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.

• Merrehope Trees of Christmas tours – 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: Now through Dec. 30 from 9-5 p.m. and Sundays Dec. 15, 22, and 29, 1-5 p.m. FMI: 601-483-8439. Friday, Dec. 20, and Saturday, Dec. 21 Merrehope will be open until 8 p.m.

• 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 an 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 weddings, 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 the 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 Anderson’s Hospital Cafeteria meeting room.

• 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 the 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:

Sunday, Dec. 8

• 2 p.m. – Elf the musical at the Meridian Little Theatre. For tickets call the Box Office at 601-482-6371 or visit www.meridianlittletheatre.com.

• 2 p.m. – “Christmas Canon,” The magic of Christmas told through music at the Roxy Theatre in Newton. Free admission – canned food donation appreciated.

Monday, Dec. 9

• 11 a.m. – Adults Christmas Bell Tree at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

• 7 p.m. – Elf the musical at the Meridian Little Theatre. For tickets call the Box Office at 601-482-6371 or visit www.meridianlittletheatre.com.

Tuesday, Dec. 10

• 10 a.m. – Baby/Toddler Christmas Tree Fun with Colors and Shapes at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library. Chess Club meets at 4:30 p.m.

• 10 a.m.-5 p.m. – Santa’s Christmas Factory at Soule’ Steam Works, 1808 4th St., downtown Meridian. Decorations, music, lights, snow-covered play area in Steam Alley, and a Christmas train ride for the kids. Admission $5 per person.

• 7 p.m. – Elf the musical at the Meridian Little Theatre. For tickets call the Box Office at 601-482-6371 or visit www.meridianlittletheatre.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 11

• 10 a.m.-5 p.m. – Santa’s Christmas Factory at Soule’ Steam Works, 1808 4th St., downtown Meridian. Decorations, music, lights, snow-covered play area in Steam Alley, and a Christmas train ride for the kids. Admission $5 per person.

• 4:30 p.m. – Young Adult (6th-12th Grade) DIY Glitter and Star Snowflake Ornament Craft at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Thursday, Dec. 12

• 10 a.m.-5 p.m. – Santa’s Christmas Factory at Soule’ Steam Works, 1808 4th St., downtown Meridian. Decorations, music, lights, snow-covered play area in Steam Alley, and a Christmas train ride for the kids. Admission $5 per person.

• 4:30 p.m. – K-5th Grade Rudolph Sand Art Ornament Craft at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Friday, Dec. 13

• 10 a.m.-8 p.m. – Santa’s Christmas Factory at Soule’ Steam Works, 1808 4th St., downtown Meridian. Decorations, music, lights, snow-covered play area in Steam Alley, and a Christmas train ride for the kids. Admission $5 per person.

Saturday, Dec. 14

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. – Christmas Bazaar at Silva Linings Cheesecakery – 121 N Main St., Newton.

• 9 a.m.-5 p.m. – Jingle Bell Bazaar at the Multi-Purpose Bldg. Annex. 99 Westwood Ave., Quitman. No admission fee. FMI: 601-479-6901.

• 10 a.m.-8 p.m. – Santa’s Christmas Factory at Soule’ Steam Works, 1808 4th St., downtown Meridian. Decorations, music, lights, snow-covered play area in Steam Alley, and a Christmas train ride for the kids. Admission $5 per person.

• 5:30 p.m. – Stonewall Christmas Parade.

• 6 p.m. – Meridian Museum of Art’s Holiday Gala – Honoring Volunteer of the Year, Cary Haycox Community Service Recognition, The Carruth Family, and Southern Pipe and Supply Company, Inc. at 7 p.m. Music by Museum Preservation Society Band.

Sunday, Dec. 15

• 1-5 p.m. – Traditional Holiday Tours of the Trees of Christmas at Merrehope. “Sing a Song of Christmas” will come to life at the 51st Trees of Christmas. 905 Martin Luther King Dr., Meridian. Adults $10; Students $5; Children under 4 free; senior citizens, active military and groups of 10 or more $9. FMI: 601-483-8439.

• 6 p.m. – Celtic Woman: The Best of Christmas Tour at the MSU Riley Center. VIP $100, A $75, B $65. 601-696-2200.

Monday, Dec. 16

• 11 a.m. – Adults DIY Holiday Day Napkin Ornaments at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Tuesday, Dec. 17

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

• 10 a.m.-5 p.m. – Santa’s Christmas Factory at Soule’ Steam Works, 1808 4th St., downtown Meridian. Decorations, music, lights, snow-covered play area in Steam Alley, and a Christmas train ride for the kids. Admission $5 per person.

• 11 a.m. – The Parkinson’s Support Group will have its annual Christmas lunch at Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church. This will be a catered event. Patients and caregivers are most welcome. Bring a smile and appetite. FMI: Call C.W. Rankin, 601-604-1919.

• 3-5 p.m. – Christmas Open House at the DeKalb Regional Model Railroad Museum, 299 Main Ave.

Wednesday, Dec. 18

• 10 a.m.-5 p.m. – Santa’s Christmas Factory at Soule’ Steam Works, 1808 4th St., downtown Meridian. Decorations, music, lights, snow-covered play area in Steam Alley, and a Christmas train ride for the kids. Admission $5 per person.

• 4:30 p.m. – Young Adult (6th-12th Grade) Snowman Charm Pin Craft at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Thursday, Dec. 19

• 10 a.m.-5 p.m. – Santa’s Christmas Factory at Soule’ Steam Works, 1808 4th St., downtown Meridian. Decorations, music, lights, snow-covered play area in Steam Alley, and a Christmas train ride for the kids. Admission $5 per person.

• 4:30 p.m. – K-5th Grade No-Sew Snowman Craft at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library. Genealogy Group meets at 2 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.

Friday, Dec. 20

• 9 a.m.-8 p.m. – Merrehope Trees of Christmas tours – 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. FMI: 601-483-8439.

• 10 a.m.-8 p.m. – Santa’s Christmas Factory at Soule’ Steam Works, 1808 4th St., downtown Meridian. Decorations, music, lights, snow-covered play area in Steam Alley, and a Christmas train ride for the kids. Admission $5 per person.

• 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. – Vitalant Blood Drive at Bonita Lakes Mall at the Meeting Place in the Mall beside Belk.

• 7 p.m. – Home for the Holidays Variety Show at The MAX – Showcasing local talent.

Saturday, Dec. 21

• 9 a.m.-8 p.m. – Merrehope Trees of Christmas tours – 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. FMI: 601-483-8439.

• 10 a.m.-8 p.m. – Santa’s Christmas Factory at Soule’ Steam Works, 1808 4th St., downtown Meridian. Decorations, music, lights, snow-covered play area in Steam Alley, and a Christmas train ride for the kids. Admission $5 per person.

• 1-4 p.m. – Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Delta Nu Zeta Chapter will have a “Taste & Dine” The Zeta Way at the Council of Organizations, 814 45th Ave., Meridian. Dine-in or carryout is available. Please contact a member of our chapter to purchase tickets. Donation $20.

Sunday, Dec. 22

• 1-5 p.m. – Traditional Holiday Tours of the Trees of Christmas at Merrehope. “Sing a Song of Christmas” will come to life at the 51st Trees of Christmas. 905 Martin Luther King Dr., Meridian. Adults $10; Students $5; Children under 4 free; senior citizens, active military and groups of 10 or more $9. FMI: 601-483-8439.

Monday, Dec. 23

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

Tuesday, Dec. 24

• 4:30 p.m. – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church presents “O Holy Night” with Christmas Pageant and Holy Eucharist. Midnight Mass begins at 10:30 p.m. with festive Choral Eucharist and Brass Ensemble. The church is located at 1116 23rd Ave., Meridian.

Sunday, Dec. 29

• 1-5 p.m. – Traditional Holiday Tours of the Trees of Christmas at Merrehope. “Sing a Song of Christmas” will come to life at the 51st Trees of Christmas. 905 Martin Luther King Dr., Meridian. Adults $10; Students $5; Children under 4 free; senior citizens, active military and groups of 10 or more $9. FMI: 601-483-8439.

Monday, Dec. 30

• 11 a.m. – Adults DIY Canvas Craft at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Thursday, Jan. 2

• 5 p.m. – The Greater Meridian Chapter of Miss. Valley State University Alumni will have its meeting at the Council of Organizations Building, 814-45th Ave. All alumni are encouraged to attend as we plan to continue to plan for our up-coming banquet which will be held at the Tommy E. Dulaney Center this year. FMI: 601-350-0255.