Local Digest

By Staff
Meridian Community College hosts blood drive today
Meridian Community College will host a blood drive today, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the banquet room of the Student Union Building. Donors will receive T-shirts, pizza coupons and door prizes. The public is invited to donate along with MCC students and staff. For more information, call United Blood Services at 482-2482.
Downtown ready for Mardi Gras party
A Mardi Gras block party will be held Saturday, beginning at 6:30 p.m., at Dumont Plaza in downtown Meridian. There will be live onstage entertainment, including Secondhand Heros, Rose Ledet and the Whodaddys. Mardi Gras-style food and beverages will be prepared at downtown restaurants. Admission is free.
Local businesses may hang a Mardi Gras event poster, decorate a storefront and use the Mardi Gras theme for a weekend promotion or sale. If your business is interested in participating, call the Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau at 482-8001 or Main Street Meridian at 484-6841.
2nd Mile to perform at EMCC
East Mississippi Community College will host a gospel concert Saturday featuring the group 2nd Mile. The concert will take place in the Stennis Auditorium on the Scooba campus. Proceeds will go to the EMCC's Chapel in the Pines project, an interdenominational chapel to be built on the Scooba campus. Admission is $10. For more information, call (662) 476-5060.
The Last Call to perform Saturday
A Benefit Gospel Singing will be held Saturday, beginning at 6 p.m., at Trinity Baptist Church. The concert will feature Carl Fitzgerald and The Last Call Gospel Trio, with songs by Stephanie Holden and Mae Bracken. Donations will be used to support youth projects at the church. The public is invited to attend.
Girls softball holds registration
The West Lauderdale Girls Community Softball League for girls ages 4-16 will hold registration Feb. 17 and 24 at the West Lauderdale Middle School gymnasium. Each Saturday session runs from 9 a.m.-noon. The registration fee is $40 and $15 for each additional child. The fee must be paid at the time of registration. First-time players will need a copy of their birth certificates. For more information, call Jim Tittle at 737-2303 or Renee Covert at 986-5577.
Boys and Girls Club sponsors contest
The Parents' Service Club of The Boys and Girls Club of Clarke County will host a beauty and talent contest on March 17. The competition is set for March 17, at 6 p.m., at the Quitman High School Auditorium.
Boys and girls ages 3-17 may enter the beauty and talent contests; young man and women 18-20 are eligible to enter the talent contest only.
Applications can be picked up at The Boys and Girls Club of Clarke County Monday-Friday, from 1-6 p.m. The deadline for entries is Saturday. The individual fee is $10 and prizes will be awarded.
MSO to present third concert
The Meridian Symphony Orchestra will present the third concert of the 40th anniversary season Saturday at Meridian Community College's Ivy Hall Theatre. Curtain time is 8 p.m.
The concert, "American Influences," will feature guest artist Christopher Rex. A preconcert lecture led by Maestro Claire Fox Hillard begins at 7 p.m. in the Casteel Gallery in the MCC library.
Tickets may be purchased at the door for $15, $12 for seniors/military and $8 for students. Children under 12 will be admitted free.
The Choice' to be performed
Voters meet Saturday to discuss flag
The new Voters League meeting will be held Saturday, at 10 a.m., at the Boys and Girls Club Building. The public is invited to attend in order to learn about the upcoming special election to be held on April 17, a special election that will ask voters whether they want to retain the current Mississippi state flag. The Boys and Girls Club is located at 1717 45th Ave.
MHS Class of '51 plans reunion
There will be a meeting of the Planning Committee for the MHS Class of 1951 Reunion on Monday, at 7 p.m., at 6530 Bounds Road. All interested class members are welcome to attend. For more information, call 485-2875 or e-mail Msmagnolia51@AOL.com.
WalkAmerica to kick off Tuesday
The Meridian WalkAmerica kick-off will be held Tuesday, at 5:30 p.m., on the fifth floor of Citizens National Bank located at 22nd Avenue. At the meeting, participants will receive information on the Meridian WalkAmerica that will take place April 28. The walk is sponsored by the March of Dimes, Union Planters Bank and Citizens National Bank. There will be food and beverages, door prizes and entertainment at the meeting. For more information, call the March of Dimes at (800) 842-5117.
Dixie baseball holds registration
The West Lauderdale Dixie Youth and Dixie Boys Baseball will hold registration for players 5-14 years old on Feb. 17 and Feb. 24 at West Lauderdale Middle School Gym. The Saturday sessions will take place from 9 a.m. until noon.
Pat Parelli gives seminar
Equestrian Pat Parelli will hold a free seminar and demonstration Tuesday, Feb. 20, at the Scott County/Forest Coliseum in Forest. The session will last from 4-9 p.m. Parelli was a winning bareback bronc rider and successful trainer in California and is founder of the American Mule Association. The public is invited to attend. For more information, call (800) 642-3335.
MCC announces upcoming events
Look for these events, sponsored by Meridian Community College, in the coming weeks:
Saturday MathCounts competition from 8 a.m- 2 p.m. in Health Center Room 240. For more information, contact Dick Dixon at 484-8661.
Saturday EMT Refresher course from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in Health Center Room 215. For more information, call Glenda Kopt at 484-8778.
Monday How to Manage a Business and Increase Profit class, Marketing for a Small Business, 6-9 p.m. For more information, contact Milford Smith at 482-7445.
Wednesday Lifetime Quest lecture from 3-5 p.m. at the Meridian Room in Meridian Hall. Sam Mockbee of Auburn University will be the featured speaker. For more information, contact Michele Thames at 484-8696.
Feb. 24 EMT Refresher course from 8 a.m-4:30 p.m. in Health Center Room 215. For more information, call Glenda Kopf at 484-8778.
Feb. 24 Health Occupational Students of America (HOSA) district competition. Area high school senior and community college students will test their skills and knowledge in various health fields. For more information, call Dr. Richie McAlister at 484-8779.
Feb. 25 Casteel Gallery opening featuring the works of artist Jim Meade from 1-3 p.m. at the Casteel Gallery. For more information, contact John Marshall at 484-8647.
Sorority throws Mardi Gras ball
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Omicron Beta Omega Chapter will host a Mardi Gras Ball on Feb. 24, from 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m., at the Council of Organizations Building on 45th Avenue. Special Mardi Gras beads and masks will be given as door prizes. Entertainment will be provided by disc jockey Maurice Howard. All proceeds will go to AKA Scholarship Fund. Tickets are available from any sorority member or by calling 482-5438.