Winter weather did not slow the OWLs down one bit in February. Our potluck was very well attended by both OWLs and Lenten worshipers. The food was plentiful and fantastic. Thank you to all who contributed. We will once again host lunch for Lenten worshipers at the March potluck.

March is not only an OWLs month, but also marks the return of the eagles to the Mississippi Valley for nesting. It is also a special month at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota. For our March outing, we will travel to Wabasha. It’s been 3 years since we last visited there so it’s a great time to see what’s new. We will travel up to Wabasha on the Minnesota side of the river, making a brief to visit at the always interesting Lark Toy Museum and Store in Kellogg, MN. They have one of the most beautiful hand-carved carousels in the country, as well as a wonderful museum with toys many of us will recognize from our and our children’s childhood. From Lark’s we will travel to Wabasha for lunch at the #1 rated restaurant, Stacy’s Kitchen. Always a delicious treat. After lunch, we will visit the National Eagle Center, attend one of its eagle programs and view the exhibits. You will get a chance to stand within a few feet of live bald and golden eagles. We will return home on the Wisconsin side, viewing eagle nests and stopping for ice cream at the Nelson Creamery. This great adventure will be on Wednesday, March 9. Meet at 9am at the church. We should be back at the church by 5:00 PM at the latest. Both Lark and the Eagle Center are handicap accessible. Wheelchairs can be reserved in advance at the Eagle Center. Cost of admission is $7 for seniors, lunch is on your own (but very reasonable). Please notify Brian Narveson by Tuesday, March 8, if you plan to attend at:
owls@firstlu.org or 608.526.9700.

Our potluck will be on Wednesday, March 16 at noon in the narthex. Since we meet the day before St. Patrick’s Day, it’s most appropriate our program theme be focused on Ireland. Ron and Frieda Nowland will give a thrilling presentation titled “A Viking Presence in Ireland.” I am told Pastor Nowland is half Irish and half Norwegian. It should be an educational and fun program. We will again provide lunch for the mid-day Lenten worshippers. Please bring a little extra to share. Lunch will be in the narthex and Ron’s program will be in Fellowship Hall after lunch.