Day Trip - January 20, 2009

Our first day trip of 2009 began when we left the church at 10:30AM for the Racquet Club downtown. After a nice lunch, we departed for an interesting view of a unique piece of history; the Packard Museum.

If you want to see a larger view of any image just click on it!

Our day trip for January 2009 started with a great view of Dayton from the Racquet Club for an excellent view. See how much of this view you recognize from this high angle. Do you know which building is Memorial Hall?

There were 26 of us in the dining room. See how many you can name.

Well, perhaps it isn’t fair to ask you to name so many with their backs to the camera.
After lunch we went to the Museum.

Our docent did an excellent job of telling us the history of the Packard Motor Company and their autos. He shared a wealth of information and showed that he truly loved these cars and this museum.

A good percentage of the cars in the museum were convertibles. Perhaps that is because collectors prefer them. I don’t know. Most of the cars were owned by the museum but many were privately owned.

1935 Convertible Sedan

I took a liking to the hood ornaments. The Packard autos seemed to have a good variety of them.

Occasionally, it was a good idea to rest one’s legs.

The museum even had some great examples of non Packard autos. This is a fine example but you will need to ask Ruth if you want to know what it is.

I was surprised to see that Packard made much more that just automobiles. As this display shows, they made the motors for WWI aircraft, the famous P51 WWII fighter, the PT boats and they even made a bicycle!
It is a shame to see a company with such creativity no longer with us.

YAH January 13, 2009 Program

Happy New Year everyone!

This month we were privileged to have one of our own members and part of our Sunday Morning Praise Team present a vocal concert. I think everyone enjoyed this time of praise together.

Chris Thompson presented a very moving concert and time of reflection. You can hear it here -
CHRIS THOMPSON CONCERT.




Click on the image for a larger view




Chris sang the following:

"He Came Through"
"I Believe in a Hill Called Mount Calvary"
"There is a River"
"Were it not for Grace"
"Through the Fire"
"Go Rest on that Mountain"
"Jesus Loves Me"
"I'd Rather have Jesus"
"Through"
"Total Praise"

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.