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.

• The Friends of the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library will hold its spring book sale Monday, April 8-Saturday, April 13. The sale will be upstairs in the library each day from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. FMI: call the library at 601-693-6771.

• 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 – Monthly Post members meetings are every 2nd Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. along with the VFW Auxiliary. We 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 David Davis Adjutant/Quartermaster at Post, 601-485-4042 or cell, 601-604-0027.

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

• 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 p.m. – The Lauderdale County Democratic Party meets on the first Monday of each month through July at the Lauderdale County Courthouse Annex. FMI: 601-880-9591.

• 6:30-8 p.m., Monday, Celebrate Recovery 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.

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, March 30

• 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – The 16th annual Loose Caboose Arts & Crafts Festival in downtown Newton. Arts & Craft and food vendors, Kids’ Inflatable Zone, BankPlus 5K, Midway Carnival, Mini Train Rides, BankFirst Car Show, local entertainment. Loose Caboose Festival is a free event to attend.

• 9 a.m.-noon – Phone Photography with Kim Rushing at The MAX. Learn to manually control your camera using apps to make professional looking photos, and explore a variety of output options. Registration required. $25 members, $30 non-members. 601-581-1550.

• 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Bonita Lakes Mall will be providing free fingerprinting and DNA identification kits at Center Court on Friday, March 30. Erica Harmon with the Meridian Police Department will be the facilitator.

• 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Barks & Burgers at Bonita Lakes – Boat Ramp and Spillway (over the dam by the island.) Sponsored by Leadership Lauderdale of Meridian. All proceeds to support the East Mississippi Animal Rescue. FMI: Contact 601-938-5922 or leadershipmeridian@outlook.com or Facebook events page “Burgers & Barks”

Monday, April 1

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

Tuesday, April 2

• 10 a.m. – Baby/Toddler Paper Cup Lantern at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library. Chess Club meets at 4:30 a.m.

• 6 p.m. – The 15th Avenue East Side Neighborhood Watch Group will meet at various locations at the member’s residence. (closed meeting, invited guest only). Meets bi-monthly the 1st Tuesday of the month.

• 7 p.m. – Suicide The Ripple Effect – a film and a movement for hope and healing at Kahlmus Auditorium at MSU-Meridian College Park Campus – panel discussion of the topic will follow the film. The film chronicles the story of Kevin Hines, who at age 19 attempted to take his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. www.SuicideTheRippleEffect.com

Wednesday, April 3

• 11:30 a.m. – The monthly meeting of the Central MS Chapter 1251 of NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees) will be held at Ronnie’s Steak and Grill, 734 Pecan Ave., Philadelphia. All federal employees/retirees and spouses are invited to attend. FMI: 601-389-1946.

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

Thursday, April 4

• Noon – Downtown Lenten Services at St. Patrick Church, 2601 Davis St., Meridian. Light lunch will follow. Donations to a local ministry will be collected.

• 4:30-6 p.m. – Citizens National Bank will host Business After Hours at the Downtown Banking Center, 512 22nd Ave., Meridian.

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

• 6 p.m. – Symphony Doo Dah at the MSU Riley Center. Join us for a magical, musical experience that is perfect for the entire family. Meet and snap photos with beloved characters who host our ”hands-on” Instrument Zoo and other fun pre-concert activities. For tickets call, 601-696-2200.

Friday, April 5

• Noon – The East Central MS Retired Educators Association (ECMREA) will host a “Staycation at The MAX in downtown Meridian for lunch and a tour of the Jim Henson Exhibit. This “Staycation” will be catered by McAllister’s with the cost for members, $12, non-members, $20. If you have not pre-paid, call A.T. Mosley, 601-604-2933 by Wednesday, April 3, to reserve your “Staycation.”

• 6 p.m. – The Greater Meridian Chapter of Miss. Valley State University Alumni will have its “Green and White Banquet” at the Council of Organizations Bldg., 814 45th Ave. Guest speaker will be Dr. Elisabeth Evans, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Miss. Valley State University. Music will be rendered by Mr. Mack Brown and Silk. Tickets are now available. FMI: 601-350-0255.

Saturday, April 6

• 9 a.m.-until – 5th annual Revving Up for Autism at the Enterprise Baseball Field. Car, truck, motorcycle, and ATV show. There will be a Silent Auction, 50/50, gun raffle, and Biloxi vacation raffle. Food and fun for all. FMI: Amy Dickerson, 601-480-8180, or Lynn Dickerson, 601-701-8455, or Summer Irby, 601-616-0779.

• 10 a.m.-5 p.m. – Meridian Mini Maker Faire at the Historic Soule’ Steam Works, 1808 4th St., Meridian. Makers are invited to exhibit or demonstrate at no charge. For more information or to register as a Maker: meridian.makerfaire.com or FB: makerfairemeridian or makerfairemeridian@comcast.net.601-693-9905.

• 7:30 p.m. – MSU Riley Center’s 2019 Spring/Summer Performing Arts Series. The concert will feature soul-baring music and secret-spilling insider stories. Melissa Manchester, Darryl Worley, Mo Pitney, and John Ford Coley star in The Heart Behind the Music Songwriter’s Showcase. Tickets on sale at the MSU Riley Center Box Office, 601-696-2200 and on the website, www.msurileycenter.com.

Sunday, April 7

• 1-5 p.m. – Meridian Mini Maker Faire at the Historic Soule’ Steam Works, 1808 4th St., Meridian. Makers are invited to exhibit or demonstrate at no charge. For more information or to register as a Maker: meridian.makerfaire.com or FB: makerfairemeridian or makerfairemeridian@comcast.net.601-693-9905.

Monday, April 8

• 11 a.m. – Adult Coloring 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, April 9

• 10 a.m. – Baby/Toddler STEM (Shape Dog Craft). Chess Club meets at 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 10

• 4:30 p.m. – Young Adults 7th-12th Grade Sand Art Picture Frames at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Thursday, April 11

• 10:30 a.m. – Love’s Travel Stops Ribbon Cutting Grand Opening Celebration, 13 Will Garrett Rd., Toomsuba.

• Noon – Downtown Lenten Services at First Christian Church, 1301 23rd Ave., Meridian. Light lunch will follow. Donations to a local ministry will be collected.

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

• 6 p.m. – The Druid Hills Neighborhood Watch Group will meet at Life Baptist Church, 3000 State Blvd. (open meeting). Meets monthly the 2nd Thursday of the month.

• 7:30 p.m. – MSU Riley Center’s 2019 Spring/Summer Performing Arts Series. An Acoustic Evening with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. Tickets $88, $82. Tickets on sale at the MSU Riley Center Box Office, 601-696-2200 and on the website, www.msurileycenter.com.

Sunday, April 14

• 1:30 p.m. – Survivor Reception at the Hamasa Shriners Building in Marion to honor Cancer Survivors with special speakers, refreshments and more. Honorary Chairs are Cindy and David (Beetle) Bailey. FMI: 601-480-6100.

Monday, April 15

• 10:30-11:30 a.m. – New Beginnings Adult Day Care Services, LLC, 235 69th Ave., Meridian, will honor all current volunteers and potential volunteers. FMI: Contact Ruth Sanders, RN, 601-483-4061.

• 11 a.m. – Adult April Showers Umbrella Craft at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Tuesday, April 16

• 10 a.m. – Baby/Toddler Egg-citing Easter Sun Catcher at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library. Chess Club meets at 4:30 p.m.

• 5:30 p.m. – The Hwy. 19 North Neighborhood Watch Group (Village Apartments and Northgate Apartment residents) will meet at First Apostolic Church, 2010 Mosby Rd. (open meeting). Meets bi-monthly the 3rd Tuesday of the month.

Wednesday, April 17

• 3-5 p.m. – Choose Stocks Wisely Seminar – Part II, Riley Campus, Deen Bldg. Computer Lab 101. You must register in advance by April 15. Cost of the seminar $25. FMI: Contact Suzanne Parker, 601-484-0156 or sparker@meridian.msstate.edu.

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

Thursday, April 18

• 11:30 a.m. – Joe Hudson’s Collision Center will celebrate its Grand Opening with a ribbon cutting, 3020 Hwy. 39N.

• 4:30 p.m. – K-6th Grae Peanuts Easter Tote at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library. Genealogy meets 2-3 p.m.

• 6:30 p.m. – The Highland Baptist Neighborhood Watch Group will meet at Highland Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 3400 27th St. (open meeting). Meets monthly the 3rd Thursday of the month.

Friday, April 19

• 7-8:30 a.m. – The Fellowship of Christian Athletes will hold it 2nd annual Jackie Slay Breakfast of Champions on Good Friday at the MCC Tommy E. Dulaney Center. Keynote speaker will be Mississippi native Demario Davis current middle linebacker for the New Orleans Saints. FMI: Contact Jonathan Fulcher, 601-934-4144. Deadline to purchase tables is March 30, and you can purchase tickets until April 10.

Monday, April 22

• 11 a.m. – Adult DIY Ceramic Leaf Bowls at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Tuesday, April 23

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

• 6 p.m. – The Broadmoor and North Hills Business alert Network (B.A.N.) Group Meeting will be at (varies) Cater’s Market, 5201 Hwy. 493. (closed meeting, opened to business owners and operators.) Meets bi-monthly the 2nd Tuesday of the month.

Wednesday, April 24

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

Thursday, April 25

• 4:30 p.m. – K-6th Grade Sun Catcher Easter Egg at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

• 6 p.m. – The Poplar Springs Neighborhood Watch Group will meet at Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 4032 Poplar Springs Dr. (open meeting). Meets monthly the 4th Thursday of the month.

• 7 p.m. – MCC’s Arts & Letters Series production of The Color Purple at MCC McCain Theatre. The show may not be appropriate for children under the age of 13. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students. FMI: 601-484-8696.

• 7:30 p.m. – MSU Riley Center’s 2019 Spring/Summer Performing Arts Series presents The Allman Betts Band. Tickets on sale at the MSU Riley Center Box Office, 601-696-2200 and on the website, www.msurileycenter.com. $39, $32.

Friday, April 26

• 6 p.m. – Relay for Life and Meridian Community College Soccer Field. This year’s theme is Finish the Fight Against Cancer. FMI: Contact Debby Delshad at 601-480-6100.

• 7 p.m. – MCC’s Arts & Letters Series production of The Color Purple at MCC McCain Theatre. The show may not be appropriate for children under the age of 13. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students. FMI: 601-484-8696.

Saturday, April 27

• 8 a.m.-1 p.m. – The Meridian Day Lily Club will hold its annual plant sale at Al’s Garden and Gift, 9803 State Blvd. Locally grown plants will be offered at prices beginning at $5. FMI: 601-485-4105 or 601-685-0076.

• 10-11 a.m. Poker Run Registration for the Run for the Wall Poker Run Car/Motorcycle Show. KSU 11:15 at the Moose Lodge, 7405 Hwy. 80W. $10 per hand. Top two winners will win a flat screen TV. FMI: Contact Patrick, 601-938-7523 or Gary, 601-527-2123 or Billy, 601-479-5709. Email VACofMeridian@gmail.com or on Facebook – Veterans Appreciation Committee of Meridian, MS.

• 10 a.m.-1 p.m. – Poplar Springs Drive United Methodist Church, 3937 Poplar Springs Dr. will have its Spring Festival (Shrimp Boil) to benefit local missions – Wesley House, Care Lodge, & Relay/Cancer Benevolent Fund. Include a generous portion of boiled shrimp, potatoes, corn on the co, and mushrooms. Baked and frozen goods sale – fresh homemade cakes, pies, cookies and bread, assorted frozen casseroles. Tickets available from church members or call the church office, 601-485-5598 ext 122.

• 1:30-3:30 – Car/Truck/Motorcycle show registration for the Run for the Wall Poker Run Car/Motorcycle Show at the Moose Lodge, 7405 Hwy. 80W. All winners will be announced at 5 p.m. $15 per vehicle or $10 per vehicle for any club entering 8 or more. FMI: Contact Patrick, 601-938-7523 or Gary, 601-527-2123 or Billy, 601-479-5709. Email VACofMeridian@gmail.com or on Facebook – Veterans Appreciation Committee of Meridian, MS.

• 3-5 p.m. – Celebrate National SuperHero Day with us at Happy Smiles Meridian, 2300 North Hills St. Free event to meet your favorite superhero Ironman, Captain America, Spider-Man and The Black Panther. Register to win tickets to new Avengers movie.

• 7 p.m. – MCC’s Arts & Letters Series production of The Color Purple at MCC McCain Theatre. The show may not be appropriate for children under the age of 13. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students. FMI: 601-484-8696.

Sunday, April 28

• 2 p.m. – MCC’s Arts & Letters Series production of The Color Purple at MCC McCain Theatre. The show may not be appropriate for children under the age of 13. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students. FMI: 601-484-8696.

Tuesday, April 30

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

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.

Tuesday, May 14

• 6:30 p.m. – The Tuxedo Neighborhood Watch Group will meet at Parables Church, 801 C St. (open meeting). Meets bi-monthly on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.

Thursday, May 23

• 7:30 p.m. – MSU Riley Center’s 2019 Spring/Summer Performing Arts Series presents America. Tickets on sale at the MSU Riley Center Box Office, 601-696-2200 and on the website, www.msurileycenter.com. $64, $58.

Thursday, May 30

• 7:30 p.m. – MSU Riley Center’s 2019 Spring/Summer Performing Arts Series presents The Reduced Shakespeare Company in the complete works of William Shakespeare. Three actors smush all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays into 97 minutes of hilarity. Tickets on sale at the MSU Riley Center Box Office, 601-696-2200 and on the website, www.msurileycenter.com. $39, $33.

Tuesday, June 4

• 7:30 p.m. – MSU Riley Center’s 2019 Spring/Summer Performing Arts Series presents a night with The Righteous Brothers – Bill Medley and Bucky Heard. Tickets on sale at the MSU Riley Center Box Office, 601-696-2200 and on the website, www.msurileycenter.com. $64, $58.

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.