By Staff
Jan. 15, 2002
JCJC to host "Backyard Astronomy" Friday
Jones County Junior College in Ellisville will host a night of "Backyard Astronomy" at 6 p.m. Friday. The public is invited to the event, which will start in the Home Health Auditorium and then move to the soccer field in the sports complex for the night viewing.
The event is one of a series of public programs arranged by the Rainwater Observatory and funded by a grant from the V.C. Slipher fund of the National Academy of Sciences. JCJC is acting as a satellite location for the Backyard Astronomy series for Mississippi.
The largest telescope in the state will be brought in for the event and some new photos from the Galileo space craft will be available for viewing. For more information, call Sandra Corley Davis at 477-4176 or James Hill at (662) 547-6377.
Mississippi State's Phi Delta Kappa chapter hosts lecture
Mississippi State University's Phi Delta Kappa educational society will host a lecture at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Meridian Room of Meridian Community College.
The speaker will be Dr. Estelle Resnick from Mt. Laurel, N.J., who will speak on "Crossing Cultures: Women's Experiences."
The lecture will include stories of women who have crossed cultural boundaries to find success at American universities and in American society.
For information, call Tiffanie Roberts at 485-6998 or 481-1372.
McRae's begins school benefit
McRae's Department Store is inviting local schools and school organizations to participate in their annual "School Benefit Sale." This year's event will take place from 6 a.m.-10 a.m. March 2.
Participants sell tickets for $5; all proceeds from the sales go to the school or school organization. McRae's provides schools with tickets and produces all collateral materials.
To sign up your school or to receive more information, contact the store are 484-7809.
Nominations sought for 2002 Excellence in Arts Awards
Nominations for the Meridian Council for the Arts "2002 Excellence in the Arts Awards" are now being accepted.
The awards recognize outstanding contributions and achievement in the arts. There are four award categories.
Artist achievement: A Meridian area artist who has made an outstanding contribution to the cultural life of the area.
Arts educator: An individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the enhancement of arts education.
Arts patron: An individual who has made a significant contribution to the cultural life of the area through exemplary funding or services.
Arts patron: A corporation or business that has made a significant contribution to the cultural life of the area through exemplary funding or service.
Nomination forms are available at the Meridian Arts Council's office on the third floor of City Hall, Room 304. They also can be found on the city of Meridian's Web site www.meridianms.org.
Nomination forms must be postmarked by Feb. 22. Winners will be announced April 5 at the awards reception at Highland Park to kick-off the 31st Annual Arts in the Park Festival.
Benefit set for family of Judy Jenkins
A benefit for the family of Judy Jenkins will take place beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday at Dixon Baptist Church.
Hamburger plates and stew will be sold beginning at 11 a.m. Rummage items will be available all day and an auction begins at 3 p.m., with a new Lay-Z-Boy recliner up for bid.
Gospel singing begins at 7 p.m., featuring "New Wine"
For delivery of five or more plates call 656-6100, 656-1772 or 656-4165.
Jenkins was killed in an accident in September. She left behind a young son and no insurance.
MLK Jr. Parade set for Monday
The Meridian Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration Committee and the city of Meridian will present the third annual Martin Luther King Parade and Celebration on Monday.
The theme is "Reclaiming the Dream."
The parade line-up will begin at 10 a.m. at 1019 25th Ave., the Meridian Public School District office. The parade starts at noon and will follow the same route as the Christmas parade ending at Dumont Plaza for a commemoration program.
Jackson State University's marching band, "The Sonic Boom of the South," is expected to participate. The Meridian High School band and other bands in the surrounding area also have been invited.
The event is free and open to the public. Anyone interested in participating can call Linda Wilson-Jones, event coordinator, at 482-6525 or (601) 829-4214, or Greg and Sandra Lane at 485-8331.
10th Annual Affordable Housing Conference
Mississippi Home Corp., the state's housing finance authority, will host Mississippi's 10th Annual Affordable Housing Conference Jan. 23-25, at the Silver Star Resort and Casino in Philadelphia.
Approximately 300 government officials, educators, home builders, real estate professionals, mortgage lenders, housing related nonprofits and for-profits will attend this year's conference.
For more information, visit MHC's Web site at www.mshc.com.
Silverleaf Manor to honor Elvis
Silverleaf Manor will continue to celebrate the life of Elvis Presley with a celebration on Jan. 24 at 2 p.m.
The "Singing Surgeon" Dr. Jim Matthews will entertain guests and a Coke float party will be held afterwards.
The event is open to the public. For information, call 483-4566.
Girl Scouts sponsor blood drive
The Girl Scouts of the Gulf Pines Council will sponsor a blood drive from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 26 to help with the critical shortage in our area.
Each donor will receive a free T-shirt. The Blood Services Bloodmobile will be parked at the Girl Scout office at 307 24th Ave. South in Meridian. Refreshments will be provided.
In addition, the Girls Scouts have begun their annual "Cookie Sale." Cookies may be ordered from any Girl Scout or by calling the office at 693-2903.
MHS Band Boosters meet
A meeting of the Meridian High School Band Boosters Association for the 2001-2002 school year takes place at 7 p.m. Jan. 28 in the MSH library.
The upcoming concert band season, the annual MHS Band Banquet and other important items will be presented.
Membership in the association costs $5 a year and is open to all parents, grandparents, family and friends of students.
Call 482-2532 for information.