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. 

News from the  “OWLS”

January

On Monday, January 16 we had one our  favorite meetings – a Game Day.   We enjoyed a variety of games – Pinochle, Up and Down the Creek, Mexican Train, Farm Lotto, Kings in the Corner, Sequence, and Scrabble.  We then adjourned to Fellowship Hall where we sang our OWLS song, shared jokes, gave suggestions for meetings in 2012, exchanged Prayer Partner names, and…ate. As always, the company and food were great. 

November

After a lunch in Dublin on December 13, the OWLS visited the home of Pearl Buck. She was a remarkable woman, winning both the Pulitzer and the Nobel Peace Prize. Her life was truly an inspiring one and we were glad to learn about her.

October

On October 17 the OWLS had our own Oktoberfest. Over 30 of us met and enjoyed a true feast…pork, sauerkraut, hot dogs, apple sauce, mashed potatoes, apple strudel and more additional desserts than can be named. We shared the usual stories and jokes, sang our OWLS song, and exchanged Prayer Partner names. Before leaving we went up to the sanctuary to listen to 7 of our group try their hand at playing chimes. In a few minutes others from the group joined in. All in all, it turned out to be a great day.

September

In September we visited the Turkey Hill dairy in Lancaster and were part of the Turkey Hill Experience. We learned about the local area, the history of their family, and how they make ice cream and ice tea. We got to "milk" a cow. We chose ingredients to make our own new flavor, and even made a commercial to advertise it. And after lunch, we of course, ate their ice cream. All in all, it was a "delicious" experience.

August

A group of OWLS attended the Goschenhoppen Folk Festival on a beautiful day in August. There were demonstrations of making apple butter, butchering, tool repair, making of rope, baking chickens over an open fire, making paper, and a whole variety of other jobs performed here before the advent of electricity. And as you can guess, the food was absolutely delicious! We all had a great time.

June

On Monday, June 20, the OWLS participated in our annual miniature golf outing at Putt U in Center Valley. As usual, everyone, participants and watchers alike, had a great time. Our two oldest players got passes for a free game. Another Owl won a golf shirt for a hole in one! Do you know who these people are? If not, you'll have to "ask around." We then had lunch at the Coopersburg Diner.

May

The OWLS enjoyed an Iron Pigs game on Tuesday, May 3. The home team won (3-2), it was a beautiful sunny day, the food was great, and we always have a good time together.

April

We had one of our "funniest" meetings yet on Monday, April 18 when Diane Dougherty spoke to us about "Humor and Healing." Her presentation was excellent, explaining to us how laughing helps keep us healthy. We went through some "laughing exercises" and truly, all felt better. Next, we added our own usual joke session with more laughs. And, we finally had lunch followed by delicious desserts. What could have been better!

March

On Monday, March 21 the OWLS traveled to Hellertown for a buffet lunch at "The Meadows." After eating our fill we continued to the Banana Factory in Bethlehem. The Banana Factory is a unique art museum and collection of artists' studios. We had the good fortune of having Linnie Fowler with us. She is a sponsor of the museum and, with a partner, has her own glass studio. We also visited the studio of Priscilla Rosenberger from Quakertown. Last, we spent a long time watching them blow glass. I think we were all mesmerized as they were blowing and designing a piece of glass into the shape of a banjo. It was certainly a day we all enjoyed.

February

On Valentine's Day, Monday, February 14, about 30 Owls met in Fellowship Hall, where in our one way, we had a love fest. We contributed food to make a delicious breakfast that we all enjoyed. We shared the usual stories and jokes. Charlie Bernd had a moving true story of how some total strangers "treated" him for Valentine's Day. Then we got down to the business at hand. We made over 40 Valentine's to send one to each member of a troop the church is sponsoring in Afghanistan. We also brought in items to fill 7 boxes of "goodies" for this troop, and used collected money to pay the shipping. Some of us chose a soldier's name and intend to write to him or her. It turned out to be a special Valentine's Day for all of us.