Every November (first weekend) the National Parrot Head Organization puts together a convention in Key West that is outstanding and so much fun. Ken and I have gone twice and the music venues, street fairs and gatherings of Parrot Heads from around the world is something every Parrot Head should do at least once. All you have to do to get details is to go to PHIP.com and use the drop down list to find MOTM (Meeting of the Minds). They have a different theme every year and this year it is Havana Daydreaming, 10/29-11/2/14. Anyone interested? Email me at stonesend@gmail.com. So far the following Parrot Heads are signed up; Jan and James Hicks, Bobbie Raub and Jeanne LaVana, Rita Babich, Karin Woodruff and we have interest from the following: Stones, Bonnie Forkey, Dyers and Potenbergs. The cut off for registration is September 30th or when they reach 3500.
2014 Beach Bike Poker Run
The results are in….we raised $6300 for the Semper Fi Kids Camp to send local children of wounded Marines to summer camp for a week and be paired with a mentor for a year. We had 217 riders, lots of raffle prizes, folks who donated their cash winnings from their best poker hands back for the cause and a rocking good time. Thanks to all who made this event over the top (we did $4500 and 169 riders last year) Great community! Check out the pictures of this years Beach Bike Poker run. Fun, fun , fun.
September 2014 Newsletter update
We say the same thing every year about this time. We all had a busy summer despite the rain and postponement of the Annual Sand Bar/Island Party and as you can see on the What’s Up pages, there are lots of thing happening in September. The Parrot Heads have 2 major events plus the PHlocking but there are so many community events happening as well and they are all looking for our Parrot Head help. You see, we have earned such a good reputation with our Party with a Purpose motto that everyone wants us to come and help and make their event fun. Please check out the volunteer opportunities and pick out a few that suit your mood. For some of them we will have sign up sheets at the PHlocking or a Parrot Head contact email and for others, we ask that you contact the organization directly. Let’s show them how good we are at helping and don’t forget to mention that you are a Parrot Head, let’s keep the good publicity going.
We had no July PHlocking as it fell on July 4th but I have to say, the August PHlocking was off the charts. Mike and Pat Haut were in charge of the EI Parrot Head Anniverary PHocking (12 years) and the games they came up with were doozies. While I do have a picture (decided not to share it for risk of total embarrassment) of the one game involving wooden rods, sand paper and 8 brave volunteers; if you want to know about the game itself, check in with Jan Hicks for a colorful description. The 50/50 raffle was won by Erin Nelson and $86 was earmarked for the Carteret County Humane Society Shelter. Our Club added $14 so the Shelter will receive a check for $100.
Unfortunately, we had to cancel the Anniversary Weekend Sand Bar Party due to unrelenting rains (we can do it with a shower or two but this day was unreal with no let up) Check the Event page for the details of our rescheduled party on Sunday September 7th.
It is almost Float time again, ( I know hard to think about a Christmas Float in August/September). The parade date is November 29th, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We will be having a planning meeting to decide the theme for this year in early September and we will have a sign up sheet for planners and builders at the PHlocking. If you would like to be part of this very fun event ( a great way to get to know your fellow Parrot Heads) sign up or email me at stonesend@gmail.com so we can keep you posted. Both Kip Baker and Kelley Nelson have a few ideas but we always welcome additional creative ideas. We are working on securing a trailer and as usual, the build will be at our house unless someone else has some better (or covered) space in which to build the float. If you won’t be in town for the Parade, you can still be part of the fun build sessions (usually involving food and beverages).
Post from James Hicks (President)
Hey my fellow Buffett fans. If you thought the bus trip was great, then you
will love our Beach Bike Poker Run!!! I have attached our flyer for your
information. This is our biggest fund raiser each year and each year it
gets better and better. Last year we raised about $4500 and we hope to do
even better this year. It is open to the public but loving Buffett is a
must! We need your participation to make this happen! Bring your friends!
It is fun to watch over 150 decorated bikes and riders ride down the
sidewalk to get their food, drink and playing card! You will note on the
flyer that we have cash prizes for the best bike, and the best card hand,
and loads of door prizes and raffle items.
Last but not least, if you would like to volunteer your help with this
project, we can find something for you to do!! Just write me back! Hope to
see you on the 17th! James
Phlash Phlocking – Parrot Heads at Harrika’s
It was a great time to be had at the Phlash Phlocking at HARRIKA’S this past Friday (4/11). We all met in the Biergarten with lots of food spread out on the picnic tables. Will Baker and Harry played lots of tunes Jimmy Buffet style. While it is not normal to solicit donations.during our phlash phlockings Erika supported the idea and wanted Wendy to choose a Charity. The Humane Society is the recipient of $200. It is to be noted that Harry and Erika made a large donation. Please thank them if you see them next time you’re in Harrika’s.
And… a huge thanks to all who dug deep into their pockets to help the Humane Society
April Phlocking 4/4/2014 (Parrot Head Prom Night)
Phlocking this Friday at the Emerald Club, and for those who have not heard, the theme is “Jr./Sr. Prom”. Come in your best formalwear, or just fake it. Bring a glorious picture of you and your prom date from back in the day. There will be a contest to vote for your prom King or Queen, whether based on your outfit or past photo. As usual there will be food, a raffle for charity, and Scearce and Ketner will be supplying the musical entertainment. Join us to welcome in Spring, and just maybe it’ll be warm enough to hang out outside.
We may be a bit older but our charm still reigns! “The Beautiful People” showed up in their prom attire and the competition for Prom King and Queen began! After lots of pictures, dancing and just downright showing off, the finalists were chosen. The fabulously lovely, Tara Dyer, was crowned as Queen and our crazy Vice Pres., Jason Holland, as King. To top it off, the handsome couple presented us with the “King and Queen Victory Dance.” The fun didn’t end there! We also had a competition for “THE BEST PAST PROM PICTURE.” The photos were viewed and admired by us all although we didn’t recognize anybody in them! The beautiful Janet Denny was voted as the winner! Congratulations to all of our winners and thanks to all of you crazy Parrot Heads who made this night an enchanting evening! On a final note, Tristan Taylor was our 50/50 volunteer and raised $64 for the charity chosen by ourwinner, Leonard Crumpler! Thanks to Mike for another great night at our favorite nest, The Emerald Club, and to our home boys, Scearce & Ketner, for sharing their great tunes!
Parrot Heads Ride Again!
Parrot Heads Ride Again!
Hey Kids! What time is it? Howdy Doody Time!… No. Wait, that’s not right! BEACH BICYCLE POKER TIME!! But to keep all y’all in suspense (ooooh…), let’s recount the events leading up to it. First the crew had to get through our regular PHlocking with a killer combination of a Kentucky Derby/Cinco De Mayo themed gathering; plenty of PHolks dressed up in bizarre costumes to suit both events, lots of “challenging” games (like herding cats with this crew of fun loving PHlockers), laughter, incredible edibles, great tunes from our boys Jack & Dickie along with David sliding in to put a spin on things. Our PHlocking coordinators work hard to make our PHlockings a fun event and we greatly appreciate the time and effort they put in to ensure that everyone has a good time (It’s the Parrot Head way). Of course there was plenty of trash talk about who would win the bike decorating categories in the Poker Run, and some last minute planning and volunteering for the event. We also managed to throw in some donations to the Humane Society, do a 50/50 raffle for the EI Sea Turtle Program, and signed up 27 new members who wanted to join in the fun.
Onward to the big event – the world renown Beach Bike Poker Run! With great weather (always have our fingers crossed), we drew a crowd of 169 registrants for this fundraiser, who showed up on decorated bicycles to compete in the bike decorating contest and get ready for a hilarious ride on the Isle. First place in this year’s 3 categories of bike decoration (Cowboy in the Jungle, Growing older but not up, and Boat drinks) came as a sweep to the Hicks clan; James, Jan, and new coming son in law Jason Holland slammed into first place each scoring a $50 gift card donated by Walmart. Not to worry, lots of other category winners in 2nd and 3rd place with good donated prizes and plenty of shoulda/coulda winners out there. The main goal of having fun was obviously reached in this part of the event, so we then unleashed this wild eyed herd of cyclists and some walkers to hit 5 designated stops on the Isle (The Irish Pirate, Emerald Grill, El Zarape, Rucker John’s, and Flipperz) to pick up a card from one of our dedicated “Card Sharks” at each of the stops in hopes of gleaning a good poker hand. A few tumbles here and there (gotta get more practice coordinating that riding) but everyone arrived back at the Emerald Club relatively unscathed and grinning from ear to ear. After some serious deliberation and sorting out 169 completed poker hands, we came up with lucky first, second, and third place winners of $300, $200, and $100 cash awards. At this point in the day, some of the wheels were off the cart and no one really remembers the winning names, but the winners sure did. Thanks to the E Club and the Parrot Head Club for donating these bucks to the winners.
Lots of raffle tickets were sold for great prizes generously donated by local merchants and individuals. We’re so lucky to live in a community that supports the Parrot Head Club in our fundraising and partying; THANKS to all, you’re the best! We sure hope you go out of your way to support and patronize them. Door prizes from each of the stops were also drawn, T shirts, beads, and cozies were shot out into the crowd, and Big Dan got everyone dancing and carrying on with his DJ thing. Making sure no one went hungry, the Parrot Heads and the E Club arranged for a spread of tasty grub to cleanse the palate. Many many thanks to the core group of Parrot Head volunteered who pulled everything together to make this happen. A rowdy fun filled time, and BEST OF ALL… WE RAISED $4490 at the event that was all donated to the Hope for the Warriors charity to help support those who have given so much for our country. A very small thank you to a deserving charity that we were proud to be able to make happen by Partying With A Purpose. Another great day in a great place to live.
June and July seem to be recuperation time for the Parrot Head Club (aside from our regular PHirst PHriday PHlockings; come on down to The Emerald Club for some laughter, friendship, and rowdy times), but we’ll be doing good things in the community individually during this busy tourist time and will be getting ready for our annual Island Party in August followed by a host of other fun events. In the meantime, say thanks to a Parrot Head for their role in making our community a fun and better place to live, and don’t forget to wish a happy birthday to our crew who were dropped into the world in June of various years. They be: Bill McGowen, Paula Patteson, “Lovely Lois” Harmande, Gary Odle, Brad Bills, Jack “Zack Brown” Synan, Tom Stout, Mickey Henrickson, Ann Stewart, Randy Penny, Gigi Linder, Pam “Turtles” Minnick, Terry Passey, Donna Grady, Gary Pontenberg, Bill “Cap’n Coastie” Gerdsen, Sandy Rockenhauser, Dianne “Mrs. Mayor” Schools, and Tim Hester.
So, tha’s all, y’all. Keep a smile on your face, practice random acts of kindness, give back to your community, and breathe in, breathe out… life is grand. See you around the Isle! Ken
April Showers/May Flowers; SUMMER’S HERE! Parrot Heads
April Showers/May Flowers; SUMMER’S HERE! Parrot Heads
With better weather, Parrot Heads have been mucho busy out there in the community. Our regular PHirst PHriday night PHlockings at the Emerald Club keep coming up with great fun, the last being a primer for the next day’s scavenger hunt with the crew running around the back yard Tiki Bar looking for a list of items. Scearce & Ketner had their long johns on and cranked out the tunes outdoors with lots of good grub from the E Club & Eddie, a 50/50 raffle to help out a Parrot Head in Need and of course plenty of fun and frolicking. Deals were cut and teams formed for the next day’s “Offishul” Scavenger Hunt that brought out 18 teams of 4 and a bunch of others who hung out to enjoy the rowdiness of Parrot Heads zipping around town in search of strange clued items. Many thanks to Bob & Marsha Horner and the rest of their group who organized the event and made sure that everything went off like clockwork. The big time winning team this year of Bernie and Emily Zucker, Doris Speicher, and Mary Passey took home first place with the team name of “Senior Moments”. They called themselves by that moniker because they couldn’t remember what they had called themselves last year; guess what… same name last year. For forgetful PHolks, they sure kicked it by coming in first time wise and with every item on the list. Congrats! Prizes were given out for first through sixth place but everyone who participated had a ball. Ending a gorgeous early summer day with music from our very own DJ (and judge) Bobbi Raub along with a cold one or two and a lot of hysterical stories of the searching, made this another day to remember. Partying With A Purpose, all proceeds from entry fees were split between the Carteret County Humane Society and the Carteret County Domestic Violence Program, two deserving charitable organizations.
Hey, we’ve gotten a bunch of new members this year already, so we decided we needed to have a meet and greet session for them (as an excuse for a party?). Somewhere around 70 new and old (not in years) Parrot Heads PHlocked over the bridge to Senor Dick’s for an evening of fun and frolic and a chance to get better acquainted. Of course the addition of Coconut Bowling thrown into the mix with prizes and some tasty appetizers cranked the rowdiness up a notch. Amazing how insane it is to try to roll a coconut into a hula hoop; the ladies seemed to do better than the guys (sometimes with a little help from Head PHlocker James’ foot). Lots and lots of laughter, and new friends made with a crew of folks who all like to have a great time and do good things for their communities.
Well, the entrance to beautiful Emerald Isle was starting to again look littered, so we fired up our regular Adopt a Highway trash pickup, meeting on a Saturday morning with 18 Parrot Heads taking to the side of the road for our litter pickup from Rte. 24 to the bridge. As usual (sadly) trash was in ample supply with our crew picking up 29 bags of various “stuff” chucked or blown out from passing vehicles. Aside from too many plastic bags, styrofoam cups, beer cans and bottles, etc. the clean team came up with a full woman’s purse (no wallet for ID), a broken cane, Ford hubcap (missing one?), 3/4 empty bottle of Grey Goose, and a DVD on exploding target instructions. We even had one jerk (wish we had gotten the license number) who threw out an empty water bottle as they went by; amazing how stupid some people can be. OK, lecture time… PLEASE don’t litter on purpose or by accident. Never chuck anything out the window (including cig butts), or If you have a pick ‘em up truck make sure trash doesn’t blow out of the back. Meanwhile, if you see a Parrot Head, tell them thanks for helping to keep the entrance to the Isle looking spiffy.
Show up for our next PHirst PHriday PHlocking (looks like a Kentucky Derby theme) and you’ll catch the buzz of excitement over our upcoming biggest event of the year, namely the infamous Beach Bicycle Poker Run on May 18 with major cash prizes, bicycle decorating contests, raffles for lots of great goodies from generous local merchants and individuals, door prizes, and tons of laughter and good times at five local stops. As always, in honor of those who have given so much for our country, all proceeds from this event are donated to the Hope for the Warriors charity. Last year we raised $4000 and had 140 folks participating, and we expect this year to be even bigger and better. Watch for signs around town and come on out for a fun day for a good cause and Party With A Purpose with us!
Meanwhile, don’t forget to send out a big happy birthday wish to the following Parrot Heads who are making another trip around the sun this May: Jane “ All the Way From Morehead” Sewell, Bets Love, Lisa Miller, Leanne Reed, Jenni Douglas, Wayne Young, Jim Tuttle, Allen Ross, Emilie “Bennett’s Mom” Zucker, David Collins, H. Curtis Umphlett, Jeanne LaVana, Russell “Sailor” Adams, Jean “Vice Prez” Jensen, Sharon Alford, John Henrickson, Rich Wells, Kip “Artiste” Baker, Terry Groseclose, Bob Linder, Leslie Herrle, Ken “Hey, That’s’ Me” Stone, Deanne Sicular, Doris Speicher, Kathey Fairchild, Tom Reed, and Emily Sears.
So, tha’s all folks for this month, aside from a cerebral thought for y’all.. “Don’t miss the donut by looking through the hole.” Live some life and we’ll see you around the Isle! Ken