Kitty Meyran

Kitty Meyran was born and raised in Athens, as was her mother before her. She graduated from then Athens High School, and earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in Elementary Education from the University of Georgia. Kitty is the Executive Director of the YWCO of Athens, a non-profit health and recreation center that provides health and fitness programming for all ages, and has been since 2004. She lives in Homewood Hills, on the West Side, with her husband Frank and their yellow lab, Sam.

 

What inspired you or led you to your current career?

 

Actually, a friend of mine had begun teaching dance aerobics back in 1979. She knew that I had taken dance lessons for years. She was from Atlanta and she said you ought to start it in Athens. So, that is when I started working for the YWCO, and then I became the Aquatics Fitness Director. On top of that and at various times, I was in charge of Girls’ Club, Recreation, Young World and after school.

 

What is your favorite restaurant in Athens and what do you love there?

 

I would say there are two. I like DePalma’s Italian Restaurant Eastside – love their fish specials. Also, at The Table Bistro they have delicious fish and Asian cuisine. So good.

 

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?

 

New Zealand because it is just so different, so interesting, so far away and exotic. My friends have gone and had a wonderful time.

 

What is your favorite movie, or what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theatre?

 

It is going to be kind of weird, but I like the Sixth Sense because of the mystery, the surprise and the twist at the end.

 

What advice do you give to people or did you give to your children growing up?

 

It seems like I give a lot of advice. I guess one that I consider often is If you have to eat an elephant, take a bite at a time.

 

What is something on your bucket list?

 

I would like to travel several places. I would like to do a river cruise from Paris to Normandy to see the beaches where my Dad fought just a few days after D-Day and to go to the museums and see the gardens there. I would also like to go to Ireland because my great grandmother came over from there. They were from Belfast and not many people want to go to Belfast, but I do. I think it is becoming more popular now. Another must is Costa Rica to visit the volcanoes, rain forests, and beaches. Also, Spain, Australia and New Zealand. Those are the biggies.

 

If you could see any musician or show, dead or alive, at the Classic Center who would it be?

 

Bette Midler. For sure.

 

What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Athens?

 

Athens Hardware. I just have so many memories of going into that hardware store throughout my life. I just love seeing all of the interesting things that are for sale there.

 

What is your favorite thing to do in Athens?

 

When there is a really good show, I like to go to The Classic Center to see the plays. Of course, UGA ballgames.

 

Where do you see yourself in five or ten years?

 

Retired and spending a lot of time with grandchildren and taking trips.

 

What three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word “home”?

 

Family, comfort and good food.

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