As a new custodian at Wildwood School in Amherst in 1999 I found myself very busy with not only cleaning but also setting up for functions. At times they were back to back with almost no time to break down a stage and chairs for the next event.
My problem was solved by our sixth grade teacher, Brian “Mr. Mac” McNamara, who told me that his students could be my “muscle.”
From that point on I relied on Mac’s students, who always did whatever we asked of them and events went flawlessly.
I then wanted to say thank you to my
”muscle” in a way that the children deserved and had a cookout that continued once a year to until Mac retired years later. I miss those cookouts and knew that Wildwood had lost a great teacher who not only supported students but made staff feel welcome in the school community.
I have been blessed to have worked with him and know that his compassion and approach to teaching was something great that I truly admired.
On Saturday, Mac and his former students will gather at 4 p.m. at Rafter’s in Amherst.
Enjoy your reunion “Mr.Mac.”
Stuart Kinsman
Montague