Local Digest

By Staff
Ride for a Cure' set for Saturday
The Alpha Phi Omega chapter at the University of West Alabama in Livingston, Ala., is sponsoring "Ride for a Cure" Saturday. Proceeds for this event and any funds raised for the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi stay in Mississippi to be used for research and education for the 240,000 Mississippians who have this disease.
To join the bikers for "Ride for a Cure" to Bonita Lakes, contact Kyle Peterson at (205) 652-9053 or e-mail: rideforacure@hotmail.com. The ride begins at 6 a.m. and will end at Bonita at noon.
Central UM raising money for St. Jude
Central United Methodist Church's Children's Center will be raising funds this week for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Last year, the Children's Center raised more than $3,000 for St. Jude and hopes to exceed that this year.
On Friday, the children will hold a parade to celebrate the week's activities. The public is invited to come and watch the children as they "parade for a cure." The parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Central UM Church, 1004 23rd Ave., and continue up to 9th Street.
Anyone wishing to make a donation to St. Jude may mail contributions to Central Children's Center, c/o St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1706, Meridian, MS 39302. Checks should be made payable to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Diabetes Foundation hosting Potluck Picnic'
The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi East Central Chapter is sponsoring a "Potluck Picnic" for their "Kids and Parents" Support Group.
The group will meet Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the grove at Bonita Lakes for picnic lunch. At noon the group will welcome the bikers from the University of West Alabama who are participating in the Alpha Phi Omega "Ride for a Cure."
In case of rain, plan to meet at Bonita at the same time and the group will go for pizza.
If your child has diabetes and you would like to be a part of "Kids and Parents" Support Group, call Leslie Lee Priester at the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, 485-2388.
St. Patrick School holds rummage sale
St. Patrick School's Parent School Association will host an annual rummage sale Saturday, from 7 a.m. to noon, at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Highway 19 North. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the school. For more information, call 482-6044.
March of Dimes to sponsor fish fry
A fish fry and car wash sponsored by the March of Dimes, "Kandice's Team," will be held Saturday at Calvary Baptist Church.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Catfish plates prepared by cooks at the Back 40 restaurant will be sold for $6. For more information, call 693-5431.
Public invited to upcoming events
Check out these events, coming up in the next couple of weeks in East Central Mississippi:
Saturday and Sunday Annual Arts in the Park Festival held at Highland Park, Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information call, 485-1944 or 485-1122.
April 20-21 Ralph Morgan Rodeo held at Ralph Morgan Arena. Tickets: $9 adults, $6 children, 6:30 p.m. For information call, 679-8861.
April 21 The Central Mississippi Spring Review Pageant will be held at 4 p.m. at East Central Community College's Huff Auditorium. The entry fee is $35, photo fee is $10. Contestants should wear Sunday dresses. Registration deadline is April 16. For information, call 683-7985.
April 26 Main Event Business and Industry Expo held at the Lauderdale County Agri-Center. For information call, 482-8498.
The staff of the Lauderdale County Agri-Center announces these upcoming events: 1) April 7 Longhorn Cattle Show; and 2) April 22-23 Hendrix Family Circus. For more information, call 482-8498.
MHS Band Boosters to meet
The Meridian High School Band Boosters Association will meet Monday at 7 p.m. in the MHS Cafeteria.
The Annual Band Banquet will be one of the main topics discussed. Officers for the 2001-02 school year will be elected. A major revision in Booster financing will be discussed and decided on for the 2001-02 school year. Membership for the Band Boosters is $5 annually and is open to the public. Parents of ninth grade band students at Kate Griffin and Northwest Junior Highs are encouraged to attend.
For additional information, call Rick Burton at 482-2532.
Jaycees holding membership drive
The Jaycees will hold a season membership drive Monday 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.
Kemper Chamber of Commerce luncheon set
The Kemper County Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual business/industrial luncheon on April 12 at 12:15 p.m. at the Farmers' Market on Highway 16 East behind McDade Oil. The Business and Industry of the Year will be awarded. Lunch will be prepared by the Kemper County Civic League. Tickets are $8 and can be bought from any Chamber board member or at the Chamber office in the Business Incubator on Highway 16. For more information, call 743-2754.