Silver Owls set for 25th Anniversary Hoot, noon Nov. 5; $25

All that glitters is not silver but that precious metal will be the focus at noon Saturday, Nov. 5, when the National Press Club's Silver Owls gather at the Club for their fall hoot to celebrate -- what else? -- the silver anniversary of their creation.

The reception and buffet luncheon also will mark the addition to the rolls of 20 new Silver Owls -- those who have been members of the Press Club for 25 years -- and nine Golden Owls -- those who have achieved 50 unbroken years of membership.

The bargain price -- in keeping with a 25th anniversary -- is only $25 for all Club members and guests. Complimentary parking will be available at the PMI Garage on G Street (between 13th and 14th Streets). Wise owls should make reservations now by calling 202-662-7501 or e-mailing [email protected].

There also will be a special recognition in absentia of the Club's two most senior members -- former U.S. Sen. Harry Flood Byrd of Virginia and retired economics and business reporter George B. Bookman of New York City -- who both joined in 1938, 73 years ago!

The silver anniversary event will honor the only two chairmen, or "Head Hoots," who have led the Silver Owls organization since its establishment in 1986, founding father Bernie Goodrich and John Cosgrove, who succeded him in 2002.

Cosgrove, the Club's most senior former president -- holding that post 50 years ago, in 1961 -- will also hand over his "Head Hoot" job at the luncheon to Arthur Wiese,
Club president in 1979.

The Ricky Alexander Early Bird Jazz Trio will be on hand and, most important, there will be plenty of time for greeting and socializing with old friends who share memories from days gone by at the Club.