On Tuesday of this week, November 13th, 2018, Positive Living turned 18, and so, we take the opportunity to reflect on the genesis of the programme and its journey over the years.
The Positive Living programme began as an initiative in 2000 by Mrs. Marilyn Hodge, then Guidance Counsellor at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School, Campus B, in an attempt to combat the rising incidences of school violence and antisocial behaviour exhibited by students at the school at that time. Through a series of radio programmes aired daily on Radio Anguilla, teachers, parents and guardians and the wider community were provided with tools to aid in this process. The two early readers/presenters at that time were Teacher Sandra Fahie from the secondary school and Teacher Patricia Adams from the primary school. The number of readers/presenters has grown to over 400 including persons from the public and private sectors and the corporate community – as well as students and youths. Thanks is extended to the management and staff of Keene Enterprises for their sponsorship over the many years and more recently Lake’s World.
As the demand for counselling services from all sectors of the community increased, the privately owned and operated Wellness Centre was established in 2007, catering for the body, mind and soul.
In 2009, Positive Living was expanded to include a weekly and, more recently, bi-weekly column in The Anguillian newspaper. 2010 saw the publication of Positive Living Volume 1 followed in 2016 by Volume 2, thanks in large part to the generous sponsorship by community partners. Sincere thanks to the various persons who undertook the arduous task of editing both volumes.
In 2010, the Sunshine Theatre Company awarded Mrs. Marilyn Hodge with the Artist of the Year award for her outstanding contribution to the wellness of the people of Anguilla.
In April this year, the Wellness Centre further expanded into the community by collaborating with Klass FM Radio to launch AIM – An Inspiring Moment – which is aired daily.
In July this year, the Wellness Centre added yet another dimension with the opening of its multi-purpose facility, offering dance therapy and other activity programmes for young adults and seniors. During the opening ceremony, on July 22nd, the elderly within the Anguillian community were honoured.
The most recent initiative of the Wellness Centre was the opening of Kaiya’s Kitchen, on October 20th, featuring the culinary skills of Ms. Daphine Rogers.
Mrs. Hodge would like to extend thank you and heartfelt gratitude to the many presenters, of the Positive Living and AIM radio programmes, for their continued hard work in making the programmes a success.
A heartfelt thank you to the past and present management and staff of Radio Anguilla, the Editor Mr. Nat Hodge and staff of The Anguillian newspaper, Mr. Abner Brooks of Klass FM Radio, and Brother Lee of Kool FM Radio for their sterling support over the many years.
And finally, thanks is extended to the many persons in the Anguillian community, and further afield, who have supported the radio programmes and the initiatives of the Wellness Centre.
2019 will see the publication of Positive Living Volume 3 as well as the roll out of other initiatives of the Wellness Centre.
May God’s continued blessings reign upon us as we venture into the new year and beyond.
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only and has now published Positive Living Volume 2. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com. www.facebook.com/axawellnesscentre
