The countdown has begun for the Lauderdale Council on Aging’s annual celebration of Older Americans Month in May.

In keeping with this year’s theme, “Age Out Loud,” organizers hope to give aging a new voice – one that reflects what today’s older adults have to say – with lots of free activities for people 55 and older in Meridian and Lauderdale County.

Older Americans are working longer, trying new things, and engaging in their communities, according to the Older Americans Month website. They’re taking charge, striving for wellness, focusing on independence and advocating for themselves and others.

First on the calendar of events is a golf tournament on May 2 at Lakeview Golf Course sponsored by Compassus Hospice.

The 4-person scramble is free to residents of Meridian and Lauderdale County age 55 and up. Registration begins at 8 a.m., with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. First place receives $40 for each team member, second place $30 per member and third place $20 per member. There will be a prize of $20 for the two longest drives of $20, and a prize of $20 for one closest to the hole. Chick-fil-A and orange juice will be provided by Compassus Hospice.

Compassus and Palliative Care said Older Americans are the backbone of our community and must be treated with respect and dignity, according to Executive Director Ginger Alford. 

“There are many needs related to our aging population and we share the beliefs of this organization that we can make a difference,” Alford said. “There are countless hours put into planning events for our 55 plus population that allow them to have a little fun and learn about resources available, at no cost to them.

“OAM is a way to celebrate their accomplishments and thank them for what they have done to make Lauderdale County a better place.”

New this year will be a comedy event on May 9 at Northcrest Baptist Church on North Hills Street. You don’t want to miss the “true” tall tales that will be told by some well-known locals, and we will have you home by dark, said OAM board member Susie Broadhead.

“This event will feature Herman Stegall’s telling of the last day that his mother, a resident of Aldersgate, drove a vehicle,” Broadhead said. “Suffice it to say, there was a reason that it was the last day that she drove a vehicle. The story is something that could not be made up.

“Emceeing the event will be Rev. Davey Wilkinson, a retired United Methodist Church minister whose tall tales include antics from his youth. 

The comedy event will begin with a light supper provided by Rush Health Systems and AARP.  Melinda Bertucci, AARP of Mississippi’s associate state director of advocacy, will speak briefly on the benefits offered senior citizens by AARP.

Other events for the month include: a pool tournament at Meridian Activities Center at 2 p.m. May 10, sponsored by Home Instead and Harper’s Hospice; a bowling tournament at Family Bowl Lanes at 1 p.m. May 16, sponsored by LCCOA and Deaconess Home Care; and a cake walk at Meridian Activities Center at 2 p.m. May 19, sponsored by Aldersgate. In addition, Bingo with prize money and snacks will begin at 2 p.m. every Thursday in May at the center.

Broadhead said one of the largest and most well-attended events during Older Americans Month is the senior services fair and fish fry, which will take place May 26 at the Frank Cochran Center in Highland Park. The senior services fair begins at 8 a.m., and the fish fry begins at 11 a.m. and ends when “all the fish is gone,” she said.

“The fish is cooked by the 186th Air Refueling Wing and served by the shipmates from Naval Air Station Meridian with the slaw made by Chunky Shoals Fish Camp,” Broadhead said. “There will be 800-plus seniors that will come out to be entertained, eat lunch and socialize.”

Wrapping up the month will be an “Age Out Loud” Gala scheduled from 7-9 p.m. May 27 at the Frank Cochran Center sponsored by the City of Meridian. There is no charge, but tickets are needed.

Broadhead credits the support received from the City of Meridian, Lauderdale County’s Board of Supervisors, numerous area businesses, organizations and individuals for the success of the events.

“Our council has been continuously active since our founding in 1970 and our existence gives the aging population of local communities solutions to improve their lives through activities designed for them and offered free of charge,” Broadhead said.

For more information about the Council on Aging, call Meridian Activity Center at 601-485-1812 or Lauderdale County Council on Aging on Facebook. Meridian Activity Center is located at 3300 32nd Ave.