Please e-mail all calendar briefs to calendar@themeridianstar.com. Calendar items are listed by date and it may take a while before an event submitted weeks in advance appears in the paper.

F.Y.I.

• East Mississippi Community College will conduct college prep cheerleading clinics on March 3 and April 7. Both Sunday afternoon clinics will be held on the Scooba campus. Open to male and female high school cheerleaders and community college transfers, the scheduled two-hour cheer clinic are slated to begin with a 1:30 p.m. registratIon at EMCC’S Keyes T. Currie Coliseum. A $10 clinic fee (cash or money order) and signed participation waiver form are due during registration. FMI: EMCC cheerleading coach Hanna Burnette via email at hburnette@eastms.edu.

• The Lauderdale Christian Women’s Job Corps is taking applications for free computer and job skills training that will begin Feb. 21. The training is for ladies 18 and over who are unemployed or underemployed. To enroll, call 601-483-1419 or go by the Lauderdale County Baptist Center, 5521 Clinton St. in Marion. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. The deadline for applications is Thursday, Feb. 14.

• The Newton Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their 16th annual Loose Caboose Arts and Crafts Festival, Saturday, March 30, 9 a.m.-4 p..m. in Newton. If you are interested in being a Craft or Food Vendor applications are now available and can be found online at www.newtonchamberms.com or available inside the Newton Chamber’s office in the Newton Depot, 128 S. Main St. during office hours. Vendor Application deadline is March 1. FMI: 601-683-2201.

• Register today for the 2019 Master Gardner Class scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 19 through Thursday, March 28. Classes are from 1-5 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday each week. Interested people may call Lauderdale County Extension Service at 601-482-9764.

• The veterans food pantry is still open to all honorably discharged veterans and widows of veterans at the DAV Bldg. 4101 19th St. Open Tuesday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. POC Patti Lindner at 601-485-1813.

• The Multi-County Community Service Agency, Inc. provides transportation to Fresenius Dialysis on Highway 39 in Meridian and transportation to MIDD on College Dr. in Meridian, Monday-Saturday from 5:30 a.m.-5 p.m. FMI: Please contact Delphine Gaines, Transportation Coordinator, at 601-934-1911 Cell; 601-485-1214 Office; or 601-483-4838 Leave a message.

• Eden Foundation, an outreach to the community. The crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day 601-453-4946.

• Lauderdale County Veteran Service Office at 1827 23rd Ave. is open from 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday and 8-11 a.m. on Friday. Call for appointment. Walk-ins welcome. FMI: Jesse Barnett 601-482-9811.

• Lunch Bunch AA meets at Firehouse, 3753 19th Street Monday-Saturday, 12:15-12:45 p.m.

• VFW Post 79 – Hours of operation are Saturday 1-11 p.m. Monthly Post members meetings are every 2nd Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. along with the VFW Auxiliary. Saturday’s 8-11 p.m. we host our weekly Dance. The present band is Southern Fried. We also want to announce that we do rent our facility for wedding’s, birthday parties, anniversaries, etc. Rental fees: $250 plus $45 clean up fee for main hall and $75 plus $45 clean up fee for Auxiliary room. We also have a large outdoor area with a covered grilling gazebo with wood burning grills. FMI: Michael Alexander Commander at Post, 601-485-4042, or cell, 601-604-1496 and Steven Vinet Adjutant/Quartermaster at Post, 601-485-4042 or cell, 601-490-5997.

• Happy Hour AA meets at Firehouse daily from 5:30-6:30, 3753 19th Street.

• Big Book AA meets at Alliance, 5000 Highway 39 North Sunday-Thursday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Friday/Sunday, 5:30-6:30 p.m., and Friday/Saturday from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

• Quitman Serenity AA meets Tuesday/Thursday 7-8 p.m. and 11 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday at 205 Kirkland Drive.

Weekly:

Monday

• Noon-1 p.m. – The Diabetes Prayer and Support Group meets the second Monday of every month in the private dining room hospital cafeteria at Rush Foundation Hospital. Bring your lunch. The next meeting will be Jan. 14. FMI: Contact Debbie Lane RN at 601-703-9681. debbie.lane@rushhealth.com.

• Noon – The Meridian First Ladies Civitan Club meets every second and fourth Monday of each month at noon in the Rush Hospital Private Dining Room on the third floor.

• 12:15 p.m. – The Queen City Duplicate Bridge Club meets every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at the Meridian Activity Center. FMI: 601-479-4925.

• 5:30-8 p.m. – Civil Air Patrol MS 102 Composite Squadron at Key Field ANG Base. FMI: georgetpurvis@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/montgomerycompositesquadron.

• 6:30-8 p.m., Monday, GriefShare support group meets at NorthPark Church, 7770 Highway 39 North. FMI: 601-482-1322 or www.facebook.com/northparkchurch.net.

Tuesday

• 12 p.m. – Meridian Civitan Club meets in the Rush Hospital Private Dining Room. (except every fifth Tuesday), FMI: 601-938-6409.

• 12 p.m. – Meridian Exchange Club meets at Red Lobster. FMI: 601-479-3954.

• 12 p.m. – Meridian Downtown Optimist Club meets at Western Sizzlin’. FMI: 601-693-2336.

• 12:45 p.m. – The Queen City Duplicate Bridge Club meets every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at the Meridian Activity Center. FMI: 601-479-4925.

• 12-1 p.m., Tuesdays, Refuge Christian Recovery, a meeting for women whose loved ones suffer from alcohol and drugs, meets at First Presbyterian Church, Founders Room, 905 23rd Ave. FMI: Charlie 601-917-6277.

• 5:30 p.m. Rotary Club of East Mississippi – Meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month at The Daily Grind.

• 5-6:30 p.m. – NAMI Meridian would like to invite any adult diagnosed with a mental illness to join the Connection Support Group at the Wesley House Community Center, 1520 8th Ave. NAMI stands for National Alliance on Mental Illness and is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and supporting those living with mental illness and their families. A Family Support Group meets the second Tuesday of each month at the same time and place. FMI: Call 601-917-1474 or 601-527-3734. NAMI Meridian Affiliate’s email address is namimeridian@gmail.com and mailing address is PO Box 8563, Meridian, MS 39303.

• 5:30-6:30 p.m., Tuesday/Thursday, Al-Anon meetings at Firehouse, 3753 19th St.

• 6:30 p.m., 3rd Tuesday of the month, Disabled American Veterans Ch. 56 meets at 4101 19th St. Food pantry available 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday. FMI: Commander Dan Ward 601-485-1813.

Thursday

• 11:30 a.m. – Meridian Lions Club meets at Rush Hospital Cafeteria. FMI: 662-693-1103.

• 12:45 p.m. – The Queen City Duplicate Bridge Club meets every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at the Meridian Activity Center. FMI: 601-479-4925.

• 6 p.m. – Thursday Vino and Van Gogh meet at the Meridian Museum of Art. FMI: 601-693-1501.

• 5:30 p.m., 2nd Thursday of the month, American Legion Post 257 meets at Temple Theater Ballroom. Fellowship followed by a meeting of both the Legion and Auxiliary. FMI: David Sloan 601-481-3949.

• 6 p.m. – VFW Post #79 Men’s and Lady’s Auxiliary meets the 2nd Thursday of each month. FMI: 601-701-6706.

Friday

• Longino Center Dance, Pecan Ave. behind Longino Fire Department in Philadelphia, open every Friday/Saturday night from 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Admission $8. Live music, free cokes/water, family atmosphere. FMI: Sam 601-728-0313.

Daily:

Saturday, Feb. 2

• 9 a.m.-5 p.m. – Join us for February’s “Mississippi Day at The MAX” as we welcome our neighbors from Laurel. $5 Adults + Seniors/ $1 Youth 6-17/kids 5 and under free. Free refreshments, free photo booth, door prizes, and Mr. Mike’s frozen yogurt for sale.

• 7 p.m. – Junior Auxiliary Charity Ball at the MSU Riley Center. Entertainment by Just A Few Cats Band, a huge silent auction, dancing, a wine pull, and much more! For tickets contact Patty Ann Bogue pattyann.bogue@gmail.com

Monday, Feb. 4

• 11 a.m. – Adult Coloring at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

• 2 p.m. – The EMBDC will recognize the 2018 fall semester Head of the Class recipients from Ross Collins Career and Technical School at Ross Collins.

Tuesday, Feb. 5

• 6:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – Kentucky Ham Meal at First Christian Church, 23rd Ave. at 13th St. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at the door the day of the event, or in advance by calling the church office at 601-693-1425.

• 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. – Lauderdale County Soil and Water Conservation District Annual Tree Giveaway, USDA Service Center, 1030 Hwy. 19S, (in front of the Agri-Center.) The following seedlings will be given away to Lauderdale Co. residents: Southern crabapple, Nuttall Oak, Longleaf Pine, Loblolly Pine, Bald Cypress. FMI: 601-483-4100.

• 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will assist taxpayers with their 2018 tax returns at United Way, RSVP 4817 N. Park Drive. Please bring a copy of your previous year (2017) tax return, 2018 tax documents, picture ID, and Social Security cards for all family members. Reservations needed at this location. FMI: 601-482-0512.

• 10 a.m. – Baby/Toddler Chinese New Year Rooster Craft at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library. Chess Club meets at 4:30 p.m.

• 5-7 p.m. – Kentucky Ham Meal at First Christian Church, 23rd Ave. at 13th St. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at the door the day of the event, or in advance by calling the church office at 601-693-1425.

Wednesday, Feb. 6

• 6:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – Kentucky Ham Meal at First Christian Church, 23rd Ave. at 13th St. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at the door the day of the event, or in advance by calling the church office at 601-693-1425.

• 4:30 p.m. – Young Adults 7th-12 Grade DIY Jumbo Library Pockets at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Thursday, Feb. 7

• 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will assist taxpayers with their 2018 tax returns at EMEPA, 2128 Hwy. 39N. Please bring a copy of your previous year (2017) tax return, 2018 tax documents, picture ID, and Social Security cards for all family members. FMI: Leave a message at 601-692-2758. First come, first served at this location.

• 4:30 p.m. – K-6th Grade Chinese New Year Dragon Craft at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

• 5 p.m. – The Meridian Chapter of Miss. Valley State University Alumni will have its meeting at the Council of Organizations Bldg., 814-45th Ave. All alumni in Meridian and surrounding counties are asked to attend as we continue to prepare for our banquet Friday, April 5. FMI: 601-350-0255.

• 7:30 p.m. – “Frankenstein,” Mary Shelley’s tale of a life-creation experiment gone horrifically wrong, coming to the MSU Riley Center. Tickets are $39 and $33 at the MSU Riley Center Box Office, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 601-696-2200 or www.msurileycenter.com.

Saturday, Feb. 9

• 6-10 p.m. – Art for Meridian at Northwood Country Club. The event features a live auction of works by local and regional artists, a silent auction with works of art and items donated by sponsors.

Sunday, Feb. 10

• 3-4 p.m. – Family Workshop: Cookie Decorating at The MAX. A local baker will teach families to decorate Valentine’s themed cookies. Registration required by Feb. 8. Free with registration. FMI: 601-581-1550.

Monday, Feb. 11

• 11 a.m. – Adult Glass Bead Candle Holder at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

• Noon-1 p.m. – The Diabetes Prayer and Support Group meets the second Monday of every month in the private dining room hospital cafeteria at Rush Foundation Hospital. Bring your lunch. FMI: Contact Debbie Lane RN at 601-703-9681. debbie.lane@rushhealth.com.

Tuesday, Feb. 12

• 10 a.m. – Baby/Toddler Conversation Heart Turtle Craft at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library. Chess Club meets at 4:30 p.m.

• 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will assist taxpayers with their 2018 tax returns at United Way, RSVP 4817 N. Park Dr. Please bring a copy of your previous year (2017) tax return, 2018 tax documents, picture ID, and Social Security cards for all family members. Reservations needed at this location. FMI: 601-482-0512.

• 2 p.m. – The Telephone Pioneers monthly meeting will be held at the Meridian Activity Center, 3300 32nd Ave., Meridian. This will be a regular meeting. Next meeting will be April 9. FMI: 601-527-1197.

Wednesday, Feb. 13

• 7-9 a.m. – Anderson Regional Medical Center will offer a Heart Check (free screening) for blood pressure, lipid profile, glucose, weight, and height in the Morgan Room (adjacent to Anderson Cafeteria) By appointment only – no walk-ins accepted. FMI: 601-553-6645.

• 4:30 p.m. – Young Adults 7th-12th Grade Beaded Valentine Pin Craft/Game Day at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Thursday, Feb. 14

• 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will assist taxpayers with their 2018 tax returns at EMEPA, 2128 Hwy. 39N. Please bring a copy of your previous year (2017) tax return, 2018 tax documents, picture ID, and Social Security cards for all family members. FMI: Leave a message at 601-692-2758. First come, first served at this location.

• 4:30 p.m. – K-6th Grade Valentine Slime at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Friday, Feb. 15

• 6-7 p.m. – Mississippi Children’s Museum-Meridian Preshow Experience for the MSU Riley Center Family Series show “The Phantom Tollbooth.” Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at www.msrileycenter.com or by phone at 601-696-2200, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• 6-9 p.m. – Blues Series: Ralph Keyes + LuV Undercover at The MAX. Light refreshments plus a cash bar. Members free/non-members $20.

• 7 p.m. – The McKamey’s Farewell Concert at the historic Temple Theatre. General admission until Feb. 15 $20. Day of concert $25. Artist Circle until Feb 15, $25 – Day of Concert, $30. Artist Circle includes early entry at 5 p.m. and seating within the front few rows. 800-965-9324.

Tuesday, Feb. 19

• 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will assist taxpayers with their 2018 tax returns at United Way, RSVP 4817 N. Park Dr. Please bring a copy of your previous year (2017) tax return, 2018 tax documents, picture ID, and Social Security cards for all family members. Reservations needed at this location. FMI: 601-482-0512.

• 10 a.m. – Baby/Toddler STEM (Making a Train) at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library. Chess Club meets at 4:30 p.m.

• 1-3 p.m. – United Auto Workers Retiree Chapter No. 2185 will meet at the Meridian Activity Center, 3300 32nd Ave. The Trust will be at the meeting with news about our UAWBlue Cross changes along with other providers. FMI: Contact George, 601-737-5266.

• 6:30 p.m. – The next meeting of the DAV/DAVA will be at the Kendallwood Bldg. at Highland Park. We will have a potluck meal followed by our meetings at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 20

• 4:30 p.m. – Young Adults 7th-12th Grade STEM (Making Electromagnets) at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Thursday, Feb. 21

• 7-10 a.m. – Anderson Regional Medical Center will offer a Heart Saver CT Scan ($100) for all heart check screenings at the Radiology Dept. at Anderson – North. By appointment only – space is limited. FMI: 601-553-6645.

• 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will assist taxpayers with their 2018 tax returns at EMEPA, 2128 Hwy. 39N. Please bring a copy of your previous year (2017) tax return, 2018 tax documents, picture ID, and Social Security cards for all family members. FMI: Leave a message at 601-692-2758. First come, first served at this location.

• 4:30 p.m. – K-6th Grade STEM (Weather Activity) at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library. Genealogy meets from 2-3 p.m.

• 6 p.m. – The International Singing Brakeman Association (TISBA) Hospitality Night will be at The Red Roof Inn, Suite B, located at 2219 South Frontage Rd. Please bring a dish to share. We will eat at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $5 per person. FMI: Glyn Jones, 601-581-1601.

• 7 p.m. – Four Weddings and An Elvis at Meridian Little Theatre. Tickets call 601-482-6371 or www.meridianlittletheatre.com.

Friday, Feb. 22

• 7-10 a.m. – Anderson Regional Medical Center will offer a Heart Saver CT Scan ($100) for all heart check screenings at the Radiology Dept. at Anderson – North. By appointment only – space is limited. FMI: 601-553-6645.

• 7 p.m. – Four Weddings and An Elvis at Meridian Little Theatre. Tickets call 601-482-6371 or www.meridianlittletheatre.com.

Saturday, Feb. 23

• 3:30 p.m. – Friends will gather at Sandy Ridge Bluegrass Park for a day of fellowship, food, pickin’, and grinnin’. Bring a covered dish for supper at 6 p.m. then hang around for some bluegrass music with possible banjo, mandolin, guitar, and fiddle players. FMI: 601-644-3701. Admission is free. Clarkdale School first road to the right, go down 3 or 4 miles CR 358.

• 7 p.m. – Four Weddings and An Elvis at Meridian Little Theatre. Tickets call 601-482-6371 or www.meridianlittletheatre.com.

Sunday, Feb. 24

• 2 p.m. – Four Weddings and An Elvis at Meridian Little Theatre. Tickets call 601-482-6371 or www.meridianlittletheatre.com.

Monday, Feb. 25

• 11 a.m. – Adult DIY Canvas Pot Holders at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

• 7 p.m. – Four Weddings and An Elvis at Meridian Little Theatre. Tickets call 601-482-6371 or www.meridianlittletheatre.com.

Tuesday, Feb. 26

• 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m. – The Downtown Optimist Club of Meridian’s 72nd Annual Pancake Jubilee in The Temple Theatre Ballroom. Tickets are $5 each in advance and can be purchased from any Downtown Optimist Club Member or $6 at the door. FMI: 601-483-4404 or 601-693-8473.

• 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will assist taxpayers with their 2018 tax returns at United Way, RSVP 4817 N. Park Dr. Please bring a copy of your previous year (2017) tax return, 2018 tax documents, picture ID, and Social Security cards for all family members. Reservations needed at this location. FMI: 601-482-0512.

• 10 a.m. – Baby/Toddler Polar Bear Ornament Craft at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library. Chess Club meets at 4:30 p.m.

• 7 p.m. – Four Weddings and An Elvis at Meridian Little Theatre. Tickets call 601-482-6371 or www.meridianlittletheatre.com.

Wednesday, Feb. 27

• 4:30 p.m. – Young Adults 7th-12th Grade DIY Mardi Gras Masks at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Thursday, Feb. 28

• 9 a.m.-1 p.m. – AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will assist taxpayers with their 2018 tax returns at EMEPA, 2128 Hwy. 39N. Please bring a copy of your previous year (2017) tax return, 2018 tax documents, picture ID, and Social Security cards for all family members. FMI: Leave a message at 601-692-2758. First come, first served at this location.

• 4:30 p.m. – K-6th Grade Crinkle Tissue Paper Polar Bear Craft at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Sunday, March 3

• 9 a.m.-noon – Meridian Children’s Museum-Meridian will host Dr. Seuss’ Silly Birthday Celebration at the MAX Courtyard.

Monday, March 11

• Noon-1 p.m. – The Diabetes Prayer and Support Group meets the second Monday of every month in the private dining room hospital cafeteria at Rush Foundation Hospital. Bring your lunch. FMI: Contact Debbie Lane RN at 601-703-9681. debbie.lane@rushhealth.com.

Friday, March 15

• 7 p.m. – The U.S. Navy Band in Concert – Sea Chanters 2019 National Tour at the Meridian Temple Theatre. FMI: 601-693-5353 or 214-938-5656 or visit www.navyband.navy.mil. All concerts free.

Monday, April 8

• Noon-1 p.m. – The Diabetes Prayer and Support Group meets the second Monday of every month in the private dining room hospital cafeteria at Rush Foundation Hospital. Bring your lunch. FMI: Contact Debbie Lane RN at 601-703-9681. debbie.lane@rushhealth.com.

Monday, May 13

• Noon-1 p.m. – The Diabetes Prayer and Support Group meets the second Monday of every month in the private dining room hospital cafeteria at Rush Foundation Hospital. Bring your lunch. FMI: Contact Debbie Lane RN at 601-703-9681. debbie.lane@rushhealth.com.

Monday, June 10

• Noon-1 p.m. – The Diabetes Prayer and Support Group meets the second Monday of every month in the private dining room hospital cafeteria at Rush Foundation Hospital. Bring your lunch. FMI: Contact Debbie Lane RN at 601-703-9681. debbie.lane@rushhealth.com.

Monday, July 8

• Noon-1 p.m. – The Diabetes Prayer and Support Group meets the second Monday of every month in the private dining room hospital cafeteria at Rush Foundation Hospital. Bring your lunch. FMI: Contact Debbie Lane RN at 601-703-9681. debbie.lane@rushhealth.com.

Monday, Aug. 12

• Noon-1 p.m. – The Diabetes Prayer and Support Group meets the second Monday of every month in the private dining room hospital cafeteria at Rush Foundation Hospital. Bring your lunch. FMI: Contact Debbie Lane RN at 601-703-9681. debbie.lane@rushhealth.com.

Monday, Sept. 9

• Noon-1 p.m. – The Diabetes Prayer and Support Group meets the second Monday of every month in the private dining room hospital cafeteria at Rush Foundation Hospital. Bring your lunch. FMI: Contact Debbie Lane RN at 601-703-9681. debbie.lane@rushhealth.com.

Monday, October 14

• Noon-1 p.m. – The Diabetes Prayer and Support Group meets the second Monday of every month in the private dining room hospital cafeteria at Rush Foundation Hospital. Bring your lunch. FMI: Contact Debbie Lane RN at 601-703-9681. debbie.lane@rushhealth.com.

Monday, Nov. 11

• Noon-1 p.m. – The Diabetes Prayer and Support Group meets the second Monday of every month in the private dining room hospital cafeteria at Rush Foundation Hospital. Bring your lunch. FMI: Contact Debbie Lane RN at 601-703-9681. debbie.lane@rushhealth.com.

Monday, Dec. 9

• Noon-1 p.m. – The Diabetes Prayer and Support Group meets the second Monday of every month in the private dining room hospital cafeteria at Rush Foundation Hospital. Bring your lunch. FMI: Contact Debbie Lane RN at 601-703-9681. debbie.lane@rushhealth.com.