Hello Gators,
Our Club has so much momentum with exciting trips and activities for everyone! Please visit our website, read our weekly email blast and look through this newsletter to find out about them and sign up. Please let your friends and co-workers know about us so we can increase our membership to allow us to offer even more fun.
We kicked off our ski season with a big crowd at our fantastic Ski Fever event on September 8th. All would agree that this outstanding affair was “WHITE HOT”! Our ski trips, socials and special activity events were marvelously showcased. We enjoyed the splendidly decorated surroundings, feasted on appetizers and pizza, and danced to the music of a DJ. Debbie Haselmire, Pattie Bochniak and others worked very hard to plan and organize this delightful evening for you. Kudos to all!
With the huge attendance, we easily reached a quorum for special election for the bylaw amendment that would restore the $500 discount on a trip for the President and Past President. This amendment passed by a large margin, and I thank everyone for voting. Since my support of this amendment creates a conflict of interest, I will be donating my benefit to the Club.
I just returned from the Oktoberfest trip, where 16 Gators celebrated for two days in beer tents in Munich with thousands of revelers. We also visited the amazing medieval walled city of Rothenberg, Germany, the beautiful, historic city of Salzburg Austria and the spectacular Zell am Zee area of the Austrian Alps. It was an exciting, once in a lifetime adventure. Bill Lobb led this trip with no trip leader compensation, and I thank him for his generosity and for his organization and planning.
Our spectacular bike and barge trip in the Provence region of southeastern France in May 2017 still has a few spots left. Estela Basso has graciously volunteered to lead this trip for no trip leader compensation. Competitively priced at $2,600, this will be a magnificent yet affordable journey, so please sign up.
Our Discover Alaska cruise on Princess Cruise Lines scheduled for August 2017 is selling well. It features a 7 day cruise with a 3 day land package. If you sign up before November 15th, you will get the incredible 3 for free offer that includes a free cabin upgrade, free gratuities and $150 in spending money per cabin. We already have a fun group of Gators signed up, so please join us!
Our ski trips are selling remarkably well, with four trips already sold out and two others (Lake Louise/Banff and Big Sky) with many spots sold. If you still have not signed up for a trip, please do not delay! Look in this newsletter and on our website for more information.
September was an active month featuring our first visit to the Palm Beach Kennel Club, where the Gators enjoyed betting and watching the greyhounds race while sitting in air conditioned comfort. Thanks go to Eileen Long for organizing and leading this fun event. We also enjoyed “Let’s Get the Ball Rolling”, where we bowled at Jupiter Lanes and partied afterwards at Kirby’s Sports Grill. Thank you, Debbie Haselmire for organizing this event. It was fun, fun, fun!
Be sure to celebrate Halloween early at Betty Williams’ party on October 15th. There will be costume prizes, so be sure to wear yours. Join us on October 22nd for our next bowling event. Ride with Ben Smith as our leisure bicycling season begins on October 29th at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Come to our Friday night happy hours, planned for you by Bonnie Boaz. It’s a great way to start the weekend with your Gator friends.
The volunteers on our Social and Special Activities Committee meeting are working hard to bring you wonderful parties, events and trips this year. We are looking for more members. 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. Help us to make your Club even better.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
Sincerely,
Sharon Long
President