Indiana
By Brad Strycker
It was a chilly Thursday morning on February 11, but the Indiana Snowbird Club met with enthusiam at Lulu’s for it’s third buffet breakfast of the season. The seating at tables filled in quickly, and after a little coffee and conversation,lines began to form at the buffet for food. President Doris Gammon of Pendleton, IN, kept the process lively with mic conversation, and then introduced Jane Tyler with a program presentation about Precision Imaging. Club Secretary Sue Bowmer and Treasurer Shirley Plank’s reports were similarly brief. The club treasury has a current balance of $809.Twleve new members were added to the club membership and the total for the season now stands at 210. And, the attendance for our third breakfast was announced as 161. For most, it felt good to wrap our hands around a hot cup of Lulu’s coffee as we contemplated reports that temperatures in the Hoosier state were way below below what we were experiencing here. Gary McClurg, Indiana’s BratFest coordinator, reported that the Drive-through sold less brats than last year, 725 as compared to 807 a year ago, but the total number of brats sold enabled the eventual presentation of about $2500 to each of the three different fire departments on Pleasure Island. Final wrap-up was set for Wednesday, February 15, including figures from the “Firemen’s Breakfast” event on Saturday the 11th, a benefit for tthe Gulf Shores Fire Department. Gary also presented information about the multi-club golf outing on February 27. Golfers out there who are interested in participatiing should give Gary a call soon at 981-2039. Bev Lockhart, VP, reported on plans for the Low Country Boil, a benefit for the Zoo, on the calendar for February 24. All the tickets are sold for this event, and Indiana Club is counting on volunteers to help prepare the food. The Indiana snowbird Club is the “food preparer” club for the event, and two work groups are scheduled on Thursday the 23rd to perform this task. “Green Beans” will be prepared by a crew at 10 a.m. at the “St. Andrew By The Sea” church and another team will meet as usual at the same time at the Zoo to work on the other food preparation. Volunteers will be welcome at either location. A Dolphin Cruise for club members and friends has been scheduled by Shirley Mowry, special events chair, for Tuesday, February 28 at 2 p.m. on the Southern Rose. Cost is $13 per person plus tax. To join this interesting cruise, please call Shirley at 980-6416. Hoosiers are also invited to join a Spaghetti dinner in support of the Christian Service Center, set for Monday, February 27. This will be held 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Gulf Shores United Methodist Church, building “B”, in the Winn Dixie Shopping Center. If you are looking for something artistic to do or to look at, put March 10 and 11 on your calendar. This is the Orange Beach Festival of Arts. You can call 233-3979 for more information. And don’t forget the next Indiana fish fry at Ribs and Reds on February 20 at 5 p.m. Hoosiers, like residents of all other states, love door prizes. When we come to the part of our breakfast meeting where door prize winners are called out, everyone pays close attention. Dee Vollmer, door prize chairperson, made sure that tradition continued. She and her crew had a real workout running gifts to all reaches of the room when numbers were called. Dee urged all gift recipients to thank these vendors for their generosity, and all agreed it was a good thing to do.
The next Indiana Snowbird Club breakfast will be Thursday, February 23, at Lulus. Cost is $8.00 per person. The program will be Harry White, Public Affairs Officer for Naval Air Station in Pensacola. For reservations, please call Doris Gammon at 251-981-6901-14153 (last 5 digits are extension number). Doris would also like to hear from club members who feel they may have come to the point of serving as an officer for next year. She herself will be stepping aside as president at the end of this season, and there are other offices that need someone to fill the post for next year. Willing volunteers are what make a snowbird club strong and active. Many people have served for a long time and would appreciate taking a break. Doris also wants to remind everyone to bring non-perishable food to the next meeting. The results of the “canned food” drive will be handed over to the Christian Service Center. Doris thanked everyone who went along on the bus trip to New Orleans on January 31. A good time was had by all. She also reminded members that a blood drive is scheduled for the community on February 20 for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Gulf Shores Adult Activity Center. Call 948-4748 for more information. The final breakfast is set for March 8, again at Lulu’s. The program for that meeting will be a special presentation by Patti Hall, of the “Little Zoo That Could.”
Wisconsin
By Nancy Durgin
The WI Sno-bird Club met on Wednesday, February 1, at the Orange Beach Community club (OBCC) at 8:30 am for donuts and coffee followed by the meeting at 9 am. New members were introduced, announcements made and then a special talk from one of our WW II veterans.
Bob Krause, Waukesha WI, told of his experience visiting Washington DC in April 2011 with one of the Honor Flights. He was accompanied all the way by a “guardian” who paid his own way. Bob only paid for parking his vehicle at the Milwaukee airport. One of his favorite mementos is a blue jacket with the saying, “Every day is a bonus”, suggested by a former POW. The 214 veterans on his flight were transported by buses in DC with police escorts, so they didn’t have to stop for traffic lights! Back home the veterans were welcomed off their plane by a crowd of thousands, including boy scouts and girl scouts. He said to encourage all WW II veterans to sign up for this trip. “It is an emotional, well-organized, once-in-a-lifetime experience!” Bob helped make the coffee this morning for our meeting and received a standing ovation after his report. Thank you, Bob.
Then “Uncle” Larry Johnson, also of Waukesha WI, talked about the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR). The group was formed in KS to provide a respectful “circle of comfort” around the military families as their loved ones remains are returned home and at their funerals. This respect is in response to a group trying to disrupt funerals for military personnel. He mentioned this definition: “A veteran is someone who writes a blank check to the US government up to and including his life.”
Upcoming events: Saturday, Wednesday, Feb 8 – Breakfast – RSVP; Saturday, Feb 11 – Pancake Breakfast at GS Erie Meyer Center – 8 am – 11 am; Monday, Tuesday, Feb 13-14 – Golf fun days – RSVP; WEDNESDAY, FEB 22 – Note change – 8:30 am meeting at OBCC; Thursday, Feb 23 – picnic – RSVP; Friday, Feb 24 – Low Country Boil – SOLD OUT; Wednesday, March 7 – CONVENTION CENTER AT THE WHARF – meeting 8:30 am; Thursday, March 8 – Fun Day at the Zoo – RSVP
Wednesday, March 14 – Breakfast – RSVP
Wednesday, March 21 – OBCC – meeting at 8:30 am; Wednesday, March 28 – Breakfast at Kitty’s Kafe; Wednesday, April 4 – Breakfast at Duck’s Diner; Sunday, April 8 – EASTER dinner at OBCC.
Please contact Kenn at (251) 967-2463 OR wissnobirds@yahoo.com with questions or comments. Join us at the meetings for daytrips, sign up for breakfasts and golf, book/magazine/puzzle exchange and door prizes. We collect motel-size toiletries, Campbell soup labels, boxtops for education and poptops from aluminum cans for various charities.
Bingo at Tanger
Tanger Outlet Center in Foley will host weekly bingo games in their Food Court area every Tuesday in February at 9 a.m. Lots of fun with prizes and gift cards furnished by Tanger and many of the retail stores at the Center. There is no cost to play, but registration is required. Please call the Center office at 251-943-9303 to register.
Snowbird Potlucks
For the 16th consecutive year, the senior snowbirds weekly potluck will run each Thursday thru March. Set-up time is 11 a.m. and serving time is 12:30 p.m. All seniors, visitors and locals are welcome. Bring a dish to serve that will feed eight to 10 people. A 50 cent registration fee will be collected at the door to cover incidentals.
Drinks and table service will be provided. The weekly meetings will be held at the Gulf Shores Adult Activity Center on Clubhouse Dr. For more information, call 251-981-2493.
Mich. Police Lunch
The annual retired and former Michigan Law Enforcement Officers, and their spouses, luncheon will be held on February 27 at noon at Ryan’s in Foley. Please contact Dusty Rhodes for details at 251-923-0746.
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Free Cookies
In appreciation of our northern friends, free cookies and coffee are being served to welcome all incoming visitors at the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Welcome Centers seven days a week through Feb. 29. The welcome centers serve as a place for visitors to find out more information about Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The centers also offer tips and information on area accommodations, attractions and restaurants as well as local maps and coupons. Information on local events can also be found at the centers. The Gulf Shores Welcome Center is located on Highway 59 at 3150 Gulf Shores Parkway, just north of the Intracoastal Waterway and across the street from the Track. The Orange Beach Welcome Center is located at 23685 Perdido Beach Boulevard on Highway 181 East, just west of Wintzell’s Oyster House. The centers are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
For any more information about the welcome centers or to reach our hospitality and information specialists, call 1-800-745-SAND or 251-974-1510. For more tourism information on this family beach destination, visit gulfshores.com or orangebeach.com.
“Our snowbirds come by to find out all the new things going on in the area,” said Herb Malone, president/CEO of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism. “We treat this time as a great opportunity to meet and get to know this valued group of guests.”
Hospitality and information specialists can be found at both centers to answer any questions and help visitors with directions and finding information.
Complimentary “wired” computer terminals are also available for visitors use at the Orange Beach center and free Wi-Fi Internet access is available at both centers with signals reaching to outside parking lots.
Fish-Fry/Book Drive
Snook Youth Club of Foley will host a fish fry and book drive on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 11 a.m. ‘til 2 p.m. The event will also celebrate black history month and will be held in the Youth Club parking lot at 1391 S. Cedar St. in Foley.
For more event information, call Wanda Couts at 251-943-1483 or email wanda@ snookyouthcluboffoley.com
Illinois
By John James
On Friday, February 10th, 254 members and guests attended the Illinois Snowbird Club breakfast at LuLu’s. President Bruce Borino welcomed everyone with a prayer and a joke (groan) and conducted a short business meeting. President-Elect Glenn Philpott introduced our speaker Patti Hall, Executive Director of the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Patti introduced the group to the history and future plans for the zoo via an excellent video. The plans include building “the world’s first environmentally sustainable zoo built from the ground up”. A short Q and A followed, and we enjoyed Patti’s presentation very much. To track the progress of the new zoo she suggested visiting their website alabamagulfcoastzoo.org. Following the presentation, drawings were held for 50/25/25 and door prizes.Cheryl Borino pointed out the poster with the names of the businesses that donated door prizes. We appreciate them!
Future 2012 activities include the Golf Outing on Thursday, February 23rd, the Putt-Putt miniature golf outing at Waterville USA on Tuesday, February 28th. The Low Country Boil, benefitting the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, will be held on Friday, February 24th.
Our next breakfast meeting will be held on Friday, February 24th at LuLu’s at 8:00 AM (doors open at 7:45 AM). Reservations should be made prior to Wednesday, February 22nd by calling Rich & Nancy Huizinga at 948-7709.
Health Fair March 10
More than 35 health care providers will be on hand to provide a variety of information for all ages at the Optimist Club of Perdido Bay 25th Annual Family Health Fair scheduled for Saturday, March 10 at the Lillian Community Club.
South Baldwin Regional Medical Center will offer a complete blood test from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., including lipid profile and health survey for $35. The PSA test is $27. Participants must fast for 12 hours before the blood tests. Free blood pressure and bone density tests will also be offered.
The West Florida Hospital Mammogram Unit will be on site for digital mammograms. For an appointment and information call (888) 894-2113 Ext. 1.
Life South Bloodmobile will be available to accept blood donations that can save three lives.
Other providers include the VA Mobile Veteran’s Center, Andrews Institute, Alabama All Kids Coordinator, the Baldwin County Health Dept., Baldwin County Sheriff’s Department and Emergency Management Association, assisted living and home health representatives, hospice, YMCA, Weight Watchers, hearing and dental care specialists, and veterinary services.
The Optimist coordinator Lynn Neff reminds individuals and families that “Prevention and Early Detection Saves Lives.” For information contact Neff, (251) 961-1086 or (561) 312-0437, Bill Cornell, (251) 962-2855 or Andy Wilkinson, (251) 961-1343.
Illinois Golf Tourney
The 2012 Illinois Snowbirds’ Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, February 23 at the Perdido Bay Golf Course. The tournament will have a 4-person scramble format. Participants may sign up as a foursome or as a single to be assigned a team. Starting time is 9:00 AM. Cost is $39 for green fees + $5 for prizes. The $5.00 includes a mulligan (to be used at any time, except closest-to-pin or longest putt ) and one drink ticket. Prize money will be given for flight winners, closest-to-pin, longest-putt and door-prize drawings. Reservations may be made by contacting either Eric Wilson or Glenn Philpott: egw1491@comcast.net, 981-2442 (Eric); gpott45@aol.com, 981-6147 (Glenn).
Mary’s Shelter Bingo
By Sally McKinney
This year’s three-month Bingo extravaganza will be held every Thursday through March. The games benefit Mary’s Shelter, a home for homeless pregnant women who choose life for their unborn child. Doors open at 5 p.m. with Early Bird games at 5:30 and regular games at 6:30. Food and beverages are available.
Last year’s games added a record-breaking $20,000 to the coffers for the shelter that gives women a warm, safe place to stay while awaiting the birth of their babies.
A non-discriminatory facility, Mary’s Shelter Gulf Coast accommodates homeless pregnant women of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida as well as Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia counties in Alabama. It is located in Elberta. For information call 251-986-6200.
The newly-formed 10,000 Club offers a most affordable program for assistance. The goal is to obtain 10,000 members, each contributing $12 a year to help with operational expenses. Give one dollar a month, or send one payment of $12. Club members will receive email updates of events. Mary’s Shelter Gulf Coast is a Baldwin County United Way Agency.
Snowbird Blood Drive Feb. 20
By Don Seeterlin
Of course, everybody is invited to paraticipate, but the official Pleasure Island Blood Drive will be held on Monday, Feb. 20 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Gulf Shores Adult Activity Center, locaated at 260 Clubhouse Dr. in Gulf Shores. No appointments are necessary. Just take a number upon arrival.
There need for blood is tremendous, as each unit donated can help up to three individuals. The Drive is open to all Snowbirds and locals that are at least 17 years old and in good health. Eat hearty and drink fluids before donating.
As an added incentive, all donors receive a free T-shirt. For more info, contact Don Seeterlin at 251-948-4748.
Lighthouse Alumni
By Kenn Krouse
Lighthouse Resort Alumni will meet every Thursday morning for breakfast beginning January 5 at Joey’s Northshore Grill. Breakfast is at 8:30. All former residence of The Lighthouse Resort are encouraged to attend. Joey’s is located at 3849 Gulf Shores Parkway Hwy 59 in Gulf Shores. Alumni also meet for coffee at Hardee’s in Gulf Shores on Tuesday mornings at 8:30. The annual Lighthouse Resort Picnic is February 16 at the Orange Beach Community Center. Coffee and donuts are at 9, Dinner will be served at noon. Reservations are needed for the picnic. You can sign up at any breakfast or coffee or by calling Marge at 970-3190 or Kenn, 967-2463.
Snowbird Pancake Breakfast
The Annual Snowbird Pancake Breakfast will be held from 7-11 a.m. on Feb. 11 at the Erie Meyer Civic Center, 1930 W. 2nd Street in Gulf Shores.
Sponsored by the Gulf Shores Fire Department and ten Snowbird Clubs. Proceeds go to equipment and education. Enjoy pancakes, sausage, coffee, juice and milk. Admission: $6.00 adults, Free for children ages 6- under.For more info, call 251-968-1166 or visit cityofgulfshores.org
Ohio
By Marge Vetter
Ohio Buckeye Snowbirds had a wonderful program for their fourth breakfast on February 15th at LuLu’s at 8:00am with 121 people in attendance including 10 new members. Following the Pledge of Allegiance led by President Bob Hofacker and prayer by Don Thrash, we enjoyed another great breakfast.
Bob Hofacker reminded everyone of the Low Country Boil at the Gulf Coast Zoo on Friday, February 24th and of our Snack and Game Day on Wednesday, February 22nd at Caribe, Bldg. C at 1:00pm. The Corn Hole game day was Friday, February 17th and those who attended had a great time. Corn Hole winners were Chris Distl and Jerry Vetter with runner-ups Gerry Waugh and Harold Fryman. Bob also told the members to bring any leftover can goods to the meeting on February 29th.
Gayle Hofacker said the date for Red Hats and Romeos has been changed to Tuesday, February 28th, Big Fish at 1:00pm. Carolyn Rooks announced that our summer reunion will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 17th and 18th in the Holmes County area of Ohio, probably Berlin, Ohio. More information will be sent in May. Vice-President Sue Ellen Carpenter asked if anyone was interested in doing a group bus trip to the casinos next season with a show of hands. Many are interested.
Door prizes were distributed by Paul Alanko, Bob Hofacker, Tony Distl and Jerry Vetter.
Our program was our own Ohioans showing their crafts and hobbies. Sharon Shock, Defiance, OH began the program saying she started painting 5 years ago with classes down here and showed some of her watercolors. Sharon said there is an Art Show at Phoenix East on Saturday, February 25th. Ed Goodwin, now of Foley, AL, retired and then took art classes. He does all kinds of painting except pastels and showed some of his art work which included a beautiful picture of an eagle. Betty Hoskins, Wapakoneta, OH sews and makes purses out of placemats and also makes Christmas trees. Mary Zaye, Delaware, OH is a quilter who brings her sewing machine with her and has UFO’s (unfinished objects) and FO’s (finished objects) that she showed. She has made 10 baby quilts and sent them home and is finishing the rest to take home. Many beautiful quilts. May and Paul Alanko were next, May with her genealogy and Paul with his woodcarvings. May has done extensive research and been to courthouses and cemeteries and has published two books on genealogy. Paul engraves designer firewood and says he is an artist, not a woodcarver. Says he has been doing this for a lifetime. Helen Haberstroh, Cincinnati, OH has been drawing since she was a little kid. She has traveled and done sketches of churches, sceneries, etc. and someone asked her what she would charge to do a sketch of her home. Helen said, “You want to pay me!” Helen has many paintings of Gulf Shores and has put the pictures on little note cards. You can see them at the Art Show at Gulf Shores Presbyterian Church on February 17th and 18th. Denny and Georgene Carlton were not in attendance, but Denny’s canes that he makes were. Beautiful wood canes with deer heads and bear heads. Georgene had different types of art work. Bob and Gayle Hofacker are matchbook collectors and had a large number of books with all kinds of matchbooks in them dating way back. Sizes varied from mini, skinny to very large. Ruth Fryman is also a sewer, didn’t know about the program, but brought a couple of things with her. Didn’t know we had so many talented crafters in our club. Sue Ellen asked if we wanted to do this again next year and the majority thought it was a good program.
The Ohio Club would also like to thank the merchants who donated gifts to us for our door prizes. We really appreciate all you do.
Reservations for nexzt breakfast on Wednesday, Feb. 29 due Sunday before: 251-540-7745 or gaylelynn13hotmail.com
Coffee Club
By Larry Cole
The Gulf Shores Men’s Snowbird Coffee Club meets at the Zen Restaurant at Palm Pointe in Orange Beach. The club will meet for coffee on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Information on membership and any coffee club activity can be obtained at these meetings. The oldest continually active snowbird club has members from twenty-five states and two Canadiand provinces. Besides raising money for local charities, the club holds golf outings for men and women twice each week. Horsehoes are thrown every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Gulf Shores, culminating with a tournament and picnic in March. The club also sponsors weekly casino trips and conducts breakfast meetings for members and spouses each month. Officers for the season are : Gary Davis, president, Wisconsin; Hugh Morgan, treasurer and Don McCoy, secretary, both from Indiana. Dale Orchard of Michigan will schedule all golf outings.
Snowbird Bible Study
By Loretta Nix
We would like to invite you to our annual Bible Study held at Kaiser Realty in Gulf Shores. Come and study Philippains and Colossions with us. We meet each Tuesday at 10 a.m. Come for fellowship and coffee at 9:30 a.m. For further information contact Roy and Loretta Nix at 251-981-6896.
The Dakotas
The Dakotas’ Snowbird Club meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of January, February and March at Hazel’s restaurant, 25311 Perdido Beach Blvd, Orange Beach, Ala. The breakfast buffet starts at 8:30 a.m. followed by a meeting at about 9:00. The club is “open” and includes members from other states that have a tie-in with North or South Dakota. There are no club dues but we do ask everyone bring a non-perishable food item to each meeting for the local food Pantry. Contact: Tom and Nancy Kunkel, 605-661-8615 or 605-661-8616. ortomandnancy kunkel@yahoo. com.
Snowbird Softball
By Ken Krejci
Attention all Senior softball players: We will be playing every Wednesday at 9:30 a. m. at the Gulf Shores Sports Complex on Rt. 6 at the far back field. All are welcome, as we have a mix of men and women, residents and snowbirds, ages 50 through 70′s. This is strictly for fun so come on out. For more information contact me at 440-343-7576.
Welcome Wednesdays
By Tonia Turner
Tis that time of year again! Welcome Wednesdays are back. Come have lunch with us at the Flora-Bama, play some games and enjoy the incredible Gulf view. Bring a covered dish to share with all of your friends thru February 29 at 1 p.m. each Wednesday. If cooking isn’t something you feel like undertaking, on that perfect Wednesday, come on by for a great lunch for $3. Call for more information, 850.492.0611 or 251.980.5118. The renovations are underway and you can see the changes each week.
Michigan
By Charlie Arensmeier
The Michigan Snowbird Club membership was at 1,027 at the end of their fourth meeting on February 16, 2012. This is the seventh straight year that the membership has exceeded 1,000. The 1,000th member couple was Jim and Bev Ouwinga from McBain, Michigan. Rhonda Dodge from the American Red Cross spoke to the group about the importance and need to give blood. She explained that many people can donate even though they think they may not be eligible. Entertainment was provided by the Four Winds Barbershop group. The election of the officers for 2013 was conducted by Jim Mansfield. The following officers were elected: President Charlie Arensmeier, Vice President Esther Brown, Corresponding Secretary Rosemarie Tye, Recording Secretary Theresa Hackman, Treasurer Jim Brown, and Trustee, 3 year term, Joan Jansma. Jerry Wallace reported that the profit from the Snowbird Brat Fest provided the Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan Fire and Rescue Departments $2,000 each and a total of $84,000 over the past 14 years. Don Seeterlin reported that 864 people were served at the pancake breakfast benefiting the Gulf Shores Fire and Rescue Department. To conclude the meeting the door prize committee distributed over 100 prizes given by South Alabama and Michigan businesses.
Future Michigan Snowbird Activities: February 24th – Michigan Marines – contact Marie LaBelle for details – 251-980-5808; February 27th – Michigan Retired Law Enforcement Officers luncheon at Ryan’s at noon. Contact Dusty Rhodes 251-923-0746; February 29th – Waterford/Clarkston Dinner at Ryan’s at 5 pm. Contact Don Seeterlin 251-948-4748; March 1st – Michigan Club meeting at the Erie Meyer Center. Doors open at 8:30, coffee and donuts at 9:15 and the program starts at 10 am. Program will be a presentation by Rick Mears on leader dogs; March 7th – Michigan Club Farewell Picnic – Orange Beach Community Center starting at noon.
Iowa
By Alberta Kisling
The Iowa Snowbirds Club met for breakfast February 8 at LuLu’s Homeport. After a prayer by Arlene Brammer, 224 Iowans enjoyed good food and good fellowship. President Mary Poindexter called the meeting to order and introduced Bob Matheson. He explained the use of the webpage for Golf outings. Golfers were invited to participate in the February 23rd Illinois Golf outing. We enjoyed our guests, Bud and Shirley Burkhart from Shirley, Arkansas. They entertained us with love songs in keeping with Valentines Day. They perform regularly at the State Park and in Mountain View, Arkansas.
President Mary Poindexter introduced the club board members. First time attenders were introduced and welcomed. Karen Sund introduced past president Marvin Hastings and his wife Betty and thanked them for their service to our organization.
A.J. Lang reported on the very successful Brat Festival. $1500.00 was raised for each fire department in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. He thanked all the volunteers who had helped. A.J. Lang drew numbers for the 50/50 prizes and the door prizes were awarded. President Mary Poindexter urged members to consider volunteering to serve on the board. We need someone to fill the president-elect position. Thanks to Terry Kiser, our webmaster, you may make reservations for the next breakfast to be held February 22nd at LuLu’s on our website at Iowa-AlabamaGulfcoastSnowbirds.org. Call Mary Poindexter at 319-389-2220 if you do not have a computer.
Minnesota
Informational breakfast meetings will meet at Lulu’s Homeport Marina each Tuesday during January, February and the1st three weeks in March. Doors open at 8:00, buffet is served at 8:30 a.m. For information, upcoming events and golf tee times, log onto : www.mnal.org. MN Club Dedicated Project: Food donations and/or cash are gratefully accepted at each breakfast meeting for the Christian Service Center.
New York
By Frank Panczyszyn
The largest turnout in a few years enjoyed the New York Snowbirds third winter luncheon at Shipp’s Harbor Grill on Thursday, February 9th, with over 75 members and guests in attendance. Mayors Tony Kenyon of Orange Beach and Robert Craft of Gulf Shores gave brief “welcomes” and “thanks”, and Mayor Craft talked about the RESTORE Act, and how snowbirds could help insure this legislation is passed and the effected Gulf States receive their due compensation.
Frank Panczyszyn, Point Preeze, introduced eight new attendees, including friends from Illinois, Montana, and Mobile. Dick Dierna, from Rochester, once again hustled the willing crowd for their 50-50 raffle. NY uses proceeds from their 5 luncheon raffles to raise money for donations back to the community at the end of the snowbird season. Last year, they donated $500 to four deserving organizations. Many door prizes were presented, thanks to the generosity of local businesses and donations from New York Snowbirds.
Frank reported that New York entered 5 tables with nearly 40 people, in the Missouri Trivia Nite fund raiser for the Libraries, February 4th, all having a wonderful time. Captain Ken’s table, all New Yorker’s, was competitive on the trivia questions, and was recognized 2nd place for their USA Olympics table and dress theme. Captain Harvey’s table, a mix of Alabama, New York, and Illinois trivia nuts, was recognized 3rd Place for their Olivia’s Birds table and dress theme. Also competitive but “no cigar” were: Captain Ralph’s table of New Yorker’s plus Utah in their golf theme; Captain Bill’s table of New York Mafia; and Captain Frank’s “no theme” table of Illinois, Canada, Wisconsin, plus NY Frank. Pat Maddox, Utah, won a Kindle in the Raffle. Another lucky soul at Trivia Nite, not from New York, took home a case of NY wines, jelly’s, and sauces donated by generous New York Snowbirds.
Frank also reminded all to be at the Low Country Boil fund raiser for the Zoo, February 24th. The next New York Snowbird luncheon will be Thursday, February 23rd at Shipp’s Harbor Grill, on Canal Road, Sportsman’s Marina in Orange Beach. They will gather for registration and conversation at 11AM, and order lunch from a special menu at 1130AM. $1 per person will be collected at sign in to cover costs and amenities. Contact Tracy and Frank at 251-981-1246 before the event for reservations. Their last luncheon Thursday, March 8th.
The New Yorkers had been anticipating February’s special guests for months. Jane and James Bouler, from Monroeville and Orange Beach, are the grandparents of Olivia Bouler, a 12 year old young lady from Islip, Long Island. Olivia spent her childhood on the beach at Gulf Shores and Louisiana, and was so devastated by the oil disaster 2 years ago, that she was motivated to use her art skills and love of animal life to help raise over $200,000 for the benefit of animal life in the gulf region. She made over 500 original bird paintings, which were given to anyone who made a donation to the Audubon Society, earmarked for Gulf restoration and science. She wrote a passionate children’s book called “Olivia’s Birds” illustrated with her own paintings. Olivia’s grandparents gave the New Yorkers a very inspiring presentation about how this all occurred, with many humorous and heart warming stories about Olivia and other family members as they all worked together to support her. Olivia has made international news, including a few times in the Mobile Press Register. You can learn more about Olivia and how one can help at: http://www.oliviabouler.net. New Yorkers bought many books, to include some that will be signed by Olivia. The book is available locally and would be a wonderful gift or memento from the Gulf..