Snowbird News
Snowbird blood drive Feb. 12
By David Angle
Pleasure Island Blood Drive is on Monday, February 12 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 260 Clubhouse Drive in 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. Any questions, please call David Angle at 248-797-9852.
Law Enforcement Luncheon
By Tom Westgate
The annual Snowbird Retired Law Enforcement Luncheon will be held at noon, Feb. 21 at the American Legion Post 44, 6781 Gulf Shores Pkwy (State Hwy 59) in Gulf Shores. 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.
Indiana
By Becky Chatham-Heidenreich
We encourage you to attend the first meeting of the 2024 season which will be Jan.11. Mandatory dues are $2.50 per person. This year we will be meeting & lunching at the Live Bait Event Center (24281 Perdido Blvd.) on the second and fourth Thursdays of Jan. & Feb. The doors will be open at 9:45am and the meeting will begin at 10:00 am. Lunch will be served at 11am. Reservations must be made 3 days before the meeting date. The cost is $15 per person. You will have a choice of 4 different entrees and 2 sides. Any questions and to make reservations call Sharon Kimmel (260))229-4344. If you choose not to partake in the meal, you are still welcome to attend the meeting without registering.
At the meetings we have a 50/50 drawing, door prizes, a Calendar Drawing Fundraiser, signing up for the next meeting, and having much fun.
For the first meeting Grant Brown, Gulf Shores Public Information & Cultural Affairs Officer will be the speaker. He will present information about all the exciting plans for Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area. Our speaker for the meeting on Jan. 25 will be Ginny Barnas and she will be telling us about the Miracle League of Coastal Alabama.
We will be having a social luncheon on Jan. 15 at Villaggio Grill (4790 Wharf Pkwy, Orange Beach) Please relay your attendance to Becky Heidenreich (260)760-5130) by Jan. 11. We will order from the restaurant menu & will be getting to know each other and you can sign up and prepay for the Jan. 25th meeting meal. Come to enjoy other persons who have a connection to Indiana.
Wisconsin
By Nancy Durgin
The WI Sno-birds will meet on Tuesday, January 23, at 8:30 am for coffee and donuts with the meeting starting at 9 am at the Orange Beach Event Center, 4671 Wharf Parkway W in Orange Beach. Everyone who has lived in WI is welcome to attend. We will have a speaker from Orange Beach, the date of a potluck meal, golf dates, news about the February 8-pin No Tap Bowling Event. We collect empty printer cartridges, pop top rings, motel soaps and toiletries, boxtops from General Mills and Johnson & Johnson products. Remember that Sheepskin cards are played every Friday from 9 am to noon at the Gulf Shores American Legion, 6781 AL-59.
For more information please call Mike at 414-303-5904 or google the WisconsinSnobirds to find our website. Our next meeting will be Wed., February 7, same time and place.
Dulcimer Players & Lessons
Mt Dulcimer Players: meet starting Jan 8 until the beginning of March, Mondays 10:00-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 9:00-9:45 a.m. Jan 15 until March. St Andrew by the Sea, 17263 Fort Morgan Rd, Gulf Shores. Dulcimers available to rent. Please call Michelle to register 317-446-0500
Illinois
By John James
We will meet for lunch at Cobalt on 12/28/23 for early arrivals. The Welcome Back Coffee is on January 5th at 9:00 at the OB Senior Activity Center. Breakfasts are at GT’s On The Bay at 7:45 on Fridays 1/12, 1/26, 2/9 and 2/23. Potlucks are at the OB Senior Activity Center at 5:30 on 1/16 and 2/20. Book Club at OB Library at 10:00 on 1/18 and GS Library at 2/15. Info: 847-220-1674.
Snowbird Men/Women Chorus
By Pamula Rustan
Women and Men Singers Come Join Us! Sweet Harmony/ Four Winds Chorus is a group of men and women snowbirds and local residents who like to sing acapella music in the barbershop close harmony style.
We meet from January through mid March , one day a week {every Mondays or Thursdays Jan 4, Jan. 18 , Feb.22 at 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm} at Gulf Shores Methodist Church (1900 Gulf Shores Pkwy) Choir Room. All ranges of talent are welcome. We have training tapes for rapid learning. The chorus has a lot of fun, laughs and musical experiences. We historically performed locally 3-4 times in February and March.
This is a building year so we welcome all singers.. We want to grow the chorus to its previous strength of 19 to 20 members. Come and join us for a fun musical experience. For more info, call Pamula Rustan, director at 701-260-0670 or viewpt01@gmail.com. Also visit sweetharmonychorus.org . We are also in need of a rehearsal pianist.
G. S. Snowbird Coffee Club
The Gulf Shores Snowbird Coffee Club will hold their first meeting of the 2024 season on Friday, January 5 at 8 a.m. at Ginny Lane Bar and Grill at the Wharf, 4851 Wharf Pkwy. E.,Orange Beac. Remaining meetings will be held every Monday morning from 7:00 – 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 weekly golf outings, sponsors casino trips and conducts breakfast meetings for members and spouses. The club also throws horseshoes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Meyer Park in Gulf Shores. Officers for the 2024 season are: Dale Orchard, president, Michigan; Mike Culverhouse, vice president,
Michigan; Tom Lanan, secretary, Illinois and Tom Williams, treasurer, Michigan.
Cribbage
By Barbara Beamish
Beginning Friday, January 12, 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. The cost is $5. For additional information contact Barbara Beamish at 989-464-8605. All Cribbage players are welcome!
Michigan
By Dave Ferguson
Michigan’s Club next meeting will be on January 18, 2024, at The Island Church, 25550 Canal Road in Orange Beach, Coffee 9 AM, meeting starts at 10 AM. When turning into the church driveway, turn right to the church’s auditorium. There is apply parking on the west side of the driveway. The club will have Breakfast at Magnola Hall (next to Luna’s) on January 25, 2024, at 8:30. The cost is $12.50. Tickets are available at the club meeting or call Walt Salisbury on 231-755-7999.
We will be golfing every Monday and Wednesday until March 8, 2023. Our golf schedule can be found at the Michigan Club website at “michiganclubalabama.com”. This year we are again welcoming all snowbirds from all the snowbird clubs to join our golf outings. 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. Our next four golf outings and contacts are as follows: 1-15-24 at Soldiers Creek Golf course, Dave Ferguson, 989-435-9085; 1/17/23 at Gulf Shores Golf course, Mary Rossi, 616-295-4449; 1/22/24 at Kiva Duns golf course, Dave Eppley, 810-334-5947; 1-24-24, and Rock Creek Golf course, Pat Buron, 231-392-1243. We will also have Ladies golf. It will be every Tuesday, weather permitting, at Gulf Links Golf Center on 59. 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.
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
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.
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.
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 a all inclusive cost of $19.50 per person that will be 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.
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.
Iowa
By Sue Holst
Iowa Snowbirds are invited to attend events held during January through early March 2024. All Iowans and their guests are welcome to all club events; no membership fee to join. Our first breakfast meeting is 8:15 January 10th featuring Orange Beach City Administrator, Ford Handley. The meeting will be held at GT’s On The Bay, 26189 Canal Road, Orange Beach. The cost will be $15 per person. Reservations are required for all breakfast meetings (deadline is noon the week before) which can be made on the website, www.iowa-alabamagulfcoastsnowbirds.org (preferred), or by calling or texting Chris and Steve Hedlund at 319-430-4597. A 50/50 drawing is held at each breakfast with door prizes awarded. Iowa club members support various local charities while in the Gulf community such as the fire departments, libraries, zoo, etc. The first Iowa Cocktail party is scheduled for Friday, January 19th from 5-7PM at the Caribe Resort, Building D, 28103 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach. No RSVP is required. Wear comfortable attire, bring an appetizer/dish to share and your own beverage.
The Iowa golf schedule and sign-up for tee times is posted at iowa-alabamagulfcoastsnowbirds.org. Club members are encouraged to check the website for updates, sign-ups, and a listing of activities in the Gulf area.
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.
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.
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.
Jan. 26 Foley Civic Center dance
honors the late, great John Brust
By Gail Calma Sims
The Frank Calma Welcome Back Snowbirds Dance will be held on Friday, January 26 from 6-9 p.m. at the Foley Civic Center, 407 E. Laurel Avenue (Hwy 98.
BYOB – Setups, Chips, soft drinks and water will be furnished. Feel free to bring appetizers. Cost is $25 per person, and dress is casual. Ticket information: 251-752-7422
Mark your calendars! This will be a tribute to John Brust, who has blessed our lives for the past 40 years here on the Gulf Coast with the All-Star Band! John went to be with the Lord on June 29, 2023 and our lives will be forever changed. Jerry Anderson has put the band together for that evening, and we want you all to be with us and share in the tribute! It will be a wonderful evening of dancing and celebration of John’s life!
This will be the16th Annual Frank Calma Memorial Welcome Back Snowbirds Dance sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, Elberta Council 2736 to raise money for local charities. John and Jerry are the reason our dance has been so successful. The Snowbirds and the locals all want to be there on the dance floor! Frank’s dream was realized each and every year because of this band. So thankul for their support all these years.
Snowbird Hootenannies
Get ready for a hoedown at the Flora-Bama. The Snowbird Hootenannies are not just an event; they are a celebration of community and the lively spirit of the Gulf Coast. Entrance for each event is only $10 per person. Hurry, as tickets are limited, and they will sell out! Tickets must be purchased online or in person before the event date. No tickets will be available at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at visitPerdido.com or PerdidoChamber.com, by phone at 850-492-4660, or in person at the Chamber office at 15500 Perdido KeDrive.
Dates are: January 11 – New Year, New Boots; January 25 – Sweetheart Saloon; February 8 – Mardi Gras Ho don.
Mambo; February 22 – Hawaiian Hoe.
Missouri
By Mark Rethemeyer
You’ don’t have to be from Missouri and you don’t have to be a member to join us for our activities. If you are looking to get involved and make some new friends while you are snowbirding at the Gulf, then take this as your personal invitation, and we hope to see you soon! It is just this easy – go to our website and sign-up for our activities – and then just show up. We just can’t make it any easier – missourisnowbirds.org. Like us on Facebook: Missouri Club of Gulf Shores
We meet 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! Just go to our website and sign up!
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.
Taste of St. Peter’s is Jan. 28
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, located at 6270 Bon Secour Hwy. (at the corner of Ct. Rds. 10 & 49) in historic Bon Secour, will host its annual Taste of St. Peter’s on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 11 a.m. ‘til 1 p.m. or until the food runs out. It is a wonderful opportunity for the larger community to gather and sample the local delicacy that is fried mullet in the picturesque town.
In addition, the menu features hush puppies, potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, desserts, tea, water and coffee. Plates are $12 each eat in or take out.
There will also be a bake sale with lots of homemade goodies prepared by the Ladies of St. Peter’s. For more info, call 251-949-6254 or visit stpetersbonsecour.com.
Always popular with winter guests, the Taste is an opportunity to enjoy the food that made the Gulf Coast famous while meeting friends new and old.
Snowbird Trivia Night Feb. 17
The South Baldwin Literacy Council and The 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.
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). Deadline is Feb. 5. For more info, call 251-850-3965 or 251-233-7336. The Orange Beach Library can also register teams in their computer lab.
This year’s event will include a silent auction. As always, bring your own food and drink. Prizes are awarded for best table theme.
Tacky Jacks Wacky Winter of Fun
By Tara McMeans
The 8th Annual Tacky Jacks Wacky Winter of Fun series continues on Monday, Jan. 15 from 10-11:30 am at the Orange Beach location. It will be “Hands on Habitat” with a hands on educational nature series with the Gulf State Park Nature Center. 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.
• Tuesday, January 16, 10-11:30 am (Orange Beach); Art al Fresco “Beachy Shell Frame”; Learn how to make a Beachy Shell Frame. Bring your own special shells or use ours. All Ages lunch and learn $25 includes a $10 Tacky Jacks Gift Card. RSVP online. Arrive 15 minutes early.
• Monday, January 22, 10-11:30 am (Gulf Shores); Art al Fresco “Shark Tooth Jewelry”; Learn how to create jewelry with real sharks’ teeth. All Ages lunch and learn $25 includes a $10 Tacky Jacks Gift Card. RSVP online. Arrive 15 minutes early.
• Tuesday, January 23, 10-11:30 am (Orange Beach); Art al Fresco “Book Cover Purse”; Create a unique purse from an upcycled hardcover book. All Ages lunch and learn $35 includes a $10 Tacky Jacks Gift Card. RSVP online. Arrive 15 minutes early.
• Monday, January 29, 10-11:30 am (Gulf Shores); Art al Fresco “Pet Portrait in Frame Painting”; Create a custom pet portrait of your furry friend on a glass surface. Learn this easy technique. All Ages lunch and learn $25 includes a $10 Tacky Jacks Gift Card. RSVP online.
Arrive 15 minutes early.
• Tuesday, January 30, 10-11:30 am (Orange Beach); Art al Fresco “Yarn Vase”
Create an upcycled wine bottle and yarn vase. All Ages lunch and learn $25 includes a $10 Tacky Jacks Gift Card. RSVP online. Arrive 15 minutes early.
• Monday, February 5, 10-11:30 am (Gulf Shores); Art al Fresco “Hand Painted Hats”; Create a custom hand painted fedora hat. All Ages lunch and learn $30 includes a $10 Tacky Jacks Gift Card. RSVP online. Arrive 15 minutes early.
• Tuesday, February 6, 10-11:30 am (Orange Beach); Art al Fresco “Mardi Gras Long Sleeve Tie Dye Shirt”; Create a custom Mardi Gras tie dye long sleeve shirt. All Ages lunch and learn $30 includes a $10 Tacky Jacks Gift Card. RSVP online. Arrive 15 minutes early.
• 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.”