Snowbirds are in full swing … on the golf courses
Destin Snowbird Club members are here and are participating in numerous activities with full steam, especially golfing as the weather permits (or doesn’t). Registration last Monday netted another 237 members to the club, bringing the total members thus far to 1,529. This number is a little shy of the number in the club as of the same time last year (by 58) but registration volunteers are hopeful that as the word spreads about what the club has to offer, more people will be become aware of the positive aspects of joining the club and will come to the remaining registrations to join. The next registration will be from 7:30-8:15 a.m. and 10-10:1045 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, before each meeting.
As people become re-acquainted at the meetings and news is exchanged among the members, it becomes evident that a few members did not return to the Emerald Coast for a variety of reasons. Some people had health concerns that prevented them from returning; others had family issues that they had to attend to which, for some, has included taking care of aging parents or other relatives. A reason cited to me which influenced some members not to travel to Destin this year has been the devaluation of the Canadian dollar. Missing members are thought of often and are missed in a variety of ways and situations. But, as people gather to golf, play cards or pickle ball, to exercise, swim or quilt, new friendships are established and new bonds are formed. There are certainly enough activities to entice people to participate.
Tuesday’s meeting netted a full house at each meeting and members were entertained by Jabbo and Krissa Quill on stage. In addition, vendors were again present and enticed members with coupons, information and in some cases, samples of tasty culinary treats.
The first TGIT (Thank Goodness It’s Tuesday) Party will be from 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, at the Seascape Conference Center with Crystal Gage providing the entertainment. Members are encouraged to come and meet new people, relax, unwind and have a good time. Tickets may be purchased from Barb or George Olson prior to any of the meetings.
Tickets are also being sold for the Mixer Party (Happy Days) which will be held at the Seascape Conference Center on Jan. 31 with Beauty and the Beats providing the entertainment. Tickets may be purchased prior to any of the meetings from David Douglas.
Fashion show tickets are $28 and can be purchased from Mary Ellen Franklin prior to any of the meetings. Fashions are provided by Chico’s of Destin Commons and snowbird volunteers will model the fashions. The show is being held at the Embassy Suites and a luncheon is included in the ticket price.
Soundsations Concert tickets for 2 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center, may be purchased prior to any meeting from Elise Eggert or at the Destin Community Center on days when the Snowbirds do not meet. Tickets are $10 each and the proceeds go directly back to the NWF State College programs and activities.
Opportunities for signing up for the golf tournaments are also in the ready. Dates of those events are: Second Annual Snowbird Cup (Destin vs. Walton Snowbirds) is Feb. 15; Ladies Golf Tournament is Feb. 19 and the Jack Kline/Lise Walsh Charity Golf Tournament is Feb. 26. Check out the website for details.
Please note: The Mardi Gras trip to New Orleans has been cancelled due to insufficient numbers.
Members wishing to learn how to play Mahjong may contact Beth Yadsko at 850-574-3434 or come to the Community Center on Mondays from 1-3 p.m.
The Friendship Club will meet for lunch next Tuesday, Jan. 20, at Miller’s Ale House. Anyone is welcome to join the group for lunch following the 11 a.m. meeting.
Sigrid J. Aeschleman, publicity director, is from Illinois and can be reached at saeschleman@gmail.com.