‘We are Snowbirds, happy Snowbirds'

The Snowbirds have been around a long time, long enough to be considered a legacy in this area. We are 31 years old, having officially been named the Destin Snowbird Club in 1979. This was even before Destin became a chartered city in Florida (1984). We are on our 25th president, Marge Marcella. Red Lyons was named club president more than once in our early years. A Destin Snowbirds president works his or her way up through the ranks. This is a committed volunteer position with many duties and responsibilities. Yet with all the work involved, most past presidents say they enjoyed the position immensely and learned a lot.

Did you know we even have a club song? We do. Here goes, “We are Snowbirds, happy Snowbirds coming south. Leaving all our troubles in the north. We are Snowbirds and we're here to spread our wings. Playing golf and tennis, cards and lots of things. We just love to be together in the sun, finding shells along the beach is fun. Snowbirds are the very best. Joining brings us lots of happiness. We are the Snowbirds of Destin.” This song was sung at some of the early meetings as the entertainment section of our program. Now we have local talent to entertain us. At this past meeting, “Jabbo and Friends” performed and did a great job.

There is still time for you hesitant Snowbirds to register and join us in the fun. The next registrations for new members will be held on Mondays, Feb. 1 and 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. The last registration will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 9 between our regular general meetings. They are held at The Roost inside the Destin Community Center, 101 Stahlman Drive at 8:30 and 11 a.m.

Entertainment is a large part of our general meeting agenda. We follow it by necessary announcements and then door prizes, which are donated weekly by local vendors and businesses. Thanks to all who participate. We are grateful for the community support.

We have many activities for our registered members. The Friendship Club has a meeting at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan 26 at Hog's Breath. For more info, call Joann Benesh at 837-4279.

Our Valentine's Day cruise aboard the Southern Star, docked behind the Lucky Snapper Restaurant, will be held from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13. This includes snacks, beer and wine. Tickets are $15. For information, contact Don Cooksey at 837-3637 or see him at our meetings.

Poker starts at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan 25 at Embassy Suites. For information, call Bill Pasel at 650-4972.

Pinochle starts at 2 p.m. Thursdays at the Destin Community Center. For more info, call Edgel Grimm at 424-4367.

Casino trips to Biloxi are being held weekly every Friday. The bus leaves from The Track in Destin at 6:15 a.m. and returns around 6 p.m. the same day. Destinations alternate weekly between Isle Casino and Hard Rock Casino. Tickets are $5 and include $15 in free slot money. You can get them from Fran Yee at the meetings.

The Annual Fashion Show is on Monday, Feb 15, at the Holiday Inn Sun Spree Resort. Chico's of Destin will be doing the fashion part of the show. Cocktails (cash bar) are at 11a.m. followed by lunch at noon. Tickets are $24 and are sold at the meetings by Nancy Hewitt.

Tennis play has started. To sign up, contact Jim Boehlert at 424-5616 or see him at our regular meetings.

The blood pressure clinic is available from 1 to 3 p.m. every Wednesday at Destin Emergency Center, 996 Airport Road.

All golf information including updates is available on our Web site, www.destinsnowbirds.org. Lots of play dates every week.

Tournaments are coming up soon, so don't forget to sign up at the meetings. The CanAm Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, Feb. 1 at Kelly Plantation in Destin. The Jack Kline Charity Tournament is on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at Ft. Walton Beach Municipal (The Pines) Course. The Robert Trent Jones Mobile Adventure will be held on Feb 22-24. For info call Paul Tomlinson at 650-8432. The Ladies Bluewater Bay Tournament will be held on Feb. 17. Call Sue Cummings at 654-8675. Our 9-hole golf league started with 36 golfers and lasts 8 weeks. If interested, contact Willie King at 837-5495. Any other questions, call Ken Lemire at 269-1317 or Paul Tomlinson at 654-8432.  Our web site is www.destinsnowbirds.org.

Diane Neeb is publicity director for the Destin Snowbirds and can be reached at neebsnook@hotmail.com.