Parks

Seeing double at Gem Estates

February 24, 2016 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Mabel Budzinski

Published February 24, 2016

Zephyr Shores’ milestones

February 17, 2016 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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

ZephyrShores-Olive rgb — Hugh Olive, centenarian

Some of the ladies and gents celebrating birthdays.

Rainbow Village celebrations

February 17, 2016 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

RainbowVillage-Flynn rgb — (Photos courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)

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

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

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

Colorful treasures on display

February 17, 2016 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Quilts of all ages, all sizes and all color combinations were on display at the 11th annual Leisure Days Resort RV Park Quilt Show. More than 50 quilts were on display in the hall. Out in the lanai, guests could admire the colorful quilts designed for veterans.

Doris Withrow and Gay Ferguson helped at the ‘Instant Win’ table, a very popular spot during the quilt show. (Photos courtesy of Anne Astles) — Doris Withrow and Gay Ferguson helped at the ‘Instant Win’ table, a very popular spot during the quilt show.
(Photos courtesy of Anne Astles)

While many quilts were designed by the Leisure Days’ quilters, several were family treasures residents brought for the show. Marie Henhoeffer, coordinator, said one resident displayed a quilt that was more than 60 years old. Karen Mize, park manager, added her quilt which she received as a very young child from her grandmother.

More than 270 people visited the show, where they admired quilted purses, jackets and wall hangings, many created by the Leisure Days’ quilters.

Phyllis Schwanz demonstrated the art of hand quilting.

The instant win table was very popular.

Phyllis Schwanz attracted a great deal of interest, as she demonstrated the art of hand quilting.

There is always a quilt set up in the quilting frames in the clubhouse, for residents interested in hand quilting.

The show is a park-wide event. Henhoeffer said well over 50 volunteers assisted, setting up, during the day in the hall, controlling traffic and cleaning up after the show. “We had a lot of our new residents involved this year,” she said. “Everyone is willing to help.”

The Leisure Days’ quilters meet every Monday morning at the clubhouse, and are now busy planning for next year’s show.

By Anne Astles

Published February 17, 2016

Get-togethers a mainstay at Grand Horizons

February 17, 2016 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

We started the week by attending a social club meeting that in the community center on Feb. 4. The meeting was very informative, as they not only discussed last month’s events, but we also got to hear about the new activities that they planned for all the residents. We were also able to give our input. In the future, they were talking about an ice cream social, a community yard sale, appreciation day and more. Brian Heidman, who is president of the social committee, headed this meeting. It seemed like a nice crowd was gathered.

From left, Joyce and Ron Bell, and Jim and Judi Leitzke prepare for Super Bowl 50. (Courtesy of Bob Blais) — From left, Joyce and Ron Bell, and Jim and Judi Leitzke prepare for Super Bowl 50.
(Courtesy of Bob Blais)

The egg n’ bag on Feb. 6, was very popular, with 114-plus residents served. This is always a very big event where everyone has a great time. Fred Sage said the blessing before the meal. Then, tables were called for the people to prepare their bags with eggs and other ingredients such as cheese, onions, peppers and more. The people attending sit and socialize, while waiting for their omelets to be ready. The hosts for the egg n’ bag are Jim and Judi Leitzke, and the crew of helpers were Fred and Sam Sage, Linda Rogers, Doris Sutfin, Clayton and Carol George, Wally Carlson, and Sue and Galen Parker.

The following day, Feb. 7, there was a super bowl party in the community center. Since I didn’t attend, the hosts of this party told me a few words about it. They mentioned that 26 fans came to watch and celebrate Super Bowl 50. They enjoyed a variety of food from chips to pulled pork and even traditional wings. It was hosted by Bob and Sandi Blois, Clayton and Carol George, and Jack and Pauline Gadboi. Our thanks go out to them on arranging this get-together.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published February 17, 2016

As fit as can be, in Gem Estates

February 17, 2016 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

A recent Monday night yielded top euchre players — June Bouchard for the ladies, and a tie for the men of Ron Raymond and Richard Peske. And, on a Wednesday, Marlin Thomas was a three-game shuffleboard champ.

Ellie Brookins leads a ‘Stepping to the Beat’ exercise class. (Photos courtesy of Mabel Budzinski) — Ellie Brookins leads a ‘Stepping to the Beat’ exercise class.
(Photos courtesy of Mabel Budzinski)

Our Thursday morning coffee hour hosts were Floyd and Beverly Becker, Roger and Jan Becker, and Gene and Joyce Anderson. Bruce Hudson gave the invocation. Richard Burgess led the “Pledge of Allegiance” and moderated the conversation.

Linda Files is in sickbay. Deann Harrington, Mel Reinbold, and Rusty Siler’s daughter, Rebecca, are in recovery.

Those celebrating birthdays included John Trundy, Marlin Thomas and Ellie Brookins.

Gem Estates is privileged to have three outstanding exercise groups. All three meet each week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Ann Casey leads yoga at 8 a.m., Karen Wyant leads the chair exercise group at 9 a.m., and at 10 a.m., Ellie Brookins leads “Stepping to the Beat.”

By Mabel Budzinski

Published February 17, 2016

Leisure Days happenings

February 10, 2016 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

On the catwalk at Leisure Days
The ladies of Leisure Days RV Resort recently viewed the latest fashions from the local BonWorth store. Six models were dressed in sportswear and casual dress. Mimi Cass Clark, of BonWorth, moderated the event, with the assistance Allison Werther. Bill Meyer, of Fletcher Music Centers in Zephyrhills, provided the background music for the models. With Mimi Cass Clark, right, are the models, from left, Vornie Colbath, Helen Renaud, Janice Kunz, Lila Wegener, Rose Knapp and Donna Moulton Worth.

Ready for cooler weather
All prekindergarten and second grade students at West Zephyrhills Elementary School recently received handmade hats from the KC Busy Hands of Leisure Days RV Resort. During the past year, more than 600 hats have been donated to the school. All the yarn is donated by the participants and other generous residents of Leisure Days.
LeisuereDays-kids

LeisureDays-kids2

Saying goodbye to January

February 10, 2016 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Yes, the first month of the “trifecta” season — January, February and March — is finished. We should not be sad about this. It was a great month! Not just because we had some terrific activities that kept us all hopping in a literal sense, but mainly we missed the white monster up north. You know — snow — that wonderful thing that makes all those Christmas Day pictures so scenic. That lad, senor El Nino, has just promoted Florida to a premier senior destination this season. Even if we do not speak Spanish, we appreciate the translation and snowbirds were spared. Hooray for no snow plows.

Pie anyone? A few of the tasty treats for the auction. (Photos courtesy of Ian Marwick) — Pie anyone? A few of the tasty treats for the auction.
(Photos courtesy of Ian Marwick)

January was a hectic month as usual with this season’s activities in full swing, but all the specials topped the cake. Highlights were the park breakfast, karaoke, ice cream social, rec hall sale, potluck dinner, Friday music jams, turkey shoot, hot dog lunch, and the yummy pie and cake auction (which broke the record at $740), and the Chef Phil annual chili supper, the one event where you can enjoy it now and again next morning. Another senior special, double the pleasure for the same price!

On another note, hectic aptly describes our park team of Judy, Dan and Jeremy with our park happily busting at the seams. We all notice the energy and dedication they expend to keep the wheels turning. Next time they go by while serving us, wave, give them a smile and throw a thank you. Thanks, we do appreciate all the effort.

Don Temple and Kim Crandall make a plan on how to dump some ‘goofy’ balls.

And now, the spring event that drives the sensible person crazy was just completed. It can be called mini-golf. It can be called redneck golf. Or, the easy description is goofy golf. What can be said. More than 145 crazy residents participated in our version of ‘Tom Foolery,’ on a track that covered the entire park, in three hours in clothing that any mother would send you to the woodshed for. Our team accounting firm of “Beatem and Cheatem” is diligently pouring over the score cards now to finalize the winners. It is a purely a vicious rumor that for some reason the “goofy” team has absconded with the proceeds and took off for Buffalo. Stay tuned next week for the real story.

By Ian Marwick (the happy scribe)

Published February 10, 2016

A pulled-pork feast for all

February 10, 2016 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

On Jan. 30, the community center at Grand Horizons was filled to capacity with approximately 160 residents enjoying a pulled-pork dinner that consisted of a delicious sandwich with baked beans, Cole slaw and a cupcake.

Helene and Marty Rubenstein (Courtesy of Adrianne Ayres) — Helene and Marty Rubenstein
(Courtesy of Adrianne Ayres)

The pork was donated by the Bahrs. The cooks that prepared the pork were Newt’s nephew, Kevin Bahr, and Newt’s son-in-law, Marty. They did a terrific job, and everything was done to perfection.

Kevin runs the air conditioning and gas, while Marty runs the aluminum. Kevin is quoted as saying, “We have a lot of business from the residents of Grand Horizons, and it is time for us to do something special for them.”

Brian Heidman hosted this event and set up the chairs, and for a crowd this size, it was some job. The head chefs were Andy and Margaret Castonguay, while they also had plenty of help. Their helpers were Pauline and Jack Gadbois, Fred and Pat Mengel, and Ron and Joyce Bell. John Benfield said grace before dinner, and then we all had a delicious meal.

Eugene and Nancy Martin (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein) — Eugene and Nancy Martin
(Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

Twenty-six women gathered at Piccola’s Italia Restaurant on Feb. 2 This outing was hosted by Robbie Lockard, and what a fine job she did. Everyone in attendance met at the community center to discuss future luncheons and to make sure everyone had a ride. There was much talking before the meal came. After the meal, some people went straight home, while others went to Lakeland for some shopping.

Thanks go to Robbie for arranging this outing.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published February 10, 2016

Andy and Margaret Castonguay (Courtesy of Adrianne Ayres) — Andy and Margaret Castonguay
(Courtesy of Adrianne Ayres)

Betty and Tom Cooper (Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein) — Betty and Tom Cooper
(Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

Residents are busy bees at Gem Estates

February 10, 2016 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

It was a busy week here at Gem Estates, which began with our annual clubhouse sale. The event, under the leadership of Loretta Green, was a huge success. It ended with a raffle of gifts donated by residents.

Bob Riggs plays the harmonica at a weekly jam session. (Photos courtesy of Mabel Budzinski) — Bob Riggs plays the harmonica at a weekly jam session.
(Photos courtesy of Mabel Budzinski)

The Thursday morning coffee hour hosts were Keith and Ellie Brookins, Keith and Carolyn Babbitt, and Betty Jo Kiger. The invocation was given by Tom Clevenger. Dick Burgess led the “Pledge of Allegiance” and moderated the conversation. In sick bay recovering are Deann Harrington, Deannie Bennett, Rusty Siler’s daughter Rebecca, and Brent Slipp.

Those celebrating birthdays were Beverly Martin, Paula Beck, Nancee Scott, Jack Massoll and Bill Files.

Marlin Thomas reminded us that lawn bocce ball is played at 1 p.m., on Saturdays. On Friday afternoons, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., there are fiddlers’ jam sessions in our clubhouse. This week, the group included 14 fiddlers, three keyboard players, a rhythm instrumentalist, and our resident Bob Riggs playing his harmonica.

We also had a cruise orientation on Feb. 4.

Upcoming entertainment will be Spitting Image on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m., and a New England baked bean supper on Feb. 13 at 5 p.m.

While you are enjoying life here in Florida, stay healthy and stay happy!

By Mabel Budzinski

Published February 10, 2016