L.A. TIMES Lake Ashton Community Newsletter June 2021 Simply the Best! SAFE SUMMER TRAVELS ARE ON THE HORIZON! 4141 Ashton Club Drive Lake Wales, FL 33859 Lake Ashton is a 55 and Older Deed Restricted Community 863.324.6032 863.324.5457 www.lakeashtoncdd.com
We Handle ALL of your Real Estate Needs: Buying, Selling, & Rentals MAKE NO MISTAKE, WE ARE THE BEST AT WHAT WE DO! • Lake Ashton Realty was involved in over 60 home closings in 2020, representing 66% of all closings. • Our next closest competitor was involved in 21 home closings – we tripled our closest competitor in transactions! • For ONLY 3% listing commission and 3% selling commission, work with the EXCLUSIVE on-site professionally staffed office to serve your needs 7 days a week. • The team is lead by Terri Mattocks, Broker, one of the initial residents who has called Lake Ashton home for over 18 years. Back Row (L to R): Sarah Lord, Anita Piasecki, Cindy Thornton Front Row: Lori Raath, Terri Mattocks
NEWSLETTER STAFF JUNE 2021 Christine Wells Editor cwells@lakeashtoncdd.com 863.324.5457 Valerie McCutcheon Advertising Sales, Layout & Design valerie@lakeashtoncdd.com 863.324.6032 SUBMISSION GUIDELINES July Issue Deadline: June 14 • Articles can be submitted on behalf of Lake Ashton clubs/ groups/organizations to promote lifestyle enhancing, opportunities, and must be approved by the group leader prior to publication • Email articles to: valerie@lakeashtoncdd.com • 150 word limit. Articles will be edited for length and clarity • Include your club contact and phone number • The writing style is third person — avoid using I, me, my, we, our, or personal pronouns Photo Specifications: • All photos must be high-res digital images in “jpeg” format and submitted via email or CD/flash drive • Space will generally allow only one photo per article • The designer and printer will make the final determination as to the print quality of photographs for publication THE LAKE ASHTON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT DOES NOT ENDORSE OR SUPPORT ANY PARTICULAR POLITICAL CANDIDATE, PARTY, MEASURE OR ISSUE, OR ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ COVER PHOTO BY CAROLYN BISHOP TAKEN AT THE LA TRAVELERS RALLY (SEE PAGE 36) Lake Ashton employees are at your service. We want your experiences in the Clubhouse, Golf Course and HFC to be as pleasant and memorable as possible! Do not hesitate to contact any of the below with comments, questions or concerns. Lake Ashton Clubhouse 4141 Ashton Club Drive Lake Wales, FL 33859 Phone: 863.324.5457 Fax: 863.324.5829 Lake Ashton Health & Fitness Center (HFC) LACDD Community Director: Christine Wells cwells@lakeashtoncdd.com Clubhouse Activities Desk: Caroline Lane 863.324.6032 clane@lakeashtoncdd.com Clubhouse Office Manager: Sheila Moreland 863.324.5457 smoreland@lakeashtoncdd.com Clubhouse Operations Manager: Matt Fisher 863.956.6207 mfisher@lakeashtoncdd.com HOA Office (LW) Ashton Tap & Grill Annie Toth, GM Golf Club - Ron Lavoie, General Manager Matt Auen, Assistant Pro Eagle’s Nest Vicki Moore, Manager RV & Storage Center 863.325.0065 manager@lakeashtonhoa.org 863.324.5810 ma2077@metzcorp.com 863.326.1032 863.326.1032 6052 Pebble Beach Boulevard Winter Haven, FL 33884 Phone: 863.595.1562 Fax: 863.595.1567 LAIICDD Community Director: Mary Bosman mbosman@lakeashton2cdd.com HFC Activities Office Manager: Krystle Funk 863.595.1562 kfunk@lakeashton2cdd.com Gate Houses & Security Officers: Thompson Nursery Rd. (LW): 863.324.7290 County Road 653 (WH): 863.318.0237 rlavoie@lakeashtongc.com mauen@lakeashtongc.com 863.326.1085 vmoore@lakeashtongc.com 863.326.1304 dholmes@lakeashtonstorage.com Police Non-Emergency Numbers: Lake Wales: 863.678.4223 Winter Haven: 863.291.5858 Polk County Sheriff: 863.298.6200 In case of emergency, dial 911 3
MONDAY C OFFEE Bring a dollar, as coffee and donuts will return on June 7 and 14! Monday Coffee begins at 9 am. JUNE 7 Birthdays and Anniversaries Featured Presentation: Hurricane Preparedness with CERT and Polk County Emergency Services Featured Vendor - Christine Graves Insurance JUNE 14 Group Spotlight - CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Featured Vendors: Tessier Law Firm and Matthew Simpson with Edward Jones Bite Me Monday - donations of pet items for the Polk County Humane Society can be dropped off at the Clubhouse JUNE 21 - NO MONDAY COFFEE Peanut Butter Monday - donations of non-perishable food items for a local food pantry can be dropped off at the Clubhouse The Bloodmobile will be at the Clubhouse at 8:30 am. Each time you donate blood, you receive a free gift and you walk away knowing you have given a potentially life-saving gift to someone else! JUNE 28 Blast from the Past with David Harrison Featured Speaker - First Tee of Lakeland Featured Vendor: Matthew Grubb with Morgan Stanley ASHTON TAP & GRILL IS DOING A PANCAKE BREAKFAST FOR MONDAY COFFEE ATTENDEES ON JUNE 28 AT 9 AM IN THE BALLROOM FOR $6. PURCHASE TICKETS AT THE CLUBHOUSE ACTIVITIES DESK. CASH OR CHECK ONLY. MENU: 2 PANCAKES, SCRAMBLED EGGS, SAUSAGE OR BACON, & COFFEE The monthly Artisan Market will be on June 16 from 10 am to 2 pm in the Clubhouse West parking lot. Please call the Clubhouse Activities Desk for more information. 4 NEW RESIDENT SOCIAL July 9 at 2 pm HFC SIGN UP FOR BLAS T EMAILS Visit lakeashtoncdd.com or lakeashton2cdd.com to choose your distribution lists. INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS 6 LA LOOKS 16 SAFETY 18 MOVIES 20 EVENTS 22 GOLF 28 CLUBS 32 MIND & BODY 38 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETINGS LAKE ASHTON II (WH) CDD Friday, June 18 at 9 am HFC LAKE ASHTON (LW) CDD Monday, June 21 9:30 am Clubhouse Ballroom
LACDD NEWS BY CHRIS TINE WELLS, LACDD COMM U N I TY D I R E C T O R June 20 marks the first day of summer and temperatures will soon be increasing along with the amount of rain. Don't let the sun and rain intimidate you — there are plenty of fun things to do inside. Try playing corn hole in the Ballroom, enjoy an indoor cookout on Fourth of July (see page 24 for more info), watch a movie in the Cinema, go bowling, or running in the Fitness Center while overlooking beautiful Lake Ashton. Outdoor activities are even more shady now. Umbrellas were recently added to the Bocce Ball Courts and there are even more umbrellas at the pool now. Remember to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated when enjoying outdoor activities. The Board of Supervisors met on May 17 to review the budget and attend to other board matters. There will be a budget hearing August 16 in the Clubhouse Ballroom. Lake Wales residents will be receiving a mailed notice to inform them of the proposed increase for fiscal year 2022. The assessment will be voted on at the budget hearing and will not surpass a total of $1,969 (a $94 increase). The proposed budget is posted on lakeashtoncdd.com under Budgets, then fiscal year 2022. The board also voted to remove all COVID-19 restrictions at the Clubhouse. Hand sanitizer and sanitizing spray are still available in each room and throughout the Clubhouse. Residents are asked to continue spraying down all surfaces after use. Staff will continue to facilitate deep cleaning and sanitizing after all outside events. A wrap up report of other board actions was sent out on May 24. Any residents that need a copy can email cwells@lakeashtoncdd.com. Staff and Supervisors would like to thank all residents for their resilience throughout the past 15 months. We truly were all in this together and are happy to see smiling faces in the Clubhouse again. LACDD BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CONTA C T INFO Robert (Bob) Plummer, Chairman - Security, Operations and Staff 260.820.0389, rplummer@lakeashtoncdd.com Michael Costello, Vice Chairman Clubhouse Facilities including Outdoor Amenities (Dog Park, Pool, Sports Courts) 863.875.9228 or 732.718.7431, mcostello@lakeashtoncdd.com Lloyd Howison, Assistant Secretary - Golf Cart Paths, Bridges and all Ponds 704.302.6555, lhowison@lakeashtoncdd.com Harry Krumrie, Assistant Secretary - Restaurant 407.766.9237, hkrumrie@lakeashtoncdd.com Steve Realmuto, Assistant Secretary - Budget, Finance, Reserve Study 6 863.949.0304, steve.lacdd@gmail.com Office Hours: By Appointment
LAIICDD NEWS BY MAR Y BOSMAN, LAIICDD COMMUNIT Y DIREC T OR Much has changed since last month! COVID restrictions are all but gone except for the options individuals might want to continue their own. All HFC rooms are back to normal capacity limits, there are no face masks required, nor are there sign in sheets or any type of checks at the Activities Desk. Full hours have returned, and we are open every day of the week again. The HFC opening hours have changed to 5:30 AM to facilitate the early swimmers with Board approval as well. We will be having monthly dances here regularly again along with other parties, as the residents enjoy the freedom to bring in their own beverages and snacks. Be looking for a couple of additions to our pool area soon also … James will be busy building them! Staff is focusing on introducing different gaming activities in the next month for rainy days or just a change of pace, such as Wii Games, Trivia, and a couple of outdoor games. Our Group Grief Support and other groups are starting back up as well. Staff at the HFC would like to thank the Board, for helping in many aspects of the COVID months and… we made it! Residents have been understanding throughout this time as well, and we’re looking forward to planning and carrying out many new events and activities to meet the needs of our growing community. There are only about 22 new homes left to sell at Lake Ashton! LAIICDD BOARD OF SUPERVISORS CONTAC T INFO Jim Mecsics, Chairman - Public Safety, Security, Amenities and District Support Office Hours: Tuesdays 9:30 am to 12 pm, 863.875.4554, mecsicsj@msn.com Bob Zelazny, Vice Chairman - Golf Course, Pro Shop, Eagle’s Nest, Facilities and Field Operation Office Hours: Mondays from 1 to 3 pm, 863.325.8098, bzelazny@lakeashton2cdd.com Duff Hill, Assistant Secretary - Public Works & Budget, Pet Play Parks Office Hours: Mondays at 10:30 to noon, 863.875.4216, duffhill5429@gmail.com Angela Littlewood, Assistant Secretary Office Hours: Thursdays at 9 to 10:30 am, 352.250.9707, alittlewoodlakeashton2cdd@gmail.com Colette McKie, Assistant Secretary - Grounds and Landscaping, Planning, and Transportation System Office Hours: Thursdays from 1 pm to 3 pm, 443.994.2939, cmckie@lakeashton2cdd.com 8
NEWS HOURS OF OPERATION CLUBHOUSE: 6 am – 10 pm, 7 days a week CLUBHOUSE OFFICES & ACTIVITIES DESK: 9 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday Photo ID Hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11 am to 4 pm or other times by appointment ASHTON TAP & GRILL: 11 am to 8 pm Daily HFC OFFICES & ACTIVITIES DESK: 8 am – 4 pm Monday through Friday HEALTH & FITNESS CENTER: 5:30 am – 10 pm 7 days a week RESIDENT FEEDBACK Your experiences in the Community are meant to be as pleasant and memorable as possible. Please take a minute to let staff know how they are doing. A Resident Feedback form as well as movie suggestion forms are available at the Clubhouse Activities Desk. JUNE’S EVENTS Join us for an All Day Happy Hour on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 20th, featuring a special BBQ-Themed Menu Weekly Entertainment Includes: June 6th - Carlos and Company June 13th - Mickenzie June 20th - Rick Arnold June 27th - Randy Sullins Join us every Sunday for brunch from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. DAILY DELIVERY SERVICES FROM 4:00 - 8:00 P.M. DELIVERY SPONSORED IN PART BY ART’S GOLF CARS www.ashtonapandgrill.com 10 LO S T A N D F O U N D If you have lost anything at the Clubhouse or surrounding area, please stop by the Club Office Monday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm to see if it has been turned in. Items in the Lost and Found will periodically be displayed at Monday Coffee, and may be donated to the Lake Wales Care Center if they have not been claimed after a certain period of time. Call Sheila at 863.324.5457 or stop by the Club Office during the hours listed above if you have any questions.
LAKE ASHTON TRIVIA This month features two questions! When was Lake Ashton CDD established? When was Lake Ashton II CDD established? The answers can be found on page 38. SEASONAL RESIDENTS AND SUMMER TRAVELERS If you will be away for the summer, please stop by the Clubhouse Activities Desk to put your LA Times delivery on hold, or pay for a subscription ($3/month domestic; $4/month international). The newsletter and calendars are also sent out via email blast. A Summer Checklist is also available at the information wall in the Ballroom and on lakeashtoncdd.com. USPS FORMS No need to chase down the mail carrier anymore; USPS forms for address changes, stop/start mail service, and stamp ordering are now available at the Clubhouse. They can be found by the information wall in the Ballroom. POOL & SPA REMINDERS please be tolerant of extra activity at the pool and other amenities during the summer months. Those hosting family should remind them to be considerate of residents in this 55 and older community. Before entering the area, children should be reminded to walk on the pool deck as running is always prohibited. It is helpful (but not required) if residents accompany guests. JOINT AMENIT Y F A CILITIES POLIC Y HIGHLIGHT Each month an excerpt from the Joint Amenity Facilities Policy will be featured in the LA Times. This month outlines the policy regarding guests at Lake Ashton's amenity facilities. Guests can be registered at either Activities Desk during normal operating hours. The full Joint Amenity Facilities Policy can be found online at lakeashtoncdd.com or lakeashton2cdd.com under "Additional District Documents". Questions regarding these policies can be directed to Christine Wells, LA (LW) CDD Community Director (cwells@lakeashtoncdd.com) or Mary Bosman, LAII (WH) CDD Community Director (mbosman@lakeashton2cdd.com). "All Guests, regardless of age, must register with the office of the Amenity Manager prior to using the Amenity Facilities. The Patron inviting the Guest must be present upon registration, unless other arrangements have been made with the Amenity Manager’s office. Please do not eat or drink while in the pools or spa, including sitting on the side of pool or spa. Florida health codes do not allow for any beverages (even bottled water) to be in the wet pool deck which is the four (4) foot perimeter around the entire pool and spa. Please enjoy food and beverages at the tables and/or chairs. Please shower before entering Lake Ashton pools or spas. Only those aged 13 years and older should enjoy the spas. Please put down pool umbrellas when leaving the pool area to avoid potential damage caused by wind. Residents, 11 All Guests under eighteen (18) years of age must be accompanied at all times while using the Amenity Facilities by a parent or adult Patron over eighteen (18) years of age. Guests over the age of eighteen (18) must register and may use the Amenity Facilities unaccompanied by Patron, and must also sign a waiver of liability. Patrons who have registered a Guest are responsible for any and all actions taken by said Guest. Violation by a Guest of any of these Policies as set forth by the Districts could result in loss of that Patron’s privileges and membership as set forth in Section VI – Suspension and Termination of Privileges."
HOMELESS GRADUATING SENIORS OF POLK COUNT Y By Doris Reisinger Generous, kind, and caring are all adjectives that describe Lake Ashton residents. One large donation was given from the Shufflin' Squares in honor of a deceased member, Carol Lee Schwartz. Thank you Lake Ashton Republican Club for allowing me to speak which resulted in several donations. This year’s total was $9,420, which included 115 gift cards! Four large boxes of toiletries were also collected. In addition this year due to all your generosity a small scholarship will be awarded to one student from each high school. Well done, neighbors! BOOKMOBILE RETURNS! The Bookmobile is finally returning to Lake Ashton on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 9 am to 4:30 pm! Residents will be able to return library books and check out new ones from the Bookmobile. The drop off bin in the Ballroom is no longer available. TROPHY WALL By Vicki Creek The current trophy cabinet located outside of the bowling alley at the Clubhouse will be replaced with a brand new and updated Lake Ashton Trophy Wall. Does your organization have a trophy, plaque, medal, or photo they would like to have on display? If so please email Vicki Creek at vlcreek@gmail.com for more information on how to have your items displayed. 12
TA X E X E M P T I O N F O R INDEPENDENT LIVING AIDES AND A NEW FREEDOM WEEK TA X H O L I DAY Florida Legislation created a permanent sales tax exemption for items that assist in independent living. When purchased for noncommercial, home or personal use, the exemption applies to bed transfer handles selling for $60 or less, bed rails selling for $110 or less, grab bars selling for $100 or less, and shower seats selling for $100 or less. Florida also established the 2021 Freedom Week sales tax holiday. During the week of July 1 – July 7, 2021, purchases of admissions to music events, sporting events, cultural events, specified performances, movies, museums, state park annual passes, and fitness facilities for events held from July 1 – December 31, 2021, will be tax free. Additionally, purchases of season tickets are also exempted. The Freedom Week Sales Tax Holiday also applies to sales of boating and water activity supplies, camping supplies, fishing supplies, general outdoor supplies, and sports equipment. Boating & Water Supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $75 of the sales price of life jackets and coolers; the first $50 of the sales price of safety flares; the first $150 of the sales price of water skis, wakeboards, kneeboards, and recreational inflatable water tubes or floats capable of being towed; the first $300 of the sales price of paddleboards and surfboards; the first $500 of the sales price of canoes and kayaks; the first $75 of the sales price of paddles and oars; and the first $25 of the sales price of snorkels, goggles, and swimming masks. Camping Supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $200 of the sales price of tents; the first $50 of the sales price of sleeping bags, portable hammocks, camping stoves, and collapsible camping chairs; and the first $30 of the sales price of camping lanterns and flashlights. Fishing Supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $75 of the sales price of rods and reels, if sold individually, or the first $150 of the sales price if sold as a set; the first $30 of the sales price of tackle boxes or bags; and the first $5 of the sale price of bait or fishing tackle, if sold individually, or the first $10 of the sales price if multiple items are sold together. General Outdoor Supplies: The tax holiday applies to the first $15 of the sales price of sunscreen or insect repellant; the first $100 of the sales price of sunglasses; the first $200 of the sales price of binoculars; the first $30 of the sales price of water bottles; the first $50 of the sales price of hydration packs; the first $250 of the sales price of outdoor gas or charcoal grills; the first $50 of the sales price of bicycle helmets; and the first $250 of the sales price of bicycles. Sports Equipment: The tax holiday applies any item used in individual or team sports, not including clothing or footwear, selling for $40 or less. 14
LA LO O K S NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING A Special Meeting of the Lake Ashton Homeowners Association, Inc. will be held on Sunday, June 27, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. in the Clubhouse Ballroom of the Lake Ashton Golf Club located at 4141 Ashton Club Drive, Lake Wales, Florida. All lot owners who qualify will vote on proposed Ballot Items for inclusion in an Amendment to the Master Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs). WELCOME Dr Steven Reddick has been serving Lake Wales and surrounding areas for 35+ years. Our office offers services that included implants, crowns/ bridges, veneers, dentures/partials, root canal therapy, extractions, periodontal treatment, fillings and whitening. “ Gentle and kind. We have been patients for many years and highly recommend Dr Reddick. Ted and Louise Price Residents of Lake Aston OFFICE HOURS Monday - Wednesday: 7-5 Thursday: 7-4 OFFICE: (863)676-6507 FAX: (863)678-0424 Dr. Steven Reddick 440 South Buckmoore Rd Lake Wales, Fl 33853 reddickdentistry@aol.com www.reddickdentistry.com Cash, Check, and all major credit cards accepted. LAKE ASHTON (LAKE WA L E S ) H OA CO R N E R By Nancy Baker At the meeting on May 5, the Lake Ashton (LW) Homeowners Association (HOA) Board voted to send the proposed Revisions to the Covenants, conditions and restrictions, as well as eight ballot items to all Lake Wales residents. They are also posted on ashtonliving.net under HOA Lake Wales Resource Center. A copy of the revised CC&Rs, as well as the notice of the special meeting on June 27 and the actual ballot items 1 through 8 will be mailed to every Lake Wales resident, to cast their vote. Ballots will include the ballot sleeve and a return envelope. Please be sure to read the requirement for a mail in ballot. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this, please call 863.325.0065. Leave a message and a director will return your call, or feel free to contact any director to address your questions or concerns. SPECIAL NEW PATIENT For Patients Without Insurance $ ” 82 Includes: Panoramic X-Ray (D0330) Bitewing X-Rays (D0274) Examination by Dr. Reddick (D0150) Regular Cleaning by Hygienist (D1110) Cleaning not guaranteed the same day. Additional charges may apply if gum disease and/or tarter build up are present. Patients with Dental Insurance: Our office will file services to your primary insurance provider and will accept the insurance payment only. You will not be billed for the difference for the services mentioned above, for this special promotion only. Dental Insurance accepted: Our office accepts and works with most major dental insurance companies. We will file your primary insurance claim, and answer any questions you have about your plan. We offer Implant consultatons at no charge. The patient and any other person responsible for payment has the right to refuse to pay, cancel payment or be reimbursed for payment. Fees may vary due to complexity of case. This special does not apply to those patients with current dental plans. Fees are minimal. Prices are subject to change.
SAFET Y STO R M S E A S O N B E G I N S Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs until November 30. To assist residents in getting prepared for hurricane season, staff has compiled some guidelines and other important information that will be helpful as you prepare for the 2021 Hurricane Season. It can be found on lakeashtoncdd.com and will be sent out via electronic messaging. Florida legislation created a 10-day “disaster preparedness” sales tax holiday from May 28 to June 6, 2021, for disaster preparedness supplies. Some examples of tax-free items include: flashlights and lanterns costing $40 or less; radios costing $50 or less; tarps costing $100 or less, coolers costing $60 or less, batteries costing $50 or less; and, generators costing $1,000 or less. CERT and Polk County Emergency Services will give a Hu r r i c ane P repa redne s s presentation at Monday Coffee on June 7… don’t miss it! DON’T FORGET : • Hurricane and storm shutters must be approved by the Lake Ashton ARC. Please complete an ARC form online at ashtonliving.net or call 863.325.0065 with questions. • Visit the official site for Florida emergency preparation at floridadisaster.org. • Go to alertpolk.com to register your contact information for the Alert Polk telephone and email notification system. Polk County officials use this system to inform county residents of situations that may affect their health, safety, and welfare, including severe weather alerts. 18
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH By Fay Wood, NW Chief Let's all work together to continue eliminating neighborhood crime. Please watch out for any of these activities in your neighborhood: • Someone running from a car or home. • Someone screaming. If you can't explain the screams, call law enforcement and report them. • Someon e go i ng doo r - t o - doo r i n t h e neighborhood or looking into windows and parked cars. • Someone asking about past residents. • Someone who appears to have no purpose wandering through the neighborhood. • Unusual or suspicious noises that you cannot explain, such as breaking glass or pounding. • Vehicles moving slowly without lights or without an apparent destination. • Business transactions conducted from a vehicle. This could involve the sale of drugs or stolen goods. • Offers of merchandise available for ridiculously low prices. The merchandise might be stolen. • Someone walking or running while carrying property at an unusual time or place. • Someone removing property from unoccupied residences. • A stranger entering a neighbor's home which appears to be unoccupied. All vehicles, including golf carts, must obey all stop signs and the 20 mph speed limit throughout Lake Ashton. Drivers, watch for pedestrians at all times. Obeying posted speed limit and traffic signs can help avert a potential 19
MOVIES 11 AM, 3 PM, 7 PM TUESDAY SHOWINGS ARE CLOSED CAPTIONED. CAPACITY: 55 JUNE 1 — 3 OUR FRIEND 2021 | R | 2h 4min Language. Witness the inspiring and extraordinary true story of the Teague family—journalist Matt (Casey Affleck), wife Nicole (Dakota Johnson), and their two young daughters—and how their lives are upended by Nicole's heartbreaking diagnosis of terminal cancer. As Matt's responsibilities as a caretaker and parent become increasingly overwhelming, the couple's best friend Dane Faucheux (Jason Segal) offers to come and help out. As Dane puts his life on hold to stay with his friends, the impact of this life-altering decision proves greater and more profound than anyone could have imagined. JUNE 8 — 10 THE MARKSMAN 2021 | PG-13 | 1h 48min Violence, some bloody images, brief strong language. Ex-Marine and hardened Arizona rancher Jim Hanson (Liam Neeson) simply wants to be left alone as he tries to make a living on an isolated stretch of borderland. But everything changes when he witnesses 11-year-old migrant Miguel and his mother fleeing from a band of assassins sent by a ruthless drug cartel. After being caught in a shootout, Miguel's mother begs Jim to take her son to the safety of their family in Chicago. Defying law enforcement, Jim and Miguel hit the road and slowly begin to forge an unlikely friendship while the cartel's relentless assassins blaze a bloody trail, hot on their heels. 20 20 JUNE 15 — 17 THE FATHER 2021 | PG-13 | 1h 37min Thematic material, some strong language. Anthony (Academy Award Winner, Anthony Hopkins) is 80, mischievous, living defiantly alone and rejecting the carers that his daughter, Anne (Olivia Colman), encouragingly introduces. Yet help is also becoming a necessity for Anne; she can't make daily visits anymore and Anthony's grip on reality is unraveling. As we experience the ebb and flow of his memory, how much of his own identity and past can Anthony cling to? How does Anne cope as she grieves the loss of her father, while he still lives and breathes before her? THE FATHER warmly embraces real life, through loving reflection upon the vibrant human condition; heart-breaking and uncompromisingly poignant -- a movie that nestles in the truth of our own lives. JUNE 22 — 24 FATHERHOOD 2021 | PG-13 | 1h 49min Some strong language, suggestive material. In this fact-based dramedy, a new father (Kevin Hart) becomes a widower when his wife unexpectedly dies a day after giving birth to their baby daughter. Although he's shattered by grief, he must quickly learn how to be a parent on his own. JUNE 29 — JULY 1 LAND 2021 | PG-13 | 1h 29min Thematic content, partial nudity, brief strong language. Edee (Robin Wright), in the aftermath of an unfathomable event, finds herself unable to stay connected to the world she once knew, and in the face of that uncertainty, retreats to the magnificent, but unforgiving, wilds of the Rockies. After a local hunter brings her back from the brink of death, she must find a way to live again.
CLASSIC & SPECIAL INTEREST MOVIES ARE SHOWN IN THE CLUBHOUSE CINEMA ON FRIDAYS AT 11 AM (CLOSED CAPTIONED) & 3 PM (PLEASE NOTE NEW SHOWTIMES) MAY 7 JUNE 4 FIELD OF DREAMS 1989 | PG | 1h 47min When Iowa farmer Ray (Kevin Costner) hears a mysterious voice one night in his cornfield saying "If you build it, he will come," he feels the need to act. Despite taunts of lunacy, Ray builds a baseball diamond on his land, supported by his wife, Annie (Amy Madigan). Afterward, the ghosts of great players start emerging from the crops to play ball, led by "Shoeless" Joe Jackson. But, as Ray learns, this field of dreams is about much more than bringing former baseball greats out to play. JUNE 11 - NO MOVIE` JUNE 18 TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD 1962 | NR | 2h 9min Scout Finch (Mary Badham), 6,and her older brother, Jem (Phillip Alford), live in sleepy Maycomb, Ala., spending much of their time with their friend Dill (John Megna) and spying on their reclusive and mysterious neighbor, Boo Radley (Robert Duvall). When Atticus (Gregory Peck), their widowed father and a respected lawyer, defends a black man named Tom Robinson (Brock Peters) against fabricated rape charges, the trial and tangent events expose the children to evils of racism and stereotyping. JUNE 25 FATHER OF THE BRIDE 1991 | PG | 1h 45min George Banks (Steve Martin) and his wife, Nina (Diane Keaton), are the proud parents of Annie (Kimberly 21 Williams), but when she returns from studying abroad and announces that she's engaged, their whole world turns upside down, especially that of overprotective George. From meeting the in-laws to wedding plans with an over-the-top consultant (Martin Short) and his flamboyant assistant (B.D. Wong), it seems as if the troubles never end in this update of the classic Spencer Tracy comedy. SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION OPEN Now If you would like to be listed here, contact valerie@lakeashtoncdd.com. ALL STAR GRILL 2019 SR 60 E., Lake Wales, FL 33898 (833) 679-9689, allstargrillfl.com Hours: Sunday - Thursday 11 am - 10 pm Friday & Saturday 11 am - 12 pm Happy Hour 2 - 7 pm Two time champions for best wings! Dine in or take out. Full bar with TVs, NFL Ticket, pool tables, darts, games. CHERRY POCKET STEAK N SEAFOOD SHAK 3100 Canal Rd., Lake Wales FL 33898 (863) 439-2031, www.cherrypocket.com Hours: Sun-Thurs 11 am-9 pm, Fri & Sat 11 am-10 pm We offer Indoor & Outdoor Seating, Pick-Up, & Delivery THE CROOKED BASS GRILL & TAVERN 1010 N. Scenic Hwy., Babson Park, FL 33827 (863) 589-5887, crookedbass.com Hours: Monday - Thursday 11:30 am-8 pm; Friday & Saturday 11:30 am-9 pm We serve delicious Seafood, Steaks, Burgers, Salads, Chicken, Pork Chops, Pasta, Wings, AYCE Specials & a Full Liquor Bar. Ask about karaoke & live music.
EVENTS Row 1, left to right: Seaplane Splash-in (photos by Steve Realmuto). Tacky Tuesday winners Janice Smith and Yvonne Saunders, who won gift certificates to Ashton Tap & Grill, and residents and Activities Assistant Caroline Lane kick off Spirit Week at Monday Coffee with their team colors. Row 2, left to right: Residents search for eggs and Ashton Tap & Grill gift certificates at the Spring Fling Egg Hunt Row 3, left to right: Mad Tea Party 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Table Decorating Winners Row 4: More Decorated Tables at the Mad Tea Party Row 5: Sprit Week Luau Pictures 22
WI N E AN D CH E E S E NI G H T Enjoy a night of lavishness and j a z z a t t h e Cl ubhouse on June 4 at 6 pm wi th del icious wine and cheese pairings along with charcuterie b o a r d s a l l p r e p a r e d b y Ashton Tap & Grill. A live jazz quartet will be performing while you indulge in the rich food and wine pairings. Tickets are on sale for $18 at the Clubhouse Activities Desk. HAPPY DAYS PA R T Y Doc Brown and his DeLorean might not be there, but you are sti invited to go back to the 1950s for the upcom “Happy Days” Party on June 18 at the HFC Community Center! Gentlemen, break out your leather jackets and Brylcreem – and ladies, grab your poodle skirts and put your hair in a ponytail to enjoy some goodhearted fun. Feel free to get creative and detailed with your outfits, because a three-person panel will be judging in three separate categories: originality, creativity, and audience favorite (awarded by crowd applause) with prizes for each category going to the winners! Table reservations are $10 apiece, and it is a $5 entrance fee per person (cash/check only, debit/credit card options coming soon). It is BYOB and snacks, so bring in what you like best! Lake Ashton favorite Wayne will once again be providing the music. Stop by the HFC Activities Desk to reserve your slot (tables are already going fast) and get in on the fun! IT ’ S T H E BE A T L E S ! FE A T U R I N G LI V E R P O O L LI V E Lake Ashton welcomes back Liverpool Live for It’s the Beatles! on Friday, June 25 at 6 pm. There just isn’t a better way to celebrate National Beatles Day than enjoying classic Beatles songs with a free glass of house wine, a domestic bottle of beer or a non-alcoholic beverage that comes with your ticket! Hippy Hippy Shake your way to the Clubhouse to buy your tickets for $20. CHEF’SSpecial The chefs at Ashton Tap & Grill are offering another cooking class on July 14 at 5 pm. Learn how to make coconut shrimp with ginger apricot sauce and saffron rice, and eat it too, all for $15! The class is reserved for the first 20 residents, so hurry down to the Clubhouse Activities Desk to sign up! COOKING CLASS
4TH OF JULY weekend Celebration Friday, July 2: Show your patriotism with a wearable craft made by you! Join Valerie Fetcho of The Art of Beading in the Ballroom at 1 pm to learn how to make a beaded American Flag pin to wear. You will be able to make a red, white, and blue bracelet as well. Please sign up for this free event at the Clubhouse Activities Desk or on the online form. Saturday, July 3: Enjoy fresh sliced watermelon and refreshments while poolside along with fun summer games at the Clubhouse outdoor pool at 1 pm. Dancing to the summer tunes will be strongly encouraged as well! Please sign up for this free event at the Clubhouse Activities Desk or on the online form. Sunday, July 4: It’s hot, so we are bringing the cookout in! Celebrate America with classic cookout foods prepared by Ashton Tap & Grill and rock out with Southbound Band. You get a burger, a hot dog, baked beans, corn on the cob, pasta salad, an ice cream bar, and amazing live music all for $20! The fun will be from 1 pm to 4 pm in the Clubhouse Ballroom, tickets go on sale on Monday, June 7 after Monday Coffee. 4 TH OF JULY LA ROCKERS FUND RAISER By Connie Strassburg Please come and support your LA Rockers on the 4th of July. They will be setting up a booth in the Clubhouse West Parking Lot and will be displaying the work of members. The booth will be manned from right after the golf cart parade until the early afternoon. There will be door prizes, rocks you can take home for a small donation, and special rocks that will be given away in a silent auction. Come one, come all! Bring your friends, your family, and especially your grandchildren. LA Rockers are your extremely talented and generous neighbors who paint and hide rocks to put a smile on your face every day. Please support their efforts. There will be painted items to give away as gifts, and also lots of Lake Ashton Souvenirs to give to family and friends who come to visit you throughout the year. Something for everyone! Come early for best selections. RELAY FOR LIFE By David Harrison The American Cancer Society will hold a Relay For Life event July 16 at Venue 650 in Winter Haven. This was cancelled in 2020 because of the pandemic, and nationally, no money was raised. The LA Purple Stars will start selling luminaries — small bags that can be decorated to remember a lost family member or friend, or support someone who is currently battling cancer, or celebrate someone who won the fight and is cancer free, or remember someone who lost the fight. The suggested minimum is $5, which includes a tea lite. The Purple Stars are asking all Lake Ashton residents to buy several bags, in order to place your bags on your driveway at 8 pm on July 7 to celebrate "Light up Lake Ashton.” The theme of this year's Relay is "Passport for a Cure" and each team chose a country to decorate their campsite. The Purple Stars chose America and will be selling raffle tickets, $1 each or 6 for $5 for a beautiful basket, filled with hundreds of dollars of gift cards & merchandise, and two beautiful wreaths, and luminaries on June 7 at Monday Coffee. After that, both the Clubhouse and the HFC will sell these items. Pay by cash or check made out to LA Purple Stars. Any questions call David Harrison at 863.326.6418
60’s Trivia Break out the tie-dye and bell-bottoms, we are having a ‘60s Trivia night! The best-dressed team and the team with the most points will win a prize and will be featured in the August LA Times. Bring your 60s knowledge with you, questions will range from culture to politics and everything in between. Oh! And be prepared to name that tune! Our farout trivia night will be held on Tuesday, July 27 at 6 pm in the Clubhouse Ballroom. Teams can range from 2 to 6 people, be sure to come up with a groovy name! Please sign up at the Clubhouse Activities Desk or the online sign-up form. Moon Landing Party The moon landing was possibly one of the most exciting events to happen and mos t can remember where they were when history was made. So we’re gonna party like it’s 1969! Bus Trips are back with safety precautions in place such as special air purifiers installed on all motor coaches to thoroughly clean and disinfect them before and after trips. A Waiver of Liability must be signed by each passenger in order to go on the trip. All trips include reserved round trip transportation in deluxe motor coaches from the Clubhouse. Sign up for any of the below trips at the Clubhouse Activities Desk with a check payable to Small World Tours. Celebrate the moon landing in great '60s fashion with a cocktail party, hors d’oeuvres, and dancing to live music from Paisley Craze: a fantastic fivepiece band that specializes in music from the ’60s (and dresses the part, too)! The party will take place on the 52nd anniversary of the lunar landing, July 20 at 6 pm. Take “…one giant leap…” down to the Clubhouse Activities Desk to get your tickets for $20 starting Monday, June 14 after Monday Coffee. CAMP LAKE ASHTON Camp Lake Ashton returns August 23 – 27! There will be camp-related activities scheduled each day of the week leading up to the Jamboree on Friday, complete with live music and camp awards. Don’t miss out on a great time! SEPTEMBER 29: OKTOBERFEST OCTOBER 30: FALL FESTIVAL NOVEMBER 20: LA CRUISE-IN Lake Ashton Bus Trips Remaining 2021 Trips: JULY 13 PLANET HOLLYWOOD & DISNEY SPRINGS $69/PERSON AUGUST 11 SEMINOLE HARD ROCK CASINO $55/PERSON SEPTEMBER 17 KINGFISHERS CRUISE & FISHERMAN'S VILLAGE $69/PERSON OCTOBER 27 THE PRICE IS RIGHT: LIVE! $78/PERSON DECEMBER 5 - 12 NASHVILLE & MEMPHIS COUNTRY CHRISTMAS TOUR $2199/ PERSON (ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT! TRIP MUST BE PAID IN FULL BY OCTOBER 5) 26
GOLF LALGA By Lydia Fichtman Looking ahead to the 2021-2022 season, this is just a quick reminder that your $30 dues are due on June 1. Please make your check payable to the LALGA and turn it in to the Pro Shop. In addition, the committee sign-ups are posted on the LALGA bulletin board. Please consider signing up to help make these tournaments and events successful. The Pink Ribbon Tournament has grown over the last few years and the committee is always in need of help. Also, We Care For Kids is an extremely important service provided to homeless children in the Lake Wales and Winter Haven communities. Help is always needed and appreciated. The committee sign-ups listed are the Pink Ribbon Golf Tournament, the Opening Day Luncheon, the Member Member Tournament, the Solheim Cup, the Closing Day Tournament and of course, We Care For Kids. Please sign up today! But, if you are away and would like to be a member of a committee please contact Kim Kutsch and she will add your name to your desired event. Thank you. Spotlight on Janis Vasquenza Janis Vasquenza is originally from the Washington, DC area, specifically Chevy Chase, Maryland. She graduated from the University of Maryland with her Bachelors Degree in Nursing and then with her Masters Degree in Trauma, Critical Care and Emergency Nursing. She worked in a critical care unit for twenty years and was also an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Frederick Community College. She retired with Emeritus Status. Janis met her husband of 53 years, Frank, during “senior week” at Rehoboth Beach, DE in 1965, and they married in 1967. Their first home was in Tampa as Frank had just returned from Vietnam and was finishing his last year at MacDill Air Force base. They then returned to Maryland to raise their two boys and enjoy many things with their eight grandchildren, always knowing that one day they would return to Florida. And they did! Janis and Frank moved to Lake Ashton because they had two nieces who lived in Winter Haven and these girls were wooing them to move to this amazing 55+ community after retirement! After many visits and with retirement upon them, they decided to move back to sunny Florida! Janis did not really start playing golf until she moved to Lake Ashton and since has enjoyed meeting so many great ladies. Besides golf, Janis plays bridge, Super Samba, and “ladies” poker. She is an avid reader and is in a book club and loves to hang out with her friends. As she says, Lake Ashton is “another day in paradise.” LALGA is Janis made Lake Ashton her home and joined the group. LA NINERS By Diane Struble As the Niners say goodbye for the summer to all the travelers, those who remain have a full fun summer planned. Starting time is 9 am (ladies, be sure to set your alarms!) and gather on the Southwest corner of the parking lot, where the golf carts are lined up. Please try to be there by 8:40 for announcements. Also, it is now allowed to have two people in your golf cart, if you are comfortable with that. Once again, lunch with friends proved to be a fun event, with good laughs, good friends, and lots of "catching up" with friends. The summer season brings a variety of fun games like "Throw Out 2" or "Las Vegas Scramble" just to name a few. One regular game will be held each month for handicaps. Contact vice president Karen Ferrande at 207.451.0143 or kferrande@gmail.com if you have any questions. 28
ARMED FORCES DAY GOLF TOURNAMENT By Jim Mecsics Photos by Dale Steenberg The Lake Ashton Veterans Association (LAVA) sponsored the inaugural Armed Forces Day Commander-in-Chief Golf Tournament on May 15, 2021. Thirty-six teams competed for individual prizes, with the winning service claiming the Commander-in-Chief Trophy. Thank everyone who participated in the event, sponsored a hole, or just donated to this worthy endeavor. Through your generosity, LAVA will be able to expand their support for such meaningful projects as Freedom Flights, K9s for veterans, aid to homeless veterans, Wreaths Across America, support for deployed soldiers, and scholarships.The event started with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Commander Jim Mecsics, and ended with the awarding of prizes for a putting contest, a driving accuracy contest, four closest-to-the-pin competitions, as well as the possibility of winning a new Chevrolet Equinox, along with enjoying some great golf. A hearty lunch and cash bar was provided for participants by the Eagles Nest. The winners of the Commander-in-Chief Trophy for 2021 is the United States Air Force with each member receiving an inaugural challenge coin. Thank you, Lake Ashton, for your generosity and patriotism!
LAMGA By Paul Fichtman May was another successful month of events highlighted by our Cinco de Mayo celebration game on May 5 that included a Mexican style lunch. Kudos to Vicki and her staff in the Eagle’s Nest for a great job on the lunch that included the very popular $3 Margarita Special. The Red Hoagland Hyundai Leader Board through the end of April is comprised of Les Jacobsen – $120.10; Jim Ford – $94.00; Duff Hill – $92.10; J Ramalho – $83.72; Tom Murphy - $81.60; Mike Kriegelski – $80.25; Rick Simonetta – $74.35; Donn Yasz – $73.85; Pat O’Neil – $71.50; and Jack Farmer – $69.97. The June schedule includes the popular LAMGA Open, which has been moved to June 9 and 10. Breakfast on Day 1 and lunch on Day 2 is included in the $10 entry fee. Other events in June include: June 9 – Individual Quota Points, field will be flighted; June 16 – Best Net of A&D Players + Best Net of B&C Players; June 23 – Pick Your Partner, 2 Man Best Ball; and June 30 – Best Net of 1 on Par 5s, 2 on Par 4s, 3 on Par 3s. Improving the pace of play makes LAMGA events much more enjoyable for all our members. Here are five easy things we can all do to improve the pace. 1. Do not spend more than three minutes looking for a lost ball; 2. Play ready-golf; 3. Do not mark the score on your scorecard until you reach the next tee; 4. Only take one practice swing before you hit your ball; 5. Line up your putt while the other players are putting so you are ready to play your ball as soon as it is your turn. This month the following Remodeling, Design & Construction companies are recognized and thanked for generously sponsoring holes at the annual MemberGuest tournament: AIS Shower Doors, Golden Marble & Granite, Mitchell Construction & Remodeling, Shutters & Shades, Southwood Garage Doors, and Window Concepts by Annalisa. Thank you to Turner Furniture, ABC Fine Wines & Spirits and St. Charles Veterinary Hospital for also sponsoring holes. Please support these generous sponsors with your business when you are in need of one of their products or services. A list of all sponsors is posted on both the LAMGA web site and lakeashtonliving.com. 30
(863) 551-3411 *Premium Yearly Maintenance Specials *Expert Service by Certified Technicians * Top quality installations * 10 Year & Warranty on new units parts labor * Special January & February pricing (typically our slower months) Winner Free Estimates & Free 2nd Opinions Goodman • Bryant • Franklin • Grandaire • Trane • Carrier • Lennox- etc We service all makes and models 31
CLUBS TUESDAY BRIDGE By George Rogers Last month winners were: April 13: Chris Verges, Nancy Golding, George Rogers April 20: Dick Dole, Graham Littlehales, Ralph Ritter April 27: Chris Verges, Graham Littlehales, Lois Dole May 4: George Rogers, Chris Verges/Ralph Ritter, Dick Dole May 11: Graham Littlehales, Chris Verges, Dick Dole New bridge players are welcome for weekly "party" bridge. Please contact George Rogers at 419.708.3320 or georgerogers4321@gmail.com if you wish to play. RACQUETBALL CLUB By George Rogers If you are interested in playing racketball on the HFC court, please contact George Rogers at 419.708.3320 or georgerogers4321@gmail.com, to set up an organizational meeting to set convenient days and times to play. LA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB By Claude Brown Field Day is an annual open house for the public to visit and learn about amateur radio operations and operators. Your Lake Ashton Amateur Radio Club will join 40,000 “hams” in the USA on Saturday, June 26, 2021. Members will set up and operate multiple radio stations within the Pavilion from Noon to 6pm. All residents are invited to visit and experience the capabilities of worldwide radio communications. Members will be available to answer questions and explain the services amateur radio offers the Modern satellites, moon bounce and more methods of communication. Amateur radio operators have provided communications support to government and relief agencies in times of natural disaster when normal communications are interrupted or inadequate for the needs of human relief operations. The purpose and goal is to communicate community needs and secure the best level of assistance available when needed. SINGLES GROUP By Maureen Ziegler The LA Singles group plans activities for Lake Ashton residents who are single. The group meets monthly on the first Sunday of the month at 2 pm in the Clubhouse Ballroom. If you would like to join in activities with other single individuals, please attend the meeting on June 6. BOCCE BALL NEWS By Vicki Creek Wow! What an amazing time on the bocce ball courts so far this year! There have been over 70 residents come out to learn the game of bocce for the first time. The summer heat and sun can be quite brutal. Hopefully by the time you read this article there will be nice big umbrellas on each end of both courts to keep everyone well shaded while playing bocce ball. Community Open Play will be held from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm every Monday and Friday. If you have always wanted to learn how to play bocce ball please stop by. There is usually always someone there who will be more than happy to teach you the game. Many friendships have been made on the bocce courts! LA BELLES By Noreen Guy Greetings LA Belles! There will not be a June luncheon. However, do look forward to July’s luncheon with further information listed in July’ LA
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LA DEMOCRATIC CLUB By Shelley Miller The Lake Ashton Democratic Club is holding their next monthly meeting on June 3 at 4 pm via Zoom and in-person at the HFC. Tables will be sanitized with no more than four people per table. The meeting will also be live streamed on Zoom. Feel free to bring your own beverage as no refreshments will be provided. The June speaker is Paula Mims, former president of Polk league of Women Voters and currently the lead of the Healthcare team. For more information, please email lakeashtondemocraticclub@gmail.com. VO L U N T E E R & F A CILITAT OR OPPORTUNITIES AVA I L A B L E The following volunteer opportunities are now available. Please contact Christine Wells at cwells@lakeashtoncdd.com or 863.324.5457 for more information, if you are interested. • Recycling Cans for Literacy • Adopt-A-Road Cleanup The following social groups have been on hiatus due to needing a facilitator. If interested in facilitating these groups please contact Christine Wells. • Widows and Widowers Connection • Caregivers Support Group
DUPLIC ATE BRIDGE By Don Fuller Duplicate Bridge is played every Monday in the Ballroom at 12:30 pm. There is no limit on the number of participants though advance registration is appreciated – there is a booklet with scores and a signup sheet on the back wall of the Ballroom. For more information call 863.324.2255 or email dfuller627@yahoo.com. May 17: East/West: Geri Duffy & Judy Marine, Graham Littlehales & Mary Beth Ranheim North/South: George Rogers & Ralph Ritter; Sonny Robinson & Pat Foster May 10: Pauline Pare & Nelda Sedlacek; George Rogers & Ralph Ritter; Jim Ford & Don Fuller May 3: Jim Ford & Don Fuller; Nelda Sedlacek & Lois Dole, Dana Cunningham & Marion Nelson April 26: North/South: Graham Littlehales & Mary Beth Ranheim; John & Pat Sammons East/West: Pauline Pare & Nelda Sedlacek; Margot & Keith Stevens April 19: North/South: Pat & John Sammons; Judy Marine & Geri Duffy East/West: Pauline Pare & Nelda Sedlacek; Sonny Robinson & Pat Foster April 12: Pauline & Nelda Sedlacek; Connie & Ken Ross, Jim Ford & Don Fuller April 5: Pauline Pare & George Rogers, Jim Ford & Don Fuller; Graham Littlehales & Mary Beth Ranheim SASS Y LASSIES By Mary Ranheim It is really a breath of fresh air for Sassy Lassie friends to again enjoy each other face to face! This has been done lately over lunch at the Ashton Tap & Grill, outside on the beautiful patio. All are beginning to venture out a little more, some leaving for the summer up north, others traveling more and the rest of us just enjoying the amenities of Lake Ashton and friends! Everyone is happy to hear that members and family who experienced illness or the trials of COVID, are recovering and getting on with life! Looking forward to meeting every month on the second Wednesday at the Tap and Grill for the foreseeable future!
LA SWIM CLUB By Sandy White Some LA Swim Club members come to improve the strokes and socialize, but do not wish to compete. Other members are aiming to compete in one or more of the 20 regional Senior Games in Florida, which offer 14 swim events and 10 age groups. The Senior Games focus on fun. It doesn't matter if you think you're too old or if you have a little or a lot of aquatic background. LASC current members range from late 50s to mid 80s and have a variety of backgrounds. Some used to be lap swimmers, some were lifeguards, a couple did synchronized swimming, a couple have done scuba diving, one taught swim lessons, one did triathlons, a couple swam on teams as a kid, but most have only a lap swim background and were looking for a way to exercise through swimming with a buddy or an organized practice. The next senior age group swim meet is early September in Gainesville, FL, so we there is plenty of time to get in shape and refresh, improve, or learn stroke, start, & turn techniques. There are three practices each week at the HFC. For more information or to get involved, contact volunteer coach (Mr.) Sandy White at sandyw1994@aol.com. You don't want to miss out on surprise Wacky Wednesdays! L AVA A U X I L I A R Y By Chris Graves There will be no June Meeting. We look forward to seeing you on July 21st at 6:30 p.m. near the stage at the Clubhouse. SAVE THE DATE – Craft Fair October 23. There be more than 40 vendors! In addition, there will be “LOTS OF LOTTO MONEY!” Three Patriotic trees will be displayed with each tree having $100 of Florida Lottery Scratch offs to be raffled…it could be your lucky day! Not only will you have the opportunity to win some money, but also to purchase unique, hand-crafted items including metal art work, crocheted items and much more. LA TRAVELERS By Carolyn Bishop The Lake Ashton Travelers kicked off Spring with an RV Rally down to the Florida Keys. Twenty coaches descended on Marathon Key and camped at Jolly Rogers RV Park for four nights. Fun times were had at a BBQ dinner, Potluck, dinner out at a great seafood restaurant, and an excursion to Theater By The Sea where everyone experienced a great bird show and the BEST Dolphin show ever! If you are a member of FMCA and would like to be a part of our Lake Ashton Chapter, please come join the group on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5 pm for the Happy Hour Social in the Clubhouse Ballroom. Happy Camping!
ASSOCIATION (LAPA) By Lisa Savala As everyone says goodbye to snowbird friends, and hello to many new neighbors, LAPA is looking forward to a great summer of pickleball here at Lake Ashton. The new slate of officers had their first meeting and have put together a list of projects and activities to keep everyone busy this summer. Projects include developing a plan to optimize court availability and utilization to accommodate the increased number of players, finalizing a Statement of Work for the resurfacing of the courts, looking at options to provide shade for the bench areas, and providing a long-term solution to the issue of balls rolling under the fencing. Committees for each of these projects will be established, so let the officers know if you would like to be involved. On the fun side, a couple of tournaments will be sponsored for members. The first event will be held on June 29 and will be a doubles tournament where players are randomly paired with different partners for each game and is for players of all levels. Games will be played to nine or for 10 minutes, whichever comes first. Each player will keep their total score and the individuals with the most points at the end of the tournament will be the winners. There will be a $2 entry fee and you can sign up at the HFC. Prizes for the winners and refreshment will be provided. It will be a great way and to get to know other pickleball players in the community. Later this summer a couples, mixed doubles tournament will be held. If you are new to Lake Ashton or just looking to join in on the pickleball fun, you are welcome to join open play each morning from 8 to 10 am. The beginners group meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 to 9 am. There is also open play each weekday evening starting around 6 pm. If you are new to the game and would like some instruction to get you started, a schedule for small group instruction and drills is being developed and will be published in the coming weeks. Have a great summer, and hope to see you on the courts! By Amity Kokochak The next ROCS (Riviera, Oakmont, Colonial and Sawgrass) and “Pebbles” (6016 – 6048 Pebble Beach Blvd.) Social will be held on June 10 at 6 pm in the HFC Community Center. Please bring your own dinner/picnic, utensi ls, napkins and beverages. NOTE: THIS IS NOT A POTLUCK. By July perhaps a conventional Potluck will be able to be planned. Masks will not be required but obviously a personal choice if you wish. Hand sanitizer will be furnished along with antibacterial wipes. Please RSVP by June 7 on the sign-up sheet located in the HFC Hallway, or by contacting Amity Kokochak at amitykokochak@gmail.com or text 813.719.5579. Socials are typically the second Thursday of the month but please check the LA Times to be sure there is not a change in the schedule. Looking forward to some great times with neighbors and friends in 2021. There will be lots of new residents to welcome!
MIND&BODY BOB ROSS OIL PA I N T I N G Instructor: Kay Lenherr June 12 at 1 pm, Clubhouse Craft Room Topic: Arizona Splendor Cost $35 — payable at class CERAMIC CHICKS Mary Bosman, Duncan Certified Instructor Wednesdays, 8 am to 1 pm, HFC Craft Room Bring your ceramics or purchase in the room. A kiln is available to fire your ceramics. YO G A S H A R E Wednesdays at 8:45 am in the Clubhouse Ballroom, Sign up in advance at the Clubhouse Activities Desk. Questions? Call Sally Winfrey at 863.875.8134 or 316.516.2815. INTERMEDIATE BRIDGE Tuesdays from 3 to 5 pm and Thursdays ,10 am to noon. If interested, contact Liz Leigh (813.288.0809, leigh.elizabeth@gmail.com). CREATE A C ARD Please join on June 15 to create your own lovely greeting cards. A guest expert will provide instruction, from beginner to expert, all supplies and equipment, and three beautiful cards to take home. No experience needed. Classes will be held in the HFC Sports Court at 9:30 am and 1 pm. Subsequent classes will be on the third Tuesday each month. The cost of each class is $10. Sign up sheets are located in the HFC. Sign up soon as reservations go quickly. Join us for creative fun! Call Karen at 863-875-8414 with questions or further detail. LAKE ASHTON TRIVIA ANSWERS Lake Ashton CDD: August 1, 2000 Lake Ashton II CDD: March 4, 2005 Check out the official district websites for more information like this at lakeashtoncdd.com or lakeashton2cdd.com. LA GENEALOGY CLUB The next meeting is June 9 at 2 pm in the HFC Craft Room. Come join this group and have fun exchanging ideas and info with fellow genealogists. All levels of expertise are welcome. Call Jane at 815.545.6655 with questions. WHAT’S THE NEXT S TEP? You’re already retired, living in a beautiful 55+ community, enjoying this relaxing time in your life, but what’s the next step? Tonya Smith from Spring Haven Retirement will be speaking at Lake Ashton on June 23 at 11 am about the things you should consider in the next phase of your life. This free class will take place in the Clubhouse Ballroom. Please sign up at the Clubhouse Activities Desk or on the online form. UPCOMING NATURE SEMINARS Summer season is rapidly approaching, and with that comes an increase in potential wildlife interactions here in Lake Ashton (as well as the rest of the state). To better assist the community, the HFC is offering two separate seminars to provide information and advice about snakes and alligators. Both seminars will be presented by Shannon Carnevale, from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF/ IFAS). These meetings will provide you with information and tips on how to “go along and get along” with the local fauna. “Living with Snakes in Polk County” will be held in the HFC Community Center on June 1 at 1 pm, and “Living with Alligators” will be held in the HFC Community Center on June 22 at 1 pm. Feel free to sign up for these seminars at the HFC Activities desk to reserve your spot. Don’t miss out on this life-saving information.
4TH OF weekend Celebration JULY at the Clubhouse JUL Y 2ND JUL Y 3RD JUL Y 4TH Make your own beaded American Flag pin in the Clubhouse Ballroom! Free! Enjoy refreshments, games, and tunes at the Clubhouse Pool! Free! Enjoy classic cookout food and music by Southbound band in the Ballroom. Tickets: $20 Menu includes: burger, hot dog, baked beans, corn on the cob, pasta salad, tea, water, lemonade, and an ice cream sundae bar CO O K O U T T I C K E T S G O O N S A L E J U N E 7 MOND A Y C OFFEE SEE PAGE 24 FOR MORE INFORMATION. SIGN UP FOR FREE EVENTS AT THE CLUBHOUSE ACTIVITIES DESK OR ON THE ONLINE FORM PM1 PM 1 1 - 4 PM A F T E R
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