Parks

During the middle of July, we took a trip to Maine. We try to go there every so often as we have some good friends who retired in Maine, and we all get together for a good time.

Before meeting them, we made a stop to see the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse and Park. It was lovely there, and the lighthouse is situated on majestic rocky ledges on the Maine coast in Bristol.

This is a favorite spot for artists and photographers, as the views are breathtaking. This is usually a spectacular spot to not only see the lighthouse and the view, but also sit for a while on the benches that are in the park and take in the surroundings.

It was somewhat foggy that day, but we could still take in the various sites, and it was so relaxing.

This lighthouse was selected by Maine residents to represent their state on the quarter in 2003. The lighthouse is 39 feet tall and commands a dramatic view of Johns Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The light was automated in 1934, and later the fog bell, which hung on the bell house, was removed.

After viewing the lighthouse and park, we went to a fisherman’s museum, which was adjacent to the lighthouse. Inside, we saw the navigation room that had an exhibit with the lens formerly at Baker Island Light, on loan from the U.S. Coast Guard. This is a Fresnel lens built in France.

Also seen were a bronze buoy bell and iron chain, a four-valve mechanism from a whistle buoy, and a Lyle gun for shooting a lifeline to ships in distress. You also can see a chart of the coast of Maine used by fishermen and all coast traffic, along with pictures of all the lighthouses on the coast with numbers showing their location on the chart.

We then went on to the Fish House, which is the work area of the lobsterman. Here you will see tools and gears on workbenches, and lobster pot buoys that are hanging on the walls. The gallery consists of working half-models of fish boats, and more photographs showing aspects of the industry in bygone days. Almost all exhibits have been donated by fishermen and their families.

From here, we saw some more sites like a working alpaca farm. The alpacas were out in full force, and they looked so docile. I honestly didn’t get to find out firsthand, as I was quite intrigued by the gift shop and items that were made from alpaca. They were so soft.

On to a big department store called Big Al’s Super Values, and they had items that we haven’t seen for quite some time. It was a delight just to browse through the store. It actually brought back pleasant memories.

We went on a cruise and got to see the sights from the water. It was so relaxing, and the two hours just flew right by. After the boat ride, we did view several more lighthouses, and each one was different than the other. Each one had a distinctive quality about it.

While we were going home to Connecticut, we did make a stop at Scarborough, Maine, to see Lenny at Len and Libby Chocolates. This place houses the world’s only life-size chocolate moose. I had to see it to believe it, and the ad was so true. There was Len, but they also had Libby, also life-size. Yes, it was a chocolate Maine black bear and her two cubs.

We just had to see this, as we couldn’t picture it. It was almost unbelievable.

Our last stop on this trip was to visit the Hebert Candy Mansion located in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. This is a sweet adventure for the entire family. They had every type of candy available for sale. There were all kinds of handcrafted chocolates.

One thing was different, and that was an ice cream buffet that we just had to try out. It was sure worth it. Yummy!

By Helene Rubenstein

Published August 20, 2014

July started off with a craft class with several people creating a variety of crafts. This class usually gets together once a week with hostess Cheryl Leone. They have created many things in the past and still more to come in the future.

Some of the crafts that they have worked on, or will work on, consist of magnet boards, mesh wreaths, poster boards, 3-D crafts, flowerpots, clay pot people, and so much more.

Just recently, Annmarie Shackewyc worked on creating a papier-mache box, and she placed it on a wood candlestick. It was lovely.

From one week to another, you never know what to expect, as Cheryl has lots of ideas and welcomes any suggestions. I would like to add that Cheryl has done a marvelous job and everyone thanks her for it.

July 4 arrived and 73 people were at the community center to celebrate Independence Day. The social club provided the cake and chicken, while all the cooks at Grand Horizons provided the rest. There sure was a nice variety.

Since I wasn’t there to celebrate with all my friends and neighbors, I did get some information from Annmarie. She told me that after the potluck, Cheryl hooked up her Nintendo Wii and people played some bowling. From what I understand, this is when you hook up the controls to the television, and you can play all types of games. I hope to have this when we return to Florida, as it sounds really interesting and lots of fun.

The hosts of the Fourth of July potluck were Dave and Barb Livingston, along with Chick and Annmarie Shackewyc, and Ed and Joan Fisher as helpers. Without these volunteers, they wouldn’t have had as great a time as they did.

On July 11, 30 residents from Grand Horizons attended the lunch connoisseurs at Ling’s Chinese Buffet. We have gone there before, and every so often they get the urge for more Chinese food, and this is where they usually go. They not only have every type of food imaginable, but the place is clean and has room for an enormous crowd like us.

Words can’t express how good this restaurant is. I heard from Judy Ellsworth that Fred Sage led the prayer before the meal. I also heard that the people sat in a back dining room so they were able to mingle and try the many varieties of food. It sure sounds that all who attended had a very good time.

A good portion of the rest of the month was filled with more activities like shuffleboard, mahjong, card games, dominoes and so much more.

On July 20, there was a pool party potluck. Considering the amount of people that have gone elsewhere for the summer months, there still was a good turnout. I spoke to Cheryl and she mentioned that 30 people showed up for this potluck.

Cheryl and Ken Leone were the hosts for this different and exciting event. They had pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans and a variety of salads.

Cheryl went on to say that after the potluck, they all gathered for another game on the Wii in the community center.

It is nice to host a gathering outside every so often, and it sounds to me like everyone had a good time.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published August 6, 2014

The activities continue at Grand Horizons. Because of the summer months, some things are continuing, while some activities are on hiatus until the fall starts.

The many that continue include the ladies luncheon known as The Lunch Bunch. True, there was less of a turnout for June, but they sure had a good time and made the most of it.

Approximately seven women showed up June 3 to have lunch at Capri Pizza & More restaurant, located across the street from Grand Horizons. This was a treat in itself, as during the winter months the group couldn’t go there as the seating is limited.

But, it is perfect during the summer months as there was a small group of women, and they sure had a good time.

If you’ve never gone to Capri Pizza, it is a delightful, family-owned restaurant. The women had their choice of spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, macaroni and other fantastic dishes. Barbara Janelle hosted the luncheon, and when I spoke to her she reported that it may have been a small group, but each woman seemed to enjoy herself.

Barbara went on to say that the inside was decorated with pictures hanging on the walls. It not only had pictures of personnel, but others as well. It has a cozy atmosphere, and since I have gone there before, I can definitely vouch for it.

Whatever we have had at this restaurant was always delicious, and my husband and I have always walked out content. So you can see that the summer months do not pose a problem for The Lunch Bunch as they pick out a restaurant that is close-by and has good food.

Then, on June 8, there was an ice cream social in the community center with approximately 50 people hosted by Rosemary Semian. She did a fine job as they had different ice creams and loads of toppings.

From what Rosemary told me, they had bananas, strawberries and pineapples, plus whipped cream and also cherries. Just writing this paints a vivid picture!

After ice cream, while some people went to walk off what they had, others stayed to have a friendly game of euchre. It sounds to me that Rosemary did a fine job. Our thanks go out to her.

In between, while they had their activities that go on a regular basis such as dominoes, shuffleboard, Wednesday coffee and doughnuts, etc., there was also a craft class June 10. Marcia Johnson led the class in making notecards. Marcia told me the cards were blank inside with colorful ladies on the front all dressed up in hats with feathers. I wasn’t there for this, but the finished product sounded really nice.

There are two ladies’ luncheons a month — the first called “The Lunch Bunch,” and one that met later in the month called “The Ladies of Grand Horizons” lunch group. This particular group met for lunch at Abbott Station, a restaurant located in Zephyrhills that is a lovely place to dine. This particular event was hosted by Luella Wheeling.

Luella said that the chef greeted everyone and made them comfortable. He made sure that whatever he served was to the person’s liking. She also mentioned that it was a nice size group considering the many people that are away for the summer months.

Abbott Station is known for its soups with pumpkin soup their specialty. They include one other soup, which is made fresh every day. They serve sandwiches that are big enough for seconds or doggie bags to take part of the meal home.

The inside of the restaurant has many pictures and other interesting memorabilia on the walls. There is also a lovely porch that is inside, and people can eat there and take in the surrounding area. I have gone here before and just know that all who attended got a lovely meal at a nearby location.

Grand Horizons will publish a new photo directory for residents. Photos were taken at certain times, with more dates to follow.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published July 9, 2014

A year ago last April, we came home from spending the winter in Florida. We were so upset that we left the Sunshine State, as we always seem to have a great time there.

We never have to stop and think, “What should I do next?” Believe me, we know.

So, now I am home and decided to take a walk around the block. Walking in our neighborhood in East Hartford, Connecticut, isn’t at all like walking in our development in Florida, as the sidewalks in Florida are not cracked and bumpy as much as they are in East Hartford.

I just have to get used to being in Connecticut once again. We have six months and a half months to go before heading back to Florida.

I had heard something about a fire happening a few weeks ago and, on the corner of Trinity Lane and Roxbury, and found the house that had the fire.

It was a ranch-style house that was demolished and a sign put on the door saying that it was condemned. Here are many houses in this community, and the bulk of them are ranch-style houses with five rooms. Several houses have garages built adjoining the house, and some of the homes have porches. It is a peaceful and quiet neighborhood, or it used to be.

Anyway, we expected another ranch-style house, but it is not what we got.

For the longest time — several months in fact — work on the new house wasn’t started. Maybe it was the weather, either too hot or too humid. No one knows, but eventually work started. As they say, if the weather isn’t good in New England, just wait and it will change. It finally did.

It was slow work, and during this time, my husband and I went on several mini trips. We took a trip to New York in the middle of May to attend a family function, and we also took a trip to see some friends in Maine in the early party of June. We had a glorious time in Maine visiting and seeing sights.

There were some day trips thrown in, plus a trip to Saybrook, Connecticut, where some of our relatives live close to the beach.

We were busy, but we also like to keep a progress report on the house that was being rebuilt and also being expanded. Whenever we could, we tended to look to see what was going on at the house.

We tried to keep ourselves busy anticipating Florida, but we were still amazed when October came. My goodness, now we are able to count weeks instead of months.

The summer went on and one day, lo and behold, the house looked completed, as it was a lovely ranch style. I didn’t think there would be more being built, but believe it or not, they started to build a second story.

At first, I looked at it and didn’t know what to think, but as the work progressed, it took the shape of a lovely two-story house. When work first started, since most of the houses were ranch style, I honestly thought that it would end up like the others but, no, it stands out.

It is in a class by itself.

I would like to add that when we came home this year from Florida, we went to see the house and it is so lovely.

Guess they knew what they were doing when they built it as a two-story house.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published June 25, 2014

Many of our residents return to their summer homes, and some others take motor trips for extended period of times.

But then again, there are many residents who stay year-round at Grand Horizons, and the number is growing constantly.

Back at Grand Horizons, there are still many functions going on. In addition to shuffleboard that is scheduled for every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, there are now pool exercises that also take place on the same days. The hard part is the fact that you have to choose between the two.

These pool exercises are good, as they not only cool you off, but it is a healthy way to keep in shape. During the summer months, Judy Ellsworth hosts the pool exercises.

We still have bingo every Tuesday night, and this is when people show up, purchase cards, bring “lucky charms” to place in front of them, and hope to be a big winner of the evening. Even if they are not the winner for a certain week, they have fun playing and conversing with others.

The hosts for bingo night are Doug and LuAnne Taylor.

Of course, dominoes are still played every Monday night. This is a fun game, and there is more concentration to it than you think. The main thing is to keep the train growing.

Residents still meet every Wednesday morning for coffee and doughnuts, and also to get the up-and-coming news. Every other week, we have our blood pressure taken, and it’s something important to keep track of.

There was a Ladies Lunch Bunch on May 6. I usually look forward to these as they try to go to a different place each month. This time, the women went to the Island Breeze Cuban Café, hosted by Joyce Bell.

I would have loved to have joined them, but it is a big drive from Connecticut. Guess I will have to wait until I return.

Our monthly lunch connoisseurs were at Golden Corral May 9, hosted by Al and Sandy Lindke. I heard from Sandy, who said there were 24 people, and all had a good time in the Tuttle Room. They spent 90 minutes socializing and eating.

The quilters had their last meeting in May, and will resume again in October. They made stars for May, and will use them during the next meeting for their next project. Wonder what it will be?

There was a Memorial Day picnic May 26 at the community center. I spoke with Carol Wilcox, one of the coordinators of this function, and she told me the event started with Terry Gardner officiating. After the Pledge of Allegiance, our disc jockey resident Gary Wilcox played “The Star-Spangled Banner,” as performed by the U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Band.

After that, and original version of “God Bless America,” done by the legendary Kate Smith, was played.

Terry said a few words about our armed forces, and all attending veterans were asked to stand. “Taps,” by the Arlington Cemetery Ceremonial Band, was played in memory of our deceased veterans.

The event drew 87 residents, and the community center was well-decorated for the event. Rich Lydecker did the hamburger and hot dog grilling, and he sure had his hands full because as soon as he started cooking, the rain and wind came in full force.

It was quite a challenge, but it turned out fine. The wind fueled the fire on the outside grill.

Besides the hamburgers and hot dogs, there also was a potluck with plenty of wonderful food available like potato salad, macaroni salad, fruit salad, baked beans, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese and relish trays. There also were a lot of desserts — the Social Club provided a large cake.

Gary Wilcox and some residents stayed for dancing and music.

There are these activities and more, enough to satisfy anyone. You can be as busy as you wish to be at Grand Horizons.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published June 11, 2014

While most of our residents are either going back to their northern homes or taking motor trips, games and dinners still continue at Grand Horizons.

There was an Easter dinner and potluck in our community center on April 20, and 56 residents and guests attended this outing hosted by Terry and Mim Gardner, Ken and Cheryl Leone, Carol George, and Rich and Chris Fulton. The social club provided the ham, and each couple brought a dish to complete the meal.

There was a great variety including pasta salad, coleslaw, potato salad, chicken salad, scalloped potatoes, vegetables, and so much more. In addition to these dishes, there were several desserts for the sweet tooth, and a lovely cake that was shaped like a lamb that was so moist.

Before tables were called, grace was given by Fred Sage. He did a lovely job of it and we thank him.

After dinner was complete, Ken Leone mentioned that there were two winners from each table. Each winner went home with a lovely handmade centerpiece.

We had a lovely time, and the potluck was done in very good taste.

Most of the activities that have been going on in the past several months are continuing.

They still have shuffleboard every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, which is loads of fun with friendly conversation among the players. Every Thursday they still have mah-jongg and euchre on Thursday night.

Dominoes are still played every Monday night, and bingo is every Tuesday night in our community center. There are these activities and so much more to keep a person busy and not wondering what to do next.

We had an ice cream social at our community center on May 4. Marty and I were not there as we traveled back to Connecticut. Wish we were back in Florida, as it is so cold here.

From what I understand, there were several toppings available. Many people attended and thoroughly enjoyed themselves creating sundaes that were beyond description.

The hosts for this special event were Dave and Linda Tutin, Bill and Karen Donlon, and Rich and Chris Fulton. Our thanks go out to them on arranging this function.

Before signing off on this write-up, I would like to add a little note for you music lovers. While Marty and I were going to our home up north, we made a little side trip to a museum that contained mementos, treasures, pictures, articles and movies on Patsy Cline. This museum was quite extensive and we spent several hours there.

By Helene Rubenstein

Published May 14, 2014