Early in the fall of 2007 the idea of a “seniors” group began to take form.  The reason was two fold. We wanted to say “thank you” for all that this group of individuals has done over many years. And, especially, we wanted to have a time and place to just get together and have fun. 
Our first meeting was in October.  By November we chose our name – Older, Wiser, Lovable Seniors and have henceforth been known as the OWLS.  Our meetings always seem to involve eating, jokes, a program of sorts, and lots of good fun!  There is no age limit – just come if you feel you fit.  You certainly will be welcome. 

This past year we have met for breakfast, had a game day, made blue bird houses, took a trip to Martin's Guitar Factory, went to Nockamixon State Park, played miniature golf, picnicked in the church grove and enjoyed a Christmas party at our church.

News from the  “OWLS”

Our next meeting will be a Picnic/Game Day in the grove on Monday, September 20.  They’ll be sign up sheets at the grove service and in the chapel.  Please indicate what kind of dish you will bring.  More details will follow. 

August

On Monday, August 23 the OWLS had a very successful two part meeting at church. First we had a lunch of hoagies and peaches and ice cream, and held out regular meeting. At 1:00 we were privileged to have Pennsylvania State Trooper Groman come to speak to us about senior safety and scams. He was an excellent speaker and the session was very informative. We will likely all make some changes in our daily lives to improve our safety as a result of his speech. We had a large group with 44 in attendance.

June

On Monday, June 21, 23 OWLS “ate our way through Lancaster County.” We started at Uncle Henry’s Pretzel Factory where we watched them make pretzels. It was a small operation but they made big amounts of pretzels. The samples, warm out of the oven, were delicious! Next we stopped at Lapp Valley Farms and feasted on their homemade ice cream. What a treat! And then we ate lunch at Shady Maple! Finding ourselves too full to eat another mouthful we headed back home. Diets anyone?

May

On May 17 the OWLS had our annual mini-golf outing at Putt U in Center Valley. The weather cooperated and golfers and non-golfers alike had a great time. How many of you saw Charlie Bernd make a mad dash to save someone’s golf ball before it went into the water? And Maynard Cressman had a hole in one! We’re not getting older, we’re getting better!

April

On April 19 the OWLS co-sponsored a “Speaker Meeting” with Congregational Care. The speaker was Valerie Starnes from Penn Foundation who spoke to us on memory issues. She told us of the value of bringing up other “aging” issues with loved ones before they are issues. Ideas are clearer and conversations are less threatening. Around 35 people attended, all of us learning valuable information. Our meeting followed with the usual jokes, stories, Prayer Partner exchange, and delicious desserts, including a cake celebrating Ron Freed’s 70th birthday.

March

In March the OWLS were on the road again.  We made an historic stop at the Liberty Bell Shrine at Zion UCC Church in Allentown.  We spent the first part of the morning touring the museum with an excellent guide.  We learned how, and why, the bell got from Philadelphia to its hiding place in this church during the Revolutionary War. There was a replica of the bell and a variety of displays depicting the Revolutionary Era.  The ladies of the church prepared a delicious lunch for us, and before we left we got a chance to see the beautiful church sanctuary.  It was a very worthwhile morning.

February

On February 15th, we met for breakfast at John’s Plain and Fancy. In addition to the usual food, jokes, and stories, we played a “Name the Candy Bar” game in honor of Valentine’s Day, and played Bingo with donuts as prizes for Shrove Tuesday. As usual, we all had a good time!

January

In January the OWLS had one of our favorite meetings – a Game Day! Pinochle is always popular. This time there were three foursomes playing Pinochle. We played a variety of other games too, including Scrabble, Uno, Mexican Train, and Doodle Dice. We always find it a fun way to spend time with our fellow OWLS, and have a bit of competitiveness at the same time. After the games we went into Fellowship Hall for lunch consisting of fruit salad, hoagies, chips, and, of course, dessert. Everybody enjoys Game Days. Come join us for the next one!

Christmas Party

Everyone had a good time at our Christmas party.  We enjoyed the food, caroling, Christmas stories, and the pleasure of celebrating the holiday together.  There was also a tremendous response to our project of adopting a family for Christmas.  We know the family will find plenty under their tree this Christmas.

Owls were Mobile November 16th

Our November meeting, as usual, started out with eating.  After lunch at John’s Plain and Fancy, we carried out the spirit of Thanksgiving by visiting with some of our church members who are less mobile than we are.  We are so thankful for these people that inspire all of us.  We visited 23 of them and it was a wonderful experience for all of us. 

In October, the Owls had a real treat as 30 of us toured the Lehigh County Historical Society Museum in Allentown.  The featured exhibit was on the Civil War with many very interesting displays.  Also, they were preparing a future exhibit featuring the Hess Brothers store in Allentown.  This brought back memories to many of us.  And, of course, the day wouldn’t have been complete without a meal together.  This time we ate and laughed at the Hamilton Family Restaurant.