Local Digest

By Staff
Letter carriers sponsor food drive
The National Association of Letter Carriers, in association with the U.S. Postal Service and the United Way of East Mississippi, will collect non-perishable food items Saturday for distribution to the Wesley House, Salvation Army and the South Harbor Homeless Shelter. Please place a food donation beside your mailbox. Your letter carrier will pick it up and deliver it to the food bank.
Juvenile Center hosts yard sale
Employees of Lauderdale County Juvenile Center will hold a yard sale in the parking lot Friday, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and on May 12, beginning at 7 a.m. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. The center is located on the 20th Street Extension across from East Mississippi State Hospital.
Bonita Lakes Mall hosts look-alike contest
Organizers at Bonita Lakes Mall and WOKK Radio are looking for look-alike mothers and daughters. Registration is currently under way for the third annual Mother-Daughter Look-alike Contest, scheduled for Saturday at Bonita Lakes Mall. Pre-registration is required and early registration is advised. There is no fee to enter. For information, call The Radio People at 693-2661.
Golf tournament to benefit Boys and Girls Ranch
A benefit golf tournament sponsored by the Newton County Sheriff's Department will be held Saturday at Beaver Creek Golf Club, beginning at 9 a.m. The two-person select has a 30-team limit, with golfers playing 18 holes. The entry fee is $70 a team, and includes a barbecue lunch. All proceeds will benefit the Mississippi Sheriff's Boys and Girls Ranch. For information, call Johnny Upton at 683-6560 or Mark Killens at 683-6940.
Trail ride benefits Humane Society
The Second Annual Tom Stephenson Memorial Trail Ride, sponsored by the Bonita Lakes Saddle Club, is set for Saturday. Registration is from 8 a.m.-9 a.m. at the boat landing. The ride will begin at 9:30 a.m. Lunch is from noon-1 p.m. and is included in the $15 per person donation for the event. Children 12 and under pay $5. Proceeds will benefit the Lauderdale County Humane Society.
For information, call Linda Barham at 681-8295 or Tom Butler at 485-7100.
Jeff Bower meets with USM alumni
The University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association and Eagle Club will meet May 14, at 6:30 p.m., at Northwood Country Club. Guest speakers will be President Horace Fleming and head football coach Jeff Bower. The cost of the meal is $20. For ticket information, call Millard Quigley 693-7280 or Dick Simmons at 681-9706.
Free hearing screening offered
To celebrate May as "Better Hearing and Speech Month," the Meridian Speech and Hearing Center will offer free hearing screening for ages 5 years and up on May 15, from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. The center is located at 2203 Highway 39 North, Suite A. For information, call 483-8121.
Arthritis Action Day May 17
Arthritis Action Day will be held May 17, from 11 a.m.-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 May 19 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.
MCCSA presents community awards
Multi-County Community Service Agency is celebrating its annual "Community Action Day." An awards-recognition banquet will be held at Mississippi State University-Meridian Auditorium, on May 24, 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.
Hamasa Shriners hold dance
The Parade Marshal Unit of Hamasa Shrine Temple will sponsor a dance honoring the memory of the late Raymond Davis, who was a parade marshal for many years. The dance will be held May 26, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. 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 upcoming events
The public is invited to these upcoming events:
Redistricting hearings A public hearing on the state's congressional redistricting efforts is scheduled for May 19, at 5 p.m., at Meridian Community College.
The Annual Motorcycle "Run for the Wall" May 21 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 celebrating Older Americans Month with various activities:
Friday Games Day, Senior Citizens Center, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
May 15 Bowling Tournament, Dixie Bowl Lanes, reservations appreciated, 1 p.m.
May 16, Pool Tournament, Senior Citizens Center, 2 p.m.
May 18, Cake Walk, Senior Citizens Center, 2 p.m.
For information, call 485-1812. The center is located at 3300 32nd Ave. in Meridian.
Girl Scout camp opens June 10
Gulf Pines Girl Scouts will sponsor a summer resident camp at Camp Merridale 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.
Student artwork on display at mall
Three area schools are showcasing students' artwork during the month of May at Bonita Lakes Mall. Participating schools include Kemper County High School, Newton High School and Crestwood Elementary in Meridian. Crestwood Elementary's art will be on display through Friday. Kemper County High students will be featured through May 15. Newton High School artwork will be showcased May 15-18.
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.