Eighth Edition: March 31, 2020
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Community Clicks
Mississippi Insight Meditation begins online presence
Story by Andy Kanengiser
Mississippi Insight Meditation members are adjusting to an online format this month due to the rapid spread of the Coronavirus pandemic.
As March turned to April, the USA remained the world leader in COVID-19 cases. On March 31, there were more than 3,700 deaths in America due to the novel virus outbreak. There were nearly 1,000 cases in Mississippi, with 20 deaths reported as of March 31.
Due to health and safety concerns, Mississippi Insight Meditation classes will no longer meet in a private residence along the Gulf Coast.
“We will definitely have an online presence on Monday (April 6),’’ says Kristie Grasis, president of the all-volunteer group.
That effort includes going to YouTube, keeping in touch with members daily via Facebook and through constant email exchanges.
It’s happening in the “new normal’’ across the nation with thousands of schools and colleges closed, except for online classes. Many businesses are shut, too. Popular restaurants are staying open through to-go orders. Millions of people across the USA are isolated in their homes.
It’s a time of stress and angst for nations around the world. Meditation can help people get through this health pandemic.
“It helps with anxiety,’’ says Grasis, a Gulfport resident the past two years.
Meditation certainly changed the life of the Connecticut native in a positive way.
People are clearly worried as experts predict America’s death toll from the virus could climb to 200,000 or more in the coming weeks and months.
Mediation, she said, gets people of all ages to focus on the “here and now.’’
Grasis and Lanee Hughes, the new non-profit organization’s Sangha Relations (public relations) Director, are both advocates for meditation classes. It’s a nice way to help people relax amid tough times now.
Eventually the Coronavirus will be conquered through a vaccine and other measures. Meanwhile, Mississippians and folks across America are practicing social distancing.
MS Aquarium grand opening to benefit Gulf Coast
Story by Andy Kanengiser
Mississippi Gulf Coast casinos are closed, many popular restaurants are shuttered and so are museums. Fans of the Biloxi Shuckers must wait until the 2020 baseball season begins. Churches are focused on providing live online services Sunday mornings as late March turns to April.
The impact of the COVID-19 health crisis is being heavily felt on the Gulf Coast and around the world this Spring. But the deadly pandemic won’t last forever.
People continue to be pumped about construction of the Mississippi Aquarium overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The multi-million dollar facility was originally set to open April 30. But that date was pushed back and the event will happen later in 2020.
Being built on 5.8 acres across U.S. 90, the innovative aquarium in Gulfport will give thousands of visitors an inside look at fish species from Coastal Mississippi and waters far beyond.
“We have made incredible progress and look forward to welcoming our animals to their new home as soon as possible,’’ says David Kimmel, the Mississippi Aquarium president.
The aquarium is situated across the highway from scenic Jones Park. It’s pretty easy for drivers along U.S. 90 to watch the construction progress this Spring.
One longtime Mississippi Gulf Coast resident thrilled to see the first-class aquarium get closer to the finish line is former Gulfport Mayor Bob Short. For the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast, “it will be an outstanding new feature,’’ Short says. No doubt, the aquarium will attract a steady stream of Mississippi residents and tourists spanning the globe, he predicts. It will reap economic as well as educational benefits to enrich the community. Visitors will get the rare opportunity to see dolphins, sharks, turtles and much more. There is a very nice aquarium in New Orleans, Louisiana. But the Mississippi Aquarium will provide something fantastic for thousands of Mississippians closer to home, supporters say. “It will be something new and exciting,’’ Short says.