SnowBird NEWS

Senior Softball

Attention Snowbirds & Locals over 50 years old. January to March. Senior Softball in Gulf Shores on Monday & Wednesday mornings at the Sportsplex on CR-6. Contact Mike Dunaway at 724-970-6219 or michaelraydunaway @gmail.com.

Feb. 29 Lions Club Dance includes $500 dance contest

The Gulf Shores Lions Club will present its First Annual 50’s and 60’s Dance Party on Saturday, Feb. 29 from 7-11 p.m. at the Gulf Shores American Legion (6781 Gulf Shores Pkwy.). Tickets are $20 and include a spaghetti dinner, a night of dancing, and an opportunity to dance your way to a $500 top prize during the event’s dance contest. For ticket information, call 251-709-9524 or 859-380-0781 or buy tickets online at eventbrite.com/e/gulf-shores-lions-club-50s-and-60s-dance-party-tickets.
Money raised at the dance will be used to fund local charities supported by the club.

Snowbird Bridge Club

The Gulf Shores Snowbird Bridge Club will start up again on Jan 8th and will be held weekly, every Wednesday, starting at 10 am at the Gulf Shores Country Club. The cost to play is $10 and includes a delicious lunch served by the Country Club restaurant. This is a social bridge club open to anyone who loves to play bridge (snowbirds and locals). For more information, call Jeanne at 614-898-9807.

New York

By Frank Panczyszyn
The New York Snowbirds have arrived at the beautiful Alabama-Florida Gulf Coast, and recently enjoyed their 2nd luncheon at Ginny Lanes. Averaging 75 New Yorkers and guests thus far, the meals were great as was their social connections, the informative presentations, and the door prizes. They will return to Ginny Lanes at the Wharf in Orange Beach on Thursday, February 6th for their 3rd luncheon. They will arrive on or before 11AM, to meet friends, followed by lunch. A $1 donation will be collected at registration to cover expenses and help build their winter-end contribution to local communities. Guest speaker on February 6th will be Joel Hamilton, the Director of the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Reservations are required by email to nysnowbirds@ gmail.com by February 3rd. They will gather again at Ginny Lanes on February 20th and March 5th.
There are plans for another casino bus trip to the Scarlet Pearl in Biloxi, and New York is sponsoring 5 tables for the Orange Beach-Gulf Shores Library fund raiser, Trivia Night, Saturday, February 8th. Doors open at 5PM at the Wharf’s Orange Beach Event Center. Anyone else not yet registered who would like to participate, contact Frank at nysnowbirds@gmail.com. They will also participate in the Brat Fest at the Orange Beach Community Center on February 8th selling beverages, 11am to 1pm, and look forward to seeing more NY’ers there to enjoy the Brats and Beer and the DJ!!! They will sponsor a hole at the South Baldwin Heritage Museum golf fund raiser at Glen Lakes on Tuesday, February 16th, and hopefully, field a team to take on the “big” states!!!
They are now looking for volunteers to organize a NY Ladies Luncheon. Any interest, contact Tracy at nysnowbirds@gmail.com .

The Low Country Boil fund raiser for the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is Friday, February 21st at the location of the new Zoo. New York is currently sold out of tickets for this event, as are many snowbird states! Following their last luncheon on March 5th, they plan to enjoy a dolphin cruise, with details to soon follow.

Iowa

By Fran Gruenhaupt
The Iowa Snowbirds will meet for breakfast at 8:30 am on Wednesday, February 5 at the Perdido Beach Resort, 27200 East Perdido Beach Boulevard in Orange Beach. The program will feature Bill Walton, Director of Auburn University Shellfish Lab and Associate Professor speaking about oyster farming. Reservations can be made on the website, Iowa-Alabamagulfcoastsnowbirds.org (preferred), or by calling or texting Chris and Steve Hedlund at 319-430-4597. Breakfast is $11.00. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The Club’s next Cocktail Party will be held on Friday evening, February 21, 5-7pm at the Caribe Resort, 28103 Perdido Beach Blvd., Building C, Orange Beach. No RSVP is required. Bring a dish to share and your own beverage. Many door prizes will be awarded during the social event.
Future breakfast dates are Wednesdays, February 5 and Feb.19. On March 4, 2020 a final informal breakfast will be held at Luna’s, reservations necessary, but no program at the event. Iowa has a golf group with golf sign-up through the website. Club members may check the website, Iowa-Alabamagulfcoastsnowbirds.org for updates, sign-ups, and a listing of activities available in the Gulf area.
While in the Gulf communities, the Iowa club members donate to various local charities. There is no membership fee and all Iowans and their guests are welcome at all club events.
Breakfasts, 8:30am at Perdido Beach Resort, Orange Beach, $11, reservations required on website, Iowa Alabamagulfcoastsnowbirds .org or by calling or texting Chris or Steve Hedlund, 319-430-4597: Wednesday, February 5; Wednesday, February 19; Wednesday, March 4 at Luna’s, Orange Beach, informal, no program, reservation needed.
Social cocktail parties: Friday, February 21, 5-7pm at Caribe Resort Building C, Orange Beach. No reservation. Bring dish to share and your own drink.
Golf Outings: Listed on website; Everyone welcome to register for events. Website: Iowa-Alabamagulfcoastsnowbirds.org.

Dakotas

Dakotas Snowbird Club is scheduled to meet January 14 and 28, February 4 and 11, and March 3, at 8:30 am for breakfast with a 9:00 am program at Luna’s Magnolia Hall in Orange Beach. The club also plans 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.

Auditions set for 2021 Snowbird Theater

By Judi Pugh
The Snowbird Season Theater Goup is looking for snowbird and local actors and actresses for the 2021 play A Bad Year for Tomatoes. Auditions are being held on Thursday, February 27 at 10 a.m. at the South Baldwin Community Theater at 2022 West 2nd Street in Gulf Shores.
For a copy of the script or more information, contact Larry Rebert at 269-330-4214 or larryrebert@ yahoo.com.
Not an actor or actress? We need carpenters for stage construction, set painters, stage hands, lighting and sound technicians, set designers, cookie bakers, box office staff and hospitality people to take tickets and serve wine & cheese and punch & cookies at intermission. Contact Larry Rebert about these support positions also.
Everyone enjoys the fun of the snowbird season play, but we can’t put it on without snowbirds and local talent. Come, be a part of making the show go on.

Tuesday Snowbird Coffee

By Mary Rebert
Tuesdays: Snowbird Coffee; 9 a.m. at 1720 Gulf Shores Parkway, Building “B”(Gulf Shores UMC complex) in Gulf Shores. Refreshments, entertainment, speakers & door prizes. Open to the public. Noentry fee. Donations are accepted to defray expenses. Schedule of entertainment: January 21: Andrea & Chris Carson bluegrass; January 28: Sandspur Band; February 4: Top Hat & Jackie; February 11: Mel Middlebrooks; Feb 18: Four Winds Barbershop; February 25: closed for Fat Tuesday; March 3: Orange Beach activities & Updates.

Michigan

By Jean Shouder

Michigan Club activities are in full swing. January 30 is the breakfast at Magnolia Hall. Contact Walt at bwsalis@frontier.com for more information on this and the luncheon at Playa on Feb. 13. Early membership/golf sign up will be Feb. 2 at the building behind Live Bait Restaurant from 1 -2:30. Membership is $5. Please bring correct change. The first Feb. Michigan Club Meeting will be Feb. 6 at the Erie Meyer Center. Coffee at 9 and meeting at 10am. Saturday Feb. 8 is the Brat Fest. The Brat Fest is sponsored by all northern states snowbird clubs to benefit the Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan Fire and Rescue Departments. Total contributions the past 15 years is now $169,000. For more information contact Blaine Rex at 269-744-1106. Also on Feb. 8 is the Annual Snowbird Trivia Night held at the Orange Beach Events Center at the Wharf 6-10pm. Ladies golf is held every Tuesday at Golf Links Course in Gulf Shores. Tee times start at 10am. Contact Sue Beach at 231-429-0952. On Feb. 3 Michigan Club Golf will be at Rock Creek with a 12pm shotgun start. Contact information Sheri Plumly 231-690-5290. Feb. 5 golf will be at Gulf Shores with tee times from 10 – 1230. Contact person is Nancy Grebe 586-295-4345. Feb. 10 golf at Quail Creek 12 pm shotgun start. Contact person is Bob Imhoff 616-897-5290. Feb. 12 golf will be at Craft Farms Cypress Course with 12 pm shotgun start. Tom Tylka contact person 517-499-5671. Another great Casino trip to Scarlet Pearl is scheduled for Feb. 12. For more information contact Pat Eppley 810-334-3508. For more information about the Michigan Club: mighiganclubalabama.com or michiganclubalabama@gmail.com.

Senior Line Dancing

Senior Line Dance Classes; Foley Senior Center; Wednesdays – $2 per class; 11:45 a.m. – Beginner; 12:30 p.m. – Improver; Annie Godfrey instructor.

GCAA offers art class options geared especially for snowbirds

The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance has scheduled art classes and a ukulele class designed especially for snowbirds. The classes are offered daily and prices vary. Private and group classes are available and many of the classes last for six weeks.
The GCAA, located at 225 E. 24th Ave. in the Waterway Village neighborhood of Gulf Shores, , 2020. Options include beginning pastel painting, acrylic painting, caligraphy, ukulele & string band. For more info, call 251-948-2627.

Cribbage on Fridays

Beginning Friday, January 10, 2020, 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.

Pickleball Tourney

Registration is now open for the Bama Beach Valentine Classic Pickleball Tournament to be played February 10-13 at the Foley Event Center. All skill and age levels from 2.0 and up are welcome. Please register at pickleballtournaments.com.
Registration ends January 31. Come and join us for this annual charity tournament that welcomes players from all over the southeast.

Indiana

By Becky Chatham-Heidenreich
We have a breakfast buffet meetings at the Luna Event Center which is behind Buzz Catz on Canal Rd. in OB. Doors open up at 7:30 with breakfast at 8. Membership is an annual fee of $2.50 and the breakfast is $10. (please no bills over $20 and no checks) Please call Jan Pell (317)914-5832 for reservations by the Tue. before the Thur. meeting. Come and enjoy the fun and renew old friendships and meet new friends. We have been blessed with many door prizes due to the generosity of several Gulf Coast businesses and we have a 50/50 raffle. All proceeds accumulated over the season are donated to various groups at the end of the season. Future meetings are: Feb. 6-speaker Desiree Blackwell. Director of Coastal Arts Center; Feb. 20-speaker Tony Kennon, mayor of OB; March 6-speaker Craig Stephenson, OB fire marshal. For our first meeting on Jan. 6 we had a record meeting of 132 attendance and we continued preparing for fund raising events. Door prizes were awarded and the 50/50 was won by Gary Robertson from Rossville o Jan. 9 and Ted Leach from Bloomington on Jan. 23. Come join us for the fun Feb. 6.

Minnesota

By Nancy Poferi
The Minnesota Snowbird Club meets each Tuesday for an informational breakfast, January 7 through March 10 at GT’s On The Bay located on 26189 Canal Rd, Orange Beach. Pre-registration required by the Friday before the Tuesday Breakfast via website link to Google Sheets. Thereafter, you may sign-up weekly at the breakfast or continue online registration. Doors open 7:30 am; breakfast 8:15 am. Cost: $10, includes tax and tip. Cash or check only. We cannot accept bills over $20. Food donations and/or cash are gratefully accepted at each meeting for the Christian Service Center, the dedicated project of the MN Club.
For breakfast signup link, information regarding upcoming events, golf tee times, or a contact number, please log onto the Minnesota Club website: mnal.org or the Facebook page: facebook.com and search @mnalclub.

Wisconsin

By Nancy Durgin
Orange Beach (OB) mayor, Tony Kennon, spoke about the state of the city and ongoing projects at the Jan. 22 meeting. Anyone who has resided in WI is welcome to attend. We collect Boxtops for Education from General Mills cereals and Johnson & Johnson products, motel-size toiletries, empty printer ink cartridges and pop-top rings. There is also a puzzle and book exchange.
At the meetings you will meet other WI sno-birds, learn about volunteer opportunities at the new Zoo, the Baldwin County Heritage Museum (BCHM) in Elberta, and other activities. We also have speakers from communities around us. Come to find out about day trips and sign up for fund-raising events that benefit local fire departments, libraries, Christian Service Group and BCHM! The Feb 8 Brat Fest will be held at the Orange Beach Community Center (OBCC). Card players meet at the Gulf Shores American Legion Post 44 on Hwy 59 every Friday at 9 am. Golfers will have special rates at the GlenLakes Golf Course. For more information please contact Kenn at 251-967-2463 OR wissnobirds@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, Feb. 5 – 8:30 am – meeting at OBEC; Saturday, Feb. 8 – 11 am – OBCC – Bob Gilray Memorial BRAT FEST; Saturday, Feb. 8 – 6 pm – OBEC – Trivia Night
Monday, Feb. 10 – 11:30 am – Singles meet at Doc’s Seafood, Canal Road, OB; Tuesday, Feb 11 – 1 pm – 8-pin No Tap Bowling – Gulf Bowl, Foley; Tuesday, Feb. 18 – 9 am – BCHM Golf Scramble @ GlenLakes Golf Club

Retired Law Enforcement Lunch

The annual Snowbird Retired Law Enforcement luncheon will be held on Feb. 19 at noon, at the American Legion Post 44, 6781 State Hwy. 59, Gulf Shores. All retired and former law enforcement officers and their spouses are invited. (active officers are also welcome) You may order from the lunch menu on your own. Please RSVP to Tom Westgate at 269-252-7029 so we can give the Legion a headcount.

Snowbird Broadway at GSUMC among church’s musical offerings

From “Another Opening, Another Show’ from Kiss Me Kate and “I Can’t Wait to be King’ from The Lion King, the 2020 Snowbird Broadway revue on Thursday and Friday, January 30 and 31 at 7pm in the GSUMC sanctuary will bring music lovers a wide variety of favorite melodies. In addition to Broadway music from Chicago and others, there will be musical tributes to the Beach Boys and the Hollies, along with a live band accompanying the 40-plus member choir. Featured soloists include several local favorites.
Following their major success collaborating with director Ken Burns on ‘Country Music, Three-on-a-String returns to the GSUMC auditorium on Monday and Tuesday, February 3 and 4 at 7pm for two nights of comedy and music. Actually four talented performers, their musicianship, song writing ability, performance skills and musical versatility make each concert an entertaining, educational and interactive experience.
Youthful Broadway on Friday, February 7 at 7pm will combine elements of last year’s Youth USO show with Broadway and movie hits from yesterday and today. The concerts features the GSUMC youth choir. Enjoy numbers from modern shows such as Spamalot and Guardians of the Galaxy to classic favorites from South Pacific and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Tickets at $10 per person for Broadway and Youthful Broadway and $15 per person for Three-in-a-String are available Monday through Friday from 9am to noon in Thee Coffee Shop at the GSUMC South Plaza Campus. Reserved seating is available for concert season supporters. For additional information, please feel free to contact the GSUMC office at 251-968-2411 or visit gulfshoresumc.org.

Winter Lecture Series

Throughout January and February, Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism will host its annual Winter Lecture Series, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the destination’s history, wildlife and culture.
The lecture series not only showcases the uniqueness of Alabama’s Gulf Coast, but also speaks to individual interest and schedules. Lectures are held at various times Mondays through Friday and highlight a broad range of interests including military history, local artisans and business updates. Featured topics this year include a demonstration of how to weave fabric by hand, a lesson on recognizing carnivorous plants at Weeks Bay Reserve, the history at Fort Morgan, and an update on the new Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo location.
This year’s lectures offer the opportunity for advanced registration. To ensure you get a seat at the lectures of your choice, register online at GulfShores.com/ lectures. All lectures will be held in the Gulf Shores Welcome Center located at 3459 Gulf Shores Parkway. Each lecture is free to the public and lasts approximately 60 minutes. Seating is limited, so visitors are encouraged to reserve a seat online.
F or a full lecture schedule or to reserve your seat, visit GulfShores.com/lectures.

Snowbird Singles

All Singles in Lower AL are invited to a monthly luncheon to meet and greet other singles. February’s luncheon will be Monday, February 10, at 11:30 am at Doc’s Seafood, 26029 Canal Road, Orange Beach. Contact Barb with questions at bionicbarbs@aol.com.

Bald. Co. Musuem Golf Scramble

By Nancy Durgin
Calling all Golfers. The Baldwin County Heritage Museum’s 8th Annual Golf Scramble is here! Tee time is 9 am at GlenLakes Golf Club on Tuesday, February 18. e are looking for golfers, hole sponsors and raffle donations. All of these benefit the not-for-profit facility. There will be a Hole-in-One contest, raffle prizes, auction and other events on the golf course.
We are raising funds to support the annual operating cost of the Museum. BCHM is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the family and early rural culture of Baldwin County. The Museum is free, open to the public from 10 am – 3 pm Wednesdays through Saturdays and located just east of Elberta on US-98. Contact Tammy at 251-986-8375 OR bchm@gulftel.com to register your team, ask questions or give your donation. Your contribution to this event will be supporting a valuable tool for teaching students of all ages.

Hay Mon! FOE Party Feb. 8

By TK Kipp
Hay, Mon, It’s time for another fun filled Island Vibe afternoon at the Fraternal Order of Eagles #4549!!!! It’s our second one and we are ready to party. When: Saturday February 8th. Time: 2 to 6 P.M. We want everyone to have fun and possibly raise a little money for our charities. So, get those coconuts dusted off, get those flip flops out of the closet, and shake the wrinkles out of your Hawaiian shirts. Good food, cheap beverages, and great music. See you on February 8th at 3859 Gulf Shores Parkway Unit 6!
Learn How To Surf Fish: On a separate note: Want to try your hand at surf fishing? K-W (Wiley Latner) will take you for a great time fishing for 4 hours, room for 5 only unless you have your own pole, for only $10.00, which includes pole, bait, and cleaning of your fish for next day pick-up. He is ready to go for February 1st, 8 A.M. to Noon (unless they are biting crazy) This is for those 65 and older. Call Fraternal Order of Eagles 4549, at 251-971-4549 to reserve your spot. No food or drinks are supplied, you are welcome to bring your own.

Wisconsin Synod Lutherans

Gulf Shores area WELS/ELS Members. Wisconsin Synod Lutherans will have local church services with Holy Communion conducted as follows: January 5 & 19, February 2 & 16 at St Jude by the Sea Lutheran Church, 312 E 16th Ave, Gulf Shores. Services will start at 4:00 with Bible class to follow. Make checks payable to Risen Savior Luth Church. For more info contact Evan Dobberfuhl, 715-573-0808 or tpcevan@gmail.com.

G.S. Men’s Coffee Club

The Gulf Shores Men’s Snowbird Coffee Club will hold their first meeting of the 2020 season on Friday, January 3 at 7:30 a.m. All meetings are held at Ginny Lane Bar and Grill at the Wharf, 4851 Wharf Pkwy. E., Orange Beach every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Membership information is available at these meetings. The oldest continually active snowbird club has more than 300 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 Fridays at noon at Meyer Park in Gulf
Shores.

Illinois

By Dave DeBlauw
The Illinois snowbird club held it’s 2nd breakfast/meeting of this season on Jan 24th at GT’s on the Bay.
The following events still remain: February 07 @ 8:00 – Breakfast at GTs On the Bay (doors open at 7:45); 08 @ 10-1 – Snowbird Brat fest – Orange Beach Community Center. This is an event for the entire community; 08 @ 6:00 -Trivia Night – Orange Beach Events Center. This is an event for the entire community; 11 @ 5:00 – Potluck and Games – Orange Beach Sr. Activity Center; 19 @ 9:30 – Book Club at Orange Beach Library (“Where the crawdads sing”); 20 @ 8:00 – Breakfast at GTs On the Bay (doors open at 7:45); 27 @ 12:00 – Picnic in the Park, Johnnie Sims Park, 348 W. 19th Ave.

Plantation Church Service

Plantation Church service all winter until Easter. The Plantation, Bldg #4 Conference Room, 9am every Sunday. Everyone welcome. For more info. Kent Gerber, Chaplain, (336) 529 2372.

Senior Snowbird Potluck

For the 24th consective year, the Senior Snowbird Potluck will run each Thursday from January 16th through the month of February (excepting January 30th). All seniors, visitors and locals are welcome. Plan to bring a dish to pass that will feed 8 -10 persons. Drinks and table service will be provided. The weekly meetings will be held at the Orange Beach Community Center on Canal Road at 12 Noon. Information: 981-6060.

Sweet Harmony Chorus

By Pamula Rustan
Sweet Harmony Chorus, a Women’s Barbershop chorus, is looking for women singers to join this group for our 2020 season. We sing a variety of music in 4 part acapella style of close harmony. No experience needed. We have tapes to assist in learning the music. Rehearsal Schedule is Monday afternoon from 1:30 to 4:30 at Gulf Shore United Methodist Church Choir Room. We will be performing for the Ohio Club on Feb. 19th and our full show is Feb. 29 at the Gulf Breeze RV Park. If interested come to our rehearsal or contact Pamula Rustan, Director at 701-260-0670.

Mt. Dulimer Players

Mt Dulcimer Players w some experience – We meet every Mon 10:00-11:30 am, and Wed 2:00-3:30, St Andrew by the Sea, 17263 Fort Morgan Rd, Gulf Shores, January through March. Call Michelle for more info 317-446-0500

Snowbird Bridge

By Jeanne Haber
Every Wednesday thru March. Gulf Shores Snowbird Bridge, 10 a.m. Social bridge open to all. $10 includes lunch. Gulf Shores Golf Club, 520 Clubhouse Drive, Gulf Shores.

Sewflakes meet Tuesdays

Calling all who craft, sew, quilt, knit, crochet, make jewelry, etc. Are you looking for a place to share ideas, get inspiration, help with your craft or just someone to sit with and share your craft. Our Sewflakes group will be meeting every Tuesday until March 1. Come join us on Tuesday mornings 8:30 to 11:30am at First Presbyterian Church of Gulf Shores, 309 East 21st Avenue, Gulf Shore. More info: 315-807-8585.

Ohio

By Gayle Hofacker
Welcome to Ohio Snowbird members and new friends! Club sponsored activities include a Breakfast Meeting on Wednesday, February 5, and Wednesday, February 19. Programs include speakers, 50/50 raffle, Door prizes from members and local businesses. We also have a puzzle and book exchange. The breakfast meetings are held at the Cosmos/Luna’s Event Center on Canal Road. Doors open at 8 AM and the Buffet Breakfast is served starting at 9:00 am. Please contact Gayle Hofacker at 937-621-1700 no later than the Sunday before the meeting date. The cost for the Breakfast Buffet is $10 per person. Club Membership is $5.00 per person per year. Planned trips and local excursions are also some of the activities that members can participate in. A farewell luncheon will be on Wednesday, March 4 at GT’s (down the road to the east of the Event Center.) We’re hoping to see a lot of returning members and welcome many new members to our club.

Yooper Luncheon

The 37th annual Yooper luncheon will be held Wednesday, February 12. Doors open at 11:30, buffet lunch served at 12 noon. Buffet of 3 meats, sides, coffee, and iced tea. Cost is $15.00 includes tax and gratuity. Cash only to be collected at the door by UP crew. It will be held at Magnolia Hall, Luna’s Cosmos Courtyard, 25753 Canal Road, Orange Beach. All UP folks and friends past and present are invited. Questions: call Gary Boushelle 989-387-0332 or Dan Inglis 906-440-0866.

Ancient Aviators

By Dick Bensman
Ancient Avaiators meet at 8:45 am on the 1st Tuesday of each month in the Bingo Room of Post 44 of the American Legion at 6781 Hwy 59 in Gulf Shores. We either have a guest speaker (about 1 to 1-1/2 hrs. duration), OR, the attendees ‘just tell’ aviation related or other interesting life stories. We normally conclude by about 10:30 am. Our 13+ year old group has no by-laws, minutes, dues or officers. Both men and women attend, some who flew in their military or civilian life, or who just have a general interest in aviation. A full hot breakfast available for $6 at 8:30 prior to mtg. All area residents or snowbirds are invited; no reservations needed. Info: 251-990-8258.

Welcome Wednesdays at ‘Bama

Welcome Wednesdays are back at the Flora-Bama every Wednesday through March 4. Snowbirds and locals alike come together for good times, good music, great food and fellowship here in the Flora-Bama Tent. The weekly lunch social features Live Music beginning at 11 a.m., followed by drawings for goods, services and merchandise compliments of the Flora-Bama and local businesses, and a lunch buffet that begins serving at 1 p.m. The buffet is $3 per person or free for those bringing a side dish

Phoenix Art Show Feb. 15

Feb. 15; Sat. 10 to 1pm at Phoenix East meeting room – 27120 Perdido Beach Rd.,Orange Beach; Al. Come and meet the artists and enjoy treats and coffee on us.

Bratfest is Feb. 8

By Nancy Durgin
The 22nd Annual Bob Gilray Memorial Brat Fest will take place on Saturday, February 8, at the Orange Beach Community Center (OBCC), 27235 Canal Road OB, beginning at 11 am. Johnsonville brats will be sold for $4 with soda, tea or coffee available for $1. Indoor seating is available and there will be a 50/50 raffle. You are also able to take your brat to go. The funds raised benefit the Fire Departments at Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Fort Morgan. Everyone is welcome. Come out to support you local fire departments.

Craft Show Feb. 19

Craft and Hobby Show; Wednesday, February 19, 9-1; Activities room at Grand Pointe Condominiums; 27284 Gulf Road, Orange Beach; Across from San Roc Cay; Handcrafted jewelry, glassware, paintings, greeting cards , misc.; Call Judie McCoy 765-860-8520 for informations or directions. Everyone Welcomed.

Dulcimer Workshop Feb. 5

Mountain Dulcimer One-Day Workshop with Stephen Seifert, Wed, Feb 5, St Andrew by the Sea, 10 – 4. 17263 Fort Morgan Rd, Gulf Shores. Potluck lunch. Bring a dish to pass. For more information and to register, call Michelle Fife 317-446-0500.

Free Walks and Talks at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge will host a series of free Walks and Talks in January and February covering the topics of Dynamic Dunes, Birds, Local Habitats, and Marine Ecosystems. The History of U-boats in the Gulf, Sharks and the History of the Sea Turtle Conservation Movement are other topics. The talks will be held at the Ft. Morgan Volunteer Fire Department at 12105 State Highway 180 (Ft. Morgan Rd. in Gulf Shores. These are very popular events and reservations are required. The guided tours are limited to 12 people and the talks are limited to 24 people. Call the Refuge office at 251-540-7720 to book a walk or a talk, or drop into the office at 12295 State Highway 180 in Gulf Shores.

Winter Walks and Talks Schedule

Thursday Jan. 30th – 9:00 am- Nature Walk- Pine Beach Trail
Friday, Jan. 31st – 8:30 am- Bird & Nature Walk- Pine Beach Trail
Tuesday, Feb. 4th – 8:30 am- Bird Walk- Jeff Friend Trail
Tuesday, Feb. 4th- 10:00 am- U-Boats in the Gulf- Ft. Morgan VFD Station #1
Thursday, Feb. 6th – 3:00 pm- Dynamic Dunes – Mobile Street Parking Lot
Friday, Feb. 7th- 8:30 am- Bird & Nature Walk- Pine Beach Trail
Saturday, Feb 8th- 9:30 am -Medicinal & Edible Plant Walk – Jeff Friend Trail (Office will be closed)
Tuesday, Feb. 11th – 8:30 am- Bird Walk- Jeff Friend Trail
Tuesday, Feb. 11th 10:00 am- Shark Spiel- Ft. Morgan VFD Station #1
Thursday, Feb. 13th- 10:00 am- Guided Beach Walk- Mobile Street Parking Lot
Thursday, Feb. 13th- 3:00 pm- Dynamic Dunes – Mobile Street Parking Lot
Friday, Feb. 14th- 8:30 am- Bird & Nature Walk- Pine Beach Trail
Tuesday, Feb. 18th – 8:30 am- Bird Walk- Jeff Friend Trail
Tuesday, Feb. 18th 10:00 am- Sea Turtle History -Ft. Morgan VFD Station 1
Thursday, Feb. 20th – 3:00 pm- Dynamic Dunes – Mobile Street Parking Lot
Friday, Feb. 21st- 8:30 am- Bird & Nature Walk- Pine Beach Trail