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.

• Opening Gala for the 51st Trees of Christmas at Merrehope will be Thursday, Nov. 21, 5-7 p.m. Theme for this year is “Sing a Song of Christmas.” More than 30 trees will be decorated to represent your favorite Christmas songs and complemented by performances by choirs, groups, and individuals. Traditional Holiday Tours are: Nov. 22-Dec. 30 from 9-5 p.m. and Sundays Dec. 15, 22, and 29, 1-5 p.m. FMI: 601-483-8439.

• The veterans food pantry is still open to all honorably discharged veterans and widows of veterans at the DAV Bldg. 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.

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, 1-800-273-8255. Additional resources to utilize: Trevor Lifeline, the only national 24/7 lifeline for LGBTQ youth is, 1-866-488-7386 – For U.S. Military Veterans, call 1-800-273-8255, press 1 to speak with the Veterans Crisis Line.

• 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 Street.

• The Big Book Group of A.A. meets at the Firehouse, 3753 19th St., Meridian. Monday-Saturday, 7 p.m., Open Discussion – Sunday, 7 p.m., Open Speaker meeting – The third Sunday is Birthday night.

• 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

• 10 a.m.-noon – Joint Camp for those scheduled for joint replacement surgery at Anderson-North Auditorium – what to expect during/after surgery. The class is offered every other Monday. Lunch is provided for patient and caregiver. FMI: 601-553-6924.

• 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.

• 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.

• 6 p.m. – VFW post 12124 meets at Life Baptist Church, 3000 State Blvd. Meridian every 2nd Monday. We are seeking new members. If you served in a theater of conflict, we invite you to join our post as brothers and sisters of America. FMI: Contact Marty McCann (Post 12124 Commander) 601-527-3523.

• 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.

Tuesday

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

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

• Noon – 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.

• Noon-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.

• 5-6:30 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.

• 5:30-7 p.m. – Stroke Support Group Meeting Anderson South Cafeteria. The group meets the third Tuesday of the month except in Nov. and Dec. FMI: Call Tom Maynor at 601-703-5477.

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

• 5:30-7 p.m. – Alzheimer’s Support Group Meeting for caregivers. The group meets the 4th Tuesday of the month in the cafeteria at Anderson South. FMI: 601-483-9546.

• 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

• 8 p.m.-midnight – 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.

Saturday

• 11 a.m. – VFW Post 12124 – Monthly meetings are every 2nd Saturday, at 11 a.m. at Life Baptist Church, 3000 State Blvd. Meridian. We are seeking new members. If you served in a theater of conflict, we invite you to join our post as brothers and sisters of America, who support each other and the community as we share in the camaraderie forged by having served in a U.S. Theater of Combat. FMI: Contact Marty McCann (Post 12124 Commander) 601-527-3523 or Ricky Nelson, 601-917-1007.

Daily:

Saturday, Oct. 26

• 10 a.m.-8 p.m. – “Bluegrass in the Park” at Clarkco State Park. A first-time event with Tyler Carroll and Pineridge of Quitman; The Blue Grass Cartel of Meridian, The Long Creek Band of Quitman, Winky Hicks Band of Butler, Ala., and the Pilgrims of Philadelphia providing the entertainment. Bring your lawn chairs. Concessions will be available. Admission to attend will be $6 per car up to four people, then 50 cents for each additional person. A raffle is available to win a park bench. Raffle tickets are $2 each or six tickets for $5. FMI: 601-776-6527.

• 11 a.m. – Meridian Street to be named for R&B Star David Ruffin. Following the star unveiling at The MAX, a parade led by the famous “Sonic Boom of the South,” Jackson State University Marching Band, will travel to the corner of 8th St. and 24th Ave. where David Ruffin Blvd. will be unveiled at noon in a ceremony hosted by the City of Meridian.

• 3:30 p.m. – Friends will gather at Sandy Ridge Bluegrass Park for a day of fellowship, food, picking and grinning. Bring a covered dish for supper at 6 p.m. then hang around for some blue grass 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.

• 7:30 p.m. – Straight No Chaser “The Open Bar Tour.” at the MSU Riley Center. VIP $60, A $45, B $35. 601-696-2200.

• 7:30 p.m. – The Kemper County Branch NAACP will sponsor its Freedom Awards Banquet at the New Hope UMC Family Life Center, New Hope Rd., DeKalb. Guest speaker will be Sen. Willie Simmons, candidate for Central Transportation Commissioner. Tickets at door $20 adults and $10 youth.

Sunday, Oct. 27

• 10 a.m. – Homecoming services at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Newton with Terry Joe Terrell of Foxworth, Miss., in concert, followed by morning worship services at 11 a.m. A fellowship lunch will be served at noon. The church is located at 4442 Newton-Conehatta Rd. (5 miles North of Newton). FMI: 601-896-2249.

Monday, Oct. 28

• 11 a.m. – Adult Coloring at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library. 601-693-6771.

Tuesday, Oct. 29

• 10 a.m. – Baby/Toddler Goofy Fac Pumpkin Magnet at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library. 601-693-6771. Chess Club meets at 4:30 p.m.

• 5:30 p.m. – East Central Community College’s Theta Chi Chapter of Phi Beta Lambda, along with the Office of Student Services, is hosting several Financial Reality Fairs in the college’s district that are free and open to ECCC students and to the public. The FRF will be held at the Philadelphia-Neshoba County Public Library.

Wednesday, Oct. 30

• 4:30 p.m. – Young Adults (7th-12th Grade) DIY Halloween Luminaries at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library. 601-693-6771.

Thursday, Oct. 31

• 4:30 p.m. – K-6th Grade DIY Halloween Tote Bags at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library. 601-693-6771.

Friday, Nov. 1

• 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Soule’ Live Steam Festival, 1808 4th St., Downtown Meridian. Take a trip back to the age of steam with a tour through America’s last intact steam engine factory. Working machine shop, molten iron pouring, blacksmithing, Street Organ, Fall Rally. Admission $5, students free. FMI: 601-693-9905.

• 10 a.m. – Multi County Community Service Agency, Inc., its Board of Directors, and the Lauderdale County Foster Grandparent Program Staff, and Volunteers, invite you to its Veterans Brunch – Theme: “Honoring All Who Served” with guest speaker Retired Army Col. Jennifer Riley-Collins, at the Mt. Barton School Bldg., 2900 Saint Paul St. RSVP by Oct. 25, by calling 601-483-4838. Limited seating.

• 7-11:30 p.m. – Young Professionals of Meridian present Casino and Carnival at the MSU Riley Center, benefiting the Mississippi Children’s Museum-Meridian. Come out and play blackjack, poker, craps, ring toss, putt putt and more! 21 plus event. Single tickets $50; couples ticket $80; single package $95; Couples package $175. Tickets by Eventbrite.

Saturday, Nov. 2

• 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Soule’ Live Steam Festival, 1808 4th St., Downtown Meridian. Take a trip back to the age of steam with a tour through America’s last intact steam engine factory. Working machine shop, molten iron pouring, blacksmithing, Street Organ, Fall Rally. Admission $5, students free. FMI: 601-693-9905.

• 2 p.m. – Meridian Community College Arts & Letters Series Fall 2019 presents Annie in the McCain Theater. Tickets on sale in Ivy Hall at the Eagle’s Nest Bookstore – 601-484-8650. FMI: 601-484-8678 or visit meridiancc.edu/arts-letters.

• 6 p.m. – Meridian Community College Arts & Letters Series Fall 2019 presents Annie in the McCain Theater. Tickets on sale in Ivy Hall at the Eagle’s Nest Bookstore – 601-484-8650. FMI: 601-484-8678 or visit meridiancc.edu/arts-letters.

Sunday, Nov. 3

• 2 p.m. – Meridian Community College Arts & Letters Series Fall 2019 presents Annie in the McCain Theater. Tickets on sale in Ivy Hall at the Eagle’s Nest Bookstore – 601-484-8650. FMI: 601-484-8678 or visit meridiancc.edu/arts-letters.

Monday, Nov. 4

• 11 a.m. – Adult DIY Fall Wreath at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Tuesday, Nov. 5

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

Wednesday, Nov. 6

• 2-5 p.m. – You are invited to a Be A Santa To A Senior Open House at Homestead Senior Care, 4808 Great River Drive Suite C, Meridian. FMI: Contact Julie Webb, 601-286-3242 or julie.webb@homeinstead.com.

• 4:30 p.m. – Young Adults (7th-12th Grade) DIY Wood Photo Block at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Thursday, Nov. 7

• 4:30 p.m. – K-6th Grade Bushels Basket Magnet Craft at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

• 5 p.m. – The Greater Meridian Chapter of Miss. Valley State University Alumni will have its meeting at the Council of Organizations Bldg., 814-45th Ave. We will distribute raffle tickets for our annual fundraiser and collecting large canned goods to be distributed to local charitable organizations for the upcoming holiday season. FMI: 601-350-0255.

Saturday, Nov. 9

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. – Holiday Gift Bazaar at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4223 Poplar Springs Dr. FMI: 60-485-4105.

• 7:30 p.m. – Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder at the MSU Riley Center. Tickets from $35 to $100. Visit www.msurileycenter.com for tickets or call the Box Office, 601-696-2200.

Monday, Nov. 11

• 10:30 a.m. – Veterans Day Ceremony at Doughboy Monument, 23rd Ave.-6th St. FMI: Van McCarty, 601-483-6984.

• Noon – Luncheon for Veterans at VFW Post 79, 5614 Old Hwy. 80 West. FMI: Ann Murphy, 601-693-5382.

• 3 p.m. – Veterans Day Parade, downtown Meridian, begins at 9th St.-25th Ave. FMI: Leroy Morse, 601-429-5179.

Tuesday, Nov. 12

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

Wednesday, Nov. 13

• 4:30 p.m. – Young Adults (7th-12th Grade) DIY Unfinished Wood Trinket Box at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Thursday, Nov. 14

• 8 a.m. – Inaugural Visit of The Wall That Heals in Columbia, Miss., Nov. 14-17. There will be an 8 a.m. Flag Raising ceremony, a noon wreath laying ceremony, 4:30 p.m. Sunset ceremony, and a Candlelight ceremony on Saturday, the 16th at 6:30 p.m. Ehe event is free and open to the public 24 hours a day until its closing Sunday at 2 p.m.

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

• 5:30-10 p.m. – The Seventh Annual United Way of East Mississippi’s Women’s Leadership Council’s Power of the Purse at the MSU Riley Center. Sneak Peek starts at 5:30 p.m. and the event starts at 6 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres and Wine – Power of the Purse is a live & silent auction that benefits the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a community impact of United Way of East Mississippi. Tickets $40, 601-693-2732.

• 7 p.m. – Meridian Community College Arts & Letters Series Fall 2019 presents the MCC Jazz Band under the direction of Carey Smith with guest artist Don Black. A special night of swing and the big band sound in the McCain Theater. FMI: 601-484-8678.

• 7:30 p.m. – Norman Foote at the MSU Riley Center. With his guitar, his songs, and his goofy props and puppets, Norman Foote charms adults and inspires kids to fits of giggles. VIP $35, A $25, B $20, Family Pass $45. 601-696-2200.

Friday, Nov. 15

• 9 a.m.-6 p.m. – 8th annual Christmas Open House at Family Flea Market and Antique Mall, 1107 B St., Meridian. Food, drinks, sales and tons of fun.

Saturday, Nov. 16

• 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. – The Meridian Mistletoe Market at the Temple Theatre.

• 9 a.m.-6 p.m. – 8th annual Christmas Open House at Family Flea Market and Antique Mall, 1107 B St., Meridian. Food, drinks, sales and tons of fun.

Sunday, Nov. 17

• 6 p.m. – Meridian Community College Arts & Letters Series Fall 2019 presents MCC Gospel Choir in the McCain Theater. Enjoy spirituals, anthems, contemporary worship, and gospel music. FMI: 601-484-8678.

Monday, Nov. 18

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

Tuesday, Nov. 19

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

Wednesday, Nov. 20

• 4:30 p.m. – Young Adults (7th-12th Grade) STEM (Newton’s Cradle Storm).

• 7:30 p.m. – An Acoustic Evening With John Hiatt at the MSU Riley Center. VIP $60, A $45, B $35. 601-696-2200.

Thursday, Nov. 21

• 4:30 p.m. – K-6th Grade DIY Ceramic Thanksgiving Turkeys at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library. Genealogy meets from 2-3 p.m.

• 5-7 p.m. – Open Gala for the Trees of Christmas at Merrehope. 905 Martin Luther King Dr., Meridian. FMI: 601-483-8439.

• 5-9 p.m. – Meridian Council for the Arts presents Third Thursdays Concert Series – location to be determined. Free concert featuring Bishop Gunn plus Royal Horses.

Friday, Nov. 22

• 5-9 p.m. – Holiday Arts + Crafts Festival Preview at The MAX – Join us for a preview of the Holiday Arts + Crafts Festival, bringing artists, artisans, and foodies together for an evening of live music, Christmas cocktails, hot chocolate, children’s activities, a visit from Santa and more! $5 cover fee ages 12 and up.

Saturday, Nov. 23

• 8 a.m.-4 p.m. – Tis the Season Market at the Neshoba County Coliseum – lots of vendors showing the latest in fashion, gifts, and home decor.

• 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Holiday Arts + Crafts Festival at The MAX – Join us for a preview of the Holiday Arts + Crafts Festival, bringing artists, artisans, and foodies together for an evening of live music, Christmas cocktails, hot chocolate, children’s activities, a visit from Santa and more! $5 cover fee ages 12 and up.

Monday, Nov. 25

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

Tuesday, Nov. 26

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

Wednesday, Nov. 27

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