L.A. TIMES Lake Ashton Community Newsletter June 2026 Dance through the Decades see p. 26 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 JUNE 2026 Denise Plavetzky Editor dplavetzky@calmfla.com 863.324.5457 Valerie LeBlanc Advertising Sales, Layout & Design vleblanc@calmfla.com SUBMISSION GUIDELINES July Issue Deadline: June 15 • 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 • Submit articles online at https://lakeashtoncdd.com/ submit-an-article • 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/email 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. 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! Please do not hesitate to contact us with any comments, questions or concerns. LAKE ASHTON CLUBHOUSE 4141 Ashton Club Drive Lake Wales, FL 33859 Phone: 863-324-5457 lakeashtoncdd.com PLEASE NOTE NEW EMAILS FOR CLUBHOUSE STAFF LACDD Community Director: Denise Plavetzky, 863-324-5457 dplavetzky@calmfla.com Clubhouse Office Manager: Sheila Moreland, 863-324-5457 smoreland@calmfla.com Clubhouse Activities Assistant: Caroline Lane, 863-324-6032 clane@calmfla.com Golf Club - Ian Peterson, Head Golf Professional Kevin Baker, GM Eagles Nest - Sandra Goodwin, Manager RV & Storage Center Office Hours EmpowerMe Wellness LAKE ASHTON HEALTH & FITNESS CENTER (HFC) 6052 Pebble Beach Boulevard Winter Haven, FL 33884 Phone: 863-595-1562 lakeashton2cdd.org LAIICDD Community Director: Karen Van Kirk, 863-595-1562 kvankirk@lakeashton2cdd.com LAIICDD Assistant Community Director: Krystle Funk, 863-595-1562 kfunk@lakeashton2cdd.com HFC Activities Assistant: Louise Crespin, 863-595-1562 lcrespin1@lakeashton2cdd.com 863-326-1032 ipeterson@lakeashtongc.com kevin.baker@troon.com 863-326-1085 goodwinsl84@gmail.com 863.326.1304 Tues & Thurs info@lakeashtonstorage.com 8 - 4 pm 863-358-0809 kshipley@empowerme.com In case of emergency, dial 911! Lake Wales Police Non-Emergency: 863-678-4223 Winter Haven Police Non-Emergency: 863-291-5858 Polk County Sheriff NonEmergency: 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 - enjoy coffee and donuts for $1 each. JUNE 1 • Birthdays and Anniversaries • Featured Speaker: Hurricane Preparedness with Polk County Fire Rescue • Featured Vendors: Christine Graves Insurance (FREE Cupcake for Those Celebrating a Birthday or Anniversary), StormGuard JUNE 8 • Bite Me Monday — Donations of pet food and/or supplies for the Humane Society of Polk County • Featured Speaker: City of Winter Haven’s Community Engagement Manager Introduction • Featured Vendors: Matt Simpson - Edward Jones (Free Coffee Day! - Sponsored by Matt Simpson), ComForCare JUNE 15 — NO MONDAY COFFEE LACDD BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING • Peanut Butter Monday - Donations of nonperishable foods for a local food bank JUNE 22 • Featured Speaker: AdventHealth • Featured Vendor: AdventHealth JUNE 29 • Featured Speaker: Theatre Winter Haven • Featured Vendor: TBA BLOODMOBILE IN THE CLUBHOUSE WEST PARKING LOT 8:30 AM TO 2:30 PM IN THIS ISSUE NEWS 5 LA LOOKS 18 SAFETY 21 MOVIES 24 EVENTS 26 CLUBS 29 MIND & BODY 36 GOLF 40 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETINGS LAKE ASHTON (LW) CDD Monday, June 15 9 am in the Clubhouse Ballroom Joint Meeting with LAIICDD to follow at 11:30 am LAKE ASHTON II (WH) CDD Thursday, June 18 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
240 E. Park Ave, Lake wales, FL 33853 Peace of mind starts here—we’ve got you covered. - Estate Planning - Probate - Elder Law Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation! www.welovelaw.com 863.676.6000 This June you can rest easy knowing your plans are in place.
HOURS OF OPERATION CLUBHOUSE: 6 am – 10 pm daily NEW CLUBHOUSE OFFICES: 8 am – 4 pm Mon. - Fri. RFID/AMENITY ACCESS CARD HOURS: 10 am-1 pm Tuesday & Wednesday HEALTH & FITNESS CENTER: 5:30 am – 10 pm daily HFC OFFICES & ACTIVITIES DESK: 8 am – 4 pm Monday through Friday BAXTER’ S QUAL ITY MEATS Get fresh poultry, fish, and beef in the Clubhouse West parking lot Wednesdays from 10 am to 2 pm. Check out the other vendors as well! COMMON ACRONYMS AT LAKE ASHTON LACDD and LAIICDD – Lake Ashton Community Development District (CDD) residents who live in the Lake Wales postal area. Lake Ashton II Community Development District (CDD II) residents who live in the Winter Haven postal area. HOA – Homeowners’ Association – There are two in Lake Ashton - one for Lake Wales residents (Lake Ashton HOA) and one for Winter Haven residents (Lake Ashton II HOA). See page 20 for contact information. ARC – Architectural Review Committee – one ARC works with Winter Haven residents and the other works with Lake Wales residents. See page 20 for contact information. CC&Rs – Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions – the governing rules for all residents in Lake Ashton. 6 You should have received one when you closed on your home. If you did not please contact an HOA Director (contact info on page 20) to receive one. NW - Neighborhood Watch - sponsored by LWPD (Lake Wales Police Department) and WHPD (Winter Haven Police Department) and the Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO). Resident volunteers, community-wide coverage. CAP – Citizen Assisted Patrol – sponsored by the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Resident volunteers, community-wide coverage. CERT – Community Emergency Response Team – sponsored by Polk County Fire Rescue. Resident volunteers, community-wide coverage. LA - Lake Ashton CH – Clubhouse (Address: 4141 Ashton Club Drive, Lake Wales) HFC – Health and Fitness Center (Address: 6052 Pebble Beach Blvd., Winter Haven) LAVA – Lake Ashton Veterans’ Association LAVAA – Lake Ashton Veterans’ Association Auxiliary LALGA - Lake Ashton Ladies Golf Association LAMGA - Lake Ashton Men's Golf Association LAPA- Lake Ashton Pickleball Association LAPAC - Lake Ashton Performing Arts Corporation LARC - Lake Ashton Republican Club LAT - LA Times Are you interested in meeting new people? Are you interested in helping residents with signing up for events on Ticketleap? We would love to have you complete an application to be an Activities Desk volunteer or Events volunteer. Stop by the Clubhouse to complete an application for review.
863-272-0746 SEALPROORLANDO@GMAIL.COM We install flower bed walls WE ARE LICENSED AND INSURED CALL, TEXT, OR EMAIL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE Paver Sealing French Drains and Gutter Connections Paver Installations and Paver Repairs Flooded patios and pavers? We install Channel Drains! 863-272-0746 SEALPROORLANDO@GMAIL.COM 7 Polyaspartic Floor Coatings
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 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. Remember to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated when enjoying outdoor activities. 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. 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. After 14.5 incredible years, the time has come for me to say goodbye as Community Director at Lake Ashton. I received a promotion with GMS and will be transitioning to being a District Manager on July 3. Writing this article is far more difficult than I expected, because this community has meant so much to me throughout the years. When I first joined Lake Ashton, I could not have imagined the friendships, memories, and experiences that would become such an important part of my life. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with so many wonderful residents, volunteers, and community leaders, who truly make this community extraordinary. What makes Lake Ashton special has never just been the beautiful amenities or events — it is the people. It is the neighbors who look out for one another, the volunteers who give their time so generously, the smiling faces at community events, and the countless conversations and moments shared along the way. Your kindness, support, and sense of community are what make Lake Ashton such an amazing place to call home. I am incredibly grateful for the trust you placed in me over the past 14.5 years. Serving this community has been one of the greatest honors of my career, and I will always treasure the relationships and memories that came with it. While this chapter is coming to a close, the memories and friendships I have made here will stay with me forever. Thank you for your support, encouragement, patience, and most importantly, your friendship. I wish all of you continued happiness, health, and success in the years ahead. Lake Ashton will always hold a very special place in my heart. Welcome Denise! Many of you have already had the opportunity to meet Denise Plavetzky, Lake Ashton’s new Community Director. Denise brings more than 30 years of property management experience to the role, most recently serving as Community Manager at Traditions. We are fortunate to welcome someone with Denise’s knowledge, professionalism, and leadership experience to the Lake Ashton team. Please feel free to reach out and introduce yourself. Denise can be contacted via email at dplavetzky@calmfla.com. 8
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 from 2 to 4 pm 863.875.4554, mecsicsj@msn.com 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 bmartin@lakeashton2cdd.com Duff Hill, Assistant Secretary Special Projects, Landscaping Area, Pet Play Parks Office Hours: Wednesdays from 1 to 2 pm duffhill5429@gmail.com Roy Aull, Assistant Secretary Facilities/Amenity Management Office Hours: Friday 9 to 10:30 am 973-670-2709, raull@lakeashton2cdd.com The month of June in Florida is all about the tropics with early summer flowering blooms and hotter temperatures. It is essential to stay properly hydrated when participating in either indoor activities such as fitness classes or outdoors to stay safe and healthy. Please mark your calendar for Lake Ashton II Community Development District (LAIICDD) meeting scheduled for June 18 at 9 am in the Community Center. This meeting offers an important opportunity for community members to remain informed about district affairs, engage in meaningful discussion, and connect with fellow residents. Your attendance is instrumental in supporting the ongoing development and wellbeing of Lake Ashton. If you are unable to attend, you can access the meeting via ZOOM. You are invited to live musical entertainment by the Red Hot Roosters, on June 19 at the HFC from 6 to 9 pm. Admission is $10 and you can also reserve a table at the HFC Activities Desk. The popular food truck “Something Different” will be on site for your convenience as well. Please monitor your email for special announcements regarding Lake Ashton’s 250th USA Anniversary Celebration. This gala affair is filled with fun patriotic activities the week of the 4th of July, culminating on Saturday the 4th. The May LA Times (page 29) shows a list of activities for this community event. Also, LA veterans and first responders will be honored and recognized for their service via a Display Board with their ‘then’ and ‘now’ photos. We value you, our residents of Lake Ashton, and appreciate your positive contribution to the community. UPCOMING CDD SUPERVISOR QUALIFYING PERIOD This year the LA (LW) Community Development District has three seats up for election, and LA II (WH) Community Development District has two seats up for election. The qualifying period runs from noon on June 8 and closes at noon on June 12. Each seat carries a four-year term of office. Elections are nonpartisan and will be held at the same time as the general election on November 3, 2026. Candidates must qualify for the office of Supervisor with the Polk County Supervisor of Elections. For more information, please contact them at 863-534-5888 or visit https://www.polkelections.gov. 10
JOINT AMENITY POL ICY HIGHLIGHTS This is an excerpt from the Joint Amenity Facilities Policy. The full policy can be found on lakeashtoncdd.com and lakeashton2cdd.org. Questions can be directed to Denise Plavetzky, LA (LW) CDD Community Director or Karen Van Kirk, LA (WH) CDD Community Director. viii. FITNESS CENTERS 1. Fitness centers are open daily during normal operating hours. 2. Patrons are encouraged to receive training on the apparatus before utilizing equipment. 3. Each facility provides televisions for Patrons. Each TV is equipped with closed captions. Volume shall not be used. **Please note this is a new change to the policy.** 4. Individuals must be fourteen (14) years of age and older to use District Fitness Centers. Guests under eighteen (18) years of age must be supervised and accompanied by an adult Patron, parent, or guardian over twenty-one (21) 5. Food, including chewing gum, is not permitted within the District Fitness Centers. Beverages, however, are permitted in the Fitness Centers if contained in non-breakable containers with screwtop or sealed lids. 6. Appropriate attire and footwear (covering the entire foot) must be worn at all times in the District Fitness Centers. Appropriate attire includes tee shirts, tank tops, shorts, and/or athletic wear (no swimsuits). 7. Each Individual is responsible for wiping off fitness equipment after use with the antiseptic wipes provided by the Districts. 8. Use of personal trainers is permitted in the District Fitness Centers with approval from the Amenity Manager. 9. Hand chalk is not permitted to be used in the District Fitness Centers. 10. Personal audio devices are not permitted unless they are utilized with headphones. 11. No bags, gear, or jackets are permitted on the floor of the District Fitness Centers or on the fitness equipment. 12. Weights or other fitness equipment may not be removed from the District Fitness Centers. 13. Limit use of cardiovascular equipment to thirty (30) minutes and step aside between multiple sets on weight equipment if other persons are waiting. 14. Be respectful of others. Allow other Patrons and Guests to also use equipment, especially the cardiovascular equipment. 15. Replace weights to their proper location after use. 16. Free-weights are not to be dropped and should be placed only on the floor or on equipment made specifically for storage of the weights. 17. Any fitness program operated, established and run by the Amenity Manager may have priority over other users of the District Fitness Centers. 12
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SHAPING LAKE ASHTON’S FUTURE: FOCUS 2030 REPORT RELEASED By Iris Realmuto Thank you to everyone who participated in the three Focus 2030 surveys. The Focus 2030 Group has been hard at work reviewing and analyzing the results, and the final report is now available on https:// www.lakeashtonliving.com or by scanning this QR code (no login required). In addition, the group has prepared a companion report highlighting the actions and progress made in response to the Focus 2025 survey conducted several years ago. That report is also available on lakeashtonliving.com (no login required). We appreciate everyone who took the time to share their feedback and help shape the future of our community. RINGING UP SUCCESS AT THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Lake Ashton resident and Winter Haven Horseshoe Club President Ken Keding recently competed in the 65th Annual Florida State Horseshoe Pitching Association (FSHPA) Championship Tournament, held April 22–25, 2026, and hosted by the Flagler County Horseshoe Club. Keding enjoyed an impressive week of competition, beginning Wednesday afternoon in the Mixed Doubles Class B tournament. Partnered with Warren Gionet of the Winter Haven club, the duo posted a 4-1 record to capture First Place. Mixed doubles competition pairs a 30-foot pitcher with a 40-foot pitcher. On Thursday, Keding competed in the Class B doubles event alongside fellow Winter Haven club member Ralph Hawthorne. The pair earned a 3-2 record, good for Third Place. 14 IS YOUR MEDICARE PLAN CHANGING THIS YEAR? STRESSED ABOUT COVERAGE? I help seniors navigate Medicare without the stress and confusion, at no cost to you. I’m also your LA neighbor with over 20 years Medicare experience. ATTEND A MEDICARE INFO SESSION (VIRTUAL OR IN-PERSON) SCHEDULE A CALL GET A QUOTE OPEN ENROLLMENT : OCT. 15 - DEC. 7 NOW’S THE TIME TO EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS AND SIGN UP! SCAN TO LEARN MORE OR CONTACT ME Friday morning brought more success as Keding competed in the Class F Singles tournament, finishing with another strong 4-1 record. After narrowly losing his first game by just two points to Rich Dietlin, Keding rebounded in an exciting second match that saw both players throw 22 ringers each and finish with an impressive 55% ringer average. Both competitors threw 91 ringers out of 200 shoes over the course of the five 40shoe games. Entering the tournament with a 35% average, Keding raised his performance to over 45% throughout the event, capping off what he described as “a very good week.” The Winter Haven Horseshoe Club is always looking for new players from Lake Ashton and the surrounding area. The club meets Tuesdays at 9 a.m. at Rotary Park in Winter Haven, located two blocks north of Bond Clinic. INSURANCE That’s not me in the photo, but I’ve been there! If you're reading this, looks like your Medicare eye benefit is in good shape—let's keep it that way! Call or Text Chris (863) 514-5368 www.c gr a ves insu r anc e. com OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE | LAKE ASHTON RESIDENT | TRUSTED BY HUNDREDS OF NEIGHBORS NOTE: I do not offer every plan available in our/your area • I represent 12 carriers, offering 95 plans • For all options visit: Medicare.gov • 1-800-MEDICARE • State Health Insurance Program (SHIP – free, local help for Medicare questions)
RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT By Marianne Zak Since the founding of K9 Quilt of Honor, twentytwo states and three countries (including Australia) have purchased the pattern panels the Bluhms have designed. Over 1,200 panels have been incorporated into quilts. The American Quilt Society, Nine Line Apparel, and other organizations show support for K9 Quilt of Honor. Carolyn also sells quilting kits at shows for other quilters to create K9 quilts. Carolyn said, "God has given me, in His timing, the opportunity to grow this program, not in my timing. He has me step into a person's life for 20 minutes and bring them joy for a lifetime. The wonderful feeling of joy and giving never goes away.” Carolyn Bluhm and her husband, Rudy, have been residents on Limerick Drive for three years. They have been married for 24 years and share three children and four grandchildren. After retiring, she took up quilting and has been instrumental in presenting over 50 "Quilts of Valor" to Lake Ashton veterans. Quilters in Lake Ashton create valor squares, which Carolyn enjoys sewing together to create these quilts. The over 40 members of the Creative Quilters of Lake Ashton display a different quilt every month at the LA Clubhouse, with a theme for each month. The group is currently working on a 250th anniversary quilt for the 4th of July, honoring the United States military services. Carolyn and Rudy founded K9 Quilt of Honor® in Indian River County, Florida. This year, they have attended eleven quilt shows around the country to present quilts to law enforcement and military K9s and their handlers. There are K9s for arson, search and rescue, explosives, enemy seekers, law enforcement, local police, ATF, ICE, Border Patrol, and the Secret Service. 15 Carolyn is a member of the Lake Ashton Creative Quilters, LAVA Auxiliary, and the Travelers Club. Her website is CERTMinistry.com. It is amazing that Carolyn has only been quilting for six years and has already achieved such widespread acclaim. She recently presented the TSA agents at Orlando International Airport with a K9 quilt for their service. Carolyn is another reason why Lake Ashton is "Simply the Best."
SHOE DRIVE THANK YOU! By Carolyn Neuberger Thank you so much for your support with our Shoe Drive. Your help made a huge difference and is much appreciated. Lake Ashton is a very caring and giving community. You went above and beyond and because of your help and support we have reached our goal of 2,500 pair of shoes to be sent to Haiti. We are going to continue with the shoe drive until June 30. Once again, thank you Lake Ashton! PINK RIBBON COMMITTEE By Lydia Fichtman The Lake Ashton Pink Ribbon Committee is creating a fundraising calendar (Calendar Girls Type). We will be putting together a photo at the CR 653 (Winter Haven) entrance by the Lake Ashton sign and would love to have as many survivors as possible in the photo. To be involved, contact Committee Co-chair Lydia Fichtman at 215-290-9375 or email lydia.fichtman@gmail.com. !"#$%#$& '()*#+(, -.()(/ ! #$%&'$()&*+ ,-)$.&/. ! #$%&'$()&*+ 0()$.&/. ! 1/22$.3&*+ ,-)$.&/. ! 1/22$.3&*+ 0()$.&/. !"## %&'()*'#& %%%0",'(-./"&,-/&.01"2 0($*() 2"345) !"#$%&'( )'&*'(+",'(-./"&,-/&.01"2 34567 9:;#5<=: 16 67,%#$ 2"345) !"#$%&'( >?@./&+",'(-./"&,-/&.01"2 39<=7 =4A#99:< Veteran Owned & Operated Family Owned
MA KE Y O UR WEBSITES WORK FOR YOU ! Residents who would like to receive electronic news blasts from the Clubhouse and Health & Fitness Center (HFC), Eagle’s Nest, and/or the Pro Shop can easily sign up by scanning the QR code at top left. These email updates are a great way to stay informed about events, schedule changes, special programs, and important announcements. If you’re searching for Community Development District (CDD) board meeting dates, agendas, minutes, or Supervisor contact information, both CDD websites are readily accessible. Simply scan the top left QR code to visit http://www.lakeashtoncdd.com and the bottom left QR code to visit http://www.lakeashton2cdd.org. LA TIMES ARTICLES Thank you to everyone who has continue to use the new submission process this month and helped make the transition smooth and successful. Updated guidelines and the website form were created to ensure fairness, consistency, and accuracy as participation increases. All submissions may be edited to fit available space and to maintain clarity, readability, and compliance with district communication policies and publication standards. To maintain a cohesive design, resident-created flyers, posters, or custom layouts cannot be published directly, but content may be reformatted or recreated by staff to match newsletter standards. The website form is now required for submissions. Full guidelines, including word limits, deadlines, and formatting requirements, are available online. Submit articles and images online at: http://lakeashtoncdd.com/submit-an-article or scan this QR code to submit. If you have questions, contact vleblanc@calmfla.com. 17 EMAIL BLAST REQUESTS Email blasts are an important way to share timely community information, reminders, and event announcements with residents. To better manage the growing number of requests, a standardized submission process has been implemented. New guidelines and the required website form help ensure clear, consistent communication in line with district policies. These updates also help improve organization, timing, and overall effectiveness of community-wide messages. Information on formatting, deadlines, and content requirements is available online. All requests must now be submitted through the website form. Visit: http://lakeashtoncdd.com/blast-request or scan this QR code to request a blast. We appreciate your cooperation in helping maintain an organized, fair, and efficient communication system that benefits the entire community. Questions, please contact vleblanc@calmfla.com. TECH HELP DESK Sign up by following the QR code, clicking the link included in weekly emails, or by visiting the Clubhouse Activities Office, Monday through Friday between 8 am and 4 pm. Appointments are estimated to be about 15-30 minutes each. There may be technology inquiries that will need to be referred to a third party company for further assistance. The instructors will provide you with vendor suggestions* should the need arise. Volunteers are also needed. If you have tech expertise and are willing to donate your time to help, email dplavetzky@calmfla.com. *LACDD, LAIICDD, and the Tech Help Desk volunteers do not endorse any of the third party vendor suggestions. SCAN WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE TO SIGN UP FOR CLASSES & EVENTS AT THE CLUBHOUSE!
L.A. LOOKS Wildlife Corner Photo & Article By Barbara Ann Comer The great horned owl is a bird more likely to be heard than seen in Lake Ashton. Residents outside at dawn and dusk may actually glimpse one of these majestic owls. They occur in most of North America and are known as the “hoot owl”. Not all owls actually “hoot”, but the Great Horned does. The male’s higher voice calls out and the deep-voiced female replies. In the hawk and owl world the females are larger than the males. Great Horned Owls have nested in Lake Ashton and are agreeable neighbors, helping with rodent control. They are a striking bird with piercing yellow eyes, brown, black and white mottled feathers and “ear tufts”, which aren’t ears at all. Asymmetrically placed ears and a facial disk help these owls triangulate sounds to find their prey at night. Seen in flight, they resemble a barrel with wings. CLUBHOUSE ART WALL By Shelley Brodka We have some amazing artists, photographers, glass and craft designers in Lake Ashton, and we hang their art on the hallway wall of the Clubhouse. Each month a new artist’s work is featured and is hung for a month for you to enjoy. When in the Clubhouse, please make a point of looking at the wall of art in the hallway, across the hall from the beautiful Quilt on display. We now have openings for the Clubhouse Art Wall in the month of August 2028 and March through December 2029. You can do a solo showing or enlist some friends to have their works of art displayed with yours. If you are interested in showing your art, photography, or crafting skills and having your work displayed on the Clubhouse wall, contact Shelley via Facebook IM, email Shelleyb4336@gmail.com or text 623-910-4227, so we can get you on the calendar. LA (LW) HOA CORNER By Deanne Mayne When we look back at last year this was the focus in the LA Times: “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!” Hopefully, the water restrictions will be lifted in July and homeowners can clean driveways without excessive water usage. Going forward we will be looking at paint and landscaping beds. A number of homes have paint that is streaked or badly faded. We have noticed walls that have cracks and need repair. We have also seen homes that have algae or mold on fascia boards and around transom windows on several models and where walls meet the roof (where there is a gable) - usually above the front door. In many cases, cleaning will take care of the problem but some homes will need to be repainted. If you are having your home painted don’t forget to file an ARC request - even if you are keeping the same color. 18 Landscape beds are still transitioning from the February freeze. The main concern now is to replenish mulch if your landscaping is down to bare soil. No need for ARC approval if you are just replenishing the same mulch. If you are changing the size of the landscape bed, you will need to file an ARC request. The website is www.arctracker.com/la. Please note: the email address for Charles Roland is president@lakeashtonhoa.org. Please consider becoming a volunteer - we need at least one board member and ARC is always in need of volunteers for compliance and ARC to help with requests and inspections. Reach out to any board member and they will get back to you.
LAII (WH) HOA/ARC CORNER By Connie Strassberg The LA II HOA is currently making changes so that the ARC Committee and the Compliance Committee are run as two separate entities. Both are subcommittees of the HOA. The ARC Committee will be in charge of our ARC Tracker and of approving (or disapproving) ARC requests submitted by our residents. They will also be in charge of maintaining and updating our R&Gs. The new Compliance Committee will take over the responsibilities of making sure that the regulations in our R&Gs are being followed. Both committees were on the agenda for approval at the May HOA Board of Directors Meeting. Currently, the volunteers on both committees are being trained. The HOA has five flyer slots at the top of the flyer board at the Health and Fitness Center (HFC), which contain Email Contact Authorization forms and informational flyers about the HOA and ARC. To receive email notifications from the LAII HOA, residents must submit a completed Email Authorization Form to the management company, Stambaugh (863) 324-5100. Forms can be picked up from the flyer slots, completed, and either mailed to Stambaugh or placed in the white HOA mailbox at the HFC. Without authorization, privacy laws prevent email communication. The LAII HOA website (https:// stambaugh.cincwebaxis.com) provides access to announcements, posted documents, the directory, calendar, and online dues payment. First-time users should click REGISTER in the upper-right corner to create an account. The Board of Directors will meet June 4 at 1 pm at the HFC (please check at the front desk for location). The agenda will be emailed to all who are signed up or can be found in our flyer spots after they have been finalized. They will also be posted on social media. The ARC (Architectural Review Committee) meetings are June 8 and 22 at 1 pm at the HFC. See p. 19 for contact information. ADOPT-A-ROAD By Linda Sandel A Lake Ashton quarterly litter clean-up event is scheduled for Thompson Nursery Road from Hwy. 27 to County Road 653 on Thursday June 25. Meet in the Clubhouse Lobby beginning at 8:30 am to pick up trash bags, gloves, safety vests and trash grabbers. Volunteers receive a free t-shirt and Bok Tower ticket each calendar year. Please sign-up with Linda Sandel at 863-368-0699 or Sandelly7@gmail.com. Thank you for helping to keep our community beautiful! 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 longterm, low-cost method of controlling undesirable aquatic vegetation. Email Matt Fisher at mfisher@gmscfl.com with any questions or concerns. If you catch a whopper of a fish in ponds or lakes in Lake Ashton, snap a pic, and submit 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 be featured in the next edition of the LA Times. Don’t forget to include your smiling face! Visit https://www.lakeashtoncdd.com/submit-an-article AS A REMINDER, THERE IS A CATCH AND RELEASE POLICY FOR ANY DISTRICT OWNED PONDS IN LAKE ASHTON. 19
HOA & ARC CONTACTS Lake Ashton (Lake Wales) HOA 863-325-0065 http://www.lakeashtonhoa.org Board of Directors: • President Charles Roland president@lakeashtonhoa.org • Vice President Glen Hart vp2@lakeashtonhoa.org • Secretary Dee Mayne sec2@lakeashtonhoa.org • Treasurer Mike Wilson treasurer@lakeashtonhoa.org • directors@lakeashtonhoa.org • ARC: ARC@lakeashtonhoa.org • Compliance: compliance@lakeashtonhoa.org Meeting Schedule: • June 3 - 3:30 pm in the Clubhouse Ballroom • July 1 - 3:30 pm in the Clubhouse Ballroom (if needed) • August 5 - 3:30 pm in the Clubhouse Ballroom • September 2 - 3:30 pm in the Clubhouse Ballroom • October 7 - 3:30 pm in the Clubhouse Ballroom • November 4 - 3:30 pm in the Clubhouse Ballroom • December 2 - 3:30 pm in the Clubhouse Ballroom 20 Lake Ashton II (Winter Haven) HOA 863-324-5100 https://stambaugh.cincwebaxis.com http://www.arctracker.com/lakeashton2 Board of Directors: • President Connie Strassberg PresidentLA2HOA@gmail.com • VP-ARC Wes Scheibel VPArcLA2HOA@gmail.com • Secretary Stephanie Iszak SecretaryLA2HOA@gmail.com • Treasurer Ray Rudy TreasurerLA2HOA@gmail.com • At Large Steven Morgan VPTreasurerLA2HOA@gmail.com The LAII HOA Board of Directors meets on the first Thursday of each month at 1 pm at the HFC. The ARC meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 1 pm at the HFC (check the front desk for the meeting location). Lake Ashton II (WH) Architectural Review Committee (ARC): • Chairman Joanne Sterk: Area 3 (Snead, Nicklaus, Green, Wing Foot), Area 9 (Hogan) A3lawharc2@gmail.com • At Large Gary Sterk: Area 4 (Pebble Beach 5005-6048) A5lawharc2@gmail.com • Member John Abbate: Area 6 (Phoenician, Greyhawk, Dunmore, Back Nine, Torrey Pine) a6lawharc2@gmail.com • Member Rosemary Podbielski: Area 7 (Sawgrass, Riviera, Colonial, Oakmont) A7lawharc2@gmail.com •
SAFETY All vehicles, including golf carts and bicycles, must obey all stop signs and the 20 mph speed limit throughout Lake Ashton. A person operating a golf cart on public roads or streets who is under 18 years must possess a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license. NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH (NW) CORNER By Fay Wood, NW Chief How to Spot and Avoid “False Court Appearance” Scams (Courtesy of Law Enforcement) False court appearance scams are a common type of government imposter fraud where criminals pretend to be from a court, police, or government agency to trick you into paying bogus fines or giving personal information. We have received numerous reports of residents being approached using these types of scams. How the Scam Works • False claims: Scammers say you’ve missed a court date, jury duty, or a legal proceeding, even though you never received a legitimate notice. • Threats: They may claim there’s a warrant for your arrest, you’ll be jailed, or you’ll face fines if you don’t act immediately. • Requests for payment: They often demand money via gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps — methods that are hard to trace and refund. • Requests for personal info: They may ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, or other sensitive details to steal your identity. • Fake credentials: They may use a fake sheriff’s badge number, case number, or official-looking documents to appear legitimate. 21 Red Flags to Watch For • No legitimate court contact: Courts never ask for immediate payment or sensitive personal info over the phone . • Aggressive or threatening tone: Scammers often pressure you to act quickly and warn of jail time. • Unusual payment methods: Avoid paying with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers unless you’re certain it’s legitimate. • Poor document quality: Fake summonses may have grammar/spelling errors, inconsistent fonts, or vague instructions. • Unverified contact info: Scammers may use reallooking but fake court or law enforcement names to sound credible. How to Verify Legitimacy • Do not respond to suspicious calls or emails. • Call the court directly using the number from their official website or public records — never use a number provided in the suspicious message. • Check official channels: For jury duty, contact your county’s jury office by mail or through the official jury portal; for court cases, use your local court’s CM/ECF systems. • Avoid sharing personal info or making payments until you’ve confirmed the request is legitimate. If You’ve Been Scammed • Stop all further contact with the scammer. • Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP . • Contact your local police and your state attorney general’s office. • Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity and file a report with your bank or credit card issuer. Courts and law enforcement will never demand immediate payment or sensitive personal information over the phone. If you get such a call or email, hang up, verify through official channels, and do not pay or give out personal information. On Behalf of Your Neighborhood Watch Team, Have a Great Summer!
WHEN TO CALL POLICE By Fay Wood, NW Chief • Access card or gate concerns • Questions regarding community policies or events Living in a vibrant 55+ community means looking out for one another and helping maintain a safe, welcoming environment for all residents and guests. Knowing who to contact in different situations helps ensure concerns are managed quickly, appropriately, and safely. Call 911 Immediately for Emergencies Always call 911 first if there is an immediate threat to life, health, or safety. Examples include: • Medical emergencies • Fires or smoke • Crimes in progress • Physical altercations or threats of violence • Suspicious people attempting to enter homes or vehicles. • Severe accidents or injuries • Any situation where someone is in immediate danger. After contacting emergency services, you may notify onsite staff when it is safe to do so they can be aware. Call the Non-Emergency Police Number For: Situations that may require law enforcement involvement but are not urgent emergencies, such as: • Suspicious activity • Theft or vandalism discovered after the fact. • Noise disturbances late at night • Ongoing harassment or threats • Traffic violations create safety concerns to include parking. • Concerns involving trespassing. If you are unsure whether a situation requires police assistance, it is always advised to contact the nonemergency line for guidance. Staff For Community-Related Issues Staff are here to assist with operational, maintenance, and rule-related concerns within the community. Please contact staff for issues such as: • Amenity concerns or rule violations • Irrigation or landscaping problems • Streetlight outages • Facility maintenance requests 22 While staff work hard to support residents, they are not law enforcement officers or first responders, and should not be expected to intervene in dangerous or criminal situations. This includes our Citizens Assisted Patrol. Additionally, residents are asked not to gather or go to the scene as they may put themselves, or first responders at risk. If You’re Unsure, Prioritize Safety A good rule of thumb is simple: If it feels unsafe or urgent, call the police first. If it is a community operations issue, contact staff. Our goal is to maintain a safe, respectful, and enjoyable community for everyone. On behalf of your Neighborhood Watch Team we thank you for helping keep our neighborhood safe and secure. CONTACT NUMBERS FOR STAFF, SECURITY, AND NON-EMERGENCY LINES CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE 3. 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 2026 Hurricane Season. It can be found at https:// www.lakeashtoncdd.com and in the Media Center on the information wall. DON’T FORGET: • Hurricane and storm shutters must be approved by the Lake Ashton Architectural Review Committee (ARC) • Visit https://www.floridadisaster.org, the official site for Florida emergency preparation • Go to https://www.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.
2026 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS SALES TAX HOLIDAYS In previous years, Florida held temporary disaster preparedness sales tax holidays. Instead of these short-term events, the state has transitioned to permanent sales tax exemptions on specific disaster supplies year-round. Exempt items include: • Batteries: Standard household sizes. • Safety equipment: Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide alarms. • Generators: Portable gas or diesel generators. • Storage and anchoring: Ground anchor kits, tiedowns, and gas/diesel cans up to 5 gallons. • Weather protection: Waterproof tarpaulins (up to 1,000 sq. ft.), insect repellent, and sunscreen ALL IGATOR ALERT According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) 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 866FWCGATOR (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. 23 • 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. LEAVING FOR SUMMER? A Summer Checklist that contains tips on securing your home while you’re away and other reminders for travelers is posted online at https:// www.lakeashtoncdd.com and on the information wall in the Media Center. The newsletter and calendars are sent out via email blast each week. CERT UPDATE Congratulations to Ernie Harben, CERT member of the year! If you’d like to get involved, learn safety skills, or simply understand how CERT operates, we always welcome new faces. Together, we can make our community stronger and better prepared for whatever comes our way. Learn more by sitting in a meeting held on the third Tuesday of each month at the HFC Craft Room. Or visit our website at https:// sites.google.com/view/lake-ashtoncert/join-us or scan this QR code.
MOVI ES JUNE 2 — 4 AT 3 & 7 PM THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE 2024 | R | 2H 0MIN Based upon recently declassified files of the British War Department and inspired by true events, this action-comedy tells the story of the first-ever special forces organization formed during WWII by UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill and a small group of military officials including author Ian Fleming. The top-secret combat unit, composed of a motley crew of rogues and mavericks, goes on a daring mission against the Nazis using entirely unconventional and utterly "ungentlemanly" fighting techniques. Ultimately their audacious approach changed the course of the war and laid the foundation for the British SAS and modern Black Ops warfare. JUNE 9 — 11 AT 3 & 7 PM PEAKY BLINDERS: THE IMMORTAL MAN 2026 | R | 1H 52MIN Birmingham, 1940. Amidst the chaos of WWII, Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) is driven back from a self-imposed exile to face his most destructive reckoning yet. With the future of the family and the country at stake, Tommy must face his own demons, and choose whether to confront his legacy, or burn it to the ground. By order of the Peaky Blinders.... JUNE 16 — 18 AT 3 & 7 PM (NO 7 PM ON JUNE 17) SARAH’S OIL 2025 | PG | 1H 43MIN Inspired by the remarkable true story of Sarah Rector, an African American girl born in Oklahoma Indian Territory in the early 1900s, who believes there is oil beneath the barren land 24 she's allotted and whose faith is proven right. As greedy oil sharks close in, Sarah turns to her family, friends, and some Texas wildcatters to maintain control of her oil-rich land, eventually becoming among the nation's first female African American millionaires--at eleven years old. JUNE 23 — 25 AT 3 & 7 PM THE WRECKING CREW 2026 | R | 2H 2MIN In this action comedy, two estranged half-brothers, Jonny (Jason Momoa) and James (Dave Bautista) are forced to reunite after their father's mysterious death. As they set out to uncover the truth, buried secrets resurface and loyalties are tested, unveiling a conspiracy that can tear their family apart. Together, they are ready to WRECK anything that gets in their way. JUNE 30 — JULY 2 at 3 & 7 pm JACK RYAN: GHOST WAR 2026 | R | 1H 45MIN In this new film, Jack Ryan is reluctantly thrust back into the world of espionage when an international covert mission unravels a deadly conspiracy, forcing him to confront a rogue black-ops unit, and the clock is ticking. Operating in real time with lives on the line and the threat escalating at every turn, Jack reunites with battle-tested CIA operative Mike November (Michael Kelly) and former CIA boss James Greer (Wendell Pierce), their combined experience the only edge they have against an enemy who knows their every move. Backed by an unlikely new partner -- razor-sharp MI6 officer Emma Marlowe (Sienna Miller) -- Jack and the team navigate a treacherous web of betrayal, facing a past they thought was long put to rest -- making this the most personal, high-stakes mission any of them have ever faced. All 3 pm showings and all Tuesday showings are closed captioned. Cinema capacity: 55
FEATURE FILM FRIDAYS: 3 PM SHOWINGS CLOSED CAPTIONED JUNE 5 AT 3 & 7 PM VICTORY 1981 | PG | 1H 57MIN The head of a German POW camp, soccer enthusiast Karl von Steiner (Max von Sydow) organizes a match between Nazi players and their Allied captives. Orchestrated as a way to push the Third Reich agenda, the high-profile game is set to feature an international team led by John Colby (Michael Caine), a veteran British player. While the team, which also includes Luis Fernandez (Pelé) of Trinidad, trains for the match, Robert Hatch (Sylvester Stallone) plans a dangerous mass escape from the camp. JUNE 12 AT 3 & 7 PM ARTHUR THE KING 2024 | PG-13 | 1H 47MIN Over the course of ten days and 435 miles, an unbreakable bond is forged between pro adventure racer Michael Light (Mark Wahlberg) and a scrappy street dog companion dubbed Arthur. Based on an incredible true story, ARTHUR THE KING follows Light, desperate for one last chance to win, as he convinces a sponsor to back him and a team of athletes (Simu Liu, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Ali Suliman) for the Adventure Racing World Championship in the Dominican Republic. As the team is pushed to their outer limits of endurance in the race, Arthur redefines what victory, loyalty and friendship truly mean. JUNE 19 AT 3 PM SAM & KATE 2022 | R | 1H 50 MIN A life-affirming family dramedy starring Dustin Hoffman and Sissy Spacek, Sam & Kate takes place in a small town in the heart of the country. Hoffman plays Bill, the largerthan-life father to Sam (Jake Hoffman), who has returned home to take care of his ailing dad. While home, Sam falls for a local woman, Kate (Schuyler Fisk). And at the same time, Bill starts to fall for her mom, Tina (Spacek). But finding love is complicated and for these four, it is no different. They all must confront their past in order to make their new love work for the future. Truly a family affair, art imitates life with the father/son casting of Dustin & Jake and the mother/daughter casting of Sissy & Schuyler. JUNE 26 AT 3 PM (NO 7 PM) MARTY, LIFE IS SHORT 2026 | NR | 1H 19MIN Marty, Life is Short, from director Lawrence Kasdan, is the definitive documentary on beloved comedian Martin Short. Using beautiful, intimate, never-beforeseen archive footage alongside exclusive interviews with some of the most established and beloved stars, the documentary takes a look at one of the most influential comedians of a generation. 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.
EVENTS DECADES DANCE Groove to the sounds through the decades with DJ Wayne on June 26 in the Clubhouse Ballroom at 7 pm! Dress up in the garb from your favorite decade and take pictures at the different decade photo op areas in the room. Partygoers can even take part in a table decorating contest! Sign up to decorate your table in your favorite decade; a tablecloth will be provided for you. The winners will receive a prize and will be featured in the LA Times. Tickets: $5. Don’t forget to BYOB! NATIONAL CORVETTE DAY Calling all Corvette owners and admirers! Celebrate National Corvette Day with an all-Corvette show in the Clubhouse west parking lot on June 30 from 3 - 6 pm as part of the Lake Ashton 250th USA Anniversary Celebration. A Corvette cruise-in will start at the HFC at 2:30 pm and end at the Clubhouse. A cruise-in route will be advertised via email blast for residents to enjoy the spectacle on wheels! All residents and their guests are welcomed to ooh and ah at the cars on display down at the Clubhouse while getting food from the food truck. Resident Corvette owners that would like to participate will need to register online by June 24. RED, WHITE, AND BLUE TIE-DYE CLASS Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with your own tie-dye design! Join Carmen on June 26 at 1 pm or Caroline on July 1 at 11 am for a tie-dye class. You will be supplied with the instructions and all supplies for only $15 per person. Please give your tshirt size at the time of signing up, both classes are limited to 25 people. Sign up online today! DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS! Tickets for the Clubhouse show can be purchased online or at the Clubhouse Activities Office. Tickets for the HFC shows can be purchased at the Clubhouse Activities Office, at the door on show nights, or table reservations can be made at the HFC in advance. JUNE 19 - RED HOT ROOSTER 6 PM AT THE HFC Country and Americana band known for its high-energy live performances and roots-driven sound. Blending classic country, Southern rock, and crowd favorites, the band keeps audiences dancing at venues and events across the region. SUMMER MUSIC SERIES JULY 24 - THE DUKES 7 PM AT THE CLUBHOUSE The Dukes keep the music of the 50's & 60's alive by singing their unique blend of Doo Wop and Rock & Roll. Enjoy dancing and singing along to songs by Elvis, Ricky Nelson, Buddy Holly, and many more. 26 AUGUST 14 - BIGTIME JUKEBOX 6 PM AT THE HFC A 5-piece group performing the best country music across generations, from the 1950s to today. Strong vocals paired with guitar, Hammond B3, synths, horns, fiddle, pedal steel, bass, and drums deliver a high-energy sound . Lake Ashton’s 2026 Tickets: $10
Brad Kirwan’s Lake Ashton Customers Discuss His Real Estate Work Best Agent! We’ve bought and sold a lot of real estate, and we agree that Brad is the best agent we have worked with! He went above and beyond to take care of all details in our absence and to ensure a smooth closing. He was great at listening to our input, helping us price the house and managing our expectations. The listing photographs were beautiful, and we are very pleased with how quickly our home sold in this market. Terry & Kristine Beaupre (Seller) Verified by RateMyAgent Curious about your home’s current market value? Call for a free Comparative Market Analysis. BRAD KIRWAN 863.280.0390 27
PATRIOTIC BRACELET CRAFT Join Valerie Fetcho of The Art of Beading in the Ballroom on June 29 at 11 am for a patriotic beaded bracelet craft as part of the Lake Ashton 250th USA Anniversary Celebration! $5 covers all supplies and instructions. Call Valerie at 863-605-1386 to sign up. POP - AN INTRO TO PICKLEBALL & FRIENDLY COMPETITION Join your friends and neighbors and learn how to play pickleball, one of the fastest growing and most popular sports ever. No registration or sign up needed. Just show up at 8 am on July 3 at the HFC Pickleball Courts. PATRIOTIC PUPPY PARADE Let your pups strut their stuff in their finest patriotic getup on July 3 at 10 am! Bring your pup out to the Pavilion to line up to parade through the Garden. There will be a puppy water play area and goodie bags for the anyone who pre-registers. ALL-AMERICAN SUMMER NIGHT Refreshingly juicy watermelon, a dip in the pool, and classic summer tunes are all things that come to mind when you think of a classic, all-American summer night. Gather your friends for a FREE summer night party at the Clubhouse pool and patio on July 3, 5 - 7 pm. GALA GOLF CART PARADE Gather in front of the Lake Ashton Veterans Memorial at 9 am on July 4 to hear a proclamation read regarding America’s 250th Anniversary, and then enjoy the Golf Cart Parade that steps off from the Clubhouse at 10 am, featuring patriotic music being broadcast as the golf carts parade throughout Lake Ashton. The parade will end at the HFC for a food truck rally and officials from both the Lake 28 Wales and Winter Haven City Councils, Boy and Girl Scout troops, a number of Lake Ashton military veterans and other VIPs will be participating in the parade. PATRIOTIC DANCE After the parade, gather at the HFC for a Patriotic Dance that is FREE to all residents! Enjoy live music by Lake Ashton’s own Perfect Pitch Band. Food trucks will be on site, and BYOB! Get tickets at the HFC Activities Desk by June 26! BOOTS BY THE LAKE Saddle up and get those cowboy boots on for a boot scootin’ good time on July 17 at 7 pm in the Clubhouse Ballroom! Line Dance and Texas TwoStep ‘til the cows come home to live music by Straight Shooter Band. Get a good ol’ fashioned BBQ meal from Swamp Boys BBQ food truck until 8 pm and don’t forget to BYOB! Tickets are on sale online on for $10. KARAOKE Warm up those vocal cords; DJ Wayne has brought karaoke back to the Clubhouse Restaurant! Bring your $3 cash, snacks, and BYOB to the Restaurant on Thursdays, 5 to 8 pm. Please note - there is no karaoke June 11 and 18. SCAN WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE TO SIGN UP OR PURCHASE TICKETS FOR EVENTS AT T H E C L U B H O U S E ! Save The Date! AUGUST 28 Margaritaville Party at the Clubhouse
CLUBS LADIES LUNCH BUNCH By Gail Guenther The LA Belles are now known as the Ladies Lunch Bunch! Ladies of Lake Ashton are invited to wear your red, white, and blue to celebrate our country’s 250th Birthday at the Back Porch, 115 Co Rd 557A, Lake Alfred, on Wednesday, June 24 at 11:30 am. Sign up online or the sign up sheet at the HFC. Hosted by Gail (941-545-8446) and Kim (614-565-4239). LAKE ASHTON FRIENDS OF MEALS ON WHEELS By Marcia Santino This month we shine a spotlight on LA residents and Meals on Wheels (MOW) volunteers, Suzanne Patrick and Doug Epler, pictured here with their sweet poodle, Ginger. Volunteering for MOW has been a passion of Doug’s for 10 years. He and Suzanne deliver to homebound people in Winter Haven each Monday and occasionally fill-in a second weekday as needed. Their route takes about one hour to complete, round trip from home and back is typically no more than 2 hours. When asked why they do it, Doug said: “It’s good for the heart – it’s very satisfying to know you are helping others in need. For some, our brief interaction is the fellowship they have all day.” Doug and Suzanne have been a couple for 4 years. They are both extremely involved in the community: playing pickleball, attending almost every dance and spending quality time with their many friends playing cards and games. Please contact MOW at 863-299-1616 if you are considering becoming a volunteer driver, kitchen helper or thrift store clerk. Next Third Thursday donation day is June 18. 29 LA CERAMIC CHICS By Shari Gleber Nothing says I love you like time well spent, and the LA Ceramic Chics can often be found spending time painting beautiful pieces to give as gifts to family and friends. Celebrations, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, the birth of a child, and especially Christmas are the perfect times to share a made-with-love piece that will last for years to come. Join us and create your next family heirloom! Stop by any Wednesday from 8 am to 1 pm and see what we are all about! No experience necessary! Everything needed to get started is available along with lots of guidance and friendly crafters willing to help. After you spend a class or two with us to see if you like ceramics, membership is $20 annually to assist with the purchase of kiln supplies and maintenance. No charge to members for firing of projects, and no limit. Come out to meet our friendly members and create something beautiful! Contact: 239-851-7899 (Joan DiBattista) or LACeramicChics@gmail.com. LA GETAWAYS By Judy Goldetsky Come travel with us! In the Clubhouse library is a binder with upcoming trips. QR codes on the flyers will take you to Ticket Leap to reserve your place on trips. Upcoming trips for 2026/27 include local and regional bus tours to Key West, Solomon’s Castle and Taste of Italy, Winter Park Theater, Fisherman’s Village, St. Augustine, national parks, and a 2026/27 New Years’ Eve Princess cruise - open to family and friends. Sign up now if you are interested. Limited seats available. Next meeting September 30 from 6 to 8 pm. For more info: Lakeashtongetaways@gmail.com. Happy Travels! Bus trips are no longer facilitated by the LACDD, but this registered club.
GARDEN CLUB By Pam Klawinski Last month the Lake Ashton Garden Club met for some short club updates and a “hands-on work party’” to clean up and plant around the Pavilion to help brighten up our Community as a thank you for supporting us. A big thank you to Kathie Eustice! Kathie has spent many hours taking care of all the plants at the HFC Indoor Pool. Many of you have generously donated plants for this project, which we greatly appreciate. We are at maximum plant capacity and cannot accept any more plants at this time. We do hope that any extra plants you may have be saved and donated to our annual plant sale next April. Our June meeting will be a day later, on Thursday, June 11. This will be an outing to Bok Tower Gardens to participate in their Summer Craft Series, “Blooms & Brushes” which will be Flower Press. This is a make-andtake experience so you will leave with your own handmade creation. This activity is free with general admission. Meet in the East Parking lot of the Clubhouse near the Pet Park at 9:30 am to arrange car-pooling. Bring your Bok Membership card if you have one and there may also be some Bok Tower members that have passes to share. LAVA AUXILIARY By Lori Thomas Driven by their commitment to those who served, the Lake Ashton Veterans Association Auxiliary (LAVAA) recently announced a major contribution to K-9 Partners for Patriots. K9 Partners for Patriots pairs veterans battling PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and Military Sexual Trauma (MST) with rescue dogs and guides them 30 through a hands-on service training journey that builds trust, healing, and lasting independence—at no cost to the veteran. Their mission focuses on restoring hope and providing unwavering support to those who protected our nation. The LAVAA board voted unanimously to approve a $5,000 donation to the cause. On March 10, 2026, LA VAA Members Shari Gleber, Trudy Roth, and Deb Platt traveled to the Brooksville facility for a firsthand look at the operation. During their visit, they toured the grounds, met the dedicated staff, and spent time with the rescue dogs currently in training. Deeply moved by the impact of the program, Shari presented the $5,000 check on behalf of LAVAA. This contribution will directly support K-9 Partners for Patriots in their mission to transform the lives of veterans through the healing power of service animals. More information on this meaningful organization can be found here: https:// k9partnersforpatriots.com/ SINGLES CLUB By Sil Wells The LA Singles Club gets together every Sunday at 2 pm in the Clubhouse Ballroom. All Lake Ashton singles looking for good conversation and fun, join the group. On the first Sunday of the month there is a business meeting. Following the meeting and every Sunday, the group plays card games, usually Five Crowns. Sometimes after cards at 4, singles go out dinner at a nearby restaurant. There are monthly field trips like the trip in April to Bartow for the Bartow Concert Band. Once a month the Singles go out for lunch. Doing activities together can make being single a bit happier. May activities included a visit to Natural Encounters, an exotic bird training center nearby, and a Saturday night rodeo at River Ranch. The Singles Mingle is on June 18 at 4 pm in the Pavilion for snacks and drinks. All Lake Ashton singles are welcome - come join the fun and an interesting group.
LA DEMOCRATIC CLUB By Howard Mayne This year we honor the 100th birthday of Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.” She dedicated her life to campaigning for recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Juneteenth is a moment to reflect on the past, honor resilience, celebrate freedom, and a call to continue the work of building a more just and inclusive America. The next meeting of the Lake Ashton Democratic Club (some members pictured above) will be held on Thursday June 7 at the HFC at 6:30 pm, with social time starting at 6. The speaker will be Victor Sims, candidate for Polk County School Board, District 3, election to be held August 18. All are welcome to attend. Contact: lakeashtondemocraticclub@gmail.com. LA REPUBLICAN CLUB By Bud Colburn The Lake Ashton Republican Club will host speaker/ author Brad Bennett, who wrote Valor: Uncommon Courage in a Pit, in the Clubhouse Ballroom on June 24 at 4 pm. Guests are welcome. Check-in/socializing will begin at 3:30. LA BLACK HERITAGE CLUB By Pamela June Juneteenth commemorates the abolition of slavery in the U.S. Although the Emancipation Proclamation became effective January 1, 1863, freedom did not happen in one day. Freedom came to different places at different times. Florida recognizes May 20, 1865 as Emancipation Day, when the Emancipation Proclamation was read in Tallahassee. Freedom finally came to Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, sparking the first Juneteenth Celebration. Juneteenth, now a national holiday, is widely recognized and has become the symbolic date for a collective celebration of freedom. 31 LA PEBBLES & PINES SOCIAL CLUB By Jill Groves The Kentucky Derby Party was a success! We would like to thank everyone who attended and/ or supported our First Kentucky Derby Party Fundraiser on May 2 at the HFC. The charity is www.aheartforheros.org at the Rockin’ W Ranch in Bartow, which is located 15 minutes from Lake Ashton. The ranch, led by Kathy & Cowboy Everly, trains Special Olympians in horsemanship. https:// www.specialolympicsflorida.org/our-mission. We had cake walks, mini horse races, a best hat contest, horseshoes, trivia and a 50/50 with all donations in support of the ranch. At the end of the party, we all watched the exciting Derby win by Golden Tempo. You can still support the cause by donating directly to the ranch through the link above or by dropping off a check to “A Heart for Heroes, Inc” to our treasurer, Jill 419-902-7966. The ranch is always looking for volunteers. You can contact them through the website or call them at 863-205-1494. We will be making the check presentation in June. Look for a picture in the July Issue of the LA Times & on Talk of Lake Ashton. KNIFE & SCISSORS SHARPENING The Lake Ashton Woodworkers continue to sharpen knives and scissors as a fundraiser. Contact Fred or Shelba Powell if you are in need of their services at 863-280-6546.
LA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB By David Bishop The Lake Ashton Amateur Radio Club is pleased to announce that we have received authorization from the FCC to operate a Special Event Station using the call sign K4Y (Kilo 4 Yankee). This station will operate in celebration of the 250th anniversary of US. Independence at Lake Ashton. Just as broadcasting stations and airports use unique identifiers such as WFLA, KMCO, or the famous WKRP, K4Y is a specialized call sign designated by the FCC specifically to commemorate this historic event. Our club members will be operating from Lake Ashton between July 1st and July 5th, on several amateur radio bands, connecting with amateur radio stations across the United States and around the world. To mark these contacts, we will be issuing digital certificates to all participating stations. Given the rarity of special event stations, we anticipate significant interest and look forward to sharing the spirit of Lake Ashton with the global amateur radio community. SANDY’S NY STATE GROUP By Joyce Notarnicola The LA New York State (NYS) Group is a friendly and active social group for residents who have lived in New York at some point in their lives and enjoy connecting with fellow New Yorkers. We typically gather for potlucks and casual dinners out, blending good food with great conversation. New residents are always encouraged to join us and become part of the fun. Whether you’re newly arrived or have been here for years, the NYS Group offers a great way to stay connected, meet new friends, and enjoy familiar ties to New York in a warm Florida setting. Next event is September 25 at the HFC, a dinner at a restaurant TBD in October, and Friendsgiving in the Clubhouse November 20. Newbies: send your contact information (name, address in LA, phone number, email and where you’re from/live in NY) to Deirdre Knapp (auntdeda@hotmail.com). We look forward to seeing lots of “old” and new faces in the fall! 32
DUPLICATE BRIDGE By Don Fuller, Reported by Howard Mayne Duplicate bridge is played on Mondays at 12:45 in the Clubhouse Card Room and 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 13, North-South: 1st Marian Oshinsky & Trish Keller; 2nd Don Fuller & Jim Ford; 3rd Maureen Ziegler & Nelda Sedlacek East-West: 1st Sally Bonkoski & Ann Williams; 2nd Marge Kniat & Lois Dole; 3rd Graham Littlehales & Tom Fleming April 20, North-South: 1st Dee Mayne & Howard Mayne; 2nd Marion Nelson & Roger Nelson; 3rd Don Fuller & Jim Ford East-West: 1st Pat Foster & Sonny Robinson; 2nd Cheryl Tillman & Marian Oshinsky; 3rd Graham Littlehales & Tom Fleming April 27, North-South: 1st Trish Kellar & Marian Oshinsky; 2nd Jim Ford & Don Fuller; 3rd Dick Dole & Liz Leigh East-West: 1st Graham Littlehales & Howard Mayne; 2nd Pat Foster & Sonny Robinson; 3rd Dana Griffiths & Judy Marine May 4, North-South: 1st Dee Mayne & Jeannine Connors; 2nd Trish Kellar & Marian Oshinsky; 3rd Char Walter & Liz Smith East-West: 1st Graham Littlehales & Howard Mayne; 2nd Pat Foster & Sonny Robinson; 3rd Dick Dole & Nelda Sedlacek May 11, North-South: 1st Marian Oshinsky & Trish Kellar; 2nd Marion Nelson & Roger Nelson; 3rd Char Walter & Mafie Walker East-West: 1st Marge Kniat & George Rogers; 2nd Pat Foster & Sonny Robinson; 3rd Nelda Sedlacek & Maureen Ziegler WWW.BROCKSWINDOWCLEANING.COM 33
LA PICKLEBALL By Dennis Santino The dog days of summer are upon us. LAPA wants to remind everyone to be sure to hydrate and be sure to rest in-between games. Fun is always the goal of playing pickleball. Our year-round pickleball members continue to enjoy having fun by participating in another fun mixer and our clinics put on by Chuck and Lisa. The social committee held their first off-site pickleball members’ gathering at Olive Garden. Thirty-two of our members enjoyed great food and service and had a wonderful time socializing. Fridays from 10 am to 1 pm. No experience is required. There are still plenty of us here to teach how to play the game. We enjoy the game and each other so come join in the fun! Questions? Contact Joann Hartline 269-326-0640 or Tammy Shields at 863-632-2024 or tammy.shields1221@gmail.com. LA SWIM CLUB By Sandy White Lake Aston has asked LAPA to help in our 250th USA anniversary celebration on July 3 from 8 till 9:30 am at the HFC Courts … an introduction to pickleball & friendly competition. Learn the basics of pickleball and enjoy some friendly competition. All skill levels welcome. This event is for the whole community — you do not need to be a member of the Lake Aston Pickleball Association to participate. No sign up needed. Paddles will be supplied if needed. Coach’s Corner: Use these hot days to practice improving your skills. Find a partner or come up and practice your dinking on the practice board. Surprise our snowbirds when they return how much better your game has improved! Remember my #1 rule: HAVE FUN! FRIENDLY BOCCE GROUP By Joann Hartline "That's the way we roll!” All Lake Ashton residents are welcome each week to join us behind the Clubhouse on the bocce courts, Mondays and 34 Do you know how to swim? Would you like to get fit without a lot of sweat? If yes, you should swim with the LA Swim Club. Swimming uses more muscles and burns off fat, plus it improves flexibility and aerobic capacity. Swimming with others is safer than working out alone. The club has a volunteer, experienced instructor/coach who has taught and coached all ages and levels, including the Paralympics. He provides suggested workouts, which can be found in the shoebox in the locker room hallway. If you prefer, he can come in person to help you improve your strokes and give you efficiency, speed, and other training tips. You are welcome to swim for fitness, but there is also an opportunity to participate in local, regional, state, and the National Senior Games. Our club has had swimmers participate at all those levels. If you can swim two lengths of the pool (50 yards), you are welcome to come to the HFC indoor pool and swim with us on Mondays and Wednesdays at 1 pm and Saturdays at 10 am. We also offer the 100-mile swim challenge, so you can track your laps. That, too, can be found in the locker room hallway. For additional information, contact Coach Sandy at sandyw1994@aol.com. 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.
MIND&BODY SCAN WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE TO SIGN UP FOR CLASSES & EVENTS AT THE CLUBHOUSE! LUNCH & LEARN Window Tinting: Learn the benefits of having your home windows tinted on June 3 at 11:30 am in the Clubhouse Ballroom. Enjoy a light lunch from Publix while learning about window tinting. Tinting your home windows isn’t just about looks; it can make a noticeable difference in comfort, efficiency, and even safety. Sign up online today! YOGA SHARE We will be taking a break for the summer so there will be no classes from June through August. Have a wonderful summer and we will see you in September. Text Yvonne Saunders (207 669-0734) or Annette Comeau (863 221-2394) with any questions. Namaste! BLOOD DRIVE At the blood drive May 4, 17 units of blood were collected, which impacts 51 lives in the local community. Oneblood is incredibly grateful for your continued time, support, and effort. Each donation can impact up to three lives! We’re already looking forward to what the rest of 2026 will bring. So far in 2026, 36 units have been collected at Lake Ashton, impacting 108 lives. The next blood drive is on Monday, June 29, rom 8:30 am to 2:30 pm in the Clubhouse West Parking Lot. Appointments not required; bring photo ID. Blood Donor honor roll for May: Trena Black, Jamie Gleber, Shari Gleber, Colleen Hayes, Dennis Hayes, James Hostler, Michael Lauck, Lee Ann Martinez, Pamela McGuire, Wanna Machold, Jacob Pratt, Craig Sandel, John Thompson, Pamela Thompson, Carolyn Ulrich, Gregory Ulrich, Marcia Witt. LORRIE’S LINE DANCING Thursdays at the HFC The class will get harder as it advances. 1 pm Beginners, 2 pm Improvers 36
TRIVIA IN THE BALLROOM Join your neighbors for an evening of fun and the chance to win some cash. Just $1 to play. Maximum of 8 per table. Come with your team or come join an open table. Note: Tables are not reserved and are available on a first-come first-filled basis. Doors open at 6 pm and Trivia begins promptly at 7 pm each Sunday in the Clubhouse Ballroom. BYOB and snacks. Come join the fun! TUESDAY TRIVIA CHALLENGE The Tuesday Trivia Challenge is held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month (June 9 and 23) in the Restaurant beginning at 6 pm. You can have a team or just come and play. Each team can have up to eight players. $2/person - all money collected is split between 1st and 2nd place winners, minus the host fee. Show your team skills and take home the “Traveling Trivia Trophy.” Reserve your table - email Stephanie at siszak@comcast.net. Cost is $2/person to play. Come early, BYOB. Food truck on site. Socialize with your friends and neighbors. Registered guests are welcome. CARDS FOR ALL AGES June 3 from 2 to 4 pm in Clubhouse Craft Room (or possibly Ballroom if available) to make two cards for $5. Extra kits are available for $2 each. Adhesives are available for purchase for $4. Bring your travel kit (scissors & adhesive). Text Marianne (860-712-9440) or Judy (650-678-1174) if you are able to attend. NEW CHAIR DANCE CLASS This new FREE class begins Monday, June 1, at 11 am at the HFC. Chair Dance is a combination of easy dance moves while seated. This gives you core, arm and leg work, plus lots of FUN! Join Jen, our newest fitness instructor — Jen describes herself as a passionate fitness instructor helping others build strength, confidence, and healthier lifestyles since 2012. She’s dedicated to inspiring transformation through consistency, motivation, and a positive mindset. 38
BODY MIND SOUL TM MONDAY • 9 AM: TOTAL BODY TONING - HFC • 10 AM: CHAIR BARRE - HFC • 11 AM: CHAIR DANCE - HFC TUESDAY • 8:30 AM: WATER AEROBICS - • CLUBHOUSE POOL • 9 AM: CHAIR YOGA - CLUBHOUSE - $5 • 9 AM: DYNAMIC CARDIO MOVEMENT - HFC • 9 AM: TAI CHI - CLUBHOUSE - $5 • 10 AM: BALANCE, STRETCH & FUNCTIONAL FITNESS - HFC • 11 AM: PILATES - HFC • 4 PM: AQUA MOTION - HFC POOL THURSDAY • 8 AM: DANCE AEROBICS - HFC • 8:30 AM: WATER AEROBICS - CLUBHOUSE POOL • 9 AM: DYNAMIC CARDIO MOVEMENT - HFC • 9 AM: TAI CHI WITH CURT - CLUBHOUSE - $5 • 10 AM: PILATES - HFC • 11 AM: BALANCE, STRETCH & FUNCTIONAL FITNESS - HFC • 11 AM: GENTLE YOGA WITH GINA - HFC • 4 PM: AQUA MOTION - HFC POOL FRIDAY • 8:30 AM: WATER AEROBICS - CLUBHOUSE POOL • 9 AM: INSTRUCTOR'S CHOICE - HFC • 10 AM: AQUA PUMP - HFC POOL SATURDAY • 8:30 AM: WATER AEROBICS - CLUBHOUSE POOL • 10:30 AM: WELL-BEING IS NOW (W.I.N.) WITH REA - HFC - $5 SUNDAY • 8:30 AM: CLINTON’S BOOT CAMP - HFC - $5 UPDATED 6/2026 38 WEDNESDAY • 8 AM: DYNAMIC HYBRID STRETCHING - CLUBHOUSE - $5 • 8:30 AM: WATER AEROBICS - CLUBHOUSE POOL • 9 AM : CORE CONDITIONING & STRENGTH - HFC • 9 AM: WEIGHT TRAINING - CLUBHOUSE - $5 • 10 AM: AQUA PUMP - HFC POOL • 1 PM: TONE HIP HOP - CLUBHOUSE - $5
LIFE-SAVING STROKE CARE WHEN MINUTES MATTER Know the Signs and Where to Go in Polk County B.E. F.A.S.T. and Save Lives A stroke can happen fast and without warning. By recognizing the signs and symptoms, you can B.E. F.A.S.T. and take action to help save a life. At AdventHealth Heart of Florida and AdventHealth Lake Wales, our experienced team is here to provide immediate care for the best possible outcome in a medical emergency. Find a stroke expert today. FloridaStrokeExperts.com Balance Difficulty Eyesight Changes Face Drooping Arm Weakness Speech Difficulty Time to Call 911 39 4425830304
GOLF BOB HARMON MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT By Kate Harmon The Bob Harmon Memorial Golf Tournament was once again a meaningful day of golf, community, and generosity at Lake Ashton, raising more than $18,000 for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Held in memory of Bob Harmon and his 11 years of Golf for the Cure, the tournament brought together friends, neighbors, golfers, volunteers, and supporters who shared a common goal: honoring Bob’s legacy while helping advance research toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Thanks to the dedication of participants, sponsors, donors, and organizers, this year’s event was a tremendous success. The funds raised will support The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s mission to accelerate high-impact Parkinson’s research and improve the lives of those living with the disease. The Harmon family extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who played, volunteered, donated, sponsored, or helped make the tournament possible. They’d like to give an extra thank you to the Pro Shop and the team at the Eagle’s Nest who made all the food. Events like this reflect the very best of the Lake Ashton community: compassion, commitment, and the willingness to come together for a cause that touches so many lives. 40 Altogether, the Lake Ashton community has raised over half a million dollars for MJFF, 100% of which has gone toward a cure, for Bob. Bob’s memory continues to inspire action, and this year’s tournament is a powerful reminder that a community united in purpose can make a real difference. MESSAGE FROM THE PRO SHOP By Kevin Baker, General Manager Happy June from Lake Ashton Golf Club! We would like to share a few exciting updates and reminders as we head into the summer season. Our Summer Membership Program is now available, with rates starting at just $1,000 for an individual membership and $1,500 for a family membership. This membership includes unlimited golf and use of the driving range for the next four months. Broken down daily, that is only about $8.33 per day for an individual or $6.25 per day for a family — an incredible value for unlimited summer golf. As an added bonus, anyone who signs up during the month of June will automatically be entered into a drawing to win a $100 Eagles Nest gift certificate along with complimentary guest passes. The continued success and long-term sustainability of the golf course relies heavily on a strong and active membership base. This summer program is a great opportunity to support the club while enjoying some of the best golfing months of the year. After all, there is nothing better than a quick nine holes after one of our afternoon summer rain showers passes through at 5:30 p.m. You may also notice our volunteer marshals out on the golf courses throughout the community. Their role is to help ensure all golfers are properly checked in through the golf shop prior to play. Any guests or residents found playing without registering will have applicable fees charged directly to their account and reflected on their monthly statement.
Please stop by the golf shop for additional information regarding the Summer Membership Program. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to a fantastic summer at Lake Ashton Golf Club! LALGA By Beverly Hines LALGA board officers began their term June 1: President – Dori Krogman, VP - Sandra Lancaster, Secretary – Carolyn Alvaro, Treasurer – Kathy Reed, Tournament Chair – Mary Lou Wheat, Statistician - Char Walter, Rules//Welcome Committee: Janis Vasquenza, and Publicity – Bev Hines. Thank you for your willingness to provide leadership for the league. Save the Dates! The LALGA summer tournament will be held on July 6 and 7 with the theme, Cruising Down the Fairway, with lunch following play on the second day. Sign up will be in the Pro Shop only (no online sign up). Details will be emailed to the membership as soon as they are available. 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. For June Tuesday games, check the LALGA bulletin board in the Pro Shop or online under Community/ Golf/ LALGA Golf Registration on the Lake Ashton Living website. Congratulations to Trish Kellar on her Eagle on Hole #11 East, April 24, 2026! Next month we will announce our Red Hoagland Challenge winners – those who have won the most prize money during the year (June 2025 – May 2026). Stay hydrated and Live, Laugh and Golf! 41 LA NINERS By Pamela June Niners Swing Into Summer With a Whole Lot of Fun! The Niners have officially teed off their summer season. The first few weeks were filled with friendly competition and plenty of excitement. One popular and suspenseful game was the Las Vegas Scramble. In this dynamic twist on a classic scramble, every golfer on the team is assigned a number from 1 to 4. After everyone tees off, the fate of the team rests in the roll of a die. Whose ever number comes up, the team must take their drive. Get lucky, and roll a 5 or 6, and the team gets to pick the best drive. It’s a fun scramble and keeps the Niners smiling from the first tee to the final putt. What makes the Niners great are the women who show up each week ready to play and cheer each other on. The group welcomes new members to join them for nine holes every Tuesday morning. Whether you’re brand new to the game or looking to sharpen your skills, the Niners offer a supportive, social, and fun way to grow your confidence on the course. To join the Niners, you need a GHIN handicap. If you don’t have one yet, don’t let that stop you. Simply submit six rounds of 9 hole scores or three rounds of 18 hole scores to the fantastic team in the Pro Shop, and they’ll take care of the rest. You’re also welcome to come out and play, and then use those round scores to establish your GHIN. Reach out to the Niners Board President, Brenda Bowden, at disneylvr63@yahoo.com to learn more, or stop by any Tuesday at 8:45 a.m. (summer schedule). You’ll find a warm welcome, a few good laughs, and a group of women who put the fun in golf. June Games Lineup: June 2 — Step Aside Scramble & Lunch with Friends June 9 — Throw Out One June 16 — 2 Putt (Max) June 23 — 5 Clubs
LAMGA By David Kubissa Golf was not Al Miller’s main sport. Well, not at first. No, it was soccer. Big time. The 89-year-old LAMGA member spent the better part of four decades as a college player, collegiate coach and professional coach and general manager of soccer teams all over the U.S and Canada. He built a reputation throughout soccer circles that earned him inductions into six halls of fame, the most recent coming in January at the United Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame in Philadelphia. These days, if you don’t spot Al on Lake Ashton’s golf courses, he’s possibly putting the finishing touches on a book. Here is more about Al in his own words. How did you get interested in soccer? I was introduced to soccer at recess when I was 9 years old. My father gave me a ball for Christmas when I was in sixth grade, and we had games in my backyard. The first real game I played in was as a high school junior. You coached two New York college teams early in your career. How did that prepare you for the pro ranks? It gave me 12 years of experience in highlevel competition and excellent exposure. It also enhanced my skills as a coach and manager of a nationally ranked program. How does soccer today in the U.S. compare with when you played and coached? The two biggest changes from my time in the game are the addition of soccer-specific stadiums and 40 years of growing and exposure to the American public. The soccer landscape today has better training facilities, larger staffs, and big money. You also got involved in coaching college golf. How did that come about? My first college coaching offer was baseball at Albright College in Reading, Pa. I had an impressive baseball career in high school and college and always thought I would coach collegiately in baseball and soccer. But the coach I was to replace came back to Albright before the season started, and I was given a golf coaching position. I knew very little about golf, but with help from a local pro, I learned to concentrate on shortgame practice and course management. We had a great season, and I learned how to play golf. At the pro soccer level, I got invited to golf in a lot of celebrity tournaments and events. What were your core messages to the athletes you coached and managed? 1. I made them better physically and mentally by giving them a pathway to success. 2. I convinced them they had to sacrifice and dedicate themselves to be winners/champions, and I guided them in the process. 3. I taught them how to function as a team. The process of incrementally improving every practice and game was a new experience for many of them. You’re working on a book. What is it about? It will be my second book and will chronicle my life and experiences in soccer as a player, coach and general manager/president. The plan is to have it on the market prior to the soccer World Cup this summer. The title will be “My Search For Greatness.” Sponsor salute: Thanks to these businesses and individuals for supporting LAMGA this year: AD Baynard Plumbing, AIS Shower Doors, Inc., All Star Grill, Ann & Todd McCarthy, Azul Tequila, Bargain Carts, Bob Dupuis & Ed Miller. Pictured: Al Miller’s office wall and awards tell the story of his years coaching college, Olympic and pro soccer. The large photos are of his professional teams in Philadelphia and Dallas. That is the U.S. Olympic team upper right.
We are inviting Lake Ashton veterans and retired first responders to participate in a special program as part of Lake Ashton's 250th USA Anniversary Celebration. A display board recognizing and honoring these heroes is in the making and will be on display at the Clubhouse and HFC during the month of July as part of our community's overall celebration. We hope to have a 'then' and 'now' photo, date(s) of service and reference to their military branch of service and/or their affiliation as a first responder. Please scan here to submit your photos and information online. COMMUNITY COUNTRY CELEBRATION RED, WHITE, & BLUE TIE-DYE CLASS PATRIOTIC BRACELET CRAFf June 29 11 am • Ballroom NATIONAL CORVETTE DAY June 30 3-6pm Clubhouse West Parking Lot • Celebrate America's 250th Birthday with your own tie-dye design! $15 per person includes instructions and all supplies. Please provide your t-shirt size when you register. Sign up online today! ALL-AMERICAN SUMMER NIGHT July 3 5-7 pm Clubhouse Pool & Patio Join Valerie Fetcho of The Art of Beading for a patriotic bracelet craft. $5 includes all supplies and instruction. Call Valerie Fetcho at 863-605-1386 to sign up. Corvettes will gather at the HFC and eruise to the Clubhouse. Calling all Corvette owners and admirers! Celebrate with an allCorvette show in the Clubhouse west parking lot. Food truck on site! Register online by June 24 to showcase your Corvette. GALA GOLF CART PARADE & FOOD TRUCK RALLY July4 10am Leam the basics of pickleball and enjoy some friendly competition! All skill levels welcome. No sign up needed. A PATRIOTIC DANCE July 4 1 pm• HFC ..... Let your pups strut their stuff in their finest patriotic getup! More details coming soon! Bonfires, s'mores, watermelon, a dip in the pool, and classic summer tun s! Gather your friends for a FREE summer night party. More details coming soon! Parade features officials from Lake Wales & Winter Haven City Councils, Boy & Girl Scout troops, Lake Ashton military veterans & other VIPs! Followed by a Food ,r,===============-========================::;\. 9am Truck Rall . 4TH OF JULY PROCLAMATION Veterans Memorial * * 4TH OF JULY - MAIN EVENTS* 10am GALA GOLF CART PARADE 11am * FOOD TRUCK RALLY at the HFC * see pages 26 - 28 for more information 29 1 pm A PATRIOTIC DANCE Lake Ashton residents! FREE to Lake Ashton Featuring the band Perfect Pitch at the HFC. POP-AN INTRODUCTION TO PICKLEBALL & FRIENDLY COMPETITION PATRIOTIC PUPPY PARADE July 3 10 am Clubhouse
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