Local Digest

By Staff
March 7, 2002
Women's Build volunteers meet
Lauderdale County Habitat for Humanity will hold a meeting about the annual Women's Build today, at 7 p.m., at Union Station. This year's build will take place at 2124 25th Ave.
April 18-29 are the dates for the Idea House fund-raiser. Money from this fund-raiser will go to "Women Building a Legacy House" in September and October.
Young people are also needed to help during Youth Build Week, March 11-15, at 1802 39th Place. The work days run from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, call 485-4942.
Humane Society seeks volunteers
The Lauderdale County Humane Society will hold its monthly meeting today, at 7 p.m., at the Bonita Lakes Mall Meeting Place near McRae's. The group meets on the first Thursday of each month. People who enjoy animals and are looking for ways to get involved in the community can become Humane Society volunteers.
For more information, call Stephanie Lee at 679-1919, Cathy Long at 483-4673 or Tommy White at 693-3433.
Historic Clarke County sponsors ham breakfast
Members of Historic Clarke County will hold an "Ole Tyme Ham Breakfast and Brunch" on Friday, from 6:30 a.m.-noon, at the train depot in Quitman. Tickets are $5, and are available from members of the Historic Clarke County or at Traweek's Book Store. Proceeds will fund historic attractions in Quitman.
For information, contact Bea and Dick Reynolds at 776-3843 or Helen Ann Beeman at 776-6196.
Newton historical society holds first meeting
The Newton County Historical and Genealogical Society will hold its first meeting at 10 a.m. Saturday. The group will meet in the Magnolia Room at East Central Community College in Decatur. Annual dues are $12 for individuals and $18 for households. For information, call Dr. Harold Graham at 635-4553 or e-mail hgraham@nexband.com.
Registration set for Parks and Recreation classes
Registration for the spring session classes offered by the Meridian Parks and Recreation Department will be Monday, with the first classes set for March 25. For a complete list of classes, visit www.meridianms.org or call 485-1805.
Trustmark holds Relay fund-raiser
Trustmark National Bank's Relay for Life team will be hold a hamburger plate cookout on March 14 to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Plates include a burger, chips, dessert and coke for $5. They will be available at the bank's downtown branch at 700 23rd Ave. For delivery of five or more plates, call Neil Henry at 693-9750.
Make-A-Wish holds meeting
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Mississippi will hold its monthly Meridian Volunteer Luncheon on March 14 at Rush Medical Group, 1800 12th St. The meeting will begin at 11:45 a.m. on the sixth floor. The public is invited to attend. Reservations are required by March 12. Call Lynn Conerly, volunteer coordinator, at (800) 819-4072.
MSU to offer training course
The Mississippi State University Extension Service will offer a private pesticide applicator training class Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The class will be held in the Lauderdale County Extension auditorium, on the fifth floor of the Raymond P. Davis Annex.
The workshop is intended for agricultural producers in the the areas of livestock, forestry and commercial vegetables who need certification to purchase restricted-use pesticides. The program is free, but participants must be landowners or agricultural growers.
For more information or to preregister, call 484-9764.
Ballroom dancers forming chapter
The United States Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association is interested in establishing a chapter, especially for beginner social or recreational ballroom dancers, in the Meridian area. The organization creates opportunities for affordable ballroom dancing and educates the public about the physical, mental and social benefits of a regular program of ballroom dancing.
For more information, call (800) 447-9047; e-mail USABDACENT@aol.com; or write to USABDA, P.O. Box 128, New Freedom, PA 17349.
Jackson to host Exotic Bird Fair
The 8th Semi-Annual Central Mississippi Exotic Bird Fair and Supply Sale is returning to Jackson and will feature canaries, finches, macaws and African Greys. The fair will be open to the public on March 16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and March 17, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds. Admission is $3.
For more information, call (901) 878-1307 or visit www.birdshow.com.
Miss Hospitality deadline nears
Applications will be accepted through Friday for the 2002 Miss Hospitality Program. Applicants must be high school graduates; never have married or have children; and be at least age 18 (but not older than 24) by July 24.
The Miss Hospitality Program will take the form of a tea at Merrehope on March 23. The competition consists of an interview, a short speech and a black dress competition. The winner will represent Meridian and Lauderdale County as a goodwill ambassador and travel to Hattiesburg July 21-27 for the state competition.
Applications are available at the Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau, 212 Constitution Ave. For more information, call 482-8001.