Beefing up

Marion Senior Center patrons received an early surprise just before the Christmas weekend when Mike Beneke delivered 150 pounds of ground beef.

“Instead of giving to one major group, I try to individualize it to something I believe in,” he said.

The beef was ground from various cuts of meat, meaning it was not fit for resale. There were restrictions for how it could be used by the center. Instead, each member took beef home for personal use.

“It makes the best hamburger when you grind the whole thing up,” he said.

Beneke referred to himself as Santa Claus II, since he arrived while Santa was visiting with the seniors.