Healthier alternatives to soft drinks already available in local schools

By Staff
Newton schools hold beauty pageants
Newton County Elementary School and Newton County Junior High School will hold their annual "Beauty and Beau" pageants March 31 at 6 p.m. at the East Central Community College auditorium. Tickers are $3.
For more information, call Judy Leach 635-2718 or Pam Keith 635-2956.
Red Cross announces Help Save A Life'
The Key Chapter of the American Red Cross has announced its "Help Save A Life" summer campaign. Summer is approaching and many activities are being planned. The following courses are being offered to educate residents about water safety, CPR, first aid awareness and prevention.
Life guarding course Ages 17 and over, teaches the essential skills of first aid, CPR, how to perform water rescue, aquatic safety, etc. Dates of the classes are April 21-22, 27-29. For more information, call 485-5151.
Water Safety Instructor course Teaches pool safety and how to instruct different age groups in the skill of swimming. For more information, call Barbara Bishop at 484-8720.
CPR/First Aid Instructor class Teaches how to instruct the public in the art of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid. Dates of the classes are April 20-22. For more information, call 485-5151.
Basic CPR/First Aid course Teaches cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid for all age groups. The course is eight hours long and held twice per month. For more information, call 485-5151.
Jaycees holding membership drive
The Jaycees will hold a season membership drive April 9, at 5:30 p.m., at DT Grinders to recruit people who want to improve Meridian. The Jaycees provide leadership training and community involvement opportunities designed to develop well-rounded, corporate and civic citizens.
If you, or any of your employees or co-workers, are interested in becoming a member, please call John R. Bolte at 693-2300.
Homestead exemption deadline nears
The deadline to file for homestead exemption is March 30. The following criteria must be met to be eligible to receive homestead exemption tax benefits:
Be a legal resident of Mississippi;
Own and occupy the property as of Jan. 1, 2001;
Purchase Mississippi license plates for all vehicles owned; and
Comply with Mississippi income tax requirements.
To apply for homestead exemption visit the tax assessor's office at the Lauderdale County Courthouse. For information, call 482-9779.
NOTE: If no changes have been made, and you do not qualify for any additional exemptions, there is no need to reapply.
Kemper Academy presents Elvis show
The "Elvis Presley Show" featuring a 12-member cast with a live band and a sound and light show will be held April 21, at 7 p.m., at Kemper Academy Gymnasium. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for students. Children under 4 will be admitted free. Tickets may be purchased at the door or at the Kemper Academy High School office.
For more information, call 743-5841, 743-5351 or 743-5888.
MLT Spring Variety Sale set
It's that time again! The Meridian Little Theatre Guild Spring Variety Sale will be held April 20-21.
Now is the time to clean out your closets, garages and attics. Please bring your tax-deductible items to the Meridian Little Theatre, Highway 39 North, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Large donations can be picked up. Items needed include clothes, shoes, jewelry, toys, linens, games, books, pictures, dishes, appliances, furniture and bric-a-brac.
For more information, call Dorothy Torgerson at 482-0930 or Meridian Little Theatre office at 482-6371.