Destin Snowbirds open the ‘Roost’

Here we are again in Destin at the beginning of an exciting new season of events and activities. Welcome back all returning snowbirds, and a big welcome to all new members!

At the first registration Monday, Nov. 19, 130 members signed up. Thanks to Mayor Sam and the large delegation from the Chamber of Commerce for the kind welcome.

It takes a great team of volunteers to pull the whole program together. President Timi Millar along with 2nd Vice John Testa, Treasurer Ken Lemire, member at large Judy Willson and I arrived in Destin at the beginning of the month, and began planning for Opening Ceremonies and recruiting the volunteers needed to get the show on the road. Thanks also to the contributions of our executive members, Vice-president George Olson, Secretary Gail Carson, Webmaster Gene Holzer and member at large Elise Eggert who are working to support us from their homes in the north.

I want to recognize the members who volunteered to make our opening day run so well. The team at the door, John Testa, Linda Testa, Ken Rowcliffe, Marion Hoyles and Jane Chatterton, greeted everyone anxious to start the year. After the ribbon cutting, members were welcomed into the registration process by Ken Yee.

Evelyn Lemire, pinch hitting for Linda Zukonik, lined up Harry Goggins, Sharon Schmidt, Mary Ellen and Tom Franklin, Gail Brown, Cathy Jardine and Joan Graham to complete the registration process.

Members could also check out the some of the activities that are offered by the club this year, including Golf (Mike Hoyles), Fishing (Jack Boex) and Computer Club (Ken Lemire).

The Destin Emergency Care Center is ready to welcome back all members of the club requiring blood pressure monitoring on Tuesday afternoons at 996 Airport Road. For a complete listing of all activities visit www.destinsnowbirds.org.

Christmas is coming quickly, and tickets are now on sale for The Christmas Boat Parade Party set for Sunday, Dec. 9, at Dewey Destin's Harborside. Cost is $13 per person for a buffet of Dewey's famous seafood, with a great view of the lighted boats and fireworks to follow.

The annual Christmas Home Away from Home for the Holidays party will be held on Thursday Dec. 13th at the Maravilla Condo Clubhouse. Thanks to Kathy Boex, Linda Testa and Jane Chadderton for handling ticket sales.

Working down the street at the storage locker were Jim Galea and Tom Millar. Further chances to get your treasures from the locker will be Saturday, Nov. 24, Dec. 1, 8 and 15 from 8-9 a.m.

Once the formalities were over members socialized in the room enjoying coffee and doughnuts supplied by Tuffy's Auto Center.

Thanks to prize committee chairman Paul Hewitt who arranged for this treat. A surprise visit from Hooters landed 130 wings for the crowd to enjoy.

Additional registrations will be held from 1-3 p.m. Mondays, Nov. 27, Dec. 3 and 10, at the Community Center.

Our first meeting begins at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27 at the Community Center. A special note for the meeting. The gymnasium floor is being repainted for Pickle Ball. Please do not move the chairs across these newly painted lines. The first three meetings will feature seasonal entertainment with Kim Cannon on Nov. 27, the Niceville High School Chorus on Dec. 4, and The Emerald Coast Community Band on Dec. 11. Dec. 11 is also a members' Craft Show.

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