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.

• 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.

• Register today for the MEC Tour in Lauderdale County on Jan. 22 from 7:30-9 a.m. Join MEC in your community as we discuss how to strengthen Mississippi at the MSU Riley Center. Co-hosted by: East Mississippi Business Development Corporation and Newton Chamber of Commerce. There is no cost to attend this breakfast meeting. Pre-registration is required. FMI: 601-969-0022.

• The Meridian Little Theatre will be holding tryouts for “Four Weddings and an Elvis” on Jan. 14-15, 6:30 p.m. We are looking to cast the following: four females ages 20-65 and seven males ages 20-70. Performances will be presented Feb. 21-26 and will be directed by Zena Limerick. FMI: Contact the Meridian Little Theatre at 601-482-6371 M-F, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. or call 601-938-4447.

• 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, Jan. 12

• 9 a.m.-5 p.m. – Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited opens to the public at The Max. Members free/$5 non-members/kids 5 and under free. 601-581-1550.

• 2 p.m. – Lamar School, 544 Lindley Rd., presents Disney’s The Lion King Jr. Tickets available at the door. $10.

• 2-4 p.m. – Jim Henson Panel Discussion at The MSU Riley Center. Panelists include Cheryl Henson, Bonnie Erickson, Karen Falk, and moderator Wendell Walker. Free and open to the public.

Sunday, Jan. 13

• 3-5 p.m. – MAXEats: Meatballs with Mark Coblentz, Celebrity Kid Chef, and Starkville native. Join Mark for a cooking demonstration at The MAX–he’s making Swedish meatballs. Registration required. Free with museum admission. 601-581-1550.

Monday, Jan. 14

• 9 a.m.-6 p.m. H&R Block offices in the Meridian area will be open and accepting donations for school supplies. In addition to school supplies, one school in the area will also receive a $250 gift card.

• 11 a.m. – Adult Bingo 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, Jan. 15

• 10 a.m. – The Parkinson’s Support Group will meet at 15th Avenue Baptist Church. Fellowship, information, and refreshments. Please join with us. FMI: 601-604-1919.

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

• 6:30 p.m. – The DAV/DAVA will have a Potluck meal at The Kendallwood Bldg. at Highland Park preceding the meeting at 7.

Wednesday, Jan. 16

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

Thursday, Jan. 17

• 11:30 a.m. – The Lauderdale County Republican Women will hold their monthly meeting on the second floor of Weidmann’s with guest speaker Jeff Tate, candidate for the State Senate District 33 seat. FMI: 601-692-6789.

• Noon – Jeff McManus, author of ‘Pruning Like a Pro’ and ‘Growing Weeders into Leaders’ will visit the Northwood Country Club to give a motivational talk about becoming a greener, cleaner and safer community. With seating limited, attendees are required to RSVP by calling or texting (601) 917-4344 and the $25 cover fee can be paid in check or cash upon arrival.

• 1 p.m. – The Lauderdale County 4-H/FFA Jr. Livestock Association will be holding its show and sale at the Meridian Stockyard with a buyers dinner at 5:30 p.m. FMI: 601-482-9764.

• 1-4:30 p.m. – Families First of Mississippi, 3128 8th St., Magnolia Plaza, is hosting a car seat inspection event in Meridian where nationally certified technicians can help you properly install your car seat.

• 1 p.m. – Martin Luther King Commemorative Celebration Program at Meridian Community College McCain Theatre.

• 4:30 p.m. – K-6th Grade MLK Freedom Bell Craft 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.

• 6:30 p.m. – Centerstage presents Willy Wonka Junior hosted by Meridian Little Theatre. For tickets call the Box Office at 601-482-6371.

Friday, Jan. 18

• 6 p.m.-midnight – Dancing For a Cause at the Frank Cochran Center. The event will include dinner, dancing, live music and entertainment by local celebrities. Proceeds go to the Care Lodge Domestic Violence Shelter. $50 FMI: 601-938-2300.

• 6:30 p.m. – Centerstage presents Willy Wonka Junior hosted by Meridian Little Theatre. For tickets call the Box Office at 601-482-6371.

• 7 p.m. – The Crabb Family “Encore Tour 2019” at the historic Temple Theatre featuring the Crabb Family, Mike Bowling, and The Bowling Sisters. Tickets available online at www.outsidethebox.events and at the Host Church. VIP (first choice seating) $38, Early access seating $30, General admission, $25 (groups of 10 or more $20 each).

Monday, Jan. 21

• Noon – Martin Luther King Jr. parade downtown Meridian. The lineup in front of the Meridian Public School central office. FMI: 601-479-2018, Pamela Graham.

Tuesday, Jan. 22

• 7:30-9 a.m. – MEC Tour in Lauderdale County. Join MEC in your community as we discuss how to strengthen Mississippi at the MSU Riley Center. Co-hosted by: East Mississippi Business Development Corporation and Newton Chamber of Commerce. There is no cost to attend this breakfast meeting. To register mec.ms or 601-969-0022.

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

Wednesday, Jan. 23

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

Thursday, Jan. 24

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

Saturday, Jan. 26

• 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. – The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Gala will be held at the MSU Riley Center. Live music. Tickets are available for $40. FMI: 601-934-5528, Greg Lane.

Monday, Jan. 28

• 11 a.m. – Adult Light Bulb Aquarium at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Tuesday, Jan. 29

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

• 7:30 p.m. – Ballet Hispanico at the MSU Riley Center. Tickets $39, $33. For fans of Latin music, salsa dancing, modern dance.

Wednesday, Jan. 30

• 4:30 p.m. – Young Adults (7th-12th Grade) Hot Cocoa & Kahoot at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Thursday, Jan. 31

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

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.

Monday, Feb. 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, Feb. 15

• 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. 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.

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.

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, Oct. 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.