Snowbird flock is 1,200 strong

What a great day we had last Tuesday. We now have a total of 1,200 members, including 800 new members. Thank-you to Linda and her 30 volunteers who manned the registration tables, Timi and her nine greeters, and Ken who kept the process moving smoothly. We trust you were able to meet with all the activity coordinators who came out to greet the new arrivals.

We enjoyed food from four restaurants, the Backporch, Carrabba’s, 790 on the Gulf, Ocean Club and Jim & Nick’s Bar-B-Q.

Thanks to Rick and all of the 12 golf courses for their displays.

Some of our activities have already started. Blood pressure checks, Tuesday afternoons 1-3 p.m. at the Destin Emergency Center. Quilting is held Wednesday afternoons at 2 p.m. at the Destin History Fishing Museum. Timi got a head start on her party plans for the Pirates of the Caribbean party, finding some pirates at the Destin Christmas parade.

Monday, Jan. 9, at 10 a.m., Patrick (Pat) McAlpine will be back on duty at the Community Center with “Funology”. It will be the start of the third year for this program. Pat is sure to tickle your funny bone, as he selects a different theme each week. Funology is quizzes, poems, lots of oldie goldie songs and lots of participant involvement. If your laughter tank is low, come on out and join in the fun. Pat’s motto: “There’s not much fun in medicine, but there is a lot of medicine in fun”. Pat is a former teacher and performs these sessions regularly at home in Canada. We are really fortunate to have him bring his expertise to the Destin Snowbirds.

Poker will also begin on Monday night at the Embassy Suites Hotel. It starts at 7 p.m. and all are welcome.

If you weren’t able to register last week, we will hold a session again Monday afternoon from 1-3 p.m. at the Community Center. Tuesday, Jan. 10, will mark our first double meeting of the year. Come at 8:30 or 11 a.m. when we will hear one of our most popular entertainers, David Seering. Our activities and ticket sales will be right up front by the stage before the 8:30 meeting and again between meetings. Purchase your tickets for Pirates of the Caribbean Party (Jan.28), Soundsations Concert (Feb.12), Ladies golf scramble (Feb.15), Fashion Show (Feb.16), and the  Kline/Walsh memorial charity golf tournament (Feb. 22).

At the back of the auditorium our vendors will set up to grab your attention, perhaps with a tasty treat, or a special deal. As always, the prize committee will close with the distribution of many door prizes. Be sure to mark your name, registration # and home state/province on your ballot as you enter the hall. Wearing your badge at the meetings helps everyone to identify you and call you by name.

You can find our full listing of activities and contact information on the sheet you were issued at registration or at www.destinsnowbirds.org

Nancy Hewitt, publicity director, can be reached at pnattthebeach@gmail.com.