A colorful jubilation got underway on May 1, 2021, as patrons celebrated 23 years since the birth of Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. The special occasion was welcomed by a beautiful, clear day. And the bright colored tablecloths on tabletops lined under the oaks set the scene for a Happy Birthday Tea Party. 
     The Center’s Executive Director, Cindy DeFrances, greeted guests with “Welcome everyone for a fun-filled event!”  DeFrances has a long history of hospitality for Lynn Meadows and for the city of Gulfport.  She is a local girl who graduated from Gulfport High School and went on to teach and principal in the Gulfport school system. DeFrances has worked at Lynn Meadows for over 10 years and was ready to celebrate again after being shuttered since Covid-19 postponed most celebrations last year. She knew everyone was ready for a party so what better time to plan one than for the 23^rd Birthday of Lynn Meadows Discovery Center.
     Joining DeFrances for the big event was Sonja Gillis, the Center’s marketing and public relations director.  Gillis had spent years in the for-profit world and said, “I am delighted to be able to support and advertise the non-profit Lynn Meadows Discovery Center.”

     Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, located at 246 Dolan Ave., in Gulfport, is housed in a 1915 era schoolhouse, just off the beach. When looking for an inclusive, hands-on special place for children and their grown-ups, look no further. You walk through a welcoming and colorfully painted playhouse style entrance with shelves loaded with enticing educational toys. The path leads to the actual converted brick school building which houses two floors of imagination centers. There is a pretend train station with ample seating on the train, a boat to be loaded with cargo using a crane, a veterinarian clinic and animals to be doctored, a TV station that includes microphones and green screen to project the weather report done by visiting announcers, a well-stocked grocery store that includes a fish market and dry goods with cash register set ups for lively shopping and play. The tea party and soda station are ready for visitors to arrange and rearrange on their way from the safari jeep with a menagerie of animals and the kid-sized airplane cockpit with uniforms.  To reach the second floor, take the special route for children of all ages, the helix, that can be walked or crawled.  There is the regular route to the second floor by the spiral ramp or by elevator. The Center has been turned into a wonderland of imagination where children and adults will have hours of education and entertainment.
     The Center relies on fundraisers and an army of volunteers who join the dedicated employees making the “happenings” possible and welcome to children of all ages.  Ashley Butsch, Angela Guirola, were two of the many volunteers from the Junior Auxiliary of Gulfport manning the tables filled with colorful cupcakes and the teacart.  Jodi DuMond, who has worked for Lynn Meadows for almost five years, was at the jacks and marble tables to the delight of Andrew and Christian Aysenne, and Victoria Aysenne, their mother, who said, “I was delighted to find out about the Tea Party today, and the boys love it here.”

     The children went from playing jacks to listening to “Mother Goose” (Kat Hamiter) reading nursery rhymes from a delightful popup book under a wind whipped wispy canopy. Ms. Hamiter, a certified teacher, said she offers Bear Club classes at the Center for children ages 0-5 on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. She also has Engineering Classes for home schooled children ages 7-10 on Mondays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Center. Mother Goose was joined by her admirer and husband of 30 years, Rhett Hamiter.  He shared, “I have been her volunteer and right-hand shape cutter ever since she started teaching.” Mr. Hamiter also volunteers at the Seaman’s Center at the Port of Gulfport and Rebecca’s House in Biloxi.  
     The Wings Performing Arts Center is on the same property with Lynn Meadows, and Miss Olivia Knox was pleased to bump into members of the cast of a production she saw in April.  The cast members who volunteered for May Pole Ribbon Dancing in their lovely hats were: Morgan Valentine, Ryan Hernandez, Cianna Rivera, Makenzie Taylor for the Tea Party, and they are all cast members for the upcoming performances of Seussical KIDS – April 23-25, Mamma Mia! – May 28-30 and June 4-6, The Little Mermaid JR – June 18-20, Annie KIDS – July 9-11, and Rent – August 6-8 and 13-15.
     Lynn Meadows Event Coordinator and Education Facilitator, Sandra Norris, demonstrated how to jump rope while employee Nancy Smith instructed the painting techniques for Dr. Suess’ “Cat in the Hat” top hat for every child to take home.   
     Joining the festivities was author Candace Cox Wheeler at a table autographing her first book, “Cradle in the Oak,” offered to all party guests. The book is a work of fiction based on the true story of Carrie A. Bosarge Barnes Wheeler, the grandmother of David Wheeler, the author’s husband. 
     For more information about Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave, Gulfport, call 228-897-6039. Museum hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 12-5 p.m.

On the Cover: Author Candace Cox Wheeler presents her new book, “Cradle in the Oaks,” to Lynn Meadows Marketing and Public Relations Director Sonja Gillis. Wheeler autographed copies of her book for guests during the Center’s 23rd Birthday Tea Party on May 1, 2021.

Susan Weller

Years of living along the Gulf Coast with a penchant for capturing photographs of smiling faces and beautiful places has brought Susan Weller to Seaside Social News. “This tenure will enhance my opportunities to capture and promote the exciting venues and activities generated by our lovely Gulf Coast and the people who live and celebrate life’s joys.”