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!