Snowbirds give to worthy causes while having fun

Maxine Bradley, who hails from Wisconsin but spends six months a year in Destin, has sung alto for the Walton County Snowbirds chorus for the past three years. Memories of perfect harmony bring a smile to her face when she describes two songs added to the Snowbird Singer's repertoire this year, “You Don't Own Me” and “All that Jazz.”

Fellow songster, Charlie Fudge, a first-year member of the chorus who calls Monticello, Ill., home when he isn't enjoying Emerald Coast delights, reports having enjoyed a lifetime love affair with music of all kinds. Charlie, citing the chorus's rendition of “Consider Yourself” among his all-time favorites, raised his voice in harmony with the 52-member chorus to the rousing selection from the Broadway musical Oliver during a benefit concert held Feb. 27 at the Community Church of Santa Rosa Beach.

The concert, assembled on short notice for benefit victims of a hurricane in Haiti, entertained concert goers with traditional numbers delivered in a vibrant, engaging, and lively format accompanied by the easy grace of Mert Thomasma on the piano. Among the show's highlights, MC'd by Pat McAlpine, was the return of former director Carol Addington to direct Flying Free while Director Karl Keilhau added his flute to the mix.

Three hundred twenty-five attendees responded with a standing ovation and then dug into their pockets to produce $2,300 for Haitian relief.

In addition to Maxine Bradley and Charlie Fudge, Walton County Snowbird activity in February attracted more than 1,000 participants beginning with the President's Cup and Ladies Charity Scramble tournaments, and then the annual dinner dance followed by the annual ladies luncheon all topped off by the benefit concert. The combined activities produced, in addition to merry-making and fellowship, some serious money — $4,400 for distribution to local and international charitable causes.

Not only do Snowbirds enjoy making and listening to music, they enjoy dancing and that they did on Feb. 22 at Sandestin's Hilton when 230 members and friends of the Walton County Snowbirds danced to the music of Emerald Coast virtuoso David Seering. The team of Al Francis, Kay Hess, and Ralph Wozniak who put the event together can take comfort in knowing their efforts and talents created a moment of harmony and sweet memory that will linger long after Snowbirds turn northward.

The annual ladies luncheon and fashion show attracted 256 members of the Walton County Snowbirds to the Embassy Suites on Feb. 24 where they enjoyed a fashion show presented by Jacquie Barbie of Chico's at the Destin Commons augmented by Le Renaissance Salon stylists who attended to the make-up and hair styling of Snowbird models, Debra Bailey, Barb Becker, Eunice Collins, Sue Dickinson, Marilyn Feindt, Patti Hand, Kay Hess, Marilyn Hirsch, Pat Karau and Betty Swenson. A 50/50 drawing raised nearly $400 for Haitian Relief.

For a pleasant afternoon attend the Beginning Drawing and Watercolor group for an afternoon of art appreciation when the members host an art show from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Thursday, March 11 at the Clubhouse of the Enclave Condominiums, 3655 Scenic Hwy (Old) 98 at the rear of the complex. Enjoy the art, chat with artists and enjoy refreshments courtesy of the artists.

Golfers checking out play days may refer to the Walton County Snowbird Web site at www.waltoncountysnowbirds.com/golf_news.htm for prices. Mark your calendar for Play Days that are: Regatta Bay, March 9 and Windswept Dune, March 7.

Vivek Likhite invites tennis players to join him at Mainsail between 9:30 a.m. and noon any morning. It is there that you might meet Elton John (Bud) Jacobson who will turn 92 on his next birthday and still finds time to play tennis on a regular basis. He claims no expert status because his busy life didn't allow him to find time to take up the game until after his 76th birthday back in 1995 when he first came to Destin. This native of Minneapolis is pleased to report his older siblings are alive and well. For more about tennis call 424-3664.

Those who must part company with the beautiful Emerald Coast may want to take advantage of excellent storage rates made available to members of the Walton County Snowbirds at Affordable Storage, 114 Sugar Drive (one mile east of 30A on U.S. 98 ... south side). The facility's open dates are March 10, 17, and 24 between 3 and 4 p.m. All it takes is a Walton County Snowbird membership card and $10 per container or item, $20 for bicycles. By the way, it is also a good place to drop off excess canned food. The storage volunteers, headed by Don Gehrke, see that it gets to Caring and Sharing. For more information call 837-9937.

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