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 60^th 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 50^th 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 60^th 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

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