The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Parks

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

 

Green thumbs keep resort looking splendid

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We have been so blessed to have retired landscapers, Andy and Diane Schmied from Portland, Oregon, in our resort for the past three years. Just entering Rainbow Village, you see their talented work on display — through the flowers and shrubs that they have planted and nourished all over the resort. They have installed a timed irrigation system that helps to keep the plants watered.

They are such a blessing!

Diane and Andy Schmied in front of their home in Rainbow Village. (Photos courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)
Diane and Andy Schmied in front of their home in Rainbow Village.
(Photos courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)

Diane has been a landscaper since she was 3 years old. Her dad had an acre of land that had a quarter-acre in fruit trees, a quarter-acre in a garden, and half-acre with their house and landscaping around it. She graduated from Oregon State University. She had a landscape design and maintenance business until she had some health problems with her feet and had to quit her business.

Meanwhile, Andy was in the Navy for four years, and also the United States Army for 18 years. He retired from the U.S. service and did some schooling for landscaping. He worked for Klaber Landscaping. While doing some landscaping work where Diane volunteered, they were introduced and eventually married.

The Schmieds will place some of this shrubbery around the park.
The Schmieds will place some of this shrubbery around the park.

After a period of time, Andy decided to retire and buy a trailer, and they traveled to Texas and stayed for nine months. The winters were too cold for Diane, and they decided to head to Florida. They traveled around Florida, until they arrived at Rainbow Village and made their home here.

Andy needs his knees replaced before they head off to Port Charlotte and buy a boat, so they can go fishing. Meanwhile, we are enjoying their beautiful landscaping of our resort. A big thank you to Andy and Diane!

By Sandra Gilbert-Abel

Published December 16, 2015

Rainbow Village readies itself for Christmas

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Rainbow Village’s first yard sale of our new season was a big success. It was one way of getting out to meet your neighbors. Thanks to great planning from our security, the traffic flowed great through our resort. Everyone was greeted as they entered, and directed to where the goods were being sold. We look forward to our next yard sale.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus surprised two young helpers, Alaina and Daina, with gifts. The girls’ mother, Wendy Bako-Wagner, joined in. (Photos courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)
Mr. and Mrs. Claus surprised two young helpers, Alaina and Daina, with gifts. The girls’ mother, Wendy Bako-Wagner, joined in.
(Photos courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)

Several of our ladies have taken up “Painting with a Twist” and have painted some nice paintings. They have two hours to compete their project, and claim they have so much fun they want to go back, and do some more painting.

Doug Jones, Harry and Judy Hersey, and Fred Darrow prepared Thanksgiving dinner. They did a great job of cooking the turkeys, preparing the dressing and making the gravy.

Each table of 12 residents prepared a dish to complete the turkey, dressing and gravy meal at their table.

The tables were beautifully decorated with fall flowers and decorations. It was a great time to be thankful for all our blessings!

Ladies from Rainbow Village took a ‘Painting with a Twist’ class and show off their artwork. Front row, from left, are Carolyn Laub, Jeannie Liggett and Sandy Fitzpatrick. Back row, from left, are Nancy Newton, Linda Bower and Sue Flynn.
Ladies from Rainbow Village took a ‘Painting with a Twist’ class and show off their artwork. Front row, from left, are Carolyn Laub, Jeannie Liggett and Sandy Fitzpatrick. Back row, from left, are Nancy Newton, Linda Bower and Sue Flynn.

Our manager, Sue Flynn, had two young girls, Alaina and Daina, Glenna Simpco’s granddaughters, decorate the placemats and fill the little cups with assorted candies to put at each place setting. They did a wonderful job decorating the table. We completed the day with delicious desserts, then home to relax and count more blessings.

At our ice cream social, the two young girls, Alaina and Daina, were given the pleasure of turning on the Christmas tree lights.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus arrived and surprised the girls with presents.

The residents at Rainbow just love when there are young people around. It ignites memories of their children and grandchildren.

The girls were full of smiles and giggles with Santa.

Carol Baker directed traffic at the recent park-wide yard sale at Rainbow Village.
Carol Baker directed traffic at the recent park-wide yard sale at Rainbow Village.

It is starting to look like Christmas at Rainbow Village, residents are decorating their homes and some of the upcoming Christmas events will be happening in the next couple of weeks.

We are looking forward to strolling up and down the lanes to see the decorations.

By Sandra Gilbert-Abel

Published December 9, 2015

Happy Ho Ho Days

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Do you hear that? The faint, jingle, jingle in the distance?

Can it be?

The calendar clearly says December, but not that week.

The Thanksgiving holiday is behind us, and all the stores and malls strained the senses with repetitive carols, flashing lights on trees, Christmas shoppers, and a sense of urgency.

Bridget Marwick, Lana Hanes and Paula Cosmo bring the Happy Days’ tree to life. (Photos courtesy of Ian Marwick)
Bridget Marwick, Lana Hanes and Paula Cosmo bring the Happy Days’ tree to life.
(Photos courtesy of Ian Marwick)

But, a quiet calm has settled in the park the past weeks.

Still, there is that jingling.

There is a hum as everyone begins to add color to their unit — the red of flowers and berries, the greens of pine and fir, and the rainbow colors of lights on the eaves and windows.

Even the odd ugly sweater sporting winter themes is showing up on our evening walkers. Yes, maybe we should hear that faint jingle.

Thanksgiving capped the November festivities as usual in our rec hall. Our stalwart, Toni Fisher, who always seems to be anyplace where volunteering is needed, again did a fantastic job with her crew. Decorating, preparation, cooking, carving and cleanup was shared by Eleanor Rajewski, Linda Jenkins, Joann Bowers, June Blackman, Fran Boetcher, Carmen, and Rick Carrey and Bill.               .

The only complaint was they ran out of mashed potatoes, “again.” Bill Wellivere suggested everyone next year bring two potatoes, unmashed, in their pocket just in case.

Our first “Christmas Sale” of crafts and other items, which is open to the public, will be at the rec hall off Allen Road, on Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also on that evening, our annual “Christmas Party,” with Santa sneaking out on Mrs. Claus for a little Christmas cheer, will help our residents do the same.

Nature celebrates Christmas at the home of Carol Chapman in the form of a vibrant poinsettia bush.
Nature celebrates Christmas at the home of Carol Chapman in the form of a vibrant poinsettia bush.

In the past, some hilarious moments and gifts kept the party rolling. Expect the same this year, especially if you are lucky enough to pull a great gift out of the anonymous gift bag or maybe even more amusing, if you’re unlucky.

Neighborhood parties spring up, open houses, smiling faces and warm greetings fill the air. The annual “Carol Sing” always brings this warm feeling to our residents while they roam the park on the evening of Dec. 19. This ad hoc choir always consists of members of the Happy Days church choir, sundry amateur divas, sing-in-the-shower tenors, and yes, even frog-throated amateurs.

This almost brings us to the special week — Christmas week. We will all be preparing in our own way as this draws near. May the joy of the coming weeks fill you with the love of family and friends.

And, of course, may the batteries on all your iPads and phones hold their charge!

by Ian Marwick (the happy scribe)

Published December 9, 2015

 

 

 

Around the links and other things

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That first day you swing the big driver in 90-degree heat and Florida sunshine, you know

you are back in your winter home. It does not matter that your game was as rusty as you feel. Your foursome of cronies from years past smile knowingly as you slash and smash your way through your first round of the season. Yep, he sure is not going to be any better this year!

You know there is an old adage, “the older golfer has the lowest score,” and some of us wonder if we have enough time.

A group of ‘billiard boys’ enjoys a game in the pool hall. (Photos courtesy of Ian Marwick)
A group of ‘billiard boys’ enjoys a game in the pool hall.
(Photos courtesy of Ian Marwick)

With the wide-open spaces at the airport and only a few water hazards to drown your balls in, it makes an enjoyable day out with your friends. Every week, another foursome or so makes it back to add to the competitive spirit. Thanks to Ron Graham, our golf chairman, for organizing another great year, we hope, on the links. The real benefit of this, of course, is the friendships that you build up and nurture over the seasons in the park.

Shuffleboard courts were refinished over the summer and are waiting for the first competition rocks. The league is starting this week with players anxious to test the new surfaces and improve their game. Games are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. Stay tuned for postings of monthly Turkey Shoot and hot dog lunch days.

The pool hall is busy nightly with the sharks. Hey, I finally get the association! Sharks – pool — but really, anyone with some skill that signs up will play. In reality, ‘sharks’ does not truly describe these players. Maybe ‘groupers!’ I will catch it for that. Games run seven days a week from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Heather Graham helps out during a bingo night.
Heather Graham helps out during a bingo night.

Speaking of sharks, Bill Wellivere, our president, bemoaned at our last coffee hour that the bag of nickels he saved over the summer was dwindling quickly at the weekly poker games. Luckily, they are all friendly games, or he may have had to hock the Presidential Seal. Maybe switch to penny bingo, Bill.

Hey, good segue! Speaking of bingo, Bridget Marwick has the biweekly bingo off and running for the season. Not only are the gals hot, but also a few of our diehard guys are also fired up and dabbing. Wow, I never realized how exciting bingo sounded before. Anyway, thanks to our volunteers that signed up to date. As usual, they are always looking for extra hands to keep the balls going. If you are interested, see Bridget. The games are on Mondays and Fridays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Well, here comes one of the pickup vans for another game. Maybe everyone will break their previous score, or maybe not, but all will have fun. Do not expect scorecards to be published!

By Ian Marwick (the happy scribe)

Published December 2, 2015

The start of a great season at Rainbow Village

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“Welcome Back” is on the sign that greets us to a new season at Rainbow Village. The first thing I spotted was the green light in the resort office. The second thing I noticed was the beautiful flowers and shrubbery, thanks to Andy and Diane Schmied, full-timers in our resort.

This is our 13th year coming to Rainbow Village, and we noticed how many new residents bought homes since last year. Thirteen years ago, we were the young ones, and now we are the older ones. That’s life!

A new addition to our indoor heated pool was a chair lift to assist the handicapped to enter the pool easier. The main hall has beautiful new floors, its walls were painted and the kitchen has had some remodeling. A lot of trees were trimmed, a new drainage system was installed, a new fence was put up and there’s a new gaming area in the main hall. Our manager, Sue Flynn, does a great job for all of us.

Elyssa Simko, the resort’s young Army guest, dances with disc jockey Gerry Ide. (Courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)
Elyssa Simko, the resort’s young Army guest, dances with disc jockey Gerry Ide.
(Courtesy of Sandra Gilbert-Abel)

A “Welcome Back” party took place on Halloween. It was a fun night with a dinner prepared by Doug Jones and helpers, and music for dancing for those attending. A big thanks to Doug Jones.

I found out what the green light stands for — that so many of our residents had turned on at their homes. It is to honor all the veterans in our resort. We were asked to wear red, white and blue to show our appreciation for all the veterans that served our country. Thank you for your service.

Gerry Ide was our disc jockey for our November dance. Close to 50 residents attended and had a wonderful time dancing to some of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s music. We were honored to have a young lady, Elyssa Simko, who just got back from serving the Army in Cuba, and visiting her grandmother Glenna Simko, join us at our dance. We all thanked her for her service. Great job, Gerry.

On our fifth day arriving at Rainbow Village, we received a phone call telling us that we had a fire in our manufactured home park in York, Pennsylvania. The fire destroyed the home and gave the neighbors a scare that lived close-by. Lots of fire engines were there to stop the fire from spreading to other homes. Our neighbors have a concern that we don’t have any fire hydrants in our park. They are going to make our owner of the park aware of this and hope to correct the situation.

Walking through Rainbow Village, I observed that we do have fire hydrants that I hadn’t seen before. Why does it take a tragedy to make us aware of our surroundings and to check out if we had the hydrants? I guess we think it won’t happen to our park.

We’re looking forward to the start of a great season at Rainbow Village.

By Sandra Gilbert-Abel

Published November 25, 2015

A time of giving and thanks

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It is, by the calendar, Thanksgiving.

Funny how this one word brings many different visions to mind.

Traditional early memories usually cover the same thoughts — the Mayflower, pilgrims, Native Americans, feast, coexistence and peace.

Religious intolerance drove the pilgrims to a new land. They were filled with fear but also wondered what awaited them. They also were hopeful for a better life for their children and for freedom of worship.

Memories also center on home, the magnet that generates travel plans, warm memories of parents, siblings and relatives.

Home is where the family table is loaded with turkey, mounds of sides and seasonal specials and desserts galore.

It is a place of happy faces, the din of conversation and roars of laughter filling the room.

Home is also where family members move after the feast to the family room to watch a football game, or maybe some favorite seasonal holiday movies.

We recall, too, such novelties as ceramic gourds and pumpkins, maple leaf style serving dishes, real leaves scattered over the table, generational family settings and linens, and maybe the all-time vote favorite: the pilgrim couple salt and pepper shakers.

These decorations are cherished for a day, but then lead a lonely existence. They adorn our table for a brief few hours a year and then are placed, in what must seem to them, in purgatory. They are hidden all year in little corners of cupboards, only occasionally exposed to light when we rummage around.

At Happy Days, the tradition continues of our Thanksgiving dinner in the hall at 4 p.m. In a way, all of the above plays out, with the Happy Days family supplanting the ones at home.

In your own way, have a wonderful Thanksgiving from all of us at Happy Days, management, staff and residents.

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

Published November 25, 2015

Another season, another wonderful winter ahead

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Where did the six months go? Maybe in your house it lasted longer, or maybe, for some poor souls, it was too short. But, thankfully it is past. Many of us have the simple task of closing one trailer and heading south. Others have the more daunting task to wrap up the old homestead, check off the million and one mechanical and clerical duties, cram the last dishcloth in before slamming the car door, and then find the on ramp to the Interstate. No wonder you look frazzled when you arrive!

Tom Tripple with Foxy, who always heads to the Happy Days office for a treat. (Photos courtesy of Judy Olson)
Tom Tripple with Foxy, who always heads to the Happy Days office for a treat.
(Photos courtesy of Judy Olson)

Funny, how in retrospect, you look back on last season and your mind focuses on the good times and the great moments that made 2014-2015 memorable. Maybe it was the activities, or the sports, or the crafts, or the new friendships you formed and the past ones nurtured.

We watch the park gate eagerly each day to see our snowbird friends fly in. Not like other years with residues of salt and road sand covering, but with air conditioners humming and summer attire on all aboard.

We have all heard of global warming, but for this season, at least for the short term, it is almost all right. The old bones relish that Florida sun.

The park, as usual, is in fine fettle with the off-season work of Dan and Judy Olson, and staff. I do not know if their hard work is more obvious, or is it just because we are back home, but it is a warm feeling when we cross these gates of Happy Days for another non-winter.

And, why is it that the urge to clean is almost as strong as the urge to unpack the old buggy? We all know, time is on our side at least for a few days to get it all done, but the lingering aroma of cleaning solvents and the hum of power washers drives us to exhaustion. Oh well, maybe next year we will take our time! I would not bet a plug nickel on it though.

A great winter season is ahead.

Linda Granger is always smiling, even when she’s just picking up the mail.
Linda Granger is always smiling, even when she’s just picking up the mail.

The activity chairpersons are fired up, and with the largest activities calendar in the ‘Z,’ you will not be bored. With more than 20 weekly activities, plus specials like dances, food days (breakfasts, lunches or dinners), sports, and music jams every Friday and Saturday, all eating up your energy, you will need your ‘V’ pills — vitamins, of course.

We also need your funny bones, and the passion to continue these, and the volunteers to prop them up. Volunteer… you know you want to.

Oh, oh, another car horn! Better get on the porch and see the new returnees. Talk to you later.

By Ian Marwick (the happy scribe)

Published November 11, 2015