We are currently closed until further notice due to the COVID-19 outbreak
Click on the COVID-19 AT HOME PROGRAMS Tab at the top of the page to see upcoming programs
Please view our revised reopening plan for the Senior Center.
Please see directly below for more information
Please view our revised reopening plan for the Senior Center.
Please see directly below for more information
Meridian Senior Center Revised Reopening Plan 7.6.2020
Click "Download File" to view our most recently updated Reopening Plan for the Meridian Senior Center
| updated_meridian_senior_center_reopening_plan_7.6.20.pdf |
EXPERIENCE CLASSES & PROGRAMS AT HOME!
We wanted to bring the Meridian Senior Center's programs and activities to you, in the comfort of your own home. We are offering these programs, classes and activities online via Zoom, and other Video Chat software. Please click on the "COVID-19 AT HOME PROGRAMS" tab at the top of the page for more information.
The Meridian Senior Center believes Black Lives Matter. Below are statements released by our leaders at Okemos Public Schools and Meridian Township
A Message from the Meridian Senior Center:
This past week we were confronted with the horrific murder of George Floyd, followed by protests as well as riots. The struggles people are facing are difficult for everyone to process. The police officer was wrong, and we have to work together to try to heal through careful conversation and understanding.
We believe we must do all we can to learn, to understand, to listen and try to deeply empathize, especially with those who know the sting of death and racism far deeper than us. And, we will strive to become change agents individually and collectively for the betterment of all.
Be compassionate, be generous, be gracious.
John Hood, Superintendent at Okemos Public Schools
"Dear Okemos Community:
As we have witnessed the news and events surrounding racist incidents around the country, the Okemos Public Schools wish to send a message of support to our students, staff and families of color. The heartbreaking incidents of the past several weeks - the fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery as he jogged in his neighborhood by two white men, the false accusations of violence by a white woman against Christian Cooper while he walked in the park, and the killing of George Floyd while in police custody - remind us that we must continue our commitment to address racial injustices in our own community. We recognize that the stories of these Black men are only three among so many other experiences of racial injustice. We acknowledge your voices, your hurt, and your anger. And while we acknowledge that this letter will not fully capture our sentiments and may not fully address your concerns, we recognize that silence would make us unacceptably complicit in matters of racial injustice and inequity.
As Frederick Douglass once asserted, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never has and never will.” As such, we acknowledge racial injustice and stand in support of our Black community as partners in the collective work of demanding equity and justice . We fully commit to this work by seeking to understand each other, by showing empathy and care to each other, by engaging in difficult conversations about race, racism, privilege, and bias, and by working together to identify and deconstruct systems that disadvantage those who have been historically marginalized.
The Okemos Public Schools looks forward to our ongoing partnership with the Midwest and Plains Equity Center which is helping build our capacity to identify institutional bias in our policies, practices, and procedures, so we can take meaningful actions that result in change. We look to further examine ourselves and our systems to identify and address disproportionate actions towards Black students and other marginalized groups. We will learn from the diverse voices on our Cultural Diversity Advisory Committee and others in our community through meaningful discourse. We will participate in ongoing professional development, like MDE’s Black Student Initiative, as well as utilize expertise and resources at local universities, so our staff can better understand and meet the needs of our diverse student body. We look to diversify our staff by examining hiring practices and increasing our outreach through actions like our Diverse Educator symposium. We understand the critical importance and essential need for continued action in this ongoing work. We know we have more to do.
Collectively, we are committed to continual progress in the Okemos Public Schools towards a more equitable institution that perpetuate systems of social justice for all. We welcome and honor your stories, voices and lived experiences as we pursue these ends together."
A message from Meridian Township Police Chief, Ken Plaga:
"In response to current events regarding police brutality, Meridian Township Chief of Police Ken Plaga issued the following message on Tuesday, June 2nd:
Dear Meridian and Williamston Township Residents,
The murder of George Floyd was an inexcusable tragedy. The Meridian Township Police Department extend our sincerest support and sympathy to Mr. Floyd’s family and friends. Our entire Police Department stands with George Floyd and those who demand change. Words are not enough, it requires action to comfort those affected by the events of May 25th. Our community strongly and wholly opposes oppression and racial bias. Our Mission Statement contains key values of our organization, “Understanding”, “Cooperation” and “Equality”. These are not just words but values we hold dear. We will continue to work for the betterment of our community, state and country.
Our Department strives for excellence. We train our officers in techniques that do not place citizens at risk. The Meridian Police Department has policies in place that forbid neck restraint as a method of control. This type of restraint is dangerous and excessive. It exposes citizens to undue risk and is archaic. The events in Minneapolis should have never occurred. We strive to ensure they will never happen here.
Our entire Department embraces the community we serve. The reason we put on our uniform every day is to protect and serve. We want you to feel safe and secure. We have failed, if there is ever a time that our presence makes you feel frightened.
We not only serve this community, we are a part of this community. Regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or personal views, we want you to know we are here for you. We promise we will treat you with dignity and respect to ensure your value as a human being is honored.
The Meridian Township Police Department stands with you. We stand for you."
Ken Plaga, Chief of Police
Meridian Township
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the Meridian Township Police Department at 517.853.4800."
This past week we were confronted with the horrific murder of George Floyd, followed by protests as well as riots. The struggles people are facing are difficult for everyone to process. The police officer was wrong, and we have to work together to try to heal through careful conversation and understanding.
We believe we must do all we can to learn, to understand, to listen and try to deeply empathize, especially with those who know the sting of death and racism far deeper than us. And, we will strive to become change agents individually and collectively for the betterment of all.
Be compassionate, be generous, be gracious.
John Hood, Superintendent at Okemos Public Schools
"Dear Okemos Community:
As we have witnessed the news and events surrounding racist incidents around the country, the Okemos Public Schools wish to send a message of support to our students, staff and families of color. The heartbreaking incidents of the past several weeks - the fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery as he jogged in his neighborhood by two white men, the false accusations of violence by a white woman against Christian Cooper while he walked in the park, and the killing of George Floyd while in police custody - remind us that we must continue our commitment to address racial injustices in our own community. We recognize that the stories of these Black men are only three among so many other experiences of racial injustice. We acknowledge your voices, your hurt, and your anger. And while we acknowledge that this letter will not fully capture our sentiments and may not fully address your concerns, we recognize that silence would make us unacceptably complicit in matters of racial injustice and inequity.
As Frederick Douglass once asserted, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never has and never will.” As such, we acknowledge racial injustice and stand in support of our Black community as partners in the collective work of demanding equity and justice . We fully commit to this work by seeking to understand each other, by showing empathy and care to each other, by engaging in difficult conversations about race, racism, privilege, and bias, and by working together to identify and deconstruct systems that disadvantage those who have been historically marginalized.
The Okemos Public Schools looks forward to our ongoing partnership with the Midwest and Plains Equity Center which is helping build our capacity to identify institutional bias in our policies, practices, and procedures, so we can take meaningful actions that result in change. We look to further examine ourselves and our systems to identify and address disproportionate actions towards Black students and other marginalized groups. We will learn from the diverse voices on our Cultural Diversity Advisory Committee and others in our community through meaningful discourse. We will participate in ongoing professional development, like MDE’s Black Student Initiative, as well as utilize expertise and resources at local universities, so our staff can better understand and meet the needs of our diverse student body. We look to diversify our staff by examining hiring practices and increasing our outreach through actions like our Diverse Educator symposium. We understand the critical importance and essential need for continued action in this ongoing work. We know we have more to do.
Collectively, we are committed to continual progress in the Okemos Public Schools towards a more equitable institution that perpetuate systems of social justice for all. We welcome and honor your stories, voices and lived experiences as we pursue these ends together."
A message from Meridian Township Police Chief, Ken Plaga:
"In response to current events regarding police brutality, Meridian Township Chief of Police Ken Plaga issued the following message on Tuesday, June 2nd:
Dear Meridian and Williamston Township Residents,
The murder of George Floyd was an inexcusable tragedy. The Meridian Township Police Department extend our sincerest support and sympathy to Mr. Floyd’s family and friends. Our entire Police Department stands with George Floyd and those who demand change. Words are not enough, it requires action to comfort those affected by the events of May 25th. Our community strongly and wholly opposes oppression and racial bias. Our Mission Statement contains key values of our organization, “Understanding”, “Cooperation” and “Equality”. These are not just words but values we hold dear. We will continue to work for the betterment of our community, state and country.
Our Department strives for excellence. We train our officers in techniques that do not place citizens at risk. The Meridian Police Department has policies in place that forbid neck restraint as a method of control. This type of restraint is dangerous and excessive. It exposes citizens to undue risk and is archaic. The events in Minneapolis should have never occurred. We strive to ensure they will never happen here.
Our entire Department embraces the community we serve. The reason we put on our uniform every day is to protect and serve. We want you to feel safe and secure. We have failed, if there is ever a time that our presence makes you feel frightened.
We not only serve this community, we are a part of this community. Regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or personal views, we want you to know we are here for you. We promise we will treat you with dignity and respect to ensure your value as a human being is honored.
The Meridian Township Police Department stands with you. We stand for you."
Ken Plaga, Chief of Police
Meridian Township
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the Meridian Township Police Department at 517.853.4800."
