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 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 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 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, April 20

• 7 a.m.-noon – Marion Clean Up Day in conjunction with Keep Mississippi Beautiful will begin at Marion Town Hall. Refreshments to follow. FMI: 601-483-9573.

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.

• 6-8 p.m. Join local chef An Howard Hill for a cooking demo celebrating Misissippi’s culinary heritage using grits from Sciple Mill, just a stone’s throw from Meridian. Registration required. Limited seating. $40 members/$45 non-members. FMI: 601-581-1550.

• 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 p.m. – Broadmoor Baptist Church, 5426 Hwy. 39N, Meridian (just north of Hardee’s) will host The Lefevre Quartet in concert. Admission is free and everyone is invited to attend. A love offering will be taken. FMI: 601-323-4400 or 601-482-2229.

• 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.

• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. – Learn the basic of encaustic painting with Terrell Taylor at The MAX. Ages 16 and up. Class size limited to 12. Registration required.$40 members/$45 non-members. FMI: 601-581-1550.

• 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 breads, 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.

• 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 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.

• 8 p.m. – Country music singer Trace Adkins will perform live at the Silver Star Casino in Choctaw. Tickets are on sale now and range from $30-$60. www.pearlriverresort.com or 866-447-3275.

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.

Wednesday, May 1

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

Thursday, May 2

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

• 5 p.m. – The Greater Meridian Chapter of Mississippi Valley State University Alumni will have its meeting at the Council of Organizations Bldg., 814-45th Ave. New officers will be elected at this time. There will be no meetings for the months of June and July. FMI: 601-350-0255.

Friday, May 3

• 7-10 a.m. – Young Professionals of Meridian will have its annual Beignet Breakfast at the Temple Theatre. Beignets at $10 a dozen or 3 beignets with a drink for $5. We will deliver 10 dozen or more, and you can drive through and pick up at Temple Theatre. Preorders by April 30. Please email orders to Freddie Monsour at FAM@emlaw-ms.com. All proceeds to benefit Care Lodge.

Saturday, May 4

• 8:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. – 30th Annual Collinsville Lively Arts Festival. A homecoming with political speakers, musical entertainment throughout the day, dance performances, craft and food vendors.

Monday, May 6

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

Tuesday, May 7

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

Wednesday, May 8

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

Thursday, May 9

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

Monday, May 13

• 11 a.m. – Adult DIY Journals 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, May 14

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

• 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.

Wednesday, May 15

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

Thursday, May 16

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

Monday, May 20

• 11 a.m. – Adult DIY Spring Wreaths at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library. Summer Reading Registration Begins (May 20-June 3).

Tuesday, May 21

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

Wednesday, May 22

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

Thursday, May 23

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

• 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.

Tuesday, May 28

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

Wednesday, May 29

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

Thursday, May 30

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

• 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.