Last week, Otha Barham’s column was about stalking the wild turkey. Well, at Meridian Activity Center, we pride ourselves in knowing why the pigeon screams! (see Myra Mabry’s poem.)

    That’s from Rene Weiler’s morning yoga class. They do some pretty extreme postures in that 8 a.m. class. There’s nothing quite like challenging yourself in an exercise class.

    Don’t forget we also offer seated exercise classes, floor exercise and strength training. Our newest late afternoon class is Slimnastics – exercise to music that will get your heart beat up. Call the center and try out one day for free – a “Try One for Size!” offer.

     It is fairly obvious that people locally are interested in staying fit. Now that the weather is beginning to improve, we’ll see runners and walkers on the streets in droves.

    We’re expecting Lowell Hummer to return soon for more Vietnamese Longevity Stick (check out on the Internet by that name) and Tai Chi. These two classes are for all ages and will increase balance, strength and stability. Look for her classes in May.

     Meridian Activity Center line dancers are still practicing on Monday nights; this is a really good aerobic exercise class — and a lot of fun. Plus, it’s on Monday nights so we have popcorn at break time.

    So few people know of the many perks of coming to the center. Where else can you go to see Felder Rushing’s “Potato in a Tire” garden?

     As much as I’d love to see our exercise classes grow (we do offer the best prices in town), we just do not have the space for a lot more. Thank goodness there are others responding to the need in our area: Anderson Health and Fitness Center is about to expand and include a pool (Hooray! There is nothing like water aerobics for an easy workout), Meridian Community College has a fitness center and water aerobics (our Slimnastics teacher, Julia Hayes also teaches there), RecWorld Gym/Laughing Lllama off North Hills Street has a free yoga class on Thursday nights, Best Bodies and Black Eagle.

     Then, there’s my sister who thinks I need to get Lap Band Surgery. Granted, exercise is not a whole lot of fun – it’s always best to have a friend with you. I seem to prefer watching Dr. Oz talk about exercise and proper eating habits – to doing the work. Oh well. Weather is warming up, I can try walking again around the center.

 

This week

    • Wednesday – Open Meeting of the Lauderdale County Council on Aging, from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. to discuss senior needs in our area.

    • Thursday – Suzanne Boyd’s Jewelry Class begins at 9 a.m.

    •  March 27 – Herb Festival, Ocean Springs.

 

    Come join us! Meridian Activity Center is located at 3300 32nd Ave., between Meridian High School, Northwest and Church of the Mediator. The best approach is from 29th Avenue at 36th Street. Call me at (601) 485-1812, if lost. Check out the meridianms.org Web site for class information.

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

mactivitycenter@gmail.com

 

I Know Why the Pigeon Screams

 

Sittin’ round feeling low,

            Needin’ a better place to go.

So stead of poutin’ and getting’ blue,

            Yoga seemed like the thing to do.

I signed up and began to move,

            Feeling happy and in the groove.

Move this, stretch that,

            Crouchin’ on the floor like a big bad cat.

Lunge like a warrior with a spear,

            Hold in your gut and tighten your rear.

Stand on one leg—try not to fall!     

            Listen to teacher and follow her call.

Sit like a lotus if you dare,

            Those who can are truly rare.

So we do a simple half lotus,

            Hopin’ the teacher will never notice.

Thread the needle as you lie on your cot,

            O My Lord, I’m tied in a knot.

And as painful to some as it often seems,

            I know why the pigeon screams.

                                      – by Myra Mabry