Local Digest

By Staff
Friends of the Library Book Sale continues
The Friends of the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library is holding its annual fall book sale now through Saturday, with all proceeds benefiting the library. The library is at 2517 Seventh St. For more information, call 693-6771.
Saddle Club holds fall trail ride
The Bonita Lakes Saddle Club, in conjunction with the Lauderdale County Agri-Center, will sponsor a Fall Trail Ride on Saturday.
Registration will be from 8 a.m.-9 a.m. at the Agri-Center. The morning ride will be from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Lunch will be served from noon-1 p.m. The afternoon ride is scheduled from 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m. The public is invited to attend.
The gate fee is $15 a person. The cost for children under 12 is $5. Owners must have proof of negative Coggins tests for their horses. No dogs will be allowed on the trail ride.
For information, call Dottie Sharp at 482-1005 or Tom Butler at 485-7100.
Museum to hold 2001 art auction
The Meridian Museum of Art will have its 2001 art auction Saturday at Union Station. The event will feature a gourmet dinner, cocktails, live music by Carey Smith and Friends and door prizes donated by local merchants. The auction will include more than 60 items.
Tickets for the auction can by purchased individually, or by tables of eight, for $50 a person. Proceeds benefit Meridian Museum of Art. For information, call 693-1501.
Laurel to hold Main Street Festival
The city of Laurel will host its 6th Annual Main Street Festival from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday in downtown Laurel. The festival will feature arts and crafts, food, a 5K race, a 1-mile fun run and activities for children. Also featured will be a "Best Pie Contest" and a "Low-Fat Cooking Contest."
To enter the "Best Pie Contest" or "Low-Fat Cooking Contest," call Nancy Leader at 428-4921. For information about the race, call Kerry Holifield at 428-6477.
Heritage Day set for Saturday
Heritage Day will be held 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the Kemper County Historical Museum. There will be outdoor music and demonstrations of old-time crafts. Antique cars also will be on display. Barbecue sandwiches and drinks will be on sale for $5. All money raised will help maintain the Kemper County Museum.
Seizure symposium set for Tuesday
The Epilepsy Foundation of Mississippi will host a seizure information symposium from 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday in the Meridian Room at Meridian Community College. For information, call Kim McNeel at 484-8777 or Ruth Tatum at (800) 898-0291. The event is free and open to the public.
November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month
The event will be from 9 a.m.-noon at Rush Senior Health North Hills, 5009 Highway 493. A light lunch will be served. To pre-register, call 483-4720.
Sta-Home Hospice hosts Clergy Day
Sta-Home Hospice will sponsor a Clergy Day on Tuesday at Lakeview Worship Center. The center is at 3476 Lakeview Golf Course Road. Reservations are recommended.
For information, call the Rev. Travis McManus from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 693-5277, or Freda Smith at 485-8489 or 644-3177.
Ralph Null to sign books
Ralph Null, well known for his southern garden style of design, will have a book signing 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday at Reflections of the Modern Garden. Null, former director of the retail floral design program at Mississippi State University, will be signing his new book, "Spring Arrangements from the Southern Garden."
Null has exhibited and taught design classes in London, Cape Town, Sydney and Tokyo. His design presentations have been featured at the Smithsonian Institute, the Virginia Museum of Fine Art and the New Orleans Museum of Art.
For more information, call 482-2111.
Make-A-Wish to meet Nov. 8
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Mississippi will hold its monthly Meridian Volunteer Luncheon from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 8 at Rush Medical Group. The session will take place in the 6th floor boardroom. A Wish Granter Training Session will be 5:45 p.m.-8:45 p.m. the same day and place.
The public is invited to attend. There is no charge. For information, call (800) 819-4072 or e-mail: miss@wish.org.
Mediator barbecue set for Nov. 10
The 32nd Annual Church of the Mediator Barbecue is set for 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 10 at the church. Plates will include pork or beef barbecue, cole slaw, baked beans and Texas toast for $6. Three-pound packages of pulled pork or beef will be sold.
A freezer/bake sale featuring casseroles, gumbo, red beans and rice, breads and desserts will be held in the parish center. Arts and crafts and children's activities will also be offered. All proceeds will go to local charities.
The church is at 3825 35th Ave. For delivery of five or more plates, call 483-3959.
Stephen Kirkpatrick to sign books
Wildlife photographer Stephen Kirkpatrick will sign copies of his new book "Wilder Mississippi" at Hart-Hall Ltd. 1521 24th Ave. from noon-2 p.m. Nov. 10.
Kirkpatrick has published more than 2,000 photographs in books and magazines. His stunning photo collection is accompanied by moving passages describing the lure of the Mississippi wilderness.
Information needed for book on veterans
A book is being prepared on the history of Neshoba County veterans who served during World War II. Information needed includes pictures and brief stories of the men and women who served.
The deadline is Nov. 11. Please send information to O.D. Jackson, 533 Peebles Ave., Philadelphia, MS 39350 or American Legion Post #138, 424 Myrtle St., Philadelphia, MS 39350.
Sta-Home Hospice holds training
Sta-Home Hospice will sponsor a volunteer training program from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Nov. 12. The hospice is at 1622 24th Ave. For information or to make reservations, call Freda Smith at 485-8489.
Meridian's Retiree Celebration is Nov. 13
Meridian's 4th Annual Retiree Celebration is set for Nov. 13 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at Union Station.
The event will include barbecue, door prizes and music from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. For information, call 484-6841.
Reservations are required by Friday and seating is limited.