The Iowa Snowbird Club met Jan.12 at LuLu’s Homeport for breakfast with more than 200 present.

President Marvin Hastings introduced Jan Taylor and Linda Spangrud who are chairing a gala 25th Anniversary event promoting literacy. They told of the millions who are dysfunctional due to impaired ability to read and asked for volunteers to help.

Herb Malone, CEO of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism spoke to us about the summer nightmare due to the oil spill, but feels the worst is past. He said what we can do to help is to continue coming here and to spread the word to others that the deep cleaning is done and they are open for business. They operate two Welcome Centers, a web-site and have many events coming up.

President Hastings introduced first-time attendees. He also introduced the Iowa Committee.

Doris Wolf reported the tickets are about gone for the Low Country Boil, A.J. Lang asked for volunteers for the Brat festival to be held Feb. 5 and the pancake feed Feb. 12. Terry Kiser has done a great job on our web-site: www.iowa-alabamagulfcoastsnowbirds.org.

Don Brown, Bob Matheson and Paul Stemmerman are in charge of the golf outings and golfers can sign up for outings on the club’s web-site: www.iowa-alabamagulfcoastsnowbirds.org or call Don Brown at 251-980-8509 extension 40509 or Bob Matheson at 251-224-4171.

The first cocktail party will be Jan. 21 at Phoenix V 24400 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach from 5-7 p,m. with Karen Shaffer, Karrol Subbert and Doris Wolf hosting. Bring a dish to share and your own beverage. No RSVP required.

The next breakfast will be Jan. 26 at 8:30 a.m. at LuLu’s Homeport, RSVP by Jan. 22 to Doris Wolf at 251-981-6901 ext 5908 or email clintwolf@aol.com.