Hello Gators,
Our Club has a marvelous calendar of exciting trips and entertaining events! Please visit our website, read our weekly email blast and download our newsletter to find out more. Please invite your friends and coworkers to try us out so more people can join in the fun.
I would like to thank all of our loyal members for their support. We are a club run by volunteers who do their best to meet everyone’s expectations of what a fun, dynamic club should offer. We are planning next year’s activities. Please give your ideas and feedback to our VPs. This is your Club, and we would like to hear from you.
The Gators mourn the passing of long time active member Ward Cotthaus, who lost his valiant battle with Parkinson’s disease. Ward led many events over the years and also participated in many Florida Ski Council meetings with the Gator delegation. We will miss his friendly, outgoing presence at our meetings. We send our deepest condolences to Ward’s significant other of twenty years, Arvie Moore, and to his two sons.
Our annual membership picnic will take place on Saturday, May 13th in Carlin Park at the Beach Pavilion. Join your friends and renew your membership at this free celebration featuring hotdogs, sides and beverages prepared and served by your Board members. Play some fun games, listen to some good dance music and socialize.
Our third trip to fantastic Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado led by Stephanie Morgan went out from February 4th to 11th. Everyone had a wonderful time skiing with excellent snow conditions. Our fourth trip, the FSC trip to gorgeous Lake Louise/Banff, Canada led by Carol Ashley, left on February 25th. Our fifth trip to incredible Andalo-Paganella, Italy resort led by Vi Ware departs on March 11th. The trip itinerary is thanks to the exceptional planning of our members from the area, Marco Dallapiccola and Agnese Leonardelli. Our sixth trip during Spring Break to magnificent Big Sky, Montana led by Rich Ruvido departs on March 18th.
Our summer ski trip to Valle Nevado, Chile on August 17-27, 2017 sold out with 16 spots, but due to popular demand, we have expanded it to 26 spots. If you are interested, please contact our trip leader, Lee Chitty.
Please be sure to come to the General Meeting on March 9th. We will honor our racing team that won the Florida Ski Council Cup at Beaver Creek. The second (and final) round of nominations for next year’s officers takes place at the March meeting. The election will be at the April General Meeting. We are looking for volunteers to serve in our elected positions starting on June 1st. If you are interested, please contact our Supervisor of Elections, Ildiko Haidacher.
The Gators played Mini Golf at Lighthouse Cove in Jupiter on Saturday, February 11th. This fun event organized by Kathy Levas attracted quite a few members. Afterwards, the celebration continued at Shipwrecks Bar and Grill. Thank you, Kathy!
February 25th marked the fifth Leisure Bike Ride of the season with Ben Smith leading an enjoyable ride at around Lake Okeechobee. This trip was the highlight of the special weekend camping trip. Lots of Gators stayed for the weekend and had a fabulous time after the bike ride at the Gator Hole and later Saturday night around the campfire. Ben and the helpers he recruited thrilled us with a delicious breakfast in Sunday morning. Thank you, Ben! Our next ride on March 11th will be at Riverbend Park in Jupiter with Guest Leader Letti Falko. Please join us for an enjoyable ride.
Our Discover Alaska cruise on Princess Cruise Lines scheduled for August 2017 features a 7 day cruise with a 3 day land package. We already have a great group of Gators signed up, so please join us!
Come to our Friday night happy hours, arranged for you by the Social and Special Activities Committee run by your VPs Debbi Haselmire and Betty Williams. We are taking over from Bonnie Boaz, who did a terrific job. Thank you, Bonnie, and best wishes for a speedy recovery from your broken leg in Beaver Creek. Happy hour is an excellent way to start the weekend with your Gator friends. We will be including some new and exciting venues mixed in with Club favorites. If you have any ideas for happy hours, please contact your VPs.
The volunteers on our Social and Special Activities Committee meeting are working hard to bring you enjoyable parties, events and trips this year. If you have an idea for an event, please bring it to the committee. If you would like to get more involved, please join the committee, volunteer to lead an event or trip, or offer to assist other officers. We are looking for volunteers to help us with our events, so please come to our next meeting, tentatively planned for March 28th. With your help we can make your Club even better.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
Sincerely,
Sharon Long
President
