July Day Trip - Newport Aquarium

On our July 2017 Day Trip, we enjoyed time at the Newport Aquarium at Newport, Kentucky. We had a good size group of 29 people. It was a great time of fellowship and seeing the wonders of God's Creation.

The aquarium is a nice feature along the Ohio River at an area known as Newport on the Levee. It is located across the river from the Cincinnati downtown area and the football and baseball parks. In fact, the foot bridge to the ballpark area goes directly to the levee.

Although it was raining heavily at home when we departed, it was down to a light rain when we arrived at the Aquarium and that quickly turned to sunshine and very hot and humid weather.

This post will primarily be photos (what can I say about fish) but there were a number of nice exhibits, including a Shark Tank and Shark Bridge (don't fall in!), the fascinating Penguins, Shark Rays and Sting Rays, Alligators, and even Frogs and Iguanas.

I love taking photos of our people and also kids as we all enjoyed the sea life.

 Remember: You can click on most photos to see a larger image

The touch galleries were fun places where we could touch Sharks and other sea life. I loved watching people, and children interacting with the sea life.

Catch me if you can!

I think she got it! But it is hard to tell with all the surrounding stones of the same color.

My favorite photos are children and families as they interact with the surrounding wildlife and sights.

Now for some shots of the sea life.

Of course, there are also land reptiles.

This guy looked menacing!

The Iguanas were cool, even the babies.

Oops, we couldn't leave without showing the penguins!

I always enjoy watching the penguins as they walk and climb or swim. It is difficult to get a good photo through the glass, with the glare and reflections.

As we finish, I'll note that there were even a human species in the tanks! Actually, they were scuba divers in the tanks for maintenance (cleaning as this girl is doing) and feeding, etc.

At noon we enjoyed our lunch time independently and as small groups. Some ate in the Aquarium "Sharky's Cafe" and others left the aquarium for other eating places on the levee. The personnel were very good about letting us leave and return without a hassle. There was a very nice selection of eating places with a broad variety of foods and prices. Then, many returned to the aquarium to continue their tour, while others checked out the levee or took a walk across the bridge.

July 11 Luncheon Program - Cleopas

I always look forward to our Young@Heart programs. Perhaps with fear and trepidation, but also with excitement. First, because I am always anxious to see the people who join us each month. Second, because our programs are fun and interesting. This month we were first entertained by a Piano Prelude from Judy Comer, one of our own people. Thank you Judy!

Second, I always enjoy the antics of Stephen Hollen. I also learn from him. He has become a real friend over the past four years that I have known him and used him for our programs. Perhaps you recall his first program as Mark Twain. 

 This month, Stephen came to us as Cleopas. This was his very first performance with this character and frankly, I must say it is his best! I think he has a new calling to do more like this. I certainly hope that he creates more Bible related characters.

I’ll refresh your memories about Cleopas. He was one of the little-known characters in the new testament. Best known for his encounter Jesus on the road to Emmaus. If you want to read more about this Biblical account, read Luke 24:13-32. Many people believe that he was the Brother of Joseph (Jesus' mother’s husband). Also, many people, including Stephen Hollen, AKA Cleopas, believe that his wife with him was the other Mary at the cross when Jesus was crucified. Remember, there were three Marys – Jesus’ mother, Mary Magdalene and this other Mary.

You can hear Cleopas as he talks with us, HERE.

Stephen Hollen is a man of many personalities, and faces as well as costumes. I really enjoyed him as Cleopas. Perhaps, this is the character that brought out the best of his past as a pastor, too. He is also a Bee Keeper and harvests, is that the correct term, honey. He brought some good examples of his honey a light, dark and another that is my favorite, Hot Honey! If his characters and the bee keeping aren’t enough to confuse us, he also turns out some awesome pens. Check out his products at http://appalwood.com/.

Finally, we enjoyed another of Lisa’s fantastic meals. This one was a picnic – with hot dogs, potato salad and baked beans. Followed by a nice cobbler.

Next month, we return to a musical format, with some beautiful Harp music by the Principal Harpist with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Leslie Stratton will return to our platform. You will not want to miss this musical treat by the best harpist in Dayton!