YAH Christmas Program - Dec 9, 2008

Our Christmas Program was led by Marlene Williams and narrated by David Williams.

This little play portrayed several vignettes dealing with special deliveries: letters delivered to loved ones from far away. The theme was that these people all wished to be with their loved ones during the Christmas season.

Click on any photo to view a larger imageDavid did an excellent job of narration and set the stage for each of the reader/characters to follow.

Our first letter reader was Jim Weiss (a former soldier in Vietnam) reading a letter from his mother when he was in Vietnam in December of 1966 to his grandchildren (Alexis and Seth).

Next, Daniel Gammie playing the part of a college student far from home at Christmas, sends an email to his family back home.

Dan Ernst (our teen pastor) plays the part of a Civil War soldier who sends a letter home to his wife (Lisa).

Christina plays the part of a mom writing a letter about her busy day with the children.

Joshua Hales (our children & Jr High pastor) plays the part of a sailor writing home to his family describing the differences in culture in Japan where he is stationed, far from home during the Christmas season.

Finally, Marlene plays the part of another mother writing a letter to her "Prodigal Daughter". She never sends the letters because she doesn't know where to send them.

We should all think back to that very "special delivery" made over 2000 years ago in the city of Bethlehem, when our Savior was born so that we may have everlasting life.

Young at Heart - November 2008

We were fortunate to have our son-in-law speak to us during our luncheon meeting about the subject of Thanksgiving. It was even more special because he brought four of our grandkids along. Elizabeth (our oldest grand-daughter also played the piano for us.

You can hear what Jim Koerber had to say HERE.
Our soloist was Erica Kwast. You can hear Erica sing HERE.
You can hear Elizabeth Koerber’s piano solos HERE.

Our day trip for November was a tasty one. We visited the Ghyslain Chocolate factory in Union City, Indiana. They demonstrated the “Art” of chocolate candy making. Their candy is absolutely beautiful, almost too nice to eat.

You can click any of these pictures to see a larger view.

I know it is hard to believe but everything below is edible! I would have a tummy ache, though.

After the candy making demonstrations we were treated to a nice meal. As you can see, everyone appears to have been enjoying themselves.

After our lunch we returned to Greenville, Ohio (originally known as Fort Green Ville) and visited the Garst Museum. This museum is a very nice one and features Annie Oakley and Lowell Thomas. Those of us who visited now know the name of the person that Lowell made famous ~ Lawrence of Arabia.

November Programs

Today, I updated the website to add the November Newsletter. I will try to do this ahead of the newsletter mailing to give those of you with Internet access a little headstart. Check the right column for the list of all newsletters.

In November we have several great things planned. Our luncheon will feature a very special friend of mine. I have known him for a little over 20 years. He is my son-in-law, James Koerber, and is the pastor at the First Baptist Church in Blanchester, OH. He will be speaking on a topic relevant to Thanksgiving, which is the theme of our luncheon.

Since we are into good things to eat for November, I thought it would also be great to combine this with our November Day Trip. We are going to Ghyslain Chocolates in Union City, IN for a tour and lunch. Then, we will come back into Ohio and visit the Garst Museum. They have many exhibits but two that I especially enjoy are Annie Oakley and Lowell Thomas. I know you will enjoy these.

Did you know you can see the activity of our construction on the Internet. Check it out. You can even control the video camera by clicking on the video button. Don't fight over the controls. WHBC Construction CAM

Burt Kettinger - October 14, 2008

The Young at Heart Luncheon Concert by Burt Kettinger was outstanding. Many of you commented that we must have him back to minister to us again. I can guarantee that we will certainly plan to do that, if it is the Lord's will.

Burt's deep mellow voice is one that you will certainly enjoy and remember. Maybe you have heard him as he ministers through the Moody Memorial Church radio program "Songs in the Night". Burt also travels extensively and ministers in music and preaching around the world.

If you missed this concert, here is a small taste of his music - "Softly and Tenderly, Jesus is Calling".

If you are interested in learning more about Burt and his ministry "Sound Servant Ministries" check out his own website. You can also listen to more music, read devotionals, etc.

Next month, Novermber 11, we will hear from Pastor James Koerber. He is the pastor at First Baptist Church of Blanchester, Ohio. He will speak on a Thanksgiving theme. Jim also holds the distinction of being the husband of our oldest daughter and father of 4 of our 8 grandchildren.

We will also feature a couple of solos by Erica Kwast.

YAH Chicago Trip

About this every year we have our Fall Trip to someplace special. To be honest, I think any place with our group is special. This year we went to Chicago, Illinois. I will be honest and say that I was not excited about this trip because I spent my high school and college years plus the first years of my employment with NCR near Chicago. So, going to Chicago was nice but became more or less routine for both Nancy and I. However, we did thoroughly enjoy this trip for a number of reasons. First, the people we travelled with were outstanding. Next, we did things in Chicago that we had not done before. Now, we are both anxious to return to Chicago again in the future.

Remember: You can click the photos to get much larger views!

We began our trip on Monday, September 22nd and returned Friday, September 26th. Most of our first day was spent traveling in the bus but we had a good time fellowshipping on the bus and were ready to begin our Chicago adventure as soon as we arrived.
This is the large amphitheater in Millennium Park, our first stop in Chicago. This park is really awesome with a nice walkway that goes almost to the lake and includes lots of scenery. One picture cannot do justice but you must remember that I took over 400 and cannot post them all here.
The next day, Tuesday, we had a step-on-guide lead us on a bus tour of Chicago. This tour ended at Navy Pier where we spent most of the remainder of the day. While we were on the pier, we also took a tour on the lake by boat.
There was plenty to do on the pier, too.
After an afternoon on the pier, we needed something to eat and refreshments. So, we went to Tommy Gun’s Garage, Chicago’s Original 1920’s Speakeasy. There we enjoyed a fun evening of food and entertainment. One thing we hadn’t counted on was us being part of that entertainment.
We had to keep an eye open for the thugs who were continually harassing us.
But fortunately, I had my “Carry Permit” so we weren’t outgunned. Of course, I had my babe along, too!
During the show, one of our own was up on the stage.

Wednesday, we toured the Chicago Art Institute. I think one of our favorite displays was the miniature room display.
After visiting the Art Institute, we went to the Hancock Building, Water Tower Place and the Magnificent Mile of shopping. I’m not a shopper but I was more interested in the old Water Tower.
Thursday, was our last full day in Chicago but we made it a good one. First we went up in the Sears Tower to look around Chicago from a very high perch.
Next, we toured the Moody Bible Institute. I was very impressed by the campus, its history and the kids that were our guides. We also took time to visit the campus bookstore and eat in one of their eating places.

So far, I’ve only mentioned one of our evening dining experiences at Tommy Gun’s but we had great meal experiences each evening. Our last evening was another fun one. This time we ate Greek food at the Parthenon Restaurant. Watch out for singed eyebrows!

I know this little photo tour could not do justice for the sights, sounds and smells of our tour. But hopefully, you have gotten a sense of what we did that week. I will have a more complete slide show for you at our luncheon October 14, when Burt Kettinger comes to minister to us. Join us then, if you can.

September Luncheon - Spittin' Image

The September luncheon is one of the best attended luncheon programs since I have taken this position. Now, I know why everyone raves about the Spittin’ Image so much. It was a real delight to have Brian and Blain Swabb entertain us with their songs, jokes and antics. I’ve already made arrangements to have them return next year.

Early in our program we honored Cathy Johnson who has been helping us with the luncheons for many years and most recently had the responsibility of the table decorations. Cathy has moved to South Carolina and will be missed.

Our luncheon meetings aren’t about the performers, our kitchen help, or people like Cathy (of course, it would be impossible without them) but it is all worthwhile because of our friends who participate and fellowship with us each month. This is what our Young at Heart programs are really all about.

This was only a small part of the audience in our auditorium.

Cincinnati Riverboat Day Trip

Our August trip was close to one of my dreams come true. I have always wanted to take a trip down the Ohio River and Mississippi on the Delta Queen. We came close to this by touring on one of B&B’s Riverboats and seeing the Delta Queen across the river. Actually, I think our boat was almost as big as the DQ (not Dairy Queen) but not quite as old.
As I boarded our boat, I looked up and saw Jerry greeting the new arrivals!

I felt as though I was in heaven with so many photo opportunities on both sides of the river and on our boat! This is the fantastic view of Cincinnati over the ball park with the Delta Queen to the right.

Of course, there are plenty of other great views. This is the Kentucky side of the river with one of the smaller BB Riverboats coming into view on the right.

But none of this compares favorably with our people inside the boat.

Aren’t they awesome?!!!
Of course, the food was also good, but I was too busy eating to take pictures of that! We also had a gentleman playing his banjo and narrating our journey. I enjoyed his music and narration.

We also played a little Bingo with the winners receiving some nice gifts. Look at Reva playing 3 cards at one time. ;) I tricked her into playing mine while I took this photo!

These people seem to be enjoying the sun and view.

This photo is one of my favorites as we watch these beautiful ladies enjoying the view from the deck rail.

Unfortunately, the time to depart was here and everyone rushed for the buses. Rich McGhee is one of our pastors and graciously volunteered to drive the bus, with his wife in tow.

Young at Heart Luncheon - August 12, 2008

I think our August Luncheon was a great one. We had a very good selection of music from the prelude period right through Linda Augustus and then David Harney.

Linda still has some family in this area, so she visits on a frequent basis. However, because of her work schedule as a church secretary, she is not normally here on a Tuesday when we can use her. This time she made and exception and I am so happy that she did. You can hear her second piece HERE.

David Harney is one of the YAH institutions, I think. I know he is certainly one of your favorites. David sings and speaks in conferences and concerts all over the USA. We are always happy to have him with us. David has served as a youth pastor and the music pastor in his church near Dayton. Now, he travels singing and speaking exclusively. You can listen to two of his numbers HERE.

Dave has his own website at: www.daveharney.com You can see his schedule here and also hear more of his music.

Tuesday, Dave mentioned that it will be Dave Harney Ministry night at Coming-Together Center on Saturday, September 20th. The doors open at 4:30PM and the meal starts at 5PM. Music starts at 6PM and features David but also includes other music from the Faith Quartet and others. I think it would be fun for a good number of us to attend this. The address for Coming-Together is:

4302 North Dixie - This is a few blocks north of the traffic circle.

In September, we will have Spittin’ Image. You won’t want to miss this fun time together.

Cincinnati Museum Center - Day Trip

Tuesday, July 22nd, Young at Heart enjoyed a nice Day Trip to the Cincinnati Museum Center to see the Bodies Exhibit. After seeing this exhibit, we had lunch on our own in the Rotunda Food Court. Then we saw the Human Body at the OMNIMAX Theater. All in all I think this was a very good experience. I know I learned things about the body that I never knew before. I was impressed with the exhibit and surprised at how large and almost never ending it seemed. After seeing this, I can not understand how anyone could believe in evolution without intelligent design. Of course, we know that intellience came from God.


I was not able to take photos in the exhibit hall and I probably would not have done it even if I could. However, I did take some photos of our group in the rotunda area. I think this former (and current) railroad station is a work of art in itself and makes a very good background for any phototgraphy. Click on any image for a larger view.

In August, we will have an even better opportunity for photography, Lord Willing. We will have a nice luncheon cruise on a Riverboat! Join us.