GERRY - The Rodeo City Senior Citizens gathered recently at the Gerry United Methodist Church for its monthly luncheon and program.
Leona Peterson, president, welcomed all to the day's events.
The guest speaker was the Rev. Raymond McGinnis, who spoke about a special trip that he took part in the year 1952. Through the Winona Lake School of Theology, he with a total of 85 individuals of different denominations took part in a 42-day tour. He began the speech, with the comment, "Do you have any idea the cost of this 42-day tour, which included the cost of the hotel, air travel, water travel and meals?" He said the cost at that time was $1,295. He talked about the many countries that the tour included such as Switzerland, France, Greece, Egypt, Lebanon, New Jerusalem, Ireland, and back by way of Newfoundland to New York. During the tour, he remarked about some of the sites seen, and said that one person on the tour always seemed to know the history of the area they were stopping at that day. The group was so large that two airplanes had to be used at that time, since large planes had not been built. He remarked that at one country, the food did not agree with him, so he purchased a watermelon to eat until his stomach got back in order.
At the luncheon, many different kinds of food were brought by the members. McGinnis gave the blessing prior to the meal. Peterson led all in the pledge of allegiance. Margie McIntyre, secretary, read the minutes of the previous gathering, and Valerie Bartholomew, treasurer, gave the financial report. Ruth Newton read the list of those celebrating a birthday and those celebrating an anniversary, and the birthday song and anniversary song were sung to those being honored.
Winston Bartholomew has scheduled a one-day bus tour entitled "Riverside Christmas" on Wednesday, Dec. 5. The bus will leave Gerry and travel to Cambridge Springs, Pa., for the matinee performance of a "A Riverside Christmas." Paid reservations are due by Nov. 9.
The next gathering of the senior group will be at noon Oct. 12 at the Gerry United Methodist Church. Members are asked to bring a dish of food to pass and their own table settings. Table decorations will be provided by Bob and Jean Seastedt. The gathering closed with all singing the song of "Blessed be thy tie that binds" led by Bob Seastedt. New members are always welcome.