Between February 5 and 26, 2001, the Canadian Snowbird Association had the opportunity to speak with more than 4,300 Canadians at our Winter Information Days. We travelled to five locations between Arizona and Florida, to meet and greet friends both old and new.

In addition to keynote addresses by president Bob Jackson and local CSA directors, Medipac's Mark Simone and Hazen Walters took the stage to review changes to the 2000-2001 Medipac insurance plan, as well as outlining trends in the travel/medical insurance industry. Ronnie and Glory-Anne Prophet performed in an all-new show, accompanied (in Florida) by Grand Ole Opry guitarist, Ray Wix.

The tour started on February 5, at the Yuma Convention Center, in Yuma, Arizona. We were very pleased with our welcome by a standing-room-only crowd of 2,000 Canadian snowbirds. Kudos must be extended to our super volunteer, Jerry Waterall, for all of his hard work prior to, and on, event day.

We then travelled back to Florida with our first stop in Ft. Myers. The meeting (chaired by CSA director, Jack Kiuru) took place in the Harborside Convention Center, where a crowd of 500 enthusiastic Canadians welcomed president Bob Jackson, Ontario director Gerry Brissenden and Medipac International representative, Hazen Walters. We were pleased that so many in attendance not only enjoyed the meeting, but also took our advice in CSA News to heart...the majority did bring change for the parking meters!

Our Port Charlotte meeting attracted a crowd of 700. Jack Kiuru welcomed those in attendance in French, and meeting chairman, Gerry Brissenden, delivered the English welcome. It was a highly informative day, and the Question-and-Answer period proved to be of great interest to all in attendance.

This year, the CSA paid a return visit to the Ft. Lauderdale area. While finding a suitable venue proved more of a challenge than we had anticipated, we were heartened by the response we received from the small, but enthusiastic, crowd. CSA second vice-president, Paul Jenkins, had the honour of welcoming our special keynote speaker, Jerry White. As always, Ronnie and Glory-Anne Prophet's tribute to music's greats ­ Marty Robbins and Patsy Cline - was thoroughly enjoyed.

Our final stop on the tour was at Ocean Opry in Panama City Beach. We had a very strong turnout (more than 800 Canadians), and received extensive media coverage. CSA first vice-president, Kay Jeanneret, worked exceptionally hard for this meeting and, as a result of her efforts, a number of local dignitaries also attended the event.

The CSA's directors are able to give so willingly of their time, thanks in no small part, to the support and assistance of their spouses. Often, they're in the trenches as deep as the rest of us ­ but without the recognition. So, to the "better halves" who made our days successful, thanks for always being there for us!