February 2013 - Snowbirds Gulf Coast
Transcription
February 2013 - Snowbirds Gulf Coast
Snowbirds ! E E FR 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 YOU BELONG AT THE BEAU Plan your transformation from the everyday with room rates starting at only $79 per night.* Purchase your tickets today for these big acts coming to Beau Rivage. RODNEY CARRINGTON** LAUGHTER’S GOOD TOUR DIANA ROSS GRAND FUNK RAILROAD & WAR THE MOODY BLUES Feb 1-2 Feb 9 Feb 22 Mar 16 VINCE GILL Mar 22 PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO Apr 19 JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS May 3 RON WHITE** A LITTLE UNPROFESSIONAL TOUR Jun 7 For hotel reservations and show tickets, visit beaurivage.com. Entertainment show ticket purchases can also be made by calling 1.888.566.7469. You Belong At The Beau. Resort & Casino • Biloxi, MS dining • gaming • entertainment • shopping • golf • pool • spa *Some restrictions apply and is subject to availability. Beau Rivage Resort & Casino reserves the right to cancel or change this promotion at any time.Additional restrictions may apply. Entertainment tickets not included. **Must be 21. Tickets based on availability and schedule subject to change.For complete details visit beaurivage.com. When you need to win, you need to quit. Gambling problem? Call 1.888.777.9696 ©2013 MGM Resorts International® r fo w ! no tion y ta lec s e ur T s o y k BES o Bo the 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? So, what are you waiting for? Start planning today and book soon for best selection on your home away from home this winter! 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012 866-451-1201 WyndhamVacationRentals.com To own your own piece of paradise contact our ResortQuest Real Estate Team at Real Estate Sales 800-547-0805 \ RQEmeraldCoastRealEstate.com 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 815-546-9207 or 630-461-4828 Rocky Mountain Express – Now Showing! Now showing on the IMAX Giant Screen. Showtimes: 10 a.m., Noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. OPEN 9 – 5 DAILY ON NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA • FREE MUSEUM ADMISSION 850-453-NAVY • 800-327-5002 • NavalAviationMuseum.org • Get the Apps • We even transport your pets! Reasonable Fee. 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 10 2013 - 2014 SnoWbird danCe Daily, Weekly, Monthly Rentals boardwalk Convention Center Live MuSiC in ruSTy anChor BOOK TODAY! Exclusive Early Bird BOOKING DEALS 3-6pm Pat C : 6-9pm 17 SnoWbird danCe 4 5 Valentine’s Snowbird DanCe Party Featuring a GOURMET BUFFET & DJ Jim Lawson Woody & The Peckers : 6-9pm Dinner 11 Buffet 12 Starts at 5pm tickets on sale nOW 850-234-3484 18 3-6pm 13 14 8 9 SWeeT harMony KaraoKe 9am 6-9pm rusty anchor 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: 850-234-3484 (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. tors isi Winter V r u o y k r Ma dars! Calen Thursm.. – 2 p.m. 8 a. o p x E s e l y t s e f i L s. vendor e s r e iv te. 60 d re than f retiring in sta o M . h o ac nge Be advantages ntage.org a r O , t r d e Reso ama cities an AlabamaAdva ib r a C b w. The bout Ala 7 or ww Learn a -800-235-475 1 a m a b a l A 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 at only $ 10 Feb. 1, 2, 12, 15, 23 and 24 www.pensacolaiceflyers.com or call 850-466-3111 for more information. + 0 5 s er b m e m For y a d n o M y EverednesdAY & w 9aM -3PM ament No PoINTs rEQUIrEd! n r u o t . T lot E F F U $ 1,000 s hB c N U ITh 50 l w s F u F n 1/2 o $10 sloTPlay Bo sTanT n I InTs. n o a P , s d u e l n P ear y r e Ev night y a d s y r r u a h u T r b e F r o u F r r E h sT t B o l B olE 1l h W A d Ad only $ 00 6 Comp Cash or wn o T r u Yo s 24/7 I a s n i n w u df stops an he only Boomto ay at t k never B c k u l c a e B h t here om!” on the This is w . It’s right here t always go “Bo ce tha experien with jackpots ck. u l o r n i u s o y ca r ng fo a b e r et mo g 7 7 7 0 7 2 6 0 0 8 1 H E V A om W c . i E x I o l V nbi Y w A o t B m o bo 676 Gambling Problem? Call 1-888-777-9696. 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 One of only 17 Resorts nationwide to be awarded a 10/10*/10 rating from Trailer Life Give us a call today! The resort is now adding Park Models to the mix. 800.232.2478 or www.rvresort.com 1957 Allison Ave., Panama City Beach, Florida 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 Snowbird snaps Fort Walton Beach Snowbird snaps indiana snowbirds cauignhgt! read 13 SENIOR snowbirds Snowbird snaps 14 Boardwalk Dance! michigan Snowbirds Everyone always talks about getting a nice family portrait done, and what better place than on the beach! We specialize in affordable and professional, on-location family portraiture serving the Gulf Coast from Gulf Shores to Destin. Mention this ad & get $50 off Full-Family Session (up to 2 hours) HamiltonImages.com | 850.529.4339 Snowbird snaps PERDIDO KEY ! w 15 e N Snowbirds Gulf Coast 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! Contact us at 850-2911266 or [email protected] Say “Snowbird” Discount! Up to 20% off services thru 3/1/2012 Capturing your Special Moments Joe Culpepper 850.572.4663 [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 Taste of the le. to 4 peop ood for up31 , 2013 Coupon Gre ch ar M s pi Ex Canoe, Tube, Kayak, Ropes Course ... Discover the FUN of outdoor adventure! In addition to our 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 PT Solutions Physical Therapy 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: • Sports related conditions • Neck, Shoulder & Back pain • Hip, Knee & Ankle Pain • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Plantar Fasciitis • Postoperative Conditions • Balance Impairments • Muscle Weakness PT Solutions of Navarre 8990 Navarre Parkway, Suite C Navarre, Florida 32566 Phone: 850.939.1233 • TMJ Disfunctions • Tennis Elbow • Headaches • Chronic & Acute Pain PT Solutions of Santa Rosa Beach 249 Mack Bayou Loop, Suite 101 Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 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. say t us j Get Fresh fresh food! 10 % native cafe off ! Go Native! Breakfast and Lunch Open Seven Days a Week 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Daily specials, catering. Mention or clip this ad get 10 percent off! 45A Via de Luna Pensacola Beach 850-934-4848 www.TheNativeCafe.com Magnolia Grill “The Museum That Serves Food” 1910 Catalog House located at the foot of the Brooks St. Bridge in historic Downtown Fort Walton Beach Snowbird Friendly! Lunch M-F 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner M-Sat. 5 p.m. Closed Sunday Reservations: 850-302-0266 157 Brooks St. SE, Fort Walton Beach, Fl magnoliagrillfwb.com 21 22 Free Skin Cancer Screening for Winter Residents! New patients only please. The most common form of cancer... is also the easiest to cure. Early detection is the key. Don’t wait to see a dermatologist. CALL TODAY. BE SEEN THIS WEEK! 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 % a 10 this ith w Emerald Coast 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 26 1/27 SATISFIED Asian Show PERPETUAL PASTA Endless. Limitless. Boundless Unrestricted refills! * Only $14.95! Musical extravaganza featuring top Asian performers in the country. 8 p.m. Beau Rivage Casino, 875 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. 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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. 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That makes an extended stay an extended pleasure. staygulfshoresal.com 251.975.1030 3947 Gulf Shores Parkway, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 Studio, One-Bedroom and Two-Bedroom Suites Available* n Fully equipped kitchens with refrigerator, microwave, stovetop and dishwasher n Separate spacious living and work areas n Expanded cable TV and more movie entertainment options n Free wireless Internet n Speaker phones n Free local calls n Pet-friendly accommodations** * Suite types vary by hotel ** Contact hotels for pet deposit and fee information 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. SNOWBIRD Give a warm Snowbird welcome . Call for our media kit: 850-291-1266 Marketplace Snowbirds Gulf Coast saturates this market from the panhandle of Florida to the Alabama Gulf Coast! 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