Snowbird News

Illinois

By John James
The Illinois Snowbird Club met for a potluck dinner and games on Tuesday, January 16th at the Orange Beach Senior Activity Center. After dinner, games of Whist and Five Crowns were played. Our next breakfast will be on Friday, January 26th at 7:45 AM at GT’s On The Bay. Speaker will be from the Coastal Arts Center. Reservations should be made by calling Mary Lou Brunner at 219-869-1138.

Minnesota

By Nancy Poferi
The Minnesota Snowbird group meets weekly for breakfast Tuesday mornings Mid-January through February at GT’s on the Bay. Registration is required one-week prior to the breakfast, each week. Registration form is available on our website www.mnal.org. We also host golf events weekly on Monday & Thursday’s at various 18 hole courses in the area. See website for details. Email inquiries to Mnsnowbird1@mnal.org.

Sit & Sew Group

Son Sowers is a community of Spirit Filled individuals who welcome the opportunity to serve as God guides them. We are looking for card makers, cutting, sewing, tracing or ironing. We are cooperating with Sew Powerful, 501C, to create purposeful products: Purses for girls in Zambia. Sit and Sow is first Thursday of each month from 1-3 pm at Gulf Shores United Methodist Church. Classroom A138. Contact Suzi Jackson for more info at sewsowensuziastic @gmail.com 205-753-0281.

Iowa

By Sue Holst
Iowans and their guests are encouraged to check our website, iowa-alabamagulfcoastsnowbirds.org for meeting reservations (due by noon one week prior to meeting), updates and information regarding all club events held through early March 2024. his year our meetings are held at 8:15, GT’s On The Bay, 26189 Canal Road, Orange Beach, with a cost of $15 per person. Next cocktail party will be Feb 16th (reservations are not required for these). Wear comfortable attire, bring an appetizer/dish to share and your own beverages. We meet from 5-7pm at the Caribe, 28103 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Bldg. D, Orange Beach.

New York

By Frank Panczyszyn
The NY Snowbirds will meet for lunch on 2nd and 4th in February, and 1st Thursday in March, Jan 11, 25, Feb 8, 22, and Mar 7. We gather at Ginny Lanes at the Wharf in Orange Beach, AL at 11am, order off their special lunch menu, with separate checks, have guest speakers, a meeting, and door prizes. $1.00 per person collected at registration for expenses and year end donations to the community. RSVP by 3 days prior to luncheons at nysnowbirds@gmail.

Watercolor Classes

Watercolor classes at Phoenix East meeting room. Each Tuesday 9-12 am during Jan, Feb, March. All levels welcome. Bring your materials. More info: 763-401-0455.

Welcome Wednesdays at ‘Bama

Welcome Wednesdays potluck lunches are back at the Flora-Bama every Wednesday from Jan. 3 thru Feb. 28. The weekly lunch features live music, followed by drawings for goods, services and merchandise compliments of the Flora-Bama and local businesses. Music begins at 11 a.m. The noon buffet is $3 per person or free for those bringing a covered dish. The Flora-Bama is located directly on the Gulf at the Florida-Alabama state line. More info: florabama.com/events.

Tacky Jacks Wacky Winter of Fun

By Tara McMeans
The 8th Annual Tacky Jacks Wacky Winter of Fun series continues at the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores locations. Free for all ages. Lunch on your own. RSVP online. Arrive 15 minutes early.
The series will feature regional artists and local organizations. The Gulf Shores location will host activities on Mondays and the Orange Beach Location on Tuesdays through February. Reservations can be made online at tackyjacks.com.
• Monday, February 12, 10-11:30 am (Gulf Shores); Art al Fresco “Mini Masterpiece Gem Mosaic”; Create your very own gem mosaic masterpiece featuring famous historical works of art . All Ages lunch and learn $25 includes a $10 Tacky Jacks Gift Card. RSVP online. Arrive 15 minutes early.
• Monday, February 19, 10-11:30 am (Gulf Shores); Art al Fresco “Sand Dollar Resin Necklace”; Learn how to create your own beachy necklace using a real sand dollar. All Ages lunch and learn $25 includes a $10 Tacky Jacks Gift Card. RSVP online. Arrive 15 minutes early.
• Tuesday, February 20, 10-11:30 am (Orange Beach); Art al Fresco “Squeegee Painting on Canvas.”

Michigan

By Dave Ferguson
Michigan’s Club next meeting will be on February 1 at The Island Church, 25550 Canal Road in Orange Beach, Coffee 9 AM, meeting starts at 10 AM. The guest speaker will be Linda Spangrud and she will be talking about sea turtles. The club will have Breakfast at G. Ts on February at 8:30 and the cost is $12.50. Tickets are available at the club meeting or call Walt Salisbury on 231-755-7999.
We will be playing 18 holes of golf every Monday and Wednesday until March 6, 2024. Our golf schedule can be found at michiganclubalabama.com. This year we are again welcoming all snowbirds to join our golf outings. To sign up, just go to website, pick the course and call the coordinator and give them your name and phone number. Our next four golf outings: 1-29-24 at Soldiers Creek Golf course, Dave Holzworth, 231-463-7181; 1/31/24 at Timber Creek Golf course, Nancy Grebe, 586-295-4345; 2/5/24 at Lost Key Golf course, Bob Imhoff, 616-897-5290; 2/7/24, Glen Lakes Golf course, Dyna Lehman, 517-983-8225. We will also be playing 9 holes of golf Tuesdays, weather permitting, at Gulf Links. Golf Center on 59. We will meet at 9:30 AM, with Tee times at 10. Info: spbeach260 @charter.net or 231-429-0952.

Fried chicken fundraisers

Sonora Masonic Lodge #635 F&AM will continue its 2024 annual fried chicken dinner fundraiser on Saturday, March 2nd from 11:00 am-1:00 pm or until supplies last. The lodge is located at 202 E. Jackson Street in Summerdale. Adult plates will be $12 and a child’s plate will be $6. 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. More info: randysmith342@gmail. com or visit the lodge’s Facebook page.

Winter softball

Winter Senior Softball. Every Monday and Friday 9am. Ages 50 and over. All skill levels welcome. Field locations are Foley,Orange Beach or Gulf Shores depending on availability. Call 225/313-8516 for more information.

Ladies golf clinics

Snowbirds, public golfers and the GlenLakes community are welcome to participate in the Tuesday ladies golf clinics every Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. at Glenlakes Golf Club in Foley thru April 30. Cost is $15 per golfer, and reservations are not required. Meet in GlenLakes lobby.

Missouri

By Mark Rethemeyer
The Missouri Snowbirds Club of Alabama meets weekly for Breakfast at Tacky Jacks on Wednesdays, Golf Scramble at Gulf Shores Country Club on Wednesdays, and Happy Hour at Cobalt’s on Mondays. We have other parties and activities planned as well, but you’ll have to go to our Website to sign up. If you are from Missouri and looking to meet some other Missouri Snowbirds this is your personal invitation to join us! Some of our activities have a maximum, so don’t hesitate! Go to missourisnowbirds.org or like us on facebook.

Wisconsin Synod Lutherans

Gulf Shores area WELS/ELS members will have local church services with Holy Communion on January 14 & 28 and February 11 & 25 at St Jude by the Sea Lutheran Church, 312 E 16th Ave, Gulf Shores. Services will start at 4 with Bible class to follow. For more info contact Jim Diehm, 231-598-0383, jkdiehm@gmail.com.

Retired Law Enforcement Luncheon Feb. 21 at Legion

By Tom Westgate
The annual Snowbird Retired Law Enforcement Luncheon will be held at noon, Feb. 21, 2024, at the American Legion Post 44, 6781 Gulf Shores Pkwy (State Hwy 59). Gulf Shores, AL. All retired and former law enforcement officers and their spouses are invited. (Active officers are also welcome) We normally have police, corrections, court, and others that were/are involved in law enforcement. Please RSVP to Tom Westgate by calling or texting at (269) 252-7029 for a head count.

Snowbird Trivia Night Feb. 17

The South Baldwin Literacy Council and The Friends of Orange Beach Library will host their annual snowbird trivia night on Saturday, Feb. 17 at the Orange Beach Event Center at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. for table decorating and set up. Deadline to sign up is Feb. 12.
You can register tables, and buy mulligans and pick-a-pot tickets online after completing a short registration form available at southbaldwinliteracycouncil.com. Tables of eight are $160.
Participants can also drop off payments at the Orange Beach Library (26267 Canal Rd.) or The South Baldwin Literacy Council in Foley (21441 Hwy 98 E). The Orange Beach Library can also register teams in their computer lab.
For more info, call 251-850-3965 or 251-233-7336. This year’s event will include a silent auction. As always, bring your own food and drink. Prizes will be awarded for first second and third place winners and best table theme.

Snowbird Blood Drive Feb. 12

Pleasure Island Blood Drive; Monday, February 12; 9-3; 260 Clubhouse Drive, Gulf Shores. This is our 28th annual blood drive sponsored by the Michigan Snowbird Club. It is open to all residents and snowbirds. Go to RedCross.org/Pleasure Island to register for appointments,
Walk ins are also welcome. You will receive a $20 Amazon gift card for donating. Info: David Angle 248-797-9852.

Dulcimer Lessons & Players

Mt Dulcimer Players: meet until the beginning of March, Mondays 10-noon, St Andrew by the Sea, 17263 Fort Morgan Rd, Gulf Shores. Questions? Michelle 317-446-0500. Want to learn to play mountain dulcimer? Free lessons Mondays 9-9:45 a.m. until March at St Andrew by the Sea. Dulcimers available to rent. Register at 317-446-0500.

Feb. 21 Craft & Hobby Show

Craft and Hobby Show; Wednesday, February 21, 2024; 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Activities Room- Grand Pointe Condominium; 27284 Gulf Road. Orange Beach; Across from San Roc Cay; Hand crafted jewelry, shell decorations and sculptures, knitted purses, shell pendants, cards, cork boards, scrubbies and more; Call Judie McCoy for information or directions – 765-860-8520.

Cribbage

By Barbara Beamish
Cribbage players will be gathering to play Cribbage every Friday. Sign up starts at 12:30 p.m. and play begins at 1 p.m. 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!

Wisconsin

By Nancy Durgin
The WI Sno-birds will meet on Wednesday, February 14, at 8:30 am for donuts and coffee with the meeting starting at 9 am at the Orange Beach Event Center (OBEC) at the Wharf. There will be information about golfing and the Picnic. Also, we collect boxtops from General Mills and Johnson & Johnson products, motel toiletries, empty printer ink cartridges and pop top rings.
On Saturday, February 17, Trivia Night begins at 6 pm at the OBEC at the Wharf. Sign up ahead of time with the South Baldwin Literacy Council. The Orange Beach public Library will also benefit from this event.
Sheephead cards has moved to the Villagio Grille at the Wharf – Fridays from 9 am to noon – stay for lunch. For more information find us on the web – Wisconsinsnobirds OR call Mike at 414-303-5904.

Cribbage

By Barbara Beamish
Cribbage players will be gathering to play Cribbage every Friday. Sign up starts at 12:30 p.m. and play begins at 1 p.m. 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!

Euchre

By Judy Bahnmiller
Euchre each Wednesday until the end of March; 6 pm; Gulf Shores American Legion Post 44; Info: Judy 517-414-4795. Starting Jan. 4 and each Tuesday at 1 pm until the end of March; Euchre 1 pm; Gulf Shores American Legion Post 44; Judy 517-414-4795.

Indiana

By Judy Bahnmiller
Calling all Indiana Snowbirds and residents of Baldwin county who have a relationship (home, schooling,etc)with Indiana, to attend our meeting February 8 and join our club. We will have our last meeting on Feb. February 22. Our meetings are held at the Live Bait Restaurant(24281 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach. The doors will be opened at 9:45am and the meeting will begin at 10 and lunch will be at 11. If you choose to join the club, dues are $2.50 per person. The lunch consisting of a choice of 6 entrees with choice of 3 sides and a drink costing $15 per person. No reservations are required. We will have a speaker, door prizes and a 50/50 drawing. We will also have a social luncheon Feb. 12 at the Acme Oyster House (216 W. 24th in Gulf Shores) at 11:30am. Reservations should be made Feb. 9 by registering at the meeting or calling Becky Heidenreich (260) 760-5130). Come and let us enjoy your company.

Illinois

By John James
The Illinois Snowbird Club met for a potluck dinner and games on Tuesday, January 16th at the Orange Beach Senior Activity Center. After dinner, games of Whist and Five Crowns were played. Our next breakfast will be on Friday, January 26th at 7:45 AM at GT’s On The Bay. Speaker will be from the Coastal Arts Center. Reservations should be made by calling Mary Lou Brunner at 219-869-1138.

Plantation Resort Church

The Plantation Resort Church Service;; 400 Plantation Rd.; Ft. Morgan; Sunday mornings at 9am; Bldg #4 Conference Room; Everyone Welcome; Info: Kent Gerber – 336 529 2372.

Minnesota

By Nancy Poferi
The Minnesota Snowbird group meets weekly for breakfast Tuesday mornings Mid-January through February at GT’s on the Bay. Registration is required one-week prior to the breakfast, each week. Registration form is available on our website www.mnal.org. We also host golf events weekly on Monday & Thursday’s at various 18 hole courses in the area. See website for details. Email inquiries to Mnsnowbird1@mnal.org.

Sit & Sew Group

Son Sowers is a community of Spirit Filled individuals who welcome the opportunity to serve as God guides them. We are looking for card makers, cutting, sewing, tracing or ironing. We are cooperating with Sew Powerful, 501C, to create purposeful products: Purses for girls in Zambia. Sit and Sow is first Thursday of each month from 1-3 pm at Gulf Shores United Methodist Church. Classroom A138. Contact Suzi Jackson for more info at sewsowensuziastic @gmail.com 205-753-0281.

Iowa

By Sue Holst
Iowans and their guests are encouraged to check our website, www.iowa-alabamagulfcoastsnowbirds.org for meeting reservations (due by noon one week prior to meeting), updates and information regarding all club events held during January through early March 2024. This year our meetings are held at 8:15, GT’s On The Bay, 26189 Canal Road, Orange Beach, with a cost of $15 per person.
We will have two breakfast meetings in January and February; plus one in March. Next cocktail party will be Feb 16th (reservations are not required for these). Wear comfortable attire, bring an appetizer/dish to share and your own beverages. We meet from 5-7pm at the Caribe, 28103 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Bldg. D, Orange Beach.

New York

By Frank Panczyszyn
The NY Snowbirds will meet for lunch on 2nd and 4th Thursdays of January and February, and 1st Thursday in March, Jan 11, 25, Feb 8, 22, and Mar 7. We gather at Ginny Lanes at the Wharf in Orange Beach, AL at 11am, order off their special lunch menu, with separate checks, have guest speakers, a meeting, and door prizes. $1.00 per person collected at registration for expenses and year end donations to the community. RSVP by 3 days prior to luncheons at nysnowbirds@gmail.

Yooper Luncheon

By Dan Inglis
The 41st Annual Michigan Yooper Luncheon will be held on Thursday, Feb. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Magnolia Hall (behind Cosmos’s – 25753 Canal Rd.) in Orange Beach with the buffet lunch starting at noon. The buffet will include three meats, sides, cookies and drinks at all inclusive for $19.50 collected at the door and only cash will be accepted. There will be drawings for door prices. Reservations will be accepted through Feb. 1 by calling Dan Inglis at (906) 440-0866 or Sandy Inglis at (906) 748-5966.

Watercolor Classes

Watercolor classes at Phoenix East meeting room. Each Tuesday 9-12 am during Jan, Feb, March. All levels welcome. Bring your materials. More info: 763-401-0455.

Michigan

By Dave Ferguson
Michigan’s Club next meeting will be on February 1 at The Island Church, 25550 Canal Road in Orange Beach, Coffee 9 AM, meeting starts at 10 AM. The guest speaker will be Linda Spangrud and she will be talking about sea turtles. When turning into the church driveway, turn right to the church’s auditorium. The club will have Breakfast at Magnola Hall (next to Luna’s) on January 25, 2024, and at G. Ts on February 8, 2024. Both will start at 8:30 and the cost is $12.50. Tickets are available at the club meeting or call Walt Salisbury on 231-755-7999.
We will be having our February membership and golf signup on Sunday, February 4 at the Live Bait Restaurant from 1-2 PM. Membership is $5 per person. Please bring the correct change. Because Live Bait allows us to use their venue at no cost, please come early or plan to stay after and enjoy lunch.
We will be playing 18 holes of golf every Monday and Wednesday until March 6, 2024. Our golf schedule can be found at michiganclubalabama.com. This year we are again welcoming all snowbirds to join our golf outings. To sign up, just go to website, pick the course and call the coordinator and give them your name and phone number. Our next four golf outings: 1-29-24 at Soldiers Creek Golf course, Dave Holzworth, 231-463-7181; 1/31/24 at Timber Creek Golf course, Nancy Grebe, 586-295-4345; 2/5/24 at Lost Key Golf course, Bob Imhoff, 616-897-5290; 2/7/24, Glen Lakes Golf course, Dyna Lehman, 517-983-8225. We will also be playing 9 holes of golf Tuesdays, weather permitting, at Gulf Links. Golf Center on 59. We will meet at 9:30 AM, with Tee times at 10. Info: spbeach260 @charter.net or 231-429-0952.

Welcome Wednesdays at ‘Bama

Welcome Wednesdays potluck lunches are back at the Flora-Bama every Wednesday from Jan. 3 thru Feb. 28. The weekly lunch features live music, followed by drawings for goods, services and merchandise compliments of the Flora-Bama and local businesses. Music begins at 11 a.m. The noon buffet is $3 per person or free for those bringing a covered dish. The Flora-Bama is located directly on the Gulf at the Florida-Alabama state line. More info: florabama.com/events.

Fried chicken fundraisers

Sonora Masonic Lodge #635 F&AM will continue its 2024 annual fried chicken dinner fundraisers on Saturday, January 6th, February 3rd, and March 2nd from 11:00 am-1:00 pm or until supplies last. The lodge is located at 202 E. Jackson Street in Summerdale. Adult plates will be $12.00 and a child’s plate will be $6.00. 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, providing scholarships and supporting local community and school events.
For more information contact Randy Smith at randysmith342@gmail. com or visit the lodge’s Facebook page.

Ladies golf clinics

Snowbirds, public golfers and the GlenLakes community are welcome to participate in the Tuesday ladies golf clinics every Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. at Glenlakes Golf Club in Foley thru April 30. Cost is $15 per golfer, and reservations are not required. Meet in GlenLakes lobby.

Iowa

By Sue Holst
Iowans and their guests are encouraged to check our website, www.iowa-alabamagulfcoastsnowbirds.org for meeting reservations (due by noon one week prior to meeting), updates and information regarding all club events held through early March 2024. This year our meetings are held at 08:15, GT’s On The Bay, 26189 Canal Road, Orange Beach, with a cost of $15 per person. We will have two breakfast meetings in Jan and Feb, plus one in March. Cocktail parties will be January 19th and February 16th (reservations are not required for these). Wear comfortable attire, bring an appetizer/dish to share and your own beverages. We meet from 5-7pm at the Caribe, 28103 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Bldg. D, Orange Beach.

Get ready for a Bake Sale and More! hosted by Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church’s Altar Rosary Society! Join us on Saturday, February 3, from 8 AM to 2 PM for a blast of homemade goodies for dinner or dessert! like chili, soups, quiche, pie, pound cake, cookies, and king cakes. Grab a treat to go or savor it on site with a complimentary cup of coffee. But wait, there’s more excitement – basket raffles, a 50-50 raffle, and an arts and crafts area! Come out and support the organization that supports our community! https://olgal.org/bake-sale