Welcome to Fall !!!

Where did summer go?  It seems like just last week it was 95 degrees in the shade, with pitifully little shade.  At least we haven’t had to shovel anything.

Considering we are a bunch of retirees, we have been part of several events over the past four weeks.  The first that comes to mind should probably be the free lunches at MCI on the first Wednesday of the month.  September 5^th and October 3^rd were the most recent dates.  With construction and renovation finished on the A-Building, it is worth stopping in for lunch just to check out the changes and improvements.

On September 13^th MCI hosted a cookout for us.  As noted below, it was at the FOP Park outside of Caledonia, which is a relaxing setting for a gathering.  During the evening opinions were solicited as to how to make the event more convenient for retirees.  After considerable discussion, plans were made for the 2019 event.  The setup will be similar, but the focus will be as a family-friendly evening bonfire, with food arrangements like this year.  Since many of our number have taken part-time jobs since retirement, starting the event later in the day would benefit them.  For our part, we are flattered the institution is willing to host such an event for retirees.

The last special mention is our twice-yearly luncheon at the Ponderosa Restaurant in Marion.  It was held on Tuesday, September 25.  Attendance alone demonstrated that it is greatly preferred over the other locations we have tried.  Our intention is to hold our spring luncheon there on Tuesday, April 30, 2019.  Ponderosa doesn’t schedule their private rooms that far in advance, so closer to the date we will firm that up.

We have one additional bit of news that requires explanation.  Since Charlie Daniel moved to Florida we have been on the hunt for a new President.  The news is that we seem to have found one.  Rob Morgan’s name was offered as a suggestion, and quickly received a unanimous vote.  When informed of the vote Rob was at first resistant, but eventually accepting.  There will be more written about this in the future.

That’s all we know for now.  Until the next time, enjoy the last of the warm days of 2018!

Rob Morgan, President

John Mathew, Vice President

Email:  mcira43302@yahoo.com

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Where has summer gone?

It seems like just yesterday we were making plans for our spring gathering, and now it is time for the fall one.  Instead of just one date to share, we have two:

1.  Marion Correctional Institution is again hosting a cookout for retirees, plus a guest.  The date is Thursday, September 13, from 4-6pm at the FOP Park outside of Caledonia (5327 Harding Hwy E, Caledonia, OH 43314).  They will be providing sandwich meat and “go-withs” (hot dogs, hamburgers, buns, condiments, plates, and table service.  We are responsible for bringing a covered dish, and our own non-alcoholic beverages. 

To make sure we have enough of everything, please RSVP to Kathy Hamilton or Audrie Bender (extension #24216 or #25187) by September 11^th if you are able to attend.

2.  We have confirmed arrangements for our twice-yearly luncheon.  Due to the positive response received in April, we will be returning to the Ponderosa Restaurant in Marion (2227 Marion-Mt. Gilead Road Marion, Ohio 43302).  The date is Tuesday, September 25, and we will gather at noon.  As usual, we secured the use of the back room for our gathering.  No RSVP is needed, just show up.  If you know of other retirees who might enjoy getting together, invite them too! 

3.  For those who have not yet heard, we are in search of a President for our group.  Charlie Daniel recently relocated to Florida, leaving us temporarily without a leader.  The duties are reasonable and require no heavy lifting.  If you are interested, or know someone who might be, make it known at one of the above gatherings, or by email. 

That’s all we know for now.  Take time to enjoy the warm weather of summer!

John Mathew, Vice President

Email:  mcira43302@yahoo.com

It looks like we’ve turned the corner into summer!

OK, it might not be that spectacular, but it sure beats scraping ice off windshields, or shoveling seemingly endless amounts of that flakey white stuff off the sidewalk.  At least that’s our story until something better comes along.

We’d like to thank all those who made it to our spring luncheon at Marion’s Ponderosa Restaurant.  (Yes, I almost typed Ryan’s, out of habit.)  It was easily the largest crowd we’ve had for a while.  Judging by how long everyone stayed, the group was pretty comfortable being back in a familiar location, and we like that.

We do have some updates to share regarding our gatherings, both regular and otherwise.

The first concerns a slight adjustment to MCI’s monthly free lunch for retirees.  A quick glance at the calendar reveals that the first Wednesday in July is the 4^th.  Being as it is a national holiday, it was the subject of discussion with MCI’s administrators.  We all know the institution runs a 24/7 operation, but it was decided having the lunch on the 4^th was pushing the envelope a bit far.  Instead, the July lunch at MCI will be on Wednesday, July 11^th.  As noted, this adjustment is for the month of July only.   

The second update concerns our fall gathering.  It is scheduled for noon on Tuesday, September 25, at Marion’s Ponderosa Restaurant.  The arrangements are identical to those from our April gathering.  We will again be using the back room on the left. 

The third update is a little more general.  MCI is again hosting a cookout at the FOP Park outside of Caledonia.  The arrangements will be virtually identical to previous years.  The exception to that is the date:  it is yet to be determined.  At this point the focus is on the month of September, but after the Popcorn Festival.  As soon as details are released, they will be shared here.

That’s all we know for now.  Till the next time, be sure to enjoy the wonderful weather!

Charles Daniel, President
John Mathew, Vice President

email:  mcira43302@yahoo.com

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