Beech Tree News Network

Thursday, May 2, was an extraordinary day for one particular employee from MCRC, as well as with past and present employees. The staff and former staff gathered to honor and celebrate Wanda Gaskey's 45 years of service.

Wanda began coming to the facility in second grade, as her mother worked there, and it stirred something in her heart—something extraordinary, so unique that she began her career there at 17.

Forty-five years later, she is still, as her former co-workers remember: positive, uplifting, loving, genuine, and kind. Christie Cockerell (former 20-year employee) and Jerry Cockerell (25-year former employee) were there with bells on to celebrate Wanda, remembering their time with her as "growing up with her." Other former co-workers included Alice Forgy (30 years) and Peggy Neighbors (40 years), all delighted to be a part of Wanda's special day.

Everyone gathered in the lobby at 2 pm, just after Wanda arrived. The residents and the staff were excited because Interim Director Israel Ray had some exceptional items on his list. All at once, two ladies tried to get everyone to file outside to the parking lot across the street for a photo in the church parking lot. It didn't seem to be going well, so Morgantown Mayor Billy Phelps used his Chief of Police tone and directed everyone to file out the doors to the parking lot.

In the parking lot, ample space was marked off, and a crew from WRECC stopped with their bucket truck to take a photo from above as more than 60 previous and current employees/ caregivers stood in the shape of the number' 45'.

 At the same time, Mayor Phelps read a proclamation stating that May 2, 2024, was officially Wanda Gaskey Day for her dedication to our elders and our community.

 After taking the photos, Israel ushered everyone back inside for the beautiful reception the staff put together for Wanda. The Dietary Manager, Kirsten Brooks, made a lovely cake incorporating flowers and the number 45 (all in-house). There were golden balloons, punch, and an excellent and thoughtful gift waiting as well. As Israel presented Wanda with a box, he explained the details of the box, saying that a local woman used glass and metal to fashion a box for her 45-year pin. The glass box, made especially for Wanda, had purple glass, and Israel noted its importance, for in the Bible, purple was the color of royalty. Also waiting for Wanda was a lovely bouquet from a volunteer's garden. 

The CEO of Signature Health could not be there but sent a video congratulating and celebrating Wanda and what she and people like her do for their communities. People shared stories of their years with Wanda and how she always had a positive and loving attitude. This is a servant's heart, and we would all be blessed to have a caregiver with Wanda's heart. 

A special 'thanks' goes out to Kevin Phelps and Alex Walpole from WRECC, Israel Ray, and all the other staff at MCRC for making sure to celebrate dedicated service.