Wiens continues to mentor children
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Perhaps it's true: Once a teacher, always a teacher.
After Mary Ann Wiens of Marion retired five years ago from providing day-care and teaching preschool for almost 50 years, she immediately began looking for something to do in the community. She found an ad in the newspaper asking for volunteers to assist Marion Elementary School children in reading.
"This is just what I need," she thought, and she's been doing it ever since.
Almost every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning during the school year, she can be found in the school's hallways listening to students read.
The 78-year-old mentor assists select students from five classrooms. In her first session with each child, she strikes up a conversation and helps the child feel at ease. After each session, the student gets a sticker.
Occasionally, Mary Ann helps in the classroom, as well, assisting students in reading and spelling.
In addition to her volunteer work at MES, she occasionally reads to children at Marion City Library and Head Start.
She assists at Marion County Emergency Food Bank once a month and takes treats to St. Luke Living Center once a week. She spends time visiting with and listening to the residents.
Having had six children of her own plus numerous others in preschool, Mary Ann continues to take a special interest in children.
"I loved watching them grow and progress," she said. "It's something I've enjoyed doing."
She follows their progress as they go through school and even as they graduate and go on to college.
"I've noticed the friendships children made in pre-school have carried on through life," she said.
Mary Ann has 18 grandchildren and "almost" six great-grandchildren.
