Local Digest

By Staff
Entry deadline for Christmas parade extended
The Meridian Downtown Association has extended the deadline to Friday for entry in the city's annual Christmas parade. Applications are available at LaBiche Jewelers, Trustmark Bank, Loeb's, Liberty Shop, Wrangler Furniture, Harry Mayer, Caf Latte and Union Planters Bank.
The parade is set for Nov. 29. The theme of this year's parade is "Rock 'n' Roll Christmas." The entry fee is $20 for each unit.
Public library hosts writing workshop
The Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library will host a free writing workshop from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. today at the library. Richelle Putnam, an award-wining author and instructor, will conduct the workshop. Putnam is the author of the children's book, "Fallout," and has won many writing awards.
The library is at 2517 Seventh St. For information, call 693-6771.
Pictures with Santa' available at F.W. Williams House
The annual "Pictures with Santa" at the F.W. Williams House will take place from noon-3 p.m. Sunday. Pictures will be taken in the parlor of the Victorian home and will feature an elaborately decorated Christmas tree, as well as Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Photography will be provided by Wayne Rawson's Portrait Studio. Photo packages range from $20 to $35. The event is sponsored by the 1897 Daisies. Proceeds go to maintenance of Merrehope and the F.W. Williams House.
For information, call 483-8439.
Sta-Home Hospice holds training
Sta-Home Hospice will sponsor a volunteer training session from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday. The hospice is at 1622 24th Ave. For information or to make reservations, call Freda Smith at 485-8489.
Retiree celebration set for Tuesday
Meridian's 4th Annual Retiree Celebration 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday, at Union Station. The event will include barbecue, door prizes and music from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. For information, call 484-6841.
Dr. Robert Berg to speak at meeting
Dr. Robert Berg will be the guest speaker at the The Caring Hands, Loving Heart Breast Cancer Support Group on Tuesday. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at Rush Clinic's fifth-floor lobby. For information, call Sheila Hillsman at 679-8125.
Neighborhood Watch groups to meet
A meeting of all Neighborhood Watch groups in Meridian is set for Nov. 15. The meeting will be 6 p.m. in the EMEPA auditorium.
Holiday Extravaganza set for Nov. 16-18
The Cellular South Holiday Extravaganza is Nov. 16-18 at the Frank Cochran Center.
Preferred shopping from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. on Nov. 16 features a silent auction and the Carey Smith Trio. Admission is $7.
General shopping is 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 17 and noon-5p.m. Nov. 18. Admission both days is $2.
The event is the major fund-raiser of the Meridian First Ladies Civitan Club. Proceeds from the event benefit local organizations including the Special Olympics, Love's Kitchen and the Hilltop Homes for Boys and Girls.
McRae's hosts Holiday Charity Sale
McRae's Department Store will be hosting its Holiday Charity Sale on Nov. 17. Tickets are $5 and all money raised will go to local charities and nonprofit organizations.
During the four-hour sale, items that are rarely or never discounted will be on sale. Last year, more than $900,000 went to local charities.
Wesley Foundation hosts Thanksgiving program
The Meridian Community College Wesley Foundation will host a Thanksgiving program beginning 5 p.m. Nov. 19. Entry to the event is one canned food, which will be donated to the Wesley House. The program is open to the public.
Nominations sought for Hospitality Award
Nominations are being accepted for the 4th Annual Jewell Allison Hospitality Award. Nominees must be full-time employees at a local hotel or motel and have been in the hospitality industry for at least five years.
For information, contact the Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau at 482-8001. Deadline for nominations is Nov. 21.
Arts Center to hold talent competition
Arts Center LLC presents the "2001 Youth Talent Competition" to benefit the Actor's Playhouse building fund.
The event will be Dec. 1, at the Livingston Performing Arts Center, Roosevelt State Park, in Morton.
The competition is open to all children and youth ages 4 to 21. Categories include vocal solo, vocal group, dance and monologue or dramatic scene.
To obtain an entry application and rules and regulations of the competition, call the playhouse at (601) 371-7011 or send e-mail to actorsplayhouse@aol.com. Entries must be received by Nov. 26.
AARP Tax Aide seeks volunteers
The AARP Tax Aide service is seeking volunteers to help senior citizens file tax returns. Volunteers will be required to complete training the second week of January at Trustmark Bank.
Trainees will help file tax forms beginning in February, meeting with senior citizens from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Library and Fridays at Trustmark Bank on Highway 19.
Meridian Civitans hold fund-raiser
The Meridian Civitan Club is hosting its annual Claxton Fruit Cake sales drive. One-pound cakes cost $3 at all Meridian banks, credit unions and Foodmax stores. Money from the cakes benefit area organizations sponsored by the club.
Host families sought for Meridian area
The Foreign Exchange Program is looking for families to host international high school students. All students speak English, have their own medical coverage and bring their own spending money.
Host families are asked to provide room and meals. For more information, call (888) 634-8789.