Snowbirds get into the Christmas season

    As Christmas approaches, vehicles bearing insignia from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin and quite a few from Canada, as well as some from other northern states can be seen in traditional snowbird haunts — the many shops and restaurants that line the Emerald Coast’s main thoroughfares. All are welcomed by the Walton County Snowbirds and are invited to join us in a wide variety of activities keyed to those who favor an active lifestyle.
    Ballroom dancing lessons will get underway in January, as will exercise classes, and arts and crafts activities. Golf will take center stage with a number of golfing opportunities that include two golf leagues, one on Tuesdays and another on Thursdays. Both leagues convene at the Golf Garden on Highway 98. Other groups include art, book discussion, creative writing and a general topic discussion group. Here are some firmed up dates:
    The first general meeting will take place on Dec. 16 at Faith Assembly Church, 306 South Geronimo Street beginning at 10 a.m. Entertainment committee chairman Al Francis has lined up a lively combo that includes well-known area musicians Michael J. Thomas on the saxophone, Jabbo Parsons on the piano and guitarist Shannon Wallace.
    The Walton County Snowbirds busy season kicked off on Nov. 30 with free line dancing classes and will continue through mid-March each Monday at 3 p.m. Classes convene at Faith Assembly Fellowship Hall. Dance leader Diane Likhite said, “You don’t need a partner, it’s free, it’s exercise, and it’s fun. Try it, you might like it.” Likhite also said the classes progress from easy to more difficult dances during the two hours of lessons and invites those with questions to contact her at 850-424-3664.
    Thursday Golf League chairs are Barb Mitchell and Dick Powell. Registrations dates are Dec. 7 and 14, courtesy of Don Tilk. Registration will resume on Jan. 4 and repeat on Jan. 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1 and 8. Registrations occur at Faith Assembly Church between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. The season for this league gets underway on Jan. 7.
    Golf Play Days have been set at six area golf courses. Dates and course names follow. Note the advance time required to gain a tee time as they vary from course to course. Check the Web site for updates and details at http:// www.waltoncountysnowbirds.com/.
    • Bluewater Bay (897-3241) Monday, Dec. 28. Tee Time up to 14 days in advance.
    • Emerald Bay (837-5197) Monday, Dec. 21. Tee Time up to 14 days in advance.
    • Regatta Bay (337-8080) Tuesday, Dec. 15. Tee Time up to seven days in advance.
    January play days are:
    • Bluewater Bay, Tuesday, Jan. 12, up to 14 day tee time notice required.
    • Emerald Bay, Saturday, Jan. 9, Sunday Jan. 17 and Saturday Jan. 30, up to 14 day tee time notice required.
    • Regatta Bay, Sunday, Jan. 10, Tuesday, Jan. 26, and Wednesday, Jan. 27, up to seven day tee time notice required.
    • Windswept Dunes (835-1847) Thursday, Jan. 7. Call for tee times up to one month in advance.
    The Art Workshop chair is Jan Young. Registration will take place Jan. 4 with classes to begin at 9 a.m. Jan. 5 at the Good News Methodist Church on Highway 98.
    Snowbird Singers, directed by Karl Keilhau, will rehearse at the Santa Rosa Beach Community Church Friday mornings from 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. The first rehearsal will occur on Jan. 8.
    Tom Mahar is information officer for the Walton County Snowbirds. He can be reached at tkmahar@aol.com. For Snowbird information, visit www. waltoncountysnowbirds.com.