Morrison happy to be back at Senior Nutrition Center

A face that is familiar to many Henryetta citizens is happy to be back on the job, one which she says is her “calling.”

Donna Morrison returned as site manager at the senior center in Sept. 2022, under the direction of MC Nutrition of Muskogee. MC Nutrition serves Okmulgee County, under the supervision of the Eastern Oklahoma Development District.

Morrison, who worked for some 25 years at the center, retired in 2012, but was recruited to make a return after the departure of the last manager.

“I was here when they built this (building),” Morrison said. “I worked at the old building on Main Street. When they wanted to build this one, I was the head cook then.”

Though she was retired, she still longed to be around the senior citizens and the center, and would in on occasion. She jumped at the opportunity to return as manager when the opportunity arose.

“Basically I tell them, ‘I work for you, and this is your home,” she said.

Morrison took some time out this week to encourage seniors to come visit and eat at the center, and share in events and camaraderie.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a major change in the way senior residents were fed in the community. Meals were delivered or picked up during the time the center was closed, but has now reopened fully for community members.

The center is open from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with lunch served at 11:30 a.m.

There are 23 meals that are picked up by residents, while over 20 seniors eat at the center. There are about 18 meals that are delivered to homes, which begins at 10:30 a.m. by driver and part-time cook Gilbert Palacios. “We serve about 60 something so far,” Morrison said. “But it has really grown since I’ve been back.”

Helping make the operation run smoothly is head cook Kaye Morris, assisted by Tiffany Stogner. A host of volunteers help prepare, serve, decorate, organize fun activities and clean. They include Loretta Langston, Kay Vance, and Mary Stidman, Shirley Cook, and Cathy Sutton.

Morrison, who is 72, says she loves her job.

“I think this is what I actually was meant to do,” she said. “I love it and I love the people, and they were so excited when I came back.”

The Senior Center is almost like a home away from home for residents. There are games available, books of all genres and topics, magazines, and puzzles, which, after being completed, are mounted and framed as artwork around the facility.

“All the pictures on the walls here are puzzles,” Morrison said. “Our game room is in there. On holidays, we have parties, and Bingo.”

She pointed out a volunteer who comes in once a week and assists attendees with art work.

On Wednesday, OSU Extension Educator Jill Gibbons was present to share some health related information. Currently, she is presenting once a month the program “Journey Through Health” which covers a variety of subjects related to senior health issues. She plans to begin a senior exercise program soon.

Morrison stated that many seniors enjoy visiting following their meal, and stated “they (seniors) need to get out and socialize and that’s what we’re trying to do - get them away from their home and TV and be around people. I’m glad they are coming and even have four that just signed up for Friday.”

The Henryetta site serves local residents but also has people from Dewar coming to eat.

Morrison stressed that it is important in her job to really enjoy what you do.

The holidays are always a fun time at the center, and next week Easter will be the theme for their party, as volunteers have already started decorating the site.

Morrison reminds those wishing to eat or receive nutritious meals must sign up or call in in advance. This ensures that there is plenty of food for the residents, and there is no waste.

“We have a menu we go by, and I do all the ordering,” she said.

One of the things Morrison hopes to be able to offer, if physically possible, is to find a way to offer rides to the facility for those unable to drive themselves or without transportation. Some residents use K.A.T.S. to get to the nutrition center.

Morrison is excited about being back in the midst of things, and extends a personal invitation to stop by and enjoy a good meal and fellowship with others.

For more information on MC Nutrition at the Henryetta site, call 918652-3086.