OWLS meeting Owls
The Outstanding Wise Ladies Sharing (or OWLS for short) had a hoot meeting two of their namesake birds this Wednesday in the Amédée Beaudoin community center. The activity, funded by the Lennoxville and District Women’s Center (LDWC), gave a chance to a group of their outstanding ladies to learn more about birds and even meet a few real, live birds of prey.
According to LDWC executive director Terry Moore, the OWLS group meets once a week for a plethora of amusing and educational activities which provide for “awesome fun times” where the women can feel a sense of community among one another.
“It’s an end of season treat!” exclaimed Moore, who was quite surprised to find that the birds were living and breathing, instead of stuffed as she
expected. Kim Bailey, facilitator of the group, invited Shawna Sévigny to introduce the OWLS to some owls. Sévigny is part of Falcon Environmental Services, a group which, among other things, is in charge of wildlife management. With her, Sévigny brought Elvis the American kestrel, Bowie the barn owl, and Darwin the great horned owl.
Bailey said the event exceeded her expectations.
Though the OWLS’ have only been meeting for two years, she explained how she has known most of the members for over 20 years.
“They’re some of my best friends” she said. “I love them all. It’s so energizing to be with these guys!”
The OWLS loved the event. The ladies gushed over the beautiful birds and longed to pet them, which, unfortunately, they weren’t allowed to do. They also learned a variety of things about birds, especially owls.
“I really enjoyed it!” commented member Barbara Pye. “It was informative, and of course we got to see these cuddly creatures.”
The OWLS now have 38 members, but according to Bailey, their numbers keep growing. One lovely outstanding lady pointed out that there were intruders among them today:
“We let a male in here: Darwin!” she laughed, admiring the great horned owl. “When I first joined the group, it had to be just for ladies.”
When asked about whether men were allowed to attend the OWLS meetings, Bailey said that they are always welcome to come share with them, but that memberships, which cost $10, are exclusively for ladies.
“We have women from all types of backgrounds here. It’s not like a clique,” explained Bailey. “we have fun sharing and experiencing stuff together.”