HOW THINGS have changed for the St. Philip Neri Seniors. About 15 years ago, the 55-year-old-and-above senior group had to meet in the basement of the school, climbing up and down a long staircase.
For many, the stairs became more and more difficult, and for some they became impossible. So, reluctantly, the group disbanded. Now, since St. Philip Neri Catholic Church has its new parish center with level access from the street and rooms are all on one floor, the club is fully active again.
Wilbur Saulsbury, president of the group, said Monsignor Francis X. Zorbach, pastor of St. Philip Neri, suggested that some of the parishioners get the club started again.
"It is an ideal situation for us to use the new building. Monsignor Zorbach is so very excited to have the new, convenient space that he is continually thanking the parishioners. 'You built it, and you paid for it. Now use it,' he is always saying," Saulsbury said.
The St. Philip Neri Seniors have been meeting for less than a year, and they couldn't be more thrilled with the facility. At 1:30 p.m. on the second Friday of the month, about 65 people regularly attend meetings.
At each get-together members enjoy entertainment and are served refreshments. Sometimes there is a guest speaker. Dues are $10.
Kindergartners from the parish school entertained at the Christmas meeting this month.
"It was a very delightful program. And we also had some of our own talent," Saulsbury said. "Hans Dirndorfer entertained us on the zither, and he is very talented. He is shy, but once he gets coaxed, he won't stop."
The club also sponsors bus trips. They have been to the Pennsylvania Amish country, Radio City Music Hall in New York, Atlantic City and recently to the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington.
Saulsbury credits Stephanie Groth, the club's second vice president, for helping to make the meetings enjoyable with creative and delicious refreshments.
She puts a lot of thought and creativity into the presentation, setting the table and serving food according to the season or holiday. Her other responsibility, Saulsbury said, is to take care of the facility.
Plans are in the works to expand activities after meetings. Groth said she is trying to get a group together to stay and play cards and board games.
Other officers of the club are Mary Scott, first vice president, Richard Bennett, recording secretary, and Sylvia Stominski, corresponding secretary. The treasurer's position is vacant.
Most members of the club are church parishioners, but some are neighbors in the community. "We accept anyone who wants to have a little fun," Saulsbury said.
Information: 410-859-0571.
Christmas services
Area churches have scheduled Christmas services this week.
Some parish activities have been rescheduled because of Christmas.
St. Christopher's Episcopal Church will have two Christmas Eve services Tuesday. The family/contemporary service, with a pageant presentation by the Sunday school, will be held at 7 p.m. The traditional/choir service, including caroling hymns, will be held at 10 p.m.
St. Christopher's is at 116 Marydell Road in Linthicum.
St. Christopher's Wednesday healing service and Sunday school news will not be held Christmas Day or New Year's Day. The service will resume Jan. 8. Also, there will be no Sunday school at St. Christopher's on Dec. 29. Sunday school will resume Jan 5.
Copies of St. Christopher's Kitchen Cabinet -- 1997 are available for $2. The cookbook includes recipes from church members. Books are available Sundays during coffee hours or from the church office between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The proceeds benefit the church's kitchen fund.
St. Christopher's will hold its annual parish meeting at 11:15 a.m. Jan. 12. A combined service will be held at 9 a.m. with a brunch to follow at 10:30 a.m.
Information: 410-859-5633.
Linthicum Heights United Methodist Church, 200 School Lane, will celebrate a Christmas Eve service at 6 p.m. in Holly Run Chapel. A 7 p.m. family service and an 11 p.m. candlelight service will take place in the main church Christmas Eve.
Information: 410-859-0990.
Peace Lutheran Church, 416 Wellham Ave. has three Christmas Eve services scheduled: 6 p.m., family service; 8 p.m., candlelight service; and 11 p.m., midnight service. On Christmas Day, there will be a 10 a.m. festival service.
Information: 410-766-3283.
St. Philip Neri Church, 6405 S. Orchard Road, will celebrate Mass at 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and midnight Christmas Eve. Mass also will be at celebrated at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Christmas Day.
Information: 410-859-0571.
Friendship Church of the Brethren, 217 Mansion Road will hold a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 11 p.m.
Information: 410-789-2422.
The schedule of services at St. John Lutheran Church, 300 W. Maple Road, is: 11 a.m., 5 p.m. family service, 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. candlelight service Christmas Eve.
Information: 410-859-0020.
Crestwood contest
People visit the Crestwood community every year during the Christmas season to enjoy beautiful decorations. Homeowners take pride in their decorations, and a yearly contest is held to recognize the best.
Barry Catterton, president of the Crestwood Improvement Association, said the annual decoration contest will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday. Volunteers from the Woman's Club of Linthicum Heights will serve as judges.
The Crestwood community is off the 400 block of North Hammonds Ferry Road across from the Maritime Institute of Technology.