Local seniors age 55 and over are invited to enjoy fellowship, a homemade meal and entertainment at Seniors Alive, a program offered at Middletown First Church of God, 245 W. High St., Middletown.

Seniors Alive meets on the third Thursday of each month from September through May in the church social hall, located in the back of the church. This year, the first meeting of the group will take place on Thursday, Sept. 16.

Participants do not have to be members of the church to attend. "This is for anybody in the community; everyone is welcome," said church member Mary Clouser, coordinator.

The program begins at 11:30 a.m. with a short devotion. Attendees then enjoy a homemade meal prepared by Clouser with assistance from church volunteers. "We serve the meal cafeteria style; we put the food on the plate," Clouser explained. "I usually get there around 7 in the morning, and we cook in the kitchen. Everything is fresh."

She noted that meals are served at the table for those unable to go through the food line.

On Sept. 16, the meal will include sweet and sour ham loaf balls, cheesy potatoes, five-bean salad, bread, beverages and dessert. "It's a nice meal. We always have meat, a starch, a vegetable and homemade dessert," said Clouser, noting that the dessert generally includes her homemade pies.

The entertainment portion of the program begins between 12:30 and 12:45 p.m. For September, Jimmy Jet and the Sky Pilots will sing the oldies.

Clouser noted that the acts are geared toward the over-50 crowd. "It's mostly the oldies, and we have comedians. It's fun stuff," she said, noting that her husband, Don, helps line up the entertainment.

Other church volunteers also provide assistance. "I have nine to 10 (people) helping with the Seniors Alive program. Some cook, some set up and some clean up," she said.

Seniors Alive is free to attend, but donations are accepted to help finance the cost of the food and entertainment. Donations are also accepted for the Middletown Food Bank.

"It's very nice, and the seniors really enjoy it," Clouser added. "It's a nice outing for them, and they get a homecooked meal."

After the Sept. 16 meeting, the following entertainment will be featured: Oct. 21, John Messic, pianist; Nov. 18, Sandy Heisey, who plays the piano and sings oldies; and Dec. 16, One Man Band (Lee Moyer) playing and singing oldies.

For more information about Seniors Alive, call the church office at 717-944-9608. More information about the church is available at http://www.middletowncog.org or http://www.facebook.com/middletowncog.