SnowBird NEWS

December 29, 2021December 29, 2021 Mullet Wrapper 1199 Views Mullet NEWS

Gulf Shores Senior Softball

By John McCabe
For the past 20 years local seniors have welcomed snowbirds to join us on our manicured diamonds in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Most snowbird softball players participate in leagues in their hometowns and look forward to continue play here. We have 22 local players, but we welcome and encourage others to join us. Our players are all over 50 years old. We welcome females as well.
We generally meet Mondays and Fridaysin the morning at either the Gulf Shores Sportsplex or Orange Beach Sportsplex. The location depends upon field availability. For more information please contact John McCabe at 251-981-9787.

Snowbird Trivia Night Feb. 12

By Larry Ramirez
Snowbird Trivia Night at the Orange Beach Event Center is happening on Saturday, February 12 at the Orange Beach Event Center at The Wharf. Doors open at 5 p.m. and play begins ast 6 p.m. There are a limited number of tables available so register before the February 1 deadline. Registration forms are available at the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores libraries or on the OB library website. Bring food, drink, table décor and $5 per person to play heads and tails during the break. There will be awards for the top 3 winning tables and certificates for the top three decorated tables. The Friends of the Orange Beach Library are going to great lengths to make this event as safe as possible for participants and workers. The $160 table cost includes 40 door prize tickets. Mulligans must be purchased at time of registration. More info: 405-630-7831.

Masonic Chicken Dinner Jan. 8

By Dean Mott
Sonora Masonic Lodge #635 F&AM will hold its 2022 annual fried chicken dinner fundraisers on Saturday, January 8, February 5 and March 5 from 11 am-1 pm or until supplies last. The lodge is located at 202 E. Jackson Street in Summerdale. Adult plates will be $9.00 and a child’s plate will be $5.00. Delivery is available on multiple plate orders. The dinners will include chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, cole slaw, green beans and complimentary tea and dessert for dine-in guests. Proceeds generated from the fundraiser will be used towards monthly lodge expenditures. For more information contact Dean Mott at 251-423-7604 or visit the lodge’s Facebook page.

Dulcimer Beginnner Lessons

By Irene Morrison
Free Mt. Dulcimer beginner lessons start Wed Jan 5, 12:30-1:30pm. St. Andrew by the Sea, 17263 Fort Morgan Rd. Dulcimers available to rent for winter $20 w $50 refundable damage waiver. Contact Michelle 317-446-0500. Mt Dulcimer Players Meet Jan-March, Mon 10-11:30 am, Wed 2:00-3:30, St Andrew by the Sea, 17263 Fort Morgan Rd, Gulf Shores. Questions? Michelle 317-446-0500.

Jan. 13 welcome snowbird event at new O.B. Performing Arts Center

A Welcome Snowbirds event will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, January 13th at the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center.
The free event will include facility tours and information about upcoming school and city performances with the box office open to purchase tickets.
Special guest speaker will be Nigerian arts ambassador Ibiyinka “Ibi” Alao and some of his artwork will be on display in the lobby.
Also is an artist, architect, writer, film director and musical theater composer who won the first place out of 61 countries in the United Nations International Arts competition. He has focused his career on the fluidity of all art forms in storytelling, using painting as an act of frozen music and self-expression. A childhood story about Fireflies which he made into a painting in 2006 won the grand prize of the Scholastic “Kids as Authors” writing contest amongst schools and institutions in the United States. It was published by Scholastic with the title “Ibi’s Fireflies.” It is a true story about redemption, love and having second chances in life.
Ibiyinka has visited the Gulf Coast, and in particular the city of Orange Beach several times over the last 14 years to speak at the schools. The children and community in general have learned from him about peace building and character education through the arts. The Mayor and City Council of Orange Beach awarded him the ceremonial keys to the city in recognition of his immeasurable contributions of diversity and culture – woven into the fabric of the Island.
His work has been featured in many prestigious establishments around the world, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC, The World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC, to name a few. He received a Global Citizen Award along with the Beatles for artist promoting world peace through art. Most recently Ibi completed work on the largest painting in the world, which transforms into a background for the Firefly Musical play. He is excite to return to Baldwin County in January, 2022.

New York

By Frank Panczyszyn
New York Snowbirds are returning to their winter home, most for the first time in two years. It is expected that they will return in numbers a little less than pre-2021, but big enough to keep the restaurants busy. They are also aware of a few Canadian friends who expect to be at the beach and join in their social scene. They will kick off the winter season on January 13th at Ginny Lanes in Orange Beach at the Wharf, gathering and registering at 11AM, followed by lunch. It is expected that representatives of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores will be present to update on community issues. Reservations are required by email to nysnowbirds@gmail.com. They will gather at Ginny Lane throughout the winter on January 27th, February 10th and 24th, and March 10th. In the 2021 winter season, the New York Snowbirds did gather a few times at Ginny Lanes for a scaled back version of their typical luncheon socials, with an average attendance of 25. They were cautious then by applying Covid protocols, and will do so somewhat again for 2022. They hope that all have been vaccinated, and hope that attendees will arrive wearing masks. A degree of social distancing will be encouraged.

Foley Snowbird Welcome is Jan. 11

The city of Foley and the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce extend a warm welcome to all winter visitors and invite everyone to attend the 11th Annual Foley Snowbird Coffee to be held Tuesday, Jan. 11. The coffee will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Foley Civic Center, located at 407 E. Laurel Ave. (U.S. 98). A shuttle will be available to assist guests who park in the north parking lot behind the Civic Center. In addition to enjoying coffee and doughnuts, attendees will receive information about things to see and do in Foley and the surrounding area. Join us and enjoy this year’s “Fun in Paradise” event.
Guests will receive welcome packets filled with discount coupons and giveaways from local merchants. Explore Foley’s historic downtown during a scavenger hunt and have a chance to win some awesome prizes! For more information, go to visitfoley.org or call the city of Foley at 251-943-1300.

SBCT’s Neil Simon production opens Jan. 6

South Baldwin Community Theatre will present Neil Simon’s God’s Favorite on Jan. 6-9 & Jan. 13-16, with shows at 7 p.m. most nights and at 2 p.m. on Jan. 9 and Jan. 16. To buy tickets, visit sbct.biz. Tickets are also available at the theatre box office (2022 W. 2nd St. in Gulf Shores during posted hours. Call 251-968-6721 for more info.
Simon updates the story of Job, with a modern Job named Joe Benjamin, a cardboard box magnate who is visited by a messenger from God in the person of Sidney Lipton. Sidney tells Joe that God and the Devil have made a bet that the Devil will put so much heat on Joe that he’ll renounce God. God’s stand is that Joe never will, which is why Joe is God’s Favorite. Comedic catastrophes befall Joe, but through it all Joe maintains his solid belief and trust in God.
Other scheduled 2022 SBCT shows include A Bad Year for Tomatoes Feb. 9-13 & 16-20, The Fourth Annual Radio Theatre Festival February 25-27, The Enchanted Bookshop on April 1-3 & 8-10, and Picnic on May 6-8 & 13-15.

Cribbage Fridays at Post 44

By Barbara Beamish
Beginning Friday, January 14, Cribbage players will be gathering to play Cribbage every Friday. Sign up starts at 12:30 pm and play begins at 1 pm at the Gulf Shores American Legion, Post 44, 6781 AL-59. Cost is $5. For additional information contact Barbara Beamish at 989-464-8605. All Cribbage players are welcome!

Snowbird Euchre

Snowbird Euchre: Wednesday, January 5, snowbird euchre will change from 12:30 to 5:30 at the Gulf Shores American Legion POST 44. Will also start playing Snowbird Euchre on Thursdays, January 6, at 1. Gulf Shores American Legion POST 44.

G.S. Men’s Snowbird Coffee Club

By Larry Cole
The Gulf Shores Men’s Snowbird Coffee Club will hold their first meeting of the 2022 season on Monday, January 3 at 8:00 a.m. All meetings are held at Ginny Lane Bar and Grill at the Wharf in Orange Beach every Monday morning from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Membership information is available at these meetings.
The oldest continually active snowbird club has more than 200 members from twenty-six states and three Canadian provinces. Besides raising money for local charities, the club holds golf outings, sponsors casino trips and conducts breakfast meetings for members and spouses.
The club also throws horseshoes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at noon at Meyer Park in Gulf Shores. Because of the covid pandemic some meetings and events will be suspended. Officers for the 2022 season are: David Kushner, president, New York; Mike Culverhouse, vice president, Michigan; Tom Lanan, secretary, Illinois and Tom Williams, treasurer, Michigan.

Dakotas Snowbird Club

By Joyce Anderson
Dakotas Snowbird Club is scheduled to meet January 11 and 25, February 8 and 22, and March 8, at 8:30 am for breakfast with a 9:00 am program at Luna’s Magnolia Hall in Orange Beach, AL. The club may also plan several social activities to be determined at a later date.
Our club consists of Snowbirds visiting the Gulf Coast with connections to or living in North and South Dakota. We contribute to the Christian Service Center food pantry by collecting food and cash at our meetings and providing volunteers for several local charities and organizations. For more information please contact Joyce Anderson at 605-351-0274 and leave a message for a return call.

Snowbird Blood Drive Feb. 14

By David Angle
A snowbird blood drive, sponsored by the Michigan Snowbird Club, will be held on Monday, Feb. 14 from 9 a.m. ‘til 3 p.m. at the Gulf Shores Adult Activity Center, located at 260 Clubhouse Dr. Streamline your donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting redcross.org / rapid pass to complete your pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your appointment. For more info, contact David Angle at 248-797-9852.

Iowa Snowbirds

By Pat Brush
Iowa Snowbirds are invited to attend events held during January through early March 2022. There is no membership fee to join and all Iowans and their guests are welcome at all club events.
Snowbird breakfast dates are scheduled for Wednesdays, January 12, January 26, and February 9 and Tuesday, February 22 and Wednesday, March 9. Current CDC guidelines will be followed. Reservations are required at all breakfast meetings and can be made on the website, Iowa Alabamagulfcoastsnowbirds. org or by calling Chris and Steve Hedlund at 319-430-4597. All Iowa Club breakfast meetings will be held at the Perdido Beach Resort, 27200 East Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach. The cost will be $15 per person. The final breakfast on March 9 will be held at Luna’s Eat & Drink, Orange Beach, and there will be no program at this event.
A 50/50 drawing is held at each breakfast and Iowa club members support various local charities while in the Gulf community. Iowa Cocktail Parties are scheduled on Fridays, January 21 and February 18, 5-7PM at the Caribe Resort, Building D, 28103 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach. No RSVP is required. Bring an appetizer/dish to share and your own beverage. Golf schedule and sign-up for tee times is posted on the website, Iowa-Alabamagulfcoastsnowbirds.org. Club members are encouraged to check the website for updates, sign-ups, and a listing of activities available in the Gulf area.

Indiana Snowbirds

By Becky Chatham-Heidenreich
Welcome to all IN Snowbirds. You are cordially invited to the IN Snowbird Club breakfasts this year on Jan. 13th & 27th, Feb. 10th & 24th, & March 10 at the Magnolia Event Center (next to Luna’s restaurant on Canal Road). The cost is $10 for each meal. Doors open at 7:30 am and breakfast is served at 8. Reservations are mandatory as Luna will only prepare enough for reservations made, so you will not be admitted without reservations. Call Jan Pell (317)914-5832 no later than Jan. 3. Please bring cash with no bills larger than $20. Club dues are $2.50 per person. We have a 50/50 raffle and door prizes (thanks to the generosity of many businesses of the area.) The speaker for Jan. 10th is Dane Bailey, the Singing Auctioneer and for Jan. 27 is Linda Spanyrud, an author and an Alabama sea turtle enthusiast. Come and enjoy a delicious breakfast, the fun, the renewing of old friendships, and making new friends.

Frank Calma Snowbird Dance

By Gail Sims
We are looking forward to having the Frank Calma Memorial Welcome Back Snowbirds Dance once again on Friday, Jan. 21, 2022 at the Foley Civic Center, 407 E Laurel Avenue (Hwy 98) from 6:00 TO 9:00 PM. BYOB, set-ups, chips, soft drinks and water will be furnished. Feel free to bring appetizers for your table. Tickets Are $20.00 Per Person, Casual Dress. For additional info call 251-752-7422. John Brust, Jim Andrews, and Jerry Anderson, core group of the Shirley and Wayne’ Supper Club Band, will be playing And we are all looking forward to enjoying an evening of dancing with them. We have certainly realized Frank’s dream each year!
The dance begin February, 2007 when Frank wanted to raise money for the Knights Of Columbus to help local charities. We owe the success of this dance to our Band, the locals, the Snowbirds, Our Lady Of The Gulf Knights And Ladies Auxiliary, Elberta Knights And The Columbiettes, every volunteer, and local businesses who have supported us for the last 15 Years. Thank You To Everyone Who Has Been a Part Of This Event! See You On The Dance Floor!

Give Back Tuesdays at State Park

Give Back Tuesday community work days are back at Gulf State Park. Volunteers are needed for projects focusing on wildlife protection, trail maintenance, campground restoration, park beautification, invasive species removal and much more. The community work days are every Tuesday from 8 a.m. ‘til noon. Meet in the parking lot next to the Nature Center and be sure to bring closed-toe shoes, comfy clothes, work gloves, bug spray and a reusable water bottle. Contact Cindy Langston at cindy. langston@dcnr. alabama.gov for more info.

Beginners pickleball clinic

By Sam Strite
This is your chance to learn the game of pickleball – the fastest growing sport in the USA. Bama Beach Pickleball Club is offering a beginners’ clinic on January 12, from 2 to 5pm at The Church of Christ in Gulf Shores, 2414 West 1st Street. The clinic costs $10/person and will be indoors, rain or shine. At the clinic you’ll learn all of the fundamentals, watch a demonstration of shots and then you’ll get out and play. Paddles and balls will be supplied so all you need to bring is comfortable playing clothes and court/tennis shoes. To help you learn the game and improve your skills, we will be holding a Beginners’ Only Play Day starting January 13th from 2 to 5pm at the Church and continuing on each Thursday. Once you feel comfortable with your skills, you can come to the Church any morning (Mon – Sat) and play with those in your skill group (A, B, or C). Bring a spouse, a friend, or a child (12 years old or more). The best part of the clinic is that you will meet other beginners, like yourself, and you’ll be on your way to a great sport, great exercise (not too strenuous) and the most social sport you’ll ever participate in.
Sign up quickly, as space will be limited. If you would like to attend, email Sam Strite at samcstrite @gmail.com and you’ll be guaranteed a spot.

Michigan Snowbird Golf

By Dave Ferguson
While the Michigan Club will not be meeting this Winter, we still have golf outings. We will be golfing every Monday and Wednesday from January 5th until March 9th. For Michigan snowbirds, our sign up for first group of outings is January 2nd from 1:00 to 2:00 at the building behind the Live Bait Restaurant. Come for lunch and then sign up. Our golf schedule can be found at the Michigan Club website (michiganclubalabama.com). This year we are again welcoming all snowbirds from all the snowbird clubs to join our golf outings.You can sign up starting on January 3rd. To sign up, just go to our website, click on the golf icon and our schedule will appear. Pick the course that you want to play and call the coordinator for that course and give them your name and phone number and you will be signed up. We will also have Ladies golf. It will be every Tuesday, weather permitting, at Gulf Links Golf Center on 59. We will meet at 9:30 AM, with Tee times at 10. If you would like to join or have questions please contact Sue Beach at spbeach260@charter.net or 231-429-0952.

Wisconsin Synod Lutherans

By Jeff Quint
Gulf Shores area WELS/ELS members
will have local church services with Holy Communion on January 16 & 30 and February 13 & 27 at St Jude by the Sea Lutheran Church, 312 E 16th Ave, Gulf Shores. Services will start at 4 pm with Bible class to follow. Make checks pay-able to Risen Savior Luth Church. For more info contact: Jim Diehm, 231-598-0383 or jkdiehm@gmail.com.

Sweet Harmony Chorus

By Pamula Rustan
Woman Singers Come Join Us! Sweet Harmony Chorus is a group of woman snowbirds and local residents who like to sing woman’s acapella music in the barbershop close harmony style. We meet for two and a half months, one day a week for a limited commitment. All ranges of talent are welcome. We have training tapes for rapid learning. The woman of this group have a lot of fun, laughs and musical experiences. Any woman who would enjoy singing is welcome to join us. We require singers to be fully vaccinated, and we require masks and social distancing. For info, call Pamula Rustan, director at 701-260-0670 or email viewpt01@gmail.com. Also visit sweetharmonychorus.org. Join us on Monday 3 at 2 pm. Time: 2 – 4pm every Monday, Jan. 3 thru Mar. 14 at Choir Room at Gulf Shores United Methodist Church, 1900 Gulf Shores Parkway.

Missouri Snowbirds welcome all

By Mark Rethemeyer
The past couple of years have been tough with Covid, followed by a hurricane and there are still a few Snowbird Clubs that are not able to function at full capacity just yet. Unfortunately, this leaves many snowbirds without a way to get involved and socialize with other snowbirds. The Missouri Snowbird Club would like to extend an invitation to all snowbirds to join us for our activities. You’ don’t have to be from Missouri and you don’t have to be a members. If you are looking to get involved and make some new friends while you are snowbirding then take this as your personal invitation, and we hope you join us for breakfast every Wednesday starting on Jan. 12 at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach. Arrive around 8:30 and have a great buffet breakfast at 9for $10 per person plus tax and tip. After breakfast you’ll have an opportunity to sign up for our other activities.
We play golf every Wednesday afternoon at 1:00 (weather permitting of course). If you don’t play golf and you don’t eat breakfast – no problem. Join us for Happy Hour on Mondays at 4:00 at Cobalt’s, the Restaurant just over the Perdido Bay Bridge (“next to” the Caribe Resort). We’ll be in the Banquet Room. Lots of Happy Hour specials, and a great opportunity to meet other friendly people. Check our website for all our activities: mosnowbirds.org and like us on Facebook: Missouri Club of Gulf Shores.

nowbird Trivia Night at the Orange Beach Event Center is back for 2022. Yes the popular and exciting event is happening on Saturday, February 12, 2022. There are a limited number of tables available so be sure to register before the February 1, 2022 deadline. Registration forms are available at the Orange Beach Library or on the Library’s Web site. The doors will open at 5:00 P.M. You can bring food, drink, table décor and $5.00 per person to play heads and tails during the break. There will be awards for the top 3 winning tables and certificates for the top three decorated tables. The Friends of the Orange Beach Library are going to great lengths to make this event as safe as possible for participants and workers. Table cost includes 40 door prize tickets. Mulligans must be purchased at time of registration.

New York