Happy Age Seniors met at the church on Wednesday, June 9. After a devotional led by Gennie Garver, the bus, driven by our devoted driver, Bill Elliott, headed for the K and W Cafeteria in Salisbury. No one seemed to mind driving around the parking lot until it opened at 11:00. After a delicious lunch, many in the group enjoyed strolling around Dan Nicholas Park. Of course, some were content to visit on the bench. Before leaving we gathered around the picnic tables for snacks of peanut butter crackers, pickles, snack mix, brownies, and water. All seemed to have a fun, relaxing time.

**********************************

MAY MADNESS!!!!!!

The Happy Age Seniors loaded the bus on Wednesday, May 12th, at
10:15 AM for a trip to Rowan Vocational Opportunities, Inc. (Andrew Stirewalt and Andy Towell’s workplace). It was so good to have a full bus. There were 24 members and 2 visitors – Vanessa & Ken Bradley. It was great to have them join us! Before we left, Gennie Garver had devotions based on Proverbs 16.

After we arrived at RVO, we signed in. Andrew and Andy joined us in the conference room. They were so excited to see us! John Williams, Jr., President of RVO, welcomed us to Rowan Vocational Opportunities, Inc. – "Where Disabilities Become Capabilities” We were told that RVO provides training for adults with disabilities to develop work habits and skills leading to competitive and/or sheltered employment. They receive training pay bi-weekly. RVO also provides these clients with daily living skills to increase independent functioning at home and in the community. Before we took a tour of the facility, several clients spoke briefly of their jobs at RVO. They also shared their personal feelings of how RVO has had an impact on their lives. It was very touching, especially the Powerpoint presentation showing the clients joined together in fun and productive activities. The clients have an opportunity to participate in various outings such as fishing, attending Catawba football and basketball games, and going to dances. Wilson Cherry, Special Projects Coordinator at RVO spoke enthusiastically about the facility, the clients and about the services they offer. We were excited to begin our tour. We were divided into 2 groups. John and Wilson were our tour guides. While on the tour, we were able to observe some of the clients doing specific tasks such as packaging, small parts assembly, labeling, inspecting and sorting. Some of the companies using RVO services are General Electric, Food Lion, Hitachi Metals and Pro Masters, Inc. The clients were so friendly. Many shared hugs and smiles.Rowan County United Way is one of the many supporters of the Rowan Vocational Opportunities. Rowan is a community of Kindness (inclusive are the food and clothes closet). We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to RVO. The day was very inspirational. The staff encourages visitors, volunteers, and adapting of projects.

After we loaded the bus, we headed to Ryan’s for lunch. Andrew and Andy joined us for the lunch buffet. We enjoyed the delicious food and fellowship. Whenever we returned to church, we sang “Happy Birthday” to Lyndia Elliott, Luther Frye, Frances Holshouser, Andrew Stirewalt and Sarah Stirewalt celebrating May birthdays. Ruth Greeson, who was not able to be with us, is celebrating her 96th birthday! Plans are indefinite at this time for our June meeting. Be on the lookout for an announcement in the bulletin.

**********************************

APRIL AIRINGS!!!!!!!!!

Seventeen Happy Age Seniors loaded up the bus on Wednesday, April 14, at 10:30 AM for our trip to Mooresville. It was great to have Kay and Glenda’s grandson, Rynden, join us for our outing. Pastor Tallent was going to meet us at the Farmhouse. Before we left, Glenda Overcash had our devotions. She read an article entitled, “Camel: For Dependable Travel”. The message was we can trust the word to bring us to Christ; whereas, the Middle Easterners trusted their camels to get them to their destinations. After our devotions, we headed to McLaughlin’s Farmhouse. Whenever we arrived, there was a wonderful aroma inside the building. Lunch was prepared for our group. We enjoyed country ham and sausage biscuits, crackers with cheese, sausage balls, peanuts, fresh fruit and mini sweet rolls. Everything was delicious! Afterwards, we had a chance to browse around the country store. Most of us bought something to take home. We had taken an ice chest for those that purchased sausage, liver mush and other refrigerator items.

After we left the Farmhouse, Walter drove a short distance to Lazy 5 Ranch. All but four of us decided to ride in the wagon around the ranch. Whenever the tour began, a few people bundled up with blankets. Our guide pulled the reigns on the horses and we began our venture. We were greeted by very hungry emus and ostriches. Each of us were given a bucket of food to feed the animals. Other animals we saw during our tour were pot bellied pigs, yaks, goats, a rhino (Luther), giraffes, and a cow (Jack). We had lots of laughter whenever the giraffes were reaching for food in Hazel’s bucket and when Glenda was tossing food in the cow’s mouth. After our tour, we boarded the bus to head back to the church. We had a great time!

Hazel shared thank you notes from the families of Helen Suther and Nita Overcash, thanking us for the memorials given for each. “Happy Birthday” was sung to Ernest Garver and to Glenn Holshouser who celebrated his 90th birthday in April. Plans are indefinite at this time for our May meeting. Be on the lookout for an announcement in the bulletin.

**********************************

MAGICAL MARCH!!!!!!!!

On Wednesday, March 10, the Happy Age Seniors left the church at 10:30 to travel to First Assembly in Concord for a delicious lunch of baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, apple pie and ice cream. Eugene and Peggy Freeze were welcomed to the group. They brought Ruth Greeson over for the lunch and program.

After lunch the group was led in a short 'hymn sing.' The program for the day was entitled "Did You Know," and was led by the church’s senior adult pastor, Forest Jones. Several people were called on to share trivia information about the Bible, our bodies, and stroke symptoms. The group learned that if you encounter someone you suspect is having a stroke, remember to ask them to do the following: (STR) Smile; Talk a sentence; Raise both hands; and another is to stick out tongue. If these things are accomplished normally, the person is probably not having a stroke. Ask a Senior what an apple, an onion, and a potato have in common. Did you realize that the price of salt has not increased over the years like other food items? SPAM means: Shoulder, Pork, And Ham. There are many unusual uses for the cucumber besides eating. Check with a Senior for those helpful uses. Pastor Jones ended the program with thoughts based on John 3:16.

As the group arrived back at church, they sang “Happy Birthday” to Paul Stirewalt and Gennie Garver and were encouraged to watch the newsletter and bulletin for information about April's activity.

**********************************

FANTASTIC FEBRUARY !!!!!

The Happy Age Seniors met Wed., Feb. 10, at 11 AM at the Youth & Family Center at the church. There were 25 members and one visitor attending. The center was decorative with cupids, hearts, and a Valentine banner. Thanks to Kay and Glenda for doing such a great job decorating. We began our meeting with Gennie Garver leading our devotions. First she shared an inspirational reading from Guide Post, then she read Mark 12:30-31 and concluded with a poem, “Lasting Love”, by Helen Steiner Rice. Glenda had prepared a delicious meal of beef stroganoff. Thanks to Hazel and Faye for putting the meal together. We enjoyed cupcakes for dessert. After our meal, we had an opportunity to do a Valentine word search and crossword. Carolyn Faggart won a candy jar filled with candy hearts after estimating the closest number of candies in the container. The highlight of the afternoon was voting for a valentine King & Queen. Glenn and Frances Holshouser were crowned! The last activity we did was play Court, a version of Bingo. We played lots of games. The prize was a chocolate heart for each game won. Pastor Joe was our top winner! Special Thanks to Hazel and Faye for leading our games and activities. We had a wonderful time of fun, laughter and fellowship.

We were deeply saddened to hear the news that Nita Overcash had passed away during the morning. Nita was a charter member of our group. She was an inspiration to all of us and will truly be missed. “Happy Birthday” was sung to Dot Freeze, Hoyle Garver and Gladys Weddington. Our next meeting will be Wed., March 10. Watch for final details in the bulletin. Be sure to sign up. We closed our meeting with “Blest Be the Tie that Binds”.

**********************************

JUMPING JANUARY!!!

The Happy Age Seniors met Wednesday, January 13, at 11:00 AM. Eighteen members loaded the bus for a trip to Pizza Hut at North End Plaza in China Grove. We were happy to have Kay and Glenda’s grandson, Rynden, join us. Virginia Garver had our devotions. She read Ecclesiastes Chapter 3. The reading was very inspirational. The thought of the day was, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven”. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

After devotions, we headed to Pizza Hut for lunch. All of us went to the buffet for either pizza and/or salad. The food and fellowship were so enjoyable. It was great to have Norma Peeler join us for lunch! After we returned to church, “Happy Birthday” was sung to Hazel Garver, celebrating her birthday in January.

Our next meeting will be Wed., Feb. 10. We will meet at the “Building out Back” (Youth and Family Center) at 11 AM for our Valentine luncheon. Glenda Overcash will be our hostess. So seniors, get ready for a great lunch, fun and games and an entertaining afternoon!

We closed with “Blest Be the Tie”.

Thanks, Bill, for a safe trip.