Local Digest

By Staff
Nov. 13, 2001
Neighborhood Watch groups to meet Thursday
A meeting of all Neighborhood Watch groups in Meridian is set for Thursday. The meeting will be 6 p.m. in the East Mississippi Electric Power Association auditorium.
Law enforcement officers describe Neighborhood Watch programs as the "extra eyes and ears" of police and sheriff's departments a way of empowering people to take back their neighborhoods.
The EMEPA is at 2128 Highway 39 North. For more information, call Capt. Keith McCary of the Meridian Police Department at 484-6894.
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.
McRae's hosts charity sale
McRae's Department Store will host its Holiday Charity Sale on Saturday. Tickets are $5 and all money raised will go to local charities and non-profit 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. For more information, call 484-7801.
Crop Walk set for Saturday
Meridian's 1st Annual Crop Walk is set for Saturday. The event will raise money for Church World Services to feed hungry people around the world. A portion of the funds raised will benefit LOVE's Kitchen. Registration for the event will begin at noon in the parking lot across from the Wesley House on Eighth Avenue. The walk will begin at 1 p.m.
For more information, call Kaufman at 485-5262.
Holiday Extravaganza set for this weekend
The Cellular South Holiday Extravaganza will take place this weekend at the Frank Cochran Center.
Preferred shopping is from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. on Friday, and features a silent auction and music by the Carey Smith Trio. Admission is $7.
General shopping is 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission both days is $2.
The event is a 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.
Wesley Foundation hosts Thanksgiving event, food drive
Meridian Community College's Wesley Foundation will host a Thanksgiving program beginning at 5 p.m. on Nov. 19. Admission to the event is one canned food item, 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 who have worked in the hospitality industry for at least five years. The deadline for nominations is Nov. 21. For information, call the Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau at 482-8001.
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 to do taxes 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.
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.