Carol O'Neill, Parish Nurse, and the members of her Health Cabinet planned and conducted a Health Fair on March 6. Many organizations were invited to set up a display for visitors to learn about their programs and the health related information and/or activities they provide. Examples of the booths featured blood pressure monitoring, vision checking, body mass index evaluations, stress management, and extended care options. This provided OPRC members and the general public the opportunity to learn about various options available to promote better health.

At left, Carol welcoming visitors to the Health Fair

Carol O'Neill photo courtesy Albert Papazian

The Women's Guild meeting in March had as its guest, Donald Samick, President of Lamb Studios in Wyckoff. Lamb Studios is the oldest stained glass company in the country. Mr. Samick gave a very detailed and interesting talk on all the intricacies of making and restoring stained glass windows. He showed a series of slides of windows that his company has worked on.

Each year, Alice Smyser plans a Valentine's Day Dance for the Friends to Friends group of the First Reformed Church in Ridgewood. The group consists of special needs people who look forward to this special event each year. Several people from OPRC assist with the planning and preparation for the activity. Fellowship Hall is decorated with lights and balloons, and a table full of desserts is prepared. From the looks of the people in the pictures, everyone had a good time at this year's event. Alice Smyser is shown at center in the bottom right photo. The pictures are courtesy of Tom Marsden.

People who came to worship on Sunday, February 14, may have been expecting to hear a guest preacher as they entered the sanctuary. Standing outside to welcome people as they arrive, as Tom Marsden usually does, was what appeared to be a new minister complete with an appropriate green stole. He certainly was the strong silent type, just quietly watching as people passed by. Upon a closer look he turned out to be a snowman. How did this mysterious guest get there? Just so happens that Tom and Judy Marsden thought it might be fun to build a snowman right in front of the church. The stole was an added extra. Alas, our illustrious snowman would not be around too long. But like Frosty, we hope he comes back again some day.

Tom and Judy Marsden recently took a family vacation to Italy. Accompanying them were their daughter Jill and her husband Paul, and their children. The visited Italy as a family vacation. At this month's Women's Guild meeting, Tom presented a slide presentation to the group. The slides showed many historic and stately cathedrals and the countryside of Italy. His closing remark said it all as far as how he enjoyed the trip. When asked whether he would like to return for another visit, he said, "I'd go back there in a minute." The picture below shows Tom and Judy along with Avis Fleckenstein, Guild Program Director.

"Time For Children" takes place each Sunday morning during the worship service. Pastor Tom Marsden gathers the children around him and shares a message with them that relates to the sermon he will be preaching later to the adults in attendance. After the "Time For Children", the teachers and children leave for their Spirit Hour lesson in the Education Building. Elyce Shean recently captured these pictures at two different services of the children as they were listening to Pastor Tom.

On Sunday, November 15, Juanita McClelland was presented with a special recognition award by Carol O'Neill, Parish Nurse. Juanita, a charter member of the Health Cabinet, was recognized for her many years of service. A surprise until the close of the worship service, Juanita was escorted to the front of the sanctuary where she was given a bouquet of flowers and a special plaque. A round of applause after the plaque was presented said it all. Juanita McClelland is a treasured member of Old Paramus who gives of her time and talents to all. Congratulations, Juanita, for your genuine spirit of helpfulness and caring.