February 2013 - Snowbirds Gulf Coast

Transcription

February 2013 - Snowbirds Gulf Coast
Snowbirds
!
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Gulf Coast
A Winter Visitor Publication
February 2013
Canada Day
Event
Calendar
Mardi Gras
Parades
16-17
26
In print and online
SnowBirdsGulfCoast.com
9
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Escape the cold and find your beach retreat here along the Gulf Coast. We have
amenity-filled condos and homes in Northwest Florida and Alabama available for
long term rental at low rates — and some properties can accommodate stays
as short as a month.
Enjoy walks along uncrowded beaches and experience natural beauty and adventure at numerous state parks dotting the Gulf Coast. Get out and enjoy area
attractions like Destin’s outdoor shopping malls and plan exciting day trips to
uncover Civil War history in Fort Morgan, Alabama, to name a few. Our mild
temperatures allow you to take advantage of championship golf and tennis. And
did we mention the countless organized activities and events specifically for
snowbirds at all of our destinations?
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Perdido Key Navarre Beach Fort Walton Beach Destin Beaches of South Walton Panama City Beach Alabama Gulf Coast Pensacola Beach
4
Index
Winters are Wonderful
Open Daily 8am to 5pm
Shopping s Dining s Groups Welcome
I-10 to Exit 15A s Theodore, Alabama s 800.247.8420
www.bellingrath.org
Gulf Coast
Snowbirds
Publisher’s Welcome.............................................................................................................. 6
Canada Day............................................................................................................................ 9
Snowbird Clubs................................................................................................................10-11
Snowbird Snaps...............................................................................................................12-15
Events Calendar...............................................................................................................16-17
Library News.........................................................................................................................18
Mardi Gras Museum and Parades......................................................................................20
Taste of Mardi Gras..............................................................................................................21
Dental Health....................................................................................................................... 22
Arts and Entertainment...................................................................................................... 24
Casino Fun......................................................................................................................26-27
Fishing Piers........................................................................................................................28
Grapefruit League................................................................................................................ 29
Suddenly Senior...................................................................................................................30
SnowBIRDS
!
EE
FR
On The cover
Gulf Coast
Carol and Phil Holdsworth and three other couples from
Canada spend the winter in South Walton County enjoying
their friendships, moderate weather and Pickleball.......... 8
A Winter Visitor Publication
February 2013
Canada Day
Event
Calendar
Mardi Gras
Parades
9
16-17
26
In print and online
SnowBirdsGulfCoast.com
Glenn Miller Orchestra Concert – February 5 at 7 p.m.
Tickets on sale now at www.navalaviationmuseum.org/GlennMiller.
Breakfast and a Movie – $8.00 per person
Watch a classic film on the IMAX Giant Screen while
enjoying a light breakfast and coffee served in a
take-home souvenir travel mug. Movies start at 9 a.m.
February 5 – To Fly
February 12 – Storm Chasers
February 19 – Hurricane on the Bayou
February 26 – To Fly
Publisher: Karen Harrell
[email protected]
Art Director: Renee Culpepper
Writers and Contributors: Karen Harrell, Amy Minchin
Cover photo: Randy Hamilton
Distribution: Info Depot, NW Florida
Clubs, Calendar and website: Donna Ball
Contact: 850-291-1266 or [email protected]
We will drive your auto, van, light truck, U Haul or
RV ANYWHERE in the continental United States!
Contact us for a quote:
[email protected] or
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BOArDwALK
Beach ResoRt
February 2013
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Snowbirds
Calender of events
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Fun FiT
SeniorS 1
9am
boardwalk Condo
activities Center
850-628-7409
SnoWbird 3
danCe
3-6pm
boardwalk
Convention Center
Live MuSiC in
ruSTy anChor
Pat C : 6-9pm
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SnoWbird
danCe
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5
Valentine’s Snowbird
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Featuring a
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& DJ Jim Lawson
Woody & The
Peckers : 6-9pm
Dinner
11 Buffet 12
Starts at 5pm
tickets on sale nOW
850-234-3484
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3-6pm
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14
8
9
SWeeT
harMony
KaraoKe
9am
6-9pm
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bar & Grill
850-628-7409
15
16
SWeeT
harMony
KaraoKe
Fun FiT
SeniorS
19
boardwalk Condo
activities
Center
Live MuSiC in
ruSTy anChor
Woody & The
Peckers : 6-9pm
20
SnoWbird
danCe
3-6pm
boardwalk
Convention Center
Live MuSiC in
ruSTy anChor
850-628-7409
21
euChre
7pm
26
27
Live MuSiC in
ruSTy anChor
Woody & The
Peckers : 6-9pm
6-9pm
rusty anchor
bar & Grill
22
Fun FiT
SeniorS
9am
boardwalk Condo boardwalk Condo
activities
activities
Center
Center
850-628-7409
Woody & The
Peckers : 6-9pm
25
Fun FiT
SeniorS
9am
Pat C : 6-9pm
boardwalk
Convention Center
Live MuSiC in
ruSTy anChor
850-628-7409
Dance 7-10pm
boardwalk
Convention Center
Live MuSiC in
ruSTy anChor
24
3-6pm
7
euChre
7pm
6-9pm
rusty anchor
bar & Grill
boardwalk Condo
boardwalk
boardwalk Condo
Convention Center
activities
activities
Live MuSiC in
Center
Center
ruSTy anChor
3-6pm
SnoWbird
danCe
SnoWbird6
danCe
SWeeT 2
harMony
KaraoKe
23
SWeeT
harMony
KaraoKe
6-9pm
rusty anchor
bar & Grill
28
euChre
7pm
boardwalk Condo
activities
Center
850-628-7409
Pat C : 6-9pm
850-234-3484
boardwalkbeachresort.com
rUSty anCHOr 2-4-1
Daily Specials
For more information
please call us at:
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(Located inside the Boardwalk Beach Resort Convention Center)
Welcome!
6
February is the peak of the Snowbird season. Did
you know that many people still in the workforce squirrel
away as many weeks vacation as possible and they too are
“Snowbirds.” You probably have a few of those who visit you
each year.
Our cover couple, Carol and Phil Holdsworth, are among
a sizable group of Canadians who gather on the Gulf Coast each year. They leave all
the arctic air and gather with three other couples from Ontario where they enjoy the
proximity of staying in the same condo complex. Although the four couples do many
things together, they also enjoy activities of the area and the different clubs. I met Phil
at the Destin Community Center where a lively game of Pickleball was being played and
later discovered he had formed the popular new league there just last year.
February is an even more crowded event month this year with ongoing Mardi Gras
celebrations being staged in the area. Fat Tuesday is Feb. 12 and you won’t want to go
home without a bag full of beads and stories to share about the colorful sights you will
see. You’ll find a sampling of Mardi Gras parades and events along with a story on the
Mobile Mardi Gras Museum in this edition.
Also, to get you in the mood, we visit the Acme Oyster House tucked away at The
Village of Baytown Wharf in the Sandestin Resort just east of Destin, Fla. Here you’ll
find all your tasty favorites such as red beans and rice, flavorful gumbo and yummy
bread pudding with a whiskey sauce.
A couple of years ago I attended opening day of Spring Training in Tampa, Fla.,
and caught a glimpse of George Steinbrenner before he passed away. Known as “The
Grapefruit League,” the experience is one I highly recommend. Not only are ticket prices
much lower, the atmosphere is different sitting out in the Florida sunshine with the
players and the action in full view.
We caught a few of you in our “Snaps” pages and this next month we will be out
getting even more photos for our Spring edition. Smile and show the folks back home
how much fun you are having!
This past summer I attended my first AARP convention in New Orleans. At 52, I’ve
been on their email and mailing list for a while now. The event had a stellar lineup of
speakers and I had a chance to do a meet-and-greet with the Travel Channel’s Samantha
Brown (pictured with me above) who was pregnant with twins. Her son and daughter
were born in mid-January and I’d like to offer my congratulations. She is as nice as she
seems – always refreshing!
The theme of the event was Life Reimagined, which is something we all have to do
at certain times of our lives. My husband and I did not stop for the entire three days of
the convention and we marveled at the energy we found there. It just reinforced what I
already knew – retirement can be energizing!
Visit our booth Feb. 7 at the Alabama Advantage Retirement Expo in Orange Beach,
Ala., and the Feb. 14 Fort Walton Beach Guest Fest on Okaloosa Island, Fla.
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As always, we are glad you are here!
Best,Best,
Karen Harrell, Publisher
850-291-1266 or [email protected]
To read our full archives visit: www.snowbirdsgulfcoast.com/magazine-archives
Missing a little bit of home?
Looking for some action?
Come experience the excitement of Pensacola Ice Flyers Hockey!
Tickets start
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10
Feb. 1, 2, 12, 15, 23 and 24
www.pensacolaiceflyers.com
or call 850-466-3111 for more information.
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8
Canadians Enjoy
Winter on the Coast
By Karen Harrell
Carol and Phil Holdsworth and a collection of
friends and neighbors from “back home” near Ontario,
Canada, have formed their own little Snowbird Club in
Miramar Beach, Fla.
A group of four couples – all Canadians – stay at
the Beach House Condos in South Walton County on
the Florida Panhandle where the winters are a bit cooler
than South Florida but the pace is quieter.
“We first went to Clearwater but it was just too
busy,” Phil said. “Someone suggested we try up here and
we liked it straight away.”
The Holdsworths and friends, Rita and Harvey
Brown and Twyla and Malcolm Brandeth and another
couple gather for evening cocktails and often meet for
dinner and other activities. The condo management
host a weekly Friday evening get-together the couples all
enjoy.
The condos are gulf-front and the Holdsworth have
a first floor unit and can walk right out to the Gulf of
Mexico. Other amenities include heated swimming pool
and tennis courts just steps away.
All agree that the area offers value and quality –
and an opportunity to maintain good health since the
weather is usually moderate compared to the arctic air
they sometimes experience back in Canada.
Phil formed a new Pickleball League last year with
the help of staff at the Destin Community Center and the
sport quickly caught on with Snowbirds and locals alike.
Phil also plays in a senior softball league with other
Snowbirds who compete with teams from across the
region. The other couples also play tennis and golf and
all love to walk the beach.
“We do a lot more here than we do at home,” Phil
said. “There’s something to do every day. At home (in
winter) it is dark and cold.”
The local arts scene is something the foursome
enjoy, especially the annual Soundstations show at the
Mattie Kelly Arts Center at the Northwest Florida State
College campus in Niceville, Fla.
They also enjoy getting together at the area club
meetings and participating in the activities.
What they don’t find “at home” are the annual Mardi
Gras celebrations staged all along the coast.
Phil saves the Mardi Gras beads he collects and uses
them to cheer up the children at the ER where he volunteers back in Canada.
He said he likes to see them smile.
About Pickleball
ABOUT PICKLEBALL
Pickleball is played on the same sized court as doubles
for badminton with a 34-inch net and is one of the fastestgrowing games in the world. Played with a paddle and a
perforated plastic baseball that is similar to a whiffle ball, the
game is a combination of tennis and ping pong.
Phil Holdsworth convinced staff at the Destin Community
Center to start a league last Snowbird season and it quickly
grew. There are two days of play each week during Snowbird
season on Mondays and Wednesdays from Noon to 2 p.m.
with 30 paddles to loan out for visitors.
Destin Community Center is located at101 Stahlman Avenue
Destin, Fla. Details: 850-654-5184
Canada
Day
Canada Day in Panama City Beach, Fla., is celebrating its 10th Annual Snowbird
event Feb. 17 at a new venue this season at the Wyndham Bay Point Golf Resort & Spa,
4114 Jan Cooley Drive, Panama City, Fla.
More than 600 tickets sold out in just a couple of hours and a wait list has been started.
Doors open at 3 p.m. and the program begins at 4:30 p.m. with the Parade of Flags, followed by dinner, drawings, entertainment, and dancing until 10 p.m. The ballrooms at the
Wyndham Bay Point Resort in Panama City Beach will be the venue for this year’s event.
Canada Day is the largest single gathering of Canadian Snowbirds and their neighbors
in the Florida Panhandle.
To be put on a ticket wait list contact Dave and Jill Price 850-249-9945.
9
CSA Extravaganza: The annual Canadian Snowbird Association’s Florida Ex-
travaganza is Jan. 29-30 at the Lakeland Center, 701 West Lime Street Lakeland, Fla.
The event draws a mix of Canadian Snowbirds, retirees and their American brethren for
the two-day event.
Vendors with all kinds of products from medical supplies, travel and leisure, real estate
and more ply their wares.
There is entertainment on three main stages and bingo is staged in the Exhibit Hall.
Details: 863-834-8100 or www.snowbirdextravaganza.com/florida
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10
PUBLISHER’S NOTE:
We compile a list of Snowbird club activities each
month as a service to our readers. All attempts are
made to make this as accurate as possible. Please
submit your new information by the 5th of the month
preceding publication – and have fun!
FLORIDA
n Panama City: Winter Residents gather at
Boardwalk Beach Resort Convention Center for an
afternoon of dancing every Wednesday and Sunday
with DJ Jim Lawson. The fee is $3 per person and
includes prize drawings. There is a special Valentine’s
Day Dance Feb. 14 which includes dinner and dancing
for $27.95 per person, including tax, gratuities plus
two bottles of champagne per table. Details: 850-2343584 or www.boardwalkbeachresort.com.
Two key events including the Canadian Snowbird
Association’s annual “Extravaganza” and the PCB
Visitor Center’s “Senior Prom” have sold out of tickets.
The next Panama City Winter Resident
Appreciation Day is 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Feb. 15 at the
Panama City Convention and Visitor Bureau, 17001
Panama City Beach Pkwy., Panama City Beach, Fla.
n Panama City Senior Center: Several key
activities are set for this month including” Feb.
2 – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., “Jumbo Sale” which is part flea
market, crafts and silent auction. A Valentine’s Day
Dance “Moonlight and Roses” is 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Feb. 9 at the Lyndell Building at the Panama City
Snowbird Clubs
Senior Center located just north of Hutchinson
(Middle Beach Road) between Alf Coleman and and
Clara and south of Highway 98 (Back Beach Road).
Tickets are $15 per person. There is a “Painting
Partners Closeline Art Sale” Feb. 16 and the event
has expanded this year to include woodcarving and
stained glass. Details: 850-233-5065 or pcbsc.com
n DESTIN: The 2000-plus member Destin Snowbird
club is sponsoring a Valentine’s Harbor Cruise Feb. 11
and a Fashion Show Feb. 14. The club will support the
annual Soundstaions Concert Feb. 10 at the Mattie
Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College.
The annual Jack Cline/Lise Walsh Memorial
fundraiser are Feb. 20 for the women and Feb. 27
for the men at Bluewater Bay Resort. Meetings are
held 8:30 a.m. an 11 a.m. Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26 at
“The Roost” at the Destin Community Center, 101
Stahlman Drive, Destin, Fla. February meetings
include: Club dues are $8 per season. Full details on club
activities are available at www.destinsnowbirds.org.
n FORT WALTON: The Fort Walton Beach Snowbird
Club registration continues on Tuesdays through
March 5 at its headquarters at the Fort Walton Beach
Elks Club located off Hwy.98 across from the DestinFort Walton Beach Visitor Center. The registration fee
is $7 per year.
Upcoming General Meetings are at 10 a.m. Feb. 5
and March 5. Club socials are are Feb. 10 and March 10.
Members may sign up for club activities at
registration. These range from golf, hand crafts,
Send your club news to Publisher@
SnowbirdsGulfCoast.com
casino outings, discount movie tickets, social
events, bowling, billiards and card games, including
Sheepshead. The Craft Group meets at 9 a.m.,
Mondays at the Islander Beach Resort, 790 Santa
Rosa Blvd., Fort Walton Beach (Okaloosa Island, Fla.)
Details: 850-243-4606 or www.fwbsnowbirdclub.com.
n NAVARRE: The Navarre Snowbird Open House,
2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Feb. 6. Navarre Visitor Center, 8543
Navarre Pkwy., Navarre, Fla. Details: 850-939-8666.
n Pensacola Beach: The Pensacola Beach
Community Church Snowbird Appreciation Potluck,
Jan. 27. Bring covered dish. Services at 10 a.m. and
potluck immediately after. All Snowbirds welcome to
attend. Details: 850-932-6628.
n PERDIDO KEY: The Perdido Key Chamber of
Commerce will sponsor the second of three planned
“Roosts” this winter Feb. 7 at the Perdido Bay Community Center, 13660 Innerarity Point Road, Perdido
Key, Fla.
The event is $4 and includes lunch and entertainment. Information available from local vendors.
Details: 850-492-4660 or www.visitperdido.com.
n WALTON COUNTY: The Walton County Snowbird
club is gearing up for its 23rd season on the Emerald
Coast registration continues from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
each Monday through Feb. 11 at Faith Assembly
Fellowship Hall located at 306 South Geronimo,
Miramar Beach, Fla.
The club is sponsoring a Valentine’s Day dance
Feb. 14 at the Sandestin Hilton. Tickets are still
available and are $35 each. Cocktails at at 5:30 p.m.
with dinner at 6 p.m. The Snowbird singles group will
have a luncheon Feb. 13 at the Regatta Bay Clubhouse.
The next club meeting is 10 a.m. Feb. 13 at the Destin
Life Center at the Destin Methodist Church, 200
Beach Drive, Destin, Fla. The “friendly” golf challenge
match between the Canadians and the Americans is
Feb. 21 at the Fort Walton Pines Golf Club, 1955 Lewis
Turner Blvd., Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
The club features a variety of ongoing activities from
cards to tennis, golf, line dancing, computer club,
creative writing, crafts and more. For listing: www.
waltoncountysnowbirds.com.
ALABAMA
Baldwin County Heritage Museum Golf Fundraiser
is Feb. 20 at Glen Lakes Golf Club, 9530 Clubhouse
Drive Foley, Ala. The Scramble will take place
Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013 at 11 a.m. with registration
at 9:30 a.m. Eighteen holes of great golf, lunch,
$10,000 hole-in-one contest and other events
and prizes will be provided at a cost of just $50
per golfer. Details: (251) 986-8375 or www.
baldwincountyheritagemuseum.com.
Fundraisers: Mark your calendars for these
events: Bratfest - Feb. 2 at the Gulf Shores Activity
Center. Cost is $4 per brat and drinks available at
nominal fee. Proceeds donated to the Gulf Shores and
Orange Beach Fire Departments. Also upcoming:
11
Join the Club !
Pancake Breakfast Feb. 9 at the Erie Meyer Civic Center.
Missouri Trivia Night Feb. 16 and Low Country Boil for
the Zoo Feb. 22.
n GULF SHORES SNOWBIRD SINGLES: Snowbird Singles
meet the 2nd and 4th Thursdays through March. All
singles are welcome to join. Questions contact Larry
Riggs at 715 340-9303.
n ILLINOIS: A Welcome Back Coffee kicks off a busy 2013
activity schedule at 10 a.m. Jan. 4 at the Orange Beach
Adult Activity Center at 26251 Canal Road, Orange
Beach, Ala. Breakfast meetings are 7:45 a.m. Fridays
at Lulu’s at Homeport Marina, 200 East 25th Avenue,
Gulf Shores, Ala., every two weeks through March 8.
Social activities contact Marilyn Edwards 251-948-2878,
Details: [email protected] .
n INDIANA: Upcoming club meetings including Feb. 14,
18 and March 14 at 8 a.m. at Lulu’s Homeport. The club
will support several Snowbird community fundraisers
and will be looking for volunteers. The club also needs
help managing publicity – anyone interested contact
Brad Stryker [email protected]. Suggestions for
activities are also welcomed. Contact Gene Blastic 574772-5556 or [email protected]
n IOWA: The Iowa Snowbirds will meet at Lulu’s for
breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 13 and 27. The cost is $9.
Upcoming cocktail parties are 5 p.m. Feb. 1 at Caribe
the Resort (C Building), 28103 Perdido Beach Boulevard,
Orange Beach, Ala. and Feb. 15 at the Phoenix VII
condominium. Bring dish to share and own drink. The
dates are: Jan 18 at Phoenix V, Feb 1 at Caribe C, and
Feb 15 at Phoenix VII, 26802 Perdido Beach Boulevard,
Orange Beach. Breakfast reservations should be made
online at Iowa-Alabama GulfCoastSnowbird Club.org or
call Mary Poindexter at 319-389-2220.
n LIGHTHOUSE SNOWBIRD ALUMNI: Alumni meet every
Tuesday morning at 8:15 a.m. at Hardees in Gulf Shores
for coffee. Every Thursday morning we meet at 8:30 for
breakfast at Kitty’s Kafe. Our annual Alumni Picnic is
9:30 a.m.Feb. 14 at the Orange Beach Community Center.
Details: 251-967-2463 or 251-970-3190
n MICHIGAN: Club meeting dates are Feb. 7, 21 and March
7 at Erie Meyer Civic Center in Gulf Shores. Doors open
at 8:30 a.m.; coffee and donuts available at 9:15 a.m.
and the meetings start at 10 a.m. Michigan Club will
sponsor the 17th Annual Pleasure Island Blood Drive
is Feb. 18 at the Gulf Shores Adult Activity Center,
260 Clubhouse Dr., Gulf Shores, Ala. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Donors receive a free t-shirt. Details: Don Seeterlin
251-948-4748 or Chuck Skully 251-980-5775 or www.
michiganclubalabama.com.
n MINNESOTA: The club meets the first Tuesday Jauary
through Mid-March at Homeport Marina, 200 East 25th
Avenue, Gulf Shores, Ala., for a buffet breakfast. The
doors open at 8 a.m. and food is available at 8:30 a.m..
The cost is $8.50 including tax and gratuity. The club
started nearly 20 years ago and still has an informal
format with no dues or officers and meetings are manned
by volunteers. The club attracts up to 300 people for the
breakfast meeting where information will be available.
There also is a website: www.mnal.org and a link to the
club’s email contact.
n MISSOURI: The Missouri Snowbird Club meets through
March. Regular meetings are held at 9 a.m. every other
Wednesday at the Phoenix V Condos conference room.
Bi-weekly breakfast meetings have been moved to 9 a.m.
at Cobalt’s 28099 Perdido Beach Blvd., Orange Beach.
The price is $10 plus tip. Upcoming dates include: Feb.
6 and 20. Golf scrambles every Wednesday afternoon.
Sign up for the club’s regular Trivia Night fundraiser
will move to the Orange Beach Event Center at The
Wharf. Date is Feb. 16 and the event is a fundraiser for
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Libraries. Tables of eight
cost $120. Bring your own snacks, table decorations and
libations. Details: www.mosnowbirds.org. Trivia Night
contact: Judy Collier 314-609-0275.
n NORTH AND SOUTH DAKOTA: The North and South
Dakota Snowbird club meets at 9 a.m. Hazel’s Seafood
Restaurant, 25311 Perdido Beach Blvd. Orange Beach,
Ala., the second and fourth Tuesdays in January and
February and the second Tuesday in March. Open to
anyone who has a connection with the Dakotas.
n OHIO: Regular breakfast meetings start at 8 a.m. and
are staged at LuLu’s Homeport Marina, 200 East 25th
Avenue, Gulf Shores, Ala. the first and third Wednesdays.
Upcoming dates include: Feb. 6, 20 and March 6 with a
possible addition on the 20th. Reservations should be
made the Sunday before the breakfasts. Contact: Dick
Haberstroh 513-702-0639.
n PENNSYLVANIA: Upcoming breakfast meetings are
8 a.m. Feb. 6, 13 and 27 and March 6 and 13 at Hazel’s
Seafood Restaurant in Orange Beach. Potluck luncheons
are Noon Jan. 16 and Feb. 20 at Holy Spirit Episcopal
Church. The club also has several “Eat and Talks” with
dates to be announced. Details: Rich Smith 908-420-8806.
n WISCONSIN: The WI Sno-bird Club meets Feb. 6 and
21, at 8:30 am at the Orange Beach Community Club
(OBCC) for coffee and donuts before the 9 a.m. meeting.
Anyone who is or has lived in Wisconsin is welcome.
Upcoming club events: Feb. 2 – Brat Fest; 9 –
Pancake Breakfast; 13 – Bowling in Foley with other
Snowbird Clubs; 20 – Golf Scramble for Baldwin County
Heritage Museum; 22 – Low Country Boil; 25 – Golf
at Timber Creek and 27 – Picnic at Orange Beach
Community Center.
Members play golf on Mondays and Tuesdays and
meet for cards at the Gulf Shores (GS) Harry Roberts
Senior Center on Fridays from 9 a.m to noon. Details:
Kenn at (251) 967-2463 or online: sites.google.com/site/
wisconsinsnowclub
n SENIOR SNOWBIRD POTLUCK LUNCHEON: The regular
Thursday potluck luncheons are held at the Gulf Shores
Activity Center, 260 Clubhouse Dr.
n Gulf Shores, Ala. Participants are requested to bring a
dish to feed eight to 10 people and make a small donation
for drinks and supplies. Details: Michael O’Rourke, 251981-6060.
12
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7th Year - Now There’s MORE!
For seven years we’ve brought you our Premium Print Magazine
and that won’t change...
but be among the first to check out some of our new online features
being introduced in LATE SPRING!
Want to know how to connect?
Sign up for our new e-newsletter and
Gulf Coast Travel blog at
www.SnowbirdsGulfCoast.com
What are we working on?
A new tablet-friendly and mobile website to bring you information year-round.
Social Media Specials - Become a part of our community and “Like”
our Facebook page for information on special events and deals.
Businesses - Don’t miss your chance to get in front of the Snowbirds
while they are still here this winter! Our “Spring” edition has a shelf
life through April. Get started now and build toward your future!
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[email protected]
16
Tuesdays
February
Events
Thru 2/27 Bellingrath Gardens “Winter Wednesdays” – The beautiful private home and gardens located on the Wolf
River in west Mobile, Ala., started as a fishing camp by Bessie and Walter Bellingrath in 1917. The popular weekly educational
series continues through Feb. 27. Topics include: Jan. 30 – Birding on the Coat; Feb. 6 – Winter Beyond Camellias; Feb. 13 –
Rose Pruning; Feb. 22 – Longleaf Far as the Eye Can See; Feb. 27 – Travels with Mr. and Mrs. Bellingrath. The sessions are
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. The $12 fee includes admission to the gardens. (251) 973-2217 or www.bellingrath.org.
Thru 3/24
Pensacola Ice Flyers Hockey. Pensacola Bay Center, 1401
E. Gregory St., Pensacola, Fla. Upcoming home dates include:
Feb. 1, 2, 12, 15, 23 and 24. Times vary. Tickets start at $10.
www.pensacolaiceflyers.com.
Thru 2/23
Gulf World Marine Park Winter Concert Series, 15412
Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, Fla. Upcoming
entertainment includes: Feb. 2 – The World Famous
PLATTERS Review; Feb. 9 – Back 2 Back: Piano Man
MeetsThe Rocket Man, a Billy Joel and Elton John Tribute;
Feb. 16 – Margo Anderson: Tribute to Patsy Cline & Celine
Dion and Feb. 23 – The Return: Two-Part Beatlemania
and St. Peppers and Beyond. 850-234-5271 or www.
gulfworldmarinepark.com
Thru 2/26
Gulf Shores Entertainment Series, Erie Meyer Civic Center,
1930 West 2nd Street , Gulf Shores, Ala. Now in its 26th year,
upcoming events include: Jan. 28-29 “The Swing Dolls: A
Tribute to the USO”; Feb. 4-6 “Three Men and a Maestro” Feb.
18-19 “The Four Freshmen” and Feb. 25-26 “Dallas Brass.”
Ticket prices vary. 251-968-1172 or visit our website at www.
gulfshoresal.gov.
Tuesdays & Thursdays
Historic Pensacola Trolley Tours, Pensacola Visitor Center,
10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The 50-minute narrated tours include
Downtown Pensacola, St. Michael’s Cemetery, Christ Church,
Historic Pensacola Village, Veteran’s Memorial and more. Cost
is $16. 850-941-2876 or www.beachbumtrolley.com.
the area. www.navarrechamber.com or 850Breakfast and a Movie, IMAX® Giant Screen 939-3267.
Theatre, Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, Oyster Bash, Sealab Restoration Project,
Fla. Watch a classic film on the IMAX® Giant 1415 Moylan Rd. Panama City Beach, Fla.
Screen while enjoying a light breakfast and
1 p.m. - 8 p.m. The Man in the Sea Museum
coffee served in a take-home souvenir travel is home to Sealab 1, the first underwater
mug. 9 a.m. www.navalaviationmuseum.org
experimental saturation habitat, developed
by the United States Navy. The knowledge
Sr Tuesdays at Gulf World Marine Park.
acquired from the Sealab 1 Project played a
15412 Front Beach Road, Panama City
Beach, Fla. Seniors over 55 receive half off vital role in shaping the worldwide commercial
diving industry and we need your help in
admission.Tuesday seminar series open to
first 125 to reserve. Schedule includes: Jan. restoring and preserving this important piece
29 – Sea Lion Eye Surgery; Feb. 5 – Sharks: of diving history. Donate $25 for all-you-canFriend or Foe; Feb. 12 – Coral Reefs; Cities eat oysters. 850-235-4101
Under the Sea; Feb. 19 - Veterinary Care at
1/29
Gulf World & Institute and Feb. 26 - RoughRicky Nelson Remembered, 1250 Miracle
toothed Dolphins Only at Gulf World. 850-234Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
5271 or www.gulfworldmarinepark.com
Ricky Nelson Remembered is a unique
multimedia entertainment event featuring
Tuesdays Thru 3/5
Art at the Oatfield, Panama City Beach Senior the live music of Ricky Nelson’s hit songs
performed by Ricky’s twin sons, Mathew and
Center, 423 Lyndell Lane, Panama City
Beach, Fla. Art classes are open to the public. Gunnar and includes never before seen video
footage of the Ozzie & Harriet Nelson family
Visit the Panama City Beach Senior Center
with interviews from celebrities influenced by
pcbsc.com.
Ricky. 7:30 p.m. 850-362-9356 or 850-8371742 or www.emeraldcoastconcerts.com or
Tuesdays Thru March
www.emeraldcoastconventioncenter.com
Bluegrass by the Tracks, 7 to 9 p.m. at
Wales West RV Park and Light Railway,
1/29
13670 Smiley St., Silverhill, Ala. Bluegrass,
Snowbird Fly-In Day. National Naval Aviation
Gospel and Classic country music. Free
Museum. Pensacola, Fla. Free 10 a.m. IMAX®
refreshments and train ride. Great music and
community. 888-569-5337, www.waleswest.com movie, Straight Up: Helicopters in Action.
Learn all about choppers and how they’re
used. www.navalaviationmuseum.org
Thru 2/24
Snowbird Dance, Wednesday and Sundays
with a special Valentine’s Day Dance Feb. 14. 2/1
Boardwalk Beach Resort, 9400 South Thomas John McEuen & Alpin Hong, Martin Theatre
Drive, Panama City Beach Fla. Join us at the at 7:30 p.m., 409 Harrison Avenue, Panama
Boardwalk Beach Resort Convention Center City, Fla. Where bluegrass meets classical.
Whirlwind tours across the globe have
for dancing with DJ Jim Lawson. Weekly
earned pianist Alpin Hong the reputation as a
dances 3-6 p.m., $3. Live entertainment at
modern day Pied Piper. McEuen is a founding
Rusty Anchor after. 850-234-3484 or www.
member of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, one of
boardwalkbeachresort.com.
the most important and well-known folk-rock
groups of all time. (850) 763-8080 or www.
1/26
Navarre Health and Business Expo: 9 a.m. martintheatre.com.
- Noon at Navarre High School, 8600 High
School Blvd, Navarre, Fla. A variety of vendor
booths will represent businesses throughout
2/2
15th Annual Snowbird Bratfest, Erie
Meyer Center, 1930 W. 2nd St. in Gulf
Shores, Ala. Brats (short name) are a
sausage that have been a Northern
fundraiser for many years. Brats are sold
for $4 in a bun, smothered in sauerkraut,
relish, catsup, mustard and topped off with
raw onions. About 300 Birds show up to
work this event along with parts of available
fire/rescue units. Proceeds benefit the Gulf
Shores Fire and Rescue.
2/3
In The Mood: 40’s Musical Revue, 1 p.m.at
the Marina Civic Center, 8 Harrison Ave,
Panama City, Fla. A retro 1940s musical
revue featuring the IN THE MOOD Singers
and Dancers with the sensational String of
Pearls Big Band Orchestra. (850) 763-4696
or www.marinaciviccenter.com
2/5
Glenn Miller 2013, Blue Angels Atrium,
National Naval Aviation Museum, 1750
Radford Boulevard Pensacola, Fla. 7
p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets now available for
“An Evening of Swing & Elegance” at the
National Naval Aviation Museum. (850) 4523604 www.navalaviationmuseum.org
2/5-10
Tours of the Pinta and the Nina, the
Columbus Replica Ships, docked at LuLu’s
at Homeport Marina 200 East 25th Avenue
Gulf Shores, Ala. Both ships tour together
as a new and enhanced ‘sailing museum’.
While in port, the public is invited to visit the
ships for a walk-aboard, self-guided tour.
(251) 967-5858 or www.thenina.com
2/6
Biloxi Blues Festival, Mississippi Coast
Coliseum, 2350 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, Miss., 8
p.m. Line up delivers the dynamics of highenergy entertainment with love, happiness
and nostalgia-all in the name of the Blues.
(228) 594-3700 or www.mscoastcoliseum.com.
Civil War at different stations inside Fort
2/7
2/15
Pickens. There is an $8 admission fee to
The 20th Annual Alabama Lifestyles
David Bennett Rockin’ the 50’s. 7:30
the park. Flashlights are allowed. Call (850) p.m. Martin Theatre, 409 Harrison
EXPO, Caribe Resort, Orange Beach,
934-2635 or www.nps.gov/guis.
Ala. The EXPO offers something of
Avenue, Panama City, Fla. Music of
interest for all ages. Alabama, Florida,
Moonlight and Roses: Valentine’s Dance Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Chuck
Mississippi. Learn about “Living in Alabama 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. at the Lyndell Bulding,
Berry and more. (850) 763-8080 or www.
Communities,” and places to see and
martintheatre.com.
Panama City Beach Senior Center, 423
things to do. The EXPO will provide upbeat Lyndell Lane, Panama City Beach, Fla.
2/15-17, 21-23
information and products that promote
Music provided by Jim Lawson. BYOB.
Short Attention Span Theatre,
healthy living and quality of life for people
Tickets are $15.
Pensacola Little Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
50+, their families and grandchildren. An
Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays and
extensive range of services will be offered 2/10
2:30 p.m. Sundays. 400 S. Jefferson
Soundsations
Show-Snowbird
Concert,
as well as free health screenings. This is
St. Pensacola, Fla. Enjoy six quirky
a one-stop to meet exhibitors who provide 7:30 p.m. Mattie Kelly Arts Center.
one-act plays. (850) 432-2042 or
Northwest Florida State College’s THE
products and services that will improve
PensacolaLittleTheatre.com
SOUNDSATIONS
SHOW
CHOIR,
will
your quality of life. 800-235-4757 or www.
perform their spectacular variety shows of
alabamaadvantage.com/theexpo.htm
song and dance, in the Mainstage Theater 2/16
In The Mood, Saenger Theatre, 118 S.
of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville. Special Olympics Mardi Gras Fun Run
Palafox Place, Pensacola, Fla. Celebrates
and Walk. Osceola Golf Course, 300
Tickets available through local snowbird
America’s Greatest Generation through
Tonawanda Dr., Pensacola, Fl. Noon.
clubs and the event is a fundraiser for
the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey,
850.291.6234 or www.firstgiving.com/sofl/
the show choir. 850-729-6000 or www.
Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Harry James,
mardigras2013
mattiekellyartscenter.org
Erskine Hawkins, The Andrews Sisters,
David Seering in Concert to benefit
Frank Sinatra and idols of the 1940s. 850- 2/13-2/20
Discover Pinta and The Nina. 1 Harrison Children in Crisis. 7 p.m. Village Baptist
595-3882, www.pensacolasaenger.com/
Ave, Panama City, Fla. Continuing its tour Church, 101 Matthew Boulevard Destin,
2/8
of the Gulf Coast, the Niña and Pinta are a Fla. Enjoy an incredible 12 piece Big
Love is in the Air presented by the
new and enhanced ‘sailing museum.” 850- Band concert where David Seering and
the Michael Walker Band will delight you
Panhandle Community Theatre, 4646
872-7272 or www.thenina.com/
with musical tributes to Frank Sinatra and
Woodbine Rd. in Pace, Fla. A romantic
Neil Diamond. Tickets are $20. 850-8642/14
evening of love songs and dramatic
4242 or www.childrenincrisisfl.org.
Bowfire, 8 Harrison Avenue, Panama
readings presented by Gulf Coast
City, Fla. Bowfire features one of the finest
Chorale and the PCT. Tickets are $30
2/20
lineups of fiddle and violin virtuosos ever
per couple. (850) 221-7599 or info@
Elvis Lives! Marina Civic Center, 8
assembled on one stage. The audience
panhandlecommunitytheatre.com
Harrison Ave, Panama City, Fla. An
is taken on a musical journey including
unforgettable multi-media and live musical
2/9
jazz, classical, bluegrass, Celtic, rock,
Mardi Gras Festival and Cajun Cookoff , gypsy, world music. (850) 236-1260 www. journey across Elvis’ life featuring four
finalists from Elvis Presley Enterprises’
Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce Noon panamacitymusicassoc.org
annual worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute
to 8 p.m. Hub Stacey’s at the Point, 5851
Artist Contest. (850) 763-4696 or www.
Galvez Point, Perdido Key, Fla.Boat parade, Winter Guest Fest, Emerald Coast
marinaciviccenter.com
Conference
Center.
8
a.m.
Noon
The
live music and a sampling of Cajun food.
fireworks at 8 p.m. caps off the day’s events. area’s largest seasonal guest expo
2/23-24
(formerly known as the Senior Snowbird
Details: www.visitperdido.com/mardigras
Spring Craft Show. Destin Community
Expo) will be held at the Emerald Coast
Candlelight tour of historic Fort Pickens
Center, 101 Stahlman Ave., Destin, Fla
Conference Center located on Okaloosa
(Pensacola Beach, Fla) . 5 p.m. – 7:15
850-654-5184
Island on Thursday, Valentine’s Day. 850p.m. The free tour highlights Pensacola
244-8191 or www.fwbchamber.com.
during the Civil War. Costumed interpreters
present the history of Pensacola during the
ONE THING better !
THere is only
17
11th Annual Metaphysical Festival
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Crowne Plaza Grand
Hotel, 200 East Gregory St., Pensacola.
Largest gathering of psychics, mystics
and metaphysical vendors on the Emerald
Coast.Over 75 vendors and speakers
inlcude a lectures by intuitive medium
Sharon Renae, UFO expert Don Ware
and psychic Teresa Brown. Vendors
include psychic George Lugo, Ainsley
Aura photographs and Monika Crayon
Crystals. $10 admission. Presented by
Unlimited Horizons of the Emerald Coast.
www.UnlimitedHorizons.org, email:
[email protected],
850-610-0919.
2/24
3rd Annual Snowbird Appreciation Sock
Hop. 7–10 p.m. Emerald Coast Conference
Center, 1250 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Fort
Walton Beach, Fla. Put on your Bobbie
Socks, Saddle Shoes, Poodle Skirts, leather
jackets and Rock the Night Away to “Old
Happy Days!” Special performance by
“Elvis” (Ron Adams) and the Emerald Gold
Band. Costume and Dance Contests, Door
Prizes, a complimentary soda bar, cash
bar and more. $8 in advance and $10 at
the door, 850-609-3800 or Joanna Ellis,
Travel Industry Sales Coordinator, jellis@
co.okaloosa.fl.us.
$20 Off!
Tours
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ood for up31
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zipline canopy tours Adventures Unlimited offers Canoeing,
Kayaking, Tubing, and Camping along Coldwater Creek.
Adventures Unlimited
Milton, Florida • 850.623.6197
www.adventuresunlimited.com
18
Book Festival, Trivia Night and Movies
The 14th Annual booksAlive
Festival of Reading will feature
renowned archeologist, author and
University of West Florida president
Judith Bense as the keynote speaker
Feb. 2 at the Holly Academic Center
at the Florida State University/Panama
City campus.
Bense is established the
Archaeology Institute in 1980 and in
2006, she founded the Florida Public
Archaeology Network and served as
its director for 20 years. Bense is the
author of five books and 17 chapters in
books and professional journals. Her
books include: Unearthing Pensacola
(2006), Presidio Santa María de Galve
Dr. Judith Bense
(1698-1719): Struggle for Survival on the
Spanish Frontier (2003), A2rchaeology
of Colonial Pensacola 1750-1821: A First Synthesis (1999), Archaeology
of the Southeastern United States: Paleoindian to World War II (1994), and
Underground Pensacola (1989).
The free event will also include featured presentations from 18 authors
including Janis Owens and Michael Morris “Southern Fiction, Southern
Style”; Terry Tomlin “Everyday Florida Adventures”; Florida senator Bob
Graham “Intelligence Matters”; Mary Murphy “To Kill a Mockingbird
– Why It Endures” and Jacqueline West, author of “The Books of
Elsewhere.”
The event is presented by the Bay County Public Library and the Bay
County Public Library Foundation. The keynote speaker luncheon is $20.
Details: (850)-522-2100 or www.nwrls.lib.fl.us/
TRIVIA NIGHT: One of the most effective library fundraisers in the region
is the 7th annual Trivia Night 6 p.m. Feb. 16 sponsored by the Missouri
Snowbird Club on the Alabama’s Gulf Coast.
The event location moves this year to the Orange Beach Event Center at
The Wharf , 4671 Wharf Parkway, Orange Beach, Alabama. Doors
Tables of eight are sold for $120 and participants decorate their own tables
and bring their own food and drinks. Some also choose a theme and dress in
costume.
Donations to the Orange Beach and Gulf Shores libraries total more than
$40,000 since the event’s inception six years ago.
Details: Judy Collier 314-609-0275 or www.mosnowbirds.org.
DESTIN: The Destin Library, 150 Sibert Avenue, Destin, Fla., will continue
its free 2 p.m. Wednesday afternoon Snowbird movie matinees of Oscar
contenders through Feb. 17. Upcoming films include Jan. 30 – ‘Trouble
With The Curve”; Feb. 6 – “Moonrise Kingdom” and Feb. 13 – “Arbitrage.”
Details: 850.837.8572.
19
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PT Solutions is a private physical therapy practice devoted to developing and
using approaches that restore wellness. While we utilize many techniques
to accomplish our patients’ goals, one thing remains the same: hands-on
physical therapy is at the heart of our success and our patients’ recovery.
PT Solutions can help patients who suffer from many conditions, including:
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• Neck, Shoulder & Back pain
• Hip, Knee & Ankle Pain
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Postoperative Conditions
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• Muscle Weakness
PT Solutions of Navarre
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Navarre, Florida 32566
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249 Mack Bayou Loop, Suite 101
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Phone: 850.622.0842
VISI T US ONLINE AT W W W.P T-SOLU T IONS.US
© PT Solutions, LLC All rights reserved November 2012
Experience Mardi Gras
20
at the Mobile Carnival Museum
By Amy Minchin
In Mobile, Ala., the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States, rich Carnival traditions
have drawn people of all ages to the city since the 18th Century.
Parties begin months in advance and the Mobile Carnival Association coronate a king and
queen who make appearances at parades and balls leading up to Fat Tuesday, the culmination of
the pre-Lenten season.
Mobilians proudly continue this legacy, sharing its history and elaborate customs yearround at the William & Emily Hearin Mobile Carnival Museum.
“Most people who come to the museum cannot fathom the magnitude of how we celebrate
the royal side and really all of Mardi Gras in such a lavish style,” said Judi Gulledge, the
museum’s executive director.
The museum displays historical photos, videos, as well as intricately designed costumes
and regalia such as a 1921 Lady in Waiting robe and a 1930 child’s King outfit. The newest items
are 2012 monarch robes.
A behind-the-mask exhibit lets guests experience what it is like to ride in a Mardi Gras
parade. “You stand on a full-length replica of a float,” said Gulledge. “It has a motor underneath
that creates the sensation of a moving float.”
Located in the historic
Bernstein-Bush home built
in 1879, the museum is in the
heart of Downtown Mobile and
surrounded by centuries-old oaks
that line picturesque Government
Street. Its location on three of four
Mardi Gras parade routes makes
the museum popular among
parade-goers taking in the sights
and sounds of the festive season.
Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday and
Saturday, the museum offers
traditional and self-guided audio
tours. Admission is $5 for adults
and $3 for children age 12 and
If you go
under. Parking is available on site
What: Mobile Carnival Museum
and at the Royal Street parking
Where: 355 Government St., Mobile AL 36602
When: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday
garage adjacent to the Riverview
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Last tour 3 p.m.)
Plaza Hotel. Museum space is also
Cost: $5 Adults, $3 Children 12 and under.
available for private functions.
Details: www.mobilecarnivalmuseum.com
Parades! Beads! Fun!
Gulf Coast Parades
Whether you want to bring the kritters and the kids or celebrate in a festival-type atmosphere, the Gulf
Coast has a Mardi Gras option for you!
Dozens of parades roll this February from New Orleans to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the birthplace
of Mardi Gras – Mobile, Ala. We’ve listed the parades that are closest to the coast.
So, grab your stash bag and fold-out chair and refreshments and get ready to join the party!
For full parade listings visit our website at www.snowbirdsgulfcoast.com.
Baldwin County / Alabama Gulf Coast
2/1
6:45 p.m. Apollo’s Mystic Ladies, Daphne
2/2
6:45 p.m. Knights of Ecor Rouge, Fairhope
2/8
6:30 p.m. Mystical Order of Mirams, Orange Beach
6:45 p.m. Maids of Jubilee, Fairhope
6:45 p.m. Mystic Order of Persephone, Daphne
2/9
11 a.m. Foley parade, Foley
2 p.m.
Krewe of Mullet Mates, Mullet Point
5:30 p.m. Mystics of Pleasure, Orange Beach
6:45 p.m. Shadow Barons, Daphne
2/10
2:29 p.m. Loyal Order of the Firetruck, Daphne
2/11
6:45 p.m. Order of Mystic Magnolias, Fairhope
2/12, Mardi Gras Day
10 a.m. Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Assoc., Gulf Shores
2 p.m.
Orange Beach Parade, Orange Beach
Pensacola/Perdido / Florida Gulf Coast
Unless otherwise noted, for more information contact Visit
Pensacola, 1-800-874-1234, visitpensacola.com
2/2
2 p.m.
Mardi Gras Kid and Kritter Krawl, Pensacola Beach across from Sidelines, Contact: (850)
932-1500, www.pensacolabeachchamber.com
1 p.m. 27th Annual Navarre Beach Mardi Gras Parade, Gulf Boulevard, Navarre Beach
2/8
8 p.m. Mardi Gras Downtown Illuminated Parade, Palafox Place and historic downtown Pensacola, www.pensacolamardigras.com
2/9
12 p.m. Magic of Mardi Gras Boat Parade, Galvez
Landing, Perdido Key, (850) 492-4660, www.
visitperdido.com
2 p.m. Pensacola Downtown Grand Parade,
Downtown Pensacola beginning at 2 p.m., www.
pensacolamardigras.com
2/10
2 p.m. Pensacola Beach Mardi Gras Parade, Via De
Luna Drive, Pensacola Beach, (850) 438-1500,
www.pensacolabeachchamber.com
Destin / Florida Gulf Coast
2/8
8 p.m. Destin Commons Mardi Gras Parade, Destin,
(850) 337-8700
2/9
2 p.m.
5th Annual Mardi Gras Parade, HarborWalk
Village, (850) 424-0600
2/12
5 p.m. 11th Annual Fat Tuesday Baytowne Bash
Parade, Baytowne Wharf, Sandestin
Panama City Beach / Florida Gulf Coast
2/8
6:45 p.m.
Children’s Parade, Pier Park Drive
7 p.m.
Second Line Parade with Dixeland Jazz
Band, Pier Park Drive
2/9
6 p.m. Main Parade, Pier Park
Historic St. Andrews / Florida Gulf Coast
Contact: 850-763-6261, www.StAndrewsMardiGras.
com or www.SAMGFest.org
2/1
4 p.m. Kids’ Parade / Pet Parade, Beck Ave.
2/2
2 p.m. Krewe of St. Andrews Main Event Parade,
West on 11th St, North on Beck Ave.
21
21
If you go
What: Acme Oyster House
Where: The Village of Baytowne Wharf, 140 Fisherman’s Cover, Sandestin, Fla.
Special Instructions: Although Sandestin is a private community, The Village
of Baytowne Wharf is open to the public. Stop by the guard gate for a parking
pass and instructions.
Details: 850.622.0200 or www.sandestin.com
Area events offer tasty events centered around Mardi Gras
2/11 The Pensacola Beach Elks will stage the free annual Red Beans and Rice at the
Casino Beach Parkway starting at 11 a.m. assisted by the Pensacola Beach Women’s Club.
Drinks and a tip jar collect cash for local charities. So, don your beads and get ready for a tasty
treat! Details: Melanie Waite at [email protected] or www.pensacolabeachmardigras.com
ns
Lais se z ulelse rb..o. or
te mp s ro
Acme Sandestin
“Let the Good Times Roll!”
When it comes to Mardi Gras, you can’t separate
New Orleans and the flavorful foods it is known for such
as red beans and rice, jambalaya, tasty gumbo and Po
Boys overflowing with fried shrimp.
But you don’t have to go all the way to New Orleans
to find these tasty foods. Restaurants throughout the
Gulf Coast feature these items on the menu but tucked
off Hwy. 98 in the toney Sandestin Resort is the Acme
Oyster House – the same 103-year-old restaurant you’ll
also find on Iberville Street in the New Orleans’s famed
French Quarter.
Don’t let the guard gate keep you from exploring
one of Sandestin’s hidden treasures - the Village of
Baytowne Wharf. Featuring a variety of restaurants,
shops and fun family attractions - let the guard know you are headed to “The Village” and then
drive through the well-manicured resort grounds that front Chowtawhatchee Bay.
Located near the main entrance of Baytowne Wharf, you can’ t miss the bright red “Acme
Oyster House” sign or the New Orleans jazz music playing in the background.
Options are many but I recommend you try or split a New Orleans Medley which comes
with grilled sausage, a small cup of choice of Chicken Andouille or Seafood gumbo, red beans
and rice and flavorful jambalaya which features rice, smoked sausage and chicken.
You also can get the gumbo, jambalaya or red beans and rice served in a “poopa” – a
French Bread bowl with a generous portion.
A Shrimp PoBoy is one of my favorite New Orleans options (must be overflowing with
shrimp) but instead of regular mayonnaise, I paired it with a spicier remoulade sauce on the
side and also substituted sweet potato fries for the regular ones. Acme also is known for its
grilled oysters prepared behind an open window for all the patrons to enjoy and a variety of
other seafood dishes.
We split a delicious New Orleans-style bread pudding with whiskey sauce for dessert. The
Village is a great place to walk off dinner and stop for a ride on the fanciful carousel.
Or, to celebrate the season, figure out who is going to be the designated driver and stop by
Fat Tuesday and ask for a “Hurricane” frozen dacquiri.
English Tea,
Lunch and More!
Downtown Fort Walton Beach, FL - 222 Miracle Strip
Open Tuesday through Saturday
www.fiddlybitsandtea.com
850-225-7375
2/9 The Perdido Key Chamber of Commerce Mardi Gras Festival and Cajun Cookoff is
Noon to 8 p.m. Hub Stacey’s at the Point, 5851 Galvez Point, Perdido Key, Fla.Boat parade, live
music and a sampling of Cajun food bring an interesting twist to Mardi Gras celebrations. A fireworks
display at 8 p.m. caps off the day’s events. Details: 850.492.4660 or www.visitperdido.com
2/15 Harborwalk Village located at the foot of the Destin, Fla., bridge will be serving up free red
beans and rice at 5 p.m. on Fat Tuesday.
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21
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Sporting a Beautiful Smile
Snowbirds Gulf Coast calendar and clubs’
editor Donna Ball recently made a life-transforming
decision to restore her dental health. After having 13
upper teeth removed and a temporary denture inserted this past December, Ball returned to Advanced
Dental Concepts in Pace, Fla., several times during
the month of January to continue her treatment.
After a deep cleaning and evaluation of the
lower teeth, it was determined that only two teeth
needed to be extracted. and with ongoing treatment
the rest could be saved.
“What a life-changing experience,” Ball said. “I
see hundreds of people on a daily basis at my fulltime job and what a warm feeling to have a customer
look at me and compliment me on my smile. Life only
gets better from here!”
In addition to the asthetics aspect, Ball mentioned that she feels better and has noticed a drop in her blood pressure. She continues to
heal nicely and is looking forward to getting the bottom plate fitted possibly in early February.
We will update her progress in our March edition.
Off d
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Permanent Makeup
Painless • Affordable • Natural Looking
toll-free 1-877-231-DERM (3376) www.GulfCoastDerm.com
Gulf Breeze Ft. Walton Beach Santa Rosa Beach
Panama City Beach Panama City Port St. Joe
Full Brows. Lash Enhancement. Eyeliner. Full Lips.
850-629-9187 or www.emeraldcoastpermanentmakeup.com
204 Miracle Strip SE, Downtown Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
90
Crestview
Our Network of Care
10
85
2
123
87
285
Niceville
Freeport
3
61
Navarre
98
20
85
331
Ft Walton Beach Destin
5 4
Santa Rosa Beach
30A
1
3
5
6
1000 Mar Walt Drive • Ft Walton Beach
(850) 862-1111 • www.FWBMC.com
A full-service hospital offering 24/7 Adult and
Pediatric ERs and Express Care 10 AM to 10 PM .
Niceville Family Practice
4400 Highway 20 East, Suite 201 • Niceville
(850) 897-3678 • Family Practice
Same day appointments available. Staffed by
physicians Mon–Fri 8AM to 5PM.
2
4
Destin Emergency Care Center
996 Airport Road • Destin
(850) 837-9194 • Emergency Care
Free blood pressure checks on Tuesdays from 1PM to
3PM January through March.
5
Northwest Florida Heart Institute
6
1032 Mar-Walt Dr, Suite 230 • Ft Walton Beach
(850) 862-3194 • Cardiovascular Surgery
2190 Highway 85 North • Niceville
(850) 678-4131 • www.TCHospital.com
An acute care hospital offering the area’s first
orthopedic joint certification program, all private
rooms, and 24/7 emergency services.
Northwest Florida Urgent Care – Destin
4418 Commons Drive East • Destin
(850) 650-3148 • Family Practice
Walk-ins welcome. Staffed by physicians Mon–Fri
8AM to 5PM.
The Rehabilitation Institute of
Northwest Florida
996 Airport Road • Destin
(850) 863-7651 • Inpatient Rehabilitation
Florida Institute of Neuroscience
1032 Mar-Walt Dr, Suite 250 • Ft Walton Beach
(850) 863-3463 • Neurosurgery
iTriage provides access to medical
information on over 300 symptoms,
profiles of local doctors and more from your
computer or web-enabled smart phone.
You may download iTriage free from
the iTunes® App store, Google Play,®
or visit www.iTriageHealth.com.
A Community Service of Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and Twin Cities Hospital.
Text “ER” to 23000 for Average ER Wait Times
*Wait defined as arrival time until seen by a qualified medical professional.
98
10
23
24
Arts&
Entertainment
SAENGER THEATRE: Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the
beautifully restored Saenger Theatre, 118 South Palafox Street
in downtown Pensacola, Fla. is offering a special showing of
two classic,romantic movies.
The first is Feb. 15 “Sleepless in Seattle” starring
Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Then on Feb. 16 “An Affair to
Remember,” which is considered “one of the most romantic
films of all time,” by the American Film Institute and starring
Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr.
Show times for both films are 7 p.m. and tickets are just
$5.
Also, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra will offer Cirque
de la Symphonie 8 p.m. Feb. 9. The show features high-flying
acrobatics.
The Rhythm of the Dance is 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 and is the
epic story the journey of the Irish Celts.
Details: (850) 595-3880 or www.pensacolasaenger.com.
MATTIE KELLY : The art gallery at the Mattie Kelly Arts
Center at Northwest Florida State College will play host to the
Mystical Arts of Tibet: Mandela Sand Painting Feb. 5-9 at the
Holzhauer Gallery.
The campus is located at 100 College Blvd E Niceville, Fla.
Mandalas have outer, inner, and secret meanings. On the
outer level they represent the world in its divine form; on the
inner level they represent a map by which the ordinary human
mind is transformed into enlightened mind; and on the secret
level they depict the primordially perfect balance of the subtle
energies of the body and the clear light dimension of the mind.
The creation of a sand painting is said to effect purification and
healing on these three levels.
Traditionally sand mandalas are destroyed shortly
after their completion. This is done as a metaphor for the
impermanence of life.
Other upcoming events at Mattie Kelly include:
The 24th Annual NWFSC Soundsations Snowbird
Concert is 7p.m. Feb. 10 at the Mainstage Theater, Tickets are
$10 and available through the Destin Snowbird Club and at the
door the day of the event. All proceeds from the performance
go to NWFSC.
The international touring show Women of Ireland is Feb.
15 featuring that country’s finest female talent on stage in
song, dance and musical performance.
Details on upcoming events: www.mattiekellyartscenter.
org or (850) 729-6044.
ART AND BALLET: The Pensacola Museum of Art
(PMA) will host Possible Symmetry: Pensacola State College
Permanent Collection in a first-time collaboration with Ballet
Pensacola.
The exhibit will be on display Feb. 14-April 6 at the
Pensacola Museum of Art, 407 South Jefferson Street
Pensacola, Fla., in downtown Pensacola.
Four performances of five choreographed new ballets
inspired by five works from the exhibition will be presented
Feb. 14-17 by Richard Steinert and Christine Duhon at the
PMA. Perfermance times are 7 p.m. Feb. 14-16 and 2 p.m.
Feb. 17
The PMA selected 31 pieces from the PSC Permanent
Collection to display in the Kugelman Family and Mary
Janice Henderson Thornton galleries. Tickets are $18 and
can be purchased through Ballet Pensacola: (850) 432-9546.
Information at www.pensacolamuseumofart.org or www.
balletpensacola.com.
Sinfonia: The intimate setting of the Rosemary Beach
Town Hall will be the site of Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s concert Feb.
15-16 featuring the Amernet String Quartet.
Lauded for their “intelligence” and “immensely satisfying”
playing by the New York Times, the Amernet String Quartet has
garnered worldwide praise and recognition as one of today’s
exceptional string quartets. Ensemble-in-Residence at Florida
International University since 2004, the group was formed in
1991, while its founding members were students at the Juilliard
School. Amernet rose to international attention after winning
the Gold Medal at the Tokyo International Music Competition
in 1992. In 1995, the group was the First Prize winner of the
prestigious Banff International String Quartet Competition.
The concert program includes Franz Joseph Haydn’s
String Quartet in F minor, Antonin Dvorak’s String Quartet in C
major and short works by Tchaikovsky, Puccini and Wolf.
Tickets are $35. Details: (850) 269-7129 or www.
SinfoniaGulfCoast.org.
25
Like us on
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1/27
SATISFIED
Asian Show
PERPETUAL PASTA
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Musical extravaganza
featuring top Asian
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country. 8 p.m. Beau
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Beach Blvd, Biloxi,
Miss. (888) 567-6667 or
(228) 386-7111 or www.
beaurivage.com
2/1
Justin Moore
Casino
Fun
With Special Guest Joey Hyde, 8 p.m. Hard
Rock Casino Resort. 777 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, Miss. (877) 8776256 or (228) 374-7625 or www.hardrockbiloxi.com.
2/1 – 2/2 Rodney Carrington
famous comedian, actor, writer, and singer. 8 p.m. nightly. Beau
Rivage Casino, 875 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, Miss. (888) 567-6667
or (228) 386-7111 or www.beaurivage.com
2/2 Aaron Lewis
Lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and founding member of the
rock group Staind. 8 p.m. Hard Rock Casino Resort. 777 Beach
Blvd, Biloxi, Miss. (877) 877-6256 or (228) 374-7625 or www.
hardrockbiloxi.com.
2/2 Larry the Cable Guy
American stand-up comedian, actor, country music artist, voice
actor, and former radio personality & one of the members of the
Blue Collar Comedy Tour. 8 p.m. IP Casino Resort & Spa, 850
Bayview Avenue, Biloxi. (888) 946-2847 or (228) 436-3000 or
www.ipbiloxi.com
2/8 Loverboy
All New!
Canadian rock group. 8 p.m. . IP Casino Resort & Spa, 850
Bayview Avenue, Biloxi. (888) 946-2847 or (228) 436-3000 or
www.ipbiloxi.com
Perpetual Pasta Dishes
Sunday–Thursday
Choose from five different refillable pasta dishes–
plus house bread and family style salad.
Best of all, we’ll refill your dish until you’re
full. That’s Italian–with southern hospitality.
• Penne Marinara
with Italian Sausage
• Lasagna Bolognese
• Fettuccine Alfredo
• Beef Tortellini
with Marinara
• Spaghetti
alla Marinara
Reservat
ions
228 436 3000
2/9 Anthony Cools
world famous hypnotist. 8 p.m.
IP Casino Resort & Spa, 850
Bayview Avenue, Biloxi. (888)
946-2847 or (228) 436-3000 or
www.ipbiloxi.com
2/9 Diana Ross
Motown star. 8 p.m. Beau
Rivage Casino, 875 Beach
Blvd, Biloxi, Miss. (888) 5676667 or (228) 386-7111 or
www.beaurivage.com
The Casino Bus Company
Daily casino trips to Biloxi and
The WindCreek Casino in Atmore, AL
$15 - $20 free slot play*
$15 meal vouchers*
Private Group Charters Available
*Casino amenities subject to change without notice
Departure locations:
ALA: Orange Beach, Foley, Loxley, Lillian,
Robertsdale, Spanish Fort, Gulf Shores.
FLA: Perdido Key, Pensacola & Milton
Must be (21) years of age or older
For more info call
1.855.274.3345 OR (850) 857.7711
2/15 Merle Haggard
Classic country legend.
IP Casino Resort & Spa,
850 Bayview Avenue, Biloxi.
Details: (888) 946-2847 or
(228) 436-3000 or www.ipbiloxi.com
2/10 Asian show
Second appearance on the coast. A musical extravaganza
featuring top Asian performers in the country. 8 p.m . IP Casino
Resort & Spa, 850 Bayview Avenue, Biloxi. (888) 946-2847 or
(228) 436-3000 or www.ipbiloxi.com
2/11 Irma Thomas
American “soul singer” from New Orleans. 8 p.m. Island View
Casino Resort. 3300 West Beach, Gulfport, Miss. 877-8439 or
www.islandviewcasino.com
2/15-16
Lynyrd
Skynyrd
Southern Rock Band. 8
p.m. Hard Rock Casino
Resort. 777 Beach Blvd,
Biloxi, Miss. (877) 8776256 or (228) 374-7625
or www.hardrockbiloxi.
com.
2/16 Wanda
Jackson
The queen of rockabilly.
Hollywood Casino, 711
Hollywood Blvd., Bay St.
Louis, Miss. 866-7582591 or www.hollywoodbsl.com
27
2/23 Fab Four
Ultimate Beatles tribute band. Hard Rock Casino
Resort. 777 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, Miss. (877) 8776256 or (228) 374-7625 or www.hardrockbiloxi.
com.
2/22 Country Legends
Ray Price, John Conlee and TG Sheppard
perform in one show. 8 p.m. IP Casino Resort
& Spa, 850 Bayview Avenue, Biloxi. (888) 9462847 or (228) 436-3000 or www.ipbiloxi.com
2/22 Grand Funk Railroad and 3/1 Randy Travis
WAR
Two great bands together. Beau Rivage Casino,
875 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, Miss. (888) 567-6667 or
(228) 386-7111 or www.beaurivage.com
2/22 Sinbad
American country music singer. IP Casino Resort & Spa, 850 Bayview Avenue, Biloxi . Details:
(888) 946-2847 or (228) 436-3000 or www.
ipbiloxi.com
3/1 Travis Tritt
American stand-up comedian. Hard Rock Casino
American country music singer. 8 p.m. Hard
Resort. 777 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, Miss. (877) 877Rock Casino Resort. 777 Beach Blvd, Biloxi,
6256 or (228) 374-7625 or www.hardrockbiloxi.
Miss.. Details: (877) 877-6256 or (228) 374-7625
18935-PCR SnowBirdsFebruary_18935-PCR SnowBirdsFebruary
10/3/12 1:23 PM Page 1
com.
or www.hardrockbiloxi.com.
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CP6492
Fishing
Piers
28
If fishing is what you crave the pier offers everything you need at a reasonable price. It
is $7.50 for adults and $4.50 for kids for. Seniors and Military are $6.50. Sometimes you get
to watch a shark or sailfish swimming nearby. Many marine birds fly around like pelicans,
seagulls, and herons. Be sure to leave the birds alone as they are protected on Pensacola
Beach. Details: Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier, 41 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach, Fla.
(850) 934-7200 or www.visitpensacolabeach.com.
NAVARRE BEACH: The longest fishing pier on the Gulf of Mexico at 1545 feet, the Navarre
One of the most relaxing and scenic
activities is to view the coast from the water –
via the many fishing piers along the Gulf Coast.
Many piers have been rebuilt since
the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005 and are
considered state-of-the-art.
Gulf State Park Pier: New artificial reefs within casting distance of the pier attract and
hold more fish that include flounder, sheepshead, redfish and many other species.
The $14.8 million Gulf State Park Pier reopened in 2009 on Alabama’s Gulf Coast.
It is Alabama’s only pier on the Gulf and is 1,540-foot long and 20-foot wide with 2,448
feet of fishing space along its rails.
New features at the pier include concession area seating, indoor retail space for tackle
and souvenirs, mid-pier comfort station and wheelchair-accessible rail fishing.
Educational signs line the entrance and along the length of the pier and are an added
attraction.
The cost is $2 to walk and $8 to fish plus you must have a fishing license. There are
also weekly and monthly passes available at a discount. Fishing license cost is $11 for nonresidents. Details: (251) 967-FISH(3474).
PENSACOLA BEACH: The landmark wooden pier was washed away in the 1990s but the
newer version has been built to withstand Mother Nature.
The Santa Rosa Island Authority built the first pier in the early 1930s at Casino Beach as
a recreational attraction.
Today, if you enjoy strolling and watching wildlife the pier and observation post is a great
way to spend your day. All observers cost $1.25 for the day. If you want to leave and return just
show your hand stamp. Some of the wildlife you might see include fish, dolphins and sea turtles.
Beach Pier located at 8579 Gulf Blvd. Navarre Beach, Fla., reopened in summer 2010 and
has enjoyed tremendous popularity.
The pier features an octagonal end design with surface area approximately 3,800-square
feet. There is about 32,000 feet of accessible surface and 90 low-wattage lights and concrete
bollards to protect set turtle nesting.
The cost to walk is $1 and senior fishing is $6 per day. A lively pier restaurant and bar and
tackle and snack shop are at the pier’s entrance. Details: 850-936-1794 or navarrepier.com
Okaloosa Island: The Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier is the backdrop for the lively restaurant
and shopping complex The Boardwalk, 1030 Miracle Strip Pkwy. E. Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.
The pier opened in 1998 and is almost a quarter mile in length at 1262 feet with an
octagon at the end. Fees are $2 for non-fishing, $7.50 adults and $6.50 seniors to fish. Prices
include tax and license. Details: (850) 244-1023
Panama City: The Russell-Fields Pier, also known as the City Pier, is located at 16201-
B Front Beach Road, Panama City Bch, Fla., across the street from Aaron Bessant Park.
Fishing license is included in the pier admission fee. Spectators pay $2 per day. Seniors 65
and over pay $3 and regular price is $6. Details: 850-233-5080 or wwwpcbgov.com. Panama
City also has the M.B. Miller County Pier at 12213 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach,
Fla., which sits 1500 feet out into the Gulf of Mexico. Spectators can walk the pier for a daily
fee of $2. Seniors 65 and over $3 and regular admission $6. Rod rentals bait and tackle
available on site. Details: 850-236-3035 or www. Baycountyfl.gov/pier.
Snowbird Appreciation Days Feb. 9 and 23
Open to
the Public
1 Ford Drive, Perdido Florida, 32507
Present this ad and receive
15% off
Regular Rack Rate
Does not apply to Sunset, Early Bird or other special rates.
Present this ad and receive $5 off of a purchase of $25
or more at the Legends Premium Wine Bar and Grille
Located at Perdido Bay Golf Club. Not valid with any other discounts
* Tax not included.
850-492-1223
29
Grapefruit League
The pitchers report in early February and the “boys of summer” soon follow to train and compete
in Florida’s Grapefruit League.
Spring training means not only do the players get to take the field for the first time in months, but
fans get an up-close and personal look at some of their favorite players and rising talent with ticket
prices that start at $15.
Stretching from mid-state in Orlando and fanning out mostly along the Gulf Coast from there, the
Grapefruit League began in 1908 with a single exhibition game in Tampa and began in earnest about
a decade later.
Small towns located within an easy travel distance of each other soon hosted major league teams
– and their winter weather-weary fans – and populations swelled.
Today, the Florida Grapefruit League is host to 15 teams who compete in intimate stadiums
located in many of Florida’s smaller communities. A full listing of games is available at www.
floridagrapefruitleague.com.
Atlanta Braves
Houston Astros
New York Yankees
Tampa Bay Rays
Baltimore Orioles
Miami Marlins
Philadelphia Phillies
Toronto Blue Jays
Boston Red Sox
Minnesota Twins
Pittsburgh Pirates
Washington Nationals
Detroit Tigers
New York Mets
St. Louis Cardinals
ESPN Wide World of Sports
Walt Disney World Resort
Kissimmee, FL 34747
(407) 939-GAME
Osceola County Stadium
631 Heritage Parkway
Kissimmee, FL 34744
(321) 697-3200
Ed Smith Stadium
2700 12th Street
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 954-4101
Roger Dean Stadium
4751 Main Street
Jupiter, FL 33458
(561) 771-1818, ext. 1828 or 1829
JetBlue Park
11581 Daniels Parkway
Fort Myers, FL 33913
TOLL FREE: (877) RED-SOX9 (733-7699)
Joker Marchant Stadium
2125 North Lake Avenue
Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 686-8075
Hammond Stadium at Lee County Sports
Complex
14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway
Fort Myers, FL 33912
Mets Stadium
525 NW Peacock Blvd.
Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
(772) 871-2115
George M Steinbrenner Field
One Steinbrenner Drive
Tampa, FL 33614
(813) 879-2244
Bright House Field
601 N. Old Coachman Road
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 467-4457 (GO-PHILS)
McKechnie Field
1611 Ninth Street West
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 747-3031
Charlotte Sports Park
2300 El Jobean Road
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
(727) 825-3250
Florida Auto Exchange Stadium
373 Douglas Avenue
Dunedin, FL 34698
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30
Suddenly Senior
™
By Frank Kaiser
Girl’s Choice: A First Date
by Frank Kaiser Recently, I wrote that a man remembers his first car far clearer than
his first date, first kiss, first anything else.
I may have been wrong.
My very first date was in the era of milk delivered in glass bottles to back doors
everywhere. Washing machines had wringers. We chewed Black Jack, ate little wax cokebottle-shaped containers with sugar water inside, and licked S & H Green Stamps for Mom.
Dating was formal, virtuous, downright angelic.
My first date’s name was Naomi Bump. She was a fellow seventh-grader, a beautiful girl
with one glass eye. She was taller than I, certainly more mature physically and emotionally.
It was one of those “Girl’s Choice” dances.
Instead of all us kids showing up at the dance helter-skelter, then awkwardly splitting up
with the boys on one side and girls on the other, this night we were expected to “stick with
the one that brung you.”
This was a first for most of us.
I think Naomi asked me to the dance because our parents were members of the Park
Ridge, Illinois, Christian Science Church. Her old man probably figured that since I’d gone to
Sunday School there, I’d have sense enough to do the right thing.
Boy, was he wrong!
In the late ‘40s, the Bumps, like many parents, still didn’t have a car. It was perfectly
acceptable for Naomi and me to ride our bicycles from our separate homes to the junior high
where we’d meet for the big dance.
Dress was casual. I wore pretty much what I wore every day: noisy, hand-me-down
corduroy pants with suspenders that were often snapped, a shirt that had long warmed the
back of my cousin, Jim, and shoes my Uncle Dale wore when he was my age. No Adidas. No
Nikes. High-ankle P.F. Flyers were as stylish as it got in those days.
I don’t recall what Naomi wore. I do remember a corsage she made for me from hard
candy stuck on a stiff red cardboard heart — Was it Valentine’s Day? — with jelly beans
strung together, and red licorice cut and folded into roses.
Colored tinfoil added sparkle and panache.
I was not smitten, just embarrassed. Only after I saw the other boys wearing equally
bizarre candy stashes would I pin mine on.
Should I Kiss Her?
We “danced” to piano music. “The Farmer in the Dell?” Who knows? I’ve spent 55 years
attempting to forget this particular evening.
I do remember both of us trying to make the best of it. Naomi’s glass eye glittered, eager
for my attention. And as the girl already had well-developed breasts, I had nowhere to look
except at our feet or the ceiling.
Finally, mercifully, it was over.
Now, I didn’t know much about dating, but I knew that the person asking took the asked
person home. That’s the way it was when guys asked girls; I assumed it worked the other way
around as well.
We biked back to my place. There we stood outside, silent and awkward, wondering what
to do next. It had been raining, and my fenderless bike had striped me front and back.
I just wanted to go in, out of this sea of embarrassment
After a gawky few moments — Was I supposed to shake her hand? Or worse, kiss her? —
Naomi biked out from my neighborhood, alone. It was after 10 p.m.
I quickly wiped the stripe from my face and went to bed.
The phone woke me. I overheard my father saying, “Yes, he’s here.” Pause. “He didn’t?”
Pause. “Are you certain?” Pause. “When did you call the police?” Pause. “We’ll start looking
immediately.”
“Franklin!” he screamed.
Dad and I immediately began a two-hour search-and-harangue mission. Turned out
Naomi was home, safe and sound, by the time we started looking.
The next day, Naomi and I passed in the hall. Faint, distressed smiles were exchanged.
We both just wanted to die.
My second date wasn’t until well into high school.
Copyright © 2013 — Frank Kaiser Care to comment on this week’s Suddenly Senior? Write to Frank, care of this newspaper, or frank@
suddenlysenior.com. His Website, http://www.suddenlysenior.com, includes senior humor, nostalgia, trivia, “222 Best Senior Links,” and
senior jokes galore.
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