By Staff
VISITING FRIENDS – Francis Roscoe, left, Rhoda Daniels, Callie Anderson and Laura Wilson enjoy visiting with each other during a recent fish fry for senior citizens at the Frank Cochran Center. Activities continue this week in celebration of Older Americans Month. Photo by Paula Merritt / The Meridian Star
By Penny Randall / staff writer
May 13, 2002
At 72, Jim Knowles has survived angioplasty and a stroke that temporarily paralyzed his right arm and caused him to lose his voice.
Now, the retired officer of the Mississippi Air National Guard is going strong playing a major role organizing Older Americans Month in May.
Thanks to Knowles and a committee of 12 other people, senior citizens in and around Meridian have enjoyed a month of activities including bingo, golf and a cake walk.
Last week, more than 900 seniors enjoyed food and entertainment during the Catfish &Trimmings luncheon at the Frank Cochran Center.
Activities continue this week with a health fair set for today at the Senior Citizens Center, a walk-a-thon on Wednesday at Bonita Lakes Mall and a bowling tournament May 14 at Dixie Bowling Lanes.
All events are free to senior citizens over the age of 55.
Knowles became part of the Lauderdale County Council on Aging in 1994 after he received a request from his good friend, Meridian City Councilwoman Barbara Henson.
Knowles believes keeping active is what keeps him young and has helped him recover from his stroke. He said the Senior Citizens Center is a great place for older adults.
Knowles said there are advantages to getting older.