CLUBHOUSE CRAFT ROOM DEDICATED TO PAT NEAVES By Diane Dillon On January 12, 2026, the Clubhouse Craft Room was dedicated to long-time Lake Ashton resident Pat Neaves. Pat was the president of BOLLA, Blankets of Love at Lake Ashton, fr om 2011-2022. She was also active in the LAVA Auxiliary and many other initiatives at Lake Ashton. Under Pat’s leadership, BOLLA donated over 14,000 blankets to the children of Polk County and raised over $50,000 for BOLLA through Trash to Treasure sales. Pat moved to Pittsburgh to be with her family in 2022, but kept in close contact with her many friends here until her death late in 2025. Pat’s family, the members of BOLLA, LAVA and the LAVA Auxiliary were all in attendance as Christine Wells and Matt Fisher assisted Pat’s husband Don in hanging a plaque in the Craft Room. The members of BOLLA hosted a lovely reception afterward where heartwarming stories flowed. Everyone agreed that Pat’s kind and generous nature was infectious. Her many words of wisdom were displayed on a slideshow throughout the reception. Pat’s daughters Sara and Laura expressed their sincere appreciation that their mom was being recognized for her tireless contributions to Lake Ashton. Don recounted the countless trips he made to JoAnn Fabrics. All agreed that Pat was truly inspirational to those around her. She often said, “It’s all about the children”. It was such a fitting tribute to someone dear to so many. RESIDENT AUTHOR’S MEMORIAL DONATION Cary R. Davis, an author and Lake Ashton resident, recently donated $400 to Stop Soldier Suicide, honoring the memory of his high school friend Rick Heyser, a decorated Navy SEAL. Heyser served with distinction during the Persian Gulf War and was widely admired for his courage, leadership, and dedication to service. In later years, he faced cancer with resilience and dignity, leaving a lasting impression on those who knew him. Davis’s donation recognizes both Heyser’s legacy and the ongoing need to support veterans facing mental health challenges. The gift was made on behalf of the Lake Ashton community, reflecting shared values of compassion, remembrance, and civic engagement. Stop Soldier Suicide is a national nonprofit dedicated to preventing veteran suicide through outreach, research, and intervention. Davis is the author of Arcturus: A Sandstorm, a Demon, and the Secret Mission That Kept Israel Out of the Gulf War, with book proceeds also benefiting Stop Soldier Suicide, reinforcing his commitment to honoring military service through action. 12
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