OWLs Post for September 2015
We got things warmed up in August, and the fun will continue in September. We will start the month with our potluck on Wednesday, September 16, at noon. But take note!!! To change things up a bit, we will have the potluck at Mary and Brian Narveson’s house. We are hoping for a warm fall day where everyone can gather on the deck for fresh air and fun. In case of bad weather, we will gather in the house. Our program will be musical games. We have done this in the past with Christmas music and church music; this time our theme will be popular music of the 40s, 50s and 60s. Brush up on the popular music you danced to it in your youth and let the fun begin. Can you name that tune? Brian and Mary live at W7572 Price Ct. in Holland (Holmen mail address). Take 53 north to Drugans. Turn right on Sylvester. Take the first left off Sylvester (Aspeslet) and go up the hill to Price Ct. They are in the beige ranch on the east side of the circle. Call or email if you need a map or directions (608.526.9700) or owls@firstlu.org.
Our September outing will be to visit the Mayowood Mansion and Gardens in Rochester, Minnesota. The have finally completed renovations, and the mansion and gardens are once again open to tours. With the renovations, the mansion is now handicap accessible for the entire tour. Dr. Charles H. Mayo, a cofounder of the internationally known Mayo Clinic, created the Mayowood Estate in Rochester, Minnesota between 1911 and 1938.
The centerpiece of the estate is the 38-room Historic Mayowood Mansion and surrounding ornamental gardens. Unlike a typical house tour, the attraction allows visitors hands-on access to virtually all of the home, and the guides share a wealth of information during a leisurely paced tour. The Mayowood gardens are situated on a wooded hillside overlooking the Zumbro River Valley in the rolling hills of southeastern Minnesota. Because of Dr. Mayo’s intense interest in various phases of agriculture, additional land was added for farming as well as to conserve the natural scenic beauty of the area.
Construction of the house started in 1910 and was completed in 1911. Much of the architectural design was the work of Dr. Mayo himself. The home was constructed of stone, reinforced concrete and tile. The Zumbro River was dammed to form a lake and to generate electricity for Historic Mayowood Mansion. European- and Japanese-influenced gardens surrounding the mansion included features such as a graduated system of eight ponds, a tempietto, pergola, teahouse, statues and sculptures, “dragon tooth” limestone walls, and a system of concrete and stone steps and walkways.
The date of this fantastic adventure is Thursday, September 24. We will leave from the church at 10am, have a nice lunch in Rochester, followed by a tour of the house and gardens. We should be back at the church by 5pm. The cost of the tour is $15 and lunch is on your own. Please notify Brian Narveson by Tuesday, September 22, via phone or email if you plan to attend (608.526.9700) or owls@firstlu.org. Looking forward to seeing everyone in September.
The OWLs are a group at First that welcomes anyone, First Lutheran members or not, who are 55+. For information or to ask questions, contact Brian Narveson.
