Slatington Senior Citizens Club to celebrate 50th. anniversary

It takes a special group of people to promote the welfare and good fellowship of the elderly citizens of its community.

Yet, that's exactly what the Slatington Senior Citizens Club has been doing since its inception a half-century ago, with no signs of slowing down any time soon.

In celebration of its milestone, the organization will hold its 50th anniversary dinner March 11 at the Terrace Restaurant in Walnutport.

The club was formed in 1960 through the efforts of Mr. Edward Meagher, Rev. Paul P. Haas, Rev. Trevor Wagg, Rev. Louis Paulhamus and Mr. Cohen., each of whom represented the ministerial association and the rotary club, said Jessie Schrader, recording secretary.

The first meeting was held in the old Slatington High School on March 12, 1960 with a membership of 47, Schrader said. Today, the club has 80 members and one honorary member, she said.

In 1981, the Senior Citizens Council of Lehigh County was formed. The purpose of that council, Schrader said, was to organize a single, cohesive group of representatives from all senior citizen organizations in Lehigh county that they may promote an interest in and understanding of concerns and needs of senior citizens. A yearly dinner meeting was held at various establishments with clubs taking turns hosting these events, she said.

Present officers are: Erwin Zellner, president; James Bloom, first vice president; Barbara Berger, second vice president; Betty Blose, treasurer; Millie Zellner, corr. secretary; Carol Schweitzer, chaplain; Phyllis Sigley, alt. chaplain; Jessie Schrader, recording secretary; and Ethel Rustay, alternate recording secretary.

The club meets the second and fourth Thursdays each month at Good Shepherd UCC, Slatedale.

The club enjoys an anniversary dinner the first meeting in March, a picnic the first meeting in August, and a Christmas dinner the first meeting in December.

An attendance award is given at each meeting, while monetary memorial contributions are sent in memory of deceased members.

Refreshments are served at meetings with cards and bingo played. Ham sandwiches are made by members.