The back of the bus has often been a spot where troublemakers sit, where a lot of the laughs come from, often at the expense of others.

In this case, it isn’t a school bus, as the passengers have passed the age of riding the bus to classes. These riders – members of Bow’s Young at Heart Club – don’t act their age, and that’s the whole point.

They may be past the age of firing spitballs when the bus driver isn’t looking, but Bow’s group of senior citizens isn’t afraid to have fun.

Bow’s Young at Heart Club gives town residents 55 and older the chance to get together and share stories, take trips and remain socially involved with the community.

Over the summer, the group meets twice a month, while during the winter they get together only once. The summer includes about five day trips, which is where the back-of-the-bus shenanigans come in.

“The fellowship we have at our meetings is the best part,” said incoming Vice President Ken Ball. “On the trips we usually have a rowdy bunch of us on the bus who like to keep those who want to sleep awake.”

Ball and his wife, Sandra, have been members for about five years. Sandra Ball admits she’s also been a part of the noisy group in the back.

“I think it’s very important to remain young. It gets them out and amongst their peers and we have a really good time,” she said. “There’s probably six or eight who sit near the back of the bus and we joke, laugh and disturb the people who want to sleep.”

Jennie Boone, who has been a member for about 20 years, joined while looking for a new group of people to spend time with.

“My husband had retired and we were looking for a new social circle to be in. The sociability, meeting new people and seeing old friends at the same time is great,” said Boone. “It’s important for people who are retired to get out and spend time with other people, not just staying at home. Being active is important.”

Boone said since the completion of White Rock Senior Living Community, more people have joined the club, something she looks forward to.

“It’s very nice having a lot of new members,” she said. “It’s a lot of diversity and I always look forward to meeting new people.”