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.
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