MERIDIAN — Meridian is one of the few cities in Mississippi to have a city-supported community center. During its 30-year history, Meridian Activity Center has operated under several guises for 30 years – Bonita Community Center, Senior Citizen Center, Kendalwood and Tuxedo Community Center.

    Open to adults over the age of 21, the facility is located in an older residential area in the old Lamar Elementary School, in the heart of Meridian (between Meridian High School and Northwest Junior High School). I mention this because as long as we have been offering classes and events, we still hear “I didn’t even know this place existed!” We call ourselves Meridian’s best kept secret.

     In fact, most people think the center is for seniors only. Well, considering the prices offered to seniors in our area – 50 percent off—the majority of students are seniors! But for only $25, a 22-year old man can take a stained glass class for eight weeks! (his grandfather, $12.50)

     However, Meridian Activity Center is not only about the prices. We are more about providing a place for residents of our city and county to exercise their bodies and minds, in becoming more social and accepting of others of different backgrounds and ideas. Some people have been coming here for years just to play cards or dominoes. Others come in the afternoon to play a game of snooker or pool.

     The majority of people who use the center are retirees. We are only open one night so far -– Monday, until 8:30. That is the time for line dancing, computer, art, flower arranging, quilting – subjects we find popular for working folks to enjoy after a day of work. We would like to be open more nights a week; if we felt that more people would turn out to use the facility in the evenings, we could make those arrangements.

     One large group that has consistently played here is the Duplicate Bridge players. We’ve all heard that playing games like bridge is good for the brain, keeping it active to stave off "old timer’s disease." Tommie Pritchard is the reason this group keeps growing; she will begin another class this month on Fridays, from 10 a.m.-noon for beginners. She needs at least eight players; better to have 10. Call (601) 485-1812 if you think you’d like to begin.

     At a recent Saturday night dance at the center with Otha Barham playing, a gentleman told me he’d like to start playing Pinochle if he could get enough players. Anyone out there interested? We have had ladies playing Rook on Fridays and others playing Canasta.

 

Weight Watchers



    Besides several exercise classes we have had great success bringing Weight Watchers (Penny McKinnis) to the center on Monday nights, from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. So we are trying again for 2012; a 10-week class is being offered for $120. As soon as we get 15 people to join, we can begin. Call the center for more information.

 

Yoga



    As far as exercise goes, we have an excellent seated exercise class four mornings a week with Johnnie Jenkins, from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. Rene Weiler continues the early morning yoga, from 8 a.m.-9 a.m., followed by a strength-training class. The regular practice of yoga has been shown produce physical benefits including reduced anxiety, stress and blood pressure levels, and increased relaxation, flexibility, strength, endurance and energy levels.

     Pat Wilson is our newest yoga instructor. She has recently studied in Massachusetts at the Kripalu Center and is excited about her latest experience and wants to share with others. While her morning class will continue as usual, from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m., Monday/Wednesday/Friday, she also wants to have an evening class on Tuesday and Friday evenings.

    We believe a time from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. would be best, before eating a meal and with a two-day interval between classes. If anyone is interested, we would love to offer this class. Call me. If there is enough interest, we will stay open later on these evenings for Pat’s class. I believe that anyone interested in yoga – beginners or advanced – will benefit from her class.

 

Pottery and Ceramics



    Do you know the difference? Come visit our studio and see. Kent Allen is teaching our new hand built pottery class on Wednesdays. Carol Ewing pours molds of your choosing Tuesday and Thursdays.

 

We’re Always Growing

    

    Slimnastics is being offered late afternoons, from 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday/Wednesday/Friday, led by Brenda Golisch (of Make A Wish Foundation) until our leader Julia Hayes can get back to us. This is a high-energy class, “a lil bit of dis and lil bit of dat.” We use elastic straps one day, balls another and a combination of those with weights. You will not be bored!

     Joyce Wagner teaches line dancing on Monday nights, starting at 6, and does an excellent job of tossing in all kinds of music to line dance to. Who would imagine a waltzing line? The fee is four nights for $15. She will take time for beginners.

     A Caregiver’s Support Group is meeting bi-monthly on the third Friday, from 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.. The next meet is Jan. 20. Ruth Sanders is the group leader and she can be reached at (601) 207-0054.

     Strength training has proven to be instrumental in developing stronger bones and balance. We have one class already – from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. – with Rene Weiler. But now we are offering another, from 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m., before Pat Wilson’s Yoga class. Bring ankle and hand weights to class.

     Joyce Luke has settled in to teaching Decorative Painting on Monday afternoons and evenings. It has always been a popular form of painting, using stencils for a foolproof guide to creating pictures to hang on your wall or decorate a box or door. She will show you the proper way to hold your brush for various effects, shading and color choice. No need to be fearful of your stick-figure drawing in this class.

     This is only half of what we are offering at Meridian Activity Center this year. Stay tuned for more in the paper in two weeks.

    We are located at 3300-32nd Avenue — turn off 29th Avenue at 36th Street, west, turn left at 32nd Avenue. We are at the end of two dead end streets. All roads lead to the center!

    Call me if you get lost, (601) 485-1812. Classes begin Monday. It’s not too late!

 



    • Barbara Wells is director of Meridian Activity Center. You may e-mail her at mactivitycenter@gmail.com