Florida Retirement Communities St. Patricks Day Dinner

On March 17, the Lake Ashton Bocce Associationheld its famous Wearing of the Green dinner dance in the ballrrom.The doors opened at 6 p.m. and soon after a wonderful meal of corned beef and cabbage, red potatoes, carrots, rolls and dessert was served and savored by all in attenance. Free beer was served throughout the night compliments of our sponser Karim S. Premji of Merrill Lynch.

Florida Retirement Communities Sandhill Cranes

Florida Retirement Communities Love the Sandhill Cranes

Why feeding them is so harmful
Anyone living at Lake Ashton or who has visited Florida retirement communities has seen the Sandhill Cranes in its entire splendor. Although there are many birds that call Lake Ashton home, none stands out like the Sandhill Crane. The have a very distinct call and are very large, but like all wild birds and or animals you should not feed them.

In a recent meeting with Dr. Tom Schotman, MS, DVM at Lake Wales Veterinary Hospital, he shared enlightening information as to why it is imperative people stop feeding Sandhill Cranes. Sandhill Cranes have an abundance of natural foods, bugs, grubs, insects, and even small animals. They do not need handouts! We put them in harm ways if we attract these birds to our yards with feed or seed of any kind. Cranes can become dependent on humans and ultimately stop seeking their natural diet, thus endangering their health even further.

It is critical to the health of Sandhill Cranes that their diet have on protein and balanced levels of calcium and phosphorous. This is particularly important for the growth and development of their unborn offspring, as well as new chicks. If this balance is missing, or if their diet is supplemented with carbohydrates, the risk to these birds is nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, more commonly known as osteodystrophy or rickets. Growth plates in the legs become inflamed, curvature of bones can occur, and natural development is thwarted. Ever notice a Crane limping or one with bowed or splayed leg? They have rickets caused from a poor diet, most likely what humans fed them. While carbohydrates are horrible for them, even seeds do not provide the balance diet they require, and are detrimental as well. Only nature can give them what they need.

When you’re looking at Florida retirement communities, Lake Ashton has so much to offer including plenty of nature. Lake Ashton is set on over 1,200 acres with two 18-championship golf courses, a 26,000 sq. ft. Clubhouse with Movie Theater, ballroom, bowling alley and so much more. A new 30,000 sq. ft. Health & Fitness center is open with everything for your health including an indoor swimming pool.
Florida retirement communities has so much to offer the active adult looking for and exciting fun filled lifestyle and Lake Ashton is the Florida retirement community that makes all other Florida retirement communities pale in comparison.

A special thanks to Patty Wallner a Lake Ashton resident who wrote most of this blog regarding Sandhill Cranes.

Florida Retirement Communities Health and Wellness

Florida Retirement Communities Health and Wellness Updates

By Abby Renardson

We continue to endure a long, hot summer, but we are starting to see glimpses of the many changes that fall will bring. Health Concepts has many Wellness activities in the works for you, and hope that each of you will find something of great value in your continuing quest for greater health and well being.

Take a close look at the September Wellness and Fitness calendar. We will be taking a long Labor Day weekend so there will be no Group fitness Classes on September 3rd or 6th. We hope you will be relaxing and enjoying your family and friends, and attending to the social and spirituals aspects of the wellness continuum! Also, Zumba will be taking a vacation for the month of September. Check the October calendar for restart date.

VaxCare will again be offering on-site seasonal flu shots this year, as well as the pneumonia and tetanus vaccines. The dates are September 14th and October 5th, both from 10 a.m. to noon in the HFC Craft Room. For those who are covered by Medicare Part B, both the flu shot and pneumonia vaccines are fully covered, and will be provided at no charge. Just bring your Medicare coverage information. For all, the tetanus vaccine cost $45. For those not covered by Medicare B, the cost of the flu shot and pneumonia vaccine are each $25 or $50 for both, payable by cash, check, or credit card to VaxCare. This is a great opportunity to protect yourself from these sometimes deadly diseases, so take advantage of this convenient service.

When you're looking for Florida retirement communities, Lake Ashton is the best choice for so many reasons, our Health and Fitness programs being one of them. For more information on Lake Ashton call 1-866-525-3274 or visit us online at http://www.lakeashton.com/

Florida Retirement Communities Winter Check List

Northern Winter Check List
It's that time of year so here is a check list to help you prepare for a looong cold winter!

Buy new snow shovel
Change oil & spark plug in snow blower
Insulate exposed pipes
Wrap exterior faucets
Check car battery & antifreeze
Clean oil burner
Unpack winter clothes
Stock up on rock salt


Lake Ashton Winter Check List
Of course if you live at Lake Ashton your check list would look much different. It's your choice!

Buy new bathing suit
Buy sunscreen
Practice golf swing
Check tennis racquet
Wax sail boat
Buy annual Disney passes
Check Lake Ashton activities schedule
Plan dinner with friends at Clubhouse


THE CHOICE IS YOURS! Remember, the best way to discover Lake Ashton is to spend 3 days and 2 nights on our Great Escape Program. Experience first hand the active, fun-filled Lake Ashton lifestyle. View our new "Green" model homes, meet our current residents, or just enjoy the natural beauty of the area as you tour our beautiful community. See you soon.......