Local Digest

By Staff
Candidates forum set for May 24
The Meridian/Lauderdale County Branch of the NAACP will host the second in a series of Candidates Forums May 24 at Clark's Funeral Home, 621 30th Ave. The debate will get under way at 6:30 p.m.
Candidates for mayor and city council seats have been invited to appear. This will be an opportunity for interested citizens to ask questions and hear the positions of the various candidates. The public is invited to attend.
Arthritis screenings available at park
Arthritis Action Day will be held today until 6 p.m. at Frank Cochran Center in Highland Park. Speakers will present information on "Reducing your Risk for Osteoarthritis" and "Prevention and Control of Osteoporosis." Bone density screenings and arthritis risk assessments will be offered. For information, call the Arthritis Foundation at (800) 844-8400.
Softball tourney benefits Relay
The Newton County Relay for Life Men's Softball Tournament will be held Saturday at Decatur Youth Ballfield. There will be a $250 non-refundable entrance fee for each team, and prizes will awarded. The entry deadline is Friday. For information, call Gayle Duett or Lisa Stephens at 635-2321.
Jaycees sponsor blood drive Monday
The Meridian Jaycees will sponsor a blood drive Monday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. at the United Blood Services Center, 1115 25th Ave., Meridian.
Those donating will have their car washed while they are waiting and receive a "Life-Saver" T-shirt. The Jaycees will cook hamburgers for the donors from 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
UBS needs to stock up on blood donations for emergencies that occur during Memorial Day weekend.
MCCSA presents community awards
Multi-County Community Service Agency will present its annual "Community Action Day" awards May 24 at Mississippi State University-Meridian Campus. The banquet and ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Janice Broome Brooks, executive director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services, will be the guest speaker. The public is invited to attend. For ticket information, call 483-4838 or (800) 898-0659.
Postal Service workshop offered
The U.S. Postal Service QWL-EI team will present a workshop May 24, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the main post office, 2100 9th St., Meridian.
The workshop will explain the duties of a rural carrier associate and allow interested participants to sign up to take the RCA test. Sample questions to improve performance on the test will also be provided.
Refreshments will be provided. For information, call 693-2581.
Hamasa Shriners to hold dance
The Parade Marshal Unit of Hamasa Shrine Temple will sponsor a dance May 26 honoring the memory of the late Raymond Davis, who was a parade marshal for many years.
The dance will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are available from any member of the Parade Marshal Unit, the Hamasa Temple Recorders office or Peavey's Melody Music. For information, call 483-3274.
Fish fry benefits Relay for Life
Trustmark National Bank will hold a fish fry May 31 to benefit the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Plates are $6 and include fried fish, french fries, hush puppies, cole slaw, dessert and a drink.
Volunteers will serve lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The bank is located at 700 23rd Ave. To order in advance, call Neil Henry at 693-9750 or Robin Shelton at 693-9733.
Hickory Day set for June 9
Hickory Day will be held June 9 in Hickory's downtown park. Events include shopping booths, antique cars, entertainment, games and a children's corner. The event is sponsored by the Greater Hickory Chamber of Commerce. For information, call 646-9496 or 646-2211.
Public invited to attend
The public is invited to these upcoming events:
Redistricting hearings A public hearing on the state's congressional redistricting efforts is scheduled for Saturday, at 5 p.m., at Meridian Community College.
The Annual Motorcycle "Run for the Wall" Monday passing through Meridian in route to Washington, D.C., for a Memorial Day celebration. For information, call Don Stringer at (601) 957-9900 or (601) 824-9356.
Memorial Day  Memorial Day Services will be held May 28 at 10 a.m. at the Lauderdale County Courthouse in downtown Meridian.
May is Older Americans Month
The Lauderdale County Council on Aging will conclude its celebration of Older Americans with a Cake Walk Friday, at 2 p.m., at the Senior Citizens Center. The center is located at 3300 32nd Ave. in Meridian. For information, call 485-1812.
Girl Scout camp opens June 10
Gulf Pines Girl Scouts will sponsor a summer resident camp at Camp Meridale on Causeyville Road from June 10-July 13. Girls will attend camp for one-week sessions. Activities will include horseback riding, pottery, ceramics, arts and crafts, swimming and canoeing. To find out more, call 693-2903 or visit the Girl Scout office at 307 24th Ave. South in Meridian.
Volunteers needed for State Games
State Games of Mississippi needs volunteers to help at the 2001 Games, scheduled for June 15-17 and June 21-24 in Meridian. For volunteer applications and schedules, call State Games of Mississippi at (800) 482-0205 or e-mail stgamiss@aol.com.
Children's Chorus holding auditions
The Meridian Children's Chorus is holding auditions for the 2001-02 season. The chorus is open by audition to young people in grades three-12 from Meridian and the surrounding areas. Next year the chorus will travel to Canterbury and London, England. For more information or to schedule an audition, call 693-7910.
Poems sought from area bards
The Friendly Poets Society is offering a $1,000 grand prize in its Poetry Competition 2001. The competition is open to anyone and there is no entry fee. A total of 28 prizes valued at more than $3,000 will be awarded.
The contest seeks poems on any subject, using any style, with a life-affirming inspirational theme. The deadline for entering is June 15.
To enter, send one poem of 20 lines or less to: Lavender Augulis, Poetry Contest, 12244 Park View Lane, Fishers, IN 46038, or enter online at www.friendlypoets.com.