Louise Bottrell takes top writing honors

During the general meeting held Feb. 10 at the Destin United Methodist Church, past president Vivek Likhite presented Josette-Rhodes Carroll of South Walton High School with a check in the amount of $1,000 for deposit in the Walton County Snowbird Scholarship Fund, from which the school awards grants to students based on both scholarship and need.

Al Francis brought a new musical treat to the general meetings when he introduced a four-piece ensemble headlined by the Dents Brothers. When they took command of the stage, the audience livened to the amiable good humor of Ronnie Dents whose lyrics flow with the sweetness of honey. His rendition of “Blueberry Hill” brought the audience to its feet while Ernest “Fly” Dents’ saxophone evoked memories of the great Gerry Mulligan. Telvis Coleman's keyboard and piano renditions also stirred memories of another past great, Fats Domino, and percussionist Mike Mosley's rhythms kept the ensemble in balance.

The first question satisfied attendees asked President Bob Swenson afterward was, when is the next meeting? His highly charged staff is already cranking the engine for that meeting scheduled for March 3 at the Community Church of Santa Rosa Beach, 3524 West U.S. 98.  The event promises to be a very special occasion, made so by the appearance of the Snowbird Singers who are preparing for two performances, the first of which is a benefit concert for Haitian relief, which will take place at 3 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Community Church of Santa Rosa Beach. The second performance will be March 3 when the membership convenes for its final general meeting of the season at 10 a.m.

Those who are beginning to think northerly will want to know storage drop off dates for items delivered to Affordable Storage, 114 Sugar Drive (one mile east of 30A on U.S. 98 … south side) are 3 and 4 p.m. Feb. 24, March 3, 10, 17 and 24. The popular program directed by Don Gehrke owes its success to a squadron of volunteers. They are Hugh Barnard, Herman Block, Bud Cole, Bob Collins, Charlie Hirsch, Ken Hofer, Bob Kane, Tony Newell, Don Tilk and Roger Villwoch. The group stores about 450 18- to 20-gallon plastic containers each year and about 100 other objects, including golf equipment, chairs, tables and bicycles. To use the facility, Snowbirds produce a membership card and $10 per container or item, $20 for bicycles. It is also a good place to drop off excess canned food. They see that it gets to Caring and Sharing. While you're at it, drop off a cold one for these hard working guys. Contact: Don Gehrke at 837-993.7

All is in readiness at the Embassy Suites for the Walton County Snowbird ladies “Spring Fling” which gets underway Feb. 24 when the ladies arrive to enjoy lunch and a fashion show during which Chicos will showcase current fashions and demonstrate travel fashion tips. Kudos to committee members Debra Bailey, Barb Becker, Karen Dahl, Patti Hand, and Kay Hess for their dedication to this Snowbird tradition. Tickets are sold out, but it may be worthwhile calling to see if canceled tickets are available. The punch bowl will be waiting at 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch and fun. Call for canceled tickets, at 650-5252 or 654-1170.

Crafters meet each Wednesday between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. at Faith Assembly Fellowship Hall. Call 837-1623 for information.

Vivek Likhite invites tennis players to join him at Mainsail between 9:30 a.m. and noon any morning. Call 424-3664.

Golfers checking out scrambles and play days may refer to the Web site at http://www.waltoncountysnowbirds.com/golf_news.htm for specifics. The Tuesday Golf Garden League results for Feb. 9: High Point Team, Larry Mattes and Barb Mattes, Bob and Fran Scekely. Thursday League, Feb. 11 at Golf Garden, High Point Team: Iris and Bill Slimmon, Carole Edwards and Frank Dimberio, Special Games Winners: Men's Longest Putt - Hole No. 1 - Jim Bryant, Longest Putt - Hole No. 4 - Duane Roost, Ladies Longest Putt - Hole No. 5 - Lyanne Stuwe Ladies Longest Putt - Hole No. 9 - Sue Brusoe.

The David Ott lecture series, “From Opera to Symphony” will conclude at 1 p.m. Feb. 22 in the sanctuary at Faith Assembly Church, 306 South Geronimo Street in Miramar Beach. The lecture fee is $5.

The Creative Writers group reports, Louise Bottrell took top honors during each of the last two writing sessions. The critiquers agreed that Louise complied 100 percent of those writing elements subject to judging, a strong opening line, well developed characters, a logical conclusion, good use of active verbs, the use of lists and realistic dialogue and a well built atmosphere of suspense — all in less than a 1,000 words. In the second of the two weeks, newcomer Kate Giffin won enough acclaim to earn a second place spot.

The discussion group meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Beach Retreat. Last week it discussed the U.S. foreign trade policy and plans to take on lobbying in its next session.

The euchre players report recent winners as Men, first, Frank Lawless-93, second, John Crawford-90; Women, first, Mary Ann Wilson-79, and second, Irene Hinds-78.

Tom Mahar is the information officer for the Walton County Snowbirds. He can be reached at tkmahar@aol.com or 267-5441