SWIM CLUB By Sandy White LA Swim Club members Cathy Liska, Sandy Papineau, and Sharon Swanson swam in the 31st Florida Senior Games Championships on December 3 and 4, as part of a group of 114 senior swimmers from all over Florida and several other states. These three swimmers competed in 13 events and won two silver, three bronzes, two 4ths, four 5ths, and two 7ths. They, the coach, and their groupies were excited by the excellent finishes, especially since some were their personal best times! The Florida Senior Games are held every year during the first week of December. For the next two years, it will be held in Temple Terrace, FL, which is about an hour west of Lake Ashton. To participate in the state championships one must place in the top 5 of an event at one of the regional meets during the year. There are 20 regional meets in different communities around the state, mostly in the spring and fall. In addition to the state champs meet, LASC has been going as a team to several regional meets each year. The state championships also serve as a qualifier for the 2023 National Senior Games, which will be held next July in Pittsburgh, Pa. In order to participate in the National Games, which is held every other year and rotates around the country, one must meet a qualifying time at the state meet. The goal of all levels of the Senior Games is to provide fun, fellowship, fitness, and fun competition for Florida’s seniors. The focus of the Senior Games is not winning but participating and meeting other senior swimmers. The swimmers, ages 50+, are a mix of abilities and are divided by gender and 10 age groups. The LA Swim Club is open to all swimmers, and multilevel workouts offer an opportunity for fitness, camaraderie, and stroke improvement for all levels of swimming experience. Come join on Mondays from 6 to 7 pm, Wednesdays from 1:45 to 2:45 pm, and/or Saturdays from 10 to 11 am at the Indoor Pool at the HFC. LASC always welcomes new members. For more information contact sandyw1994@aol.com. LASC wishes all a happy & healthy holiday and New Year! SINGLES CLUB By Maureen Ziegler LA Singles is a social group that plans activities for single residents. The group meets monthly on the first Sunday of the month at 2:00 pm in the Clubhouse Ballroom. In December, the group discussed the Christmas Party to be hosted by Deb Kreider on Dec 15 and lunch at Jacaranda on January 5. The Single Mingle held on the third Thursday of the month will be held in the Pavilion. Gifts were collected for the Christmas gifts for 12 Senior Orphans. If you would like to take part in activities with other singles, attend the meeting on January 8. LAKE ASHTON BLACK HERITAGE CLUB By Norman Wilderson Members enjoyed a pre-Christmas dinner at the veteran-owned and operated Wales Pointe restaurant in downtown Lake Wales. The Lake Ashton Black Heritage Club meets the second Monday of each month at 4 pm in the Clubhouse Card Room. All Lake Ashton residents are invited to attend the meetings and are invited to become a member. See page 12 for more information on charitable endeavors throughout the year. The Club hopes Lake Ashton residents had a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year. Contact Acting President Norman Wilderson at Normanwilderson1@gmail.com if you would like more information. 32
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