The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Parks

Another wonderful season at Sweetwater

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Our Sun RV Resort Appreciation Day Picnic was March 7 and was enjoyed by all who attended. It was a beautiful day of games and prizes, food, drink and music.

Ron and Rita Jenkins say goodbye to Sweetwater RV Resort after more than 20 years.
(Courtesy of Cinda McCormick and Dale Sanders)

Afterward, many people went to Skydive City to watch our own Judy McGuire jump for her 60th birthday. She had been scheduled to jump several times in the days before, but the weather wasn’t cooperating.

This day, despite low cloud coverage, she was determined to meet her “bucket list” wish, and she did. She was all smiles before and after, and said it was an amazing experience.

Many people were present, and a more experienced jumper, from two years ago, Cheryl Kidd, congratulated Judy. Cheryl jumped for her 70th birthday “bucket list” as well. Have we started something here?

The ninth annual Twisted Stitchers’ Quilt Show and Tea was March 8, and it was enjoyed by a roomful of people, mostly ladies. Gifts and cookies were donated by members.

Vivian Ryburn, the group’s founder, still quilts and keeps in touch from her home in Kansas, but she isn’t able to come to Florida anymore.

Participants particularly enjoyed being able to pick out their own gifts from the table this year.

This group of quilters is actually waving at their founder, Vivian Ryburn. They all worked hard on their projects to display at the annual quilt show and tea.

Linda Cavanaugh won the raffle quilt made this season by group members.

The proceeds from the raffle helps buy material and supplies for next year’s group project.  Many categories and prizes were awarded, all judged by the attendees this year.

Our Ice Cream Social on March 12 also included Bluegrass Gospel music, with Catherine and Fred Lawrence, “Gator Creek,” and friends.

Catherine highlighted appreciation for Ron Jenkins, bass player, for his last and 14th season playing with them in Sweetwater.

Walter Kidd takes picture of Judy McGuire after her 60th birthday ‘bucket list’ jump.

Ron actually met Catherine and Fred in Nova Scotia, Canada, at a festival, and they kept running into him afterwards. Finally, he suggested they bring their RV down to Sweetwater, and they have been coming here every season since. He actually had two bookings waiting for them when they arrived that first year, and it’s never stopped.

Ron and his wife, Rita, have now sold their place in Sweetwater and have returned home. Rita will also be missed, especially for her comedy in the pool and on the stage. Ron has also enjoyed accompanying, with bass, for Don on fiddle and Wayne on guitar.

A St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Lunch on March 17 was held at Settlers’ Rest. Next year will be Sweetwater’s turn to host again.

Doris Steele has been involved as chair/co-chair/adviser of this parade for five or six years, and she has wintered in Sweetwater for over 20 years now. Her main focus is for everyone to have lots of fun!

Cinda McCormick, riding with her friend, Edie Frye, won first prize in the ‘single bike’ category.

Again, this year, the group with Doris in it won Best of Show for their “Hillbilly Shotgun Wedding.” The group included the pregnant bride, kilted groom, pastor, parents and wedding party.

When they arrived at the judge’s table, they had a whole routine ready for them, in order to get the idea of what they were all about. I guess it worked!

Our own Cinda McCormick, one of two volunteer park photographers, won first prize for “single bikes.” Many other awards were given out to people in different categories at the lunch banquet.

Gladys Sanfason, 96 years old, sat on her walker watching the parade, with friends (old and new) around her. Gladys will be 97 years on July 4, and she had her home moved to Sweetwater 11 years ago, from another park.

The ‘Hillbilly Shotgun Wedding’ won Best of Show at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Doris Steele, center, was the bride.

She is able to stay nine months now, since there is always family and friends around to help her. She does fly back and forth to Maine for three months of the year.

Gladys was born in England, and her family, including her sister who is now 99 years old, moved to Massachusetts when she was 6 years old.

Gladys keeps very active and feels that’s a good reason why she’s doing so well.

She plays poker and Mexican train twice a week, swims and plays bingo once a week.

She attends any socials and music entertainment/jams that interest her, and she still taps her feet when some of the familiar line-dancing songs come on. She remembers all the steps!  Gladys facilitated line-dancing classes at Sweetwater shortly after she arrived.

By Judy Pearce
Sweetwater RV Resort

Published April 5, 2017

Grand Horizons recognizes its volunteers

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Our fourth annual Appreciation Luncheon was held March 25, at the community center. I wasn’t able to go because of a previous commitment, but I spoke to Joyce Bell, and she gave me the following information.

She told me the people were greeted with posters saying “Thank you” hanging in the clubhouse and there were quite a few signs.

It was a lovely afternoon and was quite festive.

Front row, from left: Mim Gardner, Shirley Carlson and Ron Bell. Back row, from left: Chuck Carlson and Joyce Bell.
(Courtesy of Rae Rice)

She went on to tell me that she thanked the many volunteers for their time and services, and mentioned the fact that Grand Horizons is what it is today because of the many hard working and dedicated volunteers in the community.

The menu included ham, baked beans, Cole slaw, potato salad, breads and many condiments and fixings. Beverage and dessert were also included. The dessert was ice cream and mini turnovers.

The luncheon started with Galen Parker saying grace before the meal.

After grace, the tables were called upon for their food.

Everybody left fully satisfied, as they were also able to go back for seconds, after everyone was served. If anyone left hungry, it was their own fault, as there was plenty to eat.

The hosts were Chuck and Shirley Carlson, Mim and Terry Gardner, and Ron and Joyce Bell.

Many pictures were taken, and our thanks go out to the ones who presented this luncheon. It was very nice, and I am sure that all who attended had a very good time.

From what was also mentioned, the crew is already starting next year’s event.

There were 65 people in attendance, and considering that many people already went back to their winter homes, it was a nice turnout.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published April 5, 2017

 

Country Aire hosts musical picnic

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Band members, from left: Lauren Harvey on bass, Phil Sarlo on banjo and Dean Johnson on guitar.
(Courtesy of M. Kay Nanian)

Country Aire Manor residents enjoyed an annual picnic hosted by the park owners on March 25, but this one had a twist.

Approximately 150 residents enjoyed a buffet meal served by two of the park owners: Elizabeth Nanian Mitchell and Debi Nanian Welch, plus Raechel Bosquez, park secretary. Much of the behind-the-scenes work in the kitchen was carried out by Michael Mitchell, maintenance manager; his son, Thomas; and, George Welch, former park manager.

Now the twist. This year’s picnic had the added attraction of a bluegrass band, with Lauren Harvey on bass, Phil Sarlo on banjo, and music store owner Dean Johnson on guitar. The mobile home and RV residents responded enthusiastically to well-known songs, such as “Dueling Banjos,” by clapping along, in rhythm, to the duet of Sarlo and Johnson. Others sang along to familiar tunes.

Partners Debi Nanian Welch and Liz Nanian Mitchell serve cake at Country Aire’s annual picnic.

In the words of retired Air Force flight mechanic Paul Proctor, “We have never had so many people show up, as we had today! The food was great, but this time a band was provided, and my wife wanted to get up and dance.”

Country Aire Manor is a 55-plus, deeded mobile home subdivision and recreational vehicle park. It has been located in Dade City since 1979.

By M. Kay Nanian
Country Aire Manor

Published April 5, 2017

Wearing of the green for St. Patrick’s Day

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We had close to 90 people in our community center March 16 for a St. Patrick’s Day celebration that was hosted by Margaret and Andy Castonguay. Tickets were sold entirely by Pat and Fred Mengel, and they did a fine job of announcing it at our coffee/donut hour every Wednesday.

From left: Bill King, Linda Rogers, and Joyce and Ron Bell helped out in the kitchen.
(Courtesy of Helene Rubenstein)

Before tables were called to receive their food, grace was said by Galen Parker, and he did a fine job of it, while the people in attendance observed a moment of silence.

We also had a “special” treat when a St. Patrick’s Day poem was presented on our TV screen. This was provided by Rae Rice, and it was a nice touch. Our thanks go out to her, as it was a cute poem and kept our attention.

The tables were then called and people went up to get their delicious meal, which consisted of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, turnips and onions. There was also a nice bread basket on each table, and for dessert we had an apple turnover.

A few volunteers, from left: Fred and Pat Mengel, and Andy and Margaret Castonguay.

The helpers in the kitchen were Bill King, Linda Rogers, Ron and Joyce Bell, along with Pat and Fred Mengel, and Andy and Margaret Castonguay. Once again, they did a great job, and everything ran smoothly.

As usual, conversation was flowing, and several people were dressed in hats, stockings and/or ears, and all, or most, of the people were wearing green.

A few days later, on March 18, Mary and David Heim had a pancake breakfast for 55 residents and guests.

Pat and Ron McQuillan make a St. Patrick’s Day toast, sporting green from head to toe.

Before tables were called, Jim Leitzke said grace.

Then the breakfast was served, as each individual table was called upon.

The breakfast consisted of pancakes, French toast, sausages, coffee, tea and orange juice. If someone wanted seconds, they could get seconds, as long as everyone else was served.

There were several helpers in the kitchen, and they were Dave and Mary Heim, Pat Bond, Tom Carter, Diane Taggart, Rosie Semian and Linda Rogers.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published March 29, 2017

Welcoming spring to Gem Estates

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Monday evening euchre winners were Dorothy Massoll and Larry Sharp.

Residents enjoy the spring weather and try their hand at corn hole.
(Courtesy of Mabel Budzinski)

On Wednesday morning, Bruce Hudson won three games at shuffleboard.

About 122 folks attended coffee hour on Thursday morning. Dave Hunt gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Linda Files moderated the conversation, and Dick Burgess provided a bit of humor.

Remember, your Project Dark House forms are due this month.

Ron Raymond heads up the maintenance committee.

My pick for volunteer of the week is Ron Raymond. Ron is chairman of the maintenance committee, works Wednesday evening bingo, works with the kitchen crew and anywhere he is needed.

Gem Estates residents enjoyed an afternoon of good food, good friends and good weather for outdoor games at their spring celebration.

By Mabel Budzinski
Gem Estates

Published March 29, 2017

Sharing meals and good company

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Don and Ginny Jennings, left, and Sue Medise and Tom Medise at Shells Seafood Restaurant.
(Courtesy fo Helene Rubenstein)

The monthly Ladies Lunch Bunch met March 7 at Papa Joes, and the women that attended seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves with all the conversation among them. Carla Jones was the hostess of this function, and she did a very nice job.

I spoke to Carla, and she told me 14 people showed up, and the restaurant supplied them with a separate room. Carla went on to say that there were two waitresses who took care of their group, and they were very attentive.

The menu was varied, and some of the dishes consisted of a Cobb salad (tremendous); a sample plate, which included several foods; seafood dishes; and, even a seafood pasta delight.

A table for four, from left: Tom McKain, Lynne-Rae Dyson, Vic Dyson and Pat McKain.

Their “special” drink was strawberry sangria and several women had this.

Everyone seemed to enjoy their lunches, and because some plates were so large, there was food to take home, so they could reminisce about the good times.

A few days later, on March 10, the lunch connoisseurs went to Shells Seafood Restaurant, and it was hosted by Karen and Bill Donlon.

Of course, a giant shell on the outside of the restaurant told us that we were in the right place.

There was a nice crowd of 40 people who enjoyed being with their friends and neighbors.

Marty and Helene Rubenstein
(Courtesy of Tom Carter)

Once again, there was a variety of food, including chicken with veggies, clam chowder (that I heard was absolutely scrumptious), pasta and various seafood.

Before dinner was served, Galen Parker said grace, while the rest of the people observed a moment of silence.

We always have the lunch connoisseurs once a month, and most everyone looks forward to it. It is a nice way to get together.

In the meantime, back at Grand Horizons, we are getting ready for our new resident phone directory. This directory, in addition to phone numbers, will have pictures of residents. This is good, as we can now place a face with a name.

Nancy Martin is making the appointments for the pictures to be taken, and Karen Donlon is heading up the committee.

It is always nice to have a fresh directory.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published March 22, 2017

Service in many ways

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The Monday evening euchre champs were Pat Reinbold and Ron Raymond, who had bragging rights for a week.

Dave Roberts and Cliff Leonard were three-game winners at Wednesday morning shuffleboard. Way to go fellows!

On Friday evening, we were privileged to have Terry Connelly provide the entertainment. HIs voice was amazing, the songs celebrated all types of music, his jokes were hilarious and his presentation was simply perfect.

My selection of volunteers to highlight the week are Lee and Russ Heffelfinger. They have been our entertainment coordinators for several years and announced that they will be retiring from that position.

I wonder if she intentionally saved the best entertainment this year for her last pick?

The Heffelfingers have served our community in many capacities.

By Mabel Budzinski
Gem Estates

Published March 22, 2017

 

A winter of camaraderie at Sweetwater

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The residents of our ‘Sun RV Resort’’ have enjoyed another winter season together. Bonnie Kae Rindfleisch, guest services, often heads up monthly special events, supported by ‘Sun.’

Dale and Rhoda Hunt were crowned Sweetwater’s 2017 king and queen.
(Courtesy of Cinda McCormick)

Our new king and queen, Dale and Rhoda Hunt, were inaugurated at a Coronation Dance Jan. 13, featuring “Pure Country Gold.” Dale is also our Running Water Club president this year, and Rhoda is the secretary.

An Oldie-Wed Game took place Jan. 29, organized and run by Cinda McCormick.

There was a long-term resident recognition at the Feb. 9 morning coffee/donut time, and the Valentine’s banana split social was excellent!

The outdoor music jam space was used at nighttime for a concert with “The Legends” Feb. 10.

Every Tuesday afternoon, various performers, from many parks, entertained on our outdoor stage from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with hot dogs and soft drinks sold beforehand. There also was a 50/50 drawing near the end of each afternoon. The last jam of the season was March 14.

Tuesday afternoon Sweetwater music jam’s ‘hot dog guy,’ Roy Fournier.
(Courtesy of Dale Sanders)

A concert was held Feb. 11 featuring The McGuires, a gospel duo from Perth-Andover, New Brunswick, Canada. Todd McGuire is a nephew to our own Norm McGuire, and Norm made all the arrangements. Norm and his daughter, Margaret, sang a song with his nephew and wife, Penelope, during their performance.

The McGuires have been performing at parks and churches in Florida, and recently toured Georgia and Tennessee. They have been nominated for the East Coast Music Award for Gospel Record of the Year.

There was a birthday and anniversary evening Feb. 12, and we enjoyed listening to Richard Woodworth, who has an extended collection of inauguration/presidential history memorabilia and many stories of moments over the years.

Judy Dishon was recognized, along with her husband, Tom, with the ‘Sun’ Resident Appreciation Award.
(Courtesy of Cinda McCormick)

We also had our Canada Day parade and luncheon again this year on Feb. 16, with a special focus of celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary.

Our first annual Golf Cart Rodeo was Feb. 25, and was enjoyed by about 80 people. Best buddies, Norm and Roy, hammed it up and won the top award, making the event more enjoyable for everyone. They were seen with green leis, just like the Formula 1 drivers.

All winners won a gift certificate and a tiny trophy.

The organizer, Judy Dishon, may consider a scavenger hunt for future events. She was glad to get so many people involved in something different – whether as participants or volunteers.

Rhoda organized an all-day shuffleboard tournament of 19 teams Feb. 28, and lunch was offered as well. The winning team got 252, the highest score you can get in shuffleboard, apparently!

Sweetwater’s first annual Golf Cart Rodeo winners, Norm McGuire and Roy Fournier.
(Courtesy of Cinda McCormick)

One of the programs that had been resurrected this year was a monthly park potluck dinner, on the second Sunday afternoon of the month. The February meal was well-attended and enjoyed by all.

On the evening of March 5, our own David Kai, accomplished keyboard/piano player who plays in our Sunday Christian Fellowship music with “The Legends,” was featured. He also was an accompanist at the weekly music jams.

There was an Appreciation Day Park Picnic March 7, along with the usual music jam.  Residents were recognized for their contributions, with a box of chocolates and an appreciation sign at their home.

Our Sunday evening ice cream socials were organized this season by Cindy Walton, and she did a great job, with a variety of after-treat speakers/entertainers.

By Judy Pearce
Sweetwater RV Resort

Published March 15, 2017

A musical show from yesteryear

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An egg-in-a-bag breakfast started off the day on March 4. It was thoroughly delicious and run very efficiently. Nearly 100 people were served.

Before breakfast began and tables were called up to create omelets, Galen Parker delivered grace. He did a very nice job, while the crowd of people observed a moment of silence.

Helene Rubenstein gets a hug from entertainer Rich Wilson.
(Courtesy of Marty Rubenstein)

Tables were then called, and guests prepared their own omelets, choosing from ingredients that included bacon, ham, cheese, onions, mushrooms, green peppers and Jalapeno peppers. Also available were sausage gravy, biscuits, hash brown potatoes, and coffee and orange juice.

The volunteers who helped included Jim and Judi Leitzke, and their granddaughter, Heather; plus, Doris Sutfin, Sue and Galen Parker, Carol and Clayton George, Ed Goldstein and Lynne-Rae Dyson.

Later that evening, about 84 people gathered at the community center to enjoy a show by Rich Wilson. He performed a variety of talents and kept people laughing in their seats.

Gary Wilcox introduced the entertainer, who was dressed in a snazzy blue jacket over a black vest, slacks and black shirt. This was a class act, and we were in for a delightful experience.

He sang several hit tunes intermingled with a variety of jokes.

He started the show by singing “For Once in my Life,” and sang it with much emotion and feeling.

Rich Wilson performed a variety of hit tunes, intermingled with a few jokes.

He continued the show with several more songs, including some country tunes, such as Johnny Cash‘s “Folsom Prison Blues” and an excellent job of “Dixie” by Ronnie McDowell.

There was also audience participation during a medley, which included “Blueberry Hill” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You.”

Rich continued with some Elvis songs such as “Don’t Be Cruel” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” with all the shaking and various movements.

He proceeded with several more jokes and recognizing several people in the audience, and then sang a Dean Martin song entitled “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head.”

After that, he went to some old songs, such as, “SH Boom SH Boom” and “Little Bitty Pretty One” to clapping and audience participation. The audience sang all the ‘mmms’ and ‘ahs’ at the appropriate time.

He sang a lovely version of a Buddy Holly song called “True Love Ways.” This was sung with such enthusiasm and emotion. It was truly lovely.

The entire evening kept us at the edge of our seats, and he sang his heart out on a Neil Diamond song entitled “Sweet Caroline,” along with all the antics that you would expect.

There were several more songs, including Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again,” Charlie Pride’s hit, “Kiss an Angel Good Morning,” and several more.

The audience sang along with Rich on a Neil Sedaka tune called “Breaking Up is Hard to Do” and Conway Twitty’s “It’s Only Make Believe.”

He performed several other songs, but the one that stood out was a Louis Armstrong song entitled “What a Wonderful World.” He did a masterful job of it.

A tribute to the vets was given, and they were recognized in the audience as well.

He also mentioned that we should not only give our thanks to them, but their spouses as well.

The final song, “God Bless America,” was followed by a standing ovation.

Ed and Gary presented several door prizes, including a basket that was created by Barb Livingston and won by Bobbie Forschner. Other prizes were won by Bob Weinle and Chuck Carlson.

In addition to Gary Wilcox and Ed Goldstein, who presented the show, there was additional help that included Carol Wilcox, Donna Quinn and Eileen Goldstein.

By Helene Rubenstein
Grand Horizons

Published March 15, 2017