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Retiree Spotlight
Fred and Marion Rose
Fred Rose, a former customer service representative, retired from the Postal Service in 2003 after 27 years of service. His wife, Marion, worked for the Postal Service for 13 years as a letter carrier. By the time Fred retired, they lived in Connecticut for30 years. Fred wanted to move some place warm, so they considered moving to Florida, Texas or Misissippi, but hurricanes and the threat of hurricanes kept them from in one place.
Fred and Marion combined their nomadic spirit and desire to help others to create a unique lifestyle. They have spent their retirement years offering help whereever needed. During a volunteer effort at a children's hospital, Marion came up with the idea of making Dino babies and Dino buddies, toys made from recycled fabrics, to donate to children and adults of all ages for the cost of a smile. Today, Fred and Marion have donated over 10,000 Dino buddies to local schools, hospitals or anyone needing comforting.
Dino buddies are a labor of love. After Marion makes the patterns, Fred cuts them out and gives them back to Marion to sew. Fred then stuffs them with plactic trash bags and Marion adds the final stitches. Recently, Marion taught Fred to sew on buttons. All of the materials used to make the Dino buddies are donated by children museums, local furniture stores, fabric or auto upholstery stores. Making Dino buddies are good for the enviroment because they are made from recycled materials. According to Marion, lots of fabric can be used to make Dino buddies, including old curtains and tablecloths.
Fred and Marion’s roaming philanthropic spirit has them donating their time at minor league ball parks in the summer. Their duties might include working as ushers, parking lot attendants, running kid zones, gate keepers and security personnel. One of their most memorable experiences this summer includes working with the Panda Bear exhibit at the Memphis Zoo and working with their friends at the Children’s Museum of Memphis.
Fred and Marion even helped the Charleston police. Among other duties, Fred dressed up as McGruff the Crime Dog at public events. Click here to read the story.
Keeping Posted received a few Dino buddies from Marion and Fred too. We’re proudly displaying them and will keep them as a reminder of loving and giving spirit of Fred and Marion Rose.
Both Fred and Marion Rose are former postal workers.
Since Fred retired, they have traveled across the country devoting their lives to helping others.