Do you think there is some kind of subconscious element working in a person who, upon opening a drawer or cupboard door, does not close it after?

It’s something I’ve recently noticed about myself. Could it be that upon reaching middle age one wishes to leave open doors everywhere, giving plenty of opportunity for something new and exciting to enter one’s life? Or does it take just so many cracks on the head or knee to remind one that we are still living and breathing? That the future holds new and wonderful adventures.

Gazing into my crystal ball … I wonder, what does the future hold for the Meridian Senior Citizen Center? In the not too distant future I see a walking path around the back acre … I see a new name for the center — something that will not discourage people from coming to have a good time. We are not simply a bunch of white-headed old ladies, we are all shades of dyed hair! And all ages — from 21 and up!

Perhaps it is wishful thinking, but I can see a room large enough for dance classes and more exercise groups (tai chi, pilates, jazzercise, etc.). Center hours in the future will be extended for working people to come in the evenings and on Saturdays. The kitchen will have a Viking stove and we will conduct cooking classes with chefs from local restaurants.

We’ll make cappuccino and special espresso coffees and teas. Friday nights we will have “Open Mike” for musicians and/or writers to share. We’ll have a pottery studio and a darkroom! Our secret life will become open to all. Tune in same time 10 years from now to see where we are!

Don’t you feel Meridian is on the brink? The brink of something really great, I mean! Creatively speaking, we’re about to bust wide open with opportunity and growth!

If you haven’t felt it yet, go to one of the Literary Artist on Stage productions at the Daily Grind, check out the local Museum of Art openings held monthly, events at Meridian Community College, Continuing Education classes: Ukrainian egg decorating for goodness‚ sake! I truly believe that Meridianites are beginning to understand that we are not alone.

Our town is becoming multicultural, and we are learning and sharing with people from all over the world of all ages. As Martha would say, “It’s a good thing.”



Workshops on Saturday in February

Here’s an opportunity for all you working 9-to-5ers to take a class. The center is open every second Saturday for Bill Hughes’ genealogy computer class and for dancing in the evening with Marvin Weir and the Good Timers.

This coming Saturday, the following workshops will be offered:

Swedish Weaving with Sandra Vick. She has also promised to bring her dulcimer and play for anyone interested in this beautiful sound.

Bob Ross painting class led by Cecelia McCormick beginning at 9 a.m. All day. By registration and there is a fee.



Other events in February

On Monday, Feb. 27, from 8:30 a.m.- noon, Carole Ewing will teach the first half of a Mosaic Mirror workshop. The second part, grouting, will be on Wednesday, March 1. The fee is $35; preregistration is required to have enough materials on hand. Phone Carole at (601) 485-1810. Mail your check to Ceramics at 3300 32nd Ave., Meridian, MS 39305.

Friday, Feb. 24, Vick will teach another Swedish Weaving class for those who missed the earlier workshop. Preregistration is required. Phone (601) 485-1812.

Tuesday Soup Day is still going strong. We’re usually sold out by noon, so please call a day in advance if you plan to come so I’m sure to have plenty for everyone. Oddly the most popular lunch is the roasted potato and sausage; it is also the easiest to make. For myself or a small group, I pre-bake three or four potatoes, cut them into bite-size chunks, add two big bell peppers (colored are especially nice), onions and enough olive oil to coat all the vegetables. These are baked with no cover in a 350-400 degree oven about an hour until tender. Maybe 15 minutes before serving I chop up polish kielbasa or sausage and mix in with the rest, pop back in the oven long enough to warm everything. Salt and pepper to taste. It’s comfort food for me on weekends. And everyone here seems to like it a lot.

It’s not too late. The Senior Citizen Center is not just about scheduled classes for eight weeks. There’s still time to join in the following classes and activities: cake decorating on Tuesday mornings; line dancing on Monday nights; violin and cello music lessons on Monday at noon; and literary discussion group on Wednesdays at noon; duplicate bridge in the afternoon; Scrabble on Thursday mornings.

Exercise is Monday, Wednesday or Friday. Yoga is Monday, Wednesday or Friday. Ceramic studio is Monday nights, Tuesday or Thursday.



Coming Soon

Senior American Month will be here before you know it! Time to get in shape for those special tournaments: golf, bowling, pool, cake walking. Pool players may have some particularly interesting competition this year. We have some ladies talking about beating the pants off those old coots who win every year! Mark your calendars for the fish fry to be held on Friday, May 19, this year.

Where are we located? I know we’re difficult to find, but the city will be remedying that this year with more directional signs.

Just remember that we are in the center of town, if you have a Meridian map — not downtown, but between downtown and North Hills Street, west of 29th Avenue and 36th Street. 3300 32nd Ave. Phone us at (601) 485-1812 if you get lost.