Commun ty Matters Salina Presbyterian Manor
August 2018
Mary’s Musings The secret life of worker bees By Mary Bridges, chaplain Salina Presbyterian Manor
About 25 years ago, I worked as a receptionist at a doctor’s office. One morning, I received a frantic call from our daughter, Lisa. Our granddaughter, Kaci, who was about five at the time, and her friend had gotten close to a bush and were attacked by a swarm of bees. The girls had too many bites to count. I suggested my daughter call their doctor. Receptionists really don’t know how to treat patients, even if they are someone’s grandmother. Last month, Presbyterian Manor’s Literary Ladies read the book, “The Secret Life of Bees,” written by Sue Monk Kidd. It tells the story of 14-year-old Lily Owens, whose mother died tragically, and Rosaleen, her black servant, who had run away together. The two end up living with three eccentric sisters called May, June and August who are beekeepers. Lily volunteers to help with beekeeping. The bees in this story symbolize hard work, renewal and healing. The third Saturday in August is National Honey Bee Day. National MUSINGS, continued on page 2
From left, residents Mabelle Mase, Betty Rassette, Ray Salmon and Maxine Strawn taught a combined 140 years in public schools.
Retired educators among us As students of all ages head back to school this month, we want to recognize the former teachers in our community for the years they spent in the classroom educating young minds. Maxine Strawn Retired after 35 years:Taught kindergarten (21 years) and first and second grades (14 years) Why did you become a teacher? “I was given two options—nursing or teaching. My first choice was to be a sports announcer, but I found that was a man’s world. I had been an English major and had developed my writing. I had always loved reading, and wanted to teach children to read.” What did you enjoy most about teaching? “My greatest joy was when I saw the ‘click’ of a child finally understanding the symbols on a EDUCATORS, continued on page 3