Local Digest

By Staff
Dec. 21, 2000
Local hospital, business hold blood drives
Rush Foundation Hospital will hold a "special needs" blood drive today from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The blood drive will be on the first floor of The Specialty Hospital in the training room, formerly the cafeteria.
A drive will also be held Friday at The Shoe Carnival in the Bonita Lakes Mall complex. The Bloodmobile from United Blood Services will be on hand from 1 to 5 p.m.
Because of the serious shortage of blood during the holidays, area residents are encouraged to stop by the hospital or The Shoe Carnival and help assure there is blood available for patients when it is needed. Donors will receive T-shirts, pizza coupons and door prizes or discounts at both locations.
For more information, call 482-2482.
Fund established for Katrina Hodges
A fund has been established at BankPlus for Katrina Hodges who was seriously injured Dec. 16 when her home on Willow Lake Road was struck by a tornado.
Katrina is receiving treatment at the University Medical Center in Jackson and her injuries will require a number of surgeries. Co-workers at New South Ford have established the fund to help pay her medical expenses.
Learn to play bridge
The Mississippi Bridge Association and American Contract Bridge League will host duplicate bridge lessons after the Christmas holidays. Dr. Habib Bazyari will be the instructor.
The classes will be held Thursdays, from 6-8 p.m., on Jan. 11-Feb. 22 in the Meridian Room at Meridian Community College. To register, call 482-7445 by Jan. 10.
Duffee VFD selling holiday meats
The Duffee Volunteer Fire Department is selling holiday turkeys, hams and Boston Butts to raise money for emergency equipment.
Orders will be ready for pick-up between noon and 3 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 23, at the fire station. Duffee VFD is located at the junction of Highway 494 and Chunky-Duffee Road, just inside Newton County.
To order your holiday turkey, ham or Boston Butt call 986-2071 or 986-8309.
Northeast students announce memory tree'
Northeast Lauderdale Middle School students have established the first annual Christmas Memory Tree, dedicated in memory of family and friends who are no longer with us. For a donation of $10, which will help support the Student Activity Fund, a personalized Christmas ball and a light will be placed on the tree and a card will be placed beside the tree.
For information, call Amy Garrett or Bill Russell at 483-3532 or Betsy Garrett at 679-8523.
Michael's River Walk Garden open to public
Stroll through swaying Spanish moss along the Chickasawhay River, view a depiction of the Christ child, angels, butterflies, shamu, deer and hundreds of lights in Michael's River Walk Garden. The Garden is open Dec. 15-24 (closed Dec. 22), from 5-9 p.m. Drive or walk through. It is located on the Enterprise and Stonewall-Clarke County River Road 320. For information, call 659-4486.
Main Street Meridian announces holiday event
Main Street Meridian announces free movies for children on Dec. 22-34, beginning at noon at the Temple Theatre. For more information, call the Main Street office at 484-6841.