gator tales - wild apricot...fiscal year (june 1, 2014- may 31, 2015) must be current, or the system...
TRANSCRIPT
President’s Message
GATOR TALES T H E O F F I C I A L M O N T H L Y P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E
P A L M B E A C H G A T O R S N O W S K I C L U B
Next General Membership Meeting: Thursday, Nov. 13th North Palm Beach Country Club 6:30pm Social Hour 7:30 pm Business
Next Board of Directors Meeting: Thursday, November 6th at Double Tree Hotel ,Palm Beach Gardens, 6:30 pm
Hello Gators, We had an exciting and busy Octo-ber. Our Snow Gala was a huge success in a fabulous place. The Lake Pavilion in down-town West Palm Beach was the perfect place for this magnificent event. We wanted everyone to hear about our Palm Beach Gator Snow Ski Club, plus we introduced all our ski trips. It was a beauti-ful Thursday night and we celebrated with over 200 members and guests. It was so nice seeing all of you and meeting all our new guests. We had new members join our club, then come to our meeting the following Thursday and sign up for ski trips. All of our ski trips are selling well and some are sold out, so sign up now so you won’t be left out in the cold (or I should say left here in the heat!!). A huge “Thank You” to all our Board Members, Trip Leaders, Assis-tants, Social Committee members, and all the volunteers who were so generous and brought special food items for our waiters to pass around. We had some delicious appetiz-ers that all enjoyed. From salty to sweet, they made this event an extra treat. Thank you all, again. You are what makes our club success-ful. Everyone danced to the DJ’s music and it was a blast. Plus we gave away some nice free prizes. Oh, what a night!! Next Betty Williams gave a Hallow-een Party that was enjoyed by many Gators
and guests. It was a real trick or treat. Actual-ly, it was a fabulous treat, no tricks. Come and join us for fun filled Friday night Happy Hours. We have them in a differ-ent place every week. We just had one on the water at beautiful and private Sandpiper’s. The view was spectacular, and it is a good place to get to know new Gators. On Halloween, Friday the 31st, we had a great Happy Hour and some came in costume. Halloween is such a fun time. You can dress up and act silly and no one will know who you are. Well, that is until the paint sweats off. Oh well, just enjoy life. I’ll let you know next month who won best costume. Our bowling night at Revolutions was great fun. Dorothy Rettay organized and ran this successful event. Great job, Dorothy! Also thank you to Nina Amodio, who helped Dorothy. The both of you did a fantastic job. Our Gator Snow Ski Club has lots of other social activities and trips. So if you don’t want to ski, this is still the club for you. We travel out west and abroad in Spring and Sum-mer. We have some Christmas activities com-ing up. Keep in touch with our website www.gatorsnowskiclub.com It just doesn’t seem possible – Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It’s a great time to spend with family and/or friends. I want to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiv-ing. Love and peace to all. Thank you all for being members of our great and fun Palm Beach Gator Snow Ski Club. Thank You All, Evie Houston President
N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
B O A R D M E M B E R S PRESIDENT Evie Houston 561.762.2628 [email protected] VP SKI TRIPS Walter Marussich 561.768.6368 [email protected] VP SPECIAL ACTIVI-TIES Connie Flow 561.329.0122 [email protected] VP SOCIALS Betty Williams 561.389.8353 Msbettywilliams @att.net TREASURER Orchid Rodriguez 561.204.2881 maryorchid @msn.com SECRETARY Sharon Long 561.626.0406 [email protected] PAST PRESIDENT Richard Wennet 561.776.7729 [email protected] MEMBER AT LARGE Pam Strickland 561.346.6855 [email protected] COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Estela Basso 561.214.1603 webmaster @gatorsnowskiclub.com MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR Nikki Tessler 561.794.2040 [email protected] EVENT COORDINA-TOR DIRECTOR Position Open
Your Club Needs Volunteers! Your Club Needs Volunteers!
We are looking for volunteers in several categories to help our Club succeed:
Social and Special Activities Planning Committee— We need more members to
help with our events and activities. Please Contact Betty Williams at 561-389-8353.
Trip Leaders and Assistant Trip Leaders—For Ski Trips, contact Walter Marussich at
561-768-6368 or [email protected]; for other trips, contact Connie Flow at 561-
329-0122 or [email protected].
Event Leaders—If you are interested in leading one of our events, please contact Betty
or Connie.
Directors— If you are interested serving in the position of Event Coordinator Director,
please contact your new officers. To learn more about this new position, please see below.
Officer Assistants — Volunteers are needed to be assistants to the VP/Ski Trips, VP/
Special Activities, VP/Socials and Treasurer. Must be members in good standing and comfort-
able with computers, with experience using e-mail, Excel and Word.
N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4 P A G E 2
Director Vacant Position for 2014-2015 Event Coordinator Director—Position Open
The Club has a vacant Director position, the Event Coordinator. This new Director will
take on some of the responsibilities formerly handled by the Communications Director.
This Director will handle all aspects of the postings of events on the website, credit card
payments and data collection. Since we have moved to the new website with credit card
payments, the workload of the Communications Director has multiplied, so that the
Board deemed it necessary to create a new position to assume some of the new respon-
sibilities. If you are interested in this position, please contact your Club officers.
2014 Membership Numbers Exceed Last Year’s The Palm Beach Gator Snow Ski Club now has more members than we did at the end
of last fiscal year, reversing a trend in the last several years of membership declines.
Congratulations to our Club and welcome to all our new members! Thank you to all of
the members who have worked hard to revitalize our Club! Your efforts are paying off!!
P A G E 3
Check us out
on Facebook
Create your
own free
account, then
search for
Gator Snow Ski
Club. You can
join the group
or just "like us".
Join Us at Our Events
Events Planning
Committee: Meets the
SECOND MONDAY of each
month FROM NOW ON
Join Betty and Connie the
SECOND Monday of each
month at 7 PM at Tall Tales at
Gander Mountain in Palm Beach
Gardens.
Look for our Mascot at Happy Hour
Look for our Gator sign and
the alligator head full of candy,
seen here at the October
10th happy hour at Barolo’s.
Members Marco Dallapicco-
la and Agnese Leonardelli
enjoy the social hour before
the October General Meet-
ing.
G A T O R T A L E S
Volunteer for Club Activities Trip leader Ray Collie markets
the Heavenly, Lake Tahoe, Cali-
fornia ski trip at the October
General Meeting. Heavenly is
our spring break trip.
N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
Visit Our Website Take a tour of our new website. We
hope you like it ! It features:
Event Information: on ski trips and all
social activities.
Blogs: each of your Board Members can
keep you up-to-date on the news from their area of responsibility.
Event Registration: register online and pay with credit card (or checks).
Join/Renew: your membership online.
Members Only Area*: a password protected area with a searchable Directory
and other content.
Forums: where members can discuss topics of interest with other members.
Surveys: where members can vote on preferences.
Customizable Member Profile: You can add a head shot of yourself, and set
your privacy settings (what information would you like to share and what to keep
private).
Photo Albums: pictures taken at our events...are you there?
*In order to access the Members Only area, your membership for the current
fiscal year (June 1, 2014- May 31, 2015) must be current, or the system will not let
you in. If you need to join or renew your membership, you can do so online. Your
login is your e-mail. Each member needs a unique e-mail.
If you are logging in for the first time, click "Forgot Password" and a password will
be e-mailed to you, from [email protected]. If you do not see the
e-mail shortly, check your spam/junk folder.
If you have joined/renewed recently via check, and you cannot log in, your check
may be being processed. Otherwise, we may be missing your e-mail or there may
be a typo in it.
Please contact Estela Basso [email protected] for help.
P A G E 4
N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
P A G E 5 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
October Meeting Recap — Oct. 9, 2014 Gators members gathered for our October general membership meeting at the North Palm
Beach Country Club. Each of the ski trip leaders spoke about their trips the new short trip
to Winter Park was announced. There was a lot of energy in the room with members being
excited to sign up for trips in our upcoming ski season. President Evie Houston introduced
our new members. After a brief recap of our upcoming Special Activity and Social Events, the
meeting was adjourned. Then the dance music with our new sound system and music collec-
tion started and our members stepped out on the dance floor.
G A T O R T A L E S
way to get on is to pay via the website!
Please review our world class website to learn more about these exciting trips and trip leaders. Please review the super low prices for the trips listed below:
1) Steamboat, CO; 12/06/14 – 12/13/14: $1,499
2) **Lake Louise/Banff, Canada; 01/10/15 – 01/17/15**: $1,655
3) **Telluride, CO (FSC Council); 01/24/15 – 01/31/15 **: $1,805
4) Taos, NM; 01/31/15 - 02/07/15: $1,575
5) Zell am See, Austria; 02/07/15 – 02/15/15: $1,800
6) Winter Park, CO; 02/23/15 – 02/38/15: $990
6) ** Vail, CO; 02/28/15 – 03/07/15**: $1,995
7) Lake Tahoe/ Heavenly, CA; 3/14/15 – 3/21/14: $1,699
** Means the trip is either sold out or close to it.
Taos, New Mexico is an exciting destination. We have not visited this destination in several years and it is high time we reacquaint ourselves with the very hospitable Snakedance Inn. This trip has a Learn to Ski Week option for only $130, but it also has a high appeal to skiers of all abilities. This trip has been a late bloomer for us, but it is starting to pick up momen-tum. Please join Patti Bochniak at this fabulous resort. P.S. I hear some nice things are being planned for us. Would you like to know what?
I plead, barter, and cry trying to keep these trips alive and with-in the best possible group rates. It is probably not a good idea for you to try to negotiate additional discounts on your own. Please help us maintain our reputation and goodwill with the industry vendors and reps so that we can continue to obtain excellent prices. Please be courteous and considerate to your fellow travelers, trip leaders and resort personnel.
For more information that is continuously updated, visit our Club’s website at www.gatorsnowskiclub.com.
I am looking forward to spending time with you on the ski trails.
Walter Marussich
VP Ski Trips,
(561) 768-6368;
P A G E 6 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
Green Circles, Blue Squares, Black Diamonds
Dear Gators,
We have entered November and there is a chill in the air. Well, maybe not quite the arctic freeze here in our beautiful Palm Beach County but enough to herald the coming of our fun snow ski season.
First, let me praise all of those who have helped with the Snow Gala. It was a free and well received event for our members and guests. We enjoyed a great party that enabled a lot of us to enjoy several hours of camaraderie and mirth with new and seasoned skiers. Thank you, team! I must apologize to those of you to whom I gave the impression that I am a double black diamond skier. The truth is that I have trouble
telling my right boot from my left.
As we start this month, there is some more important news to share. We are now offering a bargain trip to Winter Park, Colorado. The trip is priced to sell for under $1,000 dollars including air and lift tickets and $662 as a ground package. We are still looking for a trip leader. This will be the 4 ski day, 5 night budget trip you have been asking for. It has been scheduled so that you can take it stand-alone or as a pre-trip ex-tension to Vail.
Next, I must remind you that we are rapidly approaching our air utiliza-tion deadlines. That means that we have to take stock of how many air seats we have sold, how much more air we can sell and then turn back what we do not foresee as required. Unfortunately, we do not have a crystal ball; some of you will not decide to join us at one of our superb destinations until later this year and we may have to regretfully inform you that the trip is closed or that there may be a considerable increase in price if you still insist upon joining us.
All trips are a go! We have some trips with numbers in the 20’s but that is a success in that it provides the Club with a diversity of options and time to enjoy that great pastime we call snow skiing. Who would have ever thought that sliding on two (or one) boards down a frozen hill would be so gleeful? For me there is great joy when I get to the bottom of the run in one piece. I just don’t understand why I feel compelled to get back on that chairlift just to repeat the harebrained experience again.
Among the good news, the spring break trip to South Lake Tahoe / Heavenly is selling well. Surprise, surprise, at a price of $1,699, how could it possibly not sell? Please join Ray Collie, the trip leader for our March 14, 2015 Lake Tahoe trip.
I have asked three of our trip leaders to stop selling. Their trips are totally full and we have gone to extraordinary measures to fill a few addi-tional spots. If you waited too long to sign up, you are facing an uncer-tain wait on the “wait list of eternity plus one day“. At this time, I would suggest that you find another equally desirable trip. We are at the half-way point of our sales season and the odds are that you will not get onto that trip roster.
Log in to our website and secure your spots on the other rosters. Our Club policy, “First to pay - First to get on”, is in full effect. The quickest
Ski Trips From Your VP of Ski Trips, Walter Marussich
P A G E 7 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
Palm Beach Gator Snow Ski Club
2014-2015 Ski Season Early Season Trip, Steamboat, Colorado: Dec. 6-13, 2014 ($1,499) 7 nights at the luxurious Sheraton Steamboat (3br/3ba, 2br/2ba & Hotel Rooms). 5 day lift with optional 6th Day and Night Skiing! Round Trip Air Ft. Lauderdale/ Eagle & Transfers with grocery stop Welcome Reception, Club Dinner, Après Ski
Lake Louise / Banff, Canada: Jan. 10-17, 2015 ($1,655) 3 Nights at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise / 4 Nights at Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Rooms 5 Day Lift good at Banff, Lake Louise & Sunshine Village Round Trip Air Ft. Lauderdale / Calgary & Transfers with grocery stop Welcome Reception, Club Dinner, Après Ski
FSC Telluride, Colorado - FSC Trip: Jan. 24-31, 2015 ($1,805) 7 nights at the Bear Creek Lodge 2/3/4 bedroom condos ski-in, ski-out 5 day lift with optional 6th day Round Trip Air PBI / Montrose & Transfers with grocery stop Ski races, Dinner Parties, FSC Events, Après Ski
Taos, New Mexico: Jan. 31-Feb. 7, 2015 ($1,575) 7 Nights at Snakedance Inn (2br/2ba Condos) 5 day lift with optional 6th day, Discounted “Learn to Ski Week” for only $130. Round Trip Air Ft. Lauderdale/ Albuquerque & Transfers with grocery stop - no baggage fees Welcome Reception, Private Dinner, Après Ski
Zell am See, Austria: Feb. 6-15, 2015 ($1,800) 1 Night in Salzburg and 7 Nights in Zell am See (Hotel Rooms) Round Trip Air from Miami to Salzburg & Transfers Lift Ticket Extra approx. $300 Dinner Party, Breakfast & Dinner Daily in Hotel
Winter Park, Colorado: Feb. 23-28, 2015 ($990) 5 Nights at the Vintage Studios 4 day lift ticket! Round Trip Air Ft. Lauderdale/ Denver & Transfer to Resort- no baggage fees Welcome Reception, Club Dinner, Après Ski
Vail, Colorado: Feb. 28-Mar. 7, 2015 ($1,995) 7 Nights at the new luxurious Landmark West (3br/3ba Condos) 5 Day Lift good at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge & Keystone Round Trip Air PBI / Denver & Transfers with grocery stop Plan a Day to Beaver Trip if Leader wants to Welcome Reception, Club Dinner, Après Ski
Lake Tahoe, California - Spring Break: Mar. 14--21, 2015 ($1,699) 7 Nights at the Forest Suites Resorts (2br/2ba Condos) 5 Day Lift good at Heavenly, Northwood & Kirkwood Round Trip Air PBI / Sacramento & Transfers Daily Hot Breakfast, Welcome Reception, Wine & Cheese HH (Daily Mon---Fri) Club Dinner & Après Ski.
P A G E 8 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
Lake Louise / Banff, Canada – Ski Trip
Sheraton Steamboat Springs Resort offers
ski-in/ski-out, hotel rooms, 2BR/2BA con-
dos, or 3BR/3BA
condos…starting
from $1499.00!
Price includes pre-
trip party, non-
stop air from Ft.
Lauderdale to Denver (no bag fees), ground
transportation, accommodations, 5 out of
6 day lift tickets, après skis, and group din-
ner. Steamboat is known for early snows…
champagne powder… and there's plenty to
do and explore in Steamboat, like restau-
rants, shopping, snowmobiling, cross coun-
try skiing, horseback riding, sleigh rides,
and much more. And kids ski free!!
For more information…call or email today!!
Gail Paglialungo, trip leader 561/358-2048
STEAMBOAT, COLORADO-SKI TRIP……December
6-December 13, 2014
Hey Gators!
40 days, Steamboat, here we come!! We have
21 so far on our trip!! Time to get those arms
and legs in shape…
We have room for a few more…whether people
ski, board, enjoy the hot springs, or join in some
or all the other activities Steamboat has to
offer…they won’t want to miss this trip! The
Lake Louise-Banff Ski Trip—January 10-17, 2015
To all our die hard skiholic GATORS:
News update!!!!!!!!!!!
A special trip for all of you is here. If you like be-
ing treated with white gloves in 4-Star beautiful
hotels — this trip is for you. If you happen to be
one who likes the sheer beauty of the Canadian
Rockies, shopping in quaint towns like Banff, din-
ing in great restaurants like the one in Lake
Louise's Post Hotel, a romantic sleigh ride around
beautiful Lake Louise, or an adventurous dog sled
trip for two with a private guide — this trip is for
you. Let us not forget the snow part of this trip,
Lake Louise and Banff not only boast for having
awesome snow with 80% of the mountain
groomed daily from black diamonds to cruisers,
Steamboat, Colorado - Ski Trip
but they also offer guided tours for snow
shooing and cross country skiing. If all of this
is not enough for you, then a short 5 minute
trip around the lake to see the ice climbers
attempt to summit the frozen water falls or a
spin on ice skates that can be rented right out-
side the hotel or reveling in the beauty of the
ice sculptures on the lake behind the Fair-
mont Hotel should do it. All this for $1,655.00
including air, transfers, happy hours, club din-
ner and 5-day lift tickets. Come join us on this
memorable trip. Hurry, we are almost full,
but sign up anyway! Wait lists are flexible and
dynamic.
Trip Leader: Abe Tessler (561) 633-3551; au-
P A G E 9 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
Taos, New Mexico – Ski Trip
FSC ACTIVITIES:
Monday Night Dinner Dance
Tuesday: Crazy Hat and Boxer Day / NASTAR
Race/ Gators Defending Cup / Lunch Provided
by FSC / Club Pictures
Wednesday Night: Gator’s Dinner
Thursday Night: Theme Dinner Dance and
Costume Party (Gold Rush)
MORE DETAIL TO COME NEXT MONTH AS THE
FLORIDA SKI COUNCIL MEETING IS BEING HELD IN
ORLANDO THE FIRST WEEK IN NOVEMBER.
GATOR’S FULL PACKAGE: $1,805, 7 Nights lodging
at Bear Creek Lodge Ski in / Ski out, Airfare, Trans-
fers, 5 DAY Lift and lots of FSC and Gator Parties.
CHERYL BARNES, TRIP LEADER: 781-749-2992 [email protected]
CHRIS MCARDLE, ASSISTANT TRIP LEADER: 561-575-5587 [email protected]
TELLURIDE— A Florida Ski Council Trip: Jan. 24 - 31,
2015
FSC TELLURIDE SKI TRIP: What makes TELLURIDE
unique ? It is a small ski town in the SW corner of Colo-
rado. Tucked away in a box canyon surrounded by
mighty peaks of the San Juan’s.
WHEN: JANUARY 24 TO JANUARY 31, 2015
BEAR CREEK LODGE: Nestled in the core of Mountain
Village, Bear Creek Lodge is unique among other lodges
and villas. It offers the best of both worlds- wilderness
and luxury. It is the place to play hard and rest easy.
With services to accommodate any visitor, this moun-
tain hideaway offers convenient access to shopping
promenade and five star restaurants, mountain views,
plush robes, washer and dryer, wireless internet, DVD/
VCR entertainment center, in room safe, hair dryers,
ironing board/iron, Aveda Salon products and video
library. Fire Pit and Barbeque Patio to enjoy in all sea-
sons plus a Pool, Sauna and Hot Tub and Ski in/ Ski out
convenience.
JAN 31-FEB 7, 2015: Price Reduction - now only $1575!!!
Taos Ski Valley is located in the Southern Rockies of North Central New Mexico, and is a world class ski destination. Skiers and Snowboarders alike will be stoked by some of the lightest powder ever experi-enced, not to mention the scenery and charm of the Southwest. New to Taos Ski Valley this season is The Kachina Peak Lift which will summit @ 12,450 feet, making is one of the highest in North America. There is something for everyone including tubing, terrain park and the renowned Ernie Blake Ski School’s Learn to Ski Better Week, where ski instructions go to learn how to ski better.
Included in the price of this amazing trip:
Round trip air on Southwest Airlines (FLL TO ABQ) – NO BAGGAGE FEES
Airport transfers to and from the resort
7 Nights @ the renowned Snakedance Condomini-ums – SKI IN/SKI OUT
Snakedance Fleece Vest
Telluride, Colorado - Ski Trip
Welcome Reception
5 day lift ticket (add 6th day for $55)
Private group dinner at the Hacienda of the Snakedance Condos General Manager
Après ski parties and a pre-trip party.
Add the Learn to Ski Better Week with the Ernie Blake Ski School for an additional $130 and a 6th day lift ticket of $55. The package includes 2 hours of morning lessons, video analysis, NASTAR and après ski talks.
DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS EPIC TRIP OF A LIFETIME!!!
Trip Leader:
Patti Bochniak 2703 Pin Oak Court Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Email: [email protected]
Cell Phone/Text: 561-758-9796
P A G E 10 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
Winter Park, CO - Ski Trip
there with one area 5 minutes away and the other a glacier. We are going to having big parties on the mountain and at the hotel. The town has a lot of places to party after ski-ing and a great night life. The hotel is family run and will be happy help make your trip a great one. There will be many things to do if you don't ski and I will help you set up all side trips. Don't wait too long to sign up for this trip because the deadline to get air is Nov. 3rd. Please contact Bill Lobb at 561 703-7551 or [email protected].
February 6-15, 2015
Hi Gators:
The spots are going fast so this is your best op-portunity to ski and sightsee in Austria at a great
price. For only $1,800 you get Air, 8 nights lodg-ing, meals and transportation. The last day & night we will be in Salzburg. The skiing is great
February 23-28, 2015
Hey Gators!
You asked for an inexpensive trip, and now you’ve got it! This is a high season value trip to Winter Park that you can also combine with Vail. The standard package including air is only $990. If you want to have a pre-trip extension before Vail or just want to do air on your own, the ground package is a bargain at $662. The standard package includes:
5 Nights at the Vintage Studios (studio style room with 2 Queen beds, kitchen-ette and fireplace)
4 Day Lift Tickets
Round Trip Air Tickets - Direct flight from Fort Lauderdale to Denver on Southwest (no baggage fees!)
Ground Transfers from airport to resort
Welcome reception, club dinner and après ski happy hours
Zell am See, Austria - Ski Trip
Sign ups are in progress now so don't de-lay or you might miss out on a great trip. We haven’t selected the trip leader yet, but we will soon. For more infor-mation or to sign up, please contact: Wal-ter Marussich at [email protected] or 561-768-6368.(561) 768-6368.
P A G E 11 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
Vail, Colorado – Ski Trip February 28 to March 07, 2015
In approximately 4 months the Vail skiers will be going to Vail to experience the best skiing in the world as well as fine dining and party-ing. If you are considering joining us, don’t hesitate to have your name placed on the waiting list.
Vail is the top ski destination in America and in addition to world class skiing, the nightlife
and dining is without a doubt the best in the Country.
Don’t hesitate to go on line to Palm Beach Gator Ski Club and reserve a spot in case we have a cancellation. Please vis-it www.palmbeachgatorsnowskiclub.com to find out more.
Trip Leader Kathy Salata (561) 346-8461 or([email protected]).
Assistant Trip Leader: Stephanie Morgan (772) 528-9199 [email protected]
sixth day for only $20.00. This price is with-in $150.00 of the cost of this trip 6 years ago. Your lift ticket is also good at Kirkwood and Northstar. Air transportation is on Del-ta from PBI to Sacramento back to PBI. There will be a Gator pre-trip party, Gator dinner and Gator après skis! Sign ups are in progress and there are only 6 air seats left so don't delay or you might miss out on a great trip. If you want to sign up for a great time, contact Ray Collie at [email protected] or 754-264-4364.
March 14-21, 2015—Spring Break
Hello again Gators!! Spring Break is actually not that far off so you need to get on board now for a great ski trip March 14 to March 21, 2015. Ac-commodations are at the Forest Suites Condos just one short minute from the gondo-la. Heavenly vil-lage is very close as well which also includes the ski rental facili-ties. Restaurants and shopping are just a short walk away and courtesy transportation to near-by activities is available. There are several casi-nos within a 5 minute walk and an abundance of bars in the area. If you choose to go snowmobil-ing, you will NOT be disappointed with the scen-ery. The price of this trip is $1,699.00…which includes a 5 day lift ticket with an option for a
Lake Tahoe, CA - Ski Trip
P A G E 12 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
WINTER 2014
Winter has a long cold tale soon to tell,
As we will then lament summers passing.
While the new frosty skies fill to the clouds,
Many feathered wings weave to the south.
And the long working forest trees seek rest,
As they will enter into their dormant sleep.
All the furry creatures once roaming about,
Soon settle into their cozy dens to snooze,
The green landscapes will lose all color soon,
To reflect the purity of new white snowfalls.
The front porch once had a summer swing,
Now fresh cords of wood cover the planks.
Our cool cotton garments are now hung up,
As our old woolen mittens and caps appear.
As down covers laid upon our cooling beds,
And warm slippers separate a foot from floor.
I think of sleds and skis with mountain snow,
And the fun and laughter shared at the fire.
So as another winter season ushers upon us,
And we shall share a hot toddy or maybe two.
So we will enjoy good times with old friends,
And make new ones to share the winter with.
I find my heart retains the summer’s warmth.
As we welcome the cool winds of Winter 2014.
– Terry Daly
Special Activities From VP of Special Activities, Connie Flow
N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
Come to our Social and Special Activities Planning Meeting:
Monday, November 9th at 7 pm at Tall Tales (inside Gander Mountain)
P A G E 13
LEISURE BIKE RIDE - Nov. 22, 2014 Ben Smith is organizing the second Leisure Bike Ride of the
season at Abacoa on Saturday, November 22, 2014. Meet
at 10:00 AM at South Jupiter Community Park, 1501 Frederick
Small Rd in Abacoa. Go west on Frederick Small Rd from Mili-
tary Trail to Stadium Drive, then turn right into the park. Freder-
ick Small Rd. is north of Donald Ross Rd. and south of Indian-
town Rd. We will ride about 12 miles at 8-10 mph. Ray Collie
will be the guest leader for this ride… (Thank you, Ray!!)
OPTIONS : Tour Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
www.buschwildlife.com and afterwards eat
lunch at Rooney's in Abacoa. P.S.: If you do
not want to bike you can join us for the tour and
lunch if you wish. For information, contact Ben
at 561-775-3481 or [email protected].
RIVER RANCH - Nov. 7-9, 2014 Join the Gators for a great time at the Westgate River Ranch, a
dude ranch located 20 miles west of the Yeehaw Junction Turn-
pike exit. Included are: Friday night party with food, beer and
wine; Saturday lunch at the campground hosted by Tedd Reed;
hayride on Saturday evening; country dinner and rodeo. After-
wards on Saturday night, we will continue the fun with an after
party. For more information, please contact trip leader Sharon
Long at [email protected] or 561-626-0406 or 561-427
-6355. The sign-up deadline for hotel rooms is has passed, but
camping is still available. Please see the trip flyer in this news-
letter.
FT. LAUDERDALE CHRISTMAS PAG-
EANT - Dec. 13, 2014 Betty Williams has once again organized an amazing trip via
chartered bus to Ft. Lauderdale to see the fabulous Christmas
Pageant at the First Baptist Church followed by dinner at a Jap-
anese steakhouse at a price of $95. This Broadway quality
production features a festive opening scene with familiar carols
in a turn-of-the-century setting, a concert of inspirational con-
temporary songs, and a musical drama of the nativity and life of
Christ. This year’s Pageant includes a spectacular snow-filled
winter wonderland (watch for the falling snowflakes, not just on
stage, but in the audience as well!). For more information or to
sign up, please contact Betty at [email protected] or 561
-389-8353.
LEISURE BIKE RIDE & CAMPING -
Feb. 21-22, 2015 The weekend Lake Okeechobee Bike Ride will be held at 10
AM on Sat., Feb. 21. Optional camping is available at the
KOA at 4278 S US 441 in Okeechobee City. They have
17 cabins and numerous RV and tent sites (tent camping
should not be windy like Pahokee)...tent area #315-321.... 9
hole golf course, tennis, bocce, pentaque, adult only pool, hot
tub, campfires and the Shanty Lounge with live music and danc-
ing. There is a $4 per day use fee if not staying there ... Reser-
vations: call 800-562-7748 to reserve or visit http://koa.com/
lodges-cabins-cottages/ for KOA Camping Cabins & Deluxe
Cabins Rentals at KOA Campgrounds. Please book now as
every time Ben talks to them they have less cabins availa-
ble!!! Also there are some motels on Hwy 441 near the
campground.
FLORIDA PANTHERS HOCKEY
GAME - March 7, 2015 The Gator Snow Ski Club has chartered a bus to the Panthers
vs. New York Islanders Hockey Game. Departs from the Double
Tree Hotel (PGA and 95) Parking Lot At 4:00 PM. An additional
stop in Lantana may be added if required. For more infor-
mation, please contact Bill at [email protected] or 561-
703-7551. Please see the flyer in this newsletter.
BIKE & BARGE TRIP - May 15-24, 2015 Want to enjoy a fabulous cycling and sailing trip crossing differ-
ent landscapes in both Belgium and Holland? For the low price
of only $2,800 visit the green Dutch polder landscapes and qui-
et roads and villages. See the picturesque countryside between
the Flemish cities and the rich history of the old city-centers of
Amsterdam, Gouda, and Bruges. We are looking for one great
guy! Yes—are you the one?! We have room for only one more
guy, so give Connie Flow a call (of course there always is a
possibility of an opening - so - call and we can start a waiting
list - and then keep your fingers crossed!) Contact Connie at
(561) 329-0122 or [email protected]. Please see the
flyer in this newsletter for more information about the trip.
Connie
VP Special Activities
G A T O R T A L E S
Social Activities From VP of Socials, Betty Williams Hello Fellow Gators,
Please see below the list of social events we are offering to our club members. We are
looking for volunteers to help us plan and run our events. We also need your help in
getting the word out about them.
Please join us on our fabulous Christmas Pageant Tickets/Dinner/Bus Trip on Saturday,
December 13th. This trip will feature a Broadway quality show that is famous through-
out South Florida. Afterwards, we will stop at Saito’s Japanese steakhouse for a won-
derful hibachi dinner. We are taking a bus from Palm Beach Gardens so all you need to
do is sit back and relax. All of this is included for only $95 per person.
I am in the process of getting the Christmas Pageant Tickets/Dinner/Bus signed up so
please let me know if you want to go as soon as possible.
You are the Club and with so much help, we will be a wonderful, caring, sharing and
loving organization. Thank you all!
1) November 7-9 – River Ranch
2) November 29 – Christmas Party at my House
3) December 3 – Club Holiday Party at NPBCC
4) December 13th – Christmas Pageant in Ft. Lauderdale including bus transportation
and dinner at a Japanese steakhouse $95
Enjoy your Club!
Betty Williams
VP Social Activities
Come to our Social and Special Activities Planning Meeting:
Monday, Nov. 9th at 7 pm at Tall Tales (inside Gander Mountain)
P A G E 14
Dorothy Rettay and Nina Amodio
hold the Gator Welcome sign at the
Bowling Event at Revolutions they
organized on October 17th.
Photos from Social Events
UPCOMING
HAPPY HOURS
Dirty Martini- Happy Hour
7 November 2014
1 free drink (Evie has
tickets), free appetizers,
HH prices 5-7 pm
11701 Lake Victoria
Gardens,
Palm Beach Gardens 33410
Majestic Princess at Riviera
Bch Marina - Happy Hour
14 November 2014
2 for 1 Drinks, Discounted
Appetizers
200 E 13th St..
Riviera Beach, FL 33404
Waterway - Happy Hour
21 November 2014
Happy Hour drink specials
until 6:30 pm
2300 PGA Blvd.
Palm Beach Gardens 33410
Carmine’s - Happy Hour
28 November 2014
Discounted drinks and free
appetizers 4-6:30 pm
2401 PGA Blvd Ste 160
Palm Beach Gardens 33410
TBD - Happy Hour
5 December 2014
TBD
N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
I need volunteers! If you would
like to help, please contact me.
Christine Churchill and Margie
Hanratty hold the Gator Head by
the Oct. General Meeting sign in
table manned by Tedd Reed.
G A T O R T A L E S
P A G E 15 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
P A G E 16 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
Palm Beach Gator Snow Ski Club Early Christmas Party
Betty Williams’ Home
15780 74th Avenue North
Jupiter, FL 33418
(Palm Beach Country Estates)
(561) 575-2460
Saturday, November 29, 2014
6:00 PM to ???
Please bring a wrapped present (value no less than $10) for
the gift exchange, if you would like to participate.
Play various indoor and outdoor games. Dance until the wee hours of the evening.
Bring your favorite beverage and a dish to share (enough for 6—8 people).
P A G E 17 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
Wednesday, December 3, 2014 North Palm Beach Country Club
951 US Hwy 1, North Palm Beach, FL 33408 7:00pm – 11:00pm
$29.99 for Members & $35 for Invited Guests
Come celebrate the Holiday Season with Fun, Food and Dancing!!
Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!
Check & Cash reservations please contact: Betty Williams: (561)389-8353 or [email protected]
Or sign up by Credit Card on our website
This not-to-miss elegant event is being offered at an incredible
price! Sign up now because tickets will not be sold past the November 26th
deadline.
Happy Holidays!
Gator Holiday Party
Dinner & Dance
P A G E 18 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
South Florida’s Own Emmy Award
Winning Holiday Sensation!
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Includes All New Pageant Show, Japanese Steak-
house Dinner and Bus Transportation for Only $95!
Join your friends in the Palm Beach Gator Snow Ski Club for another fantastic trip
to the Emmy Award Winning Fort Lauderdale Christmas Pageant. This year’s Pag-
eant features a spectacular snow-filled winter wonderland. This fabulous trip also
includes a hibachi dinner at Saito’s Japanese Steakhouse. Bus transportation from
the Doubletree parking lot in Palm Beach Gardens at 11:00 AM will be provided.
Don’t miss out on this must see event! For more information or to sign up, con-
tact trip leader Betty Williams at 561-389-8353 or [email protected].
P A G E 19 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
P A G E 20 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
P A G E 21 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
P A G E 22 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
P A G E 23 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
SKI AUSTRIA Zell Am See
February 6-15, 2015
Only $1,800* Join the Palm Beach Gator Snow Ski Club in beautiful Zell Am See, Austria. This fabulous trip
can be offered at an unbelievably low price partly because neither the trip leader nor the as-
sistant is receiving a comp. This amazing trip includes:
Round Trip Airfare from Miami to Munich
8 Nights Hotel—all rooms double occupancy
7 Nights at the Gasthof Tauernstuberl, a family-run hotel in Zell
Am See
1 night in Salzburg near the Old Town District—Neutor Hotel
Breakfast and dinner every day at the Gasthof Tauerstuberl
All Bus Transfers
Après Ski Hours
Dinner Party in Zell Am See
For more information, contact trip leader Bill Lobb at [email protected] or (561) 703-
7551 or assistant trip leader Lee Chitty at [email protected] or (561) 315-2097.
* Lift tickets not included (estimated cost $300 for 6 days)
* Prices subject to
change due to foreign
currency fluctuations,
airline surcharges, etc.
P A G E 24 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
Ground Package Price: $662
Prolong your Vail experience
and take this great trip as a
pre-trip extension!
P A G E 25 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
P A G E 26 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
P A G E 27 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
Florida Panthers Hockey Game
vs.
New York Islanders
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Join the Gator Snow Ski Club on our chartered a bus to the Panthers vs.
Blue Jackets Hockey Game. The bus departs at the Double Tree Hotel at
4 pm. Our tickets are in the Florida Panther’s Sky Box and include:
Bus Ride, Free Beer, Wine, Soft Drinks and Food throughout the game.
The price is only $75 per person. There are a limited number of tickets,
so be sure to purchase them early.
For more information, please contact the Event Organizer: Bill Lobb at
[email protected]. 561-703-7551.
P A G E 28 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
Join the Palm Beach Gator Snow Ski Club for a fabulous cycling and sailing trip crossing different landscapes in both Holland and Belgium. Visit the green Dutch polder landscapes and the quiet roads and villages. See the picturesque windmills of Kinderdijk and travel thru the cities of the Dutch 17th century Golden Age. Cycle between the richly historic old city-centers of Gouda, Dordrecht, and Gent ending in the wonderful ancient city of Bruges.
For more information, contact : Connie Flow
(561) 329-0122 [email protected]
Not included: - Bicycle helmet at $14 per week - Travel risk/cancellation insurance - Admission tickets to museums - E-bike additional amount +$142 per person per week including bike insurance
Payment Schedule: $500 Deposit $1,000 due in August & November Remainder due in February
This spectacular trip includes:
Round Trip Airfare from West Palm Beach to Amsterdam Holland
7 Nights on the barge May 16-23 (bed clothes and towels included)
All meals (breakfast, 3 course dinner on board and packed lunch)
Coffee and tea on board
24-speed bicycle (with handbrakes, pannier
bags, lock, water bottle)
Multi-lingual tour guide
Bicycle Insurance
1 Night in Amsterdam May 16 at Ibis
Amsterdam Center Stopera Hotel
Gator Pre-trip party
Note: Prices and itinerary subject to change depending on exchange rates, fuel charges and air taxes at time of final payment.
Bruges to Amsterdam Bike and Barge Trip
May 15– 24, 2015 Amazing Price: Only $2,950 (Approx.)!!!
P A G E 29 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
Recent Special Activities Event Leisure Bike Ride - Okeeheelee Park October 18th Ben Smith led the first Leisure Bike Ride of the
season at Okeeheelee Park on Saturday, Oct. 18.
Everyone met up at the Nature Center in the
park and had a fabulous ride.
The Leisure Bike Rides on the schedule this sea-
son include:
Gator Snow Ski Club Leisure Bike Ride at
Okeeheelee Park, Saturday October 18, 2014
Gator Snow Ski Club Leisure Bike Ride at
Abacoa, Saturday November 22, 2014
Gator Snow Ski Club Leisure Bike Ride at Ju-
no Beach Saturday December 6, 2014
Gator Snow Ski Club Leisure Bike Ride at Ju-
piter Farms, Saturday January 10, 2015
Gator Snow Ski Club Leisure Bike Ride & Op-
tional Camping at Lake Okeechobee, Satur-
day, February 21, 2015
Gator Snow Ski Club Leisure Bike Ride at
Riverbend Park, Saturday March 7, 2015
Please watch for them on our website and in the
newsletter.
Contact Ben Smith at [email protected] or 561
-775-3481 or if you would like further information.
P A G E 30 N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
G A T O R T A L E S
Recent Social Event
Dorothy Rettay and Nina Amodio organized another marvelous bowling happy hour at
trendy new Revolutions in City Place. The Gators formed teams to play, Prizes were award-
ed to the highest scoring individuals. Thanks go to Nina for providing parking passes and to
Dorothy for purchasing prizes and arranging the details with Revolutions for this fun event!
Revolutions Bowling — October 17th
Recent Happy Hours
P A G E 31
N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4
The Gators enjoyed a marvelous happy hour at the posh Taboo in Palm Beach, one of
our recurring destinations. The Gators had a wonderful time at this famous, classy bar
with exquisite free appetizers.
The Gators enjoyed a happy hour at the Barolo’s in North Palm Beach, another recur-
ring destination. A great time was had by all at this Italian restaurant and bar.
Taboo Happy Hour – September 26th
G A T O R T A L E S
Barolo’s Happy Hour – October 3rd
November 2014 Calendar
P A G E 3 2
G A T O R T A L E S
Palm Beach Gator Snow Ski Club
1001 Jupiter Park Dr. Ste. 112
Jupiter FL 33458
Here is your copy of
GATOR TALES
N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4 P A G E 33
Ski Trip - Taos New Mexico Jan. 31- Feb. 7, 2015; Package price: $1,575 Package includes:
7 nights at Snakedance Inn Ski in / Ski Out
Round Trip Air Fare from FLL to Albuquerque
Transfers from Airport to Resort
5 Day Lift Ticket; 6th Day add $55
Scheduled Trip to the historic Town of Taos
Snakedance Fleece Vest
Taos Famous “Ski Better Week” Lessons for $130
Welcome Reception, Club Dinner & Après Ski
For more information, please contact trip leader Patti
Bochniak at 561-758-9796 or PattiBochni-
[email protected] Taos Pueblo
Taos Trail Map