DESTIN SNOWBIRD CLUB: Time to pack up and hit the road

Hard to believe, but it is time to pack up, load up and hit the road, so to speak. Many snowbirds are leaving this week, some leave next week and even fewer get to remain to enjoy the sunshine a little longer. Regardless of when you are departing, people are hugging, saying good-bye until next season and are beginning to look at the weather reports to the north. Some of those reports are not the best depending on exactly where you are going … nevertheless, it is time to turn thoughts toward home.

The membership approved and elected the new members of the Board of Directors of the Destin Snowbird Club for the 2017-18 season at both meetings Tuesday. The new Board of Directors are Linda Zukonik, member at large; Charles Cassell, president; Jacquelyn Roberson, first vice president; Cindy Varnell, secretary; Mary Pierce, publicity director; Bob Baker, webmaster; Jeff Spring, second vice president; and Dick Cunneen, treasurer. Dean Harper will be member at large. New board members will be installed at next week’s meeting at 10 a.m. only.

Jabbo and The Boys enthusiastically entertained the membership at Tuesday’s final double meetings. Following tradition, the band played “When the Saints Go Marching In” and the crowd joined in by dancing around the gymnasium holding decorated parasols and swinging handkerchiefs and Mardi Gras beads. Jazz was played at its best on Tuesday.

President Dean Harper honored Deputy Kyle Corbett by bringing him to the stage to be recognized and to present him with a gift card to Walmart on behalf of the Destin Snowbirds Club. The club appreciates his attendance each week and his contribution to the members’ safety and sense of security. 

Harper then presented Jeremy Ribando of the Northwest Florida State College Music Department with a check for $5,270, which represents the money donated by the club and its membership for the Soundsations Concert which was held on Sunday, Feb. 19. The money is used for essential things that the students of the Fine Arts department need for their music education and programs and the Destin Snowbird Club annually contributes and supports this cause.

Nancy and Paul Hewitt were also recognized at the meetings for their many years of service, each as club president and together as leaders of the prize committee.

Joe Pierce, Destin Snowbird Club golf chair, then presented Bill Neidel, Walton County Golf Chair, with the annual Snowbird Club trophy. This is the fourth year that Walton County has retained the trophy.

Next week, the Singles Friendship Club will meet at Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer following the 10 a.m. club meeting, approximately 11:30 a.m. Come meet one last time this season to enjoy conversation and fellowship.

The last article of the season will be in the March 11 edition of The Destin Log and the March 12 edition of the Northwest Florida Daily News. The club’s website will continue to keep you updated at www.destinsnowbirds.org.

Sigrid J. Aeschleman, publicity director, is from Illinois and can be reached at destinsnowclub.publicity@gmail.com.