After the long season of isolation due to COVID-19, seniors and people of all ages gathered on August 12 for the annual Seniors Picnic fundraiser.

Corky McCroskey has grilled hot dogs and burgers. There were many other tasty foods in the queue including delicious homemade desserts.

But best of all was the warm camaraderie among the citizens of Morrison. The friendships seemed especially refreshing after being quarantined for over a year.

McCroskey and Roy Fleshman announced the after-dinner events. The Senior Citizens of the Year have been unveiled: for 2020, the former cooks of the Senior Citizens Center LJ and Charlotte Stivers have been chosen. They are the parents of Michelle Shiplett, who works at the First National Bank and Trust Company in Morrison.

The Stivers were both victims of a debilitating car accident that prevented them from continuing to cook at Senior Citizens Center. Everyone was happy to see them recovering from their injuries.

Roy Fleshman was named Senior Citizen of the Year for 2021. He is currently the Cook of the Center and was surprised to receive this honor. The three seniors of the year received a container of hot and cold beverage.

McCroskey recognized the volunteer drivers who make meal deliveries for seniors possible.

Fleshman and McCroskey announced the various activities organized at the Center. McCroskey said, “We have been accused of having the best senior music in the state!”

Morrison Music Night takes place every first and third Thursday of the month. Musicians and music lovers from Morrison, Stillwater and surrounding areas gather for a potluck at 6 p.m. The music begins at 6:30 pm and ends at 8:30 pm Participants can register to perform.

Every second Thursday at 11:30 am there is a lively Bingo game. There are card games on Wednesdays at 1 p.m., as well as a craft group that meets at the same time. The artisans are mostly Morrison Grandmothers who enjoy discussing their crochet, knitting, embroidery, and quilting.

Tai Chi classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Also, be sure to browse the abundant collection of books available in the Seniors Library.

There was a prize table overflowing with great prizes for gambling. They included wall hangings, DVDs, fall decorations, pot holders, a purse, crochet items, and an assortment of other loot items. The prizes were offered by the participants.

There was a silent auction with scenic paintings by LJ Stivers, who is a gifted artist. Inspirational baskets, a crochet doll, leaded glass bowl, fleece blanket and hand-made jewelry from Janet Benes were also in the running.

McCroskey explained that the money raised is used for the maintenance of the center and the expenses related to the delivery of meals. “This year is one of the years when the finances haven’t been so high. As long as we have money in the bank, we will continue to feed ourselves!

The games of chance have started, with the Balloon Pop. There were several balloons with $ 5, $ 10 and $ 25 notes.

The card game was won by Bonnie Pancoast. Sherry Williams won the game 50-50 and donated her winnings to the Center. There were many drawings for the items on the Price Table.

The evening of entertainment raised over $ 2,200 for the Morrison Senior Citizens Center.

Anyone interested in meal deliveries can contact Corky McCroskey at 405-880-4839.

Amy Keith lives nearby and writes about the town of Morrison.