My Name is Gene O’Connell and I am the Chairperson of the 55+ Club-Fishing Group. About two years ago I requested permission from the 55+ Club to start an activity centered on fishing, and the leadership of the 55+ Club was very receptive to the idea. We now have about 35 members in our group. The basic idea was to start a club that would encourage all aspects of fishing as a leisure-time activity for members of the 55+ Club. Recreational fishing can be a healthful and relaxing avocation. It provides the opportunity to meet and get to know folks with the same interest, and build friendships by sharing ideas, techniques and experiences about the sport of fishing.It also provides many a good meal and the opportunity to try new fish-dish recipes. We try to organize at least one fishing “trip” or venue each month, and vary the types and locations of our trips to suit the season and weather conditions. One of the greatest advantages to going out fishing as a group is that, as a group, we can assist each other when needed, and that is exactly what we do. Sharing of information on site is one of the basic benefits of fishing with a club. Of course, we will also help you land that monster you’ve hooked, if need be. The Fishing Club has no dues. We have a very informal meeting once a month at the David R. Schechter Center, on the 2nd Thursday of each month. We usually have some kind of presentation and a lot of discussions at our meeting. On behalf of the members of our club, I would like to extend a hardy invitation to anyone who would like to join our group and see if you would like to go fishing with us. I can’t guarantee that you will catch anything, but we usually have a nice time,

If you like to sew, we have a pattern for you! As a welcome to the neighborhood and a thank you for being a 55+ Club newsletter sponsor our Club would like to present Zon Beachside residents with a Dining Scarf. The pattern and materials will be provided we just need your sewing talents. If you would like to help, please call Jill at 321/773-2080 and we ill put you to work! Thank You!

March 18th is “55+ Day” at the Melbourne Greyhound Park at 12noon. There you can enjoy live greyhound racing, tour the facility and free poker lessons are offered so you can learn to play like a pro! Please add your name to the sign up sheet at the DRS Center by either stopping in or calling 321/773-6458.

A record number of members and friends turned out for our 55+ Annual Meeting and Holiday Celebration. Santa surprised us with a visit, and us “big kids” were all excited to see him. Joan Spencer’s name will forever hang on the plaque at the DRS Center as a tribute to her years of service. Carol Hammock and JoAnn Everett were voted Volunteer of the Year and Louise Tavani recognized Andy Iorio as her greatest helper at Bingo. Travis from RestoraLife held a drawing for $2000+ free treatment at their facility and won by Bill Lewis — we will follow his progress. WellCare also donated a door prize and National Cremation, JAG Financial, Victoria Landing, Sr Helping Sr, Sarah Care and Reverse Mortgage were all part of the meeting. Our wonderful sponsors Courtenay Springs Village catered the lunch, that was great, thank you again. Many thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this meeting/luncheon run smoothly and to the staff at the Recreation Department who
are always so supportive. My message was simply to remind everyone how lucky we are to have such good friends; the 55+ Club is YOUR Club, and for it to continue in a positive way, we must all play our part.Count your blessings and 2016 will be a wonderful year!

Jill Blakeway, Chairperson

The Satellite Beach Recreation Department offers a range of social, fitness and sports programs for adults. You can read more about the programs listed below by picking up a current Recreation Brochure or it can be viewed on line at www.satellitebeachrecreation.org 

• Jan. 23-Restore the Indian River Lagoon
• Jan 24 Rhythm In Motion Dance Showcase
• Jan 30-PAL Mini-Bunko Night
• Feb 7 Jazz in the Park
• Feb 19-21 Locals Only SurFest
• Feb 20 Antique Car Show
• Feb 28-SB Lion’s Club Car Show
• Feb. 27 Samsons Island Open House Island Nature Park

Fishing instructor/ guide, Rodney Smith will share the knowledge needed to catch red and black drum, spotted seatrout, snook, pompano, and a host of other species. Attendees receive a FREE Fishing Tackle bag valued at $30. The cost of the workshop is $50. For more information call 321-750-3374 or eMail [email protected].