig into their desserts at The Cheesecake Factory.
(Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

We had gone to The Cheesecake Factory before, and this was the perfect place to welcome in the holidays. It has an extensive menu and something for everyone’s taste. The waiters were very helpful with the menu.

There were 15 of us who gathered for the holiday luncheon, and we all sat on the covered patio where we got fresh air. At one point, we were the only ones outside, so we could converse with each other without interrupting anyone.

We had pictures taken, and everyone had a good time.

There were many cheesecakes, and they all looked good enough to eat or take home. Some of the women did bring home a good part of their meal so they could once again enjoy The Cheesecake Factory.

Several of the women came early so they could do some shopping. All in all, it was a lovely day.

In addition to the luncheon, Grand Horizons’ Christmas project this year was Meals on Wheels. So, instead of gifts being exchanged during the party, donations to this worthy cause were accepted.

Meals on Wheels delivers nutritional meals to the homes of Zephyrhills senior citizens whose mobility is limited. The entire community is involved to show their support.

Joyce Bell is the coordinator of this venture, and she is doing a splendid job. Our thanks go out to her.

We had our annual golf cart parade on Dec. 6. The parade that circles every home in our development was led by last year’s winners, Vic and Lynn Dyson. They also were the judges for this year.

We were not there, but if the golf carts or people were decorated like last year, then I know the judges had quite a job to do.

Cheryl Leone said there were three winners. First place went to Don and Diane Collins; second place to Paul and Carolyn Ray; and third place went to Rich and Jean Lydecker.

From what Joyce Bell said, there were 16 golf carts in the parade with several of the carts to be judged. All the golf carts, I was told, were cheerfully decorated.

Some had Santas on the top of the cart, while others played Christmas music and so much more.

Several of the residents who were passengers or drivers of the golf carts wore costumes that were festive to the season. Once the parade was completed, all the residents met in the community center where baked goods were supplied by the residents.

Approximately 75 to 100 people attended.

There was hot chocolate and other drinks to celebrate the holidays. Entertainment was supplied by Loris Weber on the piano, and everyone sang Christmas carols. It was a night to remember.

There was a special celebration at the community center Dec. 10 for Marie Paolantonio’s 80th birthday. Marie was on cloud nine and was so excited.

Several of her friends from inside the park and a few from outside the park — plus family — were invited to a birthday bash presented to Marie by her children, Sal and Lynn Paolantonio.

There was a nice size crowd of approximately 40 to 45 people. From what I understand, Sal couldn’t keep this a secret as in the past he had tried several times to surprise his mom, but found it impossible. So he ended up telling her not to make plans for this day. What else could he have done?

Many pictures were taken of the birthday girl and guests. There was plenty of food and so much cake. It was a lovely affair.

Loris Weber played “Happy Birthday” on the piano while everyone joined in singing the song.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published December 24, 2014

Christmas is upon us at Happy Days

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If you have not noticed, the season is upon us. It was evident the day after Halloween in every store in town. It still amazes me how quickly the malls can switch gears to lure us into the mood of spending the old pension check.

Wide-eyed Brynn Lagroix curiously sits on Santa’s lap, portrayed here by Dennis Cosmo Jr. (Courtesy of Ron Graham)
Wide-eyed Brynn Lagroix curiously sits on Santa’s lap, portrayed here by Dennis Cosmo Jr.
(Courtesy of Ron Graham)

Remember when the start of this mania used to be early December, and each store repeatedly played the popular noels we enjoyed humming along to? By the time Christmas arrives now, we are saturated with them. Thankfully, we have our haven at Happy Days to return to normalcy after those shopping days.

The park is now festooned with lights, wreaths and holiday decorations. The monthly calendar, filled with the activities of the season, brings us together and builds the anticipation of Christmas, as we all like to celebrate it with friendship, fellowship and the joy of our families.

The month started off with our first annual Christmas sale. Nearly every table in the recreation hall was loaded with crafts and homemade goodies. Nan is that an American Express card in your hand? Does Dale know?

With the success of the sale, I am sure many more will be held in the future. And look who showed up. Yes, there is a Santa when he is not tiptoeing through the tulips. Santa’s stand-in was Dennis Cosmo Jr., last season’s talent show’s Tiny Tim.

If we all could be as innocent with amazement, as a little child as the looking upon Santa. Great job Tim, ah, Dennis.

Later that evening the annual Christmas party was in full motion starting with a Christmas story from the Book of Luke read by Brenda, reminding us of the true meaning of this time of year.

Next, we had a quartet of bell ringers, thanks to Dick, Don, Phil and Bob who were brave enough to attach bells to their shorts and dance “Jingle Bells,” I think.

Santa again made an appearance handing out gifts to many park residents, some naughty and some nice. Mona gets a lump of coal. I don’t remember what that means, maybe Mick knows. Then there’s Ann with a roll of toilet paper. Naughty or nice? I’ll let the readers decide.

And of course Dick, Happy Days’ unofficial mayor, received the key to the park, which looks great around his neck.

Everyone had a great time, even those who had fun poked at them.

As everyone was leaving, there was talk of next week’s caroling. I’ll write about it soon, and I promise not to upload an audio file.

The season is truly upon us, and with the warm and generous feelings that it gives to all, the management, staff and residents sincerely wish the very best Christmas to you and your loved ones.

By Ian Marwick

Published December 24, 2014

 

Remember the reason for the season at Rainbow Village

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The Christmas season has begun at Rainbow Village. Residents were putting up their Christmas lights, getting the milk jugs ready with candles for Christmas Eve, baking cookies for the cookie exchange, getting ready for our annual Christmas bazaar, planning for Christmas caroling and for the reason for the season, and Christmas Eve worship service celebrating the birth of Jesus.

This little boy wanted to know where Santa’s reindeer were and then promptly gave Santa his wish list and told him he loved him. (Courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)
This little boy wanted to know where Santa’s reindeer were and then promptly gave Santa his wish list and told him he loved him.
(Courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)

Mr. and Mrs. Santa came early to surprise Glenna Simko’s two little granddaughters, Daina and Alaina. They visited their grandmother over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Daina and Alaina started out our Christmas season by turning on the lights of our Christmas tree, and then Mr. and Mrs. Santa arrived and presented them with a little gift. They were so excited.

Our annual cookie exchange was a big success with 92 dozen cookies given to Meals on Wheels. Judy Lykins and Ellie Sawyer have co-chaired this event for many years and always do a great job.

Rainbow Village ladies enjoyed the punch and goodies prepared by our hosts, and it was a nice time meeting some of the new residents in our resort. Great job, ladies.

The annual Christmas bazaar was a big success. Chairwoman Judy Phillips-Hersey and her committee did a great job. Thanks to all the helpers that make this a success.

We had a book sale, bake sale, rummage sale, hamburgers on the grill, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa. We also had a nice variety of outside vendors who sold their crafts. A big thank you to Judy and all of her workers.

The theme for our Christmas dance was “Christmas in the Tropics,” and Chrissy Harriman provided the music and entertainment for this event.

Residents came dressed in flowered tops or shirts, and flowers in their hair and around their necks. We had performances by some of our residents that had us all in stitches.

It was a great night of dancing, laughing and getting to know each other better. Thanks to Carolyn Laub, who chaired this event.

We started off our season with computer classes taught by George and Linda Zervos. We snowbirds need to keep up on the many things we can do. We are never too old to learn.

A big thanks to George and Linda.

We are looking forward to the rest of the Christmas season with our Christmas tea, caroling, Christmas Eve service, and the big Christmas dinner. We need to remember the reason for the season is Jesus.

By Sandra Gilbert-Abel

Published December 24, 2014