L.A. TIMES Lake Ashton Community Newsletter June 2025 Simply the Best! 4141 Ashton Club Drive Lake Wales, FL 33859 863.324.6032 863.324.5457 Lake Ashton is a 55 & Older Deed Restricted Community www.lakeashtoncdd.com
YOUR ON-SITE REAL ESTATE OFFICE NO CANCELLATION FEES for Listing Contracts HOME WARRANTY for your New Buyer - up to $650 MOVE-OUT CLEANING 863-318-9542 Lori R., Candra Terri & Sarah Not Pictured: Lori Tofanelli *On Medical Leave Lake Ashton Realty 4140 Ashton Club Drive Lake Wales, FL 33859 www.LakeAshtonRealty.com
NEWSLETTER STAFF Christine Wells Editor cwells@lakeashtoncdd.com 863.324.5457 Valerie LeBlanc Advertising Sales, Layout & Design valerie@lakeashtoncdd.com SUBMISSION GUIDELINES July Issue Deadline: June 13 • 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, clarity, and to ensure compliance with districts’ media policies • 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. JUNE 2025 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 LACDD Community Director: Christine Wells cwells@lakeashtoncdd.com Clubhouse Office Manager: Sheila Moreland smoreland@lakeashtoncdd.com Clubhouse Activities Assistant: Caroline Lane, 863-324-6032 clane@lakeashtoncdd.com Clubhouse Operations Manager: Matt Fisher, 863-956-6207 mfisher@lakeashtoncdd.com LW Homeowners Association (HOA) Golf Club - Ian Peterson, Head Golf Professional Eagles Nest - Sandra Goodwin, Manager RV & Storage Center Office Hours Charm City Nik Minadakis, Owner EmpowerMe Wellness LAKE ASHTON HEALTH & FITNESS CENTER (HFC) 6052 Pebble Beach Boulevard Winter Haven, FL 33884 Phone: 863-595-1562 Fax: 863-595-1567 LAIICDD Community Director: Karen Van Kirk kvankirk@lakeashton2cdd.com LAIICDD Assistant Community Director: Krystle Funk kfunk@lakeashton2cdd.com HFC Activities Assistant: Louise Crespin lcrespin@lakeashton2cdd.com 863-325-0065 directors@lakeashtonhoa.org lakeashtonhoa.com 863-326-1032 ipeterson@lakeashtongc.com 863-326-1085 sgoodwin@lakeashtongc.com 863.326.1304 Mon — Fri jsullivan@lakeashtonstorage.com 8 am to 4 pm 863-662-3300 charmcityfl@gmail.com 863-358-0809 kshipley@empowerme.com ___________________________________________________________________________________________ In case of emergency, dial 911! Lake Wales Police: 863-678-4223 Winter Haven Police: 863-291-5858 Polk County Sheriff: 863-298-6200 3 Thompson Nursery Rd. (LW) Gate House Security: 863-324-7290 County Road 653 (WH) Gate House Security: 863-318-0237
MONDAY COFFEE Meet new neighbors and to hear about local community happenings, community events and receive information on current projects within Lake Ashton. Mondays at 9 am in the Clubhouse Ballroom — coffee & donuts available for $3. JUNE 2 • Birthdays and Anniversaries • Featured Speaker: Hurricane Preparedness with Polk County Fire Rescue • Featured Vendors: Christine Graves Insurance, Iceberg Home Services, Aging Experts JUNE 9 • Bite Me Monday — Donations of pet food and/ or supplies for the Humane Society of Polk County • Featured Speaker: Pond and Lake Frequently Asked Questions with Applied Aquatics • Featured Vendor: Edward Jones - Matt Simpson, Freedom Boat Club of Winter Haven, Tessier Law Firm JUNE 16 • Peanut Butter Monday - Non-perishable food donations will go to Hillcrest Elementary to distribute to families in need • Featured Speaker: AdventHealth • Featured Vendor: Performance Golf Carts, Miller’s Central Air, Freedom Health - Medicare JUNE 23 - NO MONDAY COFFEE - LACDD MEETING The Bloodmobile will be in the Clubhouse West Parking Lot from 8:30 am to 2 pm JUNE 30 • FREE DONUT AND COFFEE DAY! Camp Lake Ashton Kick-Off - come learn more about the activities that will be available - see page 26 for more info • Featured Vendors: Iceberg Home Services, Comfort Keepers BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETINGS LAKE ASHTON (LW) CDD Monday, June 23 9 am in the Clubhouse Ballroom LAKE ASHTON II (WH) CDD Thursday, June 19 9 am at the Health & Fitness Center CIT Y COMMISSION MEETINGS LW: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays at 6 pm, Commission Chambers, Municipal Administration Bldg., 201 W. Central Ave., Lake Wales WH: 2nd & 4th Mondays at 6:30 pm, John Fuller Auditorium in City Hall, 451 3rd St. NW, Winter Haven POLK COUNT Y BOCC MEETINGS 1st & 3rd Tues. , 9 am, Board Room, 330 W. Church St., Bartow IN THIS ISSUE NEWS 6 LA LOOKS 14 SAFETY 18 MOVIES 22 EVENTS 24 CLUBS 28 MIND & BODY 38 GOLF 41
SELLING AND INSTALLING IN LAKE ASHTON SINCE 1997 SUNPRO MOTORIZED SCREENS Includes the industry’s longest warranty and 3 remotes! *Smartphone Home Automation available* LIMITED TIME ONLY — UP TO $500 OFF YOUR NEW SCREEN OR AWNING PROJECT Expires 12/2024 UltraShield Hurricane Screens Retractable Awnings Best Warranty in the industry Includes LED lights & 3 Remotes Products & Services • Accordion Shutters • Bahama Shutters • Nautilus Roll Shutters • Hurricane Screens • Retractable Awnings • Lexan Storm Panels • Privacy and Solar Screens • Motorized Screens Visit our Showroom: 3922 Kenilworth Blvd | Sebring FL, 33870 Call (863) 382-2505 for a FREE ESTIMATE or visit us at MotorizedScreens.com Licensed & Insured State License: CRC#1333798 5 CHECK US OUT ON GOOGLE REVIEWS
HOURS OF OPERATION CLUBHOUSE: 6 am – 10 pm daily CLUBHOUSE OFFICES: 9 am – 5 pm Mon. - Fri. HEALTH & FITNESS CENTER: 5:30 am – 10 pm daily HFC OFFICES & ACTIVITIES DESK: 8 am – 4 pm Monday through Friday BALLROOM REFURBISHMENT PROJECT Soon the Clubhouse Grand Ballroom will undergo refurbishment. The project will include Painting, Carpet and Dance Floor Replacement, and Drape Replacement. Please stay tuned to electronic media for any closures. OPEN BOCCE PLAY Wednesdays are designated as an open play day on the Bocce Courts at the Clubhouse. Stop by and play anytime between 6 am and 10 pm (there are lights on the Bocce Courts). Please be mindful of the rules posted on the light poles to ensure the courts remain in great shape. The storage container closest to the Pool is open and available for everyone to use. PRODUCE Every Wednesday from 10 am – 2 pm in the Clubhouse West Parking Lot BAXTER’ S QUAL ITY MEATS & FRESH PRODUCE Fresh poultry, fish, beef in the Clubhouse West parking lot Wednesdays from 9:30 am to Noon BOOKMOBILE Second & fourth Wednesdays, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (closed for lunch 12:30 to 1:15) in the Clubhouse West Parking Lot. Polk County library card holders can check out and return books, movies, & more! LEAVING FOR THE SUMMER? The LA Times magazine and Clubhouse and HFC calendars are available electronically, sent out via email blast each week, and a helpful Summer Checklist can be found online at http:// www.lakeashtoncdd.com and on the information wall in the Clubhouse Media Center. 6 OPEN BOWL ING & ASHTON LANES REMINDERS Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays are open bowling days at the Clubhouse. No reservations are taken are these days. All lanes are open, first come, first serve from 6 am - 10 pm. Please be sure to wear bowling shoes or other prior approved footwear when bowling. Please be courteous and mindful of other residents using this amenity after you, and return all equipment, including ramps, balls, and shoes to their rightful places before leaving. Also, powder of any kind is not permitted to be used at the lanes. It creates a safety hazard due to the powder getting on the floor and causing it to be slippery. There have been some accidents due to powder being on the floor. Staff and Volunteers work very hard to maintain these lanes so please help by cleaning up and straightening furniture after use. Please reach out to staff or Security (after hours) if you experience any issues while using the lanes. Thank you to our amazing volunteers that donate so much time to taking care of this busy Amenity. You all are greatly appreciated!
LACDD NEWS By Christine Wells, LA (LW) CDD Community Director (cwells@lakeashtoncdd.com) Summer is almost here, although it feels like it has been here for weeks already. Residents are fortunate to have wonderful amenities that can be enjoyed year round. Don't let the sun and rain intimidate you — there are plenty of fun things to do inside, and outdoor activities can also be enjoyed safely. There are multiple umbrellas at the Outdoor Pool, Pet Play Park, and Bocce Ball Courts, and the Shuffleboard Courts have benches covered by a roof for shelter from the heat and rain. Remain active while staying indoors. Try Chair Yoga in the Clubhouse Ballroom on Tuesdays at 9 am or Square Dance Lessons at 4 pm on Thursdays. Remember to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated when enjoying outdoor activities. The 2nd Annual Summer Music Series has officially begun. You don't want to miss out on seeing these great local musicians and DJs in your backyard. Be sure to get your tickets today. Camp Lake Ashton is back! Take a look at the advertisement in this edition of the LA Times for more information. The Lake Ashton Activities Advisory Group (LAAAG) worked hard to come up with a great lineup that culminates with a Hoedown Throwdown, true Lake Ashton style. There will be camp food, a great local DJ, dancing, and much more fun! Be sure to sign up for all the activities and support the sponsors of this year's Camp LA. Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and supervisors, staff and the Lake Ashton Public Safety organizations are here to ensure residents are as safe and prepared as possible. Residents should rest assured that the CDD Public Safety team, Neighborhood Watch, C.E.R.T, CAP and onsite security staff all work together to ensure resident safety at all times, including during weather emergencies. Now is a great time to ensure you are signed up to receive email blasts from the Clubhouse and HFC. Public safety announcements, scheduled events and important meetings are sent via email blast. Visit lakeashtoncdd.com to sign up. Don't miss the Hurricane Preparedness Presentation by Polk County Fire Rescue in the Clubhouse Ballroom on June 2 at 9 am. LACDD BOARD OF SUP ERVISO RS CONTA CT INF O Brenda Van Sickle, Chair 863-324-6191 brenda.vansickle@lakeashtoncdd.com Michael Costello, Vice Chair 863-875-9228 or 732-718-7431 mcostello@lakeashtoncdd.com Debby Landgrebe, Assistant Secretary 863-268-8193 dlandgrebe@lakeashtoncdd.com Steve Realmuto, Assistant Secretary 863-949-0304, steve.lacdd@gmail.com Office Hours After Monday Coffee in the Clubhouse Ballroom Greg Ulrich, Assistant Secretary 863-969-7595 gulrich@lakeashtoncdd.com 8 LA(LW)CDD Supervisors met May 12. A wrap-up report of actions taken was sent out on May 21. Please email cwells@lakeashtoncdd.com if you would like a copy. Supervisors approved a refurbishment project for the Ballroom that includes new paint, carpet, hardwood flooring, and drapes/shades. Supervisors also approved quotes to replace the roofing structures at the Shuffleboard Court and Guard House. Discussions regarding the LA(LW)CDD Fiscal Year 2026 budget (October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026) are ongoing. The hearing to adopt the budget is set for July 21 during the regularly scheduled Board of Supervisors Meeting. Supervisors voted to not increase the assessment for the 2026 fiscal year at the May meeting. The 2026 assessment will be $2,569 for Lake Wales residents. Please visit lakeashtoncdd.com for agenda packets, the proposed FY 2026 budget, approved meeting minutes, seasonal checklists, storm tips, and other district documents.
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LAIICDD NEWS By Karen Van Kirk, LAIICDD Community Director (kvankirk@lakeashton2cdd.com) LA II CDD BOARD OF SUP ERVISO RS Jim Mecsics, Chairman Public Safety & District Operations/Programs Office Hours: Tuesdays 9:30 am to 12 pm 863.875.4554, mecsicsj@msn.com photo: Dennis Krupinski Bob Zelazny, Vice Chairman Golf Course, Pro Shop, Eagles Nest, Facilities and Field Operation, Transportation System Office Hours: Mondays 1 to 3 pm 863.325.8098, bzelazny@lakeashton2cdd.com Bill Martin, Assistant Secretary Public Works & Infrastructure, Including Roadways Office Hours: Mondays from 10 to 11 am bmartin@lakeashton2cdd.com Duff Hill, Assistant Secretary Special Projects, Landscaping Area, Pet Play Parks Office Hours: Wednesdays from 11 am to 12 pm dhill@lakeashton2cdd.com Roy Aull, Assistant Secretary Facilities/Amenity Management Office Hours: Friday 9 to 10:30 am 973-670-2709, raull@lakeashton2cdd.com Summer is here and exercising outside can cause one to easily overheat, which in turn can create a medical issue. Here are a few tips to minimize this type of situation when exercising outside during the sweltering summer months. If possible, exercise during the early morning or evening. Taking regular breaks and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated is suggested, as well as wearing light-colored and loose-fitting clothes. It is important to know the signs of heat-related illness, such as muscle cramps and nausea, which can easily lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Our senior residents can also be more susceptible to overheating, especially if there are existing medical conditions and taking certain medications. We want our Lake Ashton residents to be safe and avoid the possibility of heat stroke. It’s important to use sunscreen and wearing a hat while out-ofdoors is also recommended. There is always an option of exercising indoors in the comfort of an air-conditioned environment. Both the HFC and Clubhouse have well-equipped fitness rooms and a variety of exercise classes to help keep a person physically fit. Dancing is also a form of exercise, and the HFC is featuring the Seger Experience, taking place on June 13th which is bound to bring back memories of days gone by, and a Lake Ashton favorite, The Rusty Trumpet Band will be here on June 20, kicking off our Summer Music Series. Stop by the HFC to reserve your table for either of these events, and to buy tickets for the Seger Experience. A big thank you to those LA residents who have registered their golf carts and received the new golf stickers (for accountability, safety and visibility). It only takes a few minutes to register your golf cart, which can be done at the HFC, Monday through Friday from 10 am to 3 pm. The deadline to do so is July 31. 10
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JOINT AMENI TY FACI L I T I ES POL ICI ES HIGHLIGHT This is an excerpt from the Joint Amenity Facilities Policies. The full policy can be found online at lakeashtoncdd.com and lakeashton2cdd.org. Questions regarding these policies can be directed to Christine Wells, LA(LW)CDD Community Director or Karen Van Kirk, LA(WH)CDD Community Director. Contact information can be found on page 3. xxv. WILDLIFE 1. When using the Amenity Facilities, including especially outdoor areas and open spaces, please adhere to the following guidelines in regards to non-domesticated animals (“Wildlife”): i. Wildlife encountered within the Amenity Facilities should never be approached. ii. Never leave small children unattended. iii. Never feed wild animals, or leave food/garbage unattended. iv. Wildlife is likely to be present in all natural waters or wetlands. Please take caution and be vigilant when close to such areas. 2. The Lake Ashton Community is a natural Wildlife habitat; therefore, exercise caution and vigilance at all times. 3. Please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website for more information regarding interaction with Wildlife common to Florida, found here: https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/ wildlife/ WWW.BROCKSWINDOWCLEANING.COM 12
TROPHY WALL Stop by the hallway near the bowling lanes to take a look at the trophy wall and the new trophies that are displayed. The LA Ashtonettes (pictured) won Best Theme at the Lake Wales Mardi Gras parade in February. Ted and Vivian Harmon won the Holiday Light Tour in December. Congratulations! CLUBHOUSE ART WALL Stop by the main hallway in the Clubhouse near the Card Room. There is new art displayed each month. Stop by and admire the talented residents at Lake Ashton. Contact Shelley and Larry Brodka at shelleyb615@gmail.com or Christine Wells at cwells@lakeashtoncdd.com if you are interested in displaying your art. All art forms are encouraged! RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT: BETTY DAVENPORT By Marianne Zak Meet 93-year-old Betty Davenport of Coconut Palms. Raised in Michigan on a farm, Betty enjoyed 4H and was "Dairy Queen"! Her mother/teacher taught her in a one room schoolhouse. She still cherishes her "Dick and Jane" primer. Graduating college she taught school for forty-three years. She married Jerry Qualman and enjoyed five children. After his passing she met widower Captain Jack 13 Davenport who was raising seven children. Their blended family of twenty-seven grandchildren and fifty great grandchildren gather here every year for a cheesecake contest. Jack recently passed in 2024 at one-hundred and two. As past president of the Florida Women's Republican Club, Betty met and supported Senators and Governors. She has been to Mar Lago and met Donald Trump. A pioneer in teaching learning disabled youngsters, she was instrumental in creating statewide programs for special needs children. Betty moved to Lake Ashton in 2006 and is a member of High Point Church and Lake Ashton Republican Club. THE MURRAY ZACHARIA MEDIA CENTER In October 2019 the Clubhouse Media Center was dedicated to Murray Zacharia. A plaque and a few pictures put up by friends and family can be found in the Media Center. Stop by and take a moment to remember a friend and neighbor who made it his mission to advocate for the community he loved. Murray's dedication and commitment to making Lake Ashton "Simply the Best" was exceptional. He is missed every day by those that knew him and will forever be in our hearts. While in the Murray Zacharia Media Center be sure to take a look at the new publications available to residents. Some are available to take home and others, such as the newspapers, should be left for others to enjoy. There are puzzles, new books coming in everyday, and much more.
L.A. LOOKS Wildlife Corner LA (LW) LA ( Photo & Article By Barbara Ann Comer The ubiquitous Palm Warbler is familiar to many Lake Ashton residents. It is the little bird that lands on the lanai screen and wags its tail up and down. They forage for bugs even in the middle of busy roads like Ashton Club Drive. The plumage on this diminutive bird can vary greatly depending on age and from whence the bird hails. Eastern ones sport a yellowish breast while the ones from farther west are mainly drab. The constant tail bobbing is one of the best clues as to their identity. This snow bird derives its name from its wintering grounds being closely associated with Palm Trees. A better name for it on its nesting grounds would be the Bog Warbler since it nests in brush at the edge of spruce bogs quite far north. Keep your eyes open for this little winter resident before it departs for the boreal bogs by late March. LA (LW) HOA & ARC John Donahue, President of the HOA, sent an email to all homeowners to introduce himself. Main topics from his email bear repeating: HOA Responsibilities - an updated document from legal counsel that reiterates the purpose of the HOA and all our collective responsibilities will be sent to all homeowners. • Architectural Committee - we have spent considerable time in the discussion and modification of our ARC guidelines. The plan is to distribute the guidelines to you for a 30-day review and comment period prior to them being enacted by the board. We ask that you read 14 them carefully and provide constructive feedback regarding terms, clarity, and content. • Compliance - We need to maintain the standards that are in our HOA guidelines. Therefore, we will be stepping up our efforts around compliance. You may get a private courtesy notice regarding an area of your property that could use some attention. We ask that you address them promptly. Please check guidelines to see if you need to submit a request to ARC. For June, compliance will be focused on driveways. Please take care to remove weeds either by spraying or power washing. In addition, please check that trash and recycle bins are not visible from the street. If you do not have room in the garage for the bins, please provide screening (shrubs) to hide them from view. Thank you all for keeping Lake Ashton a wonderful place to live! HOA Board Members • Marti Schmidt, President/Treasurer president@lakeashtonhoa.org • John Donahue, VP & ARC Director vp@lakeashtonhoa.org • Glen Hart, VP2 & Compliance Director vp2@lakeashtonhoa.org • Tim Doyle, Secretary secretary@lakeashtonhoa.org • Deanne Mayne, Secretary 2 & Compliance Director, sec2@lakeashtonhoa.org • ARC: ARC@LakeAshtonHOA.org Compliance Committee: compliance@LakeAshtonHOA.org Send a picture of any fish caught in ponds or lakes in Lake Ashton, along with your name, the lake or pond that it was caught in, as well as the type of fish caught and any measurements (length and/ or weight) to valerie@lakeashtoncdd.com to be featured in the next edition of the LA Times. Don’t forget to include your smiling face! As a reminder, there is a catch and release policy for any District owned ponds in Lake Ashton.
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LA II (WH) HOA NEWS By Connie Strassberg, Treasurer "June is busting out all over!” and the snowbirds are gone. As summer arrives, it is time to check your landscaping, refresh your mulch, and spruce up your yard. But make sure to review the ARC Rules and Guidelines and submit a request for ARC approval before you make any changes. It's so much easier to keep our community in tip top shape when everyone pitches in and takes care of his/her little piece of paradise. The HOA now has five flyer slots at the top of the flyer board at the Health and Fitness Center (HFC). They currently contain Email Contact Authorization forms, Age Verification forms, and information flyers about our HOA, the ARC, and the difference between an HOA and a CDD. To get email notifications from the LA2 HOA, submit a completed Email Authorization Form to our management company Stambaugh. Pick up a copy of the authorization form from our flyer slot; fill out the requested information; then, either mail the form back to Stambaugh or simply put it into the White HOA mailbox at the HFC. To maintain our status and privileges as a 55+ community, state law requires that Age Verification of our homes' occupants be completed every two years. Every home in Lake Ashton West has received a copy of the Age Verification form. If you need another you can pick one up from our flyer slot. We do not want to risk losing our 55+ designation, so please fill out this form according to the directions and return it to Stambaugh as quickly as possible via mail or put it into the white HOA mailbox at the HFC. Visit the LA II HOA's website at https:// stambaugh.cincwebaxis.com. To have access to announcements, posted documents, directory, calendar, or pay your dues online, please sign up. First time users will find the button marked "REGISTER" in the upper right hand corner of the page. From there, you will be directed to sign up. 18 The LA2 HOA Board of Directors meets on the third Tuesday of the month at the HFC (please check at the front desk for location). Our next meeting is scheduled June 17. The agenda along with the time of the meeting will be emailed to all who are signed up to receive email. Your presence is welcome - this is your community. The ARC (Architectural Review Committee) is an arm of the HOA. ARC meetings are the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 1:00 at the HFC (please check at the front desk for the location). To contact the ARC, follow instructions in the ARC Tracker at arctracker.com; area: Lake Ashton 2. • President Bill Testa, PresidentLA2HOA@gmail.com • VP- ARC Mike Brennan, VPArcLA2HOA@gmail.com • Secretary Joe Ellwanger, SecretaryLA2HOA@gmail.com • Treasurer Connie Strassberg, TreasurerLA2HOA@gmail.com • Asst Treasurer Ray Rudy, VPTreasurerLA2HOA@gmail.com ALGAE BLOOMS Algae blooms are dense layers of small green plants that grow on the surface of lakes and ponds. The algae's quick growth is attributed to the elevated nitrogen levels in the water. These nutrients are introduced through runoff from roads and fertilizers applied to lawns. During the spring and summer months, the combination of warm and sunny days and increasing nutrient levels encourages sustained rapid development. LACDD has a contract with an aquatics provider who treats and maintains its ponds. When an algae bloom appears, the aquatic vendor initiates treatment. These treatments occur every two weeks. To be proactive in keeping CDD ponds free of algae, the CDD has introduced grass carp to troublesome ponds. These fish are a long-term, lowcost method of controlling undesirable aquatic vegetation. Email Matt Fisher with any questions or concerns at mfisher@lakeashtoncdd.com.
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SAFETY NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH (NW) CORNER By Fay Wood, NW Chief (Courtesy of Law Enforcement) In the digital age, security threats have become increasingly sophisticated, penetrating deep into our most private forms of communication: text messages.“Smishing” is a type of text message-based phishing that cyber criminals use to steal data from their targets. The smisher crafts a seemingly legitimate message and uses it to deceive recipients into divulging sensitive information or installing malware on their phone. One common example of smishing involves scammers pretending to be a toll company, like E-ZPass. They text false claims of unpaid tolls to unsuspecting recipients, threatening fines if the victims don’t pay their balances immediately. These messages often include links to fraudulent websites designed to harvest personal and financial details. Since March 2024, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center has received nearly 2,000 reports of such scams across multiple states. The sophistication of these scams is alarming, and their rapid proliferation makes it hard to track down the perpetrators. Smishing’s effectiveness is partly due to cybercriminals' use of “Lighthouse" kits, which allow them to effortlessly spoof toll operators and target users across various states in a single text message campaign. To safeguard against such threats, it's essential to remain vigilant. Be skeptical of unsolicited messages, especially those urging immediate action or payment. Avoid clicking on links in suspicious texts; instead, verify the message’s authenticity by contacting the organization claiming to be on the other end. If you suspect you've received a smishing message, report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, and delete the message from your device. As always, your Neighborhood Watch Team stands ready to help keep Lake Ashton the safe place to live and work. 18
James M. Weaver, Esq. Lake Ashton Resident Distinguished Military Graduate - Vietnam Veteran Former Lake Wales City Attorney Honor Court, University of Georgia Law School Admitted in both Georgia and Florida Rotarian of the Year - District 6890 2017 Polk County Estate Planning Council Lake Wales Citizen of the Year 2019 Shelby L. Loveless, Esq. Valedictorian, Frostproof High School Phi Beta Kappa - Florida State University Magna Cum Laude Graduate - FSU Undergrad Law Review - FSU Law School Book Award - Family Law (Highest in class) Member of Polk Association of Women Lawyers Former Lake Wales Breakfast Rotary President Practice Areas Wills & Trusts ~ Elder Law ~ Probate ~ Business ~ Real Estate 240 E. Park Ave., Lake Wales, FL 33853 www.WeLoveLaw.com 863.676.6000 19
HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS JUNE 1 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 2025 Hurricane Season. It can be found on lakeashtoncdd.com and in the Media Center on the information wall. There will also be a Hurricane Preparedness presentation by Polk County Fire Rescue on June 2 at 9 am in the Clubhouse Ballroom. Remember: • Hurricane and storm shutters must be approved by the Lake Ashton Architectural Review Committee (ARC) • The official site for Florida emergency preparation is floridadisaster.org • Register your contact information for the Alert Polk telephone and email notification system at alertpolk.com. Polk County officials use this system to inform county residents of situations that may affect their health, safety, and welfare, including severe weather alerts. • Two 14-day “disaster preparedness” tax holidays for specified supplies run from June 2 - 15 Visit the Department of Revenue website for the full list. ALL IGATOR ALERT Alligator mating season occurs in May and June so an increase in activity, including aggressive and territorial behavior is possible throughout the month. In late June or early July, females build a mound nest of soil, vegetation, or debris and deposit an average of 32 to 46 eggs. Incubation requires approximately 63-68 days, and hatching occurs from mid-August through early September. FWC reminds residents to be cautious when having fun in and around water during the summer months. Please be mindful of the following safety tips recommended by the FWC: • Generally, alligators less than four feet in length are not large enough to be dangerous unless handled. However, if you encounter any alligator that you believe poses a threat to people, pets or property, call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWCGATOR 20 (866-392-4286). Please be aware, nuisance alligators are killed, not relocated. • Be aware of the possibility of alligators when you are in or near fresh or brackish water. Bites may occur when people do not pay close enough attention to their surroundings when working or recreating near water. • Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn. Therefore, be cautious when near water during these times. • Dogs and cats are similar in size to the natural prey of alligators. • Keep pets 10' away from the water. Don’t allow pets to swim, exercise or drink in or near waters that may contain alligators. • Leave alligators alone. State law prohibits killing, harassing or possessing alligators. Handling even small alligators can result in injury. • Never feed alligators – it’s dangerous and illegal. When fed, alligators can overcome their natural wariness and learn to associate people with food. When this happens, some of these alligators have to be removed and killed. Always remember to observe and photograph alligators only from a distance. Remember, they’re an important part of Florida’s natural history as well as an integral component of aquatic ecosystems. EMERGENCY OR NOT? Not sure when to call the police for both nonemergency and emergency situations? City of Lake Wales Police: 863-678-4223 City of Winter Haven Police: 863.291.5858 Polk County Sheriff’s Office: 863.298.6200 Gate Houses & Security Officers: Thompson Nursery Rd. (LW): 863.324.7290 County Road 653 (WH): 863.318.0237 Non-emergency calls are routine calls for service such as traffic crashes with no injury or roadblock, property crimes when the suspect is no longer present, animal complaints, loud music, and lost or found property. 911 emergency calls include serious medical situations, crimes in progress, physical disturbances, traffic crashes with injuries, and all life threatening or potentially life-threatening situations.
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MOVI ES JUNE 10 — 12 11 AM, 3 PM, 7 PM SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE CLOSED CAPTIONING: 11 AM DAILY AND ALL TUESDAY SHOWINGS CINEMA CAPACITY: 55 JUNE 3 — 5 THE FABULOUS FOUR 2024 | R |1H 38MIN If three's a crowd, four's a party! THE FABULOUS FOUR is an uproarious comedy about a group of life-long friends (Susan Sarandon, Megan Mullally, and Sheryl Lee Ralph) who travel to Key West, Florida, to be bridesmaids in the surprise wedding of their best college girlfriend Marilyn (Bette Midler). Over the course of one outrageous trip, sisterhoods are rekindled, the past resurfaces, and there are enough sparks, raunch, and romance to change all their lives in unexpected ways. 2025 | PG-13 | 1H 37MIN Over Christmas in 1985, devoted father and coal merchant Bill Furlong (Cillian Murphy) discovers startling secrets kept by the convent in his town, along with some shocking truths of his own. The film reveals truths about Ireland's Magdalene laundries -horrific asylums run by Roman Catholic institutions from the 1820s until 1996, ostensibly to reform "fallen young women." Adapted from the Booker Prize nominated novel by Claire Keegan. JUNE 17 - 19 CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD 2025 | PG-13 | 1H 58MIN Anthony Mackie returns as the highflying hero Sam Wilson, who's officially taken up the mantle of Captain America. After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident. He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red. JUNE 24 — 26 11 AM, 3 PM, 7 PM DEEP COVER 2025 | R | 1H 40MIN A fast -paced act ion comedy starring Bryce Dallas Howard as Kat, an improv comedy teacher beginning to question if she's missed her shot at success. When an undercover cop (Sean Bean) offers her the role of a lifetime, she recruits two of her students (Orlando Bloom and Nick Mohammed) to infiltrate London's gangland by impersonating dangerous criminals. 22
FEATURE FILM FRIDAYS — CLASSIC AND SPECIAL INTEREST FILMS 11 AM SHOWTIME IS CLOSED CAPTIONED JUNE 6 - NO MOVIE JUNE 13 11 AM, 3 PM, 7 PM CAPTAIN FANTASTIC 2016 | R | 1H 59MIN Ben Cash (Viggo Mortensen), his wife Leslie and their six children live deep in the wilderness of Washington state. Isolated from society, Ben and Leslie devote their existence to raising their kids -educating them to think critically, training them to be physically fit and athletic, guiding them in the wild without technology and demonstrating the beauty of co-existing with nature. When Leslie dies suddenly, Ben must take his sheltered offspring into the outside world for the first time. JUNE 20 11 AM, 3 PM, 7 PM INTERSTELLAR 2014 | PG-13 | 2H 45MIN In Earth's future, a global crop blight and second Dust Bowl are slowly rendering the planet uninhabitable. Professor Brand (Michael Caine), a brilliant NASA physicist, is working on plans to save mankind by transporting Earth's population to a new home via a wormhole. But first, Brand must send former NASA pilot Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) and a team of researchers through the wormhole and across the galaxy to find out which of three planets could be mankind's new home. JUNE 27 11 AM, 3 PM (NO 7 PM SHOWING) SALLY 2025 | PG-13 | 1H 43MIN Sally explores the life and legacy of astronaut Dr. Sally Ride, who became the first American woman to blast off into space and forever changed the course of science, exploration, and women's empowerment. Featuring never-before-seen archival footage, Sally also chronicles the 27-year romance with life partner Tam O'Shaughnessy, which was kept secret from the public until the day of Ride's death. SPECIAL RESTAURANT ADVERTISING SECTION 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, 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: Mon - Thurs 11:30 am-8 pm; Fri & Sat 11:30 am-9 pm; Sun 12-7 pm We serve delicious Seafood, Steaks (including Prime Rib), Burgers, Pizza, Salads, Chicken, Pork Chops, Pasta, Wings, AYCE Specials & a Full Liquor Bar. OVATION BISTRO & BAR Locations in Winter Haven, Lakeland & Davenport ovationbistro.com Offer 1: Free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of 2 entrees/drinks Offer 2: $10 off the purchase of $60 or more Offer 3: Lake Ashton Residents get a free glass of house wine, beer or cocktail with any purchase. Bring this coupon to redeem. SIZZLING GRILL - STEAK & SEAFOOD 21400 US 27, Lake Wales, FL 33859 (863) 676-4898, sizzlinggrillfl.com $5 OFF the purchase of $50 or more Lake Ashton: Get a Free Mini dessert with purchase of $30. Bring this coupon to redeem.
EVENTS TRI-SERVICE BIRTHDAY BALL By Cal Posner How great is it to live in Lake Ashton! Not a question but a statement of fact. When the Lake Ashton Veterans Association decided to throw a Tri-service 250th Birthday Ball for the three senior services, Army, Navy and Marine Corps, all founded in 1775, residents couldn’t wait to volunteer for the June 14 event. DJ Wayne, a former Marine, came forward to do our music. He and I spent nearly a month searching for the perfect National Anthem and Military Medley. Then, three ladies who reside in Lake Ashton came forward and said they would sing those songs live and they had their own sound system. You know them as the “Ladybugs.” They are wonderful singers as well as wonderful people. Nik at Charm City volunteered to supply table settings and two bottles of wine at each table, a bar and a non-alcoholic bar all at cost. Caroline Lane at the Clubhouse has been a great help in our planning and asking the right questions of us. She has been very supportive, and Christine has been wonderful in keeping everything on track. Valerie LeBlanc, who edits the LA Times and works on the Clubhouse Lobby TV, came to our first meeting and has been a supporter ever since. The souvenir program on your table is her work. A special thanks to Trin Rios for stepping up and filling in for me for the two weeks I was away and for figuring out the Color Guard movements around all the equipment on the stage and the tables on the floor. And kudos to Lynn Shelton for her centerpieces that are on your tables. There are still a few tables open for this historic event. You don’t have to be a veteran to attend. If you support our military, the people who keep our country safe, please email calposner@aol.com for tickets or text to 678.464.7331 for more information. CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH WITH THE LAKE ASHTON BLACK HERITAGE CLUB By Pamela June Mark your calendar and get ready to celebrate! The Lake Ashton Black Heritage Club is hosting a Juneteenth Block Party and Celebration on Saturday, June 21 from 1 to 4 pm in the Clubhouse Parking Lot. This festive event will have raffles, dancing, music, games, and more. Learn about the origins of Juneteenth while engaging in interactive activities. It is a day to reflect on history and commemorate freedom. Bring a lawn chair for relaxing and taking in the vibe, funds for delicious food and drinks from our own Charm City and local vendors, and a spirit of joy and celebration to make this event truly special. Family and friends from outside the community are welcomed to join the festivities. Let’s come together to honor history, celebrate freedom, strengthen our community, and uplift one another through inspiration and joy! SAVE THE DATES October 17: Outdoor Block Party November 1: Fall Festival November 14: Friendsgiving December 3: Home Improvement Expo 24
THE LINEUP: SUMMER MUSIC SERIES Jam out to these rad local bands with your friends & neighbors! Purchase Clubhouse Show tickets at the Clubhouse Activities Office or online for $15 each. See on sale dates below for HFC shows. CLUBHOUSE SHOWS June 27 – Solo Cup Soiree with Free Whiskey Band A talented jam/rock/blues local band, the love and friendship between this bunch of vibrant, fun loving musicians is infectious and draws the listener into their dynamic sound. July 18 – Peace, Love & Music with This five-piece band plays all your favorite music from the 1960s, covering the incredibly wide range of styles of that historic decade. AUGUST 29 – Beach Party Bash with Celebrate summer and enjoy great vibes at the beach party bash featuring DJ Itsy Roc playing a wide variety of music for everyone! September 26 – End of Summer Shindig with the Southshore Cruisers Band Lifelong musicians who tailor the best dance hits of the ‘60s, ’70s and ’80s to their 55+ crowds to keep their fans rockin’ on the dance floor. 25 HFC SHOWS June 20 - Rusty Trumpet Band Be transported to a simpler time and become active participants, not just spectators. Enjoy tributes to famous personalities including Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, Aretha Franklin, Louie Armstrong, Motown legends, and various rock stars, as well as disco and country. Tickets on sale at the HFC. July 25 - Carlos and Company A husband & wife duo who perform hits from the 50's to the present in all genres. Tickets on sale June 2 at the HFC. August 22 - The Dukes The Dukes keep the music of the 50's & 60's alive by singing their unique blend of Doo Wop and Rock & Roll. Tickets on sale July 1 at the HFC. September 12 - Josh Blevins Josh Blevins started singing as a young boy and his voice carries a traditional yet current county sound! Get ready for an energetic and unforgettable night of live music. Tickets on sale August 1 at the HFC.
Welcome back, Campers! It's been a couple of years but Camp Lake Ashton (LA) is back! The Clubhouse and the HFC have a great lineup of events for Camp LA this year starting on June 30. Please note, all activities can be signed up for online. If signing up in person, please go to the respective Activities Office based on where the activity is taking place to be registered. June 30 — 8 am: Birdwatching Tour with Barbara Comer –Meet at the Clubhouse west parking lot in your golf cart for an 8:10 am departure. Tour Camp Lake Ashton (the closed golf course) via golf carts in search of birds. “Cart-pooling” is encouraged. Please bring binoculars, water, hats and sunglasses. Be prepared and wear sunscreen or clothing that will protect you from the sun. 1 - 2 hours max. 9 am: Camp Kickoff at Monday Coffee Meet your Camp Counselors and enjoy FREE camp snacks. No sign-up needed July 1 — 11:30 am: Terrariums w/ the Garden Club Build your own tiny ecosystem in a jar with the Garden Club in the Clubhouse Ballroom. A $5 placeholder is due at the time of sign-up (credit card, cash, or check). The $5 will be returned to each camper at the class. 1 pm: Co-ed Cornhole Tournament Get your team together and see who will come out on top at the HFC’s Cornhole Tournament. July 2 — 1 pm: Ping Pong Tournament Test your ping pong skills at the HFC’s ping pong tournament. 1 pm: Rock Painting Join the LA Rockers in the Clubhouse Ballroom to paint patriotic rocks just in time to give to a friend or neighbor to celebrate Independence Day! All beginners and experts are welcome! A $5 placeholder is due at the time of sign-up (credit card charge, cash, or check). The $5 will be returned to each camper at the class. Rocks donated by Unlimited Property Solutions. July 3 — 1 pm: Line Dancing Brush up or learn new line dancing skills at Lorrie’s line dance class at the HFC at 1 pm. 7 pm: Hoedown Throwdown Snacks, dancing, camp awards, and more! You won’t want to miss the final event of Camp Lake Ashton at the Clubhouse Ballroom at 7 pm. The music will range from country to Bruno Mars and everything in between. The DJ will also be taking requests all night long! Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at the Clubhouse Activities Office or online. Sponsors: AdventHealth, Performance Golf Carts Iceberg Home Services, Spring Lake Rehabilitation Center, Freedom Health - Medicare 26 Camp Lake Ashton
CLUBS GOING ON HIATUS? Has the leadership for your Club, Group, or Organization changed or is your group planning to take a summer hiatus? Contact Caroline Lane at clane@lakeashtoncdd.com or 863.324.6032 to make these updates. Currently on Hiatus: • Tap Jammers • LA Community Action Committee • LA Black Heritage Club • Sandy’s New York State Club • Bingo BOLLA HOSTS TRASH TO TREASURE VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION EVENT By Diane Dillon The membe r s o f BOLLA, Blankets of Love at Lake Ashton, hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Event for everyone who helped with Trash to Treasure 2025. It was a great time with delicious food, enormous cakes, lovely décor, a commemorative slide show, and most importantly, a fabulous group of people. It is truly amazing to celebrate the spirit of generosity at Lake Ashton and BOLLA i s so appreciative to have such wonderful friends and neighbors who are always willing to help. In addition to planning and hosting this wonderful party, the members of BOLLA have been busy making and delivering blankets to the children of Polk County. Most recently, hundreds of blankets have been delivered 28 to 3 local schools and to the Homeless Graduating Seniors. As a reminder, BOLLA will continue to meet during the summer months. You can find us in the Clubhouse Craft Room on Mondays at 1pm. New members are always welcome. GENEALOGY CLUB By Jane Imparl Come to the June meeting of the Genealogy Club and learn how to use AI for Genealogy. It’s a game changer! We meet Wednesday, June 11 at 2 pm in the HFC Craft Room. Hope to see you there. LA PEBBLES AND PINES By Jill Groves We are happy to report that our Cinco De Mayo Dance on May 3 was a success! We collected a significant amount of non-perishable food for the Lake Wales Care Center as well as $400 in cash donations. Thank you to all who assisted, donated & participated in the fun! Our next event is our 4th of July Ice Cream Social. All members of LAPP should be receiving an email with the details. If you don't receive one, please contact Ji l l Groves at grovesmanor@hotmail.com or 419-902-7966. r LA BELLES By Karen Kennedy The LA Belles would like to invite all of the ladies at Lake Ashton to lunch Wednesday, June 25, at Carrabba’s Italian Grill (910 3rd St SW Winter Haven) at noon. Sign up online or call Vivian at 317-430-2662 or Donna at 407-480-9514 by June 23.
In Recognition of my Real Estate Work Curious about your home’s current market value? Call for a free Comparative Market Analysis. BRAD KIRWAN 863-280-0390 29
meeting and on all other Sundays we play cards — Five Crown, although we would be amenable to trying different games. We hope Singles in Lake Ashton will join us. SUMMER IN THE GARDEN By Lynn Davis & Karen Macklemore As the summer sun kicks in, the Lake Ashton Community Garden will be taking a break from r egular meetings. We plan to reconvene in September, when the weather cools down and our part-time residents return to join the fun. Until then, the garden will keep growing—and so will we! A big thanks to everyone who joined our Garden Gathering Mulcharama on May 8. It was a sweet success filled with picking, prepping, and a whole lot of community spirit. The beds are looking great, and the garden is thriving! Though we won’t be holding official meetings over the summer, we’ll still be tending our warmweather crops like corn, kale, sweet potatoes, and okra. A special shoutout to those who continue watering and caring for the garden—your efforts keep everything blooming. Stay tuned for occasional pop-up gatherings and updates during the summer! LA SINGLES CLUB By Carol Corley The Lake Ashton Singles Club is getting ready for summer — most specifically, July. Every year we identify Polk County older residents who have very little income and no families. We provide Christmas in July for them, getting them gifts and gift cards to help tide them over. Their requests are very simple. In addition to helping needy seniors in Polk County, our club has fun — meeting is the first Sunday every month at 2 p.m. in the Clubhouse Ballroom. After the 30 LAVA AUXILIARY By Chris Graves The next meeting of the LAVA Auxiliary will be Wednesday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Clubhouse Ballroom near the stage. We will not be meeting in July and August — happy Summer! At the meeting we will continue to plan and prepare for the Craft Fair on October 25, so save the date! If you would like to participate in the Craft Show, there are several tables available. You can pick up your Vendor Application Packet at the Clubhouse. Attention Bakers! Please consider baking a cake(s), pie(s) or some other dessert to be sold at the Craft Fair. By doing so, you will be contributing to the success of the Craft Fair. The proceeds will go to benefit veterans. More info to follow in upcoming newsletters. God Bless America!
Mexican Train Dominoes Come Join the Fun Thursdays and Sundays 1 to 3 pm in the Clubhouse Game Room. Arrive by 12:50. Lessons given as needed. Sense of humor necessary. Questions? Text Joanne McKinley at 304-261-6905. OPEN play mah jongg We are looking for both men & women to join us in a fun, friendly game of Mah Jongg. Some experience is required. We would love to have you stop in and say hello Wednesdays from 2 to 4 pm at the HFC Card Room. Questions? Contact Carolyn Neuberger at nachuma@mail.com or 516-317-0120. Chess club Friendly games on Thursdays at 1:30 pm in the Poker Room at the HFC. Some members play each other online. Players of all levels are welcome. Informal lessons can also be arranged for those who want them. Questions? Contact Howard Mayne at 603-285-5640. Personalized care in the comfort of home. Customizable and reliable in-home care, so you can experience a better what’s next. homeinstead.com/333 (863)294-9141 31
LAKE ASHTON FRIENDS OF MEALS ON WHEELS By Marcia Santino Are you a compassionate person looking for a purpose with 2-3 late morning hours available one or two days a month? Meet Lake Ashton re s i d e n t s L i s a Savala, Becky Wilson and Julie Janele. These three friends have been sharing volunteer delivery responsibility of MOWPolk Route #7 on Tuesdays for over a year. The trio rotate weeks, typically two at a time, taking turns driving or delivering the meals to the door of each recipient. Occasionally a single individual will make the deliveries alone when both the other ladies are unavailable. This arrangement demonstrates the creativity and flexibility of volunteering at MOWPolk. With at least 15 full time snow bird volunteer drivers gone for the summer and other volunteers intermittently out on vacation, MOWPolk is in critical need of volunteers, especially over the summer months. Even if you can only spare a random day here or there, your help is greatly needed. There is no long-term commitment required. You decide when and where you deliver. For more information about becoming a volunteer or if you or someone you know needs meal services, please call 863-299-1616. Please consider joining Lake Ashton Friends of Meals on Wheels (“LA FOMOW”) to help promote this essential non-profit organization in our community. To become a member or for more information please email lafomow@gmail.com. Next Third Thursday Second Chance Donation Day is July 17. LA DEMOCRATIC CLUB By Howard Mayne The Lake Ashton Democratic Club will hold their monthly meeting June 5 in the HFC Community Center at 6:30 pm with social time at 6 pm. The speaker will be Luis Davila, who is running for the Florida House District 48 next year. Guests are welcome and encouraged. For more information contact lakeashtondemocraticclub@gmail.com. LA REPUBLICAN CLUB By Bud Colburn There is no Lake Ashton Republican Club (LARC) meeting in June. We are actively seeking committee volunteers for our annual Christmas party being held on December 5, 2025. If you are interested in participating please contact Kristy McKibben at 816-719-8324 or kmcink@att.net. Thank you! GARDEN CLUB By Pam Klawinski The May Garden Club Meeting Field Trip to Heart Village at Warner University was a wealth of knowledge. We learned how the students are prepared on how to grow sustainable agriculture in remote rural areas for their future missionary trips. We were introduced to many of the 500+ varieties of plants and trees that are edible for people and livestock consumption and tasted several plants. The June 11 meeting will include sharing the information learned from the field trip and a demonstration on how to make vase arrangements from your garden. 32 The Garden Club will not hold meetings in July or August but will be participating in “Camp Lake Ashton” activities with creating mini terrariums. Be on the lookout for signups from the Clubhouse. The Garden Club will resume regular meetings on September 10. All are welcome and no green thumb necessary to join in the fun!
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FRIENDLY BOCCE GROUP By Stephanie Iszak All Lake Ashton residents are invited to come out on Mondays and Fridays from 10 am to 1 pm to play some fun games of Bocce Ball. No experience is required. Anyone who is playing would be more than happy to teach you and go over the Lake Ashton Friendly Bocce Ball rules and regulations. Our Friendly Bocce Tailgate parties for 2025 have ended. They will resume in January 2026. Contact Stephanie Iszak at 609-980-9505, siszak@comcast.net or Tammy Shields at 863-632-2024, tammy.shields1221@gmail.com with any questions. Looking forward to having many new Friendly Bocce players. LA PICKLEBALL By Coach Dennis Santino Enjoy the summer fun by joining the LAPA. We had another fun packed pickleball mixer in May with our next social event is July 5th. As you are reading this article our two new Pickleball Courts should be completed. The LAPA board wants to give a special thanks to George Powell (pictured) for making our new pickleball paddle holders. LAPA has many more fun Lifetime Limited Warranty Guaranteed Low Pricing 12 Months No Interest1 Free No-obligation In-home Quotes 863-400-5082 • WindowWorldPolkCounty.com 101 Industrial Blvd. West, Winter Haven, FL This Window World® franchise is independently owned and operated by Window World of Polk County Inc. d/b/a Window World of Lakeland under license from Window World Inc. Fully licensed & insured. License No. CBC1257854 Previous sales are excluded and offers cannot be combined. Minimum 10% down required when ordering. ¹No interest if paid in full within 12 months with regular monthly payments. Bank approval needed. Must qualify. Ask for details. 34 activities planned throughout the year. Join in on this fun by becoming a member of the Club. Membership forms can be found at the HFC. Membership is only $12 per year and prorated when you join after January. Coaches Corner: The biggest thing holding back most players is not their ball striking skills. Instead, it’s failing to understand smart pickleball. LA SWIM CLUB By Sandy White DO YOU KNOW: • Lake Ashton Swim Club (LASC) offers fitness and competition opportunities. • Lake Ashton swimmers have competed and medaled in regional, state, and national senior age group competition. • Senior swimming competition was created to promote fitness and better health for 50 and older. • There are 11 age and 2 gender groups in senior swim competition. • A Lake Ashton swimmer holds a regional swimming record. • You don't have to be a super swimmer to enter senior swimming. The pre-requisite is the ability to swim 2 lengths (50 yds.). • Swimming is known for being the best and safest all-around exercise. • LASC swims together 3 times a week: Mon & Wed 1-2PM & Sat 10AM. • LASC welcomes new swimmers anytime? For more info, just show up at a practice session or contact sandyw1994@aol.com. The club has the pool reserved on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 to 2 pm, and Saturdays from 10 to 11 am. Pictured: New LASC Swimmer Steve Armstrong participated in the American Cancer Society's Swim Challenge - Swim 5 Miles (352 lengths) in May.
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DUPLICATE BRIDGE By Don Fuller & Liz Leigh Duplicate bridge is played on Monday at 12:45 pm in the Clubhouse Card Room. The game is open to all residents regardless of skill level. Participants should have some experience playing bridge plus a partner is required. We have approximately 60 players in the group and can assist new players in finding a partner. Registering in advance is suggested by signing up in the Red Book in the Clubhouse Card Room, or by emailing Don at dfuller627@yahoo.com. April 21: North-South: 1st Jim Ford & Don Fuller; 2nd Marion Nelson & Roger Nelson; 3rd Sonny Robinson & Pat Foster: East-West:1st Marian Oshinsky & Trish Kellar; 2nd John Sammons & Pat Sammons; 3rd Marge Kniat & Marti Dehn April 28:North – South: 1st Marion Nelson & Roger Nelson; 2nd Jim Ford & Don Fuller; 3rd Pat Foster & Sonny Robinson: East-West: 1st Sally Bonkoski & Colette Mckie; Liz Leigh & Mafie Walker; 3rd Graham Littlehales & Howard Mayne May 5: North-South: 1st Don Fuller & Jim Ford; 2nd Maureen Ziegler & Nelda Sedlacek; 3rd Charlotte Walter & Liz Smith; East-West: 1st Dana Griffiths & Judy Marine; 2nd Trish Kellar & Marian Oskinsky; 3rd Jeannine Connors & Dee Mayne May 12: North-South 1st Sonny Robinson & Pat Foster; 2nd Don Fuller & Jim Ford; 3rd Dee Mayn & Jeannine Connors: East-West: 1st Marian Oshinsky & Trish Kellar; 2nd Liz Leigh & Mafie Walker 3rd Chip Inman & Chris Verges LA ROCKERS By Annie Lutz CAMP LAKE ASHTON coming soon! The LA Rockers will be teaching a beginners class on how to paint rocks on July 2 at 1 pm in the Clubhouse. You know you love finding our kindness rocks, so why not come out and try your hand at it? Bring your friends and meet some new folks. All supplies will be provided and you will be able to take your rock home with you. Sign up at the Clubhouse. Our mission is: One message at just the right moment can change someone’s entire day, outlook, life. You can spread the kindness, too! 36
MIND&BODY LEARN TO SQUARE DANCE By Keith Stevens Beat the heat this summer with square dance lessons in the cool. The air-conditioned Clubhouse Ballroom will be the place for ten square dance lesson/dances Thursday afternoons from 4 to 5:30 pm. You don’t need a partner to join the fun. It will be a progressive course dancing for ten Thursday afternoons beginning June 12. It will be a fun way to stay in the cool and at the same time keep your body and mind active. Modern Western Square Dancing is recognized by the medical community as an encouraged activity to improve physical and mental health. All you need is a smile to join. $5/person/ lesson and there will be a pizza and cola party June 12, the first lesson. Bring a friend to join. Email davecaller@gmail.com or keithuns@yahoo.com for more information. LORRIE’S LINE DANCING Thursdays at the HFC 1 pm Beginner Class, 2 pm Improver. LUNCH & LEARN Window Tinting: June 18 at 12 pm. Residential window film offers numerous benefits, including enhanced energy efficiency, reduced glare, increased privacy, and protection from UV rays. It can also improve safety and security by holding glass together in case of breakage. THIS IS WHERE NEW MEMORIES ARE MADE CRUISE & LAND VACATIONS CBD: Ask all your questions, sample, and learn all about it June 24 at 12 pm. All held in the Clubhouse Ballroom with lunch provided. Sign up online today! BOB ROSS OIL PAINTING CLASS Instructor: Kay Lenherr June 14, 1 to 4 pm Clubhouse Craft Room Fisherman’s Trail $35, payable at class. Sign up by emailing k.lenherr@aol.com by June 13. CRAFTING WITH CARMEN Craft your own super cute cupcake drinking glass on June 20 at 11:30 am in the Clubhouse Ballroom! For $15 you will receive the lid, glass cup, straw, and crafting supplies. There are only 7 spots available for this class. You’ll not want to miss out on this class, sign up online today! BEADING IN THE BALLROOM – BEADED SUCCULENTS Make your own adorabl e beaded succulent on June 25 at 11:30 am in the Clubhouse Ballroom! All materials and instructions will be included for $10 payable at the class. Sign up with Valerie Fetcho at valgeo2@aol.com or by calling 863-605-1386. Sally & Ear l Schle y 863-308-295 0 | earl.schley@cruiseplanners.co m www.SandEtravelplanners.co m sally.schley@cruiseplanners.co m SCAN WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE TO SIGN UP FOR CLASSES & EVENTS AT THE CLUBHOUSE! FLST # 3906 8 • CST # 2034468-5 0 • HST # TAR-705 8 • WAST # 603-399-50 4 38
TRIVIA IN THE BALLROOM Lake Ashton Sunday Night Trivia will be played every Sunday Night in the Clubhouse Ballroom. There is a maximum of eight players per table, but no minimum. Bring $1/person to play. All money is returned to the winning tables. Trivia starts at 7 pm. Doors open at 6 pm. CHARM CITY TRIVIA Charm City Trivia is held every Tuesday Night in the Restaurant beginning at 6 pm. You can have a group or just come and play. Each group can have up to eight players. Charm City Gift cards will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. Reserve your table. Come early, have dinner, a few drinks, socialize, and have fun. We look forward to seeing everyone. CARDS FOR ALL AGES Join in the fun making cards June 4 from 2 to 4 pm in the Clubhouse Craft Room. This class is for all levels. If you’ve never made cards before come try something new. All card materials to make two cards are provided for $5. Please bring scissors and your favorite adhesive. If you don’t have adhesive, we do sell it at a very discounted price of $4. Photos of June cards are shown. You must register to attend, space is limited. If you do sign up please do your best to attend. Last month we had three sign ups who did not come and we had a waiting list. Contact Marianne Morcone mkegolfer@aol.com, 860-712-9440 or Judy Ridpath, judy@judyridpath.com 650-678-1174 CREATE A CARD June 17 at 10 am in the HFC Sports Court. A guest expert will provide instruction, from beginner to expert, all supplies and equipment, and three beautiful cards to take home for $12. No experience needed. Sign up at the HFC. Call Karen at 262-497-3272 with questions. 39
BODY MIND SOUL Simply Healthy Everything is Connected MONDAYS ✴ 9 am: Total Body Toning - HFC ✴ 10 am: Chair Barre - HFC ✴ 11 am: Classical Stretch - HFC ✴ 12 pm: Aqua Pump - HFC Pool ✴ 3 pm: Free Virtual Meditation Session via Zoom: yogawinterhaven@gmail.com TUESDAYS ✴ 8:30 am: Water Aerobics - Clubhouse Pool ✴ 9 am: Chair Yoga - Clubhouse Ballroom, $5, no equipment or experience needed ✴ 9 am: Dynamic Cardio Movement - HFC ✴ 11 am: Pilates - HFC Community Center ✴ 4 pm: Aqua Motion - HFC Pool ✴ 8:30 am: Water Aerobics - Clubhouse Pool ✴ 9 am: Instructor's Choice - HFC ✴ 10 am: Aqua Pump - HFC Pool SATURDAYS ✴ 8:30 am: Water Aerobics - Clubhouse Pool ✴ 10:30 am: Fit Body By Clinton - HFC - $5 SUNDAYS ✴ 10 am: Well-being Is Now (W.I.N.) with Rea - HFC - $5 WEDNESDAYS ✴ 8:30 am: Water Aerobics - Clubhouse Pool ✴ 8:45 am: Yoga Share - Clubhouse Ballroom ✴ 9 am: Core Conditioning & Strength - HFC ✴ 10 am: Aqua Locomotion - HFC Pool 40 THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE SIMPLY HEALTHY PLANT-POWERED LIVING FOR A HEALTHIER YOU ON MAY 18 AT THE EAGLES NEST! THURSDAYS ✴ 8:30 am: Water Aerobics - Clubhouse Pool ✴ 9 am: Dynamic Cardio Movement - HFC ✴ 10 am: Pilates - HFC ✴ 11 am: Classical Stretch - HFC ✴ 4 pm: Aqua Motion - HFC Pool FRIDAYS
GOLF LALGA By Beverly Hines June is the gateway to summer and happy times golfing with our “stay at home” friends in our little slice of paradise. Wishing our snowbird friends a happy summer at their “home away from home” as well. The change of LALGA board officers began June 1 and will go through May 31, 2026. President – Margie Dersham, VP -Deborah Giannattasio, Secretary – Sandra Lancaster, and Treasurer – Kathy Reed. Thank you for your willingness to provide leadership for the league.The LALGA summer tournament will be held on July 7th & 8th. Sign up is in the Pro Shop only (no online sign up). Deadline for sign up is June 24th. Teams will be randomly paired. The theme is Viva Las Vegas so put on your best casino party attire. The game will be a be a special shamble/scramble. Lunch will be on the second day in the Eagles Nest. As the summer months heat up, LALGA members will have the option of playing nine holes on League Days June through September. By doing so they will not be paying the $3 entry fee and will not be participating in the game or payout but certainly can join us during the hot summer months. Just sign up in the Pro Shop or online for playing nine holes. Congratulations to Lynne Abbott on her Eagle on Hole #7 East, April 29, 2025. Next month we will announce our Red Hoagland Challenge winners - those who have won the most prize money during the year (June 2024- May 2025). THE BLUE MAN MURRAY ZACHARIA 2025 MEMBER- MEMBER GOLF TOURNAMENT On April 16, 2025, the Blue Man Group hosted the annual Murray Zacharia Member-Member Tournament. Murray's son Seth and his golfing partner, Greg Harvath joined in. The one day competition was intense, which resulted in several ties resolved by USGA - Florida formula. Winners were Clive Greeff and Kevin Cravens - LOW GROSS and Clarence Bristow and John Pitman - LOW NET. Each team was memorialized on the Zacharia plaque which is located in the LA Pro Shop. After the competition, we were honored to be joined by Linda Zacharia, Murray's wife, who assisted in presentation to the winners. Thanks to PGA professional Ian Peterson as well as Sandra and Jackie of the Eagles Nest who arranged lunch. 41
LAMGA By David Kubissa May kicked off with a salute to Cinco de Mayo involving a pick-your-partner competition and taco luncheon, one of many golf-and-lunch events this year. The next one will be July 9 – a “Sweat and Swing” pick-your-foursome game to include a hot dog bar afterwards. The top gross winners of the May 7 Cinco de Mayo game were: Flight 1: Dan Baun and Rolly Geyer. Flight 2: Tom Schoendorf and Terry Guinn. Flight 3: Paul Fichtman and Matt Kosek. The Black / Gold division winner for individual quota points was Charlie Mutz. For those LAMGA members who will be away this summer, there’s another golf-and-lunch game you won’t want to miss on September 17, called “Fall Opener.” A pick-your-partner event with a shepherd’s pie lunch. Signups for both games will be posted on the LAMGA bulletin one week before the golf-lunch events. For the full lineup of games in the next three months, go to the LAMGA web page on LakeAshtonLiving.com. Update on Red Hoagland Challenge: Here are the standings through the end of April. 1. Pat O'Neil, $86.25; 2. Denis Mulhearn, $76.25; 3. Norm Stebbins, $75.70; 4. Jim Salb, $72.90. The top four players for the Hoagland Challenge season, ending Oct. 31, will earn golf shop credits, courtesy of Red Hoagland Hyundai. Sponsor salute: The following remodeling and home improvement businesses have sponsored LAMGA this year: AIS Showers Doors, Inc.; AD Baynard Plumbing; Central Door Company; Flooring of Lake Hamilton; Hawkins Repair (HHR); Sun Protection of Florida; WCM Construction and Roofing; Window Concepts by Annalisa. The LAMGA board encourages Lake Ashton residents to consider these businesses when shopping for home services. For a full list of LAMGA’s 2025 sponsors, visit the LAMGA web page on http://www.LakeAshtonLiving.com. 42 LA NINERS By Sandy Hockenberry June is the time of year when we say farewell to some of our fellow Niners who go north for the summer. The summer’s heat will soon be upon us so get your plan in place to stay hydrated and protected from the sun’s harmful UV radiation. Fluids with electrolytes and sunscreen are going to be two of our best defenses now until mid-autumn. Pictured: A recent Lunch with Friends celebrated at Charm City. Photos courtesy of MaryLou Jameson. June’s games include: June 3: Step-Aside Scramble – All players drive, best drive is selected, the player with the best drive “steps aside” and does not hit the next shot, process is repeated until the ball is holed. Lunch with Friends follows. (team game) June 10: Throw Out One – Throw out the worst hole. Low gross/low net scores win (individual game) June 17: 2 Putt (Max) – Record no more than two putts on each hole (individual game) June 24: 5 Clubs – Player plays with only 5 clubs the entire round. Low net score wins, this game does not qualify for GHIN. (individual game) Blue Man/Niners will host an 18 hole Par 3 Scramble on July 1, followed by a luncheon at the Eagles Nest. Please sign up at the Pro Shop.
Juneteenth BLOCK PARTY & Celebration Raffles - Dancing - Music - Games - and More! Saturday, June 21 from 1 - 4 pm Clubhouse Parking Lot Bring a lawn chair, friends and loved ones, funds for food and drinks from Charm City & local vendors, and a spirit of joy and celebration. Honor history, celebrate freedom, strengthen our community, and uplift one another through inspiration and joy! See p. 26 for more info.
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