Marion Manor: Warren Macy recounts distinguished career
By AUTUMN HANSON
Marion Manor reporter
This past week went by in such a rush. Once again we all were busy here at the manor.
Monday started off with our morning fun and games. Residents played our version of dodge ball. Instead of tossing balls at each other we used them to knock smaller balls off of cones placed around the floor. It was the first time we played this game, but looks like it is going to be one of our new favorites.
Bingo days were Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Volunteer Bill Schimpf called bingo Wednesday since I was out for a transport. We enjoy our regular volunteers. Pat Smith also is one of the favorite volunteers. She comes to say rosary Fridays and often comes during the week to do manicures and visit. Lois Smith still entertains us with her piano playing and beautiful singing voice.
Tuesday we had family potluck night. The theme was St. Patrick's Day. Green shamrocks decorated the front living and dining areas. The meal was traditional corned beef and cabbage with family members providing side dishes and desserts. The turn-out was not one of our largest, but was one of the best. Lots of good food and conversation.
Bart, a longhaired chihuahua, treated us to a visit this week by bringing his owner Mary Jeffrey with him. Matt the black lab puppy also was here for a visit. We have many canine visitors at the facility. Sammie, who belongs to Mildred's daughter Earlene, also visits here. Dogs are such good medicine.
I just had to add this to my article. It's something I don't usually do, however, I thought everyone might enjoy it. While delivering the mail this week I placed Warren Macy's mail on the small table beside his bed. I couldn't help but notice a small plaque. On it the words were engraved, "Presented to Warren Macy in appreciation of your many years of service to the Hays Lions Club September 2003."
Mr. Macy is a delightful person to be around, always telling stories, anecdotes, and poems. I questioned him about the plaque and this is the story he told.
"Yes, I was a member of the Hays Lions Club. The Lions Club is such a wonderful organization, always doing things for others."
Macy went on, "My goal was to be involved in every project, at last a little in a small way trying to help out. In the fall it was the family picnic. December was a formal dinner for spouses. March was the annual pancake feed where they hired a professional pancake maker. This fella would cook 36 pancakes at once on his special stove."
But Warren added the Lions' Club biggest project is the Sight Conservation program, providing glasses for underprivileged people. Warren went on to talk about his distinguished career as an educator. Macy signed his first teaching contract at the age of 17. He smiles and said, "That's not legal these days, but I did turn 18 by the time the school year started."
Warren's first teaching assignment was at a one-room school. He said he recently received a letter from a former student that he taught in the 1930s. Macy retired at the age of 70, and moved to Marion in 2004 to be closer to his daughter and son-in-law, Margaret and Rex Wilson.
Macy credits his wonderful wife, Florence, for much of his success.
So the next time you're out and about please stop by for a visit, just think of all the remarkable stories our residents have to offer you.
