Local Digest

By Staff
April 2, 2002
Singing Brakemen hold benefit sale
The International Singing Brakeman's Association will hold a benefit sale Saturday, from 7 a.m. to noon, in the Hospitality Room at Best Western Motel. The non-profit organization will be selling a variety of items donated by more than 300 members.
The Best Western is at 2219 S. Frontage Road.
Fishing tournament set for Saturday
The University of Southern Mississippi's Gamma Zeta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Order will host the 4th Annual Muscular Dystrophy Association Fishing Tournament Saturday. The tournament will take place at Okatibbee Lake on the Collinsville Water Park side. The entry fee is $50 a boat ($25 a person). The weigh-in will be at 3:30 p.m.
For information, call Chris Boozer at (601) 917-7853 or John Elias at (601) 583-2582.
Arts in the Park' this weekend
The Meridian Council for the Arts will present the 31st annual "Arts in the Park" Friday through Sunday at Highland Park.
The Art Excellence Awards reception will be held at the Carousel House at 6:30 p.m. Friday. The event continues Saturday, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Activities will include food vendors, free hands-on activities for children, an art show and competition and two stages of local entertainment. Admission is free.
Carousels Abound auction set for Saturday
The Around Town Carousels Abound Auction Gala is set for Saturday, at 7 p.m., at Meridian Little Theatre. The live auction of tabletop carousel horses will be at 8:30 p.m. Advance reservations are required and tickets are $75.
Online bidding is available at www.carouselsabound.com. For information, call 483-5027 or 485-1122.
St. Patrick School holds fund-raiser
St. Patrick School will hold a fund-raiser rummage sale and catfish dinner Saturday, from 7 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Highway 19 North. Dinners are $5 each. For information, call LaFondra Kenney at 482-6044.
VFW Post 3996 hosts annual fish fry
The Frank Foster VFW Post #3996 will host its annual spring fish fry and fund-raiser for the Boys and Girls Club and LOVE's Kitchen Saturday. The event will begin at 9 a.m. at the Kendallwood Building at Highland Park. Plates are $5; sandwiches are $3. Call 485-1813 to place take-out orders.
Care Lodge needs volunteers
Care Lodge Domestic Violence Shelter is looking for new volunteers. Anyone interested in joining the Care Lodge team should call the office for an application. A Volunteer Training Workshop is scheduled for April 8, from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m., For information, call 482-8719.
Make-A-Wish to meet April 11
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Mississippi will hold its monthly Meridian Volunteer Luncheon April 11, from noon-1 p.m., at Rush Medical Group, sixth floor board room. Please make your reservation by April 10 by calling Lynn Conerly, volunteer coordinator, at (800) 819-4072.
Tickets on sale for Art of Love and Hope
The Art of Love and Hope, a benefit concert to raise money for LOVE's Kitchen and Hope Village for Children, will be April 13 at Union Station in downtown Meridian. The 6:30 p.m. concert will feature the Del Rendon Band.
VIP tickets are $20 and include a catered reception before the event; general admission tickets are $10. Tickets are available at the Music Emporium, the Sound Shop and the Chunky River Harley Davidson Burell.
Symphony Orchestra to perform April 13
The Meridian Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Claire Fox Hillard, will perform April 13 in the McCain Theatre located in Ivy Hall on the Meridian Community College Campus. A pre-concert lecture will begin at 7 p.m. in the Casteel Gallery. The concert follows at 8 p.m. Tickets will be on sale at the door. For reservations or information, call 693-2224.
Deadline nears for LAWS class
The Lauderdale Association of Women Shooters Class will be held April 20, at 9 a.m., at Bonita Lakes Mall Meeting Place, and 8 a.m. April 27 at the Firing Range. The class covers gun safety, selection, care and legal responsibilities and is conducted by a NRA certified instructors. Those attending will have the opportunity to practice shooting skills once a month as member of LAWS.
Reservations must be received by April 12. For more information, call Virginia E. Hodges at 483-4634 or Mildred Thompson at 485-5725.
Vimville VFD holding fund-raiser
The Vimville Volunteer Fire Department is holding its annual fund-raiser. Volunteers will go door-to-door through Monday, handing out flyers about how to make donations through East Mississippi Electric Power Association and Long Creek Water Association bills. Donations will go to training and equipment at the fire department.
Grants available for faith-based organizations
The Partnership for a Healthy Lauderdale County, the local partner for the Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi, is accepting applications for grants to faith-based organizations. Grants are available for up to $2,000. Applications can be obtained from the Partnership for a Healthy Lauderdale County, 696-4472, or on the Web site at www.healthy-miss.org.
Bailey VFD holding fund-raiser
The Bailey Volunteer Fire Department is beginning a fund-raiser. Volunteers will be going door-to-door asking for donations and representatives will be calling homes and businesses served by the fire department. A complimentary 10 x 13 family portrait will be given all everyone who donates.
All proceeds will to go the purchase of new equipment and supplies for the department.
Kiwanis schedule barbecue May 1
The Kiwanis Club of Meridian will hold its annual barbecue on May 1, from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at the Farmer's Market adjacent to Union Station in downtown Meridian.
Plates of pulled pork, beans, cole slaw, bread and soft drink are $6, and all proceeds will go to support the club's charitable projects.