Today we’d like to introduce you to Blossomland Pirates Parrot Head Club.
Thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started out simply by enjoying Jimmy Buffett’s music. Then in 2005 I went to see him at Wrigley Field and became hooked. In 2006 on Thanksgiving I talked with my daughter about forming a local Parrot Head Club. Eventually we did form and I chartered my first club in April 2007. On January 2014 this club lost it’s charter and dissolved so I started to reform some of the key members into a new club. This became the Blossomland Pirates in June 2014.
Why did I become involved was a two-fold reason. First I was raised in a family who was very involved in their community through clubs who were constantly raising money and working projects to better the community. Growing up I was usually helping where I could along the way. In high school, college and as an adult raising a family this continued with myself becoming involved in the same capacity in several other organizations.
The second reason to forming and joining the Parrot Head nation is this is the most fun organization I’ve ever been involved with. Each project is not work it is truly a ‘Party with a Purpose’! Yes, this is the Parrot Head motto and simply means that we enjoy working to better our corner of the world and have a blast while doing so! I has also allowed me to become friends across the country and many beyond our borders.
As a senior member (I’m 73 now) these friendships have become more valuable to me and while I may be slowing down a bit, I still enjoy getting out into the community and helping make peoples lives and our area as a whole a little better.
I truly believe that non-profit organizations are one of the backbones of our life. People belong because they want to do something for others without looking for or at any financial reward
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This road has its share of bumps and potholes along the way. I mentioned the first club lost its charter and the reason was the President at the time ignored our parent organizations (Parrot Heads in Paradise) rules and refused to comply when this was discovered. I was good friends with the PHiP Membership Director and he contacted me to help resolve the problem. This created a huge divide in the club and I did lose many friends as a result. In the end the club dissolved and working with PHiP and the board we did form the Blossomland Pirates.
This club is much smaller but functions very well with most all members pitching in where necessary. I’d guess we have around 80%+ participation in one form or another from all members. In any non-profit organization this is a very significant percentage of involvement.
So while there may have been struggles in the past today it seems to be going very well.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve been retired since 2000. Prior to that I published a relocation magazine for our area. In the past I was the Marketing Director for an electronics manufacturer, I’ve also been in sales and a lot of background in the Lawn & Gardening business.
My college major was Environmental Science with a minor in Business. I’m still involved with environmental issues by belonging to different organizations and keeping abreast of various issues.
I’ve been well known for coming up with different ideas and the ability to examine issues from all sides, rather than be told what to think.
Currently while retired I keep busy earning a little ‘spending money’ by driving cars for two local dealerships. I also stay active in both the Blossomland Pirates Club and other local non-profit organizations.
What’s next?
What I want for our club and all Parrot Head clubs to do in the future is to honor Jimmy Buffett’s request to “Keep the Party Going” He asked this towards the end of his life and while there has been a slight decline in memberships and clubs those of us left want to see this path continue. We want to help make our corner of the world a little better each day.
Personally in the future I want to continue being active and involved with my club and the other org’s I belong to. I am involved in different environmental issues and not bashful about my thoughts. While I may not see the results of what I’m involved with I do hope to make a positive difference for my grandkids and all future generations.
Pricing:
- Annual dues are $15 for singles and $25 for families. Kids and active military are free.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Blossomlandpirates.com
- Instagram: @piratesblossomland
- Facebook: @blossomlandpiratesphc
