Guest writer
It has been approximately 20 years since I was the Aulne correspondent. However, after our recent trip to Kansas, June 12 through 14, you might say I was “inspired” to share some of our trip’s highlights.
It’s difficult to think of ourselves as outsiders. No matter where we are, as it is said, home is where the heart is. Marion will always hold a very special place in ours.
Shouts and waves from old friends began in Florence before we even reached Marion. As we unloaded the van at Marion Country Inn Motel, we were welcomed to town by passersby’s honking their horns.
Because of all the weekend activities, the motel was very busy. One evening, DH (my Dear Husband, Bill) invited a neighbor, Bob Everett, in to visit. Bob was in Marion from Fort Morgan, Colo., for the Williams reunion. After a short, delightful conversation, open invitations were exchanged for visiting one another.
Neighbors on the other side were visiting from Baldwin City to attend the symphony. We enjoyed their company and had a good time realizing our mutual acquaintances with principal Gordon Wakemen and English teacher Carolyn Groves. It seemed, as we visited with the visitors to Marion, we had never left. We definitely didn’t consider ourselves visitors!
Young basketball players and their families created additional excitement.
We hadn’t been back to Marion since the completion of the new aquatic center and gymnasium. What an invaluable addition to the Marion community! It was great to see the packed parking lot because of various events. I imagine many Marion merchants benefited from the big weekend.
This was our daughter–in- law, Betsy’s, first trip to Kansas. I think she was quite impressed with the genuine warm reception from our hometown. The fantastic, unseasonable cool weather was a pleasant surprise to all of us!
We knew the place in town where we could visit the most people was, of course, the baseball field. North we headed. Despite several detours, we made it. The complex looked terrific! Congratulations on a job well done to all who have been working to make it top-notch. As we expected, we visited many old friends.
A very pleasant surprise to me was getting to visit with Margo Yates who was working in the concession stand. I remember when Margo moved to town. She told me she wanted to get involved. I think she’s been very successful! Marion is lucky.
Nic and Betsy took a walk to the bowling alley. Nic recognized a few faces, but a lot of changes also were there.
A big “thank you” to Rachel Cartwright. On very short notice, Rachel was able to fix my hair. Normally, DH Bill is my personal beautician. I knew, however, he would much rather visit Mike and Marion Auto Supply. It wasn’t but a few moments before a customer asked him for assistance. Some things never change! I know standing at the counter with the guys was far more exciting than doing my hair.
In the evening, Mike and Karen Regnier and the grandkids stopped by the motel for a quick visit.
As DH was placing my order at a local restaurant, I was busy recognizing and guessing those enjoying his or her afternoon coffee. If I say so myself, I did pretty well. In fact, I recognized several folks before they knew who I was. I guess that makes sense — they hadn’t changed at all!
An unfortunate visit for us was to the doctor’s office. DH had to take grandson, Daniel, early Friday morning. Do not misunderstand — the visit was not unfortunate, just the reason for going. The attention and care he received was greatly appreciated, as well as the service at the pharmacy. DH did some quick visiting at both places.
Talk about ironic! Grandson Daniel and his family now live in the former home of Pat Jackson. As Daniel was giving us the tour of his new home, I couldn’t help but remember sitting at the kitchen table with Mrs. Jackson, receiving extra government class tutoring.
It didn’t take us long to realize that at noon Friday the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shoppe was the place to be! My boys often call me the “Queen of Thrift Stores” or simply a “bag lady.” Whichever, I know my stuff! And stuff I found. In fact, with the help of dear friends Pam Bredemeier, Kaye Darrow, and Kay Tajchman, I was able to send two boxes home to North Carolina! (Which at this moment are setting on my front step. Oh, how I wish I could get them opened and things put away before DH gets home. Would certainly avoid a conversation I would like not to revisit!)
I just don’t think men understand the concept of recycling and being thrifty. Buying someone else’s stuff (or what DH refers to as junk) and shipping it 1,100 miles really made no sense to him. You might argue, as he did, “The shipping was not very thrifty.” Regardless, the proceeds of my purchases go to a truly wonderful cause.
Kudos to everyone for their hours of dedicated volunteerism. Your thrift store is one of the best I have ever shopped. Just ask DH, he will tell you. I shop a lot of thrift stores. In fact, he also will tell you I even have a membership card to our local Goodwill store. Once again, he just doesn’t understand the concept. Why not have a discount card to a secondhand store? After all, I am doing my share to keep people employed!
DH, Nicholas, Betsy, and Wyatt spent some wonderful time in Central Park. The new playground equipment was greatly appreciated. Thanks to everyone who continues to keep it the picturesque park it is.
Second only to Marion Auto Supply for DH is the Marion County Lake heated dock. To his disappointment, he was only able to slip away on a couple occasions. However, upon his return each time, he shared all the latest fishing news. I admit-that is a “man thing.”
Speaking of the lake, Shelley and Tom Stafford, LaVonda and son, Luke Rothman, Nic, Betsy, and Wyatt Higgins were guests at a lake for the weekend.
Friday afternoon kicked off the true reason for our visit to Kansas — Mom’s 85th Birthday celebration. Guests at the cabin were Gerri, Jackie Hett, Melanie Ensey, Melinda Helmer, Melissa O’Sullivan, Emily Carter, Nic, Betsy, and Wyatt Higgins, and DH and me. Our afternoon together was the first time in years we six double cousins were together. What a delightful time of catching up!
Gerri’s six children, many grandchildren, and great grandchildren were additional guests Friday evening for a patio picnic.
They included Rocky and Shirley Hett; Wendy Hett; Aaron and Lanell Hett, Nickolas, Travis and Lindsay; Jack and Donna Hett, Colby and Emma; and Kaye and Jim Darrow all of Marion.
Bruce and Sandra Hett, Trey and Riley Hett, Courtney Pavlik, and Dylan Barrow, all of McPherson; Chris and Kim Hett, Gehrig and Gracie, and Thomas Hett, all of Wichita; Jessie Hett of Silicon Valley, Calif.; and Ann LeBlanc of Manhattan.
Activities were from the roof to the makeshift theatre in the garage. Shelley recently was the grand prizewinner of the Dinky Duck Race during Chingawassa Days. She won a 42-inch plasma TV and everyone enjoyed watching videos on the new TV.
In order to beat the heat and the anticipated crowd Saturday, we were in Florence by noon. We visited up and down the festive Main Street before the heat was too unbearable. Sadly for the town, the day did not meet their expectations. It was, however, quite an enjoyable day for our family, from the reenactments and encampments to the food and vendors Our box lunch, sponsored by Harvey House, was excellent, as was our conversation with Ann Collett and Linda Britain.
Grandson Daniel introduced me to Marion Mayor Mary Olsen as she was frolicking down Main Street to the tunes performed by the strolling musicians. I had never met Mary, but anyone who dances down Main Street is tops with me!
Mom, Rocky Hett, and Jackie Hett participated in the Texas Hold’em tournament in the afternoon. DH and I simply enjoyed the air conditioning and great opportunity to visit many more friends. Mom and Jackie then attended the Symphony on the Prairie with Shelley and Tom Stafford and LaVonda and Luka Rothman.
Sunday morning was another very special event for Gerri and her family. Everyone attended Aulne Methodist church. Different than 20 years ago, during the children’s service DH was in the front with Nic’s son, Wyatt, rather than Nicholas. What a heartwarming experience to be able to share with some of the most important people in our lives.
Gerri’s six children and spouses hosted dinner at September Apartments Sunday afternoon. Additional family members attending were Daniel Hinton, Steve and Barb Hett, and Amy Pavlik. Special invited guests were Iva Unruh, Ellen Darrow, Jackie Hett, John Hett, and Jim and Carol Hett. Forty-two family members attended to celebrate Gerri’s birthday.
Everyone visited and caught-up. As well as more videos, an autobiographical reading of Gerri’s life and a rousing intergenerational game of fruit basket upset. Birthday cake was then served by granddaughters and great-granddaughters.