We had 30  fun, enthusiastic Parrot Heads show up for this year’s PHluff up the PHlock Meeting on January 21st.  We discussed the 2018 activity schedule and filled the Board with some new blood and lots of enthusiasm from all.   We even got “Big Birds” for each of our activities as well as a few new ideas to ponder.   We will be sending out requests for volunteers to work with the big birds and the chairs of our 3 standing committees which will be chaired by Members at Large, Technology, Publicity and Activities.   Jessi Holland will also head up coordination of our First Friday PHlockings.  Presenting……..

President: Jan Hicks
Vice President: Rick Walling
Co- Treasurers: Carl Rauschenberg and Rita Babich
Co-Secretaries: Sue Stone and Maggie Rauschenberg
Members at Large: Jimi Crampton (Technology and Publicity), Jamie Thomas (Publicity), Jessi Holland (PHlocking), Moh Traini (Activities), Donna Grady(Activities). Joel Dunn will continue to head up the Technology Committee with Jimi Crampton.

We wanted to give special thanks to our retiring past officers for all their efforts during their last term and their help in transitioning new officers who are stepping up to fill big shoes. So many THANK YOU’s go out to President Jason Holland, Vice President Carol Lauback, and Members at Large Renee Synan, James Hicks, Marcia McMahan, Pat Henry, and Marsha Horner. We know that they all will still be involved and pitching in with the Club and its’ activities as 2018 unfolds. Other special thanks also went out to those officers who will be continuing on for another term.

The 2018 Activities will be added to the Parrot Head Website Calendar and more details added as we get further in our planning but here they are for now so you can add them to your calendar.
January:
• 1/20 – Hoop Pole Creek Clean Up – Ken & Sue Stone (Big Birds)
• 1/21 – PHluff up the PHlock – Ken & Sue Stone (Big Birds)
February:
Nothing Planned
March:
• 3/10 – E.I. Marathon/1/2 Marathon/ 5K – (volunteers needed) Ken Stone (Point Person)
• 3/17 – St. Patty’s Day Booth – Jimi Crampton (Big Bird), Moh Traini
April:
• 4/7 – Disc Golf Tournament (Clean up the course before the tournament)- Jack Synan (Big Bird), Renee Synan, James Hicks, Matt Morel
• 4/21 – Highway Pickup/Sound Sweep – Jean Jensen & Val Johnson (Big Birds)
• 4/25 – New Member Social – Maggie Rauschenberg (Big Bird), Marsha Horner, Renee Synan, Sue Stone
May:
• 5/5 – Bike the Banks (volunteers needed) Ken Stone (Point Person)
• 5/19 – Beach Bike Poker Run – Jami Thomas (Big Bird), Carol Lauback, James Hicks, Betty Strader, Renee Synan
• 5/19 – Hands Across the Sand – Val Johnson (Big Bird), Sue Stone
June:
• 6/16 – Alzheimer’s Longest Day Walk – Val Johnson (Big Bird), Sue Smith
July:
Nothing planned
August:
• 8/5 – Anniversary Island/Sandbar Party – James Hicks (Big Bird), Cris Lauback, Bobbi Raub, Jeanne LaVana
September:
• 9/16 – Coast is Clear under the Pier Beach Party – Michael Moyer (Big Bird), Mendy Barrows
October:
• 10/13 – Diva Walk for Breast Cancer – Jessi Holland (Big Bird), Jan Hicks
• 10/14 – Chili Cookoff for Breast Cancer – Carol Lauback (Big Bird), Jimi Crampton, Jack Synan
• TBD – start meetings for Parade Float –Betty Strader (Big Bird), Jessi Holland, Ken Stone, James Hicks
November:
• 11/3 – Highway Pick up and possibly Sound Sweep – Jean Jensen (Big Bird), Val Johnson, Carl Rauschenberg
• 11/24 – EI Christmas Parade Float – Betty Strader (Big Bird), Ken Stone, James Hicks
December:
• 12/8: Santa Crawl – Jimi Crampton (Big Bird), Renee Synan, Sue Stone

There was a brief discussion on adding additional activities such as Scavenger Hunt or Mini Golf Tournament but those were tabled unless someone wants to do some planning on possible dates and venues.
We closed the meeting on time and enjoyed the pizza provided by the Club.

So basing the next 6 weeks’ weather on Punxsutawney Phil’s shadow…let’s see what our Phlock can predict?!? Show your forecast by wearing a seasonal hat. For example, if you think Spring will be here soon, don your favorite visor. If you think winter prevails, snuggle into your favorite toboggan. Do It For Drew Foundation will be our 50/50 raffle charity. For more info about this local organization, visit https://www.doitfordrew.org/. Hosted By Rose Gerrell and Moh Traini.

As always, Phlocking is at 7 at Emerald Club. Join us for fun and fellowship with the Phlock. You can also pay your 2018 membership dues ($10) and we’ll have sign-ups for St. Patrick’s Day Volunteers. See you there. Party For a Purpose.

I hope you all had the happiest of holidays! As your new President, I am looking forward to the exciting events planned for 2018. First, I want to thank everyone involved in making last year such a great success with over 1,400 hours volunteered to charities and over $27,000 raised in 2017. Without you, none of this would have been possible.

I have learned from experience that volunteering offers many rewards. You make new friends, learn about and contribute to your community, and work together for those who need a helping hand. Coming up next is the St Patrick’s Day Festival on March 17, and our Fundraising Booth will need lots of volunteers to set up and take down the booth, work at the booth and donate items for the raffle. This is a fun and worthy event and last year raised over $1600. I invite you to help us out. You can sign up at the February PHLocking or contact president@emeraldisleparrotheads.com. There are many more Activities and PHLockings planned for the year in which you can participate and/or volunteer. Check out the calendar on our website for a listing.

On a final note, don’t be left out of the fun this year. Renew your membership or sign up as a new member today. We can’t wait to see you as WE PARTY WITH A PURPOSE! Jan Hicks

After our inspiring “Phluff the Phlock” meeting Sunday, we are looking for Club members to host First Friday phlockings. All phlockings are held at 7 PM at the Emerald Club (EIPHC nest). Matt (owner) provides music and a light fare.
This is a GREAT opportunity to mingle with the Phlock, as well as meet new members as they join! To host a phlocking requires: Choosing a charity and selling 50/50 raffle tickets. If you would like, you can also have a theme or plan any activities for your phlocking!
So grab a friend or 4 and decide which month you want to host. If you’re not available to commit right away, no worries. Check our calendar later on to see which months are still available… I am looking forward to hearing from you!
Jessi Holland
4jhollands@gmail.com

Working hard!

The EIPHC will be calling a Phlash Phlocking for Sunday, December 10th at SALT. The SALT crew will be providing FREE steamed OYSTERS and FOOTBALL. Oh, and by the way….did I mention GREAT drink specials? All beers $2!! This has been the best kept Sunday secret on the island, but now it is time to spread the news. Come out and join your Parrot Head Phriends for SUNDAY FUNDAY!! The doors open at 1:00pm and we will plan to meet around 2:00pm and keep the fun going until the oysters run out (which will not happen!!). This is another great opportunity to show support for a local business and Party with a Purpose!! See you there…..