The Coplay Senior Citizens recently celebrated the 45th anniversary of the organization at a dinner held at the Coplay Mannerchor. Members gathered for a special noontime meal to observe the milestone event.

The organization currently boasts 100 members.

The founding members were led by John Messenlehner, who formed the group to brighten the lives of retired residents in the area. The original charter members numbered only eight.

Over the years, the location of the senior group meetings moved as membership increased – from the Coplay Council chambers to the Coplay Americal Legion home and finally to the Coplay Fire Company social hall (thanks to the efforts of Buddy Ambearle), now called the CFC hall.

Dale C. Simon is the current president of the seniors group.

"The meetings are a place where we share our friendship, play cards and bingo, and just enjoy spending time together," he says.

Other officers are Vice President Marie Jandres, Second Vice President Rose Krasnasky, Treasurer Ilona Laky and Secretary Hermina Dorner.

The executive board members are Frank Recter, Bill Bock, Mary Bock, Joyce Miller and Dorothy Warren.

Their meetings are on the first and third Wednesdays of every month at 1 p.m. All seniors from Coplay and surrounding areas, age 55 and over, are welcome.