Golf outings and bus tours keep snowbirds busy

Sporting matching red hats and shirts, the Canadian snowbirds arrived early at the Golf Club at Bluewater Bay on Feb. 13, hoping to avenge their loss to the Americans in last year’s Can/Am Cup. But it wasn’t meant to be.  

The Americans trounced their northern neighbors 17 ½ to 5 ½. The format was a two-person scramble pitting one twosome of Americans against a twosome of Canadians. Individual winners included Barb Nuckels of Michigan, and Phil Davern of Pennsylvania with winning low-net scores of 68. Davern was also a “closest-to-the-pin” winner on hole No. 6. Don Spencer of Ontario won the same award for hole No. 8.  

Kudos to the “Ricks” who worked so hard to make it a success: Rick Mettle, cochair and captain of the American team, Rick Baker, cochair and captain of the Canadian team, and Ric Caner, scorekeeper and prize chair. A great time was had by all, and the Canadians, no doubt, are already planning their revenge for next year. 

Last week was a week for bus tours. 

Feb. 8, was a bus trip to Biloxi that was exclusively for Destin snowbirds. President Ruth Beckett entertained the chockfull charter enroute with BINGO and a “Heart Race.” Not familiar with heart races? Well, you’ll just have to be sure to sign up for next year’s excursions. Beckett is planning to offer two exclusive snowbird Biloxi trips next season. 

On Feb. 9, two busloads of snowbirds headed to Panama City to see a performance at the Todd Herendeen Dinner Theater.  

“He was better than I’ve ever seen him. I didn’t think he could outdo last year’s show, but he did,” said Don Collins.  

Bud Noonan remarked that he and his wife Pat loved it. “Thank you to our great Snowbird Club for making these events happen,” Bud said. Patty Daun of Wisconsin has been the organizer and chair of this successful trip which is sure to become a standard annual snowbird event. 

Early Sunday morning, a busload of snowbirds headed to The Big Easy to enjoy some Mardi Gras fun. In order to break up the long trek home, a stop was made at the Beau Rivage for the night. The next day, everyone enjoyed a little free play at the IP Casino and Resort before heading home. Not everyone was able to beat the odds, but the fun and camaraderie were definitely unbeatable. Thanks to Don and Joan Collins and Joy Meyer for all the work they did to make this another success. 

Speaking of successes, the annual Craft Show drew a large crowd on Feb. 7, where a dozen artistic crafters displayed their creations. Unique gifts and one-of-a-kind items were plentiful for the Roost-filled crowd. Congratulations to chair Char Myers for a job well done, again. 

Besides the craft show, there was a collection taken for the American Cancer Society at the Feb. 7 meeting. A check for nearly $1,200 will be presented to Melanie Row, senior development manager for the local chapter. 

Cheryl Jones and Company drew a large and fun-loving flock of snowbirds to Lulu’s for the third T.G.I.T. party. Remember, Feb. 21, will be the last one. Snowbird favorite Bobby D will be the entertainer, so early arrival is highly recommended. Your snowbird badge will be required at the door along with a $5 admission fee. 

Registrations are still taking place from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m.  before each meeting and storage tickets are still being offered at $20 per stored item at the meetings. Check the website at www.thedestinsnowbirds.com for more details. 

This coming week, the Singles Friendship Club will meet for lunch after the meeting at Indian Bayou Golf and Country Club. 

Mary Pierce is the publicity director for the Destin Snowbird Club.