Local Digest

By Staff
Jan. 31, 2002
Cajun Mardi Gras hits Meridian streets
In the spirit of Mardi Gras, a masked man and his krewe will travel through downtown Meridian on Friday collecting canned goods for LOVE's Kitchen.
Courir Du Mardi Gras, or the Mardi Gras Run, is a Cajun tradition in which masked, costumed men ride horses from house to house asking for ingredients for gumbo.
The public is asked to drop off canned goods in specially marked collection boxes at Union Station, Lauderdale County Courthouse, Meridian City Hall and Dumont Plaza
Beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, the annual Mardi Gras block party will get underway at Dumont Plaza. The event will feature live entertainment and New Orleans-style food. Admission is free.
For information, call the Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau at 482-8001.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority hosts Mardi Gras ball
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will host their Mardi Gras Ball from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday at the Council of Organizations Building. The best female and male dancer will be crowned at the ball.
Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served. Proceeds will benefit the sorority's Relay for Life cancer teams.
For information, call 482-5438.
AARP to offer seniors free tax service
AARP Tax Aide Service will prepare tax returns for senior citizens 60 and older free of charge every Friday at Trustmark Bank on Highway 19 North and every Monday at the Meridian/Lauderdale County Library from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The service begins Friday.
Wayne County Chamber of Commerce hosts banquet
The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce will hold its 44th annual general membership meeting and banquet next week. This year's guest speaker will be Republican U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran.
The dinner will be 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday at the Waynesboro City Auditorium. Tickets are $25 for non-chamber members and are available at the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce office.
For information, call Stephanie Brown at (601) 735-6056.
Kemper County supervisors hold redistricting hearing
The Kemper County Board of Supervisors will sponsor a public hearing at the county courthouse at 6 p.m. Feb. 7. The topic: A proposed redistricting plan for county supervisor districts. People may submit written comments and suggestions to the board about the redistricting plan.
Museum to host Valentine Arts &Crafts Workshop
Meridian Museum of Art will host a Valentine Arts &Crafts Workshop for for children ages 4-12 from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Feb. 9.
Sylvia Peterson will be the instructor. The cost is $3 a child and pre-registration is required. Parent volunteers are encouraged.
Meridian Museum of Art is at 628 25th Ave. in Meridian. To register or for more information, call 693-1501.
Kemper Chamber of Commerce holding prayer breakfast
The Kemper County Chamber of Commerce will host a Prayer Breakfast Feb. 14 at the Farmers Market. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. with breakfast at 7.
The Farmers Market is off of Highway 16 East in DeKalb behind McDade Oil. For information, call Juanice Evans at 743-2754 or 485-6487, or Lyda Wyche at 743-2754.
Life Line Screening to be at Aldersgate
Life Line Screening will be at Aldersgate Retirement Community in Meridian on Feb. 12.
Ultrasound testing for stroke, abdominal aneurysms and blockage in leg arteries which can lead to heart disease will be performed, as well as an osteoporosis screening.
These non-invasive, completely painless screenings take about 10 minutes each and are offered for $40 each. You must pre-register. This screening is limited to the first 63 people who register.
Call (800) 407-4557 to schedule an appointment for more information.
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 6 a.m.-10 a.m. March 2. Participants sell tickets for $5 which entitles the buyer to special store discounts. For information, or to sign up your organization, call 484-7809.
Newton Hospital to sponsor talent showcase
Newton Regional Hospital will sponsor a talent showcase as a fund raising event for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life 2002.
The event will be 2 p.m. March 9 in Huff Auditorium at East Central Community Community in Decatur.
Any form of talent may enter and the entry fee is $25. Entry forms may be picked up at the hospital or obtained by contacting Michael Miller at 683-0325 or 635-2509.