Shriners bring fitness, fun to Mustard Seed

Michele Trebotich checks out bicycles donated to Mustard Seed by the Wahabi Shrine Temple in Jackson

Although she's just about to turn 50 years old, Mustard Seed-resident Michele Trebotich recently had the opportunity to feel young again.

It was the first time Trebotich had ridden a bicycle in more than 30 years. She thoroughly enjoyed it, even if it was just a short ride.

"It's been a while," Trebotich said with a smile. "I haven't rode a bike since I was 18."

It was one of 22 bikes donated last week by the Wahabi Shriners of Jackson to Mustard Seed, a community for mentally-challenged adults that's located on Luckney Road.

"It's showing appreciation," Shriners Project Coordinator Charles Daley said. "It's just sharing a good thing with good people."

Daley said the bikes were donated to the Shriners from the police department in Colliersville, Tenn. Some of the bikes are stolen and others are unclaimed.

"That was our first thought, 'Let's go to Mustard Seed'," Daley said.

The bikes are of various makes and designs. One model, which resembles a motorcycle with its large rear wheel, proved immediately popular.

Most of the bikes need work, such as new chains, gears and tires, but Mustard Seed employees don't mind.

"We're so excited," Director of Development Mandy Jones said. "We jumped at the chance to have these."

Jones isn't sure exactly how the bikes will be used but said they will fill a needed role in Mustard Seed's exercise program.

That's particularly important, Jones said, as obesity is a common problem in people with Down syndrome.

A walking track is the best option right now, she said.

"They have to exercise every day," Jones said. "We do work-out videos and maybe now we're going to ride bikes."

Mustard Seed Program Director Elizabeth Adams said the donation will be helpful, since it can be hard to get everyone motivated to exercise.

"It just gives us another way we can get them interested," Adams said.

Jones said she doesn't know how many of the 30 to 40 Mustard Seed daily attendees know how to ride a bike.

Trebotich certainly had no problem, but Jones said others may need more coaching.

She feels that job may best be left to another worker.

"I'm probably not the best person to teach someone," Jones said with a laugh. "I was the last of my friends to learn."