CLUBS BOLLA By Diane Dillon BOLLA, Blankets of Love at Lake Ashton, recently elected a new slate of officers for 2026. They are President: Rebecca (Becky) Meader, Secretary: Linda Warden, and Treasurer: Amity Kokochak. Thank you to outgoing President, Linda Warden, who served as President for 3 ½ years. Under Linda’s leadership, BOLLA conducted two Trash to Treasure Sales, a Pop-Up Sale, presented the Portrait of a Bride show, and hosted a Trash to Treasure Thank You Event for over 100 people. Most importantly, during Linda’s tenure as President, BOLLA donated almost 4,000 blankets to the children of Polk County and raised a significant amount of money for BOLLA. The members of BOLLA would also like to thank outgoing Secretary, Chris Crane, who served in that role for many years, and Amity Kokochak who will continue to serve as BOLLA’s Treasurer. BOLLA meets on Mondays, from 1-3pm in the Clubhouse Craft Room and always welcomes new members. No sewing experience is necessary, just a desire to help children. LAVA AUXILIARY By Lori Thomas On January 31, 2026, the Lake Ashton Veterans Association Auxiliary held a community tag sale that proved to be a tremendous success. The event brought together friends and neighbors who generously purchased tables, donated tag sale items and boxes, purchased coffee and donuts, shopped, and made cash donations. We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from our community. This event truly would not have been possible without the kindness and participation of everyone who contributed. Thanks to this collective effort, the tag sale raised $2,496.00, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting our local veterans and veterans organizations. Your generosity helps us continue our mission of giving back to those who have served our country. Thank you for making this event such a meaningful and successful day for our veterans. 28 LA PURPLE STARS By David Harrison The LA Purple Stars are selling luminary bags for a minimum donation of $10 to the American Cancer Society at Monday Coffee and the HFC Activities Desk. Decorate the bag to remember or honor a family member or friend, and return the bags with a small can like soup to any LA Purple Stars member or Activities Desk by March 5. We will put a tea light each bag to illuminate it. All residents are invited to join the Walk For A Cure at 6 pm on March 10 at the Clubhouse fountain to walk around the Pavilion and end back at the fountain to view all the lighted luminary bags. LAKE ASHTON FRIENDS OF MEALS ON WHEELS By Marcia Santino This month we shine a spotlight on Meals on Wheels volunteer and Lake Ashton resident, Richard Kay. “Doc Richard” Kay has lived in Lake Ashton since March of 2021, relocating here from the Tampa Bay area after retiring as a Family Physician. He met his wife, Carrie, at an LA Singles Club meeting and married shortly thereafter, celebrating their third anniversary this month. Richard has been a MOWPolk meal delivery volunteer driver for almost 2 years. He volunteers 2 days per week, 2 different routes. When asked what he would say to someone considering becoming a volunteer, he said: “Do it! It’s better to give than to receive. I look forward to seeing the people on my route. It gives me purpose and is a small investment of time.” Meals on Wheels Polk receives no state or federal funding. It sustains through community-based charity and volunteers. Volunteer opportunities include: kitchen preparation / packaging, clean-up, meal delivery and thrift store clerks. For information on volunteer opportunities or meal services, please call 863-299-1616. Please consider joining Lake Ashton Friends of Meals on Meals (“LA FOMOW”) to help promote this essential non-profit organization in our community. To become a member or for more information please email lafomow@gmail.com.
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