Tis’ the season.

That’s the way many holiday greetings start. An annual blending of calendar observance, weather report, and menu offerings. Not so, you say? Consider this:

Calendar? Between Thanksgiving and New Years.

Weather? Cold, blustery, and snowy.

Menu? What other holiday prominently features figgy pudding?

Our greeting is a little more reflective. Consider that we are truly blessed, enjoying a standard of living unknown in most of the world. Living a retirement situation that’s the envy of the majority within our own country. Exploring opportunities of those “Golden Years” that our parents and grand-parents barely considered possible. Yet here we are.

Amid the hustle and bustle of the season, take time to reflect not just what’s on sale, but on what we have and hold dear. Only then can we really appreciate the real reason for the season.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Robert Ferguson, President

Where has summer gone?

Where has summer gone?

September sure was a busy month. Our luncheon on the 8th featured the best attendance we've had in years. We all had opportunities to share memories, stories (both old and new), and have some mighty tasty food. A hard combination to beat for the price of a lunch.

It might seem a little early, but mark your calendars now! Our next luncheon is on Tuesday, May 4th. The place is Ryan's in Marion, and the time is noon. One reminder - These can only be tentative arrangements for now. Ryan's won't reserve a room that far in advance. In February we'll give them a call to arrange preferred seating. The only cost remains your own lunch, unless you can talk someone into purchasing it for you.

If you happen upon other MCI retirees, mention our group to them. Many times we've heard the story that retirees knew we got together somewhere, but didn't know how to find us. That part is easy: tell them! Then tell us! Both John Mathew and I are in the phone book, and we can be reached by email at mcira43302@yahoo.com. If they share contact information we can provide reminders. It's that simple.

See you on May 4th!

Robert Ferguson, President

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 8th!

Mark your calendars! Our next luncheon is on Tuesday, September 8th (the day after Labor Day). The place is Ryan's in Marion, and the time is noon. The only cost is your own lunch, since our stimulus check hasn't arrived - yet.

You have one additional assignment before you come. Tell other retirees about our luncheon! We have over 100 addresses on file so far, having added 20+ since our meeting in May. Even so, it's very possible we haven't been able to locate some of the friends you worked with. Bring them so we can put theirs on our list.

We still need help locating some of our retirees. Notification cards have been returned for Mark Eley, Nellie Murray, Mark and Linda Stevens, Ervin Davis, and Harvey Bell. If you know of a current address, let us know.

See you on September 8th!

Robert Ferguson, President

Mark Your Calendars for Saturday, August 29th!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 29th, 2009. That is the day of MCI's "Great American Picnic", to be held at the FOP Lodge west of Caledonia on State Route 309. The event is being coordinated by Guy Campo and Jeff Pennington, who informed us that all retirees are invited. For additional information call Guy at 419-512-4270.

Mark Your Calendars for Tuesday, May 5, 2009!

Mark your calendars! Our next luncheon is on Tuesday, May 5th. The place is Ryan's in Marion, and the time is noon. The only cost is your own lunch, unless our stimulus check arrives soon.

You have one additional assignment before you come. Tell other retirees about our luncheon. We only have 80 addresses on file, so it's very possible we haven't been able to locate some of the friends you worked with. Bring them so we can put theirs on our list.

We still need help locating some of our retirees. Notification cards have been returned for Mark and Linda Stevens, Ervin Davis, and Harvey Bell. If you know of a current address, let us know.

See you on May 5th!

Robert Ferguson, President