The Jimmy Furlow Senior Citizen Center has a new leader.

     Kail Garrett took over the director’s post on April 16 and has hit the floor running.

     “My first week was great,” she said. “I was just trying to learn as much as I can and see what we have going on.”

     A 2007 graduate of Southern Mississippi in therapeutic recreation, Garrett is married to Josh Garrett. The couple calls Wesson home for their family, which includes 6-year-old Wyatt and 3-month-old Walker.

     Garrett replaces Nancy Ray, who left to further her education, said Brookhaven Recreation Department Director Terry Reid. He said the center is fortunate to have had two directors with degrees in therapeutic recreation.

     “We were lucky there,” Reid said.

     Garrett said her initial observations of the center were very positive.

     “The facility is very nice,” Garrett said. “It is spacious and well-kept and there are many things we can do in here.”

     Garrett said she has been busy brainstorming possible activities for the center, and she has one idea so far.

     “I’d like to start a chess club soon,” Garrett said. “One of the gentlemen here suggested that and I think it would be a great idea.”

     The center stays busy, with three to four events held daily.

     The activities include dancing, meetings, presentations and other events for the 50 and older crowd.

     Other things Garrett would like to see started are a scrapbooking group, book club and a talent show.

     “We’re working on holding a talent show next month,” Garrett said.

     But Garrett doesn’t take all the credit for the ideas.

     “My senior aides have been really helpful with me here,” she said.

     Garrett said she’s always open to suggestions from the public.

     For her, older people possess great wisdom.

     “I had a great grandmother who lived to 102 years old,” said Garrett. “I love being around older people and the stories they tell.

     The senior center already has a wide variety of events held regularly.

     Beginning computer classes are taught Monday through Wednesday in the center’s computer lab. The class goes over the basics for seniors who would like to become more familiar with computers.

     Line dancing and square dancing classes are held weekly.

     “Our multi-purpose room gives us the ability to host a wide variety of events,” said Garrett.

     She pointed out that anyone interested in viewing the center’s schedule of events can do so on the Brookhaven Recreation Department’s website at www.brookhavenrecreation.com under ‘senior center’ or can be picked up at the center.

     The Jimmy Furlow Senior Citizen Center is located on South First Street and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.