Listen up lovebirds, this is your last chance!

Happy Valentine's Day all you snowbird lovers! Hope you found something special to do on the big day, to celebrate the love and the longevity of that love, with someone who makes you smile. For that's what it's all about, the happiness of a relationship. And if a relationship is a moot issue, one does rely on beautiful memories. Happy Day, no matter what!

The last day to obtain the title of a "Walton County Snowbird" is this Monday, February 11th, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at the Faith Assembly Hall on Geronimo Street, behind the Miramar Post Office. Some activities are filled; others welcome your attendance.

If you plan to use the storage facilities till next winter's arrival, you have to have a paid membership by the date above. Affordable Storage is the name of the place, on Sugar Dr., and the proprietors there are not privy to dates of collections, so you'd best file this article in an important place and/or access our web site to keep all information handy. www.waltoncountysnowbirds.com The collection dates for the balance of the season are: Wednesday, February 27 and every Friday in March, 3 to 4 p.m. Don Gehrke is the volunteer coordinator, 837-9937. You pay for the storage use at the time of drop off based on what you are bringing for safekeeping. Dates of next year's pickups will be published on the web site in the near future.

The ladies luncheon on the 20th and the Biloxi casino trip on the 21st are sold out. If, however, you are attending the luncheon, a reminder to bring some cash to enjoy an opportunity to get some nice items via a drawing, proceeds going to Sacred Heart Hospital. We hope to offer them a substantial check for our efforts. Also, a cash bar will be on hand.

If you need an event to celebrate any occasion, the dinner dance should answer that need. It is special this year because it is being held at a typically Destin place, the Lucky Snapper, on Monday, February 18, 5 p.m. cocktails, 6 p.m. appetizer/dinner buffet, and 7 p.m. music provided by Sticks and Stones for your listening or dancing pleasure. You can stroll along the wharf and enjoy this evening out by contacting volunteer chair Al Francis, 654-7716 or purchasing tickets at the last registration gathering or at the general meeting.

Speaking of, the February General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, the 13th, at the Sandestin Links Conference Center, 10 a.m. There'll be dancing in the aisles with music provided by "Tall Cotton", a 7-piece band from Valparaiso in addition to a short business meeting and abundant gifts from local vendors. Bring your membership card and your pocketbook in case you wish to purchase original art from the Snowbird Artists who meet every Tuesday, creating masterpieces. They will have a display set up for your purchase opportunity.

If you are a fast read, then Thursday, February 21, at the Beach Retreat Clubhouse, 2:30 is where Valerie Beall, 837-8624 will lead a discussion of "The Other Bolyn Girl" by Phillippa Gregory. Call to get information.

Three more opportunities under the tutelage of Dr. David Ott in music appreciation can be had on the three remaining Mondays in February, 12:30 to 1:30 at the Destiny Worship Center, behind Taco Bell. Not only will the classics be shared, but also the political and cultural atmosphere at the time of the composition will be discussed.

The Singles have numerous activities for the remainder of the month. Check the aforementioned web site for details. Included in their social gatherings are a car pool to Apalachicola, Valentine cocktail party, lunch out, dinner out following the Philharmonic's "Carmen and Scheherazade", NFSO Food and Wine Tasting, and maybe a few surprises.

Charlie Johnson is in town and welcomes musicians to jam'. Give him a call at 837-4700, extension 6912.

Space limits details of ongoing events, so I would encourage you to check the web site for those specifics. Included in that publication are bowling, bridge, euchre, mah jongg, computer classes, exercise for seniors, tennis, golf, snowbird singers, creative writing, discussion group, ballroom dancing, line dancing, and tennis. There's a lot going on in the Walton County Snowbird organization and we want you to be well informed, challenged, and anything but idle.

Before I bid you adieu for this week, let's give kudos to a hole-in-one top dog. This happened during Tuesday's January 29th league play at the Golf Garden, hole #9. Russ Tarbell, hat's off to you for that accomplishment.

Stay well, friends. Smiles and laughter aid the health factor.

Nancy A. Gehrke, information officer of the Walton County Snowbirds, 837-9937, nagehrke@yahoo.com