Some Snowbirds beginning flight home

Snowbirds, the environment is changing very fast! This is the end of February, and many Snowbirds will start heading north. This is an inevitable move we all have to go through — the withdrawal of leaving the south and heading north. What makes it a little harder is the weather up north has not changed.

What will the first week in March bring? Let’s hope the upper half changes fast and the global warming happens the first two weeks in March and then the weather stabilizes.

Some of us will stay behind since there is still work to be done on the golf courses, tennis courts, card games, casino trips and restaurants.

Wasn’t the Mardi Gras  season great?  Last weekend we were at HarborWalk for a  parade, music, food — you name it. It was  a great night, and the crowds  were fantastic.

We traveled with friends and we had a great time. One of the gals was new to the Mardi Gras parades. She got over committed, tried to jump on a motorcycle, fought for beads and loved everything. Yes, Jean admitted that she is usually very quiet, but now she has turned into a lunatic. Jean, this is what it is all about! Fat Tuesday turned out wonderful —  weather, parade at Baytowne Wharf,  gumbo, oysters, plenty of fluids, and then the concert.                          

The Tuesday meetings were exceptional. David Seering was the entertainment. Jack Ballinger introduced the current Snowbird board:  President, Jack and wife Elsie; 1st. VP,  Marge and husband Pat Marcella; 2nd VP, Paul and wife Nancy Hewitt; Treasurer, Harry and wife Lavonde Goggins; Secretary, Joan Graham; and Publicity, Jim and wife Rose BoehlertHarry gave a report on the expenses vs. income for the Club, so now everyone knows how the budget works.  Addie gave a report on the membership. There are 1,979 members,  with 47 provinces and states represented. Ontario has the most members with 416; Minnesota, 257; Michigan, 246; Wisconsin, 175; and so on.

The storage lockers are open from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Saturdays until March 28. Call Jim Galea at 651-2077 if you have questions.

It was announced that next year’s golf chairman will be Grant Ferguson. Plans have started for a great golf season next year. The Friendship Club will meet next Tuesday at the Black Pearl.

This was the last week of dual meetings. Don’t forget that next week the meeting will be at 10 a.m.

Other important happenings at this time of year that Snowbirds think about and love are Lent and March Madness. Don’t laugh, I know they are not synonymous, but they happen together.

Lent is the time for all to think of taking the extra step, and doing more for ourselves, our neighbor,  our country and for all mankind. Sacrifices are required, the recession is hitting everyone and unemployment is hurting. As experienced senior citizens, let’s try to help and do our part wherever we can.

March Madness is the time to support your team. Win or lose, the old hometown team or alma mater will get our help. The discussions, ranting and raving are fun. If you want to see the games with the crowds, visit the Destin Sports Bars. See ya there. I have the power of the pen so I can say GO ORANGE.

Jim Boehlert is publicity director for the Destin Snowbird Club and can be reached at jimroseboe@aol.com or (850) 424-5616. For more information about the Snowbirds, visit www.destinsnowbirds.4t.com