Destin Snowbirds have definitely migrated

With another January registration completed, the Destin Snowbirds have shown that they have definitely migrated to the Emerald Coast. As of registration Tuesday, 278 (an increase of 41 from the same registration last year) more members were registered with the club, bringing the total to date to 1,507. Of this number, 1,485 are paid members and 22 are Lifetime Members. Welcome, all.

Filling the gymnasium at the Destin Community Center twice on Tuesday, the membership listened to another favorite entertainer, Jabbo, with Krissa Quill Gillespie and her husband, Mark, providing the guitar and voices to Jabbo’s keyboard. Playing and singing many toe-tapping tunes, the trio gave both meetings a lively start to the day. It was announced that Jabbo will also be entertaining snowbirds at the Club Mixer Dinner Dance on Jan. 30 from 5-8 p.m. at the Seascape Conference Center. Tickets are still available for $19 per person at meetings or by contacting Dave Douglas at 850-654-1425, ext. 61005, or dsdhid@aol.com. Food will be provided by 98 Bar-B-Q. Snowbirds are urged to support the club, come out for an evening of fun, bring snowbird member friends and dance the night away, or just sit and listen if you prefer.

Club activities are in full swing and members continue to sign up for various events that are on the schedule. As new members discover the opportunities that are available to them, the number of people participating increases and club support becomes evident. The old adage “the group or organization is only as effective as your members make it” is so true. President Franklin put out a call to ask for volunteers for various positions on committees and activities both this year and in the future. How about considering getting involved and devoting some of your time to the club while you are here for the winter? The Destin Snowbird Club would love to have you help us. Please contact any board member about becoming a part of the leadership team (find contact information on our website).

Talk about trying new things … take a look at Ole Hill from Texas who was determined to try something new so he hopped on the Segway at the meeting on Tuesday. Ole maneuvered around the gymnasium prior to the second meeting and was escorted by Leigh Ann Johnson of Destination Segway Tours as he greeted people along the way. Ole did well and highly recommends the activity to those who want to try something new by taking a tour.

In case you just arrived and are unaware of what is coming, here is brief synopsis of items that you may choose from to occupy your winter time. Pinochle is offered on Thursdays at 2 p.m. at the Roost, Mahjong on Mondays at 1 at the Roost, Poker on Mondays at 6:30 at Seascape Conference Center, Quilting on Wednesdays at 1:30 at the Roost, Euchre at Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl on Thursdays at 7 p.m., Bridge on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Gulf Terrace Condominium, and Computer Club at Faith Assembly Church in Miramar Beach every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. As stated last week, the Destin Community Center offers many physical activities to keep you healthy, so refer to last week’s article on the website or call the Center. There really is something for everyone. Come join the groups and keep your mind and body active.

Vendors were again in attendance at the meetings on Tuesday, sharing their food samples, discount cards, kisses (no, not THAT kind … chocolate ones from Charlie at O’Quiggley’s), and menus. Talents were also shared as Deano drew cartoon caricatures of willing subjects.

Tim Braden shares his talents with the group each week as he leads the membership in the singing of the National Anthems of Canada and the U.S. to open the meetings. Come share your talents with the club, meet new people and have lots of fun while you are here enjoying the sunshine. To make sure you don’t miss any upcoming events, check out our very informative website at www.destinsnowbirds.org. Contact any of the Board of Directors to volunteer or to have a question asked. Enjoy the January sunshine.

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