OLEAN Following a Southern Tier Sangha meditation session this week, Paul Stetz, a retired high school principal, said he participates for the health benefits and relaxation.

Other participants of the Thursday sessions at the Olean Meditation Center at 2275 Dugan Road expressed similar sentiments on meditation led by Dr. Richard Reilly.

Southern Tier Sangha, founded in 2009, meets at noon and 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at the center. The group meditates for two 20-minute periods, with discussions held in between. Refreshments are provided following the sessions.

Reilly, founding president of the center and coordinator of Southern Tier Sangha, said the meditation sessions are free and open to the public, but donations are always appreciated.

We ask that people come here a half an hour early for their first time, Reilly said. I give them a little orientation.

Southern Tier Sangha originally met at the Hindu Center in Allegany, then moved to the former Allegany High School at Fourth and Maple streets.

Reilly, professor emeritus of philosophy at St. Bonaventure University, said participants are from Olean, Allegany, Great Valley, Humphrey, Cuba, Jamestown and Batavia. There are 25 full members of the group who vote on issues or group events. The members have suggested dues of $20 a month, which fulfills the organizations pledge to the Olean Meditation Center.

Stetz, a retired principal from the Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School District, said he typically attends the sessions during the winter.

Ive always had an interest in this from the standpoint of health benefits and the relaxation application to my passion, which is golf, Stetz explained. The meditation center does an excellent job offering programs here as well as at the Olean library.

The center also leads yoga as well as other activities, such as qigong and tai chi, personal meditation and prayer, and gatherings for the Hindu Society of Olean and Allegany and the Olean Universalist Unitarian Community.

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Something to meditate on: Southern Tier Sangha participants seek tranquility