GULF SHORES, AL - Ohio Snowbirds had their second to last meeting at LuLu’s Homeport Marina on Feb. 19 with 85 members in attendance, including two new people. Our current membership is 161. President Bob Hofacker led the Pledge of Allegiance and Don Thrash gave the blessing followed by some of his famous jokes.

Our interesting speaker on Mardi Gras in GulfShores was Evelyn Sanders, who was one of the founders and also the Grand Marshall in the 13th Gulf Shores Mardi Gras parade. Mardi Gras in G. S. began 1979.

Pleasure IslePlayers (known as PIPS) put on plays and variety shows to raise money for the parades. The first Mardi Gras Ball had 250 people attend. Evelyn spoke about how Mardi Gras has grown over the years and had pictures for us to see.

Cindy Sinn, Brat Fest chairperson, thanked the volunteers who worked. They sold out of buns and donated 36 brats to the Christian Service Center.

Elaine Palmer will be running for treasurer and Mary Zaye for secretary for 2015-16. Election will be at March 5 breakfast meeting.

May Alanko requested us to fill out the donation papers on the table. She will let us know at the next meeting what organizations will receive donations from the Ohio Club.

President Bob announced that December, 2014 informal breakfasts will be at Tacky Jack’s in Gulf Shores on the first and third Wednesdays.

Door prizes were given out by Paul Alanko, Bob Hofacker, Tony Distl and Jerry Vetter. Bob thanked Gertie Fraber for baking and donating pies for our raffle at each meeting, especially the Buckeye Pie.

Many snowbirds will be leaving March 1 and we wish them safe travels and look forward to seeing them at the annual summer reunion as well as the 2015 snowbird season.

Carolyn Rooks will be sending out information in May about our summer reunion that will be in Cambridge, Ohio, on July 17-18, 2014.

Breakfast reservations are due Sunday before-Call Dick Haberstroh at 513-702-1980.

ACTIVITIES CALENDAR:

Saturday, March 1, “Blend” at Foley Civic Center, 2 p.m.

Wednesday, March 5, last breakfast at LuLu’s, 8 a.m.

Friday, March 7, Sheriff’s Boys Ranch Pig Roast, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 11, Dinner at Perdido Beach Resort, 5:30 p.m.