March 2015 - Southernmost Coconut Castaways

Volume 1, Issue 13
March 2015
Southernmost Coconut Castaways
Tales in a Tropical Key
From the President’s Perch
Hey Castaways! I hope this letter finds you
somewhere warm. Or at least, somewhere that is
finally not snowing. I know it’s been a long, cold
winter for many of you. Thankfully that is not
something I have to deal with any more.
Inside This Issue
From the President’s
Perch
Editor’s Corner Tiki
Office
Southernmost Gopher
Droppings
The Bored Notes
Welcome to our new
members
I Like the Islands
Moment with an
Artist
MMITK 2015
In the Spotlight
Serving Community
Roles with Caribbean
Souls
By the Numbers
Birthday Wishes
Poetry Corner
Recipes in Paradise
Club Apparel
Events Calendar
Club Info
Normally this is the spot in the newsletter when I
tell you about what’s been going on, what’s coming up and just general updates. I want to do
something different this time. I want to give a
shout out to my fellow board members.
Unless you have been on a board somewhere, you really don’t know how
much time and energy board members put into their “job”. I put that in
quotation marks because we are all unpaid volunteers, but it is a job nonetheless. Amy Hanson, John “Jolly Mon” Morr and Marc Hollander all put
in many, many hours of work each month to make the Southernmost Coconut Castaways the best it can be. It’s no accident that our membership
numbers are strong, our relationships in the community are wonderful, or
that word continues to spread about our group. It’s all due to the untiring
(okay, maybe a little tiring) work that this group puts in every day. And I
must also give huge thanks to Cheryl Johnson. Cheryl did a wonderful job
as our Membership Director but recently stepped down due to personal
commitments. We miss her already!
Recently the Southernmost Coconut Castaways have been getting some attention, such as the article in PHlockers Magazine and the “Unsung Hero”
award from the Charitable Foundation of the Florida Keys. As President, it
was my information they used, but believe me it is for all of us - our wonderful board and our wonderful club members.
Please help us to continue the good work by inviting your friends and family to join us. No matter where they live, they can live on Key West time.
I hope you’ll join me in giving a virtual round of applause for my fellow
board members. They are all totally awesome and I don’t know what we’d
do without them. They rock! I love you guys.
Tammy
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Tales in a Tropical Key
Editor’s Corner Tiki Office
Greetings to all my Southernmost Coconut Castaways family!
I hope this newsletter finds each of you in great health & spirits, for
we’ve only got 12 days left to go till SPRING (3/20/15) “Oh-yeah!”
That would also mean that we’ve only got 94 days till MMITK2015,
(6/11/15) “I can’t wait!!!” So in my case that adds up to 188 Xanax, 98
Cymbalta, 98 Ambien, and roughly 4.5 bottles of Tequila give or take.
I love spring time because like an old bear I come out of hibernation
from the winter months and its closer to my favorite time of year SUMMER (6/21/15). There’s an
old favorite beach music song by the Catalinas that say’s it best; I remember this past winter I told
myself to settle down, and I seriously tried to do just that... But here I am with everything so beautiful and green, and I don’t believe I told myself what I mean… Maybe some day soon I can feel
this way around, but its summertime and I don’t want to stay in this town… No! I want to sit there
in the sand and watch those golden tans go walking by… I know it isn’t fare cause you might really
care, but its different now the summertime's calling me… I don’t think I’m ready to develop a routine, when its cold outside and the snows on the ground it’s a different scene… Maybe some day
soon I can feel this way around, but its summertime and I don’t want to stay in this town… No! I
want to sit there in the sand and watch those golden tans go walking by… I know it isn't fare cause
you might really care, but its different now the summertime's calling me.
For all of our new members, you’re really going to love Meet Me In The Keys 2015. Our bored
members & planning committees pull out all the stops for this event and the do a totally fantastic
job planning with lots of great Trop Rock Music at every event. By the last day you will understand
the term Philanthropic Partying during the events, It’s where we work hard, extremely hard for the
cause, but we party & play harder to celebrate what we’ve accomplished for the cause. This will be
Pam & my 5th MMITK event and I always like to tell the story of our first MMITK2011 when we
joined I had emailed Tammy & Julie on several occasions wondering if we would get a chance to
meet Howard Livingston which both replied yes. Well when we checked into the hotel that afternoon, guess how the very first person I met was? Yep… Howard Livingston!!!!
Howard Livingston is not only a great performer whose music genuinely will touch you in many
ways, but he’s also one of the most generous, kind hearted philanthropist that I know, and I’m
proud to call him my friend. Also he & Cyndy are a very special part of our Keys Family.
Peace, Love & Grits to Yawl,
Mickey English, Editor
mickeyenglish@carolina.rr.com
(704)906-4515
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TALES IN A TROPICAL KEY
Southernmost Gopher Droppings
Amazing how one’s body can change after just a few short years! As
I’m writing this, it’s 48 degrees here this morning in our Sugarloaf
Key home…AND WE HAVE NO FURNACE! Going thru a pot of
coffee fast I can tell ya !!
Back in Iowa, if it was in the high 40’s in February, I’d be outside in
shorts and a long sleeve tee! Here? I’m in sweats, long sleeve tee,
sox…AND I AM FREEZIN’! (Tammy keeps adding layers!!)
Staying (fun) busy all the time it seems with all the Howard shows in the area, non-stop
volunteer and charity work all over the community, Jump Ups, “Bored” Meetings, MMITK
Planning Meetings for 2015 AND (already!) MMITK 2016!!! All this is what warms our
hearts and is why we are here!
Fun seeing our “Seasonal” Members back, and we are meeting so many new people who
become Members then become good friends!
Proud of our club’s accomplishments the past 4 years, and I am so ready and excited to see
what the future brings!!!!! We have such a WONDERFUL “Bored” with Tammy leading
the way along with Amy, and Jolly Mon (who, as of this “writing”, is the ONLY “nonKeys-resident Bored Member”…hope that changes soon!!)…Our members are a big bunch
o’ good ol’ people willing to jump in and help when/if ever needed, with HUGE hearts!!!!!!
I can’t ever imagine my life without this “Family”!!!
Be sure to check out all of the cool “merch” we have, and be watching for more, new
“cool” stuff to be added to our line!
Be good, and be good to each other!!
Livin’ AND Freezin’ On Key West Time!!
Marc
“Veep” & “Southernmost Gopher”
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TALES IN A TROPICAL KEY
The “Bored” Notes
Winter 2014-2015. Southernmost Coconut Castaways Board meetings and activities have been held and
executed, despite adverse weather conditions affecting most of our entire country, and hence all of our
Board Members. As your secretary, my major responsibility, outside of participation in all discussions
and decision processes, is to compile and report all official board meeting minutes. Once approved by
board review and vote, these documents become records in support of our clubs obligations as a 501 c3
non-profit organization.
Yes, I know…..It sounds exciting, adventurous, and even a bit treacherous, as a pirate would indeed
thrive upon. But, hold not….compiling Bored Notes is much more than that. It can be intriguing, compelling, risky and perilous………shiver me timbers, mates…are ye feelin’ me heart, me Caribbean soul,
me focus of eye?.....I thought you would!
One of the best parts of reporting the Board Meeting minutes is summarizing club event participation
results. The numerous events, venues, and jump ups we either originate, sponsor, and/or volunteer for
result in club-time and collected dollars supporting local charitable activities and entities. As you all
know, our club existence is built around our love of Howard Livingston and Mile Marker 24 music, and,
charitable support for many organizations and activities that have a need. Several of these actions on the
clubs part are also supported directly by Howard & Cyndy as well. With the Livingston's as a great
model, we pride ourselves in following their lead through our motto of “Serving Community Roles
with Caribbean Souls” Some of those deserving benefactors are: Care Camps, Boys and Girls Clubs,
Wesley House, Xena Fund, Key West Art & Historical Society, Domestic Abuse Shelter, Aids related
benefits and Habitat for Humanity just to name a few.
Yes…..the life of a secretarial crusty ol’ Pirate is courageous and colorful. But by no means is it really
“Boring’…except maybe to the occasional reader, observer, or curious Castaway. So swabbies and sea
maids pay me heed….for we Southernmost Coconut Castaways are a hearty lot….with “ a lot of Heart”.
We have tons of harmless but fabulous fun entwined with generous Caribbean soul serving to be done.
An I be proud to serve this club err me name not be the Jolly Mon….fer shur!
The Jolly Mon
Yer Crusty ol’ Pirate Secretary
PAGE 5
TALES IN A TROPICAL KEY
Welcome to Our New Members (through February)
First name
Theresa
Carol
Debbie
Lynn
Niles
Tina
David
Ginny
John
Kathy
Mike
Jenn
Daniel
Cindy
Gary
Arthur
Nancy
Karen
Karen
Jill
Jillian
Cheryl
Allen
Bill
Karen
Deborah
Gerald
Oscar
Larinda
Jerry
Nancy
Dr David
Donna
Lisa
Dennis
Rosemary
Rosanne
Jay
John
Sandy
Gerry
Sharon
Joe
BJ
Lygondia
Laurel
Windie
Jack
Ron
Linda
Last name
Monaghan Muglia
Murrell
Hardman
Hewitt
Noblitt
Moore
Morel
Bailey
Bailey
Shackle
Bonney
Bonney
Weagley
Weagley
Masteller
Hewitt
Noblitt
Van Biezen
Brock
Keeler
Tolman
Rollings
Holland
Stewart
Stewart
Brown
Brown
Cooley
Cooley
Campbell
Campbell
Vaughn
Vaughn
Sullivan
Hopps
Hopps
Thompson
Hunter
Grouten
Grouten
Coady
Crossley
Pollentier
Haigwood
Alexander
Pollentier
Wilson
Haigwood
Miller
Muncy
City
Edison
Rockledge
St. Pete Beach
Fort Myers
Summerland Key
Anderson
Rockledge
Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda
Key West
Chesapeake
Chesapeake
Bradenton
Bradenton
Gulfport
Fort Myers
Summerland Key
Noblesville
Chester
Key West
York
Key west
Key West
Port St. Lucie
Port St. Lucie
Bettendorf
Bettendorf
Anderson
Anderson
Rochester
Rochester
Summerland Key
Summerland Key
Saint Petersburg
Key West
Key West
Olympia
Olympia
Marathon
Marathon
Little Torch Key
Little Torch key
Pekin
Key West
Milford
Pekin
Naples
Key West
Milford
Carrollton
State
NJ
flu
FL
FL
FL
IN
FL
FL
FL
FL
VA
VA
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
IN
VA
FL
PA
FL
FL
FL
FL
IA
IA
SC
SC
IL
IL
FL
FL
FL
FL
FL
WA
WA
FL
FL
FL
FL
IL
FL
OH
IL
FL
FL
OH
TX
Member since
28 Feb 2015
26 Feb 2015
26 Feb 2015
26 Feb 2015
25 Feb 2015
25 Feb 2015
24 Feb 2015
22 Feb 2015
22 Feb 2015
22 Feb 2015
21 Feb 2015
21 Feb 2015
21 Feb 2015
21 Feb 2015
21 Feb 2015
21 Feb 2015
21 Feb 2015
21 Feb 2015
17 Feb 2015
15 Feb 2015
04 Feb 2015
04 Feb 2015
03 Feb 2015
30 Jan 2015
30 Jan 2015
30 Jan 2015
25 Jan 2015
21 Jan 2015
21 Jan 2015
16 Jan 2015
16 Jan 2015
16 Jan 2015
16 Jan 2015
13 Jan 2015
13 Jan 2015
13 Jan 2015
13 Jan 2015
13 Jan 2015
12 Jan 2015
12 Jan 2015
12 Jan 2015
07 Jan 2015
04 Jan 2015
03 Jan 2015
03 Jan 2015
02 Jan 2015
02 Jan 2015
27 Dec 2014
27 Dec 2014
15 Dec 2014
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TALES IN A TROPICAL KEY
I Like the Islands…
Ahoy there Castaways & welcome to our 12th stop as we make our way
on this virtual journey we call, “I Like the Islands.” So grab yours drinks
and let’s enjoy the ride. Actually for this one let’s pack a cooler, we’ll
need it! For this trip we’ll need transportation: Key West Seaplane Adventures, Yankee Freedom III Dry Tortugas Ferry, or your own personal
boat as long as it can make the 140 round trip. Yep, we’re going to the
Dry Tortugas National Park which is 70 miles west of Key West.
Discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1513, the Dry Tortugas were named after the large population of sea
turtles living in the island’s surrounding waters. “Tortugas” means turtles in Spanish, and Ponce de Leon himself caught over 100 sea turtles during his time on the island. The name “Dry” Tortugas was later
given to the island to indicate to other mariners that the land mass lacked fresh water, which was an
extremely important detail for seafarers to know. The area is known for its treacherous reefs, and in
1825 a lighthouse was built on Garden Key to warn ships and guide them toward safety. At the time
shipwrecks were common, and with underwater wrecks dating back to the 1600s, the Dry Tortugas currently possess one of the richest concentrations of shipwrecks in North America. It is also because of
these large reefs surrounding the Tortugas that the U.S. was able to establish one of the most strategic
harbors in U.S. history, and Fort Jefferson was born.
Construction of the fort began in 1846, and although it was never officially finished, it remains a historic
icon of the Dry Tortugas and receives thousands of visitors yearly. If you have ever wondered where
the name “Dry Tortugas” came from, you’ve come to the right place! When Spanish explorer Ponce de
Leon discovered the island in 1513 he was amazed by the amount of sea turtles he saw; they were everywhere! He decided to name the island after the magnificent animals and gave the island the name
“Las Tortugas” which is Spanish for “the turtles.” Despite its beauty and abundance of nature, fresh water was scarce on the island, and the word “dry” was added to the name to warn sailors and visitors
that they needed to bring their own fresh water to drink. But don’t worry, the Yankee Freedom III will
provide you with plenty of food, water and other beverages on your trip to the Dry Tortugas! Dry Tortugas National Park encompasses the history and natural wonders that make this island at the Southern
tip of the United States a truly remarkable place.
It is home to a multitude of unique birds, and has the only regular U.S. nesting site of sooty terns on
Bush key, adjacent to Fort Jefferson. With vibrant coral reefs, nesting sea turtles, unique tropical fish and
underwater wonders, visiting the Dry Tortugas is an unforgettable experience. No Key West beach trip
is complete without visiting the best beaches in the Florida Keys: Fort Jefferson Dry Tortugas National
Park, located just 70 miles west of Key West. Whether swimming, sun bathing or just plain strolling,
you will enjoy the crystal blue waters, swaying palm trees and soft, powdery sand of this island paradise. These beautiful, pristine beaches are a Key West attraction not to be missed. When you visit The
Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson, you are treated to one of the most unique National Parks in the world.
I’ve got many friends that live in the Florida Key’s and many of them have never been out to the Dry
Tortugas or Fort Jefferson. I’ve only been once but it was a fantastic way to spend a day. We went by
seaplane where immediately after takeoff, you get a birds-eye view of Key West and the historic downtown and harbor area. Just west of Key West, we fly over an area known as the "Flats". Marine life can
be spotted anywhere along the flight route but these shallow waters make spotting marine life easy. Expect to see plenty of sharks, sting rays and the occasional porpoise.
PAGE 7
TALES IN A TROPICAL KEY
I Like the Islands Continued
There are plenty of uninhabited mangrove islands in this area but only one island has a private house,
this is Ballast Key. It is also the only privately owned land within the boundaries of the National Marine
Sanctuary. Tennessee Williams often painted canvases there while visiting the owners in the late 70's
and early 80's. The island also had a cameo appearance in the Bond movie License to Kill. 25 miles out
we fly over the Marquesas Islands. These islands are easy to spot as they are a coral atoll, which is a
large circular group of coral islands.
Coral atolls are usually volcanic in origin and are found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, there is some
speculation this Atoll was caused be a meteorite impact, however it is more likely this Atoll is just naturally occurring shaped by wind and wave action. Beyond the Marquesas Islands lie the "Quicksand’s."
This area is excellent for spotting huge sea turtles. The water goes down to 30 feet deep and you will be
flying over an underwater desert. The sea-bed is made up of huge sand dunes that are continually
moved by the strong tidal currents. It is here that the famous treasure salver Mel fisher found the treasures of the Spanish Galleons "Atocha" and "Margarita." Over half a billion dollars’ worth of gold and
silver strewn across an eight-mile area. Today this is still an active treasure site with regular finds of
huge Spanish Emeralds.
It is in this area we will show you a couple of ship wrecks, the first of which is a World War II Destroyer
Escort, the "Patricia." She was intentionally sunk by the U.S. Navy to use for bombing practice. The
bombing and hurricanes have taken their toll; she is now just a shape of a ship on the seabed. The second is the "Arbutus." This was a 70ft work vessel used by Mel Fisher's divers and it sank without loss of
life, due to hull deterioration. The Spanish galleons cannot be seen from the air but this ship marks the
northern edge of the treasure site and with its mast still above water it makes for an excellent photograph. Upon arrival at the Dry Tortugas we make a low pass over Fort Jefferson for a photo opportunity. After circling the fort, we make a smooth water landing, beach the airplane and you will be free to
enjoy the delights of the Dry Tortugas. Bring along your camera, the photography is spectacular.
These seven islands are a rare combination of natural and historic resources. Not only are you surrounded by a vast expanse of sea, sky, sandy beaches, and coral reef, but you step into a park rich in
history including a 19th century fort, The Civil War, and its most famous prisoner, Dr. Samuel Mudd,
who was imprisoned for his involvement in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. During
the 1600s and 1700s the area around these islands was used by pirates as a base for attacking merchant
shipping in the Gulf. Fort Jefferson was built to protect one of the most strategic deep water anchorages
in North America. By fortifying this spacious harbor, the United States maintained an important
“advance post” for ships patrolling the Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida. The location of the Tortugas along one the world’s busiest shipping lanes was its greatest military asset.
PAGE 8
TALES IN A TROPICAL KEY
Moment with an Artist
In this edition of Moment with an Artist we take a look at one a
Castaways favorite, a fantastic singer / songwriter, John Friday. I
remember the first time I heard John perform, it was during MOTM
2012. Tammy & Marc Hollander invited Pam & I to a private party
at the home of Kristen Howell where John was playing. The minute
he started playing Coastal Dreamin’ I was hooked… instant fan,
bought all his CD’s.
John Friday grew up in Washington, DC, traveled the world and
after a back-breaking (literally) Army career, John turned his car
south one day and ended up settling in the Sunshine State where he pursues his musical dreams
every night in the local’s pubs and bars. Armed with a guitar, a wry sense of humor, and a keen
eye for life’s absurdities, he carved out a niche as a singer/songwriter.
John’s three albums, Coastal Dreamin’, Tropicalized, and Coastal Cowboy, have vaulted him to the
top of the Trop Rock music world. He is currently gathering stories and songs for his fourth album.
His musical achievements include:
- Trop Rock Music Association’s Horizon Award (2013)
- Six TRMA nominations (2010-2013), including Album & Song of the Year (2013)
-Landshark Lager Battle of the Bands (2009), 4th place (out of over 400 bands)
- Dallas Songwriter’s Association Top 10 (2009-2010)
- Great Lakes Songwriting Contest Top 10 (2010-2012)
- American Songwriter Lyric Contest Honorable Mention (2010, 2012)
John is always on the lookout for a great song, and moves effortlessly through multiple genres, including rock, folk, country, reggae, classical, oldies, and pop. His original songs are filled with insight and humor, and he covers great songs from every decade. He tours nationally and has shared
the stage with artists such as Doyle Grisham, Nadirah Shakoor, Peter Mayer, Mac Macanally & Will
Kimbrough (all members of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band), Jim Morris, John Frinzi, “Sunny
Jim” White and Jack Mosley, among many others.
PAGE 9
TALES IN A TROPICAL KEY
Meet Me in the Keys 2015 snapshot
Members only event—Registration ends May 10th
 Doubletree Grand Key Resort is the home base - rooms are going fast so call 305-293-1818 and
use group code COC


“Be a Local” party - 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 9 @ Hogfish Bar & Grill
 Music by local CW Colt, Roger Jokela, Terry Cassidy, Dani Hoy, Chris Rehm and Captain Ron Baumann
Goodie bag stuffing party @ Doubletree - Wednesday, time TBD
 “Always Saturday Night” party - 5:00-9:00 Wednesday, June 10 @ Smokin’ Tuna Saloon
 Music by Coley McCabe and Thom Shepherd


Attendee check in - 1:00-3:30 Thursday, June 11 @ Doubletree lobby
 Music by Greg Dillard

“Keysified” party - 6:00-11:00 Thursday, June 11 @ The Waterfront Brewery
 Music by The Boat Drunks

Annual “Hangover Classic Walk” to benefit KOA Care Camps - meet 9:00 a.m. Friday, June
12 - poolside @ Doubletree to walk to the Conch Flyer Lounge
 Must register for the walk

Music by Captain Josh

Pool Party - noon to 6:00—Friday, June 12 - poolside @ Doubletree Grand Key Resort
 Music by James “Sunny Jim” White, Eric Stone Trio, and Jimi Pappas

The main event! Howard Livingston and the Mile Marker 24 Band
 Private concert at the Historic San Carlos Theater - 6:00 p.m. Saturday, June 13

Castaways Beach Bash—noon to 3:00—Sunday, June 14 @ Higgs Beach
 Music by Frankendread and the Midnight Instigators

Food & drink by Salute on the Beach
To register, visit www.meetmeinthekeys.org. If you wish to help with various activities during the
event, please let us know. We’re looking for additional event sponsors.
We’re looking for auction/raffle items, too!
PAGE 10
TALES IN A TROPICAL KEY
In the Spotlight
Patti
This month's member In the spotlight is Patti Blakely, yep… “The Bacon lady at the Bacon Shack,” yummy yummy can you say Bacon Bark? That stuff will make you slap your grandma. Patti was born in Decatur, Illinois and grew up in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. In 1978 she attended Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.
Patti has been married to Stewart Blakely for 31 years and they live in Dacula, Georgia just north of Atlanta. She has 2 daughters, Jamie Blakely, who lives in Austin, Texas and Sheryl Protz, who lives in Bethlehem, Georgia, and son in law Andrew Protz who served 2 tours in Iraq. Patti also has a grand kitty,
“Piper,” and a grand puppy, "Mojo.”
Patti retired from 26 years of retail management and started The Bacon Shack 4 years ago and is proud to
donate a portion of their profits to the Southernmost Coconut Castaways and Care Camp.
Patti says, “My passions are bacon, beaches, the ocean, cooking, fund raising, tropical rock music at the
beach with a Margarita in each hand, and meeting new people! “
I borrowed a quote from Patti’s Facebook page which really hits home with your editor right now, it goes
like this; “Live each day as a gift, love each person you meet as a family member, forgive to the deepest
depths of your soul those who have wronged you, cherish those put in your path with love and give them
more than you ever dreamed.” That is so true, but there’s more, her life's philosophy is to learn to chill
and see where God takes me.
The Bacon Shack began as a dream in the minds of Stewart and Patti Blakley in March of 2012. The
dream led them to the Spout Springs Farmer’s Market with the bacon lollipop. This little bacon gem was
such a hit, customers were demanding more, asking for more venues and a website in which they could
order their new favorite bacon food item! Building their dream upon this love of bacon, the doors were
opened officially for business in May 2012. The Bacon Shack’s mission is to provide top quality fun in the
form of bacon. Why? Nothing brings more smiles to the faces of people than the smell of bacon. Sharing
that joy while giving back to the community is an integral part of the vision created by Stew and Patti.
The Bacon Shack is devoted to offering only the highest quality products and services. This can be seen
through every aspect of the company down to the preparation of delicious bacon food creations. For example, bacon steaks are slow cooked for four hours to achieve the utmost tenderness. Stewart, Patti
and The Bacon Shack are dedicated to their customers wants and needs in making their bacon dreams
come true! Check out their website: www.thebaconshack.com
PAGE 11
Serving Community Roles with Caribbean Souls
TALES IN A TROPICAL KEY
PAGE 12
TALES IN A TROPICAL KEY
Castaways by the numbers...
January:



Volunteering
 Key West Art & Historical Society—12 hours
 Key West Half Marathon—43.5 hours
 Aids Help Art Auction—14 hours
 Ragnar Relay Race—149 hours
New members—25
Jump Up
 Mangrove Mama’s
February:



Volunteering
 Key West Art & Historical Society—15 hours
 Wesley House Valentine’s Day party—20 hours
New members—24
Jump Up
 Smokin’ Tuna Saloon
 Raised $1100 for Xena Fund
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TALES IN A TROPICAL KEY
Birthday Wishes
From each and every one of us, “the Southernmost Coconut Castaways,” We would like to
wish each one of you, “A very Happy Birthday filled with many tropical blessings to all!”
February
2nd—Kelly Beck
5th—Cheryl Talbert
March
7th—Dan Bensley, Joanne Cates, Evelyn Judge
8th—Jerry Brown
9th—Rob Cochran, Patrick Pesa
11th—Kris Howell
12th—John Grouten
13th—Oscar Cooley, Jim Ha, Dennis Hopps
14th—Carl McMackin
16th—Julie Skinner
17th—Deb Fenstermacher, Mark Reiman
18th—John Fasanella
23rd—Sarah Lall
1st—Ed Rhodes
2nd—Patricia Collins, Lexie Kirk
3rd—Jill Tolman
4th—Sheila Cullen
5th—Bill Wilkinson
7th—Nancy Henning
9th—Dani Hoy
10th—Wayne Beck
11th—Jill Cook, John Dayner
12th—Kathy Lashin
26th—Jill Cook
27th—Nancy Noblitt
13th—Andy Burke, Jay Hunter
14th—Dan Weagley
15th—Dave Murrell
17th—Keith Parks, Larry Wagner
19th—Ginny Prior, Mary Anne Zimmer
April
1st—Barbi Dobo, Don Olson
2nd—Dana Moulton, Bryan Donohue
4th—Dan Meadows, John Readel, Jim Rutherford
5th—Gordo Keiser
6th—Bill De Walt
7th—Linda Fay
8th—Jim Cozart
10th—Kathy Melilli
12th—Jeff Shoemaker
15th—Karen Hirst
18th—Suzy Bennett, Wayne Skinner, Steve Wainstead
22nd—Gino Biasi, Debbie Cooper
24th—Lloyd Kurak
25th—Susan Mansmann
27th—Suzanne Borrell, Wendy Bracht
29th—Amy Hanson
21st—Glenda Sneed
22nd—Mick Judge
23rd—Jenny Hollar-Young
26th—Roseanne Thompson
27th—Tony Baglini
29th—Peg Qually
PAGE 14
Poetry Corner
Island Beauty, Surfer Man
By: Dale Hench
Man I need some R & R in this life of mine
Work, stress, politics are taking too much time
Somewhere there’s an ocean and a beach chair built for two
I close my eyes and see ourselves in the waters blue
I hear the steel drums calling, serenade by the sea
I smell the suntan lotion, feel you touch all over me
I taste the tang of lime juice, salt crystals on the rim
I sense us making sweet, sweet love before our evening swim
You’re my island beauty, I’m your surfer man
We’ll stroll the sand together, only working on our tan
No cell phone, computer or satellite TV
Just spending time together, refreshed and feeling free
Got to stop daydreaming, it’s freezing cold outside
But tonight we’ll dream together, lying side by side
There’s sun on our horizon, fair winds and emerald sea
‘Till then the warmth of your abiding love is quite enough for me
You’re my island beauty, I’m your surfer man
We’ll stroll the sand together, only working on our tan
No cell phone, computer or satellite TV
Just spending time together, refreshed and feeling free
TALES IN A TROPICAL KEY
PAGE 15
TALES IN A TROPICAL KEY
Recipes in Paradise
The Famous Red Velvet Cake
By: Waldorf Astoria—New York
Ingredients:
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 ounces red food coloring
2 tablespoons cocoa (heaping)
1 cup buttermilk
2 1/4 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vinegar
FROSTING
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup butter (must be butter)
Directions:
Cream shortening, sugar and eggs.
Make a paste of food coloring and cocoa, then add to creamed mixture.
Add buttermilk alternating with flour, salt and vanilla.
Add soda to vinegar, and blend into the batter.
Pour into 3 or 4 greased and floured 8" cake pans and bake at 350 degrees for 28 minutes.
Split layers fill and frost with the following frosting.
Frosting: Add milk to flour slowly, avoiding lumps.
Cook flour and milk until very thick, stirring constantly and cool completely.
Cream sugar, butter and vanilla until fluffy then add to cooked cooled mixture.
Beat, high speed, until very fluffy, will look and taste like whipped cream.
Club merchandise!
Women’s tank Tops
$15 each
Ladies Tees Available in Coral,
Turquoise, Leaf green, Raspberry &
Sea foam Sizes Small—2X
$15 each
Women’s V-neck Tee White
only—sizes Small—2X
$15 each
Men’s sleeveless shirts
Sizes L & 2X
$15 each
Men’s Tees Available in Coral,
Sea foam, Leaf Green & Ocean
Sizes L—2X
$15 each
Club merchandise
cont.
Castaways Ball Caps
$20 each
Club Burgee Flag for
your boat or Tiki Bar
$20 each
Covo Cup Tumblers w/lid
$20 each
Castaways Koozie $3
or 2 / $5
Castaways Backpacks
$5 each
Tervis Tumblers w/lid
$20 each
PAGE 18
TALES IN A TROPICAL KEY
April 2015
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
29 MARCH
30
31
1
2
3
4 Tuna Trot,
5
6
7
8
9
10 Howard
11
12
13 Taste of Key
14
15
16
17
18 Howard
19
20
21
22
23 Howard
24
25
30
1 MAY
2
3
West—Volunteers
needed
Jump Up
26
27
28
Livingston & The
MM24 Band
Concert
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS







4/4 —Tuna Trot 5k and Ocean Fest
4/4—Howard Livingston & the MM24 Band Concert
4/10—Howard Livingston & the MM24 Band Concert
4/13—Taste of the Key West—Volunteers Needed
4/18—Howard Livingston & the MM24 Band Concert
4/21—Jump Up @ Kelly’s Caribbean—Domestic Abuse Shelter
4/23—Howard Livingston & the Mile Marker 24 Band Concert
Livingston & the
MM24 Band
Concert
Ocean Fest &
MM24 Band
Livingston & the
MM24 Band
Concert
PAGE 19
TALES IN A TROPICAL KEY
May 2015
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
26 APRIL
27
28
29
30
1 MAY
2 Keystock with
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17 Howard
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1 JUNE
3
4
5
6
7 (5) Days Till
Howard
Livingston &
Grand Funk R/R
Livingston
MMITK 2015
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS



5/2—Keystock with Grand Funk Railroad & Howard Livingston
5/17—Howard Livingston
6/1—Five days till MMITK 2015
Southernmost Coconut Castaways
PO Box 431497
Big Pine Key, FL 33043
info@southernmostcoconutcastaways.com
The Southernmost Coconut Castaways is a
national “friend” club of Howard Livingston
and the Mile Marker 24 Band. We are also a
community service organization made up of
members that believe strongly in giving back to
their communities.
talesinatropicalkey@gmail.com
We have monthly social gatherings which we
call Jump Ups, where club members and their
www.southernmostcoconutcastaways.com
friends get together to relax and socialize.
Send story ideas and/or photos
If you have suggestions regarding
things you’d like to see in the
next newsletter, please send
them to Mickey English at:
mickeyenglish@carolina.rr.com
Additionally, if you take pictures
at club events, volunteer outings
or Howard’s concerts, please
send them to Tammy to use in
the newsletter, on the website or
on the club’s Facebook page.
Find us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/southernmostcoconutcastaways.com
ATTENTION CLUB MEMBERS!!!! Our Discussion Board on the Club Website is a great
Forum for Posting Information, Chats and Discussions! “CHECK IT OUT!!!!”