The state Health Department is currently five months behind in payments for state food programs due to federal funding “that has kept our lunch program going,” but it’s expected funding will be available soon.

That’s what Hennessey Senior Citizen President Teresa Dillon told members of that group during their Dec. 10 meeting at the Town Community Center.

Lunch Numbers are Up

“There were 14 or 15 here yesterday for lunch,” Dillon told the group last week. “And November numbers averaged 17.3 meals (up from 10 a day in October).”

Dillon said she met with Hennessey Town Administrator Tiffany Rowen the day before the meeting. The town has agreed to a $1 a year rental on its community center (that was gifted to the town by the Senior Citizen group).

Dillon said the town board realizes there are some upgrades that will need to be made by them, and the board, to the building.

There are some “portable” items in the kitchen that will need to be replaced by the Senior Citizen group. A new commercial refrigerator is needed for the weekly food program and will cost about $500, she said.

A hand-washing sink is needed and the dishwasher needs to be removed and replaced to bring the kitchen up to code, Dillon said.

“The stainless steel tables in the kitchen are ours,” Dillon added, “as well as all of the tables and chairs.”

Dillon said Rowen told her the town may need to use that facility for some town board meetings so the town will be putting in an internet system.

There was also a discussion about putting a television at the center and Pam Joseph volunteered to donate “two or three TVs.”

Meals Are Available for All Ages

The 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. lunch program is open to all ages and there is eating in, taking out or delivery (inside the town limits), available Monday-Friday each week (except holidays).

Call the day before if you want a meal, or delivery inside the Hennessey town limits.

The lunch cost is $8 per person and includes an entree, sides, salad, dessert and a beverage.

To schedule a take-out or delivery inside the town limits, the center number is 405-853-6726. Calling the day before service is recommended.

Gift Cards for Lunch

Dillon also discussed selling gift cards for the lunch program lunches. It’s the perfect size for a stocking stuffer, she said.

Each gift card is the cost of the meal, $8. It’s suggested you call the center to make sure volunteers are available to fill your order.

Volunteer Doll Curator Wanted

The group discussed the Jane Baker doll collection now on display at the center.

They are looking for someone who could curate the collection so it could be kept if there was information available about them.

There are no funds to pay someone for that information. If a volunteer is not found, the group decided that the dolls will be sold in a Senior Citizen fundraiser auction next month.

Jan. 17 Fundraiser

Senior Citizens will have a fundraiser from 3 to 6 p.m. at the center Saturday, Jan. 17. They will be joined by members of the Coronado Masonic Lodge #56 in Hennessey.

The Senior Citizen board was scheduled to meet with Ish Ingle Monday afternoon to discuss plans and how the Masons will participate.

Other Dec. 10 Business • There was also a discussion about the possible need for a second volunteer to make lunch deliveries. Barbara Roberts has made the deliveries for many years and plans to continue.

• Theresa Helms, board member, said she has been working on some of the required state and federal paperwork, as well as workmen’s compensation insurance.

• Replacement of carpeting.

Present at the Meeting

In addition to Dillon and Helms, all other Senior Citizen board members were also present: Pam Joseph, Shirley Koons, and Barb Walter.

Also attending were Lavonne O’Bryant, Tim Taggart, Barbara Roberts, Lilly Rourke, Joyce Thomas, LaNita Killian, Doris Schultz and Jack Quirk.

The Senior Citizen director and cook, Shannon Miller, was in the kitchen preparing lunch. Most of those attending the meeting also stayed for lunch.