Autumn? Yes!
After a warm start, we’ve
finally settled into the fall weather patterns we all enjoy: high winds, heavy rains, freezing nights, and
the occasional blaze of sunshine. OK,
possibly those aren’t the best parts of fall, but they are pretty common. Also common are the start of the NHL and NBA seasons, baseball playoffs, and football in mid-season
form. And don’t forget soccer!
Although our September
gathering at Ryan’s is now in the rear view mirror, we continue to meet at
MCI’s Wander Inn the first Wednesday each month. For those who have not yet taken advantage of
this offer, all that is needed is to call the Warden’s Office no later than the
working day before. They add your name to
the gate pass (740-382-5781, extension #2210).
On your initial visit they will prepare an MCI Retiree badge for
you. When you leave you take this “MCI
Retiree” pass with you, eliminating the need for gate passes for future free
lunch days. The lunches are offered the
first Wednesday of each month from 10:30am until the Wander Inn closes, around noon.
We’ve received many
questions about the lunch arrangement at the Wander Inn, but they seem to fit
into the following pattern. See if you
recognize yours.
Is it really free?
Yes, it is free to you. This is through an arrangement of the Warden,
Jason Bunting. It is a way to say “Thank
You” for all the years of service our retirees represent.
I only worked at MCI a short time. Am I eligible?
If you retired from MCI, the
answer is “Yes”.
I had to take a disability
retirement. Does that count?
Yes. Come and enjoy the free lunch.
Don’t I need to know someone who
currently works there?
No, but you will undoubtedly
know some of the other retirees who attend.
Won’t I need an escort?
No. Warden Bunting feels confident that if you
worked at MCI long enough to retire from there, you probably already know your
way around.
I have a situation that hasn’t been
described, and would like to know if I can still attend lunches at the Wander
Inn.
While we are comfortable
relaying information given to us by Warden Bunting, some questions are best
directed to his office. This is one of
those. Call the office (740-382-5781,
extension #2210), explain the situation, and they can provide the answer.
What does MCI get out of this?
This is harder to
answer. Warden Bunting once said this
provided a “continuing connection with MCI’s past”. During several of the lunches he has welcomed
us personally, asked our opinions on programs and services, and for our help on
others. More about this below.
Marion Correctional is
already working on their 60th Anniversary observance in 2014. Many of us have old photos or mementos tucked
away in drawers, closets, or boxes. Any
that might be considered historical in nature would be of interest to
them. If you would consider loaning them
for a while, PNN will scan the images and return the originals. Those who were present for the 50th
Anniversary observance received a DVD containing the images and videos used during the ceremony. A similar plan is in place for this
event. As the date and details are
worked out we will post further information.
MCI is looking for
volunteers to assist during the 60th Anniversary observance. Warden Bunting said the tentative plan is for
the observance to occur during the first week in May, as part of Corrections
Employee Week. Any MCI retirees
interested in assisting can make it known by either contacting us by email (mcria43302@yahoo.com), or contacting the
Warden’s office (740-382-5781, extension #2210). All that is needed is your name and contact
information. It is too soon to know specific
program details at this point, but details will be shared as they become
available.
That’s all we have for now. Enjoy the beautiful colors of autumn, and
I’ll see you at the Wander Inn.
Charles Daniel,
President
.
