Greetings!

Much has transpired since our last communication.  We will try to bring you up to date.

In May we held our first luncheon at the Marion Diner.  For those who had not heard, or who have been out of the area, Ryan’s parent company filed for bankruptcy.  Although we were first informed the Marion Ryan’s would reopen shortly, that proved to be incorrect.  We have been fortunate to reserve the south room of the Marion Diner as a replacement.  It is located at 1565 Marion-Waldo Rd, Marion, OH 43302, in front of the mall.  We will order from the menu.  Our luncheon will be at noon on Tuesday, September 6th. 

There has been a special invitation received from MCI:

Wednesday, September 14, MCI will be hosting a cookout for MCI retirees from 4 till 7pm.  It will be held at the FOP Park just outside of Caledonia (5327 Harding Hwy E, Caledonia, OH 43314).  There is no cost involved, except for bringing your favorite side dish and non-alcoholic beverage.  Hot dogs, hamburgers, and appropriate accessories will be provided.  We suggest calling Kathy Hamilton (740-382-5781, ext. 2210) by September 9^th to confirm attendance, so an appropriate amount of food can be prepared. 

There is a special part of this gathering that deserves mention.  MCI is serious about collecting and preserving information regarding the history of the facility.  One important resource is you.  As employees we saw the facility evolve over a significant period of years.  Some changes were minor, and some so major they almost defy description.  Warden Bunting has requested we assist with preserving what we know of MCI’s history, and what our experiences have been. Each retiree has a story, and PNN will help document it.  Whether you stop by their studio after one of the free lunches, make an appointment for a different day, or take advantage of their presence at our luncheons (May & September), they would like to hear from you.  At our September luncheon and at the picnic, Kathy Hamilton and John Mathew will be available to record your recollections.

Warden Bunting has informed us of new plans to recognize the history of the institution.  In the main Lobby, where the Visiting Desk was formerly located, a display of MCI’s history is planned.  Arrangements are being made for display cases for that purpose.  In addition, a mural is being planned for the main hallway, from the Control Room down to M Block.  The mural is intended to represent the timeline from delivery of the first load of bricks to the present time. 

The next time you are in the institution, we have two recommendations. 

The first recommendation is to go to PNN and have a new MCI Retiree ID made.  It only takes a few minutes, and the new ID will be compatible with MCI’s new photo recognition system.  When you are leaving the Main Lobby you will notice a pedestal to the left of the gate to the A Building.  Your photo ID has to fit into the slot for it to be read, and to permit you to continue out to the A Building.  Unfortunately the original IDs issued to retirees do not fit the slot.  That could be a big deal if you had planned to be home by supper. 

The second recommendation is to take your time walking to or from the Wander Inn.  The area of the South Hall has seen plenty of changes over the years, some of which you might not notice unless you look for them.  One change has been the redesignation of R block to preferred housing.  Old timers will remember it as the Correctional Cell, but many changes have been made from those days.  The transformation is one that needs to be seen to be understood.  Another change is O block, formerly known as 6 Cell Block.  Years ago the Southern Steel Corporation converted it from preferred to disciplinary housing.  With the recent restructuring of the inmate disciplinary process, the activities within the block are much less restrictive.  For obvious reasons this area isn’t open to tours, but on a recent visit the staff welcomed questions about the changes.  

After you make your way back to the Wander Inn, you will notice something new.  In the NE corner is the Coffee Crafters cart, which features specialty coffee drinks.  This the most visible evidence of a new program at MCI which trains baristas for stores like Starbucks.  Unfortunately for us their products aren’t free, but you can purchase a card at the Cashier’s Office which will enable you to sample their wares.

The last item we have is organizational.  We try to reach all the retirees of MCI, and now NCCI.  Given the numbers involved, and the costs of printing and postage, we’d appreciate your assistance.  To cut costs we’d appreciate receiving your email address for future distributions.  For our part, we promise not to "sell" or give away your email address, and promise not to send videos of puppies or kittens - Face Book already has that franchise.  To do this, contact John Mathew at copta2003@yahoo.com, or email us at mcira43302@yahoo.com.

One last thing!

Warden Bunting forwarded an IOC, dated 8-24-16, that he requested be provided to all retirees.  It is copied below for your information.  (As an FYI, copies will be available at our luncheon on the 6^th for those without email.)  If you have any questions or concerns about how the process might impact you, it would be best to contact the institution for clarification of individual circumstances.     

That’s all we know for now.  We’ll see you at the Marion Diner on the 6th.

Charles Daniel, President
John Mathew, Vice President

mcira43302@yahoo.com

http://mciretireesassociation.blogspot.com/

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To:                  All Concerned

From:              Jason Bunting, Warden

Date:               August 24, 2016

Subject:           Friendly Reminder

________________________________________________________________________

In a continued effort to honor our retired MCI employees, a kind reminder when processing for the monthly meal or if/when accessing any type of “services” available to you as a retiree, the following are necessary to allow you entry and access to designated areas being accessed:

·     Valid Photo Identification and Authorized Retiree Badge

·     Sign-in and Sign-out on the Institution Visitor Pass Log (DRC 1027)

·     Identify specific area/department visiting on Institution Visitor Pass Log 

(DRC 1027)

·     Request and maintain a pendant mandown alarm issued from Control 1

or Sallyport

If accessing services via the Sallyport, for example, Vehicle Maintenance/Auto Mechanics, following is necessary:

Ø      Clear any/all items from vehicle that could pose a threat to security

Ø      Process vehicle thru Sallyport

Ø      Report to location of drop off point, turn vehicle over to the authorized staff member

Ø      If staying on grounds during service, stay in the area or work location

Ø      If staying on grounds and desire to eat at the Wander Inn, you shall have a pendant mandown alarm issued from Sallyport

By no means is this communication meant to hinder your access to MCI.  It is merely an opportunity to remind you all of how important you are to us which includes keeping you safe and accounted for during the times you visit us for meals and services.  Your MCI Family continues to look forward to seeing you as often as possible!

Cc: File