Marion County Senior Citizens hold 41st annual meeting years ago
The annual meeting of Marion County Senior Citizens at Marion Senior Center Thursday was like a family gathering.
"What we need most of all is love and understanding," Director Noreen Weems told the approximately 135 people in attendance.
Weems was speaking about the diverse groups of people and unique individuals which make up the countywide organization and the government agencies which provide aid and support.
"We can't please everyone all of the time," she continued, "but we have a common bond of love and liking one another."
County Commissioner Howard Collett spoke in praise of the organization. Commissioners Leroy Wetta and Bob Hein also were present, along with other agency officials who are involved with senior citizens.
Marilyn Geis, president of Marion Senior Center, and Eloise Mueller, mayor of Marion, welcomed the group.
Following an invocation by John Goering, pastor of Eastmoor United Methodist Church, cooks Henrietta Waner, Almeda Kahns, and several volunteers served a nutritious meal of Swiss steak, scalloped potatoes, corn, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, peaches, and cake.
Edwin Winter, chairman of the county organization, led the meeting.
Entertainment was provided by Marion High School Singers under the direction of Adam White. June Jost, former Marion County Sheriff, played two tunes on his harmonica.
Joyce Kyle, secretary-treasurer, had people raising their hands and stomping their feet as she led the group in several simple exercises.
Former county clerk Marquetta Eilerts was the guest speaker. She discovered an artistic talent after leaving office and showed many of her oil and water color paintings. She described how she painted them, how they were critiqued, and how they were framed and matted.
Weems said she and Eilerts have a special bond. In addition to working together on senior citizens budgets, they both were avid hunters and even went elk hunting together one time.
Eilerts gave Weems a framed copy of her favorite painting, an American Castro (similar to a hawk) landing on a post.
Weems gave a special thank-you to the present county commissioners for their support of the organization. They approved a 2002 budget of $73,205.
A plaque of appreciation was presented to Gene Andersen of Peabody. He has served three years as a trustee if the Flint Hills Foundation, a non-profit fund set up to assist senior citizen organizations and programs. Andersen also serves as the county's silver-haired legislator.
Virginia Downing, a community services volunteer, reported she helped 57 people realize a $11,241 savings in prescription drug costs.
Weems reported volunteers gave more than 8,000 hours of their time so far this year.
Lanell Hett, transportation coordinator, reported from January through September, the two vehicles owned by the organization drove 8,554 miles and served 1,249 passengers. Volunteer drivers logged 276.75 hours.
The following people were re-elected to the 12-member board: District 1 — Ron Freeman, Hillsboro; District 2 — Magdalen Dvorak, Pilsen, Blanche Cowan, Marion; District 3 — Arlene Unruh, Peabody.
Senior citizens groups operate in Durham, Hillsboro, Lehigh, Tampa, Burns, Florence, Lincolnville, Goessel, Marion, Peabody, and Ramona.
The county organization received a rousing endorsement from Ruth Smerchek, a representative from the Kansas Department on Aging. She reported the state looks upon the group as one of the most active in the state and doing "quality work."
