Creation of new "Platinum Owl" status to be announced at Oct. 27 Silver Owl Hoot

Preliminary plans for creating a new, third, and even more senior species of wise birds, those who have been loyal members of the National Press Club for 60 or more consecutive years, will be announced at the upcoming Owls' hoot at noon on Saturday, Oct. 27.

The new species will be called Platinum Owls, even longer roosted at the Club than the original two species -- the Silver Owls (25 or more years of unbroken membership) and the Golden Owls (50 or more years). The initial "flock" of Platinum Owls, to be inducted next spring, includes 48 members.

The Oct. 27 hoot will celebrate two "golden ages" -- of American presidential politics and of American swing music. The hoot will occur only 10 days before the national election, so the Silver Owls will be saluting the lighter side of American politics. A highlight will be a presentation on the activities of U.S. presidents and presidential candidates at the Club throughout its 104-year history.

The afternoon's star attraction, however, likely won't be Ronald Reagan or Franklin Roosevelt, but our own NPC president, Theresa Werner, leading a troupe of swing dancers in all the glorious music and classic steps of the Big Band era, including the jitterbug. Theresa and her friends stopped the show with their performance at her inaugural party in January.

The festivities will get underway at noon with a cash bar reception followed by a sumptuous buffet lunch. Music will be provided by the Griff Kaz Trio, a jazz ensemble led by trumpeter Griffith Kazmierczak.

The event is open to all Club members and their guests, not just Silver and Golden Owls. Tickets, at only $30 per person, can be reserved by calling (202) 662-7501 or e-mailing [email protected]. Free parking will be available less than two blocks from the Club at the PMI lot at 1325 G Street, N.W., between 13th and 14th Streets (you must bring your parking ticket to the Club to be stamped).