By Staff
Martin Luther King Jr. parade set for Monday
The 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 parade starts at noon and will follow the same route as the Christmas parade ending at Dumont Plaza for a commemoration program.
Church holds benefit for Judy Jenkins' family
A benefit for the family of Judy Jenkins will take place today, beginning at 9 a.m., at Dixon Baptist Church. Jenkins was killed in an accident in September. She had no insurance and left behind a young son.
Rummage items will be available all day. Hamburger plates and stew will be sold beginning at 11 a.m. An auction featuring a new Lay-Z-Boy recliner begins at 3 p.m. Gospel singing featuring "New Wine" begins at 7 p.m.
The church is located on Highway 21 South in Philadelphia. For delivery of five or more plates, call 656-6100, 656-1772 or 656-4165.
MSU-Meridian hosts financial aid seminar
A free financial aid seminar is set for Tuesday in the auditorium of Mississippi State University-Meridian Campus. Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. with the program beginning at 7 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. The college is at 1000 Highway 19 North. To register, call Lynn Mudd at 692-2893.
Affordable housing conference to be held in Philadelphia
Mississippi Home Corp. will host Mississippi's 10th Annual Affordable Housing Conference Wednesday through Friday at the Silver Star Resort and Casino in Philadelphia.
About 300 government officials, educators, home builders, real estate professionals, mortgage lenders, housing-related non-profits organizations and for-profit business representatives 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 Thursday 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.
Satellite broadcast to feature George Will
Join the Meridian Edward Jones investment representatives as they host "What's Next for America?," a satellite broadcast featuring Newsweek columnist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author George F. Will. The session will be Thursday, at 7 p.m., at East Mississippi Electric Power Association.
Will joins Edward Jones chief market strategist Alan Skraninka and Lord Abbett Director of Equities Bob Morris, who will give their perspective on the state of the nation, economy and financial markets in 2002.
U.S. Postal Service to give exams
The U.S. Postal Service has re-opened registration for people interested in taking the rural carrier associate's exam. The Meridian Area QWL-EI Group will present a workshop to explain the duties and responsibilities of a rural carrier associate, give test-taking tips and provide sample test questions. Participants will be allowed to sign-up for the exam at this time.
There will be two workshop sessions, at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday. Both will be held at the main post office, 2100 Ninth Street in Meridian.
For information call 626-8190.
Girl Scouts sponsor blood drive
The Girl Scouts of the Gulf Pines Council will sponsor a blood drive on Jan 26, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Each donor will receive a free T-shirt. The United Blood Services Bloodmobile will be parked at the Girl Scout office at 307 24th Ave. South in Meridian. Refreshments will be provided. In addition, Girl 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 will take place Jan. 28, at 7 p.m., in the school library. The upcoming concert band season, the annual MHS Band Banquet and other items will be discussed.
Membership in the association is $5 a year and is open to all parents, grandparents, family and friends of students. For information, call 482-2532.
McRae's begins school benefit
McRae's officials invite local schools and school organizations to participate in the store's annual "School Benefit Sale." This year's event will take place March 2, from 6 a.m.-10 a.m. Participants sell tickets for $5, which entitles the purchaser to special store discounts. For information, or to sign up your organization, call 484-7809.
Nominations open for 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;
Arts educator;
Arts patron (individual); and
Arts patron (business).
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 at 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 an awards reception at Highland Park to kick off the 31st Annual Arts in the Park Festival.
Time to file homestead exemption
Lauderdale County Tax Assessor Jimmy Slay said that March 29 is the deadline to file for homestead exemption.
Homeowners are encouraged to contact the tax assessor's office and fill out a new application if there has been a change in homestead exemption status for any of the following reasons:
Purchased a new home in 2001;
Death of a spouse;
First time filing for over 65 or disability;
Change in property ownership;
Change in marital status;
Change in use of property;
Change in property description;
Homestead denied the previous year; or
Change in occupancy of home.
If no changes are necessary, and you do not qualify for an additional exemption, there is no need to reapply. For information, call 482-9779.