Destin Snowbird Club wraps up another year

With almost 1,100 members, the Destin Snowbird Club started and finished its season with huge accolades from its membership.  

Over the past three months, the club held weekly meetings with entertainment by local and area musicians and musical groups, held several “Thank Goodness It’s Tuesday” dance parties at LuLu’s, had cruises on the harbor with the Southern Star, held golf outings and golf tournaments, held special weekly activities, a crafts fair, casino trips, a Valentine’s Dinner Dance, a Ladies Luncheon and a Dinner for Volunteers, all held at Austons on 98 Restaurant. While all these activities were underway, the Destin Snowbird Club had time to collect and donate over $4,200 to local charities. 

Planning is already underway for their return to Destin and the Emerald Coast by the new board.  Board elections were held at the Destin Snowbirds Annual Meeting on Feb. 27.  The following officers were elected:  Jerry Reckman (MI), President; Steve Ericson (MI), 1st Vice President; Rick Mettle (OH), 2nd Vice President; Cindy Varnell (TN), Secretary; Pete Sikkenga (MI), Treasurer; Ted D. Spring (FL), Publicity Director; Jack Krasky (MN), Webmaster; Linda Zukonik (MI), Registration Director; Ruth Beckett (MI), Prize Committee Director; Dean Harper (TN), Member-at-Large; Brenda Murphy (MI), Member-at-Large; and Ken Campbell (GA) was appointed Immediate Past President. 

Before the election of officers and club business, the Northwest Florida State College Jazz Band entertained the snowbirds. Throughout the season, the college provided musical entertainment that delighted snowbirds from all over the United States and Canada. 

This column was provided by Ted Spring, Destin Snowbird Club publicity director.