Jones to lead parks’ senior program

Neely Jones took over as the senior adult coordinator for the Ridgeland Recreation and Parks department  at the end of last month.

Jones took over from Lynda Assink, who has worked with the parks department for the past 22 years.

“I am excited to be here and look forward to taking Lynda’s already successful program and make it even better,” Jones said.

Jones came to the city from Keep Mississippi Beautiful and became familiar with their city department through the city’s Keep Ridgeland Beautiful program.

“They are great,” Jones said. “So far I have loved it here way more than I even expected. Everyone has been so welcoming and it is just a group of best friends.”

Assink announced her retirement in mid-October. Jones started on Oct. 27, a Wednesday, and Assink officially retired the next day. In a letter to the senior adults, Assink welcomed Neely.

“She comes with new, fresh ideas,” Assink wrote. “Please Welcome Neely. I know you will support and assist her as she gets acclimated to her new job. Her skills and talents will be a great addition to our senior adult programs.”

Assink offered a sampling of things she has learned by putting together community events. She said they have all contributed to improving her mental, spiritual and physical health.

She said fitness programs have included exercise classes that meet three times a week and include disciplines such as martial arts and yoga. 

Assink said that exposure to new things such as art, bridge, taekwondo and foreign languages has been a boon to her mental health.

She said the various Bible studies have shown her the “great value” of spiritual health and cited a specific Men’s Bible Group lesson that reminded her that spiritual health is “a daily discipline like brushing your teeth.”

Finally, Assink said she has taken joy from some of the simplest of classes whether they have been a session on gardening, art, dancing or just a bingo game.

“These are just a few of the many life lessons I have gleaned from you,” Assink wrote. “I am so grateful. Thank you.”