L.A. TIMES Lake Ashton Community Newsletter September 2026 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 BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR - COMMIT TO KINDNESS THIS MONTH!
Selling in Lake Ashton? Start with the experts right inside the community ON-SITE OFFICE IN LAKE Why List With Lake Ashton Realty? NO CANCELLATION FEES for Listing Contracts HOME WARRANTY for your New Buyer - up to $650 MOVE-OUT CLEANING leave your home sparkling. FREE STORAGE 3 Months at Lake Ashton Storage The Lake Ashton Realty Team Lori Raath, Broker Terri Mattocks, Broker Associate Sarah Lord, Marketing 863-318-9542 YOUR ON-SITE REAL ESTATE OFFICE www.LakeAshtonRealty.com 4140 Ashton Club Drive Lake Wales, FL 33859 Lake Ashton Realty Terri, Lori & Sarah ASHTON
NEWSLETTER STAFF Denise Plavetzky Editor dplavetzky@calmfla.com 863.324.5457 Valerie LeBlanc Advertising Sales, Layout & Design vleblanc@calmfla.com SUBMISSION GUIDELINES Oct. Issue Deadline: September 14 • Articles can be submitted on behalf of Lake Ashton clubs/ groups/organizations to promote lifestyle enhancing, opportunities, and must be approved by the group leader prior to publication • 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 • 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 SEPTEMBER 2026 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 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 Field Operations Manager: Matt Fisher mfisher@gmscfl.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 progolfian@gmail.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. SEPTEMBER 7 — NO MONDAY COFFEE — LABOR DAY HOLIDAY SEPTEMBER 14 • Free coffee courtesy of Matt Simpson with Edward Jones! • Birthdays & Anniversaries (Free cupcake courtesy of Christine Graves Insurance for those celebrating) • Bite Me Monday - Donations of pet food and/or supplies for the Humane Society of Polk County • Featured Speaker: Susan Eldridge from Meals on Wheels of Polk County • Featured Vendors: Christine Graves Insurance, Edward Jones - Matt Simpson, Saving Grace Senior Consulting SEPTEMBER 21 — NO MONDAY COFFEE — LACDD MEETING • Peanut Butter Monday - Donations of nonperishable foods for a local food bank SEPTEMBER 28 • Featured Speaker & Vendor: Cari Herrington from Aging Care Experts to talk about Tech for Aging in Place BAXTER’ S QUAL ITY MEATS Clubhouse West Parking Lot Wednesdays from 10 am to 2 pm IN THIS ISSUE NEWS 6 LA LOOKS 16 SAFETY 20 MOVIES 24 EVENTS 26 CLUBS 34 MIND & BODY 40 GOLF 44 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETINGS LAKE ASHTON II (WH) CDD Thursday, September 17 9 am in the Health & Fitness Center LAKE ASHTON (LW) CDD Monday, September 21 9 am in the Clubhouse Ballroom 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
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HOURS OF OPERATION CLUBHOUSE: 6 am – 10 pm daily 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 STAY INFORMED! Residents are encouraged to attend LACDD (Lake Wales) and LAIICDD (Winter Haven) Board of Supervisors meetings to ensure they are staying up to date with current issues and projects throughout the community. If you are unable to attend in person a Zoom link is sent out a week prior and the morning of the meeting. Visit the CDD websites at https://www.lakeashtoncdd.com (Lake Wales - top left QR code) and https:// www.lakeashton2cdd.org (Winter Haven - bottom left QR code) to find agenda packets and approved minutes from previous meetings. LA TIMES SUBMISSIONS The website form is now required for LA Times article submissions. Scan to submit articles and images or visit http://lakeashtoncdd.com/submit-anarticle. The District media policy can also be found on the website and submission form. 6 To maintain consistent, accurate, accessible, and professional communications, the District does not publish or distribute resident-created flyers, graphics, advertisements, or other promotional materials through District Media. Residents, clubs, groups, and organizations may submit information regarding eligible community events, activities, announcements, or programs for consideration in accordance with the District Media Policy and applicable submission guidelines. If approved, District staff will determine the appropriate format, wording, design, and method of distribution. For email blasts, submitted flyers and graphics will not be distributed as images. Information will be converted to text to support accessibility for screen readers and assistive technology. Text-based content also allows residents to search emails by keyword and provides greater functionality across devices. District staff will determine the appropriate wording and format for inclusion. Submitted flyers or graphics may be used as a reference for event details but will not be published or distributed as submitted. District staff may create or format promotional materials using the information provided, as appropriate. This policy applies to all District Media, including, but not limited to, email blasts, newsletters, websites, digital displays, social media, and other District-managed communication channels. All submitted content remains subject to the District Media Policy, and submission does not guarantee publication or distribution. REFLECTION OF THE MONTH So happy you're back! Welcome home, and let's make this a time to remember. - Unknown This month’s refection is the word Welcome. How can an individual or community critically reflect on the true meaning and practice of Welcome in everyday life? Share your reflection by scanning the QR code and clicking the Reflection of the Month link at the top of the page or by clicking the link included in email blasts. A small number of Reflections will be featured in the next month’s newsletter with the author’s name.
240 E. Park Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853 September 2026 marks 10 years of Shelby Loveless practicing Law! This September, place your trust in Weaver Loveless Law— experienced attorneys you can rely on. Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation! 863.676.6000 www.welovelaw.com 7 Estate Planning Probate Elder Law
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 Denise Plavetzky, LA (LW) CDD Community Director (dplavetzky@calmfla.com) A Month of Kindness in Our Community Despite the usual heat and humidity this time of year brings, we are starting to feel the subtle shift in energy as we look forward to the familiar rhythms of fall. This annual transition brings a special time for reflection and connection; and is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate something truly special in our community: Practice Kindness Month. Acts of kindness come in all shapes and sizes and often don’t cost anything. The effects of kindness last long after the initial act, significantly improving our well-being and strengthening our relationships within the neighborhood. On a personal level, choosing to be kind can reduce stress, lift our spirits, and provide a greater sense of purpose. When we extend this warmth to our friends and the people living next door, it builds trust and strengthens the social fabric of Lake Ashton. A friendly greeting, a quick check-in, or lending a helping hand can transform a street of individual houses into a truly connected, supportive community for everyone. Please note this initiative is not necessarily about grand gestures or heroic feats, but rather about the quiet, everyday moments of kindness that may go unnoticed or maybe not reciprocated. By dedicating a specific time of year to celebrate goodwill, we can collectively refocus our energy on the simple, yet profound, act of caring for one another. In our effort to highlight this important human trait, you’ll find kindness initiatives throughout this edition of the monthly newsletter, out in the community and in upcoming activities and events. While we hope you'll take part, participation in Kindness Month is an open invitation, not an obligation. We simply encourage you to engage in a way that feels authentic and comfortable for your own life and personality. CONGRATULATIONS, MATT! Residents gathered on August 22 to celebrate Matt Fisher and his well-deserved promotion to Field Manager. Friends, neighbors and family stopped by the Clubhouse Ballroom to congratulate Matt, share their well wishes and enjoy an afternoon of refreshments. Matt was also presented with a beautiful quilt made especially for him by the Creative Quilters (pictured left). It was a wonderful celebration of Matt’s dedication and contributions to the Lake Ashton community, and everyone wishes him continued success in his new role. Pictures by Mary Dornhecker: At right, Matt with his family. 8
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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 LAIICDD NEWS By Karen Van Kirk, LAIICDD Community Director (kvankirk@lakeashton2cdd.com) THINK PINK! The Health & Fitness Center continues its tradition of bringing awareness to breast cancer throughout the month of October. To begin with, we encourage LA residents who attend exercise classes in the month of October to wear pink clothing for a chance to win a prize. This year is the HFC’s 10th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk beginning at 9 am on October 2. The first three place finishers for both the short walk and long walk will be awarded medals during a breakfast brunch for ‘walk’ participants. The HFC is also continuing its commemoration of those people and/or their family members affected by breast cancer by displaying their names on our ‘Wall of Honor’ behind the HFC’s activity desk, throughout the month of October. Simply let HFC personnel know of name(s) of those people they would like to honor. The HFC is also hosting ‘Pinktober-Fest’ on October 2, from 6 to 9 pm, as part of its overall Breast Cancer Awareness event, having a dance with Perfect Pitch playing your favorite hits. Nutley’s Food Truck ‘Hot Dog Cart’ will have German bratwurst, potato salad, and other Octoberfest-like food on hand as well. This is a free admission event and fund raiser for breast cancer. You may register for the Breast Cancer walk, in person or by phone at 863-595-1562 and pick up your ticket for the dance beginning September 1 at the HFC. Lake Ashton II Community Development District (LA 2 CDD) meeting is on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 9:00 AM in the Community Center. Please mark your calendars for this important date as a valuable opportunity to stay informed about district matters, participate in discussions, and connect with fellow residents. Your involvement helps support the continued growth and wellbeing of the Lake Ashton community. If you are unable to attend in person you may wish to attend via ZOOM. Making the most of “AI” and Your Library is a seminar that explores how to plan a trip, create a recipe from what’s in the refrigerator, brainstorm hobbies, and activities and so much more, presented by Rebecca Player of the Winter Haven Library. Call or come by to reserve your spot at the HFC on Tuesday, September 22, from 1:30 to 2:30 pm. FREAKY FRIDAY is the HFC’s Halloween dance taking place on October 23, 2026, from 6 to 9 pm with music by Perfect Pitch, Lake Ashton’s House Band. Costumes are optional but we all know what fun it is to guess who is behind that mask, and there will be prizes awarded for the three best costumes worn. Reserve a table for $10 at the HFC. Admission at the door is $10. The HFC encourages residents to watch for upcoming events as it continues to promote awareness and community spirit. From joining a group walk to enjoying a live performance or spending time together through games, there are many ways to get involved and show your support. 10
Brad Kirwan’s Lake Ashton Customers Discuss His Real Estate Work VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE REALTOR Brad is very knowledgeable about the market and real estate challenges. We enjoyed working with Brad on the sale of our home. The marketplace seemed quite challenging, but Brad's professionalism guided us through the bumps in the road. We had a last-minute challenge from our ARC committee, and he handled everything for us. We recommend Brad if you are getting ready to list your home. Norman & Nancy Wirtala Verified by RateMyAgent Curious about your home’s current market value? Call for a free Comparative Market Analysis. BRAD KIRWAN 863.280.0390 11
LAKE ASHTON REMEMBERS September 11 marks 25 years since the tragic events of September 11, 2001. We pause in solemn remembrance to honor the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost and to pay tribute to the extraordinary heroism of the first responders who rushed into danger that terrible day. Though a quarter of a century has passed, we stand together in quiet reflection and reaffirm our promise to never forget. CANDIDATE MEET & GREET By Deborah Murray You're invited to an informal Meet & Greet with Lake Ashton Community Development District (LW) Board candidates Deborah Murray and Jonathan Ridpath, who are running for seats on the Lake Ashton CDD Board (Lake Wales), Tuesday, September 22. This is a great opportunity to meet the candidates in person, learn about their priorities, ask questions, and share your thoughts about the future of our community. All residents are welcome to stop by the Clubhouse Card Room any time between 10:30 am and noon to enjoy casual conversation with the candidates in a relaxed setting. No formal presentation is planned, just an opportunity to get to know Deborah Murray and Jonathan Ridpath and discuss the issues that matter most to you. We encourage every resident to take advantage of this opportunity to become an informed voter. This Meet & Greet is independently organized and is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by the Lake Ashton Community Development District (LACDD). CANDIDATE TOWN HALL By Rachel Kane The Lake Ashton Community Garden Club invites all residents to attend a nonpartisan Candidate Town Hall featuring the candidates running for the Lake Ashton Community Development District (LACDD) Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, September 29, beginning at 12 12 pm in the Clubhouse Ballroom. The Town Hall will provide residents with an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and ask their own questions. The open forum is designed to help residents become informed voters by allowing candidates to share their views and respond to questions from the community. The event is expected to last approximately 2½ hours. Whether you have specific concerns or simply want to learn more about the candidates, all residents are encouraged to attend and participate. This Candidate Town Hall is independently organized by the Lake Ashton Community Garden Club. It is not sponsored by, affiliated with or endorsed by the Lake Ashton Community Development District (LACDD). The Community Garden Club does not endorse or oppose any candidate and is committed to providing a fair and impartial forum for all participants. CANDIDATE FORUM By Bruce Collina An LACDD Candidate Forum will be held on Monday, October 5, at 10:30 am in the Clubhouse Ballroom. Residents are invited to submit written questions for the candidates from September 1 through September 18 by placing them in the lock box located in the Ballroom. Questions must include the author’s name and address and may not contain a candidate’s name or be written with the intent of directing the question to a particular candidate. No questions will be accepted from the floor on the day of the Forum. This Candidate Forum is independently organized and is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by the Lake Ashton Community Development District (LACDD). 2026 GENERAL ELECTION The 2026 General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 3. LACDD Board of Supervisors candidates: Seat #2 Debby Landgrebe & Deborah Murray Seat #3 Daniel Davis & Frank J. Svarczkopf Seat #4 Kevin Marsh & Jonathan Ridpath LAIICDD Board of Supervisors candidates are: Seat #1 Roy Aull and Michael Lee Seat #3 Cheryl Winchester and Bob Zelazny
The deadline to register to vote is October 5, and the deadline to request a Vote-By-Mail ballot is October 22. Residents assigned to the Lake Ashton Clubhouse polling location will vote in the Ballroom on Election Day. Because polling locations can vary by precinct, residents should verify their assigned polling location before heading to the polls. For additional information, including Early Voting dates, Vote-By-Mail information, sample ballots, and polling locations, visit the Polk County Supervisor of Elections website at https://www.polkelections.gov. The Lake Ashton Community Development District does not endorse or oppose any candidate, political party, ballot measure or issue. ELECTRONIC STORAGE DEVICE COLLECTION By Heidi White Lake Ashton has an ongoing electronic storage device collection. Unwanted cell phones, hard drives, cameras, tablets, SD cards, trackers and USB drives can be placed in the collection bin in the Clubhouse Ballroom kitchen. Please do not donate charging cords or remote controls. Rather than taking up space in drawers and cabinets or ending up in a landfill, these devices can help train electronic storage detection (ESD) dogs. These specially trained dogs can detect chemical compounds found in electronic storage devices and locate devices hidden inside walls, furniture and even underwater. ESD dogs assist law enforcement in finding critical evidence in crimes including child exploitation, human trafficking, pornography, homicides and money laundering. Their duties also include deescalation, workplace therapy, facilitating victim disclosures and providing emotional support to victims. Devices do not need to be in working order, as the chemical compound remains present. If the device is still active, please erase its memory before donating. Thank you for helping support this unique program! WWW.BROCKSWINDOWCLEANING.COM 13
RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT By Marianne Zak Meet Lake Ashton's own dynamo, Diane Banti, formerly of the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Diane and her husband, Gino, moved to Lake Ashton in 2017 and reside on Birkdale Drive. Diane and Gino met 29 years ago and have been married for 27 years. They raised three children together. Their son, Joe, made them proud grandparents of a 16-month-old toddler, Joe Jr. Diane's mother, Jean Hilkin, who lived in Davenport, Florida, became a leg amputee and needed care. Diane was familiar with the community because her sister, Patti Anderson, has lived in Lake Ashton since 2004. Since their mother needed care, Gino and Diane decided to move from Chicago to Lake Ashton to share in caring for their mother until her passing. Diane may be a person of short stature, but she has never let it hold her back. She has a victorious attitude instilled in her by her family and her school years. She is proud of all her accomplishments and has a winning, positive and energetic personality. Diane said, "I never missed an opportunity to do sports or anything I tried out for.” Diane has an associate's degree in criminal justice. She worked for the Bartlett, Illinois, police records department. Later, while working for American Signature Furniture, her high energy got her promoted to management as a service coordinator. With her business background, she has experience working effectively within organizations. She said, "When working together as a team, you get things accomplished." As a teenager, Diane was involved in theater, played the flute and took up dancing. With her experience in the arts, she joined the Lake Ashton Performing Arts Company (LAPAC). Last year, she headed the Haunted House extravaganza at the Lake Ashton Clubhouse and led an amazing production. She also coordinated the cast and crew afterparty. With her background in management, she is now the Special Events Coordinator for LAPAC. Her primary responsibility is fundraising. Her latest project is being held on Saturday, October 17, at the HFC. All Lake Ashton residents are invited to the LAPAC annual fundraiser. The theme of this year's fundraiser will be wine tasting. There will be a wine wall where attendees can pull tickets to find out which wine they have won. Special, expensive wines will be mixed in with other varieties. The proceeds will all go to the LAPAC Talent Show being held in the spring. Diane said, "I have built my best friendships through LAPAC." Diane loves crafts and has been making decorative tissue box covers for more than 25 years. Her designs include sports, military and many other tissue box themes. You can find her at Lake Ashton craft shows to purchase her tissue box covers or order them directly from her home. Diane enjoys entertaining residents by singing karaoke. She and her husband, Gino, who was the lead singer in a cover band for years, frequently sing duets together. She enjoys cruising to the Caribbean, and her other interests include trips to the beach and all things Disney. As annual passholders, Diane and Gino make Walt Disney World their second home. She said, "I could talk about Disney all day." The Bantis are big Chicago Cubs fans and enjoy attending games when the Cubs visit the Tampa Bay Rays. Family is important to Diane. Every weekend, they have game night, and Gino and Diane's families often gather to play card games. Recently, their favorite card game is a strategy game from England called "Skyjo." Lake Ashton is fortunate to have Diane as the Special Events Coordinator of LAPAC. She works diligently behind the scenes to help raise funds to bring quality productions for the enjoyment of our entire community. Diane is yet another reason why Lake Ashton is "Simply the Best." 14
Back Pain That Hasn't Improved — Even After Injections, Therapy, or Surgery A non-surgical option for damaged spinal discs, offered by a retired Navy surgeon. Consultations by web meeting — no travel. Gerald Mastaw, MD Retired Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy Wartime Surgeon | Lead Discseel® Provider and Trainer “I served as a wartime surgeon before I practiced here in Florida. I know what years of physical demand do to a spine, and I know how frustrating it is to be told that major surgery is the only option left. It isn’t always.” WHAT THE DISCSEEL® PROCEDURE IS The Discseel® Procedure is a minimally invasive, outpatient treatment for damaged spinal discs. It uses fibrin — a biologic — injected into tears in the disc wall. There is no cutting, no fusion hardware, and no laser. The procedure takes approximately 40 minutes and is performed with X-ray guidance under mild sedation. It begins with an annulogram™, an imaging step that identifies tears standard MRI can miss. CONDITIONS IT MAY BE CONSIDERED FOR • Degenerative disc disease • Annular tears • Bulging or herniated discs • Sciatica and radiating leg pain • Chronic low back or neck pain • Pain persisting after prior spine surgery, fusion, or laminectomy Not every patient is a candidate. A consultation and imaging review determine whether the procedure is appropriate for your condition. FOR VETERANS Covered through VA Community Care. The Discseel® Procedure is covered for eligible veterans through the VA Community Care Network, administered by Optum. We walk you through the referral process with the VA from start to finish. You don’t need to know the terminology or navigate it alone — call us first and our team will handle it with you, step by step. Your consultation is by web meeting. NOT A VETERAN? Discseel® is not covered by Medicare or most commercial insurance. We’ll review your imaging, tell you honestly whether you’re a candidate, and give you clear pricing before you commit to anything. No obligation. HOW IT WORKS 1. Consultation by web meeting. We review your imaging and history with you from home. No driving, no waiting room. You’ll know whether you’re a candidate before you travel anywhere. 2. The procedure. Performed as an outpatient procedure at a surgical center in the Tampa metro area — a single visit, approximately 40 minutes. Veterans Spine and Discseel Center of America An office of Emerald Coast Integrated Care 16703 Early Riser Ave, Land O’ Lakes, FL 800-931-6086 emeraldcoastintegratedcare.com Discseel® is a registered trademark. Individual results vary and no outcome is guaranteed. This advertisement is not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Emerald Coast Integrated Care is a multi-specialty medical practice. Gerald Mastaw, MD — Florida license and NPI 1316993454. 15
L.A. LOOKS Wildlife Corner Photo & Article By Barbara Ann Comer The Blue Jay is a familiar bird, common and widespread in the eastern United States. Blue Jays at Lake Ashton tend to be found in the more wooded areas. Often mistakenly called Bluebirds, they are a beautiful blue with striking black and white markings and sport a jaunty crest; male and female look alike. However, they aren't actually blue. The dark pigment in their feathers is melanin and scattering light on the feathers makes them appear blue. Noisy and bold, they utter a variety of vocalizations many of which don't even sound birdlike. This intelligent bird mimics the Red-shouldered Hawk's call well enough to fool even the most astute ornithologist. The common and piercing "jay, jay, jay" alarm alerts other birds that a predator may be nearby. As beautiful and widespread as this brassy songbird is, not one state has chosen it to be their state bird. LA (LW) HOA CORNER By Deanne Mayne The previous issue of the LA Times introduced new committees that were discussed at the August Directors’ meeting. One is the Welcome Committee, whose volunteers will meet with new Lake Ashton residents to help acquaint them with the CC&Rs, Design Guidelines, and ARCTracker. Two volunteers for the committee were approved at the August meeting, and several others are expected to be approved at the September meeting. The committee is chaired by Dee Mayne (sec2@lakeashtonhoa.org), who is looking forward to getting the committee up and running. 16 The Wellness Committee is chaired by Kathie McGlaughlin (secretary@lakeashtonhoa.org) and currently has one volunteer, with plans to add more at the next meeting. The goal of this committee is to provide “check-ins” with residents to promote wellbeing, social connection, neighbor-to-neighbor support, and a strong sense of community while respecting individual privacy, independence, and personal boundaries. The committee may organize appropriate wellness, social, outreach, and residentsupport activities approved by the Board of Directors. Beginning in September, the monthly Directors’ meetings will return to the Clubhouse Cardroom and will take place on the third Wednesday of each month at 3:30 pm. The ARC Office Hour will now take place on the first Wednesday of each month at 3:30 pm in the Cardroom. This change allows enough time for financial statements to be current for the previous month and gives Directors access to the TV in the Cardroom for those who cannot attend the meeting in person. ARC would like to remind residents that requests are not automatically approved. Please check your email for messages from ARC indicating that additional details may be needed, as missing information can delay approval. Some requests may require photos, specific product information, or scale drawings. Don’t forget to return to ARCTracker to indicate when your project is complete and ready for inspection. Compliance will continue to address landscaping issues caused by the February freeze. We have also noticed several lawns that may be experiencing pest infestations. These issues require professional intervention before lawn pests spread to neighboring yards. We have also received reports of outdoor lights that are more suitable for holiday use and are not permitted at other times. Please remember that landscape lights that change colors or flash with strobe-like pulses are not allowed. ARC and Compliance are still in need of volunteers. Please consider giving some of your time to help keep Lake Ashton beautiful!
LAII (WH) HOA/ARC CORNER By Connie Strassberg Happy Labor Day. I think everyone is looking forward to a break in the heat. Pretty soon we’ll be welcoming back the snowbirds. Our next regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting will be on Thursday September 3, 2026 at 1:00 PM in the community room of the HFC. The HOA has five flyer slots at the top of the flyer board at the Health and Fitness Center (HFC). They currently contain Email Contact Authorization forms and various information flyers about the HOA and the ARC. We will soon add flyers about Compliance. To receive email notifications from the LAII HOA, residents must submit a completed Email Authorization Form to the management company, Stambaugh, at 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 us from contacting you. The LAII HOA website provides access to announcements, posted documents, the directory, calendar, and online dues payment. The website is https://stambaugh.cincwebaxis.com. First-time users should click REGISTER in the upper-right corner to create an account. Agendas for meetings will be emailed to all who are signed up to receive email or can be found in our flyer spots after they have been finalized. We will also post them on TOLA and on our own Facebook Group: LA2 HOA/ARC INFO. If you live in Winter Haven, sign up by submitting a request that includes your name and LAII address. To contact the ARC, follow instructions in the ARC Tracker at arctracker.com; area: Lake Ashton 2. FAQS - RETENTION PONDS Why is the algae in my pond not being treated? LACDD staff works closely with our aquatics contractor to ensure all treatments are being completed. During the summer months algae are fueled from the warm waters, sunny days, and large amounts of rain. Rain allows for “runoff” to seep into the ponds which provide food for unwanted plants, like algae. The aquatics technician is allowed to treat the ponds with approved chemicals and the frequency is determined by Southwest Florida Water Management District. This frequency is every two weeks. My pond is full will there be flooding if we have a hurricane? Each pond Lake Ashton CDD owns is designed to prevent flooding. Residents may notice a concrete structure in their pond. This man-made concrete structure is called an outfall structure. This is the discharge point for stormwater that prevents flooding and overflowing. Are algae blooms harmful? Algae are a natural component of the aquatic food chain and are not typically harmful to people. When will my pond begin to look better? The Fall and Winter months help substantially in reducing algae blooms. Cooler weather and less rain make pond conditions less desirable for algae to thrive. Email Matt Fisher at mfisher@gmscfl.com with any questions or concerns. CLUBHOUSE ART WALL By Shelley Brodka We have some amazing artists, photographers, glass and craft designers in Lake Ashton, and each month a new artist’s work is featured and is hung in the Clubhouse for a month for you to enjoy. There are openings for the months of March through December 2029, and beyond. If you are interested in showing having your work displayed on the Clubhouse Wall, contact Shelley at Shelleyb4336@gmail.com or text 623-910-4227. get on the calendar. UMBRELLA REMINDER Please put umbrellas down after use when visiting the Pool, Bocce Courts, or Pet Play Parks. Leaving them up can potentially cause them to become damaged by wind or rain. 17
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 • Secretary Kathie McGlaughlin secretary@lakeashtonhoa.org • Treasurer Mike Wilson treasurer@lakeashtonhoa.org • directors@lakeashtonhoa.org • ARC: ARC@lakeashtonhoa.org • Compliance: compliance@lakeashtonhoa.org Please Note Meeting Schedule Changes: • Board Meetings at 3:30 pm in the Clubhouse Card Room: ‣ September 16, September 29, October 21, November 18, December 16 • ARC Meetings at 3:30 pm in the Clubhouse Card Room: ‣ September 2, October 7, November 4, December 2 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/Compliance Liaison Ray Rudy TreasurerLA2HOA@gmail.com • At Large Mike Brennan 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. Lake Ashton II (WH) Architectural Review Committee (ARC): • Greg Bluemke, Chairman A9lawharc2@gmail.com • Darrell Fisher, Assistant Chair A4lawharc2@gmail.com • Barbara Wagner, Secretary A7lawharc2@gmail.com • John Abbate A6lawharc2@gmail.com • Jackie Commons A2lawharc2@gmail.com • Don Connors A3lawharc2@gmail.com • Keith Lingwall A5lawharc2@gmail.com • Jeff Wagner A8lawharc2@gmail.com • Compliance: Ray Rudy, Compliance Liaison; Stephanie Iszak, Assistant, VPComplianceLA2HOA@gmail.com gm@stambaughinc.com 18
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NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH 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. (NW) CORNER By Fay Wood, NW Chief Senior Scams Fraud is rampant, but simple habits with your phone, email and social media can block many scam attempts. Other safeguards include monitoring your mail, shredding sensitive documents, keeping social media accounts private, avoiding card skimmers, freezing your credit, reviewing financial transactions regularly and using two-factor authentication. According to the FBI’s 2025 IC3 Annual Report, Americans age 60 and older reported $7.7 billion in losses from fraud in 2025, about a 60 percent increase from 2024. These figures may not represent the full impact of fraud because many scams go unreported. Staying informed and developing good security habits can help protect your personal information and finances. Consider adding the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline, 877-908-3360, to your contacts. The helpline provides advice and resources for reporting scams and preventing fraud and identity theft. 20
Protect your mail. The U.S. Postal Service offers Informed Delivery, a free service that emails photos of letter-size mail expected to be delivered that day or shortly after. Pick up your mail as soon as possible after delivery, and take outgoing mail directly to the post office. Criminals increasingly steal checks from mailboxes and alter them to access bank accounts. Be cautious at your front door. Consider installing a video doorbell or security camera. If you don’t recognize a visitor, you don’t have to answer the door. If someone pressures you to buy something or make a donation, have a response ready: “I do not do business at my door. Please leave me something to review. If I’m interested, I’ll call you.” Shred sensitive documents. Shred financial statements, bills, shipping receipts and other papers containing personal information before putting them out for pickup. If you don’t have a cross-cut shredder, look for community shredding events or permanent drop-off locations. Watch for card skimmers. Before using a card reader at a gas station or other point-of-sale location, check for anything loose, broken or unusual. If you suspect a reader has been tampered with, notify the cashier and use another payment method. Monitor and freeze your credit. Check your credit report regularly for unfamiliar accounts or activity. You can obtain free credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com. If you see something suspicious, report it immediately to the appropriate financial institution. Consider freezing your credit to prevent scammers from opening new accounts in your name. You can temporarily unfreeze it when you need to apply for legitimate credit. Protect your wallet. Carry only the cards and identification you need. Avoid carrying your Social Security card or other unnecessary sensitive information. Make copies of the cards you do carry and keep the copies in a secure location. Periodically clean out your wallet or purse to remove information you no longer need. Secure your financial accounts. Create online accounts with your financial institutions and use a unique password for each account. A password manager can help you keep track of them securely. Whenever available, use two-factor authentication for an 21
additional layer of protection. Review your financial transactions weekly or every other week and report anything unfamiliar immediately. Protect your smartphone. If your phone offers fingerprint or facial recognition, turn it on. Consider sending calls from unknown numbers directly to voicemail. Be especially cautious with unsolicited text messages, including messages that appear to come from businesses you know. If you think a message may be legitimate, contact the organization using a phone number or website you already know is authentic. Sign out of financial and payment apps when you are not using them. Secure your computer and email. Turn on twofactor authentication for financial, utility and other important online accounts. Consider using passkeys when available. Keep antivirus software up to date, and be cautious about email attachments and links. Mark unwanted messages as spam, and never open attachments from people or businesses you do not completely trust. Limit what you share on social media. Set your social media accounts to private so only people you know can view your information. Never accept friend requests from strangers or respond to unexpected messages. Be aware that scammers may create fake profiles pretending to be friends or family members. Be careful when shopping online. Double-check website addresses before entering payment information. Scammers sometimes create websites with addresses that differ from legitimate sites by only one letter. Avoid saving your credit card information on numerous retail or restaurant websites when possible, and consider using a secure payment service. Never pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency or gold. Legitimate businesses and government agencies will not demand payment in gift cards, cryptocurrency, gold bars or prepaid debit cards. Scammers prefer these payment methods because they can be difficult to trace or reverse. If someone demands one of these forms of payment, stop and verify the request independently. 22 Have a sounding board. Consider identifying someone you trust who can serve as a financial sounding board. Before making a large purchase, transferring money or responding to an unexpected financial request, talk it over with someone you trust. Taking a few extra minutes can prevent a costly mistake. Most importantly, remember that you are under no obligation to respond to unexpected calls, emails or texts. Let unknown calls go to voicemail. If someone gets through and pressures you, simply say, “I do not do business over the phone. Goodbye,” and hang up. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t sound right, take your time, verify the information independently and talk to someone you trust before taking action. We would like to thank AARP for much of the information included in this bulletin. On behalf of your Lake Ashton Neighborhood Watch Team, have a safe and secure end of summer. PEAK STORM SEASON Residents should be prepared for stormy weather through November 30 when hurricane season ends. A detailed list of storm tips can be found on lakeashtoncdd.com. Pay attention to the lightning detection devices throughout the community and seek shelter when the sirens sound. photo: Dennis Krupinski
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MOVI ES All 3 pm showings and all Tuesday showings are closed captioned. Cinema capacity: 55 SEPTEMBER 2 — 4 AT 3 & 7 PM GREEN & GOLD 2025 | PG-13 | 1H 43MIN Foreclosure looms over Wisconsin dairy farmer Buck (Craig T. Nelson). With mounting debt and the land his family has cultivated for four generations at risk, Buck refuses to give up his legacy without a fight. Buck's granddaughter (Madison Lawlor) works alongside him but dreams of a career in music. Her aspirations are fanned by an emerging friendship with a famous musician (Brandon Sklenar), but chasing her dreams might take her far from the farm. With time running out, Buck places a daring Super Bowl bet on his beloved Green Bay Packers, risking it all to save everything he holds dear. SEPTEMBER 8 —10 AT 3 & 7 PM PRESSURE 2026 | PG-13 | 1H 40MIN In the tense 72 hours before D-Day, and with the fate of the free world hanging in the balance, PRESSURE follows General Dwight D. Eisenhower (Brenden Fraser) and Captain James Stagg (Andrew Scott) as they face an impossible choice--launch the largest and most dangerous seaborne invasion in history or risk losing the war altogether. SEPTEMBER 15 — 17 AT 3 & 7 PM (NO 7 PM SHOWING SEPTEMBER 16) YOU, ME & TUSCANY 2026 | PG-13 | 1H 45MIN Halle Bailey stars as Anna, a young woman who has abandoned her dreams of becoming a chef and is now drifting 24 through her twenties with a series of bad choices. When Anna loses her house-sitting job (and housing) in one fell swoop, a chance encounter with Matteo--a handsome Italian who happens to have a villa sitting empty in Tuscany--will inspire her to jet off for Italy. But Anna's plan to crash at Matteo's villa, without permission, just for one night, falls apart when Matteo's mother shows up at the house unexpectedly. In a panic, Anna allows Gabriella to believe that she is Matteo's fiancée. That little lie becomes a big problem, though, when Matteo's cousin, Michael (Regé-Jean Page) shows up, and Anna discovers that the heat between them may ignite a fire that will transform her life. SEPTEMBER 22 — 24 GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON'T DIE 2026 | R | 2H 14MIN A "Man From the Future" (Sam Rockwell) arrives at a diner in Los Angeles where he must recruit the precise combination of disgruntled patrons to join him on a one-night quest to save the world from the terminal threat of a rogue artificial intelligence. This science fiction comedy marks Gore Verbinski's return to directing. SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 1 THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 (NO 7 PM SHOWING SEPTEMBER 30 AND OCTOBER 1) 2026 | PG-13 | 1H 59MIN Twenty years after making their iconic turns as Miranda, Andy, Emily and Nigel--Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci return to the fashionable streets of New York City and the sleek offices of Runway Magazine in 20th Century Studios' "The Devil Wears Prada 2," the eagerly awaited sequel to the 2006 phenomenon (which will be shown in the Clubhouse Cinema on September 25).
FEATURE FILM FRIDAYS: 3 PM SHOWINGS CLOSED CAPTIONED SEPTEMBER 4 AT 3 & 7 PM 9 TO 5 1980 | PG | 1H 50MIN Three women (Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton) fed up with their "sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot" of a boss entertain fantasies about revenge. But fantasy turns into reality when they think they've inadvertently poisoned Mr. Hart's coffee and try to cover their tracks. SEPTEMBER 11 AT 3 PM (NO 7 PM SHOWING) WORLD TRADE CENTER 2006 | PG-13 | 2H 9MIN Two Port Authority officers, Sgt. John McLoughlin (Nicolas Cage) and Officer Will Jimeno (Michael Peña), become trapped in the rubble of the World Trade Center after going in to help people escape from the buildings during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. SEPTEMBER 18 REMEMBER THE TITANS 2000 | PG | 1H 53MIN In 1971, Virginia high-school football was everything to the people of Alexandria, but when the school board was forced to integrate an all-Black school with an all-White one, the foundation of football's tradition was put to the test. SEPTEMBER 25 THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2006 | PG-13 | 1H 49MIN Andy is a recent college graduate with big dreams. Upon landing a job at prestigious Runway magazine, she finds herself the assistant to diabolical editor Miranda Priestly. Andy questions her ability to survive her grim tour as Miranda's whipping girl without getting scorched. !"#$%#$& '()*#+(, -.()(/ ! #$%&'$()&*+ ,-)$.&/. ! #$%&'$()&*+ 0()$.&/. ! 1/22$.3&*+ ,-)$.&/. ! 1/22$.3&*+ 0()$.&/. !"## %&'()*'#& %%%0",'(-./"&,-/&.01"2 0($*() 2"345) !"#$%&'( )'&*'(+",'(-./"&,-/&.01"2 34567 9:;#5<=: 67,%#$ 2"345) !"#$%&'( >?@./&+",'(-./"&,-/&.01"2 39<=7 =4A#99:< Veteran Owned & Operated Family Owned
EVENTS JEWISH HIGH HOLIDAY SERVICES By David Harrison The Lake Ashton community is invited to attend the Jewish High Holiday services. Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) will be Friday, September 11 at 7 pm in the HFC Community Center. Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) will be Sunday September 20 at 7 pm in the HFC Community Room. Yizkor (Memorial Service) will also be Sunday following the Yom Kippur Service. All residents are encouraged to attend and find out why the New Year is celebrated in September. For more information contact David Harrison at 863-326-6418. KARAOKE Join DJ Wayne in the Clubhouse Restaurant Thursdays from 5 to 8 pm! Bring your $3 cash, snacks, and BYOB. LAPAC WINE WALK By Diane Banti It’s time to save the date for our Fall fundraiser! This year, we’re hosting an exciting Wine Walk & Tasting with a Beer Garden on October 17 from 6–9 pm at the HFC. The cost is $20 per person. Sign up at the HFC, and please make checks payable to LAPAC. For donations or to sponsor a tasting table, contact Diane Banti, LAPAC Special Events Coordinator, at dianebanti18@gmail.com or 815-861-7531 for details. FALL FESTIVAL /ADULT TRUNK OR TREATING Come one, come all; let’s celebrate Fall! Join friends and neighbors on October 31 at 5 pm for the annual Fall Festival but with a twist; Adult Trunk or Treating! What is an Adult Trunk or Treat? An adult trunk or treat is a Halloween-themed neighborhood block party where adults gather in a parking lot, SCAN TO SIGN UP OR PURCHASE TICKETS FOR EVENTS AT THE CLUBHOUSE! 26 decorate the open trunks of their cars with festive or spooky themes, and exchange adult-centric treats, such as wine, cocktails, alcohol minis, candy or specialty treats, rather than child-focused treats. People in costumes walk from car to car to collect treats, play games, etc. Get those costumes ready for a spooky good time! There will also be a costume contest with a prize for the winner, so sign up online to participate. The Fall Festival will also feature large inflatable games, corn hole, a live DJ, food trucks, ice cream vendor, and more. You won’t want to miss this! Calling all residents, clubs, groups, and organizations! The Clubhouse needs volunteers to sign up to decorate their trunks, golf carts, tents for the Adult Trunk or Treat on October 31. Only a limited number of spots are available, so don’t hesitate to sign up online! Questions? Call Caroline at the Clubhouse Activities Office or email her at clane@calmfla.com.
END OF SUMMER SHINDIG Summer is ending but the fun doesn’t have to! Dance the summer away with music by Tony Knight on September 11 at 7 pm in the Clubhouse Ballroom. And of course, BYOB! Tickets are on sale for $5 online now! Don’t forget to BYOB! NATIONAL GOOD NEIGHBOR DAY I S SEPTEMBER 28 Come celebrate from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the HFC. This no-cost community gathering will be a fun opportunity to meet your neighbors, connect, share, and enjoy an evening together. Residents will be invited to bring their own beverages and a finger food to share. Sign up by scanning the QR code. OKTOBERFEST Celebrate Oktoberfest the Lake Ashton way! Grab those dirndls and lederhosen to kick off Oktoberfest at the Clubhouse October 1 at 6 pm in Ballroom with live music from The Brussel Sprouts, a 13-piece interactive German band! Purchase German-styled food and more from C & E Backroads Eats and fresh, homemade soft and hard pretzels from Starr’s Twisted Treats. The event is sponsored by Lake Wales Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, & Ram. The night just might hold more surprises that you won’t want to miss! Buy your $15 tickets online today! LAKE ASHTON’S GOT TALENT As part of our month-long fundraiser benefitting Meals On Wheels Polk, the Lake Ashton Friends Of Meals On Wheels Club will be holding a Lake Ashton's Got Talent Contest Friday, October 30 in the Clubhouse Ballroom from 6 to 9 pm. We’re looking for solo or group acts of all kinds, including comedians, singers, musicians, dancers, magicians 27 and more. We’ll provide the mic, and the rest is up to you! Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased by scanning this QR code. WORLD KINDNESS DAY DANCE Mark your calendars! The Clubhouse Ballroom will come alive on Friday, November 13 for a World Kindness Day Dance benefiting Meals on Wheels of Polk County. Doors open at 5:30 pm, with dancing from 7 to 10 pm to the sounds of the Tony “Motown” Knight Band. Tickets are $20 each, and the event is BYOB. The evening is generously sponsored by Weikert Ford, with all proceeds going directly to support Meals on Wheels of Polk County and its mission of delivering meals to those in need throughout the community. Tickets can be purchased using the QR code. Come celebrate kindness, enjoy an evening of dancing and support a great cause! MOAA LUNCHEON By Cal Posner Major General H. D. “Jake” Polumbo, USAF-Retired will be the featured speaker at the October 23 luncheon meeting of the Imperial Polk County Chapter, MOAA. All LA residents who served in the U.S. Armed Forces as commissioned or warrant officers are invited to attend. The Eagles Nest luncheon is free but registration is required. To register, email calposner@aol.com. Please provide your name, rank at discharge, MOAA Member Number, if a national member, and spouse’s name if they will also attend. Limit is two tickets per individual request.
KINDNESS & COMPASSION WORD SEARCH Find all 16 hidden words in the puzzle grid below M V U L O Q O D H N H C U K Y A S R H S H A C W U B H C B K C Y O Q H N I T F V G P G R A E X B S S P H Z P T I Z C D N I R G D R D V N M C L E N N O X B I S V O E U S I U L D A B M X I A K N Z D H G R S G U R R O E O O E G C N F I A R O E H C O A A Z R S R R N D V B E G I K U R B I A V C Y H P H T T F E D N I P N P O O I G M L N B O F C M M E A A N L M N I T Z Z O U N O J E G N L W O X O N Z E I R G V L W P E D S D G J G B S E C X U D R G N B X K E B B S P W Q N Q F B Q C N F S I C T E C V H N M C O N S I D E R A T E D C S N H S S T B N E I G H B O R L Y S T C N V S E G S Q S K I G S V W K H I M E L V S U J O K Y C A O T S D C S R G Q I E L C H L J F O R W J T Z WORD SEARCH LIST □ AMIABLE □ CARING □ COMPASSION □ COURTEOUS □ GENEROSITY □ GOODWILL □ KINDNESS □ NEIGHBORLY □ BENEVOLENCE □ CHARITY □ CONSIDERATE □ FRIENDLINESS □ GENTLENESS □ GRACIOUS □ LOVING □ UNDERSTANDING 29
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LAKE ASHTON’S 2027 ENTERTAINMENT SERIES JANUARY 14 VOICES OF ROCK WITH MARYELLEN HOOPER JANUARY 28 COME WHAT MAY FEBRUARY 11 JESSE HAMILTON & SAVANNAH SMITH Voices of Rock is a tribute to the classic rock bands of the 70s & 80s such as Queen, Zeppelin, Toto, Boston and more. Opening for Voices of Rock, Maryellen Hooper is a physical storyteller and her standup act is an everevolving story about her life as a woman, wife and mother. FEBRUARY 27 THE BARRICADE BOYS Join the dazzling world of the Moulin Rouge! This incredible show features all your favourite hits from the iconic movie-musical, plus timeless hits from other modern movie musicals will really get your feet moving. Join our children of the revolution and be swept away by the sultry, mysterious atmosphere of Paris. APRIL 2 JZ MAGIC Jesse Hamilton Jr. and Savannah Smith deliver powerhouse vocals, charisma and dynamic stage energy. Jesse’s diverse performance background spans R&B, soul, jazz, rock, gospel and classic standards, while Savannah brings her own powerful blend of rock and soul. Together, their Take Two show creates an exciting and entertaining musical experience. ON SALE DATES OCT 1 - 30: SEASON TICKET RENEWALS (RENEWALS OVER THE PHONE BEGIN AFTER 11 AM) NOVEMBER 5 — 6: UPGRADES/EXCHANGES NOVEMBER 14 — DECEMBER 11: NEW SEASON TICKET SALES Direct from London’s West End, The Barricade Boys are the UK’s most exciting theatrical vocal group. Powerhouse vocals, slick dance routines and an incredible array of varied music transport you back through every era, right up to modern day! Justino Zoppe has amazed audiences around the world, combining mind-blowing illusions, comedy, high-tech effects and captivating storytelling. Justino delivers an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. DECEMBER 19: INDIVIDUAL TICKET SALES 5 AND 8 PM SHOWTIMES $160 - REGULAR $185 - PREMIUM
CHRISTMAS DINNER DANCE By Debby Landgrebe & Lynn Shelton We hope everyone has been staying cool during these hot summer days. Let’s start thinking about cooler temperatures and “that wonderful time of the year!” Be sure to mark your calendar for the Christmas Dinner Dance on Friday, December 11, in the Clubhouse Ballroom. Final preparations are underway and will be revealed soon. We can assure you that this year’s event will be a superb evening featuring fabulous live music and delicious food. Catering will be provided by Terrie Lobb Catering, an outstanding local caterer. So, get your cocktail, semiformal, or formal holiday attire and dancing shoes ready! Reservations can be made beginning Monday, September 28, by contacting Debby Landgrebe. To reserve and purchase a table, the full payment and names of all guests will be required, along with a check. No cash or credit cards will be accepted. Checks should be made payable to LA Christmas Dinner Dance. This year, we are pleased to have maintained the same pricing: $45 per person, $320 for a table of eight, or $450 for a table of 10 (limited tables of 10 available). Tickets will also be available for purchase in person in the Clubhouse Ballroom before and after Monday Coffee. We’re looking forward to a festive, decked-out crowd and a wonderful evening of food, music, dancing, and fun! Plan on joining us! For additional information, contact Debby Landgrebe. October 16 – Breast Cancer Awareness Dance with Perfect Pitch October 29 – LAPAC Informational Meeting October 31 – Fall Festival w/ Adult Trunk or Treating November 7 - S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y Night! November 11 – All Saint's Dance Ensemble Salute to the Vets February 12 – P.S. I Love You Valentine's Dance 32
CLUBS BOLLA By Diane Dillon Blankets of Love at Lake Ashton (BOLLA), welcomes everyone back from their summer activities and looks forward to the season ahead. It is a busy time for BOLLA members who are preparing large donations of blankets for distribution. The start of school is always a hectic time as schools depend on our donations and are so very appreciative of our generosity. The members of BOLLA would also like to remind everyone that our popular Trash to Treasure sale will return in March 2027. This is BOLLA’s major fundraising activity, conducted every other year. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements regarding dates, times and donation particulars. Trash to Treasure has always been a special time at Lake Ashton and BOLLA thanks everyone for their past generosity and support. BOLLA meets in the Clubhouse Craft Room on Mondays from 1 to 3 pm. New members are always welcome. No sewing experience is necessary and all materials are provided. Just stop in! KNIFE & SCISSORS SHARPENING By Shelba Powell 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. GENEALOGY CLUB By Jane Imparl The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 9 at 2 pm in the HFC Craft Room. Learn how to use FamilySearch full-text search for newspapers and periodicals. FamilySearch is a free 34 website that features full-text searching to help find information about our ancestors. Using this full-text feature is very new and powerful. We will learn how to use it and then try to find information about our ancestors. Come join us and get a chance to meet some of your great neighbors at our September meeting. All levels of expertise are welcome. Questions? Call Jane at 815-545-6655. LA GARDEN CLUB By Pam Klawinski The Lake Ashton Garden Club is returning to regular monthly meetings this month on September 9th at 10am in the Pavilion, after being on hiatus for two months. Please join us to hear “Gene, the Barefoot Gardener” share his expertise and discuss plant options to replace any of the plants you may have lost or that have never recovered due to our winter freeze. He will also talk about planting this Fall for Spring. All residents are welcome. No green thumb needed and no membership fees. Hope to see you there! LA GETAWAYS By Judy Goldetsky It has been nice to see many sites and events in Florida with our friends and neighbors this year. The 2027 kickoff meeting of the Lake Ashton Getaways will be September 30 from 6 to 8 pm in the Clubhouse. You will be able to sign up for membership and trips, as we roll out the 2027 trips planned for Lake Ashton Residents. 2027 membership registration, via this QR code, will start September 1 at $13 per person until October 31, when it will increase to $15 per person. Non-member are always welcome to travel with us, and will pay $10 more per bus trip in 2027. Trips left for 2026 include: Solomon’s Castle, Taste of Italy, Fisherman’s Village & Christmas Canal Cruise, Two days in St. Augustine for the Holiday Jubilee, and ending 2026 by Celebrating New Year at Sea with Sky Princess Cruise. Reserve your seat soon. Happy Travels! Note: Bus trips are no longer facilitated by the LACDD, but this registered club.
LA DEMOCRATIC CLUB By Howard Mayne The next meeting of the Lake Ashton Democratic Club will be held on Thursday September 3 at the HFC at 6:30 pm, with social time starting at 6. The speaker will be Ashley Bowers-Macrander. Ashley is an instructor in Biology at Florida Southern College and is active in the Polk County Environmental Caucus. The title of her presentation is The Environmental & Economic Impacts of Hyperscale Data Centers. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Contact lakeashtondemocraticclub@gmail.com for more info. LA REPUBLICAN CLUB By Bud Colburn The Lake Ashton Republican Club will meet Wednesday, September 23 at the Clubhouse. Check-in and social time starts at 3:30 pm and the meeting begins at 4. The guest speaker is Chad Davis, Winter Haven City Commissioner who serves as liaison to the Planning Commission. Learn about the current priorities for Winter Haven and how the property tax Amendment 3 will impact the city if passed. Come prepared for a Q&A session and invite friends. All are welcome! LA PICKLEBALL By Dennis Santino Pickleball Funday is September 5 at the HFC. All members are invited to join us for an afternoon of fellowship, games and food, and remembrance as we honor the 25th anniversary of September 11. Additionally, we will be supporting Tunnel to Towers. Born from the tragedy of 9/11, Tunnel to Towers carries out its mission to “do good,” by providing mortgagefree homes to Gold Star and fallen first responders’ families with young children and by building speciallyadapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. We will be accepting donations for Tunnel to Towers, via check or cash. 35 We now have 188 members of LAPA so lets fill up this fun day event and support the great people who defend it. Coaches Corner: Pickleball is a fantastic way to stay active and stay fit. We all moved here for that reason so let’s not let injuries keep us from enjoying this game. For instance, about 90.9% of pickleball injuries seen in emergency rooms occur in people over 50 years old. Also, strains and sprains make up around 28.7% of all recorded pickleball injuries, and fractures account for about 27.4%. Don’t let 10 to 15 minutes of stretching cost you 10 to 12 weeks of playing. #1 Rule: Have Fun! FRIENDLY BOCCE GROUP By Joann Hartline “I came, I saw, I missed the pallino.”It’s been hot, but we have been playing; that’s a sign of the great friendships that have developed through the game of bocce. If you would like to join our “friendly group,” come Mondays and/or Fridays from 10 am to noon to the far left side of the Clubhouse, in the back. You may join us at any time during this period. With the heat as intense as it has been, we usually play for about an hour. Hopefully, we can increase our playing time as cooler weather heads our way. Questions? Contact Joann Hartline at joannhartline05@gmail.com or 269-326-0640, or Tammy Shields at 863-632-2024 or tammysheilds1221@gmail.com. LA SWIM CLUB By Sandy White Are you looking for a NO SWEAT way to exercise your heart, lungs and most muscles? If so, join the LA Swim Club on Mondays and Wednesdays at 1 pm and/or Saturdays at 10 am. A former international swim coach provides sample workouts, which are available to all swimmers in a box in the hallway. If you’d like, he can help you improve your strokes or tailor workouts specifically to your interests. Some club members swim for fitness and camaraderie. Others have participated in regional, state and national Senior Games swimming competitions as a way to stay motivated. Some have competed to set an example for their grandchildren. For more info, contact Sandy White at sandyw1994@aol.com.
LAVA AUXILIARY By Lori Thomas The Lake Ashton Veterans Association Auxiliary will host its annual Lake Ashton Craft Fair and Bake Sale on Saturday, October 24, from 9 am to 2 pm at the Lake Ashton Clubhouse, 4141 Ashton Club Drive, Lake Wales. The event is open to the public. Residents and guests are invited to shop for a variety of handmade and seasonal items, including handmade crafts, jewelry, holiday décor, handmade quilts and home accessories. Baked goods, raffle drawings and a Patriotic Lotto Tree will also be featured. The Bake Sale is looking for donations of homemade baked goods to help fill the tables. Baked items should be individually wrapped and clearly identified if they contain nuts. Donations may be dropped off at the Lake Ashton Clubhouse on Friday, October 23, from noon to 4 pm. The event will also feature a raffle for $100 in Florida Scratch-Off tickets, with three winners. Tickets are $5 for 13 tickets, and winners do not need to be present to win. Proceeds from the Lake Ashton Craft Fair help support Soldiers Freedom Outdoors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans heal through nature, horses, outdoor adventures, fellowship and renewed purpose. The Bake Sale proceeds will benefit military veterans. LAPAC INFORMATIONAL MEETING By Terri McDuff LAPAC is gearing up for our 2027 Showcase scheduled for March 19 and 20, and we’re inviting Lake Ashton residents to help make this next production shine. Our showcase is built by neighbors who bring their creativity, teamwork, and enthusiasm to every part of the process whether it is onstage or behind the scenes. If you enjoy singing, dancing, acting, crafting costumes, building sets, organizing props, helping with tech, or simply lending a cheerful hand, we’d love to have you join us. No experience required, just a willingness to be part of a fun, collaborative community project. 36 Join us for our Informational Meeting on Thursday, October 29, from 1 to 3 pm in the Clubhouse Ballroom to learn how you can get involved and what roles are available. Email Lapacboard@gmail.com or call Terri McDuff at 916-201-7745 with questions. LAKE ASHTON FRIENDS OF MEALS ON WHEELS By Marcia Santino The end of the year is fast approaching, and it is not too early to begin planning 2026 income tax strategies. A charitable contribution to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization such as Meals on Wheels of Polk County is an effective way to reduce your tax burden while improving the lives of others in our community. Something to consider is a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), also known as an IRA Charitable Rollover. A QCD is a tax-advantaged way for anyone over 70½ to donate to charity directly from a Traditional IRA, either your own or an inherited IRA, inactive Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan or inactive Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE). QCDs are made directly to the eligible charity from the provider (custodian) and never pass through the individual (donor). As a result, the QCD amount is excluded from the donor’s taxable income, which can be particularly advantageous for those who do not itemize deductions. An additional benefit of a QCD is that it may also satisfy all or part of an individual’s Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) for the year. Meals on Wheels of Polk County receives no government funds. It depends on the generosity of the community for its existence. In 2025, it delivered more than 123,650 nutritious meals, fellowship and wellness checks to more than 1,300 individuals. A charitable contribution to MOWPolk ensures your dollars will benefit the homebound of Polk County and would be gratefully accepted and greatly appreciated. The next Second Chance Donation Day is September 17. Note: This is not financial advice. If you are considering a charitable donation, a CPA or financial advisor can help you minimize your tax liability and maximize the value and impact of your gift by choosing the right strategy or combination of strategies for your situation.
LA BLACK HERITAGE CLUB By Pamela June September 15, 1963, four members of the Ku Klux Klan, a white supremacist hate group, bombed Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church, killing four Black girls: 11-year-old Denise McNair and 14-yearolds Addie Mae Collins, Carole Robertson and Cynthia Wesley. A center for civil rights organizing, the church was targeted to intimidate Birmingham’s Black community and disrupt the civil rights movement. The bombing sparked national outrage and increased attention to the civil rights movement. The four girls became enduring symbols of the human cost of racial violence, and those responsible were eventually brought to justice decades later. Sarah Collins Rudolph, a 12-year-old survivor of the bombing and the younger sister of Addie Mae Collins, endured lifelong injuries and has continued to share her experiences. The Lake Ashton Black Heritage Club invites residents to explore Black history, learn about its legacy and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Americans. Meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 4 pm in the Clubhouse Card Room. Pictured: Sarah Collins Rudolph at the grave of her older sister Ade Mae Collins DUPLICATE BRIDGE By Don Fuller, Reported by Howard Mayne Duplicate bridge is played on Monday at 12:45 in the Club House Card Room. The game is open to all residents regardless of skill level, although players should have experience playing bridge. Ideally, players need a partner, but the Director can help people find partners, since we have approximately 60 players in the group. Advance registration is required and can be done by using the red book in the Clubhouse Card Room or by contacting Don Fuller dfuller627@yahoo.com 37 July 20: 1st Nelda Sedlacek & Maureen Ziegler; 2nd Sally Bonkoski & Jim Ford; 3rd Judy Marine & Dana Griffiths; 4th Marian Oshinsky & Trish Kellar; 5th Marion Nelson & Roger Nelson July 27: 1st Marian Oshinsky & Trish Kellar; 2nd Nelda Sedlacek & Maureen Ziegler; 3rd Marion Nelson & Roger Nelson; 4th Liz Smith & Sally Bonkoski; 5th Dee Mayne & Howard Mayne August 3: 1st Marian Oshinsky & Trish Kellar; 2nd Sally Bonkoski & Don Fuller; 3rd Pat Foster & Sonny Robinson; 4th Jeanine Connors & Liz Smith; 5th Nelda Sedlacek & Marge Kniat August 10: 1st Jim Ford & Don Fuller; 2nd Marian Oshinsky & Trish Kellar; 3rd Nelda Sedlacek & Sally Bonkoski; 4th Marion Nelson & Roger Nelson; 5th Liz Smith & Char Walter
SINGLES CLUB By Sil Wells Sunday afternoons the Lake Ashton Singles play cards and other games in the Clubhouse ballroom from 2 to 4 pm. On the first Sunday of the month there is a business meeting, then an hour of playing cards or games. Weather permitting, there is a Singles Mingle at the Pavilion on the third Thursday of the month at 4 pm. Each attendee takes a small dish to share and their own drinks. Come join the fun and interesting singles. LADIES LUNCH BUNCH By Barb Staschke By popular demand, the September Ladies Lunch Bunch will dine at L’incontro Italian Restaurant on SR 60 East in Lake Wales on Wednesday, September 30 at 12:30 pm. Sign up online or at lthe HFC. All Lake Ashton ladies are invited. There are no dues or membership requirements, just a fun day out to meet your neighbors and enjoy a wonderful lunch! Hosted by Barb Staschke (248-670-9037) and Kate Martz (703-822-1423). 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 SANDY ’ S NYS CLUB By Joyce Notarnicola Greetings to all our fellow New Yorkers! We hope everyone had a wonderful summer. We’re excited to kick off our first gathering of the season on Friday, September 25 at 6 pm at the HFC. We’ll be hosting a potluck dinner. Please bring a dish to share along with a serving utensil. Bring your own drinks. We’ll provide plates, silverware and napkins. After dinner, we’ll chat about ideas for upcoming events. Feel free to bring quarters for Left Right Center or bring along a favorite game to enjoy together. We know many folks are still away, but we hope to see a great turnout! Upcoming Dates October: Dinner out. Date and location TBD. November 20: Friendsgiving at the Clubhouse Ballroom. Last year’s event was a big success! December: TBD. Possibly a holiday movie in the theater. Wednesday, January 13: Murder Mystery Party at the Clubhouse Theme: Pirate Party. Come dressed in character! Registration begins before Thanksgiving. Roles will be assigned. No memorization needed. Just have fun! $30/ person, hosted by MysteryMixers.com. We’re looking forward to a fun season ahead and hope you’ll join us! LA CERAMIC CHICS By Shari Gleber 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) 38 Happy Fall, Y’all! Yes, summer isn’t quite over, but members look forward to creating beautiful pieces to use for special fall holidays year after year. Join us to create your own beautiful piece any Wednesday in the HFC Craft Room from 8 am to 1 pm. 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 and determine that you like ceramics, membership is $20 annually for kiln supplies and maintenance. There is no charge to members for firing projects, with no limit. Meet our friendly members and create something beautiful! Contact 239-851-7899 (Joan DiBattista) or LACeramicChics@gmail.com.
HEARTFELT HUGS By MJ Richards We are a group here in Lake Ashton who independently crochet and knit baby blankets. All blankets are donated. Some go to the Food Pantry in downtown Winter Haven for mothers in need. Others go to Winter Haven Women’s Hospital for newborns and premature babies who have passed. Mothers find comfort in taking home the blanket their baby was wrapped in as a fond remembrance. The need is great. We crochet or knit baby blankets in our homes using baby colors such as white, pink, blue and pastels. Google can help with ideas for stitches and sizes. Once finished, blankets can be placed in a bag and dropped off on the front door chair at 1171 Sawgrass Drive. They will be delivered by my husband and me on a weekly basis. Thank you for your interest and kindness. If you have any questions, please contact MJ at mjmrichards517@gmail.com. LA ROCKERS By MJ Richards Have you seen the new Interactive Rock Garden outside of the ballroom at the Reflection Garden? If you haven’t, take a little tour and move the rocks around to send messages to others who pass by! LA Rockers are back in full swing preparing for our fundraiser at the Craft Show at the Clubhouse in October, creating kindness rocks to hide in LA, and making welcome rocks for new neighbors. We are also creating “Good Neighbor rocks” for the social coming up in September. We meet twice a month on the first and third Wednesdays of the month where the third Wednesday is an orientation will be provided for those who want to give us a try. We will supply everything you need for your first time. If you are interested in exploring this fun group and spreading the kindness no matter what your artistic level may be, please contact MJ at mjmrichards517@gmail.com by Monday, September 14. By Brenda Lee Food for People • Herbs for Flavor • Flowers for Pollinators • Community for All Our gardens look prosperous and beautiful! After a long stretch without rain, their thirst is finally being quenched, and they are thriving once again. This month, we are highlighting eggplant, lemon balm, salvia, and the monarch butterfly. More information can be found in our monthly Community Garden Journal, attached to the garden's monthly email. Rachel will guide two seed-starting sessions in the HFC Craft Room: September 21 from 6 to 8 pm, and September 24 from 10 am to Noon Whether you're an experienced gardener or just getting started, we welcome you to join us as we grow, learn, and share together. “From little seeds grow mighty gardens.” — Garden Proverb 39
MIND&BODY PROTECT YOURSELVES ! Flu and other immunizations will be available at the HFC on September 9 from 9 to noon, with walk-ins welcome. Walgreens will offer flu shots for those 65 and older, as well as shingles, COVID-19, Capvaxive and other vaccinations. Flu shots will also be available at the Clubhouse on October 12 and November 9. 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. Tables are available on a first-come first-filled basis. Doors open at 6 and Trivia begins promptly at 7 pm each Sunday in the Clubhouse Ballroom. BYOB and snacks. Come join the fun! TUESDAY TRIVIA CHALLENGE Second and fourth Tuesdays of each month in the Restaurant at 6 pm. Form a team of up to eight or just come and play. $2/person - all money collected is split between 1st and 2nd place winners, minus the host fee. Reserve your table by emailing Stephanie at siszak@comcast.net. BYOB. Food truck on site. Registered guests are welcome. CARDS FOR ALL AGES Join the group to make cards the first Wednesday of each month (September 2) from 2 to 4 pm in the Clubhouse Ballroom. We will make two cards for $5. We welcome beginners to seasoned card makers. Please bring your tool kit, small sharp scissors and adhesive. If you do not have glue or tape runner then we sell for $4 each. Extra cards available for purchase for $2 each. Reservations are required. Contact Marianne Morcone at 860-712-9440 or Judy Ridpath at 650-678-1174 to sign up or with questions. 40 NATIONAL COLORING DAY ACTIVITY September 14 is National Coloring Day! Celebrate by coloring in the Ballroom at 11 am. Share coloring pages and supplies while meeting new people or bring your own to share with others. CREATE A CARD Create A Card is back. Please join us in the HFC Sports Court on Tuesday, September 15 at 10 am. All materials are provided to create 3 beautiful cards for $12. No experience necessary. We welcome beginners to seasoned card makers. Sign up sheet is located on the wall in the HFC. MEN’S FRIDAY BIBLE STUDY Join us Friday mornings from 8 am to 9 am in the Clubhouse Card Room for a men’s Bible study. Make new friends and study God’s Word. It’s also an opportunity to learn from and about each other in the Lake Ashton community. Contact John Thompson at 248-635-4850 with any questions. The first meeting will be September 4. NEW CLASS — CREATE A FUSED GLASS WALL VASE Wednesday, September 9 from 6 to 8 pm at the Clubhouse Craft Room. Scan to sign up online for $35. This is your opportunity to create a unique vase from glass for hanging on the wall. You can display silk or live plants in this water-tight vessel. Jill will take your creation to her home to fire in her kiln. Projects will be available for pick up in 7 to 10 days. Bring a friend to this fun class! No experience with glass is required for this course. Cost includes all project supplies, use of equipment, kiln firing and art glass.
SCAN TO SIGN UP OR PURCHASE TICKETS FOR EVENTS AT THE CLUBHOUSE! STRENGTH, BALANCE & BARRE WITH COURTNEY Beginning September 18 at 9 am at the Clubhouse Lakeside Studio. Let’s HEALTHY AGING MONTH September is Healthy Aging Month, a great time to focus on the habits that support a healthy, active, and fulfilling life at any age. Staying physically active, eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, maintaining social connections, and keeping up with regular health screenings can all contribute to healthy aging. Small, consistent choices can make a big difference in how you feel and function. This month, take a moment to celebrate your health and choose one positive habit to carry forward. ARE YOU STRONG & SASSY? You can be if you join us for Jen’s new Strong & Sassy Fitness class on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm at the HFC ($5). This functional fitness class is designed to help you build strength, flexibility and stability for everyday activities. Come move, laugh and get stronger together in a fun, supportive environment! ZUMBA Can you believe we’re getting Zumba again at Lake Ashton? It’s true, and it’s with Taylor! She’s an energetic new instructor who really puts her whole self into her teaching. Beginning September 17 at 11:15 am ($5) in the Clubhouse, this is a four-week pop-up Zumba class to get a feel for how popular the class might be. Attend if you want to see it become a regular option! “I’m Taylor, and I’m so excited to dance with you! I’m a certified Zumba instructor, dancer, personal trainer and nutrition coach who loves helping people discover how much fun movement can be. My classes are all about good music, big energy, confidence and having a good time. You don’t have to be a dancer to join! Come exactly as you are, follow along at your own pace, and leave feeling stronger, happier and energized. Let’s turn up the music and dance it out!” 41 put the FUN in FUNctional and add music! No matter your fitness level or ability, you’ll benefit from this class. The vibe is fun, upbeat and motivating, with low-impact moves designed to protect your knees and hips. We’ll focus on strength to build core, arm and leg power, along with balance work to help prevent falls in daily life. We’ll use light weights and equipment to build muscular endurance as we move to the beat! Please bring $5 for the instructor. FLORAL CANDLESTICKS CRAFT CLASS Join resident crafter and floral enthusiast Pam Klawinski to make your very own unique seasonal décor! In this class, you will learn how to arrange seasonal-colored florals on two candlesticks that will be interchangeable for every season and holiday. This will be an on-going seasonal class from the fall until spring, beginning September 30 at 11 am in the Clubhouse Ballroom. All instructions and supplies are included for $20 for the first class. Sign up online today! DIGNITY MEMORIAL LUNCH & LEARN Enjoy a complimentary lunch while learning what funeral planning entails. In this session presented by Dignity Memorial, you will learn the following: • What is Pre-Planning? • The emotional and financial benefits of prearranging • How to protect funeral and cemetery arrangements from inflation • How Veterans can access their benefits • Preplanning with a local funeral home vs. final expense insurance This presentation will be held on October 13 at 11:30 am in the Clubhouse Ballroom. Sign up online to reserve your space.
BODY MIND SOUL TM MONDAY • 9 AM: LA PUMP - HFC • 10 AM: TOTAL BODY TONING - HFC • 11 AM: CHAIR DANCE - HFC TUESDAY • 8:30 AM: WATER AEROBICS - CLUBHOUSE • 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 • 10:15 AM: CHAIR PILATES - CLUBHOUSE - $5 • 11:15 AM: REV & FLOW - HFC • 4 PM: AQUA MOTION - HFC POOL THURSDAY • 8 AM: DANCE AEROBICS - HFC • 8:30 AM: WATER AEROBICS - CLUBHOUSE POOL • 9 AM: TAI CHI - CLUBHOUSE - $5 • 9 AM: CORE & MORE - HFC • 10 AM: DYNAMIC CARDIO MOVEMENT - HFC • 11 AM: BALANCE, STRETCH & FUNCTIONAL FITNESS - HFC • 4 PM: AQUA MOTION - HFC POOL WEDNESDAY • 8:30 AM: DYNAMIC HYBRID STRETCHING - CLUBHOUSE - $5 • 8:30 AM: WATER AEROBICS - CLUBHOUSE POOL • 9 AM : CORE CONDITIONING & STRENGTH - HFC • 9:30 AM: NEW! MAT YOGA - CLUBHOUSE - $5 (STARTS 9/9) • 10:30 AM: WEIGHT TRAINING - CLUBHOUSE - $5 • 10 AM: AQUA PUMP - HFC POOL • 5:30 PM: STRONG & SASSY FITNESS - HFC - $5 FRIDAY • 8:30 AM: WATER AEROBICS - CLUBHOUSE POOL • 9 AM: STRENGTH, BALANCE & BARRE - CLUBHOUSE - $5 (STARTS 9/18) • 9 AM: INSTRUCTOR'S CHOICE - HFC • 10 AM: AQUA PUMP - HFC POOL SATURDAY • 8:30 AM: WATER AEROBICS - CLUBHOUSE POOL • 8:30 AM: CLINTON’S BOOT CAMP - HFC - $5 SUNDAY • 10:30 AM: WELL-BEING IS NOW (W.I.N.) - HFC - $5 UPDATED 9/2026
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 43 4425830304
GOLF MESSAGE FROM THE PRO SHOP By Kevin Baker, General Manager As many of you have probably heard, we recently announced our new 2026–2027 Lake Ashton Golf Club membership program, and we are very excited about what this year’s offering brings. We hope you will consider becoming a member and being part of the continued growth and success of our golf club. For those residents who choose not to become members, resident golf rates will continue to be available. We simply ask that non-members check in at the Golf Shop before heading out to play. We also understand that sometimes the decision to play is made at the last minute—perhaps you have an hour and want to get in a few holes. If stopping by the Golf Shop isn't convenient, simply give us a call and let us know your name and how many golfers will be playing. You can also provide that information to one of our volunteer course marshals when you see them on the course. We are also excited to announce that the LA NFL Club will return beginning the first week of September. Stay tuned for more information and details on this popular program. Finally, I want to emphasize how important the success of our membership program is to the future of Lake Ashton Golf Club. Golf course conditions matter — not only to our current members, but also to future members and the overall Lake Ashton community. Every new membership brings additional revenue to the Golf Club, which allows us to continue investing in the golf courses, equipment, improvements and future capital projects. In other words, our membership program directly supports our ability to improve and maintain the golf experience we all enjoy. We have a tremendous opportunity to make Lake Ashton Golf Club something special, something that residents are proud of, and that people outside our community recognize as a great place to play, socialize and enjoy the game. LakeAshtonStorage.com Convenient Storage Inside Lake Ashton As always, my door is open. If you have questions, ideas or concerns, I welcome the conversation. Working together, I believe we can continue to make Lake Ashton Golf Club a place where everyone is talking about us—for all the right reasons. Thank you for your continued support of Lake Ashton Golf Club. RV & Boat Storage AC & Non-AC Units “Not only do we stand behind our windows... we stand on them!”® - Mark Collins & Family, Local Owners Lifetime Limited Warranty Guaranteed Low Pricing 18 Months No Interest1 Free No-Obligation In-Home Quotes Marina Slips 44 863-400-5082 • WindowWorldPolkCounty.com No interest if paid in full within 18 months with regular monthly payments. Bank approval needed. 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. 1 Must qualify. Ask for details.
LAMGA By David Kubissa August was National Golf Month, begun by the PGA in 1993 to promote the sport. For LAMGA, every month, actually every week, is a chance to promote golf here at Lake Ashton. Over the two months, there will be plenty of chances for new and returning LAMGA members to compete in weekly games. Let’s have a look ahead by unpacking some of the fun in store for September and October. LAMGA members can try to Beat the Pros on September 2. Lake Ashton pros Ian Peterson and Matt Auen will be joined by General Manager Kevin Baker and Troon Regional Director of Operation Brian Rhodes in challenging the weekly field of LAMGA participants. On September 23, the second Red Hoagland Challenge will be the LAMGA game of the week, with the Red and Blue teams facing off for bragging rights. That showdown will be followed by lunch at the Eagle’s Nest. Look for the signup sheet starting September 16. 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. 45 Pictured right: LAMGA members can compete from four different tees, ranging from the black / gold combo to the blues. LAMGA does not use the green tees. Below: LAMGA members Bob Alfano and Rolly Geyer have migrated from the white to the blue tees, such as those on No. 3 East, as have many LAMGA members. The fun continues into October with the annual LAMGA-LALGA (Ladies Golf Association) Shirts and Skirts outing on Tuesday, Oct. 27, and Wednesday, Oct. 28. The first day is a shamble and the second is a scramble. Lunch follows the second-day round. Save these dates and look for a reminder in the October LAMGA report. If you’re new to Lake Ashton, consider joining the men’s or women’s leagues. The LAMGA application is available in the pro shop or online at the LAMGA page on LakeAshtonLiving.com. LAMGA games start at 9 a.m. every Wednesday, and the league welcomes players at all levels to compete from various tees. (See photos.) Stop by the pro shop to find out how to sign up for the league. SPONSORS SALUTE: Thanks to these LAMGA sponsors. Please consider them when shopping for goods and services in our community. When you do, mention you saw them on this list. Hawkins Home Repair (HHR); Hill Nissan; Jahna Chiropractic LLC; Ken & Deb Daniels; Lake Ashton Golf Management; Lake Ashton Ladies Golf Association; Lori Raath, Lake Ashton Realty; Mannix Pools & Grills.
LALGA By Lydia Fichtman and Bev Hines Some fun games are scheduled for each Tuesday in the month of September. Games are posted on the LALGA bulletin board in the Pro Shop. Sign up to play on the bulletin board or online by logging in and going to https://lakeashtonliving.com/community/ golf/lalga-golf-registration. Special thanks to Board VP, Sandra Lancaster for decorating and updating the LALGA bulletin board. It looks spectacular! SAVE THE DATE: October 27 & 28, LAMGA/LALGA Shirts and Skirts Tournament; First Day Shamble, Second day Scramble. Pairings selected by the Pro Shop. Luncheon to follow on Wednesday. Watch for more information and sign-up in the Pro Shop. The Red Hoagland Challenge recognizes the top prize money winners during the year June 1 to May 31. This year Mr. Hoagland increased his donation to $300 so that five members will be recognized at the end of the year. First place will receive $100, second place $80, third place $60, fourth place $40 and 5th place $20. Thank you Red Hoagland Hyundai for supporting the LALGA! LA NINERS By Pamela June The LA Niners continued to weather the summer heat with wonderful rounds of nine-hole golf, plenty of smiles, and a whole lot of fun! Throughout the summer, the Niners enjoyed a variety of individual games designed to challenge themselves, along with a variety of interesting team games to mix things up. Of course, there are occasional mishaps. Sometimes they lose a golf ball. Sometimes they may lose their marbles. And sometimes they lose both at the same time! But whatever happens in this often unpredictable game, the Niners always manage to have some fun and share laughter on the course. A side game the Niners play is a little wager on yourself. Before the 46 round, players who want to participate put a quarter in the kitty. Then they can potentially cash in by making a chip-in, birdie, eagle, or even a hole-in-one! Those quarters can really add up! Just ask Patricia Fairall, who won an impressive $57.50 after making three chip-ins over a three-month period. The Niners will take a tally each month to see who takes home the pot. A big shout-out to Dot Bothwell for keeping all the stats and making sure everyone gets the credit, and when deserved, the cash, as pictured here! The LA Niners regular season begins October 1, 2026. If you plan to play this season or if you have been thinking about joining this fun, friendly, and forgiving group of lady golfers, sign up now! To join the Niners, complete the Membership Registration Form and pay your $35 membership dues before October 1. Registration forms are available at the Pro Shop. Mark your calendar for the Opening Day Luncheon on November 3, immediately following our round. It’s the perfect opportunity to kick off another season of 9-hole golf, enduring friendships, good food, and plenty of laughter. The LA Niners look forward to seeing everyone on the course and to another terrific season together. Bring your clubs, bring your sense of humor—and maybe a few extra balls. September Games September 1: Shamble — 2 Best Nets September 8: Pink Ball Shamble — 2 Best Nets September 15: Individual Low Gross / Low Net September 22: Modified Alternate Shot September 29: 2-Person Scramble Pictured: Found the ball … still looking for the marbles.
The Lake Ashton Veterans Association Auxiliary Presents The 2026 Lake Ashton Craft Fair October 24, 2026 9 am - 2 pm Clubhouse Ballroom Shop for a variety of handmade and seasonal items, including handmade crafts, jewelry, holiday décor, handmade quilts and home accessories. Baked goods, raffle drawings and a Patriotic Lotto Tree will also be featured. There will be a raffle for $100 in Florida ScratchOff tickets, with three winners. Tickets are $5 for 13 tickets, and winners do not need to be present to win. Proceeds from the Craft Fair help support Soldiers Freedom Outdoors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans heal through nature, horses, outdoor adventures, fellowship and renewed purpose. The Bake Sale proceeds will benefit military veterans. AIR FORCE - ARMY - COAST GUARD - MARINES - MERCHANT MARINES - NAVY
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